Blood Done Sign My Name intertwines 1970 problems with 2010 problems

2010 is the year post racial America officially begins. Obama has served a full year in the white house, with no assassination attempts to date, and blacks and Hispanics have more opportunities than ever before. Although a society where race no longer matters is the ideal, Blood Done Sign My Name, takes audiences back to a time when race meant everything.

The movie, which is set in 1970 North Carolina, tells the story of the murder of Henry Murrow a young black Vietnam vet, who was murdered by three white men, all of whom were acquitted and the resulting violence. Blood Done Sign My Name, based on the 2004 namesake novel written by Timothy Tyson, who was a child when these events occurred effortlessly blends the stories of white supremacy and black struggle in post civil rights America.
Nate Parker, who plays Benjamin Chavis, the 22 year school teacher who becomes the voice of the movement, is well known for acting in other historical films such as The Great Debaters and The Secret Life of Bees. What attracted Parker to this role, were the lessons of leadership and uplifting a community with many despairing statistics in the early 1970’s that still apply in 2010.

“I want audiences to realize that leadership is nothing but a need. That if you see a need in your community, that you need to be able to sacrifice and step into that need,” says Parker.

The Dangers of Youtube

Last week, my sister posted a status about the Twerk Team and I was a little curious. So on this slow, saturday night, I decided to google it. The Twerk Team is three girls, shaking what their mama gave them on camera. I'm not gonna lie, if I could shake it like that, I'd probably show the world too. But in all actuality, how do you come to realize that booty shaking is your talent and you can make money off of it? What in the world? Really, this is what the world has come to. SMH

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&vanity=teamtwerkoffinthisbitch#

Epic Fail: We Are The World 2010

We are living in a time of remakes. And "We Are The World" is no exception. I just feel like, why? The song is a classic and should be left that way. Magic only comes once and that song was magic. I don't understand why, with all those song writers and artists someone couldn't have written a new song. I feel like the ruined this song and it hurt my feelings.

1.) 80+ artists. What is the qualifications of being in the chorus? Relevancy in the last ten years.

2.) Autotune. Do we really want to hear Lil' Wayne sing?

3.) The rap part. Just awkward

VH1 needs to pick better people

First, Ryan Jenkins kills his wife after winning "Meagan  is a gold digger Wants a Millionaire" then an "I Love New York" contestant is convicted of murder. Either VH1's psychologists aren't that good or these people are good actors. But this is the beginning of the end of reality shows. Thank Goodness.

"The Winter Makes People Lose Brain Cells"

If you know me, you know I'm a blog junkie. This story has been all over the blogs for a couple days but this one had me scratching my head:

Authorities said a man accused of stealing a car then reporting it stolen remains in custody after telling police he was robbed at gunpoint while trying to buy crack cocaine with a credit card. The Flint Journal said the man reported Thursday night that a 2003 Chevy Malibu had been stolen. Police reports indicated the vehicle was previously stolen out of Lapeer, about 50 miles north-northwest of Detroit.
The suspect is being lodged at the Genesee County Jail.

Really? This is why you don't use drugs because it ruins your brain cells. First, Whitney wants receipts for her crack now someone wants to charge their rocks. How does that comes up on your bill? Street pharmicist North and Penn?
(I don't curse but this picture was fitting?)

Baby Mama/Mistress is not a Career

Sometimes I feel like Baby Mommas, and Tiger Woods Mistresses, should start a union. Look at Lil' Wayne, who has four kids by four different women and Diddy with six kids by four different women and we're not going to count Tiger Woods' mistresses because I don't feel like it. But I feel like with famous men having multiple baby mamas/mistresses these women need to start a union.

What inspired this, was a video of Kim Porter, Mother of three of Diddy's kids and his bottom girl for 12 years, saying that Misa Hynton was not on her level. Okay... I didn't know baby Mama's had a hierarchy. I thought all baby mama's were the same. You're a baby mama because you opened your legs to a man that didn't marry you. Harsh, I know but sometimes I feel like I should join the club. You mean I get famous, live in a big house, shop all day with six figures a month at your disposal, and I don't have to work. When I look at it like that, I'm like where do I sign up? Look at Nik Pace, the light skinned curly haired girl from Americas Next Top Model 6, she's suing Braylon Edwards for $840,000 a year in child support. For what? First, it doesn't take $70,000 a month to support a child. Let's try $20,000 or less. Russel Simmons makes 7 figures a year and doesn't pay that for two children. Do you deserve six figures because you couldn't go to the free clinic and get a condom or you couldn't spend less than $5 on a condom pack? Don't get mad at me, I'm just saying. I don't know her nor do I know him but I'm just observing.

It also makes me upset when Ashley Alexandra Dupree gets an advice column with the New York Post because of her infamy but millions of struggling writers can barely get a break. Lil Wayne's baby mama's are all taken care of and they get along. What happened to the days when we didn't settle for a career as professional baby mamas? Do we really want to be known as "so and sos" baby mama? Or make a career out of being a mistress. That's not a career because one day that person you're eating off will not be hot anymore and guess what? you're going to have to get a job. And socialite isn't really a job either.

The video: http://bossip.com/212660/kim-porter-talking-shizz-on-misa-hylton-shes-not-even-on-my-level/

Black Men VS. Black Women

Yesterday I received the new issue of Essence Magazine, and sexy Reggie Bush was on the cover but that’s not what this is about but he looks good. Anyway, I was reading an article called “Fool’s Paradise” where the men were speaking about their sexual escapades in the Dominican Republic. It was an interesting article but what threw me through the loop were these men blaming Black women for their actions.


In the story, one man said he went to the Dominican Republic because the women did things that black women never would do. Another man said that “he lost interest in black women” after making frequent trips to the DR. Are you serious? I blame Essence. Yes, Essence because they started this man shortage ish, I don’t curse so you know what I’m saying. They started the “do black men want us anymore” and the other one about Black women aren’t in demand anymore. It’s like dang, being a black woman must really suck right about now.
I hate how we’re always pitted against each other and it’s only in black magazines. When I read cosmo, and I have a short subscription to it, I never see stories about “why don’t white men like white women?;” and white men-Asian women unions are the top interracial union. Yes, even more than white women and black men. Their articles are about how to make relationships/sex better. Not why are we single. I feel like we focus on the wrong things. We are making more money but now we’re single. It's a mess and it's created by the media. Black women are wanted. Italian Vogue created an entire issue full of black women and spanish men love us. And not just the light skinned ones but all of us. I suggest
If you have read my writing, you know how I feel about Black people relations. I feel like we are some of the most loyally disloyal people ever. When I say that, I mean we expect loyalty, as every race should, but we are some of the first people to abandon our race once we “make it.” Or we’re expected to marry each other but we’re the first people to say what the opposite sex in our race does wrong. Sometimes I feel like “can black people get along?” I mean really get along.

First, black women stop dogging your men. Please, he doesn't want to hear it. I don't mean be a doormat but if he's a good man support him.

I thought I would share the wealth of Reggie Bush. He is too sexy, sorry men I know you don't want to see it.

Oscar nominations 2010: Precious

Congrats to the cast of Precious. The movie received five nominations, one for Lee Daniels, Mo'Nique, Gabby Sidibe, and for the screen play, and best movie. This is proof that God is good because this movie was built on faith. This is also special for Gabby because this is her first film, few first time actors/actresses get nominated on their first film. So again, congrats to them.

Here are a list of major nominees:

Best Picture

Avatar

The Blind Side

District 9

An Education

The Hurt Locker

Inglourious Basterds

Precious

A Serious Man

Up

UP in the Air



Best Director

James Cameron, 'Avatar'

Kathryn Bigelow, 'The Hurt Locker'

Quentin Tarantino, 'Inglourious Basterds'

Lee Daniels, 'Precious'

Jason Reitman, 'Up in the Air'



Best Actor

Jeff Bridges, 'Crazy Heart'

George Clooney, 'Up in the Air'

Colin Firth, 'A Single Man'

Morgan Freeman, 'Invictus'

Jeremy Renner, 'The Hurt Locker'



Best Actress

Sandra Bullock, 'Blind Side'

Helen Mirren, 'The Last Station'

Carey Mulligan, 'An Education'

Gabourey Sidibe, 'Precious'

Meryl Streep, juli and julia



Best Supporting Actor

Matt Damon, 'Invictus'

Woody Harrelson, 'The Messenger'

Christopher Plummer, 'The Last Station'

Stanley Tucci, 'The Lovely Bones'

Christoph Waltz, 'Inglourious Basterds'



Best Supporting Actress

Penelope Cruz, 'Nine'

Vera Farmiga, 'Up in the Air'

Maggie Gyllenhaal, 'Crazy Heart'

Anna Kendrick, 'Up in the Air'

Mo'nique, 'Precious'



Best Animated Feature Film

'Coraline'

'Fantastic Mr. Fox'

'The Princess and the Frog'

The Secret of Kells'

'Up'



Best Original Screenplay

'The Hurt Locker'

'Inglourious Basterds'

'The Messenger'

'A Serious Man'

'Up'



Best Adapted Screenplay

'District 9'

''An Education'

'In the Loop'

'Precious'

'Up in the Air'

I almost forgot...

My favorite moment of the Grammy, that I just saw 30 seconds ago: Jamie Foxx' sister almost falling doing the Matrix. Interesting...

Jamie Foxx' perfomance was already an example when too many ideas and no focus goes wrong. Let's count what was going on:

*The opera singing
*the orchestra (for a party song, really?)
*T-pain (he deserves his own post)
*Dougie Fresh (random)
* His sister and the matrix. That's the first time anyone has done the matrix in at least five years.


I feel like Jamie should have kept it simple. I understand it's the Grammy's and people want to go all out becasue it's a rare opportunity, but it was too much going on. It was a simple song about enjoying a party so why not have fans on stage in a party atmosphere? But what do I know?

The Grammys: a rundown

Last night, I alternated between the pro bowl and the Grammy's and I have to say I don't know if I was impressed with the Grammys.

Lady Gaga scares me and is that Elijah Kelley from Hairspray? Anyway, I respect that she gives everything she has to her performances but she scares little kids and me. Gotta give her points for creativity.

 

What was Sasha Fierce/Beyonce doing? The army men thing was random. They didn't really do anything. Also, why would she perform "If I was a boy" when she has all these other high energy songs. My favorite part was her shoes and the "You Oughta Know" part. Other than that, it was completely random, especially her rolling around on the stage. But Beyonce does give everything she have.

Maxwell and Roberta Flack did good. That's all I really have to say about that. I don't know if that's good or bad.

Wyclef Jean's presentation was random. I understand the creole thing, well kind of, not really. It was random and gave me a headache.

 The Michael Jackson Tribute at the Grammys, um okay, we're gonna keep this one moving because it was good but it wasn't that great. They should have danced. I feel like MTV did the best tribute. I also know that Michael is rolling in his grave because his children are in public now. Paris looks really grown up and pretty right here. Everyone knows they're looking for black blood in these kids. You won't find it.

Congrats to Taylor Swift who took home album of the year. Kanye was nowhere to be found because he was banned from the ceremony, although he won an award with Jay-Z and Rihanna. Taylor should really think Kanye because few people, outside of the country music community, knew who she was before the incident.

Solange's son, Juelz who im 100% sure does not have the last name Knowles, went one stage with Jay-Z and Rihanna. He was too cute but Solange wasn't invite?  For some reason, I think Beyonce may think Juelz is her son or may be a bit overbearing. I'm just saying where was his mother. No, Jay-Z is not his father.

Drake had the biggest come up-ever. He went from being a deal-less child actor, to one of the biggest MC's in less than a year. If you did not watch Degrassi, you didn't know who Drake was, now he's played back to back on radio. I loved his performance because I knew he was young, hungry, and grateful to be there. He's not an artist who expected it. I wish he won the Grammy though because he genuinely deserved it. Also, why does Eminem look like he's confused at to why he's on stage?

Bonus Moment:

Beyonce telling Jay-Z how much she loves him in her acceptance speech and his look of shock. I remember when they wouldn't acknowledge they were together. How sweet. I added the pic because I think its heartwarming to know these two really love each other.

That's all I really have to say. I haven't really watched the Grammy's since 2005 because I wasn't interested. But it looks like fun.

Here's a link to the winner list:

http://music.msn.com/grammy/2010-winners/story/feature/?gt1=28102

Tyler Perry and Black America

Ever since Tyler Perru hit big in 1998, there's been an interesting dynamic between him and Black America. Some Blacks love Tyler Perry and Madea and some thing he's one of the signs of the end of times. Is Tyler Perry's writing Shakespeare worthy? No, but he does what really successful people do, they find a niche and run with it. Look at Beyonce', she's about a 7 on the scale on singers but she has a niche and that's women. You could probably find someone who can interview better than Oprah, but she has a niche. Tyler perry has a niche. He has down home plays that are funny. Many people say that he appeals to "lowly blacks" and upper class blacks are "too educated" to like him. Whatever.
It's called en-ter-tain-ment. Get it. That means it's not that serious. Is Tyler Perry trying to save black america or run for president? No, he's trying to entertain us with his plays, movies, and TV shows. How is Tyler Perry destroying Black america? Someone tell me so I can figure it out. I love Madea. I think she's funny, witty, and the grandmother we all secretly want. Even though Tyler Perry's plays are very repetitive, we all know the story: someone is living with madea, someone is breaking up, someone is getting together, the rich guy is the bad guy, the poor guy is the good guy and someone is pissing Madea off. That's how it goes. And if you're an avid fan, you can usually pin point lines from his book or other plays/movies. Tyler Perry is not rocket science. Like I said, he's entertaining. You go to theatre, movie, or turn on your TV for 2-3 hours, or a half hour, laugh, and go back to your life. How is that destroying black america?
Whenever a Tyler Perry project comes out, I want to see it and support him. I even want to be in one of his projects (that's one of the things on my list of things to do while I'm alive).



A few weeks ago, Spike Lee said some pretty offsetting things about Tyler Perry, here is the quote because I am too lazy to write it all again:
“We’ve had this discussion back and forth. When John Singleton [made 'Boyz in the Hood'], people came out to see it. But when he did ‘Rosewood,’ nobody showed up. So a lot of this is on us! You vote with your pocketbook, your wallet. You vote with your time sitting in front of the idiot box, and [Tyler Perry] has a huge audience. We shouldn’t think that Tyler Perry is going to make the same film that I am going to make, or that John Singleton or my cousin Malcolm Lee [would make]. As African-Americans, we’re not one monolithic group, so there is room for all of that. But at the same time, for me, the imaging is troubling and it harkens back to ‘Amos n’ Andy.’”
“Each artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors, but I still think there is a lot of stuff out today that is coonery and buffoonery. I know it’s making a lot of money and breaking records, but we can do better. … I am a huge basketball fan, and when I watch the games on TNT, I see these two ads for these two shows (Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne”), and I am scratching my head. We got a black president, and we going back to Mantan Moreland and Sleep ‘n’ Eat?

I believe that black film makers are jealous. Yes, I said it. Spike Lee is jealous. Why is he jealous? People just say that to defend someone else. Look at it like this, Tyler Perry has had a meterioric rise. He went from being homeless in 1998, to being worth over $400 million dollars and the most accomplished black playwright ever in little over a decade. No other black author, writer, director, actor, producer, or playwright has done that in history. What other black director can call Oprah and have her drop whatever she's doing? Spike Lee and John Singleton can't. They're jealous. It's simple.To be frank, if I was in their shoes,  I would be too. Look at all the struggling black directors who can't get a quality piece of work to be seen by directors, but Tyler Perry makes millions off of recycled work. You know what they say, if you can't beat him, join him. Lee Daniels did and his film is doing very well for itself. Also, if you don't like it, save your money and see something else.

Battle of Shame: Black people vs. italians

                                                                                                    

Ever since Flavor Flav first popped up on VH1 with his viking horns and oversized clock, frankly looking like someone that escaped from Sheppard Pratt, Black people have hid their faces in shame. It was like we are already represented as fools and here comes this gremlin looking man eating chicken during his confessionals. It may seem like I have a vendetta against Flavor Flav but I don't, just stating the facts. Once Flavor Flav faded back into obscurity, we had to deal with BET images and New York and her crazy mother. There are very few positive images of Blacks on TV. Either we're slamming each other like savages, shooting in south central, looking for love on a mock reality show, or on BET popping bottles on a girl with an oversized behind. Now Black women are eternally single. Great, things just keep getting better. Also, the criticism was never directed at the producers or the show but always the race. Other races were like"see I told you they acted like that." It's so bad that Chinese restaurant owners in Northern New Jersey are telling black people that they get chicken, no matter what they order.

I see all that to say, I am happy that the focus is no longer on us or our stereotypes because Italians are mad at Jersey shore. Now, I have more experience with Black stereotypes because I'm Black and I live in Randallstown, which is the mecca of black people in Baltimore County. Also, I have little experience with Italians, or white people as a whole except working for a few months in Carroll County where I was the only full blooded black person. But watching Jersey Shore made me happy I'm not Italian.

The MTV series, which wrapped last night, was reran all day and I saw a few episodes and it's interesting. The people on this show call themselves Guido and Guidettes, which according to several Italian websites is the same as the n-word. Wow. I don't feel like putting the entire Guido definition here because it's too long, but here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guido_(slang). Like I said, Italians aren't happy because it plays into every Italian stereotype. Some of them are spoiled children with gelled hair, bad manner, and fist pumping. Okay I guess. At least they aren't making pizzas and pretending to be mob bosses.

So who has it worse? Blacks or Italians.

Let's talk about Pep

I really need them to stop with these reality shows because I feel like I've seen this show before. Let's talk about Pep is a dating show without the mansion and 15-20 models/actors looking for their big break, I mean contestants. Pep and her friends, Jacque from BET news anchor, Kittie a voiceover actress, and Joumana, journalist and ex-wife of Jason Kidd. Meet for brunch to recap their dating adventures. I actually like the concept, when there's no cameras around. Black women do it all the time. Yes men, we talk about you, what you wore, what you said, how you said, how you walked, everything but this show is a little too intimate for me. We have scenes of toe sucking, hot tub scenes, and talk of sperm donation. This is stuff that should stay personal. Also, do we need to know that Pep hasn't had sex in four years. How about we keep that to ourselves. Other than my personal hang ups about the show, I actually watch this show and will be tuning in next week.

The Rundown: Fantastia For Real

American Idol winner Fantasia premiered her new reality show: Fantasia For Real on VH1 last night and I still don't know how to feel about it. The show is decent but it's still pretty boring. Fantasia takes care of her two brothers, mother, her daughter, and herself. The worst of them all is her 28 year-old brother Teeny who is a musician who is not producing any fruits. As if that wasn't bad enough, Teeny drives two cars and is planning on getting a  red ferrari but does not plan on getting a job anytime soon. That's wanting crystal on a water budget, or someone else's budget. I also wonder about Fantasia's other brother because little was said about him. I'm sure he doesn't have a job either. I think Teeny makes the show because without his antics, the show is not worth watching. Grade: B-

What's really good: domestic violence already?

We're not even a week into 2010 and already a celebrity was arrested for beating a girlfriend up. J-Boog, formerly of B2K, was arrested yesterday after cries were heard from his L.A. home. Six patrol cars came to the property and he was arrested and booked on 'corporal punishment on a spouse'. I.e. beating his girlfriend, and mother of his two kids, up. Everyone knows that when the police call for back up, you're going to jail. He also had several driving related warrants issued for his arrest.

Wow. I've heard he had a rough life before but this is wow. Domestic violence is the norm now. Women get beat up everyday and people turn a blind eye to it. I also have a feeling that this isn't first time he hit her.  Nevertheless, I don't know him nor do I know her and pray that they find the best solution for their kids. Who knows what goes on in their relationship, so who am I to judge?

Mullage

Hi guys. I'm interviewing Mullage today and their manager gave me a link to their music and pictures.:

http://getmullage.com/elevators/artwork

http://getmullage.com/elevators

First Blank Stare of theYear: Gas Stations with No Gas

Yesterday, as I heading home from my part time job at Arundel Mills, I decided to stop by the local Exxon station right where I normally turn to go to 100. Nothing out of the ordinary, just feeding Reddy. So I get to the station and not one pump had gas. Not one. I was amazed and appalled at the same time. That's bad business. My Dad owns a store in New Jersey called Roselle Health Plus and he is always stocked because if he doesn't have it, someone else will and that's money out the door. We're in business to make money not to lose it. If you're a gas station that means you sell one thing, gas and if you don't have gas, you don't have a business and if you don't have a business, you don't have a living. I don't care if you have to go to the gulf coast and ship the gas yourself, you should always have gas. So, I left Arundel Mills, came to Owings Mills went to Forever 21 for shirts and decided to try that Exxon, I don't know why I was so bent on having Exxon in my tank because I'm usually BP or Royal Farms but Exxon was right there each time I went for gas. So I went to this Exxon station in Owings Mills and tried to use my card to pay and everytime I went for credit, it cancelled my transaction, which is a little fishy I have to watch my bank card. I didn't have time for foolishness, so I got in my car and went home. I finally got my gas from an Exxon on Marriottsville road. Sorry BP and Shell, Exxon is more convenient.

I thought this was funny because this is how I feel everytime I pump liquid exploitation, I mean gas, into Reddy. Why is Gas so expensive if it's only $60 a barrell, which means it should only be a dollar and some change? Don't get mad at me, I'm just saying/

"Welcome to 2010"

I just want to take this moment to wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2010.