It Must Be Magic!

Mortal Conception???

2012-01-10T10:43:00.003-06:00

Shakespeare said it best: "I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes..."

Now some people may wonder what that means. Truthfully, this is why I became a fan in high school. Shakespeare had a way of talking dirty without it sounding as though he were. He spoke fondly of a woman bringing him to orgasm. In all of my musings, silly me, I always assumed this meant the man had to be alive, breathing and in full use of his body.

My grandmother always told me that you can learn something new everyday. Over the holiday period, a woman by the name of Felicity Maramaduke, 38 years-old mortuary worker became pregant by a corpse that she was working on!!!

According to reports, she was bathing the corpse when the body became erect. A post mortem erection as it is called. She climbed on top and had sex with the body, at which time. she confessed to Lexington Missouri police, the body ejaculated. Several months later, she discovered she was pregnant. After explaining to her doctor how she became pregnant, he alerted the authorities and Marmaduke was held on $250,000 bond.

From further research, I found out that when a person dies, it takes a while for the body to lose all bodily functions. Corpses are known to cry, urinate, ejaculate, etc. until that part of the body fully shuts down.

Now, you would think that would be enough. Apparently no. This chick is suing the estate for child support!

David Stern: Modern Day Plantation Owner?

2011-10-19T16:12:00.005-05:00

It is no secret that I am no big fan of David Stern. A New Yorker, raised in a Jewish family in Teaneck, who went on to Rutgers, then law school at Columbia. He became a legal counsel for the NBA in the 70's and by February 1, 1984, he became the Commissioner of the league.

I give this abbreviated resume of Stern's to show that there is a disconnect here. A man, who has never even played basketball should not be running the professional league of basketball! Not for almost 30 years!!!

I have seen the tell-tale signs that the league has outgrown him through the years. During the Jordan era, I remember it was a bit of a controversy at first when the Bulls began wearing their shorts a little longer. Now it's standard around the league. Then the issue was braids, then tattooes, then jeans, and so on. Times have changed. The NBA is no longer an all-white, boring organization of pickup players. The NBA boasts some of the most freakishly athletic players in the world. The games are often tantalizing and sometimes jaw dropping. And here you have this "old guy" running it, who can't even relate to them on a basic level because he's never even been an athlete.

Now the lockout looms. Preseason is gone. We're moving into the first month of the season being lost, and he is working against the players he is supposed to lead, more than ever. Playing off of public scrutiny and prejudices to victimize himself, then hoping to rebuild that taint if an agreement is reached. This is clearly not someone who should be over a league of professional basketball players.

So, on his HBO show, Bryant Gumbel decided to point that out. He referred to Stern as a "...modern plantation owner...." The words were harsh, shocking even, to some. But, was Gumbel right?

Oh Really Kim!

2011-08-30T16:43:00.002-05:00

*le sigh*

For the past three months, the mainstream media has been on sensory overload with Kim Kardashian. First it was the engagement talks, endless articles about her finacee Kris Humphries, blah, blah, blah! Then it was the wedding this, and the wedding that. All the while, I have been trying to figure out why?

Does she want world peace and fights for it? Does she have a comprehensive balance to the American budget with a jobs plan? Can she sing, dance, rap, act really well? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO! So why is this chick famous? Stereotypical white girl with a black woman's body, who also happens to date rich black men and so there you have it. UNBELIEVABLE! Her family has parlayed this into riches. Now, they have a reality show, endorsements, fame...Americans really are stupid!

So, if that isn't enough. King "Sweet and Petite" a/k/a The Dream decided to record a record with her. And in case you were wondering, NO, she can't sing. (But neither could Kim off of the Atlanta Housewives). The song gets an F. But what is fascinating is that it will be used for a promo ad for....wait for it, KY JELLY!

Just bury me. Pile on the dirt and bury me.

Handicapped Vagina FALLOUT!

2011-07-27T14:43:00.002-05:00

So, a couple of weeks ago, the Internet was all BEFUDDLED over a video on YouTube from user: "CripplewithSwag" over her "My Vagina Ain't Handicapped" video. She appears to be a handicapped girl, who decided to rap about how although she's crippled, her vagina isn't....

.

So a few weeks later, fellow YouTube user: "Brian Bee" decided to address the video with his Coochieness character, which was quite funny by the way...

Now some people were feeling some type of way regarding Coochieness addressing someone who is crippled. Although, she did put herself out there with the whole vagina ain't handicapped flow. (She even thanked Based God...I can't!)

Well apparently, CrippleWithSwag didn't appreciate the Coochieness video and responded.

She responded with another rap!

What she didn't realize is that Brian is OUT THERE! He took it personally, and made a video response. No rap. I dare you not to laugh! I DARE YOU!

When he said, "I have never taken your parking space..." *DIED ALL OVER*

Re: Fresh

2011-07-27T12:05:00.003-05:00

If I were a guy and wanted to shop somewhere I could get my hands on great brands, nice styles, fresh clothes and shoes. I would have to check out RFRESH, the clothier sitting in the French Quarter in New Orleans. It was founded back in February 2008 by three brothas wanting to create the type of space men will want to come back to again and again.

Check it out!

King Henry!

2011-07-07T15:41:00.005-05:00

So, as a subscriber to Phil Wade & Company's YouTube channel, I am often inundated with videos of absolute creative genius! Most people know him as the dude that can impersonate Trey Songz really well. However, this guy and his crew has more talent in their pinky toes than Trey has all together. No shade, it's just true.

So, my musical appetite was sated to the high heavens when I came across this video of Phil in the studio, vibing to get new tracks for the new mixtape. The beats that King Henry played for him were just...

Check it out!

The first beat, the second beat and the third one that Phil sang and spit over are SICK! Why can't this type of hip-hop soul fusion be more prevalent in music right now? It is sorely needed. No autotune, no basement sounding ISH (see Souljah Boy), just plain soulful goodness!

The Old Me is Better than the New Me...

2011-06-21T10:06:00.007-05:00

That line was echoed from Drake on his groundbreaking mixtape, "So Far Gone". I believe the facetiousness of that line was to say, he hoped people wouldn't change on him as fame continued to claim him.

Well I'm calling Aubrey out. We didn't change, but you sure did! I somewhat gave him a pass on Thank Me Later, because it's his first album. Now, new tracks are leaking and it's all this 40-produced, melancholy, EMO, girl-why-can't-I-trust-you bullshit! Now let me be honest, Drake was asking that question on his mixtapes, but he did it with (forgive me for using this over-used word) swag! He had a hunger, a killer instinct on a track. He was a rapper, not this constantly emotional lava lounge singer he's turning into now!

I feel like he's turned into the "Can't Buy Me Love" dude, where he's the geek that gets a peek into the cool kids world, but now he can't handle it. He can't keep up the act. If all of those glorious mixtapes were an act, then he's a better actor than I gave him credit for. The best 16 he's done since So Far Gone, were the bars he laid on Kanye's "All of the Lights Remix"! Next thing I know, pictures of he and Rihanna kicking it in T Dot are popping up all over the place, and I realized that Drake is still at that age where he is attracted to destructive chicks. I like Rihanna's style, but it's no secret she's a maneater! Thus, we get songs like "Marvin's Room," and "Trust Issue's". How funny both have to do with the desperation of getting over/past the demons of a woman. He better take a page out of Chris Brown's book (Umm, not the violent one), and chuck up the deuces!

This is a slippery slope for me. I like that he doesn't come off completely misogynistic and whorish like most rappers. Yet, at the same time, he doesn't have to play the crying game either. He needs to find a happy medium. Balance. Hip-hop is already on shaky ground. Too many garbage rappers, with these okey doke, stereotypical raps. I feel like when Drake came along, people put hope in him that he would change the tide. However, there is still a lot of bad music out there, I just don't want him to be a contributor to it.

Listen to Trust Issues here.

And the Winner Is...

2011-06-14T15:09:00.003-05:00

So, unless you've been living under a rock, you now know that the Dallas Mavericks are the NBA Champions!

I will be honest. I think it was about a month before the season ended, Dallas went on like a six or seven game win-streak. Jason Terry was interviewed after the game and he boldly predicted on television that the Mavericks were going all the way to the Finals and were going to win.

I sat up on the couch and laughed out loud. "Look at this clown!" I quipped. There was no way at "that time" did I think the Mavs had a snowball's chance in hell of going to the Finals, let alone winning it. Yet, like a carefully crafted script, they swept the Lakers, then beat the Thunder and Texas two-stepped their way into the Finals against the Miami Heat, the team that kept them from hoisting the trophy five years earlier.

I still didn't believe. Five years ago, I watched in disappointment as Dallas gave away that Finals series to a Heat team with an over-achieving Wade and an ailing Shaq. But key players, this time, stepped up, effectively shutting down at least one of the Big Three all of the time. They earned it! And, they are the champions! While, this summer will surely be focused on LeBron James' surprising absence in the Finals. How he was missing in action everytime his team really needed him, Dallas will quietly celebrate being number one. Until next season...

Did Weiner Cheat?

2011-06-07T12:43:00.007-05:00

Representative Anthony Weiner (D)-NY, finally admitted to twitpic'ing pictures of his..."weiner"! Now personally, I could care less. He's actually one of the good congressmen in Congress, but clearly he had a lapse in judgment.

Twitter was in a frenzy yesterday when the news broke and he gave his tearful apology in a press conference. Did he steal money? No. Did he lie about important legislation? No. Did he send the pictures to an intern or secretary in his office? No. So, for those reasons, I don't think he should resign. He said as much in the presser.

However, he also said, that he and his wife would work through this, and would not be separating in any way. So, I ask, did he cheat?

This is a sticky situation because he never met any of the recipients, he just sexted, sent pictures and talked a lot of proverbial lascivious shit over the Intraweb. I ask this question almost rhetorically, because I'm not married, so it would be easy for me to say, oh she'll be upset for a little while, but they can definitely get past it. Yet, when I take a moment and think about it. He broke his wife's trust. Now, if he's working late, or is up on the computer all night, she probably won't be able to help but wonder if he's being inappropriate. A lot of men came to his defense, claimed it was harmless. Then Weiner admitted today, to there being at least 7 different women he communicated with, and shared pictures with. Is that worse? Better?

From a personal standpoint, I think it's safe to ask yourself how you would feel if the shoe was on the other foot, in situations like this. If the story that broke had been that his wife was sending pictures of herself nude to different men on the Intraweb, she would have been called a "scarlet", and "hussy", "jezebel" and everything under the sun. No question, her faithfulness would be questioned. Even still the question remains, did she cheat?

I don't know if cheat is the right word, but there is a definite betrayal of some kind here. I imagine when you're married, the last thing you want is for your spouse to start intimiate, sexual conversations with another person, even if it is over the computer.

My Song for Summer 2011!

2011-06-07T11:41:00.005-05:00

So, this little gem popped up on my Twitter early this morning, and I have to say, I was feeling it immediately! This jawn, appropriately titled, "Party," features Beyonce', Andre 3000 and Kanye. It was produced by Ye and Consequence, and it has that late 90's R&B, hip-hop feel to it.

Check it out here!

Rihanna Should be Saying: "Woman Down"

2011-06-06T15:25:00.004-05:00

When Rihanna first blew up, three years ago with the success of Umbrella-ella-ella-eh! I told my friends then, "$10 bucks, Rihanna pulls a Lindsay Lohan before it's all said and done." Now my friends tried to play the role and pretend I was talking about drug and alcohol abuse. I was more specific. I said then, and I'm saying it now, Rihanna wants a girlfriend. She was to bump bodies with a chick for at least a little while, and she wants to do it openly.

So, on a recent concert stop, she pulls a fan out of the audience for a lap dance (isn't everyone doing that these days) and lo and behold, it's a girl. Now, I am sure, all of the straight men who purchased tickets to her concert, felt a bit slighted having to watch her slow wind all over another girl. Again, like I always say, "when people show you and tell you who they are - BELIEVE THEM!"

Sidenote: I love how she didn't take a chance and pull a sista up there. She already knows, white girls love to have lezzie moments.

So Long Shaq!

2011-06-02T11:13:00.006-05:00

So yesterday, Shaquille O'Neal decided to retire. Insert applause. Now, I don't want to sound like a hater, because I am not. I have enjoyed Shaq through the years, but I feel that people base their opinions of him as a player on his off-the-court antics. Is Shaq funny? Without a doubt. He seems like the type of guy you want to party with at XS Nightclub in Las Vegas.

However, his work ethic on the court has absolutely befuddled me through the years, and all of these so-called experts crowning him the "most dominant center EVER"??? FOH! Sorry to burst their collective bubble, but in my Stephen A. Smith voice, "you gotta be kidding me!" Shaq is defiitely intimidating on the court. Bar none, there has been no one else in the league that stands 7'1", 350+ pounds. His sheer size will intimidate the average 6'4", 200 lb. player. However, to say he was the greatest, as I read in numerous tweets. Or to say he was the most dominant is just reaching.

When Shaq entered the league his rookie season, he was picked 1st in the 1992 draft by the expansion team, the Orlando Magic. Together with Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott, they went all the way to the NBA Finals in the 94-95' season, but lost to the Houston Rockets. The following year, they were swept by the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. That same year, Shaq became a free agent, and his team stepped up to the plate and offered him $115 MIL out the gate. However, Shaq did not accept this deal right away. He instead went on to play with the second dream team to a gold medal in the summer Olympics in Atlanta. I knew then that he was going to jump ship. He instead went to the bright lights of Los Angeles and $6 million more. At that moment, Shaq told the world who he was. He was a funny, easygoing big guy, who preferred fame, money and the spotlight over basketball. No one wanted to believe this, but it was true then, and it is true now. Shaq's time in L.A. proved to be exactly what I expected. We saw him in movies (Kazam), music videos (Fu Schnickens), and a sleugth of commercials and ads. He was steadily becoming the most marketable guy in the league. Almost! Jordan was still playing, and winning. By the time Jordan retired after the '97-'98 season. Shaq had taken that title. However, it was the bru ha ha on the court that got my attention.

At this time, I was NOT a fan of Kobe Bryant. He was young, arrogant and a loner, which doesn't quite fit in a team sport such as basketball. It seemed like the more fans and the media hated Kobe, the more they loved Shaq. We watched Shaq's waistline balloon, his conceited antics (him calling himself Superman and the greatest) grow, and we also began to watch these two personalities/egos clash with their coach Phil Jackson. Kobe took almost sole blame for this and was deemed the villain. By the '03-'04 season, the Lakers had won three titles in a row and barring injuries were looking to get a fourth title. However, the addition of Malone and Payton, not to mention the declining relationship with Kobe and Phil proved to be too much. The Lakers lost to the Pistons in the Finals. Kobe was coming off a rape charge and a fledgling endorsement career, and rumors that Phil Jackson was going to retire blew up. That off-season, Kobe became a free agent and the media hounded him about his return. Kobe said he would come back if: Phil returned, the Lakers brought in more people to build the team back up, and Shaq got his fat-ass into shape. I laughed about that statement for weeks. For the first time, I held a little admiration for Kobe. He didn't say he would return if they offered him $200 MIL! No, his concern was strictly about the direction of the team and the organization! You have to respect that. I knew. Shaq was leaving.

Shaq took his talents to South Beach for another $100 MIL + contract. He guaranteed that HE would bring a championship to Miami, and they held a parade for him. Shaq liked to party and was rich just like them, so he fit right in. Meanwhile, when the season began, he sat on the sidelines for inordinate amount of times with thumb and toe injuries while we watched Dwayne Wade kill himself to keep Miami in the running. As luck would have it, they played the Dallas "choke in the post-season" Mavericks in the Finals, and again, thanks to Wade, they won. However, Shaq took ALL OF THE CREDIT! The city of Miami gave Shaq a day, he was given the key to the city, and even became a police officer, seen chasing purse snatchers down the street. The following two seasons the team fell apart. Wade having killed himself to win that title almost singlehandedly, his body went down on him. Next thing you knew, they were being swept by the Baby Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Where was the great Shaq then? Wade was barely 60% and desperately needed someone else to step up, Shaq was nowhere to be found. It was almost a repeat of the situation he had with Kobe, except Wade brooded silently.

Once again, questions loomed on other players. The Heat having picked up a declining but at times, reliable Antoine Walker, he took the blame for Shaq and it eventually cost him his job. I knew at the preseason presser when Riley went completely batshit about players coming back out of shape, that Shaq was leaving. The media railed on Walker, but no one was more out of shape than Shaq. He spent the start of the season, healing from yet another injury, getting back into shape and looking at what other team he wanted to go to. He ended up in Phoenix. After a few months, the Suns started picking up W's. Again, the media credited Shaq, then when they started losing and eventually fell apart in the playoffs to the Lakers no less, they blamed Amar'e Stoudemire. By the following season, it became harder to do that when teams who strengthened themselves in the middle were killing the Suns. No one wanted to say that Shaq looked slow, and out of sync, but it was bound to happen, not just because he'd gotten older. Hell, he was playing with Steve Nash! No Shaq looked bad because years of bad habits and a lazy work ethic were catching up to him. Showing up season after season out of shape, and having to try to push your body to get back into shape at the beginning of every season, which always leads to injuries, had caught up with Shaq.

By the summer of 2010 when everyone was focused on LeBron James and where he was going, Shaq was still requesting big money from teams. Realization hit when the preseason had begun and Shaq still didn't have a team. He settled for a lesser role with the Boston Celtics, but spent almost the entire season trying to rehab his body and get into shape. It was clear that his time had passed. My grandmother always says, time waits for no man. Shaq has had a career most players could only dream of. He has made an insane amount of money on and off the court. But I cannot and will not jump on the bandwagon and claim he is the greatest, because it's just not true. He never stuck with a team when they were down and then worked his way back up. Without a Robin, he never had a chance to be Batman, and anytime he won, he ALWAYS had a Robin! He was not as versatile, savvy or as quick as Hakeem Olajuwon, or as constant as a Bill Russell. He will be mentioned, he just isn't the greatest! So, farewell Shaq! It was fun and entertaining to watch!

Flashback! 90's Edition!

2011-06-01T14:25:00.004-05:00

So this song right here used to be my getting ready to go out song. It's a real laid back R&B midtempo, and sometimes I am in the mood to just zone out to this with a glass of wine. However, it's best in the car on your way to an event!

Enjoy!

Foot Fetish! - Spring/Summer 2011 Edition

2011-06-01T14:11:00.005-05:00

This season, the color is definitely NUDE! I couldn't be happier with the warm color because it basically goes with everything. You can get away with wearing nude heels with a little black dress. I've noticed many starlets wearing them with denim, bold colors and prints. Here are a few that turned my head this season thus far!

PRADA

GUCCI

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN!

GUCCI BOOTIES!

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BANANA CORK PLATFORM PUMPS!

BOLD RED CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ROLANDO PLATFORM PUMP!

SEXY BLACK DOUBLE BUCKLE MICHAEL KORS HEEL

Best Marriage Proposal Ever?

2011-05-23T21:59:00.002-05:00

So this guy from Georgia decided to propose to his girlfriend by making a trailer about it. I must admit, it is creative, romantic and cute! Check it out!

She was real calm! I would have DIED if this happened to me.

Sickest Dunk of the Playoffs thus Far!

2011-05-23T20:33:00.002-05:00

I would be re-missed if I didn't post about my Bulls! Yeah, I know, I'm such a homer, but then again, who isn't?

This dunk took place in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the Chicago Bulls v the Miami Heat. Now that the Bulls have dropped two in a row and every sports expert from here to Winnipeg, has picked Miami to win the whole thing. I will post a fun moment for me!

This moment came from none other than Tajh Gibson of the "bench mob"! Ridiculous!

Earlier in the game, he dunked all over Dwayne Wade. That was a good one too!

Long Time No See!

2011-05-23T20:22:00.005-05:00

So, according to my calculations, it has been 9 months since I last posted on my blog. In case you were wondering, no, I'm not pregnant! :)

So much has happened since I last blogged. So let's have a quick run-through!

1. I still work at the same firm, except now I'm home before dark.

2. I went to Hawaii in October, and had a good time. Mahalo!

3. Christmas was interesting to say the least. Let's just say that my uncle + his crazy girlfriend + alcohol = a Christmas memory!

4. The Bulls finished the NBA season with the best record in the league going 62-20 (I know, I couldn't believe it either).

5. On another note, after the infamous "Decision" and LeBron joining Wade/Bosh in South Beach, now the Bulls are playing them in the Eastern Conference Finals! Drama!

6. My mother beat breast cancer, everybody I knew that was married is now divorced, and I am still single and ready to mingle.

7. My brother turns 40 this year! Wow! We aren't kids anymore.

8. The Bears made it all the way to the NFC title game, but lost to the Packers, who went on to win the Superbowl. (Freakin cheeseheads)!

9. I finally picked a top school I would like to go to. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

10. The vet made me put the kitties on a diet! Can you believe that? They are so not feeling it either.

Yeah, that about wraps that up. I'm still here. Several earthquakes, tornadoes, Osama Bin Laden's death, tsunami's and the Rapture having passed, I'm still here.

And for all of those people who sold all of their belongings, gave away their prized possessions and kids, and spent up their life savings because they believed the crazy old white guy (who predicted the world coming to an end before) in California. Shame on you. Trust God, not man!

The End of an ERA...

2010-08-02T22:52:00.006-05:00

Three years ago, I discovered that one of the funniest comedians I ever saw was regularly hosting a Wednesday night open mic at Jokes & Notes Comedy Club in Bronzeville - LIL REL. I was ecstatic because I couldn't remember his name, and then one day I discovered him on YouTube and from there, my friend Catherine and I became regulars at the southside laugh spot.

The cool thing about Lil Rel is he is a regular dude. He could quite easily have been any number of guys I went to high school with. You know that goofy dude that everybody is cool with and can make anyone laugh. (Maybe I'm the only one who went to school with real funny guys). But the more Cathy and I went to Jokes & Notes, the more I realized my initial impression of him some years earlier was right. He may be a regular guy, but he has an extraordinary talent. It takes God-given talent to make people laugh until their stomachs hurt. To make people feel as if they can't breathe. Undoubtedly, Lil Rel has that talent, and many a "What Dat Do Wednesdays," we got an amazing treat - the gift of undeniable laughter.

So it was with a heavy dose of nostalgia, that we went to Jokes & Notes on Saturday. Just that, in and of itself was telling. He stared off hosting Wednesday's open mic night. He moved up to hosting the weekend with the national acts, and quickly people realized he was funnier than most of the heavyweights who were being flown in for laughs at $20/head, seemingly a long way from the $5 Wednesday nights.

From the moment he stepped on the stage, I knew it would be EPIC! He did not disappoint and when I left, my head was pounding from the constant laughter. I cried laughing throughout each of his sets. It was a full night. Three national acts, with George Wilborn from the Michael Baisdon radio show headlining. However, Rel stood out so much that George Wilborn took it personally. He felt challenged and stated to that effect. A lot of people don't know this, but Rel's does some of the best character comedy I have ever seen. Some people have seen him doing the hoodrats, Mr. Godfrey, Jamo, etc. But, you haven't lived until you have seen him impersonate Lil Wayne, Gucci, Scarface, Crucial Conflict, Do-or-Die and Drake all in the same song. It was absolute GENIUS! I was able to capture bits of it on my phone, but this was one of those times, I wish they had captured this on video, it was that GREAT!

Of course, his sets wouldn't have been right without a little hoodrat done in there. His execution was flawless. Way better than any prior bits he's done on Def Comedy Jam or Bad Boys of Comedy. He has mastered the art of the entire scenario with the rat. He did a bit of a hoodrat belittling a girl having a trunk party before going away to college, compared to them having baby showers! At that point I couldn't breathe. He even mastered the old slick guy that works at the ghetto clothing spot where they like to shop. I certainly hope that he starts touring more, because he has to share these gems with the world.

His last show on Saturday, July 31st marked the end of four years hosting at Jokes & Notes, and it was bittersweet to have something so good taken away from our monthly routine. So as he moves on to bigger and better things, go out and support our boy from the westside of Chicago. I promise, you are going to laugh until you can't laugh anymore. Congratulations Rel!

The Decision!

2010-07-07T20:19:00.008-05:00

So, we are 24 hours away from the biggest free agent signing in the history of the NBA! Actually, in the history of sports, and I feel as if the only thing I have become a witness to is a CIRCUS!

It is no secret that I am NOT LeBron James' biggest fan. I don't dislike him per se, I just don't care for what he represents, and I particularly don't like his team. His high school/neighborhood friends who have placed their entire livelihoods on his shoulders, all in the name of having his back. However, their laissez-faire way of managing basketball's biggest talent has become detrimental to his future as a legend in this game. Whether it is his refusal to shake the hand of his opponent after suffering a conference finals loss, or dodging the media while he pouts about it, there have definitely been some snafus in the professionalism of LeBron James.

Professionalism aside, he is an explosive and freakishly athletic talent. However, to be a legend or to be the best, you have to be professional and likable! One thing for certain, some of James' antics have landed him as the subject of the most scathing articles in sports.

Tomorrow, James and his team promise to reveal where he will play next season, and most likely the next six seasons. Will he stay in Cleveland, move to Chicago, NY, Miami, or New Jersey? These are the million dollar questions that ESPN has asked verbatim for the last month. Quite frankly, I will be glad when he does say where he's going so we can all move on. After all, our country is still at war, we have the largest oil spill in history and unemployment is still stifling the economy. I am beginning to feel like a schmuck for constantly turning to ESPN, checking the Internet and my sports alerts for news. Here is my breakdown of his possible choices.

Cleveland: If LeBron stays in Cleveland, he pretty much will be in the same position he was in last season, except for the fact that instead of Mike "Mr. Potato Head" Brown, the new coach is Byron Scott. This is an obvious upgrade, which will help, but the biggest issue LeBron had was a lackluster supporting cast. Ilgauskas had pinches of good games, but his basketball I.Q. is low, and at times he was downright goofy. Mo Williams had spurts of shooting greatness, but he also had long stretches of shooting droughts, and unfortunately it was usually when his team needed him. Shaq is done. Delonte West could be considered arguably better than Williams, but due to his romp with Momma James, it's safe to say if LeBron stays, he's outta there. This team would make the playoffs, maybe after a few tries even, the Finals, but no ring here!

New York: Considered to be the holy grail of professional sports, the big apple is known for buying their way into professional titles. However, this feat has failed time and time again for the Knicks. In fact, they have become synonymous with overpaying the wrong players (i.e., Allan Houston, Stephon Marbury). They have not disappointed this year. They signed Amar'e Stoudamire to a 5 year/$100M deal! I am just going to let that lie for a moment. Yes you read that right, $100 Million dollars to Amar'e Stoudamire! You would think they would've learned their lesson by now, clearly they haven't. While AS is athletic, a consistent scorer and is known to have breakout games. He is also a bad defender, sometimes selfish with the ball, and a cancer to some locker rooms. It is no secret that there are former teammates in the league that literally loathe him. With that said, it will be very interesting to see how AS will play with another star, especially someone bigger than Nash. It will also be interesting to see him play in a defense-oriented conference and on a team with no real point guard. If LeBron lands in New York, he and Stoudamire will be the team. That is NOT enough. Under the scrutiny of New York media, this situation can quickly become impossible.

Miami: So we now know that D. Wade lured Chris Bosh to join him in South Beach. On paper, this looks great. Two bonafide stars playing together in the land of the beautiful, however, like NY, the Heat lack a sufficient supporting cast. Mario Chalmers - pass. Quentin Richardson - pass. DaSean Butler - not nearly developed yet. Jermaine O'Neal - he's done. Michael Beasley - a wild card with emotional problems. This organization has the most work to do to their roster to put themselves in contention. That was painfully obvious when they were ousted by Cleveland in the semifinals last season. If Wade thought he was frustrated before...but that's right, if LeBron joins them - there will be a little confusion. Sometimes you can have too many stars. This isn't the Olympics, this is an 82-game season. Wade and James' games are very similar and Coach Spoelstra isn't experienced enough to balance all of those egos. Doesn't matter because Riley is coming for his job now anyway. Not sure about rings here. Maybe, but definitely NOT a dynasty.

Chicago: This is the most likely pairing. Has been from the start, much to my chagrin. Due to my issues with LeBron's professional development, I didn't want him to come to the Bulls. However, looking at where he is likely to have the quickest success to a championship, it's definitely the Bulls. Rose, Noah, Deng, now Boozer and James is definitely a championship caliber team. But, there are some ifs that all hinge on chemistry. While Rose and Noah are young players, they are very mature, focused and passionate about the game. They check their egos at the door and do whatever it takes as a team to win. LeBron hasn't grasped this yet, and I fear his penchant for things always being about him and surrounding him would throw off the chemistry of the team. Tom Thibedeau is also a no-nonsense defensive minded coach who will not allow LeBron to play three positions every time he walks the ball down the court. This would force Bron to make adjustments to his game, which I know he doesn't like to make. Finally, the Bulls organization is about business. Contrary to the DelNegro/Paxson scuffle last season, they are a take-care-of-business organization. Old players are dispersed throughout as assistants, scouts, commentators, etc. So Bron's team would NOT have free-reign, nor would they be calling the shots. Titles could come to Bron here, but he would have to be open to change.

New Jersey: Honestly, and I know Jay-Z is a 1% owner and the team is moving to Brooklyn, but right now, they are in New Jersey. That would be like LeBron coming here to play for a Joliet team. Out of all the teams, New Jersey has the least chance of landing him for obvious reasons. Even in Brooklyn, it will give them an expansion team feel and missing will be the rich histories of a New York, Chicago or Los Angeles franchise. Even with the Russian owners billions, it is too much of a volatile situation for Bron Bron. No rings here.

In all, LeBron is making a "Decision" at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time tomorrow night. He is getting a whole hour on ESPN to seal his fate for the next six years. The choice he makes will decide whether he wants to win championships or is he after more fame and money and more expansion of his brand. I can already see the direction his team is going, but only tomorrow will tell whether my hunch is right. Stay tuned!

My Two Favorite Videos Right Now!

2010-05-12T19:13:00.003-05:00

So in the past week, two videos that I have come to love have dropped.

First up is my boy Drizzy Drake! I'm not going to lie, when I first heard his second single, "Find Your Your," and I knew that Kanye produced this track. I thought, "this sounds like a leftover track from 808's & Heartbreak. It made me kind of unsure about this one. Drake's voice obviously sounds better than Kanye's, but the whole "hey, hey, hey's," he repeats through the song, the melody and beat is very 808'ish. To be honest, I kind of went on a "Is Kanye trying to sabotage Drake" tirade. However, the video made me change my mind about the song.

I like the fact that it was shot by Anthony Mandler.
I like that it was shot in Jamaica mon!
I like the plot/storyline in the video.
I also like the underlying theme of Finding Your Love even if it kills you! Deep, but interesting concept.

Today, Alicia Keys dropped her long-awaited video for the best song on her Elements of Freedom album, which also happens to be written by Drake, co-produced by Drizzy and 40, "Unthinkable"! I had this song on repeat even before her album dropped. As 40 usual does with some of his songs, (e.g., Successful) the beat for this song is haunting. You want to hear it again and again. Drake smashed the lyrics and Alicia delivered it as only she can.

What I love about A. Keys vid, is how they were able to push the issue of interracial dating through like 7 decades. I mean it was eye-opening to watch that scenario play out from the 50's to the present day. Kind of makes you think about why it's still taboo to date outside of your race. The song fit that theme perfectly.

GIGGLES: THE TIGER WOODS EDITION!

2010-05-03T21:45:00.005-05:00

This skit was featured on Saturday Night Live about five months ago, and it is STILL funny! This was when the show began to get funny this season. Kenan Thompson and Blake Lively played this perfectly. The impression of Wolf Blitzer was funny too.

The Best Episode of the Cleveland Show This Season!

2010-05-03T20:55:00.004-05:00

So, of course, I missed the Cleveland Show yesterday because sleep finally caught me when I made it home from church. But, I checked it out on Hulu and it did not disappoint. This episode featured Kanye West and Taraji Henson.

The relationship between Cleveland Jr. and the cute-yet-sadistic little Rollo has become my new guilty pleasure. I just love these two. In this episode, Rollo attempts to help Cleveland Jr. obtain the object of his affection, only to end up wanting her for himself. Defeated that she only sees him as a little kid, Cleveland Jr. runs into a problem when he is faced with her not-ready-to-be-her-ex, Kenny West. The local, but famous school rapper, Kenny West (played by Kanye). The best part is when these two face off in a rap battle at a school party.

Check it out...

I heard that Kanye's character will be back for future episodes, I can't wait!

The What the F*ck Moment of 2010 Thus Far: N.Y.G. Edition

2010-05-02T02:04:00.004-05:00

For those of you who may have come across a little adult cartoon called, "The Boondocks," then you have heard the term: N.Y.G. It is the smart-mouthed and often precocious little boy named Riley who coined this phrase on an episode when he saw a guy doing something that was a bit "suspect" and he yelled out, "N*gga You Gay!" This has been shortened to N.Y.G.

Now me being the flaming liberal that I am, I could often care less how people choose to live their lives. If you are gay, lesbian, transgender, pre-op, post-op, etc., more power to you! However, sometimes I see some things that truly garner being worth mentioning. This edition is courtesy of my favorite gay: Brian Bee off of YouTube. At first glance you wouldn't know he was gay because he isn't as flamboyant as some of his YouTube counterparts. And, he is so funny, that you aren't thinking about his sexuality. One thing he always does is point out the "how-you-dewiners" as he likes to call them.

I will post his video, at which about a minute in, you will need to put it on pause, and then watch the "suspect video in question," after which you can go back to Brian's vid to hear his hilarious commentary on the N.Y.G. Video.

Enjoy!

There are just no words...

Throwback Before Summer!

2010-04-15T22:29:00.004-05:00

So today in Chicago it was like 81 degrees. Perfect. Not too hot, not cold at all. And considering how Chicago winters go all the way into March, Chicagoans look forward to that warm day. That official weather change. I was sublimely happy today. Born in August, I LOVE heat! I love the summertime. I played this song in my car today, and my smile was a mile wide.

LL pouring chocolate on a woman's thighs in broad daylight??? Yes, he can get away with that. :)

Also, I absolutely love the part at the very beginning when Keisha says, "Mmmm, go head daddy!" I wonder do men find talking like that attractive?

DOMINATION!

2010-04-09T23:05:00.003-05:00

I almost forgot to post about this. ALMOST!

But I cannot let the week end without paying homage to my favorite college basketball team in LIFE! Yes, I am a purveyor of the Blue and White. I am an honorary member of the Cameron Crazies! I am a believer in the philosophy that is Coach K! Yes, I am a Dukie, and guess what.............................

DUKE WON! DUKE WON! DUKE WON! DUKE WON THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Duke haters around the world. I would also like to thank those God-awful North Carolina fans, good looking out on the N.I.T. And most of all, I want to thank God, that the kid from Butler didn't make that shot at the buzzer, and so we took the championship back!

Takes a bow...

Drops mic...

Heels click as I walk off the court!

Spectacular SEX!

2010-04-08T21:26:00.005-05:00

Okay, so a few years back, we saw a trio of girls who some touted as a possible next TLC. To no avail, it didn't happen.

So then these girls, joined forces with the oh-so-talented-Disney-star Raven Symone and formed "The Cheetah Girls"! They went on to do a couple of albums, movies and tours. The Disney tweens LOVED them.

Since then, the girls have taken quite a few twists and turns. But most of them have pretty much stayed on track with what they originally were. Well, except for Naturi Naughton who was originally in the group before they branched out to the Cheetah Girls. As we all know, she eventually played the scathing Lil Kim role in the movie Notorious. Well, Kiely Williams, who was also a founding member, must have taken notes, because sista girl released a video this week for a song called "Spectacular Sex," in which she sings about having a one night stand after getting drunk and meeting a guy at a party.

She further gets the point of the song across in her video....

The song would probably be a banger if the singer was Naturi or Britney Spears or even Kelis. But coming from her, it was shocking to all of her Disney fans to say the least. Somehow, I get the feeling this song will become a strip club favorite. I hope this isn't mean, but I felt like Laura Charles watching this video, instead of watching the blond from the Last Dragon wearing lingerie and wearing roller skates, I was watching Kiely Williams. Interesting song, and an even more interesting video.

For Better or For Worse

2010-04-07T22:00:00.011-05:00

Webster's Dictionary defines marriage as: "the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex or a person of the same sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law."

I think this is a pretty fair definition of marriage, however, it is the consensual part that seems to be a problem in today's society. I am beginning to believe that people just shouldn't get married. Maybe Oprah was on to something when she decided that Steadman would just be her "beau" all those years ago.

Over the past few months, the headlines of couples and their torn apart families have sent the Mainstream Media into a frenzy. Is marriage not sacred anymore for anyone?

First up is Shaunie and Shaquille O'Neal. Now, it is no secret that Shaq is NOT one of my favorite people. His arrogance, lack of focus, shenanigans off the court (chasing criminals down the streets of Miami) and his classless breakup with Kobe Bryant has soured me to him as a person to say the least. Through the years, I have heard legendary stories of his affairs, second and possibly third families, etc. I didn't care because that's typical of a player like him. But recently, a story surrounding his extra-curricular activities piqued my interest. He is in the middle of a messy divorce with his soon-to-be-ex-wife Shaunie.

"Pic via NecoleBitchie.com"

So, Shaunie knew that Shaq was cheating on her and decide to hire a private detective, who kept tabs on Shaq for several months. This PI apparently got so much info on Shaq, it gave Shaunie the courage to approach the jumpoff, Vanessa Lopez, and convince her to go public with her affair with Shaq. Having signed a prenup, with proof of infidelity, now Shaunie gets more money. WOW! Wives and jumpoffs unite?

Next up... Sandra Bullock!

So, Sandra Bullock won a Golden Globe, a SAG Award and then the coveted Academy Award. At every show, she looked at her husband lovingly and spoke so well of him. She thanked him for putting up with her Hollywood life, and being true to her. Then, in a nightmare of a twist, we find out that he has pulled a "Tiger Woods." His affair is made public by a tattoo model that goes by the name of "Bombshell McGee"!

This chic is tattooed on her face and her underarms, despite all of the body art, she is a pretty girl, she's just a scallywag for sleeping with a married man. Again, we have a woman totally unaware of her husband's infidelity and then BAM! Not only did this McGee woman come forth, but about three or four others. So needless to say, that marriage is over!

Finally, we have Tiki Barber. Now this came as a surprise to me, because he has always portrayed himself as being somewhat wholesome. Very openly denouncing how his father left the home, and ran off to leave his mother to raise he and his brother alone. So a few years into retirement, the very married Barber has slipped. He and his wife Ginny have been married for 11 years! They have two kids at 7 and 5 years of age. Ginny is currently pregnant with twins.

In his retirement, Tiki works as a commentator on NBC Sports as well as a Today show correspondent. Many people felt he retired prematurely, considering the very next year the Giants won the Superbowl, but no one expected this. Not only did he have an affair, but he and Ginny have separated, and he is now seriously involved with an intern named Tracy Johnson over at NBC! For real Tiki? Like seriously?

All of this leads me to believe that marriage is just not for everybody. More importantly, if you aren't willing to put in the work for the long haul, DON'T DO IT! He has kids to think about. This story broke yesterday, on the morning of his 35th birthday.

It kind of makes you wonder if it is even worth it. Families are being torn apart everywhere, and it is kind of sad and demoralizing when you look at how much this affects the kids that are involved. Shaq and Shaunie have 5 kids together. This isn't something that should be taken lightly. While I don't believe that people should stay together and be unhappy, I feel that more responsibility should be taken before people take a walk down the aisle and make that covenant before God. Either way, my heart goes out to these families!

One Day It Will All Make Sense

2010-03-25T23:11:00.004-05:00

....but right now, I just feel like I want to quit!

So since my last post, I got a slight reprieve, but it was just that slight. I got away from the psycho guy and now I am back full time with the group of lawyers on this, well let's just say "Erin Brockovich" type case.

I realized today that I get paid to make people feel better about doing their job. I hear things like, "Mary, please tell me it's going to be okay?" "What do you think?" "Is it done yet?" "Can you...will you....Have you...." It is neverending for like 10-12 hours everyday.

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job! But lately, I feel the need to just go AWOL and escape to the Caribbean or Arizona or somewhere warm with beautiful backdrops and sandy beaches, without a care in the world. I want to lay back under the sun (with SPF-40 Sunscreen of course) and have nothing to do for a change. You ever just feel like you don't want to think? I know that sounds bad, but sometimes, I just want to clear my mind and that be it. Oh God, I sound like Kelly from Housewives of New York. Let me digress here!

My cats aren't so mad with me anymore. In fact, at this very moment, my boy cat, Coco, has hustled all 17 pounds of his lush body on the back of my computer chair. On another note...

March Madness!

Kansas - OUT! Who would've thunk it. I'm not too messed up, cause I didn't pick them to win the whole thing, but I know a LOT of people did.

Tonight, SYRACUSE - OUT! This one hurt, I had them in the Final Four.

Villanova - OUT! I am actually glad about this because, had they won, Duke would have to play them, now they have to play Purdue, the team that beat Nova! It will be a tough game, but I hope my Bluedevils are victorious!

I am not even touching the NBA. The Bulls have lost every player worth mentioning to injury, and they are TERRIBLE without them. Season over!

I still think the Lakers will repeat, sorry Cavs fans.

One more thing!

After 100 years, Congress passed Universal Healthcare, a/k/a as Obamacare! I LOVE IT!

Working Girl!

2010-03-10T21:32:00.003-06:00

So, I believe this is my first blog for 2010! I just have to shake my head at that statement, because I have truly treated this blog like a motherless child this year. However, that is a testament to how my year has been going thus far. I have been so busy, I have gone days without seeing my mother and we live in the same building! WORK! WORK! WORK! It has been non-stop since January. Don't get me wrong. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the workforce, and overall, I like what I do. It's just now, I am falling into the abyss of JUST WORK. Absolutely no play, no downtime, hardly any rest, and it's starting to show.

I had yet another rift with another attorney this week. He's...eccentric, which is basically just a nice way of saying a complete weirdo. He's been practicing for over 20 years, still hasn't made partner, and has absolutely no idea how to prepare for a trial. So here I come to save the day, except, like most attorneys with his tenure, they are absolutely resistant to anything logical or common sense. I have never met so many nonsensical people in my life. If this wasn't a reminder to drag my collective ass back to law school, I don't know what it is.

Now, I feel like I'm caught in a bidding war. Two attorneys in two separate groups, both going to trial, and they don't want to share. I have been juggling trial exhibits, document productions and tasks like Whodini, except I am fresh out of tricks, magic, and the fairy dust is gone. I swear, you would think my last name was Poppins, people expect you to be "ON" all the time. I have to know EVERYTHING, do EVERYTHING and somehow do it efficiently in the least amount of time. As much as I hate when Science tries to constantly mess with what God has a patent on, I wish I could clone myself. The sad part is, if I could, my clone would be at work RIGHT NOW!

WOWZERS!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-04T22:02:00.006-06:00

So I received some pics a few weeks ago of the stills of Trey Songz' video for his sexy hit "I Invented Sex". At the time, I thought the pics were nice, but wasn't super excited, I first heard this song months ago, featuring Drake and liked it then. Then today, he premiered the video and WOW!!!!!!

I had to wipe my brow. Twitter is completely abuzz with females near falling out, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and everything else under the sun. I have to admit, he got it right this time. He has a beautiful sista as his leading lady, not to mention, the chemistry is undeniable. The video may be a bit too "grown" to be shown during the day, which may cause some people to wish for those days of BET Uncut! Either way, good job Trey!

Michelle Obama Knows....

2009-11-04T21:35:00.004-06:00

...how to land a GOOD MAN!

In the December issue of Glamour Magazine, Michelle Obama tells Katie Couric some great dating advice on how any woman can truly land a good man.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Katie: Candice Jones from Memphis wanted to know how you landed such a good guy. Maybe he landed you, right? “Did you know that Mr. O was a great catch when you met him? What dating advice can you give a 26-year-old professional?”

M.O.: He was always special, you know? And not special, like, He’s gonna be important, he’s gonna be president. He was special in terms of his honesty, his sincerity, his compassion for other people. Cute’s good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it’s, Who are you as a person? That’s the advice I would give to women: Don’t look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women. How he acts with children he doesn’t know. And, more important, how does he treat you? When you’re dating a man, you should always feel good. You should never feel less than. You should never doubt yourself. You shouldn’t be in a relationship with somebody who doesn’t make you completely happy and make you feel whole. And if you’re in that relationship and you’re dating, then my advice is, don’t get married.

WOW! See, this is why I love this woman. Not because she is the First Lady or even because she is from the southside of Chicago. It is because she is just real. You know the kind of person who can give it to you straight, no chaser. This sounds simple, but a lot of women do get caught up in CUTE! I will definitely take her advice under advisement.

Up, Up and Away in My Beautiful, My Beautiful Balloon!

2009-10-15T19:28:00.004-05:00

So today, I am at lunch and I get several tweets talking about a six year-old boy in Colorado swept up in a homemade hot air balloon. I thought it was a joke. Then I saw the coverage. Literally on every station that calls itself cable news: CNN, FOXNews, MSNBC, etc., this story was running and the footage was being shown. Then more information came out.

The Heene family is an eccentric family that lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. The father is an amateur scientist and apparently the family is known to study extra terrestrial life, UFO's and chase harsh storms. They were featured on the show Wife Swap, and were dubbed as the alien family. Both times they were on the show, the new wives coming in mentioned the behavior of the children. There are three boys in the Henne family.

Well the Heene in question was named, Falcon, which spurned tons of jokes on Twitter. Cameras frantically followed this balloon as it sailed for two hours past their home in Fort Collins. When it landed in a field, authorities reported that no boy was found inside. So then the search on the ground went into full-fledged operation. Cameras showed police and what appeared to be FBI vehicles driving through the field near the home and where the balloon landed.

Not too long after that, the boy is found hiding in a box in the family's garage!

*****Moment of silence******

I would have gotten whooped from sun up til sun down. My family members would have taken turns. I would have gotten whooped until they were physically tired. I would have been grounded until I graduated from High School. I can't help but wonder the fate of little Falcon.

This is a parental fail. Kids get into everything. Why would anyone have a homemade hot air balloon. That's like when I wondered how the Columbine moms didn't know their sons were masterminding execution of their peers, and harboring sawed off shotguns in their rooms.

I am all for science and education in the home. But this just reeks of stupidity! And it further supports the notion that cable news isn't really news, just informed gossip.

The Letterman Scandal!

2009-10-03T02:47:00.005-05:00

David Letterman revealed last night that he was the victim of a $2 million dollar extortion due to his affair with a female employee. Apparently through the years he's had a few dealings with some of his female employees, and one of them, has a boyfriend who owes a lot of money in child support and debt payments, so he thought of extorting David Letterman. It didn't work, but Letterman had to reveal a very private matter to the public. Check out The Young Turks take on this scandal.

I agree with both Cenk and Ana - Letterman didn't have to tell anyone or apologize to anyone but his wife, who was his girlfriend at the time all of this occurred. I happen to like Letterman and watch his show and had wondered how no scandal such as this had ever popped up considering how long he has been in the television show business. Well here it is, and for some reason it doesn't hold the same water cooler gossip brio that I may have once thought it would. Hopefully he and his wife can get past this situation and move on with their lives.

This does support my motto: "Never get involved intimately with people you work with."

Olympic FAIL!

2009-10-03T02:00:00.005-05:00

So by now everyone knows that the 2016 Olympics are going to be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That's right folks, Chicago, nor any other city in America will be hosting the 2016 Olympic games. We, chicagoans have been inundated with Olympic fever all year. The signs were posted on the streets, on buses, billboards and it was the constant talk around town. From day one, however, there were mixed feelings.

2009 has been quite the tumultuous year for the city of Chicago. We started the year celebrating the presidency and inauguration of Barack Obama. We went into the Spring dealing with the city streets being in the worst condition ever due to a harsh winter. Potholes and manholes were found everywhere once the snow and salt cleared. Then we were met with headlines regarding the loss of city and county jobs due to the economy. If that wasn't bad enough, the whole Rod Blagojevich senate seat-selling scandal was the talk nationally. Before we could catch our breath from political scandal the city sales tax went up, summer came and so did a rise in violence among teens. Several kids were murdered this summer which sparked national interest and an almost weekly investigation on CNN. Yet, through it all, every time you saw the mayor, he was talking about how great the city is and the Olympics.

This soured a lot of people here whose rising concerns for our safety and city costs marred support for the Olympics. Then in a zippy and unexpected twist. Sitting governor Pat Quinn decided to tax candy and liquor! The cost of living in Chicago has risen dramatically! A trip to Walgreens will lend receipts with at least three different sales tax codes, with some items being taxed at 12.25%! Then over the past three weeks, the Olympic push reached catastrophic levels, with talks of the First Lady, Oprah, Governor Quinn, Scottie Pippen and David Robinson all supporting the Chicago bid. Despite the tragedy at Fenger last week, the banners were hung, the big screen at Daley plaza reared its face and gates went up to prepare for an alleged Olympic celebration.

People lined up in Daley plaza at seven o'clock to get free "Chicago 2016" tee shirts. The media covered the area, sports stars showed up and waited anxiously for the announcement from the International Olympic Committee. Ironically, Chicago was voted out in the first round. There was news of tears and tangible disappointment. I can't say that I share in that feeling. The U.S. has bigger fish to fry than the Olympic games. Maybe we will be ready to host again, when we aren't practically at the bottom in education. Maybe we'll be ready when we aren't embroiled in a war. Maybe we'll be ready when our kids are safe, and families become important again in this county. Maybe we'll be ready when we finally get a public option in our health care industry. But right now, we aren't which is why we didn't get the bid. This was a reminder that the United States has a lot of growing to do, even on the International stage. I would love to see money and excitement being generated like that for education, poverty, jobs and children. Then, maybe we'll be worthy of hosting the Olympic games.

Self Destruction!

2009-10-03T01:38:00.005-05:00

"Took a brother's life with a knife as his wife
Cried cause he died a trifling death
When he left his very last breath
Was I slept so watch your step
Back in the sixties our brothers and sisters were hanged
How could you gang-bang?
I never ever ran from the Ku Klux Klan
and I shouldn't have to run from a black man
cause that's
Self-Destruction, ya headed for Self-Destruction"

So here we are a week after a 16 year-old Chicago teen was caught on film being beaten to death by his peers, and yet there is more news of more violence. Two days ago a teen was found beaten badly in Edgewater, a north side neighborhood. And this evening, news flooded Twitter that Kandi Burruss from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, her fiance who was shown on the show, AJ was beaten and murdered in a club in Atlanta called Bodytap.

What the hell is going on?

Why are black people determined to kill each other off one by one?

Where is all of this anger coming from?

Personally, I couldn't watch the entire video of the Fenger High School teen, Derrion Albert because he died on there. I was personally offended that mainstream media thought it was okay to keep playing the video every hour on the hour. Then it hit me, this sensationalism of violence, be it real or fake, makes a lot of young blacks think that violence makes you a moviestar! Well guess what, this is NOT a movie! This is real life, real families, real emotions and real losses! There is absolutely no reason for a bunch of high school kids to beat anyone to death. Truthfully, there is no reason for an adult to do that either. AJ, as we all learned from the show has six kids! Now all of these kids have to live without a father due to senseless violence.

I live a very meager life. I go out from time to time, but I don't make it my business to spend every week/weekend in the clubs. I kicked it hard in my early 20's and got bored with that life very quickly. Yet, I know parents who go out more than I do. I always find that fascinating. I just don't find that life appealing. While I don't consider myself a homebody, my interests aren't necessarily in the streets. I would rather go to the movies, a museum, a wine tasting, bowling, a comedy club, etc. Crowded clubs with that 18+ crowd is almost always a recipe for disaster. Especially today when these youth seem to have absolutely no regard for human life. So here Kandi's fiance' is in a club, gets into an altercation and never lives to talk about it. I just don't understand the logistics of that. I don't understand why those kids were fighting with boards and rails by Fenger. I had too many things to do in high school. Shouldn't they? A few years back, one fateful night I chose not to go out and before dawn several people died after being trampled in a club called E2.

Life is too short to spend it angry, walking around carrying evil within us. God didn't allow us to walk the earth only to end someone's life senselessly or to do nothing with our own lives. We all have a purpose, and I just believe that purpose is not centered around violence! I pray for the families and friends of the victims, and I really pray that people learn to let some things go - it's just not that serious!

My Summer Blog Random List

2009-08-22T00:48:00.004-05:00

Okay so that title was a bit non-creative, but it's 12:48 am and that's good enough for me.
So, it was like 70 degrees today, which for a summer/fall person such as myself was okay, but since I was born in this month, I tend to like summer.
This week at work was a bit eventful, you know the usual corporate drama.
As I get older, I realize that you have less friends, not because you're losing friends, but rather because you realize some friends are really acquaintances.
My cats are the bomb! I watch them sleep peacefully without a care in the world and I envy that kind of carefree-ness (yeah I know that's not a word).
I have also realized that I liked the Internet better before all of these social networking sites. Anonymity is where it's at.
I love anonymity, I think that's why I prefer working behind the scenes, no need for the limelight here.
Of course, that leads me to the fact that it's been a decade since I've sang in front of an audience. I used to LOVE singing!
Creative outlets are so important when you have to use so much time and energy on work.
I really need to get my act together and go back to law school.
I listened to "Lougin" by LL Cool J and Total - I love the part in the very beginning when Kesha says, "Mmmm, go head daddy!"
Does that make me a freak? LOL!
I know some people in my past would scream out YES, whatever!
Why is there someone begging on like EVERY corner in downtown Chicago? I love to give, but damn, we are in a recession.
I don't like tv anymore. Too many reality shows, too much coonery, and I realize that my television provides background noise for other activities.
I constantly think about the future...like all the time.
I even think about my future children. How scary is that? I am seriously trying to discipline myself and make necessary lifestyle changes so that when I have kids, I won't pass on bad habits. (Uhh, Mary, how about you get a man first)
My grandmother called me smart and beautiful today, and it brought tears to my eyes.
It's so nice to be genuinely complimented.
I am an incredible woman, whoever I marry will be lucky and blessed indeed. I hope that doesn't sound vain, but it's true.
I miss talking on the phone all night, I did that with my ex.
I wish I could find my putting iron (hope I'm saying that right), I have a putting set and I miss playing with it.
FACT#: I used to have the biggest crush on Grant Hill. I had his gym shoes, posters, book - everything.
I love argyle.
I also love plaid.
Yes, I'm a geek.
I love the line in Little Brother's "The Yo-Yo" remix when Phonte says, "Man, shit, I'm bout to kick some Trick Daddy next poetry night, like my black queeeenn, don't no nann nigaa!"
I listen to music EV-ER-Y-DAY! (Like Dre in Brown Sugar)
I probably listen to hip-hop 55% of the time.
And no, that doesn't include Soulja Boy or Gucci Mane or any of the myriad other minstrel show rappers.
I also listen to R&B (old-school), classical, alternative, rock, gospel and jazz.
Yeah, I be that eclectic!
Okay, so that was corny, but it is true.
I have these weird dreams about my old house. Funny how I couldn't wait to get out that bish, and it pops up in my subconscious.
I can't buy ground beef from the store. Haven't done that since...ever!
I don't like Milk, but I love some cereal, so I freeze skim milk.
God, help my future husband, he is going to be like WTF at some of my habits.
I adore Bad Habits by Maxwell, what a sexy song.
I have at least four books that are unfinished. I wish I had the time to just write.
I need to take up piano again, you know get my Alicia Keys on...
I daydream at least 30% of each day.
I hear songs all of the time, sometimes before they hit the radio/Internet. Been that way since I was a child - I know, weird right?
I heard "Fallen" by Alicia Keys at least a year before her album dropped.
Makes me wonder if I should have taken a music route.
CONFESSION#: I got my toes sucked outside of Secrets nightclub (LOL, shout out to Dee).
I would explain that confession above, but it's kind of a long story.
I found out I love Moscato this summer.
"Lay your head on my pillow, if you can be yourself. No one has to know what you were feeling, no one but me and you." - Alicia Keys Diary
I am on an A Keys hit tonight.
I want to get tickets to see Maxwell, Common and Chrisette Michelle, but my bourgeois arse wants like front row, or at least really great floor level seats.
When I went to Jamaica I was a ROCKSTAR! It was lovely.

Jonesin'

2009-08-17T00:18:00.011-05:00

I first saw Love Jones when it came out in 1997. I was fresh out of a relationship that so incredibly paralleled the movie, I could barely stand to watch it the first time I saw it. However, this movie brings forth four archetypes that we often see in relationships. Now you may be asking yourself, four? I thought a relationship only involved two people. That is the goal, but normally, there are always "other folk" who end up playing a major role. What better way to foray into such a topic, but by discussing the film, Love Jones. This movie, in its simplicity uncovered the roles and the games that we often play when we're jonesin' and can't handle the vulnerability and emotions that come with it.

The Lovers

"I gather up each sound you left behind and stretch them on our bed. Each night I breathe you and become high." - Nina quoting Sonia Sanchez

Darius Lovehall and Nina Moseley were the lovers in this film. The two people who immediately connect, in an elemental way. It's a given fact upon their first meeting that they will indeed "hook up". As a woman, I hate that. It sucks to meet a man and be so chemically attracted to him, that it's blatant something is going to go down. Mainly because that, in and of itself is complicated. Rushing into something physical with someone new, ALWAYS complicates things, especially if you have loose ends that haven't quite been tied up yet.

The Loose Ends

"I'm going to get some mothafuckin toasted oats, cause you trippin." - Marvin

Often, the loose ends are exes. It's a given when you start something new, if there is an ex still in the picture, there will be drama. It's amazing how when you break up with someone, your ex is cool. You all may even find ways to amicably coexist. But as soon as your ex sees the new person, the drama begins and to hell with being amicable. The more complicated loose end is the "in-between person". You know those people we sometimes hook up with in-between relationships. This is a dangerous situation because unless you have a CLEAR understanding, the in-between person can become comfortable (for both of you) and can indirectly block you meeting someone new. Also, the in-between person can begin to feel a certain amount of entitlement, get used to a particular treatment and can find themselves competing with the new person. In Love Jones, the loose ends were Marvin and Lisa.

I always found the part in the film when Marvin decided to "see if there was still something there," interesting. The fact is, Nina knew she wasn't still interested in Marvin when he approached her. Yet, listening to her friend Josie, she decided to play games with Darius and go to NY and kick it with Marvin while looking for a job. But the fault wasn't all on her. When confronted with the situation, Darius played it cool, even though it killed him to see her go to NY where her ex was. Then to add insult to injury, he hooks back up with the in-between while she's gone. So, of course when she returns, the loose ends had complicated their whole groove.

This is where being grown comes to play. Now the game playing would have been understandable, had they been 12 and in junior high. But these almost 30 grown folks were pretending to be just "chillin," when they had both fallen from that first look. Life is too damn short to pretend when you find someone you truly love!

The Friends

"Everybody is always talking about jumping, diving and falling in love. Please, somebody tell me how to stay there!" - Savon

Friends are like footnotes when you are in a relationship. You refer to them because you know they already check out, however, it may not be the information that you need. True friends will offer advice, but constantly remind you to follow your heart. Even if you get hurt, your friend will be there to pick you back up. Fake friends and associates masquerading as friends will give you "free advice," that will probably quickly end your relationship. In Love Jones, the friends were Savon and Josie. The interesting twist to these two was they were real friends. The problem was they were both ill-equipped in helping Nina and Darius. Savon was a married teacher, an intellectual who was falling out of love with his wife. His marriage had lost its steam and for someone who usually had the answer to everything, he didn't know how to fix it. Josie was the typical sisterfriend to Nina. She was sweet and attractive, outspoken and funny, yet she was single and didn't seem to have any prospects lined up. So she was invariably living vicariously through Nina, which meant all of her advice would be how SHE would handle it, not how Nina should handle it.

I am immune to this. I have too many friends who fall into the issues category and since I was a little girl, I have been known to not take advice from people I wouldn't change places with. This is no disrespect to some of my friends, but if they've never had a successful relationship or have issues with men how can they offer me advice on something potentially real? Again, back to the grown folks stuff. When you get to a certain age, you should know who you can and can't take advice from.

The Haters

"I don't need poetry to get women. No, what you need is a personality. Try some breath mints and a Visa card." - Wood, Sheila and Savon

It is my belief that when God blesses you with the opportunity to find true love, and you accept it, you will be tested. If your heart is right, you will pass the test. But, if you are on that bowlshyt, the test will get the best of you. In Love Jones, without a doubt, the hater was Wood. The funny thing is, we knew Wood was a hater, before Nina and Darius hooked up. Why? Because the hater is usually an associate - masquerading as a friend. They are already jealous of you, and often walk around pontificating about things that just aren't true. They have to make themselves look good at all costs. As soon as Wood saw trouble in paradise, he swooped in to try and woo Nina. Nina, being the honest person she was assumed he was actually Darius's friend so she trusted him. She quickly found out the truth about him, even though he defamed her and tried to make it appear that the two of them were more than just friends. I've noticed that men tend to keep haters around them, maybe because they are more competitive than women, but the hater will most definitely test you, especially if it's obvious that this new thing is the real thing!

That Jones

"Romance is about the possibility of the thang. You see its about the time between when you first meet some fine ass woman and when you first make love to her. And when you first ask a woman to marry you and when she says I do. When people who have been together a long time say that the romance is gone.. Mmm-hmm, what they really saying is.... they've exhausted the possibilities" - Darius Lovehall

So why do we go through all of these characters in our lives? Why do we play games? Why can't we just accept a good opportunity when we see it? I think it's fear. I don't care who you are, if you live long enough, you will get your heart broken. Love is the most infuriating wonderful thing to ever happen to the world. It can be so painful and so incredible all at the same time. A lot of this is the result of fear. But, fear is not of God, and since God is love, then seeking it is a risk we all must take!

"You always want what you want when you want it? Why is everything always so urgent with you?" - Nina

"Let me tell you somethin'. This here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me. I love you. That's urgent like a motherfucker." - Darius

Just as an aside to this post. There are certain parts of this film that really spoke to me.

When Darius performed his poem for Nina..."I'm the blues in your left thigh, trying to become the funk in your right."
I also loved when he met up with her at Dr. Wax. Once he saw she wasn't trying to get hooked up, he asked if he could play something for her, and he played Charlie Parker.

The part when they had their first date and she was riding on the back of his motorcycle in her shades all close to him - that was HOT!

When their date night ended and he walked her to the door. From the kiss to the whole talk about just going upstairs to talk.

And of course the end, when he caught her in the rain and professed his urgent love for her. This movie exemplifies the consummate love story. But what I love about it, it's a black love story!

Good Hair/Bad Hair!

2009-08-07T00:44:00.004-05:00

The trailer for Chris Rock's new film/documentary entitled: "Good Hair" hit the Internet. Just about every black blog picked it up. I checked it out and I have to say, it appears he has put a comedic twist on a very touchy subject for African-Americans, especially sistas!

Since I can remember, I have heard the terms, "good hair" and "bad hair". It is no secret in American society, that most black folks feel as though they have "bad hair." Good hair was always seen as being hair that belonged to a mixed race person. Someone with parents of two races, or at least someone who had "good hair."

Good hair is also defined as being manageable, soft, silky, straight without chemicals, wavy without chemicals, able to be wet and dry naturally without drawing up. Unfortunately, black girls learn at a very young age this whole concept and I truly believe become imprisoned by this. Hair holds us back. A lot of black women don't workout, because we're afraid we will sweat our hair out and God forbid, walk around nappy! I've always wondered about this, and more importantly why European hair is automatically the desired look.

While I choose not to wear weaves/extensions/wigs or any of the other "not naturally my hair" products, I do have a perm. I work in corporate America, so it was the right thing to do, right? Honestly, it does make my hair more manageable and easy to maintain. But I have considered going "au natural" and even tried it once, but my hair started fighting back after about two months. For now, we'll just say that idea has been postponed.

Personally, I feel like any woman, should wear her hair (even if she bought it) anyway that makes her feel beautiful. However, one thing that struck me in the clip, that I have never encountered, is the idea that men can't touch our hair! I have had guys play in my hair before, and truthfully I enjoyed it. I hope black women go out and see this film, and realize that this whole HAIR thing is residual Willie Lynchism. Yes, I know, that sounds like a militant rant, but it IS true! We need to be free of the limitations of hair, but this is about more than just hair. This is about self-love. Clearly, some of us need more of it, then this whole HAIR issue, won't be an issue at all.

The Booklist!

2009-08-06T22:49:00.007-05:00

So, I am almost ashamed that it took Twitter shutting down for me to come back and post on my blog. I've noticed that I don't have loyalty to the Internet anymore. I have completely abandoned my MySpace page, I have neglected this blog for two months, and although friends and family have resorted to begging, I am not even accidentally interested in Facebook. My mother has a Facebook page. My mother! The woman who thinks she can only search on Yahoo, but I digress.

So, it is fitting that I return with a post about books. Since I was eight years-old, reading and writing books has become one of my favorite past times. I am in a book club that never meets, but averages about twenty books a month. I easily surpass that if I have the time. So, I decided to recommend three very different books, which can enlighten anyone's personal library, whether you are an avid reader or not.

Intimate Seduction by Brenda Jackson

Brenda Jackson is my favorite author - period! Her stories are legendary. While, she tends to stick to the black romance fiction, the characters are generally well-rounded, educated, multi-dimensional and provocative. In her Steele series, she finally pens the story of die hard bachelor Donovan Steele, and his quest for the mysterious Natalie Ford. It is a great read, I actually read this in two sittings. Check out the foreword:

When a man finds a beautiful woman asleep in his bed...

...he has only one choice. To seduce her with a night of lovemaking she'll never forget. Trouble is, Donovan Steele's sultry new housekeeper is just as determined not to become the legendary playboy's latest conquest.

Trading the Ivy League for down South, Natalie Ford is helping out with her ailing aunt's housecleaning service. But she finds that this powerful, potent man of Steele ignites a different kind of chemistry - one that defies every law of attraction the science professor ever learned.

Natalie knows she has to come clean to Donovan about who she really is, especially when he starts believing she's out to sabotage his family business. Will she lose her chance to love the real man behind the seductive legend?

The Hunted by L.A. Banks

L.A. Banks is a literary genius when it comes to stories of the paranormal type. Her vampire huntress series is more popular than anything Anne Rice could ever write, and it would not surprise me if this series was ever picked up by one of the premier cable networks, because it is addictive. I fought getting any of these for some time. Banks, pens under Leslie Esdaile and Leslie Esdaile Banks with stories in the romance and adventure categories respectively. Yet, when she has a new vampire book coming out, lines are out the door and around the corner of bookstores. If you are into these type of books, you won't be disappointed, in fact, you'll surely be addicted.

The foreword:

A Neteru--a hunter or a huntress--is born every thousand years in favor of the Warriors of Light as they fight against the Dark Realms. But Damali Richards is the Millennium Neteru. The one who will play a pivotal role in the Final War. The Warriors of Light had been waiting for her and the Dark Realms will do anything to either possess or destroy her. What they did not account for was the man who would love her.

Damali Richard has been to hell and back--literally--and she is not eager to repeat the trip. A Vampire civil war has been averted, but there were casualties and she believes that Carlos Rivera, former lover turned master vampire, is one of them. His death has not only shaken her emotions, but weakened her powers as well. But then Damali gets word that horrific killings are taking place in Brazil. The vampire civil war has left a small door to hell open and new and dangerous foes have risen from the Dark Realms. The leader, a deadly female, is set on a path of destruction. However, her blood lust hides a nefarious plan and the newly resurrected Carlos Rivera is at the heart of it. But Damali is not about to lose her man a second time, so she plans to send this old girl right back to hell she came from--no matter who stands in her way.

Mercy Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye by Michael Eric Dyson

I don't know if I purchased this book because I love Michael Eric Dyson and his phenomenal intellectualism, or because as a little girl I had a big crush on Marvin Gaye. I was probably about five years-old when Marvin Gaye was killed, but his music still had quite an effect on me. I mean who doesn't like at least one of his songs? My awe of him stemmed from watching the Ebony Jet Showcase when they documented his exile to Europe. They showed a man deeply troubled, disappointed with life and hurt over the pain of losing his family, being in debt and feeling disconnected from the music industry. At the time when I saw the documentary, I was taking a vocal class. The golden rule was to sit on the edge of your chair, shoulders back, inhaling through the nose and using the diaphragm to hold notes and change registers. Marvin Gaye was in a flat in London. A band was setup in the living room. A drummer, bassist, guitarist and keyboard player. Marvin was literally lying down on his side, holding a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other, with a microphone stand right by his mouth. He was singing a tune and sounding so astoundingly good, I couldn't breathe while I was watching it. Marvin just had a way about him, an effortless swagger that was as natural as breathing. So, I said all of that (sorry) to say that led me to buy Dyson's book.

This book doesn't disappoint. Dyson boldly delves into Gaye's troubled childhood, the suffocating strictness of being raised by Pentecostal parents, his rebellion against his father and distancing from his family as a teenager to travel with his doo wop band. He even discusses Marvin's tumultuous relationship with his wife, Anna Gaye and of course, his tense relationship with his brother-in-law, Berry Gordy. This book is interesting from start to finish. It provides an intimate glimpse that we don't hear about or see, check it out!

So Far BLOWN!!!

2009-05-16T04:53:00.010-05:00

I am still sitting here at 4:58 a.m. with the yellow House of Blues wrist band on my wrist. There are no words for the numerous amounts of things that took place tonight that led to the most anticipated Hip-Hop/R&B show to take place in the city since Glow in the Dark. So because so MANY things occurred, let's go with a play-by-play.

9:50 p.m. - My friend Cathy picks me up so that we can go to the show.

10:12 p.m. - We arrive at the House of Blues, there is a mile long line ALREADY, and the ramp to the HOB parking lot is CLOSED.

10:24 - We finally find a lot about seven blocks away for a cheap evening price of $19.

10:36 - We finally arrive on the other side of the House of Blues where the restaurant is so we don't have to wait in the super long line.

11:12 - I down my second shot of Patron with salt and lime and start feeling nice. We waste a chicken finger appetizer so that we can get in the V.I.P. line for the show.

11:31 - I trip up the stairs as I anxiously climb them to get into the concert hall.

12:02 - I take a third shot of Patron for good measure, all the while hysterically cracking up my friend and neighbor sitting at the barstools where we have a fantastic view of the stage.

NOW THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET SKETCHY AND WHAT ULTIMATELY LEAD TO THINGS ENDING THE WAY THAT THEY DID.

12:45 - The main floor of the venue is just about full, with a plethora of people standing all around both sides, both sides of balconies full. Still NO SHOW.

1:26 - A lesbian couple decided to make out about two feet in front of where I am sitting. Oh yeah, and still NO SHOW.

1:44 - I scream out to 40/40 when I see him yet again. Hopefully the show will begin soon. Crowd starts to get antsy and tired.

2:03 - The show starts with a weird DJ combination and city shout-out.

2:09 - Opening act, some small Lupe Fiasco looking dude, who is sing rapping. GARBAGE!

2:15 - Another opening act, some dude from Cleveland who sings while another guy raps. He practically gets booed off the stage. MORE GARBAGE!

2:22 - Another opening act, local DJ spins, uses his own beats. He's decent, but by this time, the crowd really wants to see Drake.

2:31 - Some Puerto Rican rapper hits the stage with a hype man, and two strippers booty popping off some Miami-bass GARBAGE. This is when my buzz officially left the building.

2:40 - Curtains close, then reopen as local artists Ben-Won hits the stage. He sings six songs, of which only one is a song that actually gets played on the radio. A local DJ shouts out Derrick Rose and Marcus Jordan who both are in attendance.

2:52 - The actual scheduled opening act whose names made the ticket, "Sly Polaroid" hit the stage. I don't know if this is the whole group, but there was like ten dudes on stage. They do about five songs, and several times, booing erupts from the crowd. The only people into them are a few westside hoodrats. At this point, I am sure that something bad is going to happen if Drake doesn't hit the stage. Also at this point, I get molested by some drunk dude standing behind me smoking Black-n-Milds. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

3:13 - Future da Prince, Drake's DJ comes out to try and hype the now overly-tired and greatly irritated crowd. At this point I am livid! I don't want to see anymore people - Just Drake! (In my Jack from Will & Grace voice)

3:18 - Future talks to the crowd, does a minute on the turntables and it changes the energy somewhat, but we are WAY PAST READY for DRIZZY.

3:21 - Drake appears on stage, the crowd goes wild, and then his set begins. The LOVE is ridiculous. Every man, and woman seem to know every line and pause he utters. 40 smiles as the crowd screams, "I see my next girl, standing to my ex-girl, standing to the girl that I'm f*cking right now!" I even heard a guy singing Brand New like his life depended on it. The crowd is finishing every line, every note, my anger has completely dissipated and the love fest is in full swing.

4:08 - Drizzy's set is coming to a close. He is doing Best I Ever Had and all of a sudden, I feel about two people fall on me. I turn around and there are two idiots fighting. Yeah, and NO SECURITY. So the fight escalates. Two more guys join in, ending in one of the guys knocking him out with a barstool. Then two guys jump in the fight from the main floor. These ninjas were fighting like they were trying out for the UFC. Needless to say, Drake's set got interrupted and the crowd expressed their displeasure immediately. Future joined in and decided to encourage the crowd to tell the fighters to get the f*@k out. We obeyed.

4:12 - Drake comes back on the stage, although the fight isn't quite broken up yet. He launches into "Every Girl," and the crowd is right there with him. By then though, the jig was up. People were scared and mad that the set was interrupted.

4:20 - I am standing on Dearborn and Hubbard when a ring of gunshots unloaded. My friend and I start briskly making our way to the lot where we parked.

4:32 a.m. - I am sitting in her car cruising down Lake Shore Drive in a daze, because I can't believe the show ended like that!

This is what happens when a show is poorly managed. You don't make a bunch of people wait FIVE HOURS to see the headliner!!! Furthermore, you certainly don't throw a bunch of no-name, talentless opening acts on the stage to add fuel to the fire.

I LOOOOOOVE Drake! I really do, but if he comes back to the Chi, and it's at the House of Blues or some other too small venue - I'm not going. If the management/promoter isn't reputable - I'm not going! He sold that joint out, even the skyboxes were full, which means he could have sold out the Chicago Theater or some place like that. I know he isn't signed, but would the record industry WAKE UP! Seriously, last night, there was another concert with Keyshia Cole and The Dream, and he still sold out the HOB.

I sincerely hope that the fight incident doesn't taint his image of Chicago. We really are good people, and before that fight, the night was EPIC!

Sorry that my pictures aren't the best (camera phone), but it is hard to live life and be the camera girl too. (Shouts to MikeSee)

I want to shout out Lupe Fiasco for coming through and reminding those who forgot that we actually have REAL hip-hop artists from this city.

Also, I want to offer a suggestion to the promoter. Don't put acts that have no cohesion with the headliner on the show. For example, you wouldn't expect to see Souljah Boi opening at a Nas concert!

To Drizzy...Chicago thinks you're THE BEST WE EVER HAD!

Freestyle Drama!

2009-04-24T23:29:00.004-05:00

The young Drake finally hit the big apple last week and was immediately put on the spot on Funkmaster Flex's show on Hot 97.

Now off the cuff, this should be a lesson to "his people," that maybe he needs a little artist development. This is the stuff that record labels, A&R's, managers, agents have failed in. Now I am a HUGE Drizzy fan. I think he is quite the substantial M.C. and he has a little tongue on the singing end. So, unlike a lot of these new Orange Juice Jones rappers that keep peeking into the industry wearing fake chains and wearing video ho's like a Flavor Flav clock, you have this biracial dude from T.Dot trying to make a mark with actual talent. So, his people need to make sure on the business and developmental end he is right.

Rule #1: Never send an upcoming M.C. on a popular hip hop radio show unaware. Let him/her know that they will most likely have to spit a freestyle, so at least the idea of a rhyme can start flowing. Never mind the fact that Drizzy had already been at the station for several hours because he had been on the Angie Martinez show. So, here we are several hours later and my man is supposed to just bust some killer freestyle. Yes, it sounds good on paper, but most of the time, these M.C.'s have already thought up those rhymes or written them and they are passing them off as freestyles. This was bound to not go right, simply because Drake wasn't prepared for that.

Rule #2: Don't expect every rapper to have Biggie-flow. Most backpackers know that Biggie would just freestyle all of his rhymes. Most also know that Hov does the same thing, even Weezy. The problem with that is they don't know why. Biggie didn't freestyle all of his rhymes because he was just some musical genius. A lot of it was a part of his business savvy. Biggie hated paying for studio time, so it was a survival method for him to come up with rhymes off the cuff. That was just his gift. To a larger extent that is Jay's gift too, but it is also his curse. You listen to a lot of Jay's rhymes and the substance is incredibly lacking. People love his style and swagger so much, they often get eclipsed by the fact that there are only so many songs where you can discuss Cristal, Louis Vuitton and groupies. Yes, the excessive sensationalism of materialism (that's a lot of isms...LOL). This materialistic expression has killed the purpose of hip hop, which used to serve as a voice for our generation, and has now become a ridiculous reality show, that's secretly scripted. What happened to the celebration of an M.C. that can really write? I mean isn't that what M.C.'s get paid for? Should they get writer's credit if they didn't "actually write it"? Known lyricists like KRS-One, Common and Nas have legendary lines - that they WROTE! Those M.C.'s are in a league of their own because they have written rhymes that embody history, struggle, and progress. Instead, rappers shouting out designers that hate them, upholding millionaires that were slave owners and supporting liquor that most blacks can't buy become celebrated and quoted...

RULE #3: Talent overcomes the gimmick. I am sure Flex has seen many rappers walk into that radio station with their gimmick in full effect. From the hat of a team they know nothing about to the designer sneakers on their feet. They walk up to the mic freestyling (wink) a rap that a ghost writer has secretly written for them prior to the interview and then they get (as Cuba Gooding would say in Jerry Maguire) the QUAN! But in this video you see Drake in what appears to be a tee shirt from like Old Navy or the Gap, chillin with a Blackberry. Low fade hiding under the headphones, and the rawness of the moment slaps you. There is no gimmick. Unlike the Eminem's of the world, he is not coming at them with a chip and a satirical minstrel show. He isn't trying to thug it out like some of these "thug rappers". He's just a kid with an ill flow and crazy swagger who was smart enough to spit something he actually wrote over any beat, and then finally admit that he was caught unaware and would come back and get it. It's clear that he is tired, and overwhelmed by the moment. Period. So to all of the haters who exhaled at this moment, breathe in and breathe out some more. Because when this young kid says, "I'll get em though." I believe him.

Miscellaneous Randomness! The Mid-April Edition...

2009-04-17T01:24:00.007-05:00

So here it is the middle of April and it is still cold outside. In fact, Sunday before last, which I believe was Palm Sunday, it was FREAKING SNOWING outside!!! I was incredulous to say the least. The irony that I live in Chicago and I am adverse to cold weather is not lost on me. This year though, the weather has been RI-DAM-DICULOUS! One day, it is a warm breezy seventy degrees and the very next, it is 35 and snowing outside like it is December. I'm officially over it already.

So lately, on the bus, I have found that my patience bar is at an all-time low. The Chicago Transit Authority has now gone environmental and for some months now have had Hybrid buses on the street. These large monstrous, yet environmental buses have "touch" back-doors. Yet, every single day someone gets their non-reading arse on the bus and stands there like an idiot at their stop as if the back doors are supposed to magically open on their own. Nevermind the fact that in BIG BOLD letters, it specifically says "PRESS HANDS HERE TO OPEN"! I mean seriously folks, a child could figure this out. It amazes me how everyday, people do the same dumb crap. Reading truly is fundamental.

So Da Bulls (in my Southside of Chicago Irish voice), are in the playoffs. YAY! However, they are playing Boston in the first round. Shall I plan the summer vacay now? Seriously though, I have a hunch that this series won't be the sweep that people think it will be. If my hunch is right, then Boston is in for quite the windy ride against the Chi!

On a political note, can you believe these uber-conservative Republicans throwing these (dare I say) TEABAGGING parties??? I mean I don't know if anyone else is oblivious to the double entendre here, but if we are dealing with idiots, they will be showing up to the party with an entirely different idea than protesting the raising of taxes. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall at one of those mix-ups...LOL! If we don't raise some taxes, then our great-great-great=great grandchildren will be still paying for our debt. Speaking of which, the Obama's paid almost 900K in taxes last year. GEEZ LOUISE! Talk about practicing what you preach.

Music News

I am still amped about the I AM tour coming to the States. Rumor has it that when the tour hits the U.S., Mrs. Carter will be touring with Mr. Carter! Can you imagine that? That freakin show will be sold out in like 5 minutes.

SIR DRAKE!

Yes, I am still on that Drake Mixtape. Right now, he is the only cat out there who is both rapping and singing well. No disrespect to Ye and Weezy, but they need to stick to that initial career of JUST rapping. Drake has an ill flow, with a Hova swagger, although he is killing Mr. Carter in the substance. Then he flips it, and will sing a la Joe/Kenny Latimor-ish and it kind of blows you away. This kid will be around for a while, I am just feeling his swag right now. A friend of mine couldn't get into him because she's not into light-skinneded (ugh) dudes...I will be so glad when black people stop being so color-struck. Truthfully what does complexion have to do with talent? And we say slavery is over with...

This whole Keri Hilson v. Beyonce, Ciara, Pussy Cat Dolls or whoever is just too ridiculous to really be addressed. Get on first. Get established first. Get platinum first. Achieve stadium status ON YOUR OWN FIRST! Now that, that is out of the way. Her album is nice, not awe-inspiring, but radio friendly, clean your house while listening to it kind of record.

I have also been blazing that N.E.R.D. "Seeing Sounds" records. If you don't have this record - go out and buy it, trust, it is such a worthy purchase! Gotta love those Star Trak boys! That Jada record review will be next.

Oceans 7

So, it is no secret, I am like addicted to YouTube. I need to cut back on watching it at work (yeah I know), but Jermaine Dupri has a channel on YouTube called Living the Life. Those who regularly watch it are called Lifers. What has become interesting is this Oceans Boy clique he has put together. The Oceans 7 are:
Jermaine Dupri - The General
Johnta Austin - Johnny Sinatra
Usher - The Light
Bryan Michael Cox - The Texas Ranger
Tyrone (JD's Asst.) - Intynational
Trey Songz - 007/11
Nelly - Moe(?)

These guys are typical men, they are truly an explicit male version of the View. The things they discuss are hilarious, crass at times, but definitely entertaining. Check them out.

This FROCKING GUY! (The Keri Hilson Edition)

2009-04-10T00:03:00.004-05:00

Okay, so a few weeks back, Keri Hilson releases the remix to her song, "Turnin Me On," and in the remix she appears to be dissing Beyonce and Ciara. Some of the language in the song, would leave ANYBODY to infer that she is most definitely talking about Beyonce and possibly even Ciara.

Now, I am no R&B peacemaker, however, I do believe in staying in one's place. This remix came out even before her album dropped, so it just seemed premature, not to mention ridiculous for her to be talking shyt! Either way, experience is the best teacher, and she will find out that in the industry, if you don't have the proverbial IT factor, it doesn't matter how many hot songs you write/produce, the spotlight isn't for everybody. Only time will tell.

So, I come across this video on YouTube of this Beyonce stan completely LOSING it about the diss. To say this mess is funny, is an understatement. Check it out!

This guy is a STAR!

The Republican FUDGET!

2009-03-26T22:27:00.004-05:00

Ever since, we watched the GOP criticize Obama's budget plans, call him a Communist and a Socialist, and then sit back to see how the media would spin it, I kept asking the question: "Where is your budget?"

As if President Obama heard me, Tuesday evening during his press conference, he pretty much said the same thing. "They have criticized my recovery plan without offering one themselves." I thought, "YEAH!" However, when YOU are the minority party and YOU are greatly responsible for getting the country in this mess. The only thing you can do, is fall back and wait until the opportunity presents itself for an alternative. In fact, one could say that President Obama baited the GOP somewhat by making the comment that they offered no alternative. The pundits thought there was no way though, that they would actually take the bait...

Then today, the GOP holds a press conference (that they were late for) in which they very briefly talked about the 18-page document that they called the Republican Road to Recovery. This proposal barely had any numbers in it, of which they offered to get into more detail sometimes next week, which at this point is in four days. I don't think I can take anymore buffoonery from that party. Millions of people are out of work, the economy is going to hell in a handbasket and the biggest figures in their plan, gives a 10% increase in tax cuts to the rich. I AM OFFICIALLY DONE!

Anyone who can still admit to being a member of the Republican party is a CHODE! Yes, I said chode, courtesy of Beavis & Butthead.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

De Ja Vu - the Justin Timberlake Edition!

2009-03-24T00:37:00.003-05:00

Okay, so it is no secret, I haven't really been a fan of JT since the whole '04 Superbowl incident. Yes, I believe that he LEFT JANET HANGIN! And so should anyone else, who watched that tomfoolery take place, and middle American society basically have an aneurysm from it. The image of him holding three pieces of material from Janet's outfit is embedded in the dome.

Fast forward to 2009. Ciara is desperately trying to promote her upcoming album, so after basically two singles that flopped, she decides to drop the cut she has with JT. It has been about two, maybe even three years since she dropped her last album. Amid rumors of her alleged relationship with 50 Cent, a very revealing spread in Vibe Magazine and a notorious haul to reinvent herself, in "Love, Sex and Magic," her sexuality is almost overkill.

At first glance/listen, the song is decent. A nice radio-friendly track that I am sure will get lots of play on the dance stations. Whether or not the urban market will grab a hold of this remains to be seen. I kind of feel for Ciara, because it is hard to make that girl to a woman jump, and let's face it, prior to this year, her fan base was greatly the 6-16 market. Now she is trying to appeal to grown folks. The problem is that while us, grown folk love a nice video and song on the radio, it's the a great live performance that will make us loyal. Considering that I have seen Ciara perform live quite a few times, and all of them were bad at best, I am not so sure, she will be able to grab the adult market.

But what struck me in this video was the parallel to Janet Jackson. She has made no secret about her constant Janet-inspired style. Although, this video almost looks like a Beyonce knockoff with the shades and the bodysuit and stockings. But watching her play-by-play with Timberlake, the Superbowl came crashing back to me. Their chemistry is forced. The choreography is always good, but at times Ci Ci comes off a little masculine. While the song is solid and the video is entertaining, I don't know if America, especially the urban market can deal with JT schmoozing another sista in the industry with blatant sexual interest in a song. Time will tell.

I wonder what Jessica Biel thinks of the vid?

Cockblocking...the Keri Hilson Edition!

2009-03-24T00:27:00.004-05:00

Amber Rose, Kanye West's (sometimes she's straight, sometimes she's gay) girlfriend better watch out, because Ye and Keri were getting it in, in her new video, "Knock You Down," featuring Ye and Ne-Yo.

The song is not exceptional, but it is tolerable. Personally it would be a lot better without Ne-Yo. This track would have been banging with The Dream! With all of that said, I couldn't help but notice the chemistry between Ye and Keri...hmmmmm, I'm sure we'll hear about more of this.

Aww DAD!

2009-03-24T00:17:00.003-05:00

Ever since Michael and Juanita Jordan divorced, their middle child, Marcus Jordan has been lending his skill to Chicago's premier magnet high school, Whitney Young College Prep. This weekend they went to the Illinois Class 4A Championships, and Mike sat in the bleachers and watched his son contribute 19 points that put Young in the lead and eventually the win.

As his son and his teammates ran and jumped up and down on the court celebrating, he tearfully watched before exiting the game. Awwwwwww!

What a great dad!

Cockblocking BIOTCH...LMAO!

2009-03-23T00:01:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I found out about these guys a couple of months ago, and they are hilarious. David Spates and John Ollie are two up and coming comedians who have a sleugth of videos on YouTube and have become YouTube stars.

Check out their latest videos in their COCKBLOCKING series!

Do men really do this kind of stuff to each other???

Someone Please Call 911!

2009-03-04T22:52:00.003-06:00

Now all of us have had a bad experience at Mickey D's! Plain and simple, McDonald's is notorious for workers with bad attitudes, bad food, hot coffee with lids that come off, etc. However this woman calling 911 because they didn't have nuggets or the McDouble available takes the cake.

First of all, why did she give them her money if they didn't have what she wanted? Normally, you order, they ring you up, then you give them your money. Secondly, let's say we believe her story that all of this took place and that the lady came back and said, "Oops we don't have what you want." I have never heard of McDonald's refusing to give someone their money back for food you didn't eat! Now that I think about it, I probably would have lost it if they didn't give me my money back. But calling 9-1-1 doesn't solve anything. Call corporate, call a regional office, etc. Clearly she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but at least it was entertaining!

I have a CRUSH.....

2009-02-24T23:00:00.001-06:00

...on RYAN LESLIE!

I could watch him all day, and I mean that as non-Westside of Chicago-hoodratish, as possible. This guy is for real, real music, real lyrics and intelligent as hell. Gotta love a triple threat like that!

Shoe Fetish - Part Deux!

2009-02-24T22:19:00.009-06:00

So, to quell my shoe fetish, I like to take a look at the season's hottest looks. This Spring, Manolo Blahnik has shoes offering daring buckles, patchworks of color, metallics and even military print. They all somehow work, and with the right outfit could be a sure winner.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Fendi offers two of my favorite looks this spring. A bold red velvet show with a bow that would compliment an after-five or even a casual look. And the white slingbacks are just sick!

FENDI

Christian Louboutin, my red sole favorite has the never gets old platform pump in spring colors such as Lavendar, and also offers a mirrored pump in colors such as magenta. Two looks that will definitely hit some red carpets this year.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Prada gives us two warm looks for this spring, in browns and tans that can compliment just about anything. The cap-toe pump will be a fasion favorite, as well as the studded slingback.

PRADA

Finally, Dolce & Gabana and Yves Saint Laurent offer two looks that will work well into the summer. D&G's t-strap pump has soft colors and a tailored toe. YSL's crimson satin mary-jane is just classic and exquisite enough to make any girl pull out that credit card to add it to her permanent collection.

DOLCE & GABANA

YVES SAINT LAURENT

Are You FREGGIN SERIOUS!

2009-02-24T21:41:00.004-06:00

So, President Obama gave his first address tonight to both Houses of Congress. Before we could get past the proverbial, "ahhhh" of actually having a president that is hopeful, intellectual and prepared. We get the Republican response from their now "golden boy" Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.

He gets on television looking like the dude that made Johnny No. 5 from the 80's movie "Short Circuit," and he gives us a litany of just outright BullS*&! Republicans have a plan to save the economy?? For real? Like seriously? Because, all I have heard for the past two and half weeks is ridiculous criticism with no offer of solution on their part. But the cous-de-gras...

Standing on the steps of his mansion in Baton Rouge, this Bama had the nerve to tell a story about Hurricane Katrina to outline his reasoning for why the government should not fix the economy, but rather the American people. HURRICANE KATRINA!!! KATRINA was the mess that got most Republicans ousted from office considering how well they handled that debacle and he uses THAT as an example for why WE, the American people should renew our trust in the Republican party???

ARE THEY FREGGIN SERIOUS??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They send Johnny No. 5's owner to tell us that CRAP?!?!?!

Miscellaneous Randomness - Superbowl Edition!

2009-02-01T22:31:00.009-06:00

So today was the Superbowl. YES! Superbowl Sunday, and it brought with it all of the excitement and drama that you look for in the final football game of the season. For two weeks, I kept getting that question regarding my pick for the big game. I could not give one, because quite frankly I always thought it would be a very close game. I was RIGHT! Not only did this thing go down to the fourth quarter, there were lead changes in the final three minutes of the game, with the game literally going down to the last 15 seconds. It was phenomenal. In the end, the Steelers came up the victor, but I must tip a hat to the Arizona Cardinals. They played a hell of a game. Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald also did not disappoint, but in the end, it was that amazing catch by Santonio Holmes that sealed the fate for the champs!

As an aside: It was overwhelming to see Jennifer Hudson sing the national anthem. She looked beautiful and she sang her face off. I see nothing but continued greatness for my fellow Chicagoan! )Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Well, as I have stated on previous posts, it is cold as a snowman's azz in Chicago, although it is starting to warm up. To think I was happy that it was in the upper 30's this weekend. However, I think it is a consensus, that most Chicagoans can deal with it being cold, it's all of this damn snow that makes it unbearable sometimes. And we have plenty of it, as seen by the pics from in front of my house. I am praying for some more warm weather to melt this snow - well a girl can hope!

The Bulls go on a west coast trip twice a year. They started the season off with a dismal 1-6 road trip record, and ended it in horrible fashion by losing to the Thunder. However, a few months later, and a few players healthier and all of a sudden they look like a team that actually has talent and doesn't want to become the Detroit Lions of the NBA. With rookie phenom Derrick Rose at the helm, who knows, they may even have a chance to make the playoffs. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The GROWN and SEXY!

2009-01-23T02:20:00.003-06:00

This is the moment that I became completely unhinged. The first dance from the First Couple. All I have to say is I can't wait to meet and eventually marry the man that looks at me like that!

Colin Powell is COOL!

2009-01-23T02:17:00.003-06:00

I saw this vid and had to post this. General Colin Powell went to the BET Inaugural Ball and rocked out with Wyclef Jean, even getting on the mic and singing "No Woman, No Cry," with him.

At Last....The Obama Era Begins!

2009-01-23T00:46:00.009-06:00

PRESIDENT OBAMA!

For some reason, that doesn't sound foreign or weird. It's as if I should have been saying that all along. Yes, I know it has been almost a month since I have blogged, and I have pretty much fallen off the face of the online earth. But, I have been so caught up in the new first family, frankly I haven't cared about much else.

I am still overwhelmed. I thought I was over the moon when he won the election, this Inauguration takes the cake. I barely got any work done Tuesday. I couldn't stop watching the Inauguration festivities. My entire office was tucked away somewhere watching him take his oath. I had MSNBC streaming as I watched he and Michelle at the Inauguration luncheon and then the parade thereafter.

Doesn't it feel GREAT! America finally got it right and chose right. Yes, him being the first African-American president is monumental. But, more than that, we have a good leader! He's intelligent, articulate, funny, humble and has the most beautiful family ever. The first lady is smart, fashionable, an incredible mother and an incredible wife. The fact that they are black is a bonus!

I have been caught up in Obama-mania just like the rest of the world all week. Of course, all over Chicago, all you see is drinks named after him (Obamatinis), food named after him (the Obama burger), tours named after him (the Obama tour), flags and banners hung all over the city. So, needless to say, the spirit and rousing support is not lacking here. But what has captured me the most is the whole dynamic of the Obama family. Watching him interact with those cute little girls. Seeing how confident and poised they are. Looking at he and Michelle walk down Pennsylvania Avenue waving at the crowds while they hold hands. Watching them share intimate looks and touches as they share their first dance. It's just too much!

They are like a fairy tale. You watch them, and you almost have to pinch yourself and say this is not a movie! There will be no credits at the end, this is real life. I mean to watch mega stars like Denzel Washington, Dustin Hoffman, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, etc, all be turned to awestruck fans was humbling. Obama is the biggest rock star ever! No one is more famous, more respected, more revered than him right now. And he just takes it all in stride. No boasting, no arrogance. He seems so content to just get a hug from Sasha and Malia and a kiss from Michelle. This isn't just what America needs. This is what the world needs right now. I am just thankful to God that I am here to see this, and to witness this and be a part of this time in history.

So to President Obama, First Lady Obama and the entire First Family. God Bless You, and thank you for choosing this responsibility and making America and the world a much better place!

It just doesn't get any better!

First Couple!

And so it begins...

Santa Claus...BAHUMBUG!

2008-12-21T22:57:00.003-06:00

It is no secret to those that really know me that I am no fan of Santa Claus. In fact, I think that this whole universal lie and farce should be banned. But unfortunately, so many different mediums make a lot of money off of this lie, so to no avail, I still deal with it.

I must have been at least seven when my family finally told me the truth. I remember how hurt I was, not because Santa wasn't real, but because my family had lied to me. I wondered if they thought I couldn't handle the truth. In the end, the truth made me appreciate Christmas so much. I can remember one Christmas, my brother and I came home from church and the gifts were all the way up to the door. I stood there with tears in my eyes, wondering what did we do to deserve all of that. Yes, we had some great Christmases as children. It was the one time of year, we got whatever we wanted. That sacrifice, that show of love from my parents truly made me realize the real meaning of Christmas. This further deepens my disdain for the jolly old St. Nick lie.

So as fate would have it, tonight as we left church from the Christmas service, I got pulled into the lie by my little cousin. At four, he hasn't been told the truth yet, and as bad as I would like for him to know it, I didn't want to be the one to open his eyes, his parents should do that. But he started asking questions about Santa Claus, and I realized I was getting pulled into the lie. I can't remember what I told him, but I do recall telling him to thank his parents. He asked me why. So I told him to thank them because they were buying him gifts too, and that they were the ones to tell Santa Claus what he wants. I don't know if that made sense to him, but I honestly didn't know what else to say. It got me to thinking about when I have children, and if I will become apart of the big farce. I just don't know if I have it in me to lie to them about something so ridiculous. Here, parents and grandparents, etc., go out of their way to make that day special for children and they must give the credit to some fantasy man? It just doesn't seem fair. The jury is still out on that one, but one thing for sure the birth of Christ will be the focus, not the Hallmark business of it all. And for that matter, I hope people realize the religious significance around Christmas because it means so much more than well, you know - the make believe guy!

This "BLEEPING" Guy!

2008-12-18T23:40:00.008-06:00

I really tried not to write anything about my soon-to-be-felon governor Rod Blagojevich. But yesterday morning, watching him on the news in full running gear, quoting Elvis before he took a 5-mile run, just incensed me.

This is what, we, the people of the State of Illinois get for electing the state's first Polish governor six years ago??? This is what we get for accepting the man with the funny name and the funny hair into our hearts and trusting him with a pretty important job? This is what I get for being enveloped into one of the most awkward political hugs of my life, when he paraded into my church six years ago running for governor and patting my fellow trustee board members on the back, all the while singing gospel hymns and promising to clean up state government?

HA!

What a bleeping joke!

No, I open the paper only to find out he is now selling Senate seats. Even going as far as trying to keep it for himself (as if he is qualified) all the while cussing like a sailor and parading around Springfield and Chicago like some mafia don. Umm, isn't that Mayor Daley's job? I digress.

The media had a field day with this. Because it involved the Senate seat vacated by President-elect and Chicago man, Barack Obama, the national media had a field day with this. I can't even get back and forth to work without a media frenzy combing the downtown, which was already stretched to the limit following PE Obama around. Then transcripts got released and complaints got filed and we found out that Blago called Obama a M*therf*cker like a zillion times, simply because all he would get was appreciation for possibly picking Obama favorite Valerie Jarrett.

NEWSFLASH BLAGO!

You shouldn't expect extraneous payment for doing your damn job! You already have a salary, not to mention a bunch of shady real estate deals with now-felon Tony Rezko. So, why then would you bring it into a Senate appointment? Just bleeping dumb! However, the coup-de-gras was the mainstream media's forray into trying to name Jesse Jackson Jr. as Senate Candidate #5, which in the complaint was listed as someone who offered to pay $500K for the seat.

Yet, in a zippy and unexpected twist, Jr. appears to be a possible FBI informant that they have been working with for at least the past two years. Sorry FAUX News, find another negro to pen this controversy on since you clearly can't pin it on Obama. We all learned how Blago felt about Obama, not even five minutes into the complaint.

So, as we embark upon another holiday season, we also embark upon another Illinois gubernatorial scandal. WOW! The land of Lincoln has also turned into the land of the stinkin scandals.

The Ankle Break!

2008-12-02T23:36:00.004-06:00

I knew I would be excited for the rookie coming into the season, but I figured it would be his second or third season before he would actually make the play of the day. Derrick Rose absolutely owned Andre Miller the entire game Sunday when the Chicago Bulls played the Philadelphia 76ers. Dunking on him, blocking his shot out of the building - no that wasn't enough. He then went on to come down the court and initiate one of the best crossovers I've ever seen. Check out Miller breaking his ankle!

SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

Lies to Sell Records???

2008-12-02T23:03:00.004-06:00

So, I am perusing LoveBScott.com and I come across a story where apparently, Rihanna's publicist, Jonathan Hay, began fabricating rumors about Rihanna and Jay-Z when MTV first started playing her breakout single, "Pon De Replay".

Hay was introduced to Rihanna via the producer of Replay, Vada Nobles. Nobles who became infamous for the very public lawsuit with Lauryn Hill regarding her breakout album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. So, Hay immediately planted people to hit message boards and chat rooms spreading rumors that there was some romantic dealings between Jay and Rihanna because Jay was dating the super-famous Beyonce, and nothing sells like gossip. This propelled television networks to run stories on her, as well as radio stations to play her. So, in essence, Rihanna has Beyonce to thank for her career.

"Jonathan Hay: I feel awful but, yes, I leaked some of those stories. Looking back, I am ashamed of that; there was zero integrity in that maneuver. But this is entertainment and I wanted to obtain publicity - so I came up with some crazy stories and it worked. Rihanna is one of the biggest stars in the world now, and look at how she stormed into the business! Not to take anything from her - she is a great artist - but every artist needs a launching pad and there is nothing better than a good scandal to get the public’s attention. (Laughing)"

All I can say is that this is lame as hell. And umm Jonathan, it didn't quite work as well as you would like. Although Rihanna has definitely gotten the "crossover" crowd, she still gets upstaged by Beyonce anytime they have to share the same stage. And, Bee and Jay got hitched, so clearly they didn't fall for it. Whatever happened to people selling records because they have the talent to do so???

After Six

2008-11-20T02:23:00.007-06:00

Nike has gone above and beyond with some of their Air brand commercials, especially the ones starring LeBron James.

Their new commercial doesn't disappoint. It stars LeBron James with the Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger and it is, shall I say comical in a sexy kind of way. Watch!

I love when he says, "That's genuine leather baby."

Now, I am definitely not a LeBron stan, and to be honest, that is what makes this comical, because I don't even find him sexy. However, the great 70's soul music in the background and the concept is unmistakably a winner. So score one for Nike - again.

Editorial History!

2008-11-09T14:19:00.006-06:00

Okay, so the day after the election, I woke up hoping that if I got to the bus stop early enough, I would get my hands on what I knew would be a historic piece of the election. Well, as a faux pas on my part, I didn't even get into work until 11. All the papers were gone, on the street, at newsstands, stores, Walgreens, you name it.

Then the Chicago Sun-Times announced that on Sunday, their paper would have a collector's item 32-page pullout on the ascendance of Barack Obama in the election. So, this time, I decided that the early bird catches the worm. I left my house at 6:50 a.m. By the time I got within a mile of my home, I realized that getting a paper was going to be a task. Everywhere I went, the Sun-Times dealers were all out of papers. Every newsstand, paper box, store was completely out. I drove all across the city, stopping everywhere I could to get this special edition of the Sun-Times.

Finally at two corners on 87th and Stoney Island, I saw a dealer selling papers. I parked my car, got and stood in line for an hour until I got right up to the front and the dealer ran out of papers. I finally was able to stand in line at Walgreens and get one before going back to that same Sun-Times dealer to get two more.

Now, as a former journalism major, I love newspapers. Especially historic papers such as the Sun-Times, Tribune, Washington Post, New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, etc. However, this spiraling economy has affected newsprint as well. So much so, some papers have considered just going online. Never in my life have I stood in line for an hour for a paper. Today, I did - in the cold. Proudly. As both an Obama supporter and as a supporter of news print. I think it is amazing that both of the major papers in Chicago have sold out of papers everyday since he won the election. Literally every single day, they have sold out! That has never happened.

I heard a disc jockey talking about this phenomenon and he said that Obama is creating jobs already and he isn't even in the White House yet. If this is the future of newspapers. If this is the excitement and buzz that has been created due to his presidency and eventually his legacy, then I say newspapers better get with the program and continue to be a huge part of history.

Reactions From Around the World to President Obama!

2008-11-05T01:39:00.007-06:00

Dancing in Kenya!

Watching in Athens, Greece!

Clapping in Shanghai!

Cheering in Sydney, Australia!

Glee in Jerusalem, Israel!

Happiness in Obama, Japan!

Children yelling with glee at his former school in Indonesia!

And the Winner Is...

2008-11-05T01:21:00.004-06:00

For the past two days here in Chicago, it has been 70+ degrees. There is this peculiar excitement in the air, and for what should be the end of fall (in Chicago, at least), it has felt more like Christmas in July.

I voted in this election almost three weeks ago, and even then, it felt great. I have made phone calls, sent emails and worked with many others who have all been a part of this movement for change in this country.

AND NOW...

I am so full right now. As I sit here and type this through tears of joy, I realize that at this moment, the WORLD is different. I'm different. It is with extreme graciousness and thankfulness that I look forward to this family and to this new president entering the White House!

The Truth About ACORN

2008-10-16T23:39:00.007-05:00

We have heard quite a bit about ACORN the last couple of days, and none of it has been good. In fact, the GOP has started an intense campaign to somehow shut them down and that this group is somehow trying to steal the election.

That is quite the charge, especially when there really isn't enough evidence to back it up. Well apparently in Florida, some people wrote on voter registration cards silly things like Mickey Mouse, etc. The McCain campaign is basically saying that this is the Obama campaign's attempt to steal the election with its pal ACORN.

The TRUTH...

First, Obama has NOTHING to do with the everyday operations of ACORN.

He worked with ACORN about four years ago in a motor registration drive so people could vote at the DMV.

ACORN stands for the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now.

ACORN has uncovered hundreds of election defects in many states.

ACORN hires volunteers to register people in all 49 states.

ACORN, by law must turn in all of their voter registration cards, yes, even the bad ones.

ACORN sorts all of their cards: the good ones (these are decided after a phone call is made to verify the registrant), incomplete, (if they call and that person is not at home), suspicious (the cards that may read Mickey Mouse, etc,).

So, you decide for yourself. It is very easy to find information on anybody, any group, especially non-for-profits and political affiliates. If nothing else, my advice to the GOP is to do your research!

Despicable - Part 2

2008-10-16T23:18:00.007-05:00

In light of the recent hate parade that seems to have taken over the McCain/Palin campaigns, it appears that was just the start.

First up - a food stamp sent out by Inland Republicans with a picture of Barack Obama with a bucket of fried chicken, watermelon, kool-aid and just everything else you would expect from a racist. This is unbelievable, not to mention, highly offensive.

Second - a GOP flyer depicting Obama as a terrorist! It's one thing for Palin to bring up his so-called "palling around with terrorist," at one of her segregationist rallies, but then for the campaign to take it further by calling him one as well, then advertising it on a flyer is downright wrong as two left shoes.

Finally, and this may be the most despicable.
The McCain campaign has started what is called as robocalls. These solicited calls are from candidates to get you to vote for them. Here is the script from McCain's calls.

"Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC," before telling recipients that they "need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist, Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home, and killed Americans."

This, ladies and gentlemen is ILLEGAL! You do NOT, as a politician, call people's homes and defame your opponent, that is truly illegal campaign practices.

I sincerely hope that these states (Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota and others) take action against McCain. After all, he just said in last night's debate that he has repudiated every attack made by a Republican against Obama. Yet, his own campaign are making these type of calls. Unbelievable! Yes, he gets yet another despicable award!

I Wanna Rock Witchu!

2008-10-16T22:13:00.008-05:00

I had the privilege of seeing Janet Jackson on September 25, 2008 in Chicago, IL. This was before the illness, which we now know was migraine-induced vertigo. This was before all of the cancelled shows. In fact, the night could not have been more perfect. Outside of the fact, that we waited in a car line to get into the parking lot of Allstate Arena that trailed all the way onto I-90, the night was great.

Now let me say, I purchased my V.I.P. ticket months ago. In fact, it was a part of my annual tax return gift to myself. Although this year, the ticket was slightly more than my tax return. I even wondered afterward if the $250 I spent to sit in the gold section was worth it. IT WAS SOOOOOOO WORTH IT! We were so close we could actually touch her. Now, I can't imagine going to a concert and sitting up in the bleachers or nose bleeds. I have to tell you, it is not the same thing.

First up was L.L. Cool J.

LL was decent, not great, but definitely good. The strongest part of his set was in the middle, when he went into a steady stream of his hits. With lots of shots of his guns and plenty of lip-licking for us ladies. Yet, it was how he ended his set that kind of had me scratching my head. He ended it with a song that I imagine might serve as the outro on his new album. He started rapping, and walked off-stage still talking with everyone thinking he would come back out, but he didn't - to be honest it was kind of weird.

So, the cous-de-gras was Ms. Nasty. For a woman who claims to be 42, she looks freakin fantastic! She has the smallest waist I have ever seen on a woman, and in stark contrast one of the biggest booties for a waist that size. As soon as she came out, there were comments flying all over place. One woman sitting begind me said, "I want her ass so bad." Now I do realize that comment is a bit double-sided. Anywho, Janet unveiled every popular song from all of her albums, even the first two that nobody counts. This woman moved about the stage and danced for 2 1/2 hours. I was in awe of her. She was humble and graceful, and truly an icon!

She just doesn't stop...

More JJ

She is so fierce!!!

Flawless!

Joe-the-Plumber is Really Joe-Six-Pack!

2008-10-16T21:09:00.010-05:00

One day after the final presidential debate, we have a star folks! Nope, this time it wasn't Barack Obama and consequently, it was not John McCain. Nope, it was Joe-the Plumber!

John McCain unleashed a litany of charges against Barack Obama's tax plan by saying that his plan would hurt Joe-the-Plumber by raising taxes on those who make more than $250K, and that if Joe bought his plumbing business, he would be penalized for being successful.

He brought up Joe-the-Plumber so much that I began to wonder if Joe was a part of his campaign. In fact, maybe he decided that Joe-the-Plumber should be his running mate instead of Sarah-the-Hockey-Mom! It was this constant bringing up of the plumber that gave him one of his worst moments of the night. Take a look!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Ole Johnny Boy looked like he had pooped his pants when Barack said Joe's fine would be zero.

But that was yesterday, with technology forcing media and its counterparts to run 24/7, the researchers were relentless. Turns out Joe Wurzelbacher, who is better known as "Joe-the-Plumber," really ISN'T A PLUMBER! Yep, you read that right. Members of the National Plumbers Union checked him out on their site, which lists all registered and licensed plumbers in each state and good ole Joe wasn't listed. Turns out he is some regular guy, who may or may not work in the plumbing business who makes around $40K a year and who many believe was a pawn by the McCain campaign.

Video shows that he was in the neighborhood playing football with his son while Barack Obama was with local volunteers canvassing the neighborhood for votes. May I also note that he has never met McCain and it is very likely he never will. Afterall, Republicans don't usually go to regular middle-class areas canvassing for votes. Whatever the real case is of he and Obama's meeting, one thing is clear, Joe is most definitely not a plumber. If he wanted to buy a plumbing business, he may want to get licensed first, you know because it's a requirement. Nope, Joe is sitting at home with a six-pack trying to figure out how he wound up being the center of attention in the most historic presidential campaign ever. I believe he is also a member of the reverse-Anderson affect. It is my belief this self-prescribed northern non-Yankee will tell all of his buddies he's voting for McCain, I mean after all, McCain won't raise his taxes (yeah right). But I think Joe-Six-Pack will go into that voting booth, realizing that in order for him and the rest of his middle-class buddies to keep buying those six-packs, he may need to vote for the black guy.

COOL PIC OF THE DAY!

2008-10-15T01:24:00.004-05:00

I must admit - Black Love is so beautiful! I love this pic also because they are doing something not readily associated with us, and that makes this so COOL!

KILLA BEE!

2008-10-15T00:19:00.006-05:00

Okay, so on my previous post, I posted the two new singles that Beyonce dropped on Friday. I was not a huge fan of both songs, but felt they were solid. Then yesterday, Beyonce had the nerve, I mean the absolute audacity to drop both videos on the same day. And just like that, I was sucked in. Both videos are HOT!!! Not to mention, the videos make you LOVE the songs. DAMMIT BEYONCE!

She is one of those people, as soon as you think, maybe she fell off, or needs to go on a two-year hiatus, she comes at you with something so good, you are surfing the net at work to check it out.

SINGLE LADIES

This was the song that I liked the least when I first heard it. I thought it sounded like a bootleg "Get Me Bodied". Then I saw the video, and even in its simplicity, it was fierce! First, let me say, her body is sick! I want to be in "Beyonce shape," because clearly, she has her own anatomy. The black and white was fitting, the dancers were killing it, and they were attractive and very complimentary. But, I think what floored me, was the video had my attention, from the first synth to the very end when she laughs.

IF I WERE A BOY

Now, I did like this song when I heard it, however, I thought it was more feel-good pop than she normally does. The video, however, takes this song to a whole new level. It is, shall I say, DEEP! The message is clear and unlike, Ciara's "Like a Boy," it is not simply a change of wardrobe. Beyonce gutter punches men with this song, but not in a hateful way, but in a vulnerable, this is my side, kind of way. I will predict now, that this song will be a HUGE hit. Even bigger than Irreplaceable! What I love about it is just like "Single Ladies," she has the black and white theme. Yet, in this video she is very stripped down, not too much makeup, no lace front wigs or weave, and she looks great.

If nothing else, Beyonce constantly reinvents herself and she makes you feel something for her, be it love or hate.

DESPICABLE!

2008-10-12T23:25:00.004-05:00

I was perusing Huffington Post this evening when I came across the most disturbing story thus far in this election.

At a Palin rally on Saturday, a supporter, an older white male showed up with a monkey doll in his hand that wore an Obama bumper sticker around its head. He looked into a camera, laughing and waving the monkey as he stood in line to get into the rally. Even amidst, Obama supporters across the street, who began to shout, "Racist," he still raised the monkey and laughed.

I knew that race would eventually become an issue in this race, but it is still jarring to see it so blatantly today. Even in 2008, people still have the nerve to walk around carrying unrepentant notions of hate, and in this election, some have proudly exploited it.

I think what is even more despicable is the fact that the other people in the lines are smiling as if amused, and not one person said anything to him or even tried to stop it! God help us!

Inspiration - Behind the Scenes with the Obamas!

2008-10-10T23:19:00.003-05:00

This is a true example of what America needs. While we have watched hate and racism take over the McCain campaign, Barack Obama is releasing behind the scenes footage of him and his family in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

The scene where he is watching Michelle speak about him and their family and he is rubbing his wedding ring and you can tell it hits him emotionally - I almost couldn't take it.

Then when they showed him and Biden at the end messing up the PSA, and then of course laughing about it, I found myself smiling and laughing with them. This is what America needs, if you want to call it change that's fine. I call it - Real People!

Abuse of Power - Alaska Panel Decides!

2008-10-10T22:47:00.006-05:00

According to the Associated Press, Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin has been found by an Alaskan bi-partisan Legislative Council to have unlawfully abused her power as governor. From months of investigating, they found that while she didn't break any laws per se, she did abuse her power by trying to fire her former brother-in-law as state trooper.

"Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report to a bipartisan panel that looked into the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain."

Public safety commissioner Walter Monegan was fired and he immediately stated that he felt he was fired because he refused to fire Trooper Wooten when he was in the middle of a bitter divorce battle with Palin's sister. Yesterday, preempting the Council's report, the McCain campaign issued a statement stating that Monegan was fired due to a budget dispute. Apparently he was insubordinate.

After the report was released this evening, Monegan said that he felt vindicated regarding his firing. Immediately, the McCain campaign tied this investigation to the Obama campaign. However the committee chairperson, Sen. Kim Elton, said that is impossible since the investigation began prior to Palin accepting her party's nomination.

The most scathing part of the investigation is the fact that her husband, Todd Palin spoke privately with Monegan in her office shortly after she became governor about Trooper Wooten. He also made several phone calls to members of the staff regarding his personal feelings about Wooten, not to mention constantly putting out information that Wooten had threatened their family. Even if this were true, he has NO position. He is not a part of Palin's administration, he is the "first dude". This means that he overstepped his boundaries and compromised his wife's job as governor.

This news has definitely given a hit to an already spiraling campaign. Now mainstream media is wondering where this is going to go. Will Monegan now sue Palin for firing him? He was a "classified" employee, and he was union, which meant he wasn't at-will, thus his firing was unusual. We don't know, but one thing for sure, the Straightalk Express has lost yet another wheel!

New Music - Beyonce!

2008-10-09T01:04:00.005-05:00

"IF I WERE A BOY"

"SINGLE LADIES (Put a Ring On It)"

I have to be honest, I wasn't wowed by either track. "If I Were A Boy," is a pop ballad. It has that Irreplaceable feel to it. I imagine, she will blow this live, but I am not sure how urban radio friendly this song will be. "Single Ladies," sounds a lot like Get Me Bodied, but a little more futuristic. It will have to grow on me, but both songs are solid. I guess I am waiting on that "oh yes this is it" track. Haven't heard it yet.

Needless to say, media blogs have had a field day with these singles leaking on the day that Michelle Williams' album came out. Don't know if there is some correlation there, but it makes sense. Her album does come out next month.

Michelle Obama - a true First Lady!

2008-10-09T00:55:00.004-05:00

This is why she is going to be the next First Lady! I love her, she is so classy and gracious. She makes not only black women, but women look good. Not to mention, I love her and Barack's relationship.

I thought she was nice, above the pettiness and honest. She clearly is NOT an angry black woman. Go Michelle!

The View gets Political!

2008-10-09T00:44:00.006-05:00

Can I just say I can't stand Elizabeth Hasselback!

She has become a stool pigeon for the RNC and the right-wing! Everyday, she finds some other way to bash Barack Obama and it has gotten to the point of ridiculum.

I was surprised that Sherri Shephard snapped because she seems a bit conservative at times and often seems to side with Elizabeth. But I guess now her far-right ideals have gone too far. She sounds like a close-minded, bigoted self-righteous pawn!

I don't even watch this show, but this was really good television!

That One?

2008-10-08T22:45:00.004-05:00

So like me, I am sure many Americans, not to mention all those from all over the world who were tuned in, caught the second presidential debate last night. There are so many things that I could say, but I will provide the highlights (and lowlights) of the debate.

Question: "Who would you pick for Treasury Secretary in your administration?"
Answer - McCain: "Not you Tom!"

Question: "What do you propose to help climate change, the environment, etc.?"
Answer - McCain: "...What's the best way to fix it? Nuclear power. Senator Obama says it has to be safe or disposable or something like that...look I was on navy ships that had nuclear power plants."
Answer - Obama - "The big problem in energy is that for 30 years, politicians in Washington, haven't done anything. What Senator McCain hasn't said is that he's been there for 26 of them, and during that time he voted 23 times against alternative fuels."

On energy:
McCain: "There was a Senate Bill on energy loaded down with goodies, billions of goodies for the oil companies. It was sponsored by Bush and Cheney. You know who voted for it? You might never know - THAT ONE!"

Oliver Clark (Brotha in the audience) Asks How the bailout package is going to help regular people out.
McCain: "I bet you never heard of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before this crisis."

Question: "What are your priorities and in what order regarding healthcare, energy and entitlement reform (social security and Medicare)
McCain: "I think you can work on all three at once."
Obama: "We're going to have to prioritize, because families have to prioritize. 1) Energy we have to deal with today because here in TN, you are paying $3.8o here in Nashville for gas...countries like Russia, Venezuala are benefitting from it....2) Healthcare - because it is bad not only for families but making businesses less competitive. 3) Education, so that our young people are competitive in a global economy."

Question: "How will the economy affect the military might?"
Obama: "You know Senator McCain said it in the last debate and againt tonight that I don't understand. It's true, there are some things I don't understand. I don't understand how we ended up invading a country that had nothing to do with 09/11. While Osama Bin Laden and the Al Quaeda are setting up base camps to train terrorists to attack us...He suggested when we invaded Iraq that it would be quick and easy, that was the wrong judgment. And it's been costly to us."

Question: "In two years, how will you address the problems with social security, medicare and tax plans?"
Obama: "We'll have to take on entitlement and do it quickly. Might not be able to do it in 2 years, but at least during the first term of my presidency. Can't fix Social Security and Medicare until we fix the problems with the tax policies. Senator McCain, I think the Straighttalk Express lost a wheel on that one."

The QUOTE OF THE NIGHT!
Question: "Would you cross Pakistan's borders if they chose to side with Iran or were hiding bin Laden?"
McCain: "Like the great Teddy Roosevelt would say, talk softly but carry a big stick. Use force on Pakistan, but talk softly."
Obama: "No one called for the invasion of Pakistan. However, if they were unable and unwilling to give up Bin Laden if he is within their sights, then we will. Now Senator McCain suggests that somehow I'm just green behind the ears and spouting off and he's somber and responsible." McCain: "Thank you very much." Obama: "Senator McCain, this is the guy who sang, 'Bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran!' Who called for the annihilation of North Korea! That I don't think is an example of speaking softly. We hadn't even finished Afghanistan and he said, 'Next up - Baghdad'!"

This was the highlight of the debate for me because Obama stuck it to him. For someone who was supposed to be so strong in a town hall setting and on foreign policy, McCain clearly fell short.

So, the winner is: Barack Obama! *APPLAUSE>>>>>>>>>*

The Buzz! New Music/Videos

2008-10-08T00:11:00.005-05:00

So today, I come across videos for two songs that I believe will slowly but surely change the face of hip hop. I don't think that it is a coincidence that both artists come out of Chicago and I further don't think it is a coincidence that they are both affiliated with one another.

First off the cuff is Mr. West, Mr. West! He's been kind of quiet lately. He surprised fans with his decision to perform "Love Lockdown" at the VMA's even before the song got radio play. I liked it then, I love it now. The video is a bit awkward, but then it does fit the mood and the lyrics of the song. Check it out.

But another pleasant surprise was "Universal Mind Control," by Common. Coming off probably one of the best years he has ever had in both music and film, not to mention cuffing Serena Williams as his girlfriend. Common, drops this Pharrell-produced futuristic-yet-old-school inspired hip hop track that you immediately want to shake your groove thang to. It's different, yet somehow familiar. I love it, it proves why these two are trendsetters in hip hop.

These are my two vids for the day, but with a few eagerly anticipated records coming out this winter, I am sure there will be much more hot music in '08!

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-24T01:00:00.004-05:00

Okay, why is it that when someone in Hollywood comes out, it is always someone that everyone ALREADY KNEW WAS GAY! So, who is our latest outer???

Clay Aiken!

Shocker, yes I know. I mean come on, if you didn't know when he was on American Idol belting out showtunes, that he was singing for the other team, then you are just blind. However, to me, he clearly outed himself when he decided to artificially impregnate 50 year-old Jaymes Foster, who happens to also be his BFF. I mean how gay is that? Well, the broadway favorite will be gracing the cover of People Magazine with his bundle of joy who somehow encouraged the move.

However, what really warms my cockles (don't ask) is the knowledge that Kathy Griffin, who has made talking about his sexuality infamous and often refers to him as "Gaykin", will have quite the material with this bit of juicy news.

Randomness for 09/23/08!

2008-09-23T23:26:00.005-05:00

I admit it, I have neglected this blog for the past couple of months, but I have been working like two hebrew slaves and a Haitian lately, so I do apologize.

Well, we are about five weeks off of voting for our next president and I am starting to get antsy. I don't understand the common sense of the American public. Yes, I know there is racism, sexism, elitism, etc. But, when Lehman brothers is about to fail, HP lets 25,000 people go and AIG has to be bailed out by the feds, then all of those isms have to go out the window. This election is about common sense. When Thomas Payne penned the papers with that title hundreds of years ago, he was in a similar conundrum, dealing with Europeans fresh off the boat who somehow wanted an "American dream in a new land," but couldn't let go of the tyranny of the monarchy.

HELLO PEOPLE! THIS IS NOT FUNNY ANYMORE...THAT SENIOR CITIZEN AND HIS PIECE OF ALASKAN EYE CANDY CLEARLY AREN'T QUALIFIED OR READY! YOU CAN'T SUCCESSFULLY RUN THE WHITE HOUSE PLAYING OFF THE SENSATIONALISM OF PLAYING ON PEOPLE'S EMOTIONS. THEY HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT SQUAT SINCE THEY HOOKED UP AND PEOPLE HAVE THE NERVE TO ACTUALLY BELIEVE THEY SHOULD VOTE FOR THEM!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, OUR COUNTRY HAS SUFFERED ENOUGH, PEOPLE MADE THAT MISTAKE FOUR YEARS AGO, EIGHT YEARS AGO AND WE ARE TRULY PAYING THE PRICE!

I hated to get all font serious, but darnit I have to put my foot down and contribute to this blatant American ignorance. The world wants Obama and Biden - literally. They could take a poll of that and the numbers would be nowhere near close. That, in and of itself should be enough. I mean we actually have people shunning the hardworking Harvard Law grad over the West Point dude who graduated at the bottom. Praising the man who got into politics after going hunting with his jump-offs' family connections, while criticizing the other for being a part of effective community organizing. There is something wrong in American culture, when the answer is so clear, yet people still have to find something wrong.

Half-dead and clearly on his way to early onset Alzheimer's, McCain has support when it is quite possible if he won, he could die in the White House and his moose milf would then take his place. This Bush/Cheney puppet in a skirt with lipstick could end up being our leader - the chills won't stop running up my arm!

But the thing that infuriates me the most are these "Dixiecrats" who claim they were Hillary supporters but now support McCain, and feel that Obama made some grave mistake not picking Hillary as his VP (newsflash, her hubby went on the View and said she didn't want to be the VP) and now Palin will make history instead of Hillary. First of all, the Clintons have disappointed me even further because instead of standing by Obama and campaigning for him, they have sat back still licking their wounds and wondering why their "----- entitlement," didn't get them the nomination. Meanwhile, Obama remains close in way too many states that he should be running away with, and he has only gotten lukewarm at best, support from the Clintons. In fact, Billy was on David Letterman with that same soreloserness and Chris Rock gave the funniest synopsis of them that I've heard.

On a lighter note, 30 Rock took Best Comedy, Best Comedic Actress (Fey), and Best Comedic Actor (Baldwin) and I couldn't be happier. I just want to say that 30 Rock is the best show on television, and considering that I practically don't watch television shows anymore (that's because there are none, it's all reality) that says a lot. But I came across the show towards the end of last season, and I love it. Intellectual, satirical comedy at it's best and the laughs keep coming. They have incredible guest stars and the cast is damn near perfect. The new season starts on Halloween, so watch it. Thursday nights on NBC, you won't regret it, and I love that Fey, who is fresh off of impersonation infamy for her dead-on portrayal of Sarah Palin on SNL showed up to the Emmy's in a sexy yet elegant gown minus her signature glasses. Congrats to her for creating, directing and writing a great show and to her and the cast on a much deserved Emmy win.

Northern Exposure!

2008-09-03T23:57:00.003-05:00

So tonight, the nation was supposed to get to know Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, who is the Vice Presidential candidate for the Republican ticket. We watched her come out and then go on an almost vicious tirade against Barack Obama, the Washington elite and the main stream media.

She very briefly told her story of how she was just a small town girl from Wasilla, Alaska where she eventually became the mayor before becoming the governor of Alaska. She briefly talked about her family, her husband, her kids, including her youngest who is a down syndrome baby. She went into a victim-laden tirade about how unfair the media has been against her family, and she even found enough time to criticize Barack Obama on his "inexperience". (As if Rudy Giuliani didn't do that enough).

However...

I made a list, and unfortunately, she didn't even touch one item on my list.

Here's the list...

1) The economy
2) The plan for the Iraq war
3) Housing crisis
4) Environmental issues - green economy
5) National security
6) Women's rights (after all she is a woman)

And to my shock and surprise, she didn't talk about ANY of the above! I mean, am I wrong, but isn't this a presidential election? Shouldn't we be talking about the issues? I just don't understand the Republican convention as a whole. Since day one, all we have heard from them is a litany of stories about John McCain's POW experience. All we have heard is a barrage of fear-rendering stories about 9/11, and all we have been force-fed is how dangerous the world is now. I feel like I am watching the same old crap. Let's instill fear, grab our guns, hold on to our self-righteousness and somehow trust this moose lady from northern territory. ARE THEY SERIOUS???

This is what Barack Obama was talking about. OLD POLITICS! Let's attack the opponent, let's create a dramatic story about ourselves and simply evade the real issues. This is no surprise, it is a regurgitation of OLD WASHINGTON, and aside from her being able to stand there and read a teleprompter well, I don't feel like I really got to know why she was the best candidate for vice president.

The other story...

They gleaned to Barack Obama's words to the media stating that families are off-limits. Yet, she exploited her family and showed them off tonight, almost using them as props throughout and then after her speech.

They (the right) claimed that the media was sexist and unfair to her because she is a woman. Yet, many delegates wore buttons that said: "HOTTEST VP FROM A COOL STATE!" As if that isn't sexist.

Then finally, Palin had the audacity to get up on stage and attack Barack Obama for lack of experience...ARE YOU FREGGIN KIDDING ME??? She is the poster child for inexperience and cluelessness. After all, this is the same woman who got on television, C-SPAN to be exact, and asked, "I just want someone to tell me exactly what a vice-president does?" And this was a month ago!!!

I have had enough. I don't want to hear another damn story about what happened to him over 40 years ago. I don't want to hear another story about what he voted on in the Reagan administration, which was over 25 years ago. And I certainly don't want to hear about him being a maverick, when quite honestly, John McCain hasn't done squat besides tirelessly trying to run for president over the past eight years, while his Republican colleagues have set us back.

At the end of the day, as a woman, who aspires to be a wife and a mother someday in a country where I would want my family to be safe, Sarah Palin fell unequivocally short of what I expect and need from a vice president. She tonight, came off as Dick Cheney in a skirt, and that's downright scary. But most of all, I don't feel like I got to know her at all. All I know is she can kill a moose, she's a mom, a wife and the governor of a state most Americans don't really know that much about.

The Promise...45 Years in the Making!

2008-09-01T23:53:00.009-05:00

There are moments in our lives that as soon as we are in them, we know that we are a part of something big, monumental and unforgettable. All through the last week in August I caught glimpses of the Democratic National Convention. Opting not to become glued to the tube, but rather catching glimpses of speeches from Michelle, Hillary, Bill and Joe (don't celebrities operate on first names?)

Then on Thursday, August 28, 2008, one day after my birthday, I went to the newsstand in my building, and there on the cover of the Chicago Sun-Times was a larger-than-life picture of Martin Luther King and it hit me that it was the day of the infamous, "I Have A Dream," speech. The next thing that registered was how Barack's "big" speech was that night. I had been silently, but eagerly anticipating it for a week. So, here the day had come, 45 years to the day, and history was not repeating itself. And the #45 was more than the jersey Jordan returned in, no, instead something else was happening.

I didn't linger at work, instead, I hot-tailed it out of the office and came home, and there seemed to be a deep anticipation among Chicagoans all in the air. When I got home, I quickly got my evening chores/errands out of the way so I could watch THE SPEECH. I turned on C-SPAN and watched Al Gore passionately talk about the environment and Barack's plan to explore a greener society and the jobs it would create. I watched Joe Biden hit the stage and deliver another powerful speech. Then my grandmother called and we spoke on the phone as the video of Barack's life hit the screen. The story of who he was and who he has become unfolded before our eyes. Every detail of his separation from his father, being partially raised by his white grandparents, and his rise to this moment. Then all of a sudden, he strolled out onto the stage, very humbly and with that million dollar smile that we have come to know so well.

As he spoke, I listened to my grandmother thank God and state how she couldn't believe that she lived to see this moment occur. I felt a strange yet comforting sense of pride that my generation played a big part in this happening. Barack was eloquent, humble, powerful, sympathetic, aggressive and presidential. He had so much hope and faith and love in his speech. His words made you feel proud to be American again. He made you feel like YOU could change the world. Unlike so many of his predecessors, he didn't go into a love fest about himself, in fact he came out and said, "This isn't about me, this about YOU!" I sat there and listened to him speak, and a sense of overwhelming American pride came over me, along with a sense of pride about being black. I felt the tears of my ancestors, people who have passed on who spoke of this happening one day. I couldn't help but think about MLK's speech. The cameras panned out into the crowd, and you saw blacks and whites standing side by side, holding hands, hugging, clapping together, crying together and honestly healing together. It was as if the balm that this country so desperately needs to mend the broken hearts of slavery and racism was finally applied and for the first time people began to heal and move on.

I saw old, young, black, white, Hispanic, Asian and people from so many different walks of life sharing in this moment, and it meant so much to each and every one of them. I couldn't help but to shed a tear, because for a brief moment, the dream was a reality. I don't know if King and Obama would agree on all the issues, but I do believe that King would be proud of Obama. I believe that Obama is the key to the promise that each American deserves the right to have. The promise that he spoke of could only be delivered by someone like him. He put a whole new meaning to the term DESTINY. But more importantly he put a whole new meaning in the hearts of everyone who watched and began to feel a part of the American promise.

HISTORIC!!!

The Future First Family!

Intimate Moments...and we thought the fist bump was cool, I just love how loving the future president and first lady are with each other.

Emotions ran strong throughout the convention, but after Barack's speech, the floodgates opened. Many felt his speech was a huge part of how American can finally begin to heal from years of tension being ignored.

It was truly a historic moment in our nation's history!

Ha Ha Ha!!! The WTF Moment for the Summer...

2008-08-13T00:57:00.002-05:00

Now I know reporters have to give you their TV voice and be professional, but this dude just did a complete 180 when unexpectedly, a fly flies into his mouth....LOL!

Whewwww, now that was funny!

The World Just Got a Little Less Funny...

2008-08-13T00:26:00.004-05:00

That's what George Clooney said when he heard that comedian Bernie Mac passed. I instantly thought about the very first time I saw him. It was on Def Comedy Jam, and when he finished his set, that's when I realized that some people have to work hard at their craft to be funny and be successful in the business of comedy, but then others just have to be themselves. Whether you liked him or not, Bernie Mac was hilarious! He could make anybody laugh, and what made him so endearing is that he never appeared to be trying, he was just funny. It is still surreal to me....rest in peace Mac Man.

Who You Wit?

HOPEFUL? Now take a bow.

2008-07-16T22:59:00.007-05:00

Ever since Jesse Jackson put his whole foot and ankles into his mouth last week, by stating that he felt Barack Obama was speaking down to black people with his faith-based program initiative, and then went further by stating he wanted to cut his nuts off, I've been thinking.

I've been thinking that yes, my first instinct was indeed right.

JESSE JACKSON IS JEALOUS AS HELL THAT BARACK OBAMA IS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT!

I mean look at the facts....

Two black men

Both raised by their mothers, and grandmothers

Both raised lower class to middle class

Both went to good schools, and received great education

Both became pillars in Chicago politics

Both live on the southside of Chicago

Both ran for president

Both had platforms surrounding the idea of HOPE!

Yet, Barack became the nominee and by this time in '84 and then again in '88, we were watching Michael Dukakis smiling and shaking hands, while Jesse went fishing. While he has built an international name for himself, he has also somehow not done enough to have SUPERSTAR status!

There weren't celebrities writing songs about him. He certainly didn't break records by raising almost $55 million dollars within a month during his primary. He also never was able to defeat a political machine like the Clintons. Let's face it, you lose to Michael Dukakis, it's a wrap.

Yes, Jesse Jackson is the epitome of my parent's generation. All talk - no action! I say it all the time, our generation has to pick up the pieces left on the ground by our parents. Pieces that will somehow move our community forward instead of keeping us stagnant since the civil rights era. Jesse Jackson's message of change, come on now, we all know it: KEEP HOPE ALIVE! But once you get that hope, what do you do with it? Barack, on the other hand, said, we have the AUDACITY TO HOPE, and then took it further by saying, "Can we win the white house? YES WE CAN! His message is precise, hopeful, yet realistic. He is about taking a stand, and doing what needs to be done, truthfully by any means necessary, but in a calm and peaceful way. I imagine that infamous conversation that took place between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King served as the blueprint for the very message Obama is giving today.

Jesse Jackson had his moment - twice! He had his time during his prime, and he fell short. Perhaps, it wasn't the right time. Perhaps it wasn't enough. Either way, 20 years later, here we are again, except now, this hopefulness is working. So my advice to Jesse is to take a bow, be proud of the road you set, but stop HATING because the new flock is making it work. Not only are they making it work, but we have HOPE that it will bring the change we so desperately need.

Hip-Hop ROCKS!!!

2008-07-16T21:51:00.003-05:00

The Glastonbury Festival is a 38 year-old festival with music, mostly rock that was founded by Michael Eavis. It first took place just one day after Jimi Hendrix died on Eavis' farm, where attendees paid one lire and got a glass of free milk from the farm's cows. Over the years, this festival has played host to acts such as Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, Joe Cocker, Oasis, Radiohead and Sting. It is this rock and blues sort of spiritual hippy concert that can only be compared to Woodstock, except Glastonbury occurs every year.

Through the years, the numbers have gone from 3,500 people to well over 100,000. The ticket sales usually fund big charities and attendees have made mud a second home. While the outdoor concert normally takes place in June, it is usually cool and rainy in England at this time. Last year's festival featured The Arctic Monkeys headlining the Pyramid Stage on Friday night and The Who rocked as the closing band on Sunday. Other acts included Bjork, Shirley Bassey, Iggy Pop, CSS, The Go Team, Amy Winehouse, MIA, Kate Nash, Billy Bragg, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damian Marley, Lily Allen and The Chemical Brothers. There was an attendance of 153,000. Tickets were £145 which included a program and the tickets sold out in one hour and forty-five minutes. However, it rained like the heavens were opening up and the mud was so bad, people came in plastic bags.

So fast forward to June 2008 - it is just a week before the festival and 137,000 tickets have been sold with about 3,000 left unsold. Highly unusual for the festival and some critics believe it is because American rapper Jay-Z is headlining the pyramid on Saturday. In fact Noel Gallagher from the band, Oasis, said he felt having a hip-hopper headline took away from the spirit of the festival. So amid much criticism and days of speculation, HOV hit the stage.....

AND MADE HISTORY...

BUT IT DIDN'T END THERE, BEFORE HOV HIT THE STAGE, LUPE GAVE AN INCREDIBLE
APPETIZER!

CHITOWN STAND UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lupe put his foot in this performance, OMG! And they had the nerve, the actual audacity to question whether or not hip-hop had a place at Glastonbury??? WHAT? Oasis doesn't have anything on either one of these performances. This is the kind of thing, that affirms why I love hip-hop so much. They made freggin history. I love how when they panned to the audience, those British kids knew like every word. So to Noel Gallagher, breathe in and breathe out, in fact inhale it real good, that smell is called REAL HIP-HOP, and in case you were wondering, it's taking OVER!

Miscellaneous Randomness - The June Edition!

2008-06-23T22:48:00.012-05:00

Well folks it's been almost a month since I have regurgitated random thoughts on this blog, so here is some randomness for the month of June.

So, the weather is officially HOT now, which means that we ladies are having the feet out more. Now, thus far I have seen quite a few infractions...ladies, please oil, grease, moisturize or whatever you do to your feet before you pull them out all willy nilly. People of color do get ash, and thus when we show more skin, moisture is important. Go ahead, splurge, get that pedicure, you'll love it and so will your feet. For some, it is just plain necessary.

It is with sadness that I report the death of comedian, George Carlin. I really liked him, I always thought his incredible wit, penchant for finding humor in a ridiculous government, and his courage to attack the wrongs of this country were what made him brilliant.

I think I was about ten or eleven, the first time I watched his stand up. That was the first time I heard the term "N.I.M.B.Y." otherwise known as Not In My Backyard. Nimby was Carlin's way of telling people that we are all okay with righting the wrongs of society, as long as it's not in our backyards. Put the prisoners, juvenile delinquents, drug addicts, etc. in some far away place and we'll all be okay. He will be greatly missed.

BEEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clearly this weekend was the weekend for all of those with beef with someone else to let it rip. First up....Ice T and Soulja Boy????????? What?

As you can hear in this clip, Ice T basically feels that Souljah Boy singlehandedly ruined hip hop. I might be willing to agree, but I can't give the tike that much credit. While his song had soccer moms learning the dance, it is my belief in three years he will be long forgotten, thus he can't be given credit for such a feat in this great genre. No, in fact, many lame MC's contributed to the fall of hip hop.

Now, folks before you get the popcorn, there is a zippy and unexpected twist to this drama. Yes, another player has entered this Act and it is none other than Kanye West. Now as much as I support this hometown guy, he is a bit nuts at times. This is DEFINITELY one of those times.

His comments on the matter, according to Mediatakeout.com:

"Soulja Boy is fresh as hell and is actually the true meaning of what hip hop is 'sposed to be. He came from the hood, made his own beats, made up a new saying, new sound and a new dance with one song. He had all of America rapping this summer. If that ain't Hip Hop then what is? A bunch of wannabe keep it real rappers that ain't even relevant, recycling samples trying to act like it's 96 again and all they do is hate on new sh*t? N*ggas always talk about the golden age but for a 13 year old kid, this is the golden age!!! That song was so dope cause everything he said had a hidden meaning... that's Nas level shit... he just put it over some steel drums which is also some Nas shit if you had the 2nd album cassette with the bonus track "Silent Murder" on it. In closing... new n*ggas get ya money$$$$$$$$$$ Keep this sh*t fresh and original.... ain't no f*ckin' rules to this sh*t and that's what real hip hop is to me. "

WTFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is Kanye smoking that stuff? Is he sipping the yak? Comparing Soulja Boy to Nas is like comparing that hooker on Madison and Halsted to the Bunny Ranch. Two separate worlds. To make matters worse, he went even further, by stating on his blog that they have similar styles and music!!! First of all, when Nas first hit, he didn't even have a label, manager or promotion. They dropped him thinking his underground hip hop style would fall flat, instead of getting five mics from The Source and becoming an instant classic. Soulja Boy has one hit, and he has soccer moms doing his dance. Nas didn't inspire a new dance, he inspired a new way of thinking in hip hop. He inspired a consciousness in hip hop with a very real street edge. The two are NOTHING alike. It is just....wait, I need to breathe....it is just unthinkable that Kanye would compare the two and go even further by saying they are just alike! This is insulting as hell, and real heads would have to give him a virtual pimp slap for that grave infraction.

And for HIM to diss mixing samples, something he has made a career out of, is just preposterous! No, it's not '96, but Nas never has cared about everybody loving him or his music. He has always made the kind of music he wants to make. Soulja Boy isn't rapping with hidden meaning. He knew very well that white kids and their moms wouldn't know that "Superman that Hoe" was a porn term. This is complete and utter bullshyt for Kanye to even try and defend such garbage! Clearly they caught him at a high moment.

I digress....

In other BEEF, Shaquille "Overrated and Trying to Be A Cop" O'Neal is running his fat mouth again. Dissing Kobe in a rap he gave at a NY club, he disses him in a "Kobe couldn't do it without me" fashion regarding the Lakers losing to the Celtics in the Finals.

Okay, I need about 30 seconds...

WTFFFFFFFF! Shaq couldn't do it without Dwayne Wade! Let's face it, Shaq has gotten lucky in his career, in that he has always played alongside superstars. Everyone knows the year the Heat won, they were lucky as hell, and if it hadn't been for Wade, the Heat wouldn't have won a damn thing. Shaq was almost nonexistent in the Finals that year, he played not even half the season, and then got hurt going into the playoffs. In fact, it was all that extra playing and compensating that has kept Wade on the bench the past year and a half. As soon as Wade went down, the team had the worst record they've had in years, got swept by the Bulls in the playoffs one year, and just plain didn't make it the next. And this year, the Lakers beat the Suns, so what the hell is Shaq talking about? With Nash, Stoudemaire and Hill, Shaq couldn't get it done, and before he waddled into the desert, they were the favorite in the West.

Did he really say, Kobe made him get a divorce??? Wasn't that slip-up like four or five years ago? Was he really wearing a large chain that said BIG?? See, this is why Shaq has become a joke - he spends too much time on buffoonery in the off season, and less time trying to stay in shape, thus being relevant once the season starts. The funny thing is Kobe will get it without Shaq, and I wonder what Mr. Bigmouth will say then. UUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH!

KNOCKED UP!

So, in the past year, 17 girls at Gloucester High School have gotten pregnant. That's four times the amount the school normally has. Almost all of the girls are high school sophomores, and the Mayor of Gloucester claims that this is because Mayor Patrick Duvall has cut funding for many of the school's programs and the "No Child Left Behind," plan has failed.

All of the girls took Sexual Education in their freshman year, however, the school stopped the practice of passing out contraceptives, when they fired the school doctor for giving out contraception. However, several parents and school officials not only admit to seeing the girls celebrate and high five upon hearing that they've conceived, but some have been hearing about this alleged pact from their kids for months now.

Gloucester, MA is a small fishing town off Cape Ann. Most of the industry for the town comes from fishing, an industry that has taken a hit in this failing economy. Many families have been broken as a result, and many believe that the pact is a quest for unconditional love. Whatever the case, clearly there is a problem and it starts with communicating and then educating the girls at this school. Being a parent is hard, and a lot of work, I pray that they continue with their lives and follow their dreams. We have fallen on hard times, but there is still hope. I just hope they realize this!

The Boston Massacre!

2008-06-18T00:38:00.007-05:00

Put it in the record books folks, because the 2007-2008 NBA season is over! The Boston Celtics are the champions and they did it in dramatic fashion. Let me start from the beginning...

Kevin Garnett was just a young man with a dream when he ended up being the 5th pick in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. I knew him well, the high school phenom from the West Side of Chicago, who made a big name for himself at Farragut Academy, (consequently my father's Alma mater). Yet, he came into the league and quickly became a man. He played hard from day one, he had the drive, discipline and focus of someone much older, and he carried the spirit of the old league.

The following year, the Timberwolves get the 5th pick yet again, and they draft a young star from UCONN named Ray Allen, who basically came into the league a superstar. Having been nationally known in college, appeared in the movie "Blue Chips," and carrying the swagger of a model, Allen was closely watched.

Two years later, a pure shooter from the University of Kansas was picked 10th in the 1998 draft and went straight to Beantown to try to recapture the glory of old.

Over the next decade all three players would struggle in the league and have successes. Garnett stayed much too long in Minnesota showing the world how loyal he was, but also displaying a player with too much talent and humility to leave a situation doomed to fail. Allen would bounce from team to team out west, always contributing but never quite being the right fit. Pierce would emerge as a beast behind the arc, he would team would other hopefuls who fell short, and then somehow fate brought all three of these warriors together.

Now, I will be the first to admit, that in the 80's I couldn't stand the Celtics. They represented the good ole boy team of the start of professional basketball. I was a huge Lakers fan, cheering on Magic, Worthy and Kareem. But today, both teams look dramatically different. After several world wind trades, rumors of trades, contract re-negotiations and perseverance, we received the rematch of the millennium. Lakers/Celtics has so much history, you could feel the nostalgia even with so many new faces. But let's be honest, even with Kobe being the best player in the league, and HE is, that's indisputable. You also had to question the team. Lakers were not the best team, they were just a team with the best player. Tonight, Boston answered loud and clear - they were the BEST TEAM!

My heart is full...I am not jumping on any bandwagon, but I am just plain happy for KG, Pierce and Allen. KG holds a special place in my heart because he has shown so much hard work, humility and perseverance and just flat out deserved it. They outplayed the Lakers pretty much the entire series. They set a record with the largest margin of victory in a Finals game by beating their '65 counterparts. In the end, they brought a massacre to the Boston Garden but completely shutting the Lakers out by 39 points, winning their 17th championship on June 17th, and leaving no doubt that they are indeed CHAMPIONS!

HIDING in Hip Hop!

2008-06-06T23:39:00.004-05:00

Last weekend when I was at Borders, I happened upon this book entitled, "Hiding in Hip-Hop" by Terrence Dean. I read the forward and skimmed a few pages and it seems like a Karrine Steffans-esque book about DL brothas in the hip hop industry, except Dean doesn't specifically name names. Instead, he gives them another name, which I would guess probably somehow references in some way the actual person.

So SOHH.com interviewd Mr. Dean and a few well-known rappers in hip hop, and I have to say some of the comments were more unnerving than this book. Not trying to put a tutu on anyone, well at least not yet, but sometimes, it's how you say something or what you don't say that can tip people off.

See for yourself.

Windows Vista Can Kiss It...

2008-06-06T00:50:00.004-05:00

So a little over a year ago, I went to Best Buy and purchased a brand new computer, and unfortunately for me, not one computer that was on sale had Windows XP, every single one had Vista, and that should have told me something right there.

So, I don't get to use my computer right away because I left to work on a trial for a month. When I get back, I'm in my new spot, my comp is hooked up and now I finally get to use this Vista program. Well immediately I notice that it is a bit slow, and too eager to do all of the things I want to do for me, which I can't stand.

Since then, I have found out that I can't get files, music, etc. off of my old comp because the program isn't compatible with Vista. I have DSL with AT&T, of which I don't even have my AT&T program downloaded onto my comp, because guess what, that's right, it's not compatible with Vista. My old games can't be loaded into my comp, because Vista is still giving everything the finger!!!!!

So, I am here just over a year later, and I want a different operating system. In fact, I am considering investing in a MAC, because I have had it. My computer takes forever to do everything. Downloading music, syncing my Ipod, it doesn't matter, Vista is literally chuckling at it. I am at the point where I would marry an IT guy that could actually somehow fix this without me having to go out and purchase an entirely new computer.

But wait it gets better. So, one day my computer decided to shut down on its own. When I rebooted it, it gave me this cryptic message about files being contaminated, blah blah blah, bullshyt, bullshyt, bullshyt, and so I had enough. I call Microsoft customer service, and I (of course) end up on the phone with Habib from India. After an HOUR on the phone listening to Habib read the proverbial script he's been given, I get thrown to what sounded like three people from three different countries. I put my phone on speaker, sipped a glass of wine to calm my nerves and by the time the calls landed back to the U.S., Katie from Minnesota I suppose finally gets my comp back up and running.

ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

So, in the words of Della Reese in the movie Harlem Nights...Microsoft and their crappy Vista operating system can kiss my ENTIRE ASS!

The Hotness - Jazmine Sullivan!

2008-06-05T01:00:00.003-05:00

I am in the car a few weeks back and I hear this joint on the radio and I turned it waaaaayyy up. Why? Because the voice was so darn good! Now, for those who know me, they know I can't stand regular/free radio. That endless cyclical format of the same garbage doesn't agree with me, so I usually bang cds in my car.

The voice is Ms. Jazmine Sullivan, she sounds like a cross between Sarah Vaughn and Lauryn Hill, which is pretty much amazing in this day in age. Jaz who once sang on Showtime at the Apollo Kids at the age of 11 and brought the house down with "Accept What God Allows", is now about to drop her debut album. The first single "I Need You Bad," a reggae/soul influenced track produced by Missy Elliott is blazing the airwaves and I see nothing but great things for this Philly songstress.

Check her out!

Looking Boy Remix!

2008-06-01T23:14:00.003-05:00

In honor of Kells, who looks like he is on a one-way express train to the Cook County jail looking boy...couldn't help it. But this is the remix to the Hot Sylez and Young Joc joint featuring Kells, and I must say Kells brought it. This remix is just as funny and innovative as the original. Check it out!

Did he really say, "stripper with a bullet wound lookin girl..." LMAOOOOOOOOO! Kells is stupid!

Shoe Shine?

2008-05-29T21:48:00.004-05:00

I will never proclaim to be the smartest person in the world. In fact, I do realize that we in fact learn something new daily. Yet, last night, I saw something I never thought I would see.

My friend Cathy and I went to Jokes and Notes for What Dat Do Wednesdays with Lil Rel. The evening was cool, the crowd last night wasn't that great, but Rel killed as usual. However, the real spectacle occurred when we left out of the club.

Just outside the club there is usually a shoe shine man looking to shine up your shoes for the weekend. Well we leave out last night, and he isn't shining someone's work shoes, dress shoes or gators. No, he is shining this dude's Air Jordan's! WTF! I was flabbergasted! I can honestly say I have never seen anything like that before. So, to commemorate this ghetto event, I took pictures with my camera phone.

First Fridays at the Rink!

2008-05-27T21:33:00.003-05:00

I haven't been to the Rink Fitness Factory in years! It used to be the spot when I was in high school, but since then I have ventured off to other places because I am older and can get into clubs, bars, etc.

However, I came across this video and it is cool to see that we still have a plethora of amazing skaters in the Chi. Check it out...

First Fridays Flashback

If I tried to any of these tricks, I would be in therapy!

Memorial Day Recap!

2008-05-27T20:36:00.004-05:00

Okay, so Sunday was really, really nice. I'm talking 77 degrees and of course in Chicago, it was windy as hell. I felt like I was stuck in a Beyonce video as my hair blew all around my face. All I needed was some high heels and a Versace dress (not to mention her shape to go in the dress). We had dinner at my grandmother's house. It is so weird only having one grandma now, but I have definitely learned to cherish the moments I spend with my family.

Dinner was nice, the usual fanfare with my mother, little cousins, aunt and my brother and his wife, who were in route to spend the day at Great America - my brother is such a kid at heart.

Memorial Day!

I slept in without a care in the world. There is just something about a holiday being on a Monday that just warms me. I finally came out into the land of the living around 1:00, and my mother was on her way to the store to get charcoal! I went up to her apartment, and to her defense she had all of the meat cleaned and seasoned, but by then I half expected everything to be done. The highlight of my day was sharing the Thriller album with my little four year-old cousin Isaiah. We danced around my apartment and sang "Beat It" like we were in the video. Oh the joys of actually listening to good music with today's youth. I was so pleased. My other little cousin, Jonee and I played Blackjack, of which at nine, she is getting very good at.

At one point Isaiah and Jonee were playing around on the ottoman and I noticed something. I think he has a foot fetish! At four! Just little things he has done over the past couple of years, but mainly he seems fascinated with feet. So he wanted his turn on the ottoman so he could fall off and hit the floor hard (must be a boy thing). Well Jonee spent a minute too long on the ottoman and he decided to help her out and push her off. He grabbed her legs and began pushing. Jonee took her feet and began pushing back, yelling, "Smell them." Isaiah laughed and proceeded without hesitating to put her foot in his mouth. I about died. Jonee writhed off the ottoman, spasming from being grossed out, as Isaiah victoriously jumped on the ottoman laughing before falling off with a thud. I will keep a watch on that development. I have a male friend who has a foot fetish, and once I asked him when did it start and he responded at five. I thought that's impossible, but now I am not so sure.

Overall, my holiday was fun and relaxing and the weather was perfect. Memorial Day brought a whopping 83 degrees and breezy in Chicago.

Today....I woke up and padded to the television wondering what the temps would be. I figured it would be a bit cool in the morning, and maybe we would have a high of about 75. The weather lady on WGN news said the high would be 51. I changed the channel. CBS, ABC, and NBC all predicted a high of around 50 degrees. I was still in denial. I decided to open the window and see for myself. I opened up the window and a big gush of COLD air came blowing into my apartment. I quickly shut the window and with disdain, got ready for work. As soon as I stepped outside, my cape flew up in the air and cold air assailed me. Who in the hell left the gate open? What happened to my beautiful summer??? Less then twenty-four hours earlier, it was beach weather!

Well that's it for now. To all of the military men and women, I pray that God keeps you safe, and that you have enough warm memories and inner peace to sustain you!

Miscellaneous Randomness...Memorial Day Edition!

2008-05-26T01:58:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I am happy to say that I finally washed my car this weekend. It was with much procrastination and pep talks that I finally got off my arse at 7:00 pm Saturday evening and washed it. Sad, yes I know, but it feels good to finally have a clean car. Now I am in the club...LOL!

My last random post, I said I was sick of Hillary Clinton, but at this point I just wish this chick would just move to Canada or something. Oh where to begin...let's see she put her foot and her ankle into her mouth on Saturday by explaining her reason for still hanging around in this race being due to RFK's assassination occurring in June of '68! What??? Everyone is trying to understand what that has to do with anything. Is it her way of saying June is the proper time to move on? Is it her subtle way of suggesting to her racist pundits and supporters that maybe Obama should be 86'd by then? Or was it her classless way of somehow reverting how incredibly ridiculous it is for her to still be in this race. Her campaign is $31 million dollars in debt, and if no one offers to cover the debt, it could cost American taxpayers....WTF!!!!!!!! Then, if that's not bad enough, this witch gets on stage in Puerto Rico on Sunday and blames her stupid RFK remark on the Obama campaign, apparently everyone being shocked and appalled by it is completely due to the Obama campaign taking it out of context.

Alright, it is time for the truth to come out. This chick is on ridalin! She has to be, because there is just no way a sane, intelligent woman would open her mouth and say the things that have been flying out of Hillary's mouth. At this point, I personally feel sorry for her supporters, especially all of the women whose dreams and hopes were to see her as the first woman to be president. In the words of the Three Stooges, "IT AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN!"

The Feds arrested 400 immigrants in Iowa. 400! That is unbelievable. I personally think it is harsh for that to occur. I mean these are men, women and children facing prison time for being illegal. But, what if they have been trying to become legalized? Clearly, prison is too harsh.

I decided to do some last minute grocery shopping for the holiday. Get some hot dogs and what not, and as I was making my way back home, I made a stop off South Chicago. For those not from the windy, it is a cross-street on the Southside that runs NE to SE. In the summertime, you may find a lot of bikers along South Chicago. But today, in the midst of our first big warm day, it looked more like Crenshaw in South Central, Los Angeles. Cars sitting on power truck tires were double-parked, females were sitting (crack-out) outside of windows and moonroofs. Men were leathered up on motorcycles and I felt so uncomfortably out of place, I was counting the minutes until I was away from the melee. It was something to see, but it looked like a drive-by waiting to happen. You know that feeling that you get when something bad is about to happen. I practically floored it to the crib.

I counted almost seven muffin tops today. Why do females with guts refuse to wear pants/skirts/shorts that fit their bellies. That too tight, too small look never worked! Speaking of style, I saw a guy on the bus Thursday with a busted high-top fade circa 1990. I didn't realize my mouth was open until it began to feel dry. He reminded me of this boy I graduated from grammar school with. His fade was always off, like his barber didn't realize the amount that should have been cut close and the amount that should remain on the crown of his head. It was even leaning a little bit, I had to blink and check my cell to make sure it was 2008.

For all of those who have family in the military or had them active at some point, I wish you a peaceful Memorial Day! I truly pray the safety of those still overseas, wherever they may be.

Blah Blah Blah! Miscellaneous Randomness - 05/21/08

2008-05-21T21:24:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I have been trying to wash my car for like a month...LOL! That is so sad to say, but either it rains or it is too cold to be at the car wash holding a sprayer. The funny thing is I wasted ten dollars by going to one of those drive-through joints only to realize I needed change to dry my car. I had no change and it was so crowded I didn't even bother trying to park the wet car and find the change machine, so I drove off hoping the wind would dry my car, but I was left with dry wet spots, and the freakin leaves have had a field day with my car. Why is this so hard? I think because I haven't had to do it in a while. I went three years without a car before this year, and prior to that, I always went to the car wash with a guy who would end up taking over and washing it himself...(TO DO: Find male friend to go to the car wash).

I am just wondering if the Celtics will win this series with Detroit. Although they got game one, the last two series, they didn't win one road game, if that continues, then this series will go seven games. Can you imagine having to play 21 games before you make it to the Finals???

The Chicago Bulls got the Number #1 draft pick in the NBA draft this year and I couldn't be happier. This year's draft won't be as good as last year, so those first ten picks or so are important. Not to mention, after the way they ejaculated away this past season, they needed some good news. Now all they need is a decent coach.

I was walking down the alley by my crib today on my way home from work. And as I was walking I saw a car approaching so I moved over to the left. Well the neighbors who live behind where I live, they have a big tree that spills over into the alley, and right when I reached it, a huge bumblebee came flying out of it. At the same time, some old dude in a beat up car comes slowly driving by with the window down talking about, "Hey baby!" Arrrggghhh! I am trying to keep from getting stung, and he is trying to holla...speaking of which. I have a bad history with bees. One time when my mom and I were going into Sears, a bee flew up my dress in the parking lot and stung me on my breast. By the time I got that bee away, I was standing in the parking lot in my slip clutching my left boob...LOL! Yeah, it's funny now, then I was not a happy camper.

Why the hell is Hillary Clinton still in the damn election??? I mean at this point I am just sick of her arse. I am sick of her talking about it's not over and pasting on that fake smile while she "donates" yet another several million dollars to her campaign. All I have to say is a real lady knows when to take a bow.

Yesterday, I went to Walmart with my mum, no I'm not English, I just like the way that sounds. Anyway, I went to purchase a new vacuum, and as we were getting in line, some dumb cashier wouldn't take us, because her girlfriend, who had gotten out of line, left her cart off to the side, had reappeared. In fact, she waited for her to come back and then gladly told my mother and I that we HAD to let her girl go first because she had been there before us, even though she left the line. I was livid. My mother went to get the manager. We ended up in the next line over from hers, and when the manager approached her, she flat-out lied on us. I yelled from where I was standing that she was lying, and we had words. I hate to get loud for any reason, but I can't stand when people do things they know are wrong and then try to act like it's your fault in the end. In fact, she can kiss the left cheek for her horrible customer service.

It's official, my kitty cats are spoiled! Rotten! They have completely taken over my apartment, and traipse around as if they own the joint. But, I love them to pieces, they are so cute.

I will be so glad when I get off of work on Friday. I pretty much like my job, but this week has been especially difficult because I have a project that I will be glad to say goodbye to.

Okay, that's enough randomness for today, wait...

The Chicago police finally arrested Drew Peterson. I mean come on, three mysteriously dead wives and he's walking around like nothing is wrong? If he was black, he would have been buried under the jail. These idiots are talking about seeing soft dirt in the back yard, that should have been checked before now, I can't take it!

Okay, this is enough for real!

Hard Candy = GOOD MUSIC!

2008-05-15T13:20:00.004-05:00

So, I bought this album off of my favorite download site, MP3Fiesta.com. I downloaded it to my comp and then to my Itunes, and had it in my Ipod for about two days before I gave it a real listen.

Then on the bus Friday, I decided to listen to it on the way home. I was bobbing my head and found myself singing along several times. I have to say this album has pleasantly surprised me. I know that Madonna is the queen of reinvention, but she hit this one out of the park. I mean freakin slam-dunked it.

The entire album features platinum production from Timbaland and The Neptunes, with the Neptunes completely outshining on each of their tracks. Madonna returned to her R&B/dance hits that initially made her successful. This album is timeless, there is no way anyone from a hip-hop head to a punk rocker couldn't listen to this and find at least half of the tracks worthy of being in their MP3.

I won't give a complete album review, but I would be remissed if I didn't at least mention the standout tracks. I will admit that when I first heard "4 Minutes" I didn't like it, because we have been almost force-fed music from the Timbaland/Timberlake team for the past year-and-a-half. But, thank goodness on HC, there are only two tracks that heavily feature the Timbs with "4 Minutes" being one of them.

Heartbeat - a Neptunes track, with heavy beats has the synth imogulation you hear on Usher's "Love in This Club," however, the overall melody of the song gives it this 80's feel that is so catchy, you will definitely be singing this in the shower.

She's Not Me - another Neptunes track is incredibly edgy, sexy and an ode to a man who may have moved on, but Madge reminds him repeatedly that the new chick is not her. This is going to be a popular track if she decides to release it. Guitar riffs and handclaps are very reminiscent of Nile Rogers of Chic.

Incredible - wow, another Neptunes track...this is a true pop dance cut, but it has flashes of this futuristic disco sound to it. There is a break down in the song that will have you booty shaking if you weren't already.

Beat Goes On - staying with the Neptunes, this is quite possibly the best track on the whole cd. Featuring Kan the Lous Vuitton Don, it is very urban. The black radio stations will most definitely be rocking this one. This is one of those cool tracks you want to play in the car.

Spanish Lesson - is a funky spanish-influenced track where Madonna comes in and out saying things in Spanish and then translating in English. Whatever, the beat is so hot and SEXY, you almost don't even hear what she's saying. I can't wait to hear this in the club! Oh, and if you were wondering, yep, this one is the Neptunes too.

So cop it if you love good music. Whether you dig Madonna or not, you can't lose with this one. Hard Candy is the business!

Fashion Forward - Alicia Keys!

2008-05-06T15:48:00.007-05:00

Okay it is no secret that Ms. Keys has upped her fashion game since she first sang, "I Keep on Falling..." But who knew that she would tear the roof down. These are pics from her appearance on the Tonight Show with David Letterman last week, and can I just say that her shoe game is phenomenal!!!!!

Umm, is it me or is dude in the crowd photographing her bum??!!

Just absolutely flawless!

And she is representing for the big legs out there...