Miller High Life and Hathaway

It's Sunday. There are a million things I should, could, would do today. But I'm relaxing, sipping on a 24 oz while Donny Hathaway's live cd provides the sound. I know I've been under a rock, but I inten to resurface on this thing soon enough. But until then..... "I've Been So Many Places..." (sung with drunken conviction, lol)

I hated it and then I gave it a try

I have never been a big Clint Eastwood fan. Something about him always came off as stiff and unaffected. I respect his career in artistry. He has a loyal fan base that I can now say I am a part of. Gran Torino will reduce the strongest to tears and skeptics to laughter. I loved this film and can honestly say it was one of my faves of the past year. It should be on DVD soon. Please check it out. This film challenges you think outside the box and to put down those rose colored glasses. Ignorance is ignorance regardless of who the target is. Whether it be gay, black, asian, or white, we all bleed the same blood. The sad part is this revelation is often made too late, when blood is shed.

And It Came To Me Like An Epiphany

I've been addicted to the latest Chrisette Michelle CD. It passed the test. The test being a CD in which I can listen to it from beginning to end without mashing the skip button. I like this one so much better than her first CD. "Epiphany" is among only a select few CDs that I actually spent money on this year. It's worth every penny. Now, I've just got to wait on her to go on tour. My fave song is "Blame It On Me"

Thank You For Being A Friend

I am so, so, so gay for this. But I've got to tip a 40 my fave Golden Girl, Bea Arthur. I don't think a week goes by without me catching an episode of that show. Sometimes on purpose, others on accident. But it keeps me laughing none the less.

Feeling Freaky and Leela

Nothing more to say...I've been feeling rather horny lately. Horny for some new flavor...someone new. I've also had the newest Leela James' offering on repeat. Let's Do It Again pays homage to some classic R&B hits. She, of course, puts her own touch on each song. Maybe I can combine the two somehow...

I absolutely loved it....

As if I'm already not one of the biggest Jill Scott fans, but she's sold me on yet another venture of hers. The acting thing is not a fluke, she's multi-faceted and I can't wait for the next episode. I loved it! Please check out the No.1 Ladies' Detective on HBO Sundays.

When to say When...

I never really understood the plastic surgery craze, particularly in the black community. I could honestly see it's purpose in reducing the appearance of an unsightly scar, but to just throw your face away. Hell no! Most of the people that I think have suffered under the knife, looked perfectly fine beforehand. I've ran across bits and pieces of Dancing With The Stars. Although, I'm rooting for Lil' Kim, not a second goes by that I wonder what was dying inside her, to allow her face to be mutilated. She calls herself the black Barbie. If that was her goal, it was missed completely. Black girls aren't supposed to look like Barbie. Black girls are supposed to look like black girls, with black noses, black lips, etc... There was a whole Black is Beautiful movement that I think she totally come back into play these days. I think this will be yet another thing the Obama's will be secretly charged with. Michelle and Barack haven't had a lick of work done. I'm hoping that everybody can look at them, and just find comfort in their own skin. I was going to get on Michael Jackson, but that's been done. Michael said to hell with being black, to hell with even being a human being. He looks like something from Star Trek:Deep Space Nine. Vivica Fox is another one. The thing I liked about her in the beginning of her career was that she looked like a round the way girl. She wasn't ugly, nor was she super hollywood glam. She was that cute girl that you could see walking in your neighborhood, working the checkout at your local Winn-Dixie, teaching 6th grade at the elementary, or singing in the church choir. She now looks like another Barbie wannabe. These cosmetic procedures are dangerous and not worth it in my opinion. Especially, if you wind up looking like a long lost, evil cousin of your former self. I digress...

This Made My Day

I absolutely love Anita. I love Mary. I love her even more for taking on an Anita classic like that. I didn't know she had it in her. She did the damn thing. This made my day. I so wish I could've been there.
Check it below: Mary J. Blige and Anita Baker performing "Angel".

"You see what music can do..."

Melt My Heart To Stone

The title of this post is the same of one of my fave Adele songs from Grammy award winning album, 19. I spent my St. Patrick's Day in ATL with the lovely singer from across the water. I thoroughly thank London for not being selfish with this talent. She sounded just as good (if not better) than her CD. She took the audience on a joy ride through her CD. I was with her, every step of the way. That is if I wasn't checking out some of the cute guys that were also in attendance. I may have to continue going to Adele concerts. She's a real man magnet, LOL. If she's ever in your area, do not hesitate to check her out. She's got soul and the girl will rip your heart out, transcribe all that it's been through, and give it back to you in ballad form. I heart Adele.

Now, This Is My Jam

I'm loving the song, concept, and Chrisette. I can't wait for this album to drop! How many of ya'll have had this epiphany???

So, it's really over

So, once upon a time in my formative queer years I jumped into a relationship. (I jumped into those rather quickly back then which is probably why I still can't get them right to this day....but I digress) It started out as a "sex" thing. Those "sex" things can sometimes build into "emotions" which can lead to "relationships". I won't go on and on about this thing. We'll call him "Asshole" because that's the best name for him right now. He can probably call me a few choice ones as well. I cheated on him. I lied to him. I was awful. He wasn't a saint either, but I think I did the most damage. Anyways....It's been over four years. We talked since the break up. We even would see each other from time to time. Early on, there was sex involved, but that dwindled off as we were trying to be friends. Well, there was a mutual frenemy that we had. His friend. My enemy. (Not really my enemy, I just don't do him.) We'll call him "Messy". I know that "Asshole" and "Messy" have recently became pretty tight via facebook/myspace. The other day, "Asshole" crossed my mind and whenever that happens, I like to reach out, whether it's an email/phone call/text just to see that everything is okay. This "Asshole" proceeds to tell me to "lose the number". I didn't have it in me to ask why or care. I put 2 and 2 together. "Messy" has shared some things with him. What? I don't know. Are they true? Some probably are. So, talk about closure! That was one relationship that I felt really bad about. I know that I wasn't perfect. I know that I made some mistakes. If light has been shed on some or all of those things, good! I never meant to hurt dude. I know that was not his intention either. Some people are in your life for a lifetime, while others are just for a season. Even though his little nickname may say otherwise, I'm over it. I wish him the best. Peace out, "Asshole".

The "S" Word

I was thinking that if the NAACP could come togther and put on a funeral for the "N" word, Can someone throw one for "Swagger". That word has been misused and abused. People that it doesn't even apply to are claiming it and throwing it about. If I hear that shit in one more song.....

That's My Jam....

2 Caucasian Persuasions That Irritate The Sh*t Out Of Me!

Okay these two white people have been giving my television a headache lately. I'll start with the big gimmick that is Becky a.k.a. "Buckwild". Her "homegirl" act is old and I really wish she would stop all together. I caught an extended glimpse of her best "Quandalesha Bongesha" impression on an episode of I Love Money 2. Now, I must admit that all of the characters on there have to be a tad bit embellished but she is by far the worse. She got busted on Flavor of Love for being a fraud. You'd think she'd given up the whole thing by now. You'd think that someone like Saaphyri, her BFF, would have checked her on that insulting BS by now. I digress. I'll probably catch another episode or two or three, lol.
Now anyone who has been watching American Idol has got to be familiar with Nick Mithcell/Norman Gentle. Can I be one of the first to say that Norman Gentle isn't even funny. This mofo has worn out "And I Am Telling You..." . I wonder if that is the only song he knows. The gig has to be up. The weird thing is that when he sings, there are actually parts that reveal that he can possibly be a decent singer. I thought that he would've scrapped the crap last night and performed as himself. Needless to say, he brought out old trusty and made an ass out of himself. He can not advance with that B.S. I know there are millions of people that auditioned that are probably throwing remotes and other inanimate objects at their flat screens when he pops up. Well these are two white people that really annoy the sh*t out of me. I could create a list of their black counterparts but that would take up a couple of posts, lol.

Okay India, I get it.....

As any follower of this blog can attest, I acquired a new found respect for India.Arie over the last year or two. I wasn't big on her initially. I loved "Brown Skin" and Who didn't love "Ready for Love". I was going through a real rough patch with work, myself, and relationships when I purchased my first India.Arie CD, Testimony: Love and Relationships, Volume 1. I don't know if she's a mind reader or psychic. She really fed my soul with her infinite wisdom and melodic voice. I can remember weeping in my cubicle at work, listening to some of those heart felt tunes.
Fast forward to this past summer and she was the special guest at a Rachelle Ferrell concert. She blew me away and I made sure to own everything else that I was missing from her repertoire. I became a true fan.
Fast forward to this month and the release of her newest offering, Testimony:Love and Politics, Volume 2. I would've posted sooner, but to say that I was initially underwhelmed is an understatement. I didn't like it at first. After a few listens, I realized why I didn't like it. India.Arie is a chameleon. She is an artist that doesn't stagnate. She moves with the pulses of this earth. I think I was expecting something she had already produced. After A few listens, I fell in love with it. She's tied everything in with an interlude Grains. This interlude really speaks to how everyone is connected. It doesn't matter if you are gay, straight, Mexican, Dyslexic, rich, or poor, we are all made from the same grain. I really love the remake of a Sade classic entitled "Pearl", "Psalm 23" (featuring MC Lyte) and "Yellow" (featuring cutie, Terrell Carter). So, I get it now India, you speak to the current situations through your music. We shouldn't expect a repeat of your past musical conquests, but get with the times, as you have so beautifully done. Go get it! Go burn it! Whatever you do, experience it!

Take A Little Piece Of Me

I've been going through this thing we all call life, just as good and as bad as the rest. I've seen friends come and go. I've seen friends resurface from so far back, that I had to blow the dust off of them. I understand that everyone is placed in our lives for a reason. I also understand that we're placed in people's lives for a reason. I'm saying all of this because I've been reflecting upon my personal and professional relationships as of late. It's got me to wondering what happened to such and such and why have I put up with his/her shit for so long. I've arrived at some weird answers. For instance, I've realized that a friend of mine that absolutely annoys the shit out of me has shown me my strengths in her weakness, as well as my weaknesses in her strengths. I guess it's a classic case of give and take. She still drives me crazy, but I can semi-overlook the annoyance when I look at the pay off. Another friend of mine betrayed my trust to the infinity power. I vowed to never talk to her again. She, however, resurfaced in my life and like a virus, won't go away. I realized that we actually have a great time whenever we go out or socialize. We create our own "club" within a club, or our own "event" within an event. We can truly forget our troubles together. I had to learn a lesson of forgiveness with this one. I'm sure she took something away from the ordeal as well. What? Who Knows? I would hope that anyone I've interacted with, has walked away with of piece of me. (Not like that, so get your minds out the gutter). I mean some kind of lesson or take-away from our interaction with one another. I know that there is something I've taken from everyone. Whether it was a lesson in paitence or a class on overcoming, I've taken something away. Now, as for the relationship side. I don't know where to begin. That's an ever evolving lesson. I think I'm fit to teach some and learn some. My ex's are all that for a reason, but I have been able to maintain some form of a relationship with them all. Althouth some may be bordering non-existence, there is some form of cordiality there. I've learned about the emotional weight of the human heart and the cause/effects of infidelity, to name a few. There is a laundry list there that I will have to get to at another date/time. Until the next time...

Ikea, Etta, and Chris "Beat 'em Down" Brown"

Is anyone else loving those new Ikea ads? I think they are frickin' hilarious. I love it. The black lady that mysteriously appears is known as "The Muse". I love it and I hope they continue running those. Who knows? The Muse might be the next Snapple Lady, LOL.

All I've got to say about the whole Etta James/Beyonce thing is that it's a tad bit ridiculous. I love Etta but she has to know that none of that inaugural ball stuff was a swipe at her. Truth is, she's probably more inclined to whoop Beyonce's ass if she's seen Cadillac Records, which I finally saw. Beyonce tried, but I couldn't take her seriously. She wasn't bad. She was Beyonce'. I kept seeing Beyonce' everytime she was onscreen. I honestly couldn't give her a chance. Gabrielle Union was surprisingly good though.

The whole Chris Brown/Rihanna ordeal. Can we say stupid? It should never have to come to all that. But it further proves that money cannot buy you happiness or common sense. Chris is about to come to realize that he's not a Michael Phelps. Wrigley's has already pulled his advertisements. I'm quite sure they'll be more backlash against the young, talented, and dumb starlet. I like them both. I hope they are both able to recover from that ignant' mess.

Thinking Without Thinking

I really must applaud my subliminal ,or was it my body ,or was it my psyche? I don't know what to attribute but for it, but I am very thankful that I did not take my ass out (as planned) on yesterday or the day before. I had every intention of going out and gettng liquored up. Friday, I laid down for a "nap". Saturday, I laid down for a "nap". Needless to say, these naps developed into a full fledged "good night" kind of sleep. I missed the nightlife completely. Which, based upon my current financial predicament was a good thing. I drink and good stupid with money. (i.e. buying mofo's drinks or thinking that i've got diddy's checking account) I was able to catch up on some Z's and save some cheese. I knew I was damn near broke, but the forces that be wouldn't allow me to get broke(-er). LOL. Until the next time....

Fatassitis

A Fat Ass Day is a day where all dietary and health conscious regimens are ignored. That coupled with American Idol, Chelsea Lately, Grey's Anatomy and the like can be deadly. It's a day marked with complete indulgence. Lately, I've watched this Fat Ass Day slowly creep into a week. I can't catch another case of Fatassitis. Everything tastes so good and feels so good, lol.

Oscar Contenders Got Oprah In Common

Congrats go out to Ms. Tarai P. Henson and Ms. Viola Davis for their Oscar nominations. I am a fan of both, as I have raved before. It's good to see their talent being given the credit it so deserves. I did catch Viola in Doubtand I must say that she channeled something that was so real. If you haven't seen Doubt, please go see it because one of the underlying themes in the film is acceptance. Not to be a spoiler, but she has a son that many of us can identify with. It was really refreshing to get the viewpoint, albeit fictional, of a mother whose son could be homosexual. Check it out. I can go on and on about that movie.

the Curious Case of Benjamin Button is on my list o things to do. I haven't seen it but I've known Taraji to be nothing but stellar in my opinion. It's great to see that she's coming up for air in the sea of talented black actresses. I know it's got to be hard to out their for a pimp. (lol)

The connection between the two is unique, but not suprising. Oprah Winfrey was considered for Doubt and The Curious Case....

Best wishes to both. I hope Miss Sophia makes a comeback to the small or big screen. I think she's a wonderful talent as well.