"Desperate" Housewives of Atlanta

I tuned in. It was whack. I don't think it was necessary for them girls to have a reunion show. I think each of them were itching for a second season. It's scripted. It's campy. It will continue to be a Bravo hit. I do not like Lisa Wu Hartwell. I think she's a phony "shit" starter. She portrayed herself as this neutral, mature woman. I guess she saw that wasn't working in getting her s spin-off because she "doesn't do anything that doesn't make her money." Something about her really didn't sit well with me. Deshawn Snow is the most boring of the bunch. She needs to be replaced. Sheree is okay. She has over compensated herself in the confidence department. If she feels confident spending her husband's money and being in the divorce process for 3 plus years. So be it! Nene is hood. I like her. I think her whole thing tonight with Kim was a little bit much. Kim didn't even flinch a muscle when Nene was jumping stupid or Lisa. Speaking of Kim, without her this show would've been extremely boring. So let's give the Dollar Store Barbie some credit. I'm about to go to bed. I must say that I'll tune into this guilty pleasure next season. They need to ditch Deshawn (DeYAWN) and Lisa, simply because I don't like her. LOL.

A Baked Couch Potato Speaks

Over the last couple of weeks, I've tried to guarantee myself at least one "movie" night with or without friends/families. I have an assorted collection of DVDs that would otherwise gather dust. I've watched a couple of films that I would give a varied number of thumbs, but enjoyed none the less. I've even read a book or two. They are not that new, but they were new to me. Here are a few of my takes on them.

Transamerica

I had been pretty much sold on Felicity Huffman since Desperate Housewives, but she proved herself a real actress in playing a transgendered man in this film. All and all, the film kept my attention and it was a story I hadn't seen played out in film. It had some funny moments and some real dramatic ones as well. Felecity proved that she's truly an actress willing to take risks.

The Namesake

I really enjoy Kal Penn of Harold and Kumar fame. I think he's an effective, quirky actor. So, when I saw the DVD for The Namesake. I jumped at the opportunity to see him take on a meaty, dramatic role. The movie took a minute to really hit me. I was bored as hell with it at first. It really picked up speed as the plot unfolded. The story of a son born to Indian immigrants who feels he has to divorce tradition to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers definitely hit home. The tie-in of the "namesake" was unique as well.
Song of Solomon

If you are a "word nerd" like myself, a book like "Song of Solomon" by literary giant, Toni Morrison, will fill your appetite. It took me forever to finish this book. I would get so busy that I would stop and start, start over, and re-read this book. The book was so good that I didn't want to lose anything. I didn't want to forget one detail. The book follows the life of Macon "Milkman" Dead from birth to adulthood on his quest for identity. Loved it!

Fighting Words

"Fighting Words" is a collection of personal essays by Black Gay Men. I don't think that it's mandatory that you be either Black, Gay, or a Man to really take in everything that this book has to offer. It's well written and on point. I was amazed to see the original publishing dates of some of these essays, as they still ring true in 2008. I couldn't put this book down. I think it's going to be a stocking stuffer for some friends this year. It captures the breadth and width of this lifestyle. We are people, not something that can be thrown in a corner or hidden under a bed. This book really added an intelligent voice of experience to a number of issues, both fun and serious. loved it!

Some other things I've checked out:
Raphael Saadiq's The Way I See It: This man is one of those artist that reinvents his sound and style, stays relevant,and still manages to stay under the radar. This CD is a throwback salute to 60s and 70s soul. It's in heavy rotation. I love it.
Ne-Yo's Year of The Gentleman: He's not the cutest thing out, but he definitely has a formula that works for him. His song oooze a sensitivity (maybe he's the dude Ralph was singing about) that is effective. He's no lyrical genius, but he doesn't dissapoint. I like it.
Jazmine Sullivan's Fearless: This CD is alright. I wish people would stop comparing her to Lauryn Hill. Her content and voice are totally different in my opinion. Jazmine is definitely an R&B chick that can write some songs for the Amen corners and Beauty Shops. It's alright for me. Not bad and Not Breathtaking.
Desperate Housewives Season 5: They've fast forwarded five years this season. They need to rewind about five seasons to when the show was interesting. HATED IT!
Dancing With The Stars: I've never watched this show before this season. Brooke Burke is blazing ahead of the competition. I must admit that she's doing the damn thing. However, I'm on Team Toni Braxton. Toni is doing her thing. I was skeptical at first because she didn't seem like she was much of a dancer. She proved to be pretty good. I guess she never really had a reason to dance before now. Her music really doesn't call for it. Cloris Leachman can't dance worth a damn, but she's funny as hell. She'll stick around just for comic relief.

Guilty Pleasures

Little Britain has to be one my favorite guilty pleasures on Sundays @ 10:30 on HBO. The humor is way out there, but it definitely sparks chuckles. If you have HBO and you've got a second on Sundays, please check out Little Britain. You are bound to laugh at something!

It's like In Living Color meets Tracey Ulman meets Saturday Night Live meets The Queen. Confusing? Absolutely, which makes it all the more worth checking out.

Pringles Restaurant Cravers! I know I shouldn't, but they were calling me in all their Mexican Layered Dip glory! Pringles has done it again! If you run across a Restaurant Craver that speaks to your taste buds, go ahead and give it a try. I know I shouldn't. I know you shouldn't, but the calories, fat, carbs are so delicious in this innovative snack. The flavor is on point. So, why not live a little!