M.I.A's Back!!! Born Free

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

As always, Maya provides thought-provoking music and video. Take a look, but I warn that it is quite graphic.

Soul Glow Paradise

I bet he thinks he is the lovechild of Jermaine Jackson and Katt Williams. This leaves me speechless.

Warning: Heavy gyrating and bodyrolling. Also, its called a combo package for a reason.

Dream Invasion

My dreamworld has been intruded not once, but twice by a man that I used to have feelings for. I wake up wondering why this is, do I subconsciously still want him? I don't think so. So why does he haunt my dreams? In both dreams he was off in the background, sort of making his presence known, but never having interaction with me outside of stealing glances from a distance.  We are always in public places an I'm always surrounded by people and he is by himself just watching me and for some reason I can't get to him nor does he attempt to come to me.  I really don't know what to make of this, but I really wish he would find an exit and use it.

Review: Why Did I Get Married Too

Can't say that I liked it more than the first movie because I didn't. However, I did enjoy talking to the screen and predicting what was going to happen.  It was funny and had its moments, but overall I felt like it was rushed, incomplete and unrealistic in some scenes. Does a tragic situation really make people instantly forgive and forget all the problems that have lingered for years?  Perhaps there will be a third installment?  Also, I was a little annoyed that Mr. Perry keeps bringing in Cicely Tyson (I know she is a legend, but for some reason she irks my nerves). I'm going to give a quick synopsis on each couple and Mike. (You probably shouldn't read if you haven't seen and intend to watch in the near future).

Terry & Diane: They have seemingly gotten over their issues regarding lack of sex, children, and dealing with time consuming careers, but there is an unexpected new twist in their relationship.  Diane whispers another man's name while in bed with Terry, leading Terry to suspect that she is carrying on a affair. We learn that her sparked happiness is the result of fantasizing about a partner in another law firm, nothing more. (Frankly, if Tyler Perry were my husband he would have to consider himself lucky because I would be doing a LOT more than fantasizing about other men).  This couple has always been the least interesting to me so moving on.

Angela & Marcus: These two are up to the same old antics, it sort of felt like they were beating a dead horse with the old I know he's cheating bid.  Angela came off as extremely funny and witty in the first movie, but I felt she was overdoing the outbursts and making herself look foolish in public. She has a quite entertaining gun-wielding scene that was rather predictable. I guess I could understand why she acts so crazy because Marcus is delicious and I wouldn't want to lose him either. It always ends up with Marcus having to prove that he can in fact be trusted and Angela apologizing for her bad behavior that ensues 30 seconds later.  (I may be mistaken but I thought Angela quit drinking?)

Sheila & Troy: Making the move from Colorado to Atlanta along with a new baby put them under financial stress, especially since Troy is unemployed and struggling to find a job (I feel his pain).  Troy puts his pride before everything else and does not want people to know their struggle.  His frustration affects his relationship with Sheila and she refuses to be ill-treated and lets him know this several times.  I am still trying to figure out where the line is drawn between strength/intelligence & stupidity when choosing to deal with her ex Mike in order to benefit her family.

Patricia & Gavin: Janet did this role justice the second time around because the first time I found her to be unbelievable. Let's just say she finally let "Perfect Patty" release all of that pent up pain, resentment and anger (I really wished she ripped the shelving out of the wall...that would have been perfection).  Its quite obvious through her practiced "I'm fine" and "We really love each other" that something is wrong between these two and everyone knows it, but can't figure out how to get the truth out of them.  Gavin is still pissed about her lack of communication regarding her deepest feelings (I thought she was working at it from the first movie, guess not). He also shows another side of himself and none of it is pretty...that relationship was clearly over for a while with no hope of ever returning. I was sitting in the theater wondering why they remained in the same house after getting lawyers and the whole nine (not a smart move...way too much anger). This couples tumultuous fighting leads to Gavin's tragic end.  I didn't like that the possibility of a new man was introduced into Patty's life so shortly after she went through such tragedy (that was partly her fault, yet again).  To be honest, I feel that another small issue in Patricia's life would cause her to be admitted into a psych ward.  There is no way that she could have been completely wrestled with her guilt and healed to allow another man into her world to produce a healthy relationship.  

Mike: I didn't know he was going to be in the sequel so I must admit that Angela and I screamed "Oh, Hell NO" in unison when he showed up at the beach house.  Gaining the reputation of a snake, I knew none of his intentions were pure especially when he kept trying to have Sheila stroll down memory lane.  In the end he redeems himself by doing Sheila a favor regarding Troy's employment status, but then he claims that he needs her when he discovers he has cancer. My only question was Why couldn't he get a live in nurse?

I hope there is a third movie because I need some answers. 

Update: On second thought, I don't think I will waste my time.

  

Kelis-Acapella

Kelis - Acapella
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup. - Explore more music videos.

I've been waiting months for this video and I must say that I love it, especially the ending. My reading: She is a fierce warrior that doesn't allow life's disappointments to get the best of her and a is proud mum who embraces the happiness that motherhood brings. Lovely ode to her child, awesome video concept. Kelis rocks.   

Dis Riddim I Love

I'm ashamed to say that I never heard this song until a few days ago, but I've been playing it repeatedly as it is so enchanting. This song is perfect for those with a significant other of some sort, especially on a rainy night like tonight. Barrington Levy is an awesome artist, so have a listen.

After Winter...NYC Folk

Pollute the streets like roaches on the hunt for a meal.  Can you blame us? After so many cold,dreary weeks and multiple snowstorms the first break of warm temperatures and sunlight makes us lose our minds with glee.  I would be lying if I said that I didn't put on a mini-skirt to roam mid-town (I hate wearing excess clothing, the less the better). My little sister prided herself on the fact that she was my "protector" from "dirty men with lingering eyes or smart mouths"(she has a smart mouth herself, wonder where she got that from?)  I digress. I wanted to talk about the crazy things people do upon springs arrival.  For instance, we along with the rest of the city, spent most of the day in Central Park and I must say that I found it quite entertaining that people were ice skating in 70 degree weather.  I mean you could clearly see the ripples of the melting ice, but that didn't matter people were skating in shorts/tank-tops without a care. Several people even fell into the river that was being created, shook their wet bottoms and kept it moving. Perhaps, this is why I love this place...we could care less how foolish we look to others as long as we are content.

Ringling Bros. PLEASE be hiring!

I can't handle the lunacy, it should be caged and put on display only for small children to get some amusement. (Also, children tell no lies, so I need a child, any child to walk up to these people and tell them that they look a damn fool)  No good comes from idleness. That is all.

It's a Winter Wonderland...Sort of

Today is a gorgeous day and I intend to frolick the streets to my hearts desires.  Spring is a mere three weeks away people!!!! During last Friday's snow storm, I ventured outside not to shovel, not to play in the snow but to take pictures from the comfort of my porch. Mind you I didn't even touch the snow nor did I have  a desire to as I am beyond ready for the summer.  However, I figured I might as well document the show since there has been so much of it as late. P.S. forgive me for the lateness my computer is full of it at the moment.

God Bless you Mailman because I couldn't do it.

It's a Snow Day!

Well, more like a dismal mix of rain and snow.  So instead of writing a new post I'm going to be lazy (yup, I said it) and post up some of my favorite music videos. Love them.













Stay Warm!

How Unfortunate...

that this cute little munchkin should be dragged into such a mess.  I bet Beyonce and the rest of the Beyince-Knowles clan are straight ignoring this ish. Can you really blame them?  This is beyond trifling to have two (three, Kelly?) children that have been on this earth for nearly three decades and because you want to play young pimping, wind up fathering another child well after grandpa stage. I know when I was 11 and mom told me she was expecting I was like "Excuse me? You need to send it back where it came from!" So I can only imagine how his daughters must feel, but only to an extent since this child was a result of an extra-marital affair(talk about adding salt to the wound).  If this child is indeed his, I hope Mr.Knowles does the right thing and takes care of him. And by take care of him, I don't mean turning him into a circus act for some millions as soon as he learns to speak.   

Sidebar: Is it me or does Mr. Knowles look like an ostrich?  I keep picturing him burying his head in the sand, but that's just me. (I'm sure there are some people who wouldn't mind too much if he did).

Update: Mr. Knowles, you's da daddy! Sign them checks. Case Closed. Finally.

For the History Books: Valentine's Day 2010

The day of love is over and I hope you were able to spend it with someone you appreciate and vice-versa.  Since I am very single and Valentine's fell on a Sunday, I celebrated Friday and Saturday nights with some girlfriends.  Friday night-dinner and a movie. Saturday night-dinner and some light bar hopping.  Both evenings were filled with heavy conversation about sex/relationships(platonic & romantic).  Needless to say, I've concluded that I will probably be single for a long time.  

We saw Valentine's Day which I'm pretty sure stars everyone in Hollywood. It dragged a liitle bit and felt like Crash because everyone's storyline connected in some way at the end, but overall it is a cute movie.  It reminds that love can survive the toughest struggles and can be found in places and with people you least expect.

For those of you out there who are coupled up:


For those of you with a possible prospect:


For us single folks lets take Jill's advice:


I pray that no one felt this way:


And please let's break this cycle:

 

*PostSecret

 Remember to show love everyday...Until Next Year!

The Life-Mystic

This right here...is some soul warming ish!

1. Just Because.
2. It's great music.
3. Maintains theme with my last post.

Does anyone know where Crystal Waters is now? Come back!!
Google/Bing here I come

Update: http://www.theoneandonlycrystalwaters.com/
She has made music under the alias of Chrissy Ward and has launched a radio station among other things.
 Here is her song Right &Exact:

This woman works! Gotta catch up on her music.
 

I know I live in NYC...

however I do not need to smell the PUNGENT fragrance of a bum as I walk hastily down the block.  Imagine happily running errands and suddenly being smacked in the face by body odor mixed with stale piss. Doesn't it just make you feel violated?  If you don't I sure as hell do. (I know someone with a fruit-phobia, perhaps I have a bum-phobia...is that possible?) Mind you, the bum was on one corner and I could smell him on the opposite corner as I made my way up the street. At first I thought it was the sewers; as I kept moving and clutching my scarf over my face I recognized the scent and began to frantically search for the person to ensure that we would not cross paths. By the way I failed miserably.  As I type this the smell still gently lingers in my nostrils and I can't handle it.  Now I'm not being cruel to the homeless, but NYC is already beyond polluted with trash and gas emissions and there is no need for additional unpleasant fragrances. Are there no places for the homeless to shower? Bloomberg we need to put some tax dollars to good use.

Update:  I'm not the only one who feels this way.  Another fragrant homeless was spotted on the F train(reading the NY Times...I couldn't make this up if I tried) and I quickly found myself on the other side of the car. (the kicker) Another homeless man comes onto the train soliciting money walks by him an says, "Geez! You could at least take a bath!" To say this made my day would be an understatement.

Movie Madness: BLACULA

Whoever thought to mix Bram Stoker's tale of Dracula with "the people of the dark continent" AND bring the storyline into the 1970's gets a seal of approval from me.  I can't ever get enough of this film, it's so bad that it's good.  I must admit that I have a soft spot for the Blaxploitation genre as it brings to the forefront the struggles faced by African-Americans post-slavery while satirizing the Black culture of the era.

The story begins in 1780 Transylvania at the home of Dracula where Prince Mamuwalde and his wife are trying to convince their host to cease the slave trade. Dracula does not take to kindly to this so he transforms Mamuwalde into a vampire, curses him with the name of Blacula and locks him in a coffin longing for a taste of blood.  Almost 200 years later interior decorators bring all items left in Dracula's castle to Los Angeles and unknowingly release Blacula from his prison. The rest you'd have to see for yourself, but know that there is a love story entwined into the plot (why not?) and be ready to laugh at the poor special effects and Blacula's spectacular exit. Don't worry I've posted the link, if you have time you should watch (especially since I spent hours searching for it). 

Enjoy!: http://stagevu.com/video/lnwzghiodddi

Dope. That's Just What It Is!

 

One of my favorite poems by Amiri Baraka. I would have posted the words, but
1. It's somewhat lengthy.
2. I believe it's a much better experience to hear it. 
So, listen and enjoy!

What in the World?

Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Kelis. Let's face it the woman has edge- she is an artist/chef(love it btw!)/mother/fashionista who dares to be different in everything that she does. I ride hard for this woman I'm pretty certain I can sing along with most of her music and in my mind she is my best friend because I feel like we both have many sides/personalities to us that makes it difficult for anyone to truly understand us. Anywho, I usually love to see this woman grace an event to see her fabulousness, but as of late even I have to question what her love of "fashion". I tried to dismiss this foolishness as a phase of some sort, however in between me reading an article in which she states that she woke up wanting to look like a wolf and the armadilla shoes I can't and I will not. It is unfortunate when a friend calls me, ignoring any kind of greeting to say "Get your friend please, she looks a mess" (reiterate: Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Kelis). I must admit that I immediately knew who she was speaking of and said something along the lines of...Girl, I can't even defend her on that one. Kelis I know that your style is ever evolving, but I don't need you to morph into a wolf or the statue of liberty, I love and appreciate you simply as Kelis.

Random Thoughts.

Marriage. Is it strange that when I think of this word I connect it to bondage and stagnation? My mind is quite dark I know this, however I can't help but to be honest. Most see it as a beautiful commitment between two people that wish to share themselves with another and remain faithful and loving. As much as I want to fight such negative feelings I can't...maybe it's because I see so many flawed/unhealthy/failed relationships that I cannot accept it as being anything else. Perhaps my need to be independent faults me as I honestly loathe the idea of having to consult with someone for everything that occurs in my life (I have always been a little bit on the secretive-side). Also, (at least from what I see) women tend to sacrifice themselves so much more than men do for the sake of maintaining family or whatever the reason may be. I refuse. I only have one life and I need to be happy. As sad as this may sound I would prefer to go to bed alone and content, than to crawl into bed next to someone miserable and resentful.

My aunt used to say "You can sleep next to someone for years and never truly know who they are". If that's the case, I'm scared out of my mind to say "I do" to anyone (at this point in my life anyway). I mean I'm still learning about myself, why would it be logical to get to know someone else? Since marriage is a union I think it valuable to understand oneself and make sure you are on the same level with the other person. If not it seems like a lose-lose situation to me. One day I may change my perspective, if and when that happens I will remember the words of Frost's poem The Birds Do Thus,

"I slept all day.
The birds do thus
That sing a while
At eve for us.

To have you soon
I gave away-
Well satisfied
To give- a day

Life's not so short
I care to keep
The unhappy days;
I chose to sleep".

*My internal debate on marriage will continue. Keep posted and let me know how you feel about the subject.

It's Pure InSaNity...

that I have been away sooo very long (4 months!!!!). Never ever ever again will I be so neglectful. Hmmm...lets see where to begin? Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Happy New Years, Happy 3 Kings Day, Thank you Martin Luther King, Happy Chinese New Year?... I believe I covered all the major holidays, no? If I missed one many blessings and I hope it was filled with happiness. I want to say that I love these holidays, but aside from the eating, drinking, and catching up with relatives and friends I usually start itching for the summertime. It's funny that I write this as NYC is preparing for a snowstorm (who decided that a gopher would decide whether or not spring would arrive early? I want to smoke Punxsutawney Phil out of his little burrow and make him confess that he never saw his shadow). I want to wear shorts and sunglasses dammit! Is that too much to ask? Anyway before I begin ranting about winter and god knows what else, just want to let you know that I WILL be updating much more often. Got stories to tell and much more. Come back now, ya hear! Oh, how rude of me...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!