If You Don't Respect Your Music History You Will Surely Be Called Out On it: Ahem, Alicia Keys

"I Had to Speak on it - Youtube Video"
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I'm glad someone finally commented on this. Click the link if you love soul music.

On Repeat: Johnta Austin "I Owe U My Heart"

"Johnta Austin - I Owe U My Heart"
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Sham Fucking Wow!!! This week has been pretty effin chaotic and just when I think relief is near, something else pops up to bring it right back to the status quo. Whatever, if I keep listening to this track on repeat I should be okay as its pure medicine to the soul right now. Not a fan of Johnta Austin, but this song is like a messenger couriering over peace of mind and that, above all, is what I seek to help me get through the day and the weekend. No offense weekend, but now we are starting to get on bad terms with one another. Ohh well, maybe one day we will make peace with one another.

District 9 is a Ridiculous Movie

(warning, this movie is so effin stupid that I am going to give away the entire plot here to save you from wasting away your life on 2 hours of idiotic dribble - please be forewarned)

There are soo many things wrong with District 9 its really not funny and although I wanted to walk away from this movie with admiration, all I could muster up was a cynical groan as the more I thought about this movie, the more offended I became.

The flick, if you can call it that, starts off in a rather odd mocumentary about Wikus Van De Merwe, which I was amused to find out is an African joke for idiot, and the actor who plays him doesn't disappoint in that department as we learn that he has been given a recent promotion as head of the relocation team for the Centiroaches (the movie refers to them as "Prawns" but I like Centiroaches better cause they look like a mix of centipedes and roaches). His advancement, is a bit of nepotism as we learn that his wife's father is head of MNU (Multi-National United - the private agency handed the relocation task). The centiroaches somehow became stranded above Johannesburg and the government thought it was a good idea to break into the hovering spaceship, coral all the centiroaches, and set up District 9 - a virtual shanti town as they make plans to relocate them to District 10 (due in theaters summer of 2010 - well that's my guess anyhow). Blah blah blah, the movie breezes through the human rights implications, the marketing campaign, the illegalities of the endeavor, and a slight pan of human opposition before we get to the point where Wikus is handing out eviction notices and gets sprayed by a substance he found in one of the shacks that begins to turn his world around.

Ohh, mind you, there are a lot of secrets in district 9, because they keep telling you that over and over again. But the secrets are standard sci-fi conventional fare. As we learn, which was super obvious before the movie even starts - MNU is one of the largest weapons manufacturers and they are dissecting the centiroaches because duh, that's what happens in all sci-fi movies. But boo effin hoo cause the weapons have been bioengineered to only work with the centiroaches DNA. So when Wikus enters the shack and gets sprayed by a substance in a device that one of the centiroaches is working on, for some reason it starts to turn him into a centiroach and a valuable commodity for MNU cause now they have a specimen that can operate the centiroaches weaponry. Okay lets stop here and evaluate.

I don't remember a single sci-fi movie ever taking place in Africa, but you can't help but to think this movie is trying to raise some sort of consciousness about the plight of tribes that have been relegated to shanti-towns and therefore alien to their own land by choosing Africa as a backdrop for an alien encounter. but that's not really the case, as the movie quickly veers off this course and instead treats the aliens as if they were the scum of the earth. Yes, the CGI is seamless, but its hard to feel any way about them when they are depicted in such a negative light. Depicting them this way, was to me, to say that we are somehow more advanced than them. Even though the facts remain that they arrived here in a super advanced technology spaceship and have invented biotechnology that we can't seem to figure out. Also, the centiroaches have a weird obsession with cat food that turns them and their plight into a complete joke. 2nd, in the wake of them being stranded here for 20 years or so, we can understand their click talk and they can understand english but neither speaks the others language. Its like how does that work. 3rd, Jimmy Effin Centiroach (I don't know what his name was in the film, but we will refer to him as this - he was the only humane character in the whole thing and he is a centiroach) is scourging the ground looking for "the fluid" amongst trash so that he can refill his duracell battery and power the hovering spaceship back home. But get this, this fluid he hid in the shack that Wikus finds is the same fluid that begins to turn him into a centiroach and therefore a hot commodity for MNU.

First of all, I couldn't figure out, in all of their dissecting of the aliens, why they didn't just make a glove out of one of the aliens hands and use the biotech weapons. So when Wikus begins his transformation, it only seemed like justification for the film to suddenly turn into "the Fugitive", which it does. This is also a major flaw, as the movie takes an issue that is grand in scope and reduces it to a single person driven drama that's not very interesting. In the "Fugitive" section of the movie, you get everything to calls to his dear wife (a relationship they don't establish in the story) about how much he loves her to a local warlord who, through the suggestions of a vodoo priestess, starts to hunt Wikus because he believes that eating Wikus's mutated arm will give him the power to use the biotech alien weapons. Also, when Wikus becomes the fugitive he runs to what the movie describes would be the last place anyone would find him, District 9, which is the first place I would look since his photo has been plastered all over society.

Look, there was so much nonsense going on in this film that I got a headache about half way through. Wikus and Jimmy the Effin Centiroach then form an unlikely friendship because Jimmy the Effin Centiroach promises to fix Wikus and turn him back into a human. Which was weird only because if you can turn Wikus back 100 percent human by taking him up to your spaceship does that suggest that you can turn a centiroach into a human. No, Jimmy the Effin Centiroach has to go back to his home planet first and it will take him three years to go there and come back to fix Wikus so Wikus slowly turns into a centiroach and then Jimmy and his little spawn of a son, find the durracell battery they filled earlier which, of all places, was back at MNU headquarters (Wikus was brought back there after he confiscated it and was sprayed with the fluid that begins to turn his arm into a centiroach) and hop back into the spaceship and head home. The story ends with Wikus in full centiroach who occasionally visits his wife, leaving her aluminum flowers he has made. Of course everyone thinks Wikus is dead for whatever dumb ass reason and she still believes he is alive. The very last shot is of Wikus in the district 9 trash dump forming an aluminum rose so you are good and the hell well clear that its him that left it at his wife's doorstep.

Sounds ridiculous.....well, its that and more. Seriously, the only thing this movie gets right is promising that the aliens will return in 3 years which is long enough for a sequel. I saw the short this movie is based on and that had more depth in it for its 5 minute running time or whatever it was versus this two hour shit fest. District 9 is actually 3 completely shitty movies rolled into one.....a social commentary/sci-fi drama - a chase movie - and a swooning "The Notebook" style love story that just made no sense whatsoever. The tone of the movie is also where it goes horribly wrong. Never do you really take anything seriously because its always filmed in a sort of hammy, tongue in cheek kind of way. I was offended because there are millions of people who are forced to live in similar conditions everyday. Who are uprooted and told to relocate for corporatist agendas and its not to be taken lightly. Their plight is one that hasn't really been investigate in a big summer film of this scope.....and I fear after the abysmal joke that is District 9, it never will receive its proper due.

So in the end all the centiroaches are moved to District 10 and there are about 2 million of these SOB that for whatever reason we feel the need to spend billions on to house. What would have been more interesting is if these centiroaches actually demanded some rights and the population had to figure out how to accommodate another 2 bezillion people who have to function on the planet. No, but that movie will never get made. Instead, filmmakers much rather make something to gawk at and eat popcorn to that doesn't engage your brain in any way shape or form. District 9, in essence, has to be the most contentious film I have seen in ages. For it not only insults your intelligence, but assumes you can't wipe your own ass either. A brilliant marketing campaign in desperate search for a good movie. Maybe one day, Hollywood will marry the two and embrace it rather than making it an outcast.

Where are all the Real Singers

Apparently they are all on youtube making videos like this. So sad that you won't hear this on wax.

Inspiration Can Come from the Darndest Places: "Liquid Kiss"

Like this remarkably amazing piece of art. I have no idea who the artist is and neither did the website I stole the image off of....lol.....but I have been holding on to this for some time now, hoping to share, and now seemed like the perfect time. Enjoy!!!

OMG!! Eric Roberson Makes Me "Wanna Believe it Again"

Wow!! Simply Wow!!! This was the smile my soul needed today. This is the kind of music that has the power to touch your spirit and lift your soul. I'm so glad and so thankful that an artist has actually devoted his music and craft to the love of music and to music lovers as opposed to the drivel that gets pipped down our throats from folks (artists included) that seem to hate music in general. I have to say that there really isn't an album I am waiting in anticipation for more than Eric Robersons "Music Fan First". This is the album of my dreams come to life.....seller production, amazing vocals, I dare you to take a listen and not move your feet. And while you're doing that, but sure to cop "Music Fan First" when it hits the streets on August 25th.

STL 09: Chris Brown "Its not my Fault"

Yeah, Chris Brown is that artist that just irritates the hell out of me because he is young and chooses to act really immature and stupid in the midst of displaying some talent. And lets not even get started on the half ass apology and whole domestic abuse ordeal cause all has been said an done. In any case, "Its not my fault" is a track that I can't seem to shake for its audacity to be great. Needless to say, this track gets a lot of play on my ipod (as its included on my "STL09: I Wanna Be Where U Are" mix that has been on heavy rotation in my car and room since its been available for download) for its the kind of track that transcends typical pop conventions to display a unique sense of soul. Peep out the track and leave a comment if you so shall feel the need.

Affirmations for August: Cool Hand Luke

Sometimes in life you end up in the very place you thought you'd never be and things take a hard left or right leaving you stranded, on the side of the road, frantically searching the road map for signs of life. I don't think a single person living can honestly say that they haven't been dealt an interesting hand by life, but the lesson there is that its our reaction, our judgment, our execution of some form of understanding, our desire to grow and learn or lack thereof that exposes us to the very things we don't take the time to learn about ourselves.

I would have to say that life has been throwing me the Bar of exams; sitting in a dank, dark room, #2 pencil in hand, and frantically answering all the questions for some time now. Wiping my brow, scanning the room to see how many other people are taking the test, watching each minute strike the clock with a slight, resentful streak running up my spine for the powers that be who chose to sit and watch me jump through hoops. But its not all for not, and the outcome is not dependent on how well I score on the test, rather, how well I keep my cool while taking it.

Being a Capricorn, and a hardcore Capricorn at that, and male, I don't tend to engage my feelings at all because I have this deeply embeded mantra which lubricates the cogs and wheels of my being of "never let them see you sweat." In fact, as I grow and open myself up for change, I realize that this is key because sometimes your reaction to a situation reveals much more about yourself than the situation itself. And lets just be honest, sometimes people do things intentionally just to see you crack and/or sweat. In any case, all you can be responsible for is your reaction and act accordingly.

There will always be a situation that will try us. life for as long as we live it will always come with its tests. But what's important to remember as we stand stranded on the site of the road is that the signs of life are inside of us or at least the toolkit for fixing a broken spirit. That the sense of cool that resides over you can be your inner peace...and that sometimes, its that peace that carries us up and above the elements begging to bring us down. This process may seem annoying, but how else will you discover things about yourself unless you are placed in these situations.

Cool is as cool does, to the touch and to the senses. Cool gives us a sense of relief and satisfaction. Cool can be our saving grace when the volcano that sits atop our emotions has reached a boiling point and threatens to destroy the outer lying villages who look on in horror, seeing the smoke billow in anticipation of absolute ruin. Cool can be the hand of God, politely placed on the shoulder and whose energy permeates our being to change our complete outlook on the situation and the world. Cool is inevitably what you make of it, but once you lose your cool you run the risk of letting the darker forces inside of you take over and control your mind and spirit. They will hound you constantly about every detail of the scenario, never let you forget the feelings you are hanging onto, and will drown your understanding in the waters of complete blind ignorance. They will drive a wedge between you and the things you love and make these things a source of pain instead of the raft they use to be to carry you over troubled waters.

I for one am tired of throwing my hands up accepting confusion. In all things I seek an understanding as to make sure that I'm not so small minded as to think that the world revolves around me and my feelings and that everything is not so black and white. But not all individuals look for understanding as a way of relating to your situation. Understanding goes deeper than words or salutations, its reflected in behavior and action. But if it cannot be sought, then all hope is lost in building bridges with those who reside on the other side of your world.

We are all planets, and we all keep our worlds intact with the sheer power of will. Sometimes those worlds revolve in the same orbit. Sometimes those planets suddenly switch out of orbit or do so for a seasons or spell. However, we cannot destroy the bridge that resides between us because we never know exactly what lifeforms we are preventing from flourishing, what connections we are extinguishing, and what blessings we are turning away. Sometimes those planets show up on a bubble sheet, in a dark room, #2 pencil in hand, in front of a proctor who thinks that he or she has you all figured out.

We all have the power to surprise, we all have the will to accept our full potential and be great individuals. We all have the power to engage our cool and get our James Dean swagger on to show the world to no avail that you can try as you might, but you will never hold us down. We will keep moving and keep pushing if nothing to show just how much we can past the test............. and pass it with flying colors.

Rock Nation: 90% of U.S. Money Has Traces of Cocaine On It

from Bossip

Traces of cocaine taint up to 90 percent of paper money in the United States, a new study finds. A group of scientists tested banknotes from more than 30 cities in five countries, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, and Japan, and found “alarming” evidence of cocaine use in many areas. U.S. and Canadian currency had the highest levels, with an average contamination rate of between 85 and 90 percent, while Chinese and Japanese currency had the lowest, between 12 and 20 percent contamination.

The findings were presented yesterday at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C. Study leader Yuegang Zuo of the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth said that the high percentage of contaminated U.S. currency observed in the current study represents nearly a 20 percent jump in comparison to a similar study he conducted two years ago. “To my surprise, we’re finding more and more cocaine in banknotes,” Zuo said. Scientists have known for years that paper money can become contaminated with cocaine during drug deals and directly through drug use, such as snorting cocaine through rolled bills. Contamination can also spread to banknotes not involved in the illicit drug culture, because bills are processed in banks’ currency-counting machines.

“I’m not sure why we’ve seen this apparent increase, but it could be related to the economic downturn, with stressed people turning to cocaine,” Zuo said.

Such studies are useful, he noted, because the data can help law enforcement agencies and forensic specialists identify patterns of drug use in a community.

Don't Let Facebook Ruin Your Relationship

I saw this video and nearly fell out. Its a hilarious bit of comedy, but for some...I know it rings all too true.

Paying it Forward: Billionaire George Soros Helps Needy NYC Kids Get Their Back To School Swag On

from Bossip

Over 300 electronic cards were given to parents waiting in line by the thousands to receive $200 in free money for school supplies and uniforms to send their children back to school. Billionaire George Soros is spending $35 million to help aide parents for the upcoming school year.

Every child between the age of 3-17 was eligible to receive the 200 dollars and the free money went to families on welfare or receiving food stamps. There was also no cap on how many children a family had as well, meaning every child in the household who was eligible got the $200 to spend on school related items. 813,845 kids across the state – including 498,866 in the city were helped. Soros’ $35 million was also added to 140 million dollars in federal stimulus money.

Mayer Hawthorne says "Maybe So, Maybe No"

From Soulbounce

Much has been made of Stones' Throw recording artist Mayer Hawthorne. This Michigan native and multi-instrumentalist has one of the most heavily-anticipated debut albums of the year (barring Whitney's), and his breezy, nostalgic vibe permeates his music in a very authentic way. His video for "Maybe So, Maybe No" perfectly typifies the aforementioned style, and reminds me so much of what I used to hear on the radio as a little kid. My only issue is that I often long for someone with a bit more heft in their voice to sing these songs of his. In any case, this video does a great job of portraying what a typical day in Southern California can be: Venice Beach's boardwalk, The Do Over, crate-digging (I see you House Shoes), and catching loads of sunshine. If you can't be as lucky as myself in living in Los Angeles year-round, press play and live vicariously through the magic of video.

"Orphan" is one Twisted, Hell of a Wild Ride

Orphan is probably the most effective, skillfully made thriller I have seen in a long time and the real accolades belong to 12 year old newcomer Isabelle Fuhrman for her star turning role as the title character, Esther. I point out Fuhrman because few child actors could pull off such a feat so effortlessly given that from start to finish "Orphan" is rooted in the type of horrific scenarios that only nightmares are made of.

I remember in 1993 when "The Good Son" was released, there was a lot of hoopla over the subject matter and more particularly Macaulay Culkin (then a child actor) starring in a dark, thriller that basically married his character with violence. The debate, a moral one, in which the producers and the parents had to consider the psychological ramifications of subjecting a minor to very very adult themes. 16 years later, all that has flown out the window as you have a film that is from start to finish all about marrying children and violence. I'm really surprised that there has not been more of a public outcry, but then again, I applaud the film for having the balls to go there. Taking an unflinching, hyper realistic view of a child murderer who is hiding a deep secret.

Technically, I was very impressed with "Orphan". Not only is the acting from Fuhrman, Vera Farminga (the matriarch of the story) and Peter Sarsgaard (the patriarch) top notch, but the editing and sound design were some of the best I have seen in ages. As well, this is probably the first thriller I have seen of this type with a cohesive story that is centered around tension and pacing rather than cheap scare tactics. The surprise twist was a real surprise to me and for a minute my brain uttered the groan and GTFO of here eye roll, but then I absorbed it all and realized that it is supported by the story and makes it an even more fun enjoyable ride.

And that was Precisely the joy of "Orphan" is that it was concerned with nothing more than providing one kick ass hell of a wild time. From the very beginning it straps you in and takes you on a thrill ride through places you didn't think you could go while still keeping a dark sense of humor in tact. I have to admit, I was very reluctant to see "Orphan" only because movies like this, where the child seems to be the antagonist of the story, seems to be a dime a dozen nowadays. But "Orphan" sets itself apart quite early, and ultimately turns into the definitive movie of its kind. In short, Esther could show Damien a few things about evil.

The Kid inside me Can't Wait to See "Where The Wild Things Are"

"Surrogates" Blitz LA

If you live, work, or drive in Los Angeles, then you have probably started seeing these random billboards (brilliant) that have been popping up like wildfire. At first glance, I had no idea what they were designed to promote, but then upon further inspection the name Bruce Willis pops out and you gather that its an upcoming movie, one with the release date curiously rendered too small for general view. In short, I think the campaign for this film is absolutely brilliant in that it does what is the point of promo itself, to generate buzz and get people talking. Lets see if the movie measures up

Thanks for the Memories: John Hughes

John Hugues is the highlight for many of our childhoods. In fact, many of us wouldn't have a childhood if it was for John Hughes films. Director of such classics as "The Breakfast Club, " Pretty in Pink," "Sixteen Candles," and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", Hughes' movies defined an entire generation and encapsulated them through his films. Hughes suffered a heart attack while visiting friends in NY, he was 59 years old. He will be surely missed.

Affirmations for August: House of Handsome and Class

You have to admit that there is something about this Gif that makes you smile. Anyhow, since July was so terrible, I decided to creatively pull the slack and make August all about Affirmations. Mainly, all the things in my head I notice about myself, our culture, and humanity I never have the time to write. Get use to the Gif, cause it will be the moniker for this type of post.

Anyhow, as I was headed home per usual last night when the notions of "Class" and "Handsome" popped into my head or more to the point, their derisive misuse and/or their omission from popular culture as a whole. What fascinated me about these constructs is really the way in which they have been ostracized from our vocabulary as if they don't exist in tangible forms anymore. To mention class is to elude to integrity (another word you hardly ever hear) and it appears that long gone are the days were people asserted this about themselves. To use these concepts feel almost like reaching back into a bin of antiques and discovering a flagship to a time we neither acknowledge or celebrate anymore.

I have to admit, I use to be really bothered when people called me "handsome" because it was a word that I had rarely heard anyone tell a young man. But as I got older, I realized that this word and concept relates to a dying breed of men who hold integrity dear to their heart and carry themselves and treat others with a sense of respect. To be handsome is to have a sense of class and sadly class isn't promoted anymore as a trait that should be worked towards. In fact, I would say that the concept of class went out with the demise of the middle class, when the world became reduced to rich and poor and our ideas of these things became intertwined with material gain (you can be rich in other ways, but we won't go into that right now). Hard work and determination of course, weren't promoted as the means to achieving greater material gain, so a new crop of cultural critics appeared and a new ideology was born in celebrity culture. The idea of easy, quick, and fast money. The idea of selling your soul and integrity for a price for perceived financial freedom and a piece of the "American Dream."

I remember a time when we had to be in the house before the street lights came on, and how your neighbors would beat your ass just as quick as your parents because they talked to your parents. Their was a greater sense of community and therefore a subtle reinforcement of the idea of class, of we can persevere in difficult times with our heads held firmly to the sky. This is of course no diss to the million of people who compromise their morals for financial gain everyday. Everyone's path is their path and no one can truly judge, but I have to acknowledge that we live in times were we hold little faith in words and are too distracted to make judgements based on actions so the "party line" tends to win at the end of the day. And the more times you repeat a phrase, the more truthful it becomes. And the more people talk about how much class and integrity they have, the more we foolishly believe them.

Key to this celebrity culture is the build up and break down. For some reason we love to poke holes in people's idea of integrity and class whether its factual or perceived. We love to see people in morally compromising situations and the media will sit up and stand at attention because they realize that we have been conditioned to read this as entertainment. Further blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Are we to exercise some sense fo class in chosing our forms of entertainment - how can we when this is built on the principle of consumption rather than quality. And what happened to that other word, quality. It seems that that construct has been cremated and sent to sea as the world is so overly saturated by pop culture bullshit that its hard to distinguish quality from the latest fad.

And speaking of quality, why is is that people are less willing to exercise originality and stand out of the pack rather than clawing tooth and nail to become part of the status quo. Oh I know, cause to do so would mean that you would have to put in the work and exercise determination and flex your main muscle with the off chance that somehow someway, someone would identify you and your character as handsome or classy. We avoid these titles like the plague when we should be embracing them. But the silver lining and therfore the trick, the prestige is that integrity is the backbone of both of these concepts and we have yet in this lifetime to explore all the things that this concept has to offer beside someone feeling like they are on their high horse and someone feeling like someone is standing above them on a soapbox. Its far less about right and wrong and more about moral understanding. It can be done, change can be made to promote other things than a political movement. But you have to make sure the foundation is strong. That way, it can't be raddled easily nor can it be easily broken, iron clad, well supported, and at some point carefully guided from a house into a home.

DVD Review: Obsessed

Escapist entertainment it may be, but obsessed is the kind of movie that cobbles together so many other higher quality films, that the characters and plot proportions begin to resemble archetypes or placeholders rather than living breathing motivations. Enter Derek and Sharon Charles (Idris Elba and Beowulf) the seemingly mismatched "perfect" couple that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere but in this kind of "movie of the week" meets AMC. Being a huge fan of the wire, when I heard that Idris Elba was attached, I just knew that "the wire" royalty checks and DJ career were just not cutting it. So it made a bit of sense that he would be slumming it in this type of project. Beowulf is another story entirely as I feel people have grown tired of seeing her portray motown era stars and singers, hoping to break her own archetype and play a living, breathing human being....she drops the ball on this entirely.

When we meet this 'Happy" couple, Derek has received a promotion at a private firm and Sharon just kind of seem like a plot element until enter Ali Larter (completely wasted) as Lisa, the temp who is dead set on setting her hooks into Derek. For a good twenty to twenty five minutes I would say that "Obsessed" completely exceeded my expectations. During this time, its smartly written, beautifully filmed, and perfectly acted. But Matthew Knowles is listed as one of the executive producers so I was expecting at some point that "Obsessed" would become "The Beyonce Show" and when it does the whole ordeal goes south.

The exact moment that "Obsessed" morphs from a fairly interesting take on corporate gender politics into a pyscho stalker drama is when Derek and Lisa have an encounter at the office holiday party in which both have had too much to drink, enter a public bathroom, and the advances of one shame the other as Lisa's motivations become evidently clear. What is not, is the archetypes that Derek and Lisa turn into while beyonce straightens her lacefront and gets her "Ima show ya crazy" face on.

"Obsessed" is a wholy misguided opportunity to cash in on the likes of "Fatal Attraction" and 1993's "The Temp" which would have been a much more appropriate title for this yawn. for Lisa becomes the dellusional pencil skirt to Derek's cluelessness as both spend the majority of the running time convincing the other that they did or did not cross the line into "affair". Which is unfortunate, cause their early chemistry with each other sorta makes the film (notice how I haven't mentioned Beowulf yet). And speaking of Beowulf, I am positive her casting had more to do with box office than actual inspiration as she too is a plot contrivance that never reads to have a pulse. In the early scenes, She is the reactor, but then she becomes the protagonist and Derek and Lisa's characters become the reactors and the whole time I'm just sitting there thinking...what are Lisa's motivations for acting the way she does. Oh, duh, its all designed to build up to the girl on girl fight that totally makes no sense, but is rousing only because its probably one of the few times we'll ever see Beyonce get "grimy" on film. But its all so blandly choreographed that the ending seems directly liften from "War of the Roses"....with a more morose twist.

I'm sure Ali Larter and Idris Elba will be able to benefit from appearing in trash like this if only to add some gusto to their clip reel. But I'm sorta on the side of actors and actresses who point out that sensationalized pop starts who have big screen dreams are taking away roles in hollywood and therefore diluting the quality of films made. Well, quality wasn't on anybody's mind when they made "Obsessed" but what they have achieved and should be handsomely rewarded for (which, financially they will) is duping the public into buying a repackaged, stale, overly serious, hardboiled, expanded version of a mad tv skit.

Eric Roberson Proclaims "Music Fan First"

I was first exposed to Eric Roberson's music while at a club in Hollywood many moons ago jamming out to a remix of "Change for Me" and ever since then I have been checking for his music. Its refreshing to see an artist who actually cares about creating music for music lovers as opposed to the over hyped, over saturated nonsense pushed on the masses by record companies who I feel have a vendetta against music and music lovers in general. To be apropos, the project boldly states "Music Fan First" and I just can't wait to peep out new Erro material. Check out the clip above for a special sneak peak and remember to cop the album on August 25th!!!

The Kid is Not My Son (I'll let this speak for itself)

Inspirational Quotes for Hard Times

The mind is a powerful thing and being such, I have made a concerted effort to limit the amount of spam my brain receives. Therefore, I have decided for myself and my own sanity to focus far less on the negative aspects of the day to day and instead, keep my mind focused on the things we often take for granted. Recently on my facebook page, instead of ranting about how tired I am or how every day sucks, I was inspired to showcase a new inspiration quote in the hopes of motivating myself and others. As is, time are very difficult right now for everyone and everyone is going through something. But I have learned through love, that those situations and snafu's don't determine character and they definitely don't dictate happiness or peace of mind. In the war of wills, what's most important thing is to get your mind right and these quoets hold truthful morsels of knowledge that, like a personal trainer, pull you off your ass and get your act in gear. I realize that we sometimes can't be our own motivational source so this has to come from an external arena and if you do a quick google search for the topic, you will see that the internet is ripe with saying, quotes, and affirmations all designed to help you get through it and make it out.

This post is actually quite surprising for me, since for years I operated under the cloak of cynicism. However, I am lucky enough to have someone in my life that has taught me a great number of lessons through example, by being an amazing human being who shows great resilience through adversity even though she probably doesn't think so...lol. You can learn a lot from people and their actions, just as you can learn a lot from the wise words of those that have traveled before us. For in us is an energy and a light that can only be extinquished by our own machinations. For in us is a soul to be nurtured through connection, understanding, determination, and love. We hold a lot of power to help one another just as we do to hurt. So a simple change in perspective could go a long way to climbing the hill that is our worries and planting our flag firmly to claim victory.