Remember when

who could forget that face? We all grew up with it. Why, thats super-ultra-mega brainiac Jessie Spano from Saved By The Bell. Of course, she's known as Elizabeth Berkley to anyone who didnt exist or didnt have a TV between 1989 and 1993. She has a new bad ass "conniving bitch" role now and she wears it well. Give up the 10pm hour of your monday night (this week its on tomorrow at 10 too) and go watch CSI: Miami. Horatio is the man after all...

Preparations

We got the news earlier this week that *gasp* my brother and his wife are having another baby!! The newbie will make 5 nephews in total for me. I kinda sorta deep down in my subconcious mind wish that it was a girl, so badly. I just want one.... But it's cool, a new baby is a new baby =0) And I promise to spoil him just like his older (still little) brother, because they're just like me. Yes i will be living vicariously through them, spoiling them because they were born so far apart from their other siblings. Deep down I think i resent that a bit too...

I think in big brother's getting old, his math skills, or just his mental state itself, are going. fast. He called with the (belated) news of his wife's pregnancy and informed us all that his wife is 6 months pregnant as of March 25th, and is due in August. I'm going to give that a minute to set in.

Now for all of you who just did that math, you see my concern right? Because if pregnancy has extended itself from 9 to 11 months, I wil be finding myself a surrogate right now. Right now. Because my brain hurts everytime I think about it, I havent gotten around to calling him back and asking him to pick between the two. Although i hope she's 6 months pregnant so that he can b born in June like the other 3. I know what he does when september rolls around....


For the new season (and the new year) I decided to go a different way with my hair.

I did blonde back in 2005. It lasted until early 2007...I missed the contrast.


So i decided this year to go with an auburn, which has been received pretty well. I also did a shorter cut, just under my ears. I've never had my hair this short before. ever. I'm pretty sure if relaxers were allowed on babies, the afro I was born with would have stretched to my shoulders. Evidently it goes well with my skin tone? My mother was generous with her freckles but decided to keep her ginger-kid hair all to herself. It's cool, I forgive her ^_^

Tomorrow's my first day of work. I've been anxious about it all day. Food is the enemy right now. As is having to sit still. I've been pacing the house all day. I'm beyond ready to start this job but as with anything new, there's always that nervous energy. Gonna go Spider-man around my room before bed. Pray i actually fall asleep....

Repetition = Remembering

i said it before, i'll say it again (just because it looks that fantasmic). These two movies, look hot. to me. Street Kings, as Common puts it "straight nightmares". The Happening (M. Night fan or not), seems to run along the lines of Cell and The Mist as far as concept, both works by Stephen King. Because so many people are adverse to reading, I hope so hard that someone picks up Cell and turns it into a movie because the idea of it needs to be put into the heads of people everywhere. That book had me on the edge from page 1. Either way, investigate the two (and while your at it, go watch The Mist). Hit up comingsoon.net, check out some trailers, get involved. You wont be sorry.

P.S. - America did an incredible job on "Shutter". The only difference between the original and the American remake is that it was a little more...violent (as per america). The japanese version was based more in suspense. I loved it so... *claps* congratulations America. The 7th time's the charm (Grudge/2, Ring/2, The Eye, One Missed Call)

When 'Burnouts' get real

I must have missed these stories when they first surfaced, but since a guy just killed his wife trying to self-install a satellite dish (by all means click here), they've been brought back into the light. The irony in the first..and cameras taking fingers as souvenirs in the second...



The advent of portable video games certainly added to the millions of ways kids goof off in class, but for one unlucky middle-schooler, his punishment was much worse than detention. A 12-year-old in Michigan felt the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in his pocket rapidly heat up, eventually burning through his pocket and melting to his skin. It's still unclear if it was the boy's fault for using the wrong battery or just a freak malfunction, but one thing is known: The disc in the PSP was popular driving game 'Burnout.'



Last August, Sony announced that it was recalling over 400,000 Cyber-shot cameras because of a potential defect that could lead to cuts or scratches. Apparently, the metal casing could warp and produce a jagged edge that could injure the user's hands, which allegedly happened to 30 people in Japan. Sure, it's hardly the most evil thing on this list but hey, hand cuts can hurt too!

all courtesy of Switched.com

Wal-Mart = The Root of All Evil

This might just be the most selfish thing i've ever heard of. And to make it worse, its obviously not out of necessity, its done just because it can be. Dis. gusting.

Walmart Hell

Food: Through the Microscope

So i was taken out last night in celebration of my new job acquisition, the restaurant of choice being Applebee's. I haven't been there in ages, so the menu is quite unfamiliar to me. But because I have these standard goals set up for the coming parties on my schedule, I have to be careful with what I choose to eat. And last night was a fabulous example of me taking the reins (in my opinion). The original plan was for dessert, but i know how desserts run...calories galore. Plus, i realized i hadn't eaten any dinner, so i went googling. I found a website that (for free and part of the site's basic function) provided me with counts on every dish at Applebee's. My partners in crime chose the Maple Butter Blondie. Looking at it's stats - Serving Size: Calculated for 1 serving; Calories: 763, Total Fat: 52.2g, Carbs: 71.7g, Protein: 5.7g

I stuck with my traditional meal of choice, that I am SO glad they still have, the Oriental Chicken Rollup. Those stats? Serving Size: 1 meal (9 oz); Calories: 709, Total Fat: 25g, Carbs: 72g, Protein: 49g. carbs are higher by less than a gram...and w/the exception of needed protein, everything else is lower. I was quite full after my trip.

So if your looking to get background info before you hit up some restaurants and such, I recommend this website to everyone - The Daily Plate

People are Reaching

i really only have one thing to speak on today. Really in ALL honesty, who looked at the new Vogue with Lebron James on the cover, and thought of this?




Because personally, I just thought the cover was about ferocity/strength and grace/elegance. I am also a little taken aback that some people were willing to reach this far, and turn a simple magazine cover, into a something so extremely perverse. Feel free to entertain yourselves with the article in its entirety here. Some black people should be ashamed of this BS that they come up with. I am actually disgusted at the fact. By all means, please, provide me with your comments and opinions on such a view.

Sunday

Late Nights

Spontaneously enough, last night I accompanied my friends Karina & Jeremiah to Atlantic City for one of Jay's friend's birthdays (talk about 6 degrees of separation). Typically it takes 3 hours to get to AC from where we are in Brooklyn. Because Jay's a beat, it took 2 hours. But we left at 10 last night. I've never seen AC at night. I'm mad that there are people who actually spend their nights at this casino. We stood and enjoyed a table of BlackJack for a good while (none of us were gambling, we have other money plans). It was a fantastic time until this lady did a stunning thing. The minimum bet on BlackJack is $25. When she ran out of chips, she calmly proceeded to pull out her wallet, and drop three crisp $100 bills onto the table, re-upping her chip stash. She threw people's paychecks onto the table like I would put down $1 for a bottle of water. Thats when we knew it was time to go. I dont even know how we got home this morning, but I definitely got to see the sun rise as i dozed off to sleep. And as an extra high 5 to me, considering that my iron issues leave me dead-ass tired for most of the functioning day, i got up after having slept for 4.5 hours, and went out into the world and made my way for another almost 6 hours. hoo-ray.

I really want to give a shout-out to one avid blog reader of mine. She's been reading forever and even takes the time to send me comments, ask questions & contribute. Thanks Laa. It's even more appreciated because you reached out despite us not being hella tight way back in the day. It means alot girl. I hope you find your writing niche; and i'm always around if u want an extra opinion ^_^

Music 2008

I may have dropped the ball on this one, but positive i'm not the last to discover this. Has anyone ever heard of the X-factor? It's the show that basically had a baby we call "American Idol". And it also gave birth to a fantastic new singer

Ms. Leona Lewis

Her first US release 'bleeding love' is a great song, just brings you in it does. I look forward to her album drop. I will be getting my hands on it come April...her voice is up there with Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey.

Speaking of the MC herself

she has a new single out as well - Touch My Body. Who hasnt heard it? or at the least seen the video with the lovable geek in it. But are we really listening to this song? Lets look at a sample of the lyrics shall we? (From the bridge)

"'Cause if you run your mouth and brag
About this secret rendezvous

I will hunt you down"

This is the point when you go back to the song and listen to the tone in which its said. Try saying that to your significant one night before (or after) the sex, in the same overly calm manner. Then report back to me with their reaction. Thank you.

Horrorfest

I've seen 5/8 of 2007's Afterdark series and i'm in love with this year. Its less about gore & fantasy and more about concepts. I personally recommend The Deaths of Ian Stone. God it was so boss...its #1 for me, without even having seen the last few. Something else I found interesting was a recurring Afterdark starlette -

Rachel Miner

For those of you that dont remember, she was the one that married Macaulay Culkin back in 1998. I found it creepy, yet skillful that she looks like that at 27 and looked like this

at 26. Thats her in the first Afterdark series, 2006. Why does she look like the teen that she played?

If anyone is feeling particularly generous right now, feel free to help me get either

Horrorfest 2006 or


Horrorfest 2007. that would be fabulous....

Cake of the Century

because my homie New Jack has already found and posted this entire fabulous article for the universe to see, i'm simply giving u a prelude - which was enough to bring me in, and i shall send you off to her to be as enlightened as I am. Peeps work together.

clipped from us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com The Lose-Lose Gamble Approach You are focused on making a living by constantly looking for where and how to get the most money out of every situation. Money is the driving force behind in this scenario. You always try to get a piece of the cake as long as there is cake on the table. If there is no cake on the table, you move on to another table to see if there is some cake left for you. It’s a lousy way to get food on the table and to feed your family. It’s a way that leads sooner or later to the bottom of the system, ending up with less and in the end, with nothing. Over time, you need to become smarter to grab the cake, as there is more and more competition from others for that choice piece of cake. At one point, you may even try to steal the cake. It’s a desperate situation, but one you can justify, because after all, you need to eat, right?. You are lost in cake hell.

Big girls map lives

So for all the Mcdonald's die-hard lovers out there, they have a new campaign this month to bring in hoards of customers looking to overeat. That's right, they now have 4-piece and 6-piece 'chicken' mcnuggets on the $1 menu. I use quotes because, u research enough, they will be revealed to be as chicken-y as New Jack found in her report on Kentucky (go read up on that). Its similar to the month of January i believe it was, when the double cheeseburger was placed on the $1 menu, and people were seen eating two to a person. Tsk tsk over-indulgence.

As for me, I made my first grown-up decision. I changed my request for a Wii and the camera that i have SUCH an extreme desire for to a car. a nice used car. I even threw in both my birthday and christmas gifts for it. I was so proud of myself. That means i'll have my own method of getting to work or classes as needed. I'm so proud of myself for making such a decision with no help from my parents ^_^ And when it comes to parties or nights out, I can be like my buddy Jeremiah and just hop in the car and go, lol. I envy his mobility... (the next step is me saving to get a place away from here). Along similar lines, job interview! I'm very excited and anxious for it tomorrow. But i do look forward to it. I dont have high expectations, i'm not looking to be thrown into the job, but just to have an interview is nice. It helps boosts my spirits a bit.

I had a new sudden thought for a short story. Discussing our (matching) tattoos with my oldest BFF Karina, i had a vision of us getting out of a car, and the mere act of it revealing the tattoos on our thighs (which is now the location) through the split in our dresses. The story that spawned from that simple non-existent moment in time will be spectacular.

Absolutely unrelated to anything else, as i was riding home on the train today, I had a random thought of getting a bunch of my favourite flowers and it made me smile. Amidst my smile, i turned my head and happened upon another girl who seemed to go through the same process of sudden thought leading to momentary happiness (in its simplicity). I guess it was the poet or writer in me, but it felt to me like the two of us shared a moment that was just ours, despite how separate and unique they were.

Healthy vs. Toxic

Because it was really well received on facebook, i figured i should expose it to a wider audience

Healthy Love

• Development of self first.


• Room to grow, expand; desire for other to grow.


• Separate interests; other friends; maintain other meaningful relationships.


• Encouragement of each other's expanding; secure in own worth.


• Appropriate Trust (i.e. trusting partner to behave according to fundamental nature.)


• Compromise, negotiation or taking turns at leading. Problem solving together.


• Embracing of each other's individuality.


• Relationship deals with all aspects of reality.


• Self-care by both partners; emotional state not dependent on other's mood.


• Loving detachment (healthy concern about partner, while letting go.)


• Sex is free choice growing out of caring & friendship.


• Ability to enjoy being alone.


• Cycle of comfort and contentment.

Toxic Love

• Obsession with relationship.


• Security, comfort in sameness; intensity of need seen as proof of love (may really be fear, insecurity, loneliness)


• Total involvement; limited social life; neglect old friends, interests.


• Preoccupation with other's behavior; fear of other changing.


• Jealousy; possessiveness; fear of competition; protects "supply."


• Power plays for control; blaming; passive or aggressive manipulation.


• Trying to change other to own image.


• Relationship is based on delusion and avoidance of the unpleasant.


• Expectation that one partner will fix and rescue the other.


• Fusion (being obsessed with each other's problems and feelings.)


• Pressure around sex due to insecurity, fear & need for immediate gratification.


• Unable to endure separation; clinging.


• Cycle of pain and despair.

From Mario with....not Love

An Open Letter From Mario To Nintendo

Written by Greg Lockwood

March 13th, 2008 ·

Dear Nintendo,

We’ve been in a business relationship for quite a while now, and to be honest, I never used to have any complaints about my job. I mean sure, my line of work has never really been considered “easy” by any means, but in the early days it just felt so much more… rewarding.

Do you get what I’m saying guys? I wasn’t too fond of chasing a huge ape up a series of ladders, but with that fine-ass Pauline waiting for me, I didn’t mind. Same thing with running around Mushroom Kingdom, I don’t mind taking out a few Koopas since I know Peach is going to be waiting for me. (”At another castle”…God that joke gets so old)

But recently, you have been forcing me to do shit that just isn’t in my job description. I remember the first time Shigeru called me up. “Yo Mario, wanna go to a party? How about 8 of them?” And of course I said yes. That’s because my idea of a party is knockin back a few cold ones with some buds, some drinking games with the ladies, and maybe Superbad. But no, you twisted fucks’ idea of a party is to have me and all the assholes I hate run around in circles for twenty minutes. That’s not a party, that’s a track and field meet. Which brings me to my next point.

Have you seen my waistline in the last few years? I would assume not, because you’ve got me playing more sports than Michael Jordan. What on God’s green Earth gives you the slightest thought that I would make a good soccer player? Have you seen how long a fucking soccer field is? It’s ridiculous. While we’re talking about ridiculous things, whose bright idea was it for me to compete in Olympic events against Sonic of all people? He was about to retire anyways, but no Nintendo, you just had to bring him back and have him compete against me in track events. What were you thinking? He runs so fast you can’t see his fucking feet.

Finally, as I’m sure you’re all well aware, for most of my life, the enemies I have faced have all been relatively tame, being dispatched with a simple jump or three at the most. Now you want to take me and make me battle to the death against a man with a gun? I can punch him, he can shoot fucking bullets at me! You’re all assholes, I hate you.

Die in a Fire,

Mario

(brought to you by sea.man.ticks, courtesy of stumbleupon)

Love vs. Marriage

Something interesting stumbledupon randomly -

One day, Plato asked his teacher, "What is love? How can I find it?"
His teacher answered, "There is a vast wheat field in front. Walk forward without turning back, and pick only one stalk. If you find the most magnificent stalk, then you have found love."
Plato walked forward, and before long, he returned with empty hands, having picked nothing. His teacher asked, "Why did you not pick any stalk?" Plato answered, "Because I could only pick once, and yet I could not turn back. I did find the most magnificent stalk, but did not know if there were any better ones ahead, so I did not pick it. As I walked further, the stalks that I saw were not as good as the earlier one, so I did not pick any in the end.
His teacher then said, "And that is love."

On another day, Plato asked his teacher, "What is marriage? How can find it?"His teacher answered, "There is a thriving forest in front. Walk forward without turning back, and chop down only one tree. If you find the tallest tree, then you have found marriage." Plato walked forward, and before long, he returned with a tree. The tree was not thriving, and it was not tall either. It was an ordinary tree. His teacher asked, "Why did you chop down such an ordinary tree?"
Plato answered, "Because of my previous experience. I walked halfway through the forest, but returned with empty hands. This time, I saw this tree, and I felt that it was not bad, so I chopped it down and brought it back. I did not want to miss the opportunity."
His teacher then said, "And that is marriage."

(courtesy of msk)

Good vs Bad

Bad look.....


Good look...

...look into 'Street Kings'. You wont be sorry

Dont Quit

The universe knows how much it means to me to write. It meant so much to me at one time that I wrote several people several letters, if for nothing else, to make them smile. But the only people I ever got letters back from were my Cleva-Bee and Karina, the latter of which I've been writing on and off since 1996. What I love about them, besides the fact that they wrote me back when I sent them letters, is that I dont have to send them mail to get it. I've gotten a number of letters, even the occasional 'goodie' from Cleva in the past year (as i've been dealing with alot of things). Today, I got a letter from Karina. It wasnt enough that she sent me a letter, one that I wasnt expecting and didnt see coming at all, but it was the contents of it. It really is the little things sometimes that just do it for me. It wasnt a hand-written letter she sent. It was something to be shared -

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but dont quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Dont give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems far;
So stick to the fight when
you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that
you must not quit.

Maggie the Cat

For now, "Wicked" has taken a step back on my list of plays to partake in. I am looking forward to seeing the new production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Besides the fact that Terrence Howard is in it, it looks like a really good play. And there's a ridiculous amount of upper-tier performers in it as well. I've been a growing fan of plays ever since i saw Chicago years ago. I've been trying to add Broadway and off-Broadway to my list ever since. I'm working towards fitting in three a year. All I need a one more. Avenue Q anyone?





(courtesy of Black Voices)

Tis the Season

It's upon us once again. The time of year when everyone's birthdays fall. That is except for myself and my Cleva-Bee. I havent gone all out for someone else's birthday in years. I think it's actually been since college. I only celebrated my birthday for the 1st time last year (since turning 17). I've never been more excited to get out to birthday bashes. I've got an inate desire to get back on the scene with clubs and bars and just being out with people. And of course the pictures that will come out of the whole affair. I've never been more excited to get out. Maybe its part of that whole change that i'm going through. I even found atypical attire for the celebrations.


Party one is right here



Party 2's follow up

I've never been more anxious to get into dresses. Those that know me know that i've never been one for dresses. But i think heels look much better outside of pants. ^_^

Vegetarianism

A Day in the Life of a Vegetarian

Scene: I’m in the kitchen at work heating up some leftover lo me with ginger sauce. A female coworker enters the room and strikes up a conversation about vegetarianism.

Coworker: “Do you eat tuna?”
Me: “No, I don’t eat meat.”
Coworker: “Oh, tuna is meat?”
Me: “Yup, anything that is an animal is meat”
Coworker: “Oh, I didn’t know that tuna were animals. What about fish?”
Me: [Blank stare.] “Um … tuna are fish.”
Coworker: “Really? I didn’t know what it was.”
Me: “Just because it says ‘Chicken of the Sea’ on the can doesn’t mean it’s chicken.”

Various ramblings about the tastiness of burgers and how I manage to avoid the “temptation” (cough) of meat.

Coworker: “I don’t really like bacon, though. Do you eat bacon?”
Me: [Blink. Blink.]
Coworker: “No?”
Me: “Um, no. Bacon is meat.”
Coworker: “Really?”
Me: “Yeah. It comes from a pig. What did you think it was?”
Coworker: “I don’t know. Food?”
Me: “Uh, yeah. It’s meat. It’s from a pig. Pigs are animals.”
Coworker: “Oh, yeah, I know that.”
Me: “Um, ok … well, pigs are animals. Any part of the animal is meat: pigs feet, bacon, ham, whatever.”
Coworker: “Oh. So you don’t eat animals?”
Me: [Blank stare.]

...I'll leave that one up to my viewing public to decipher. I hope I didnt take away brain cells/IQ points by sharing this with you

New Age Therapy

When I come up with enough money to fund my photography project, these are the kinds of things i'd like to share with the world....




Because they make me happy and mellow, and for some reason induce the most amazing degree of calmness.

Spring Cleaning

Its that time of year again. The time when the weather gets warmer, temperatures rise, and people go into cleaning mode. That is, literally & metaphorically. Change is officially in the air. Winter's coming to a close. Spring is knocking on the door. Easter is in two weeks. The sun is still hanging out with folks even as 7pm rolls around. I've made alot of changes recently, inside and out. And it occurred to me that I'm still changing.

1. I'm not as caught up in video games as I once was
2. Getting myself a new suit or sexy ass dress are of more importance than seeing the latest movie
3. I actually want to work and be able to say I'm making my own money
4. I'm falling for MAC...and how well it complements me
5. As a result of 3 and 4, I find that I dress casual more often than 'down'
6. My interests have changed. "Traditional" cartoons dont do it for me (obviously family guy/boondocks/simpsons do not fall into that category)
7. Being healthy and in shape has become more of a part of life for me than the chore it once was
8. Writing and photography have taken over my consciousness with some powerful force. I desire a camera even more now
9. I cleaned out my buddy list/myspace and to a lesser degree, my facebook. I dont see the reason anymore in keeping people on simply to appease them
10. I understand the difference between friends and acquaintances. My friends have definitely shown who they are in the last few months, especially when it came to all of the things that I had to deal with
    
11. I'm slowly revealing my true feelings and opinions when addressed regarding such. Some people arent able to handle what they get, others are receiving quite well. That also makes it easy to pick who i talk to - side A gets the raw truth, side B gets made-for-tv disney
12. I like that I dont rely on my phone as much anymore. I've lost the desire to be connected to everyone 24/7 and it makes me feel more mature for some reason. I still dont get that
13. My parents each have a set of blinders that they choose to put on depending on what the situation is. I see it because it's getting more frequent. It makes me sad, but it reminds me of what my goals are.
14. The call to be a vegetarian is insistent
15. "The force is strong with this one."
    

future of music

Personally I am over. joyed. at the news of Usher's new album release. I'm a big fan of "love in the club." -
"Looks like Tameka couldn’t keep Usher on the short leash for too long. Usher’s new single “Love in This Club,” produced by Polow Da Don and featuring Young Jeezy is the #1 song in the country. And that’s after it jumped from #51 to the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That is crazy. I bet Usher is gushing. This will be Usher eighth #1 single in his career, which is pretty impressive...." All courtesy of ConcreteLoop, the rest of it is here








And just because I feel that it needs to be said.<------- WAY cuter


than them. -------> remember them?
thats just personal opinion

Happenings in the News

2 things I found mention-worthy from recent news reports, courtesy of my wandering eye. Evidently there is a casino in the Virgin Islands that I recommend no one go to. They evidently attempted to swindle someone out of 5.15 million dollars, an attorney no less, and compensate for it by treating him to a $100 comp and a free meal. My dad added his comical two cents, that if someone even looked like they were going to tinker with his machine, he would proceed to get up, and beat them to the ground. I'm sure the 5.15 million would cover any legal fees and settlements to be paid afterwards. lol

Of even bigger interest to me is the status of two ridiculously-good crooners, J. Holiday and Ne-Yo

"Washington, DC-bred R&B crooner J. Holiday was arrested on Thursday Feb. 21 and charged with drug possession." where at the same time (roughly), "The Grammy-winning Ne-Yo was jailed on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and charged with reckless driving and for not having a valid driver's license. Cops allege that the platinum-selling singer (real name Shaffer Smith) was driving over 100 miles per hour in his 2006 Range Rover in Cobb County."

What is going on in the music world today?

who says height is everything?

Freddy Rodriguez is 5'6" and ballin it out. ...ballin. I wanna do things with my 5'5.5" bs, lol. I can kick ass too!