Bank on it…
I excelled in school until about the 3rd quarter of my 7th grade year. It was then I met my lifelong nemesis and sworn enemy- ALGEBRA! Well, pre-algebra to be exact. It whooped my ass, and did so royally for the next 5 years. I eeked a passing grade out of pre-algebra… emerged from algebra 1 and 2 with an amazingly dismal perception of myself. Geometry and Pre-cal finished me off with a one-two punch. The only claim to fame I have with regards to math is that I found my way to a position in life where I can pawn off the counting, numbers and complex equations to someone else while I bask in the ignorance of my mathematical ineptitude.
Needless to say, the many quoted stats, numbers and projections spewed during the current political campaign may as well have been voiced in Sanskrit. Yes… its utterly confusing and foreign. As I’ve watched the debates, commercials and stump speeches over the last few months, I can often be heard shouting at the television “JUST SAY IT IN ENGLISH”. But no one has heard my plea… until now.
Mitt Romney urged us in the debates to go to his site where his 5-point plan to improve the economy and simplify the tax code is spelled out in easy to read, simple and concise language. So I did. And now like Paul on the road to Damascus… I see the LIGHT!!!
Click here to see for yourself: ROMNEYTAXPLAN.com
HEROES
In 2011, playwright Howard L. Craft premiered the Jade City Chronicles at Little Green Pig Theatre in Durham, NC. It was a smart, funny and complex play about the life and struggles of a super hero. But not just any super hero, this was Herald M.F. Jones, the super spectacular bad ass protector of Jade City.
The play was a huge success and received rave reviews throughout N.C.’c arts community. Frank Stasio, a producer for NPR on North Carolina Public radio attended the show and later contacted Craft about adapting the work to a radio serial format. Herald M.F. Jones ended up not not only saving the day, but making history as well by becoming the first African American superhero serial in radio history!!!
I recently caught up with Howard L. Craft, writer and creator of Herald M.F. Jones and the Jade City crew to talk about the project, how it came about and what’s coming up next… take a listen:
The Jade City Pharaoh is in the final days of a fundraising effort to generate the capital to continue producing the show and you can support! Log on to: www.kickstarter.com/profile/jadecity, and make a pledge today. You can also tune in to episodes of The Jade City Pharaoh and listen online at http://jadecity.webs.com/episodes.htm
Herald M.F. Jones is a bad muthaf……
Baby Blues…
Rumors of a fake pregnancy scandal have hounded Jay and Beyonce Z since shortly after they appeared on the VMA red carpet in August 2011. Reportedly glowing and showing off her baby bump, the joy was SQUISHED out of the pop diva’s fans’ collective coos when B appeared on an Australian tabloid show a few weeks later and seemingly forgot she was wearing a fake pregnancy prosthetic… I, mean… squished her baby… I mean… What the hell? See the photo after the break… Rumors flew from here to Sydney about whether the Z’s were using a surrogate and just simply toying with fans’ trust and expectations.
Things that make you go... Hellllll naw!
The drama continues after an appearance at Jay Z’s Carnegie Hall performance on Feb 6, 2012 at which Beyonce showed no signs of baby weight anywhere on her body. Experts have come forth to claim that with this being her first baby, her youth- and the fact that she never had a baby (oops-did I say that out loud?) have allowed her to have a rapid snap back to her performance bod. (I’m making the face again) 😐
Look, in all seriousness, I could care less what she does, but it is a bit odd to lie about things. Many women have surrogates, in fact they’re currently outsourcing wombs in India right now! Some women do it for health reasons and some for vanity. After all, money can buy you any and everything! I mean, I get it… B makes her living on her voice as well as her looks. If she can afford to have someone have her baby, she keeps her body and keeps the dollars coming in… who am I to hate? But damn, you don’t gotta lie to kick it Craig! #ImJustSayin
Short month, Long Legacy
Its BLACK HISTORY MONTH… our favorite time of year when we get to learn of all the great contributions made to society by any body other than pilgrims, American Revolutionaries and Ronald Reagan!
Yes, its true. Black people are responsible for just as much cool shit as anybody else, and if you keep your eyes, ears and calendars open this month you can learn all types of fun things! I know some people like to protest the fact that BHM lands in February, the shortest and arguably most misleading -spelling to pronuniciation- month in the year. But don’t get it twisted, its not some secret plot to undermine African American contributions to society. February was chosen by Carter G. Woodson because two of Black America’s heroes were both born in February- Frederick Douglass and the undisputed champ for black people’s rights…(ahem) Abraham Lincoln. Ok, Brother Woodson was stretching a bit on that last one, but hey that was like 400 years ago (or something).
Anyway, we take our Black History seriously at The 15 Project, because let’s be honest, as a black artist… there is a lot of work around this time of year. I ain’t tripping. After all February + income tax time is like an annual economic bailout for a brother who kinda went H.A.M. on some after Christmas sales (you’re welcome Capital One).
Anyway, there is lots of information you can fill your head with this month that’s sure to make you the center of attention at all the cocktail parties and Cultural Center soirees you’ll be invited to over the next 28 days. Plus, with this being a leap year, you get one whole extra day to do something EXTRA BLACK like; go to a baptist church, buy something from West End or Greenbriar Mall, eat at a Soul Food Restaurant or my personal favorite – watch the PBS rebroadcast of Roots!
But seriously though, whatever you do this month, remember that Black History is more than Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. Black History is not just past, but also present and future. Ask the elders in your family to tell your THEIR stories. Fix something that you see is broken in your community. Do something selfless. But most of all move in excellence, you never know who’s watching!
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Fine and Dandy
What began as a small photography exhibit as a part of an installation within Harlem’s Society HAE‘s headquarters has become a bonafied art world phenomenon. The exhibition titled Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity looks at the mash up between traditional African fashion sensibilities and European style aesthetics.
The original exhibit is conceived and curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis in conjunction with Society HAE. Lewis, who curates exhibitions for New York’s Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diasporan Institute (CCCADI), expanded the project with a national call for photographic works that fall within the the conceptual scope of the exhibition. Empowered with a broad and exceptional response to the project, Shantrelle secured dates at several museums and institutions throughout the U.S. for Dandy Lion to travel.
A “dandy” is described as “a man who affects extreme elegance in clothes and manners”. The images in the exhibit feature a juxtaposition of urban black men whose clean and creative fashions stand out against the backdrop of sagging jeans, baseball caps and big t-shirts. “Noticeably different from his historical minstrel or Harlem Renaissance queer prototype, the 21st Century Dandy Lion is more masculine than metro-sexual, more of an expression of the African aesthetic and mode of swagger than an imitation of European high-brow society”, says Lewis’s curatorial statement. The contemporary dandy’s style, or “swagger” engages both African aesthetics and elements of classical European fashion. The exhibit features works by 20 emerging photographers and filmmakers all presenting refreshing images of young black men whose looks challenge popular conceptions of black masculinity.
The exhibit which may soon be produced as a full-color catalogue has traveled to to Amsterdam, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA) in Brooklyn, as well as recently to Newark’s Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art,. Dandy Lion runs January 29 – May 13, 2012, 2012 at The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore.
Featured Artists
Hanif Abdur-Rahim
Kwesi Abbensetts
Laylah Amatullah Barrayn
Kia Chenelle
Bouba Dola
Delphine Fawundu-Buford
Russsell K. Frederick
Cassi Amanda Gibson
Akintola Hanif
Jamala Johns
Caroline W. Kaminju
Phillis Kwentoh
Jati Lindsay
Lafotographeuse (née Amanda Adams-Louis)
Ray Llanos
Devin Mays
Terence Nance
Brandi Pettijohn
Radcliffe Roye
Nyugen E. Smith
Black Gold
George Lucas (Image courtesy of TvOvermind.com)
The success of the new film Red Tails is undeniable. Despite tepid (at best) reviews, the film finished a strong second at 19.1 million in its opening weekend. Theatres were sold out of every show and the internet was abuzz with chatter about why the black community had to go out and support this film. Most of this support, was fueled by George Lucas’ appearances in various media outlets urging black audiences to support the film to combat the racist underpinnings in Hollywood. Lucas suggested that by driving up box office sales for Red Tails the black community would send a resounding message to Hollywood that we wanted to see more black films on the big screen.
George Lucas who was reported to have invested 50+million of his own money in producing the film, claimed that for 20 years, he faced rejection from Hollywood studio execs that did not believe a big-budget film featuring a black cast would be commercially successful. Despite obvious truths in regards to the marginalization of black films, in my humble opinion, this was a clever and clearly effective marketing strategy that was overwhelmingly successful.
By galvanizing black audiences through tapping into the obvious frustrations at the lack of diversity in Hollywood, he created a wave- no a tsunami of support ensuring that the film, which the San Francisco Chronicle says “…Tuskegee Airmen deserve better”, be successful at the box office. Lucas made the black community believe that supporting “Red Tails” was in the best interest of the black community without providing tangible examples as to how. I believe that in all fairness and in an effort to avoid the dangers and exploitive potentials of this marketing strategy, that demands should be made of George Lucas to reciprocate the support afforded him, by reinvesting in programs that nurture aspiring and emerging African American filmmakers.
As such, I have created a petition which demands that fifteen percent of proceeds from box office sales be donated to HBCU’s which offer radio/film/television studies as a way of providing the type of resources and support the black community needs to see more Blacks competing with and within Hollywood.
Please support Red Tails if you choose, and in doing so ask that the black community be supported in return.
Off the EDGE
LIFT (Photo by Lynne Cymone)
You’ll be moved (pun intended), the week of Jan 23-29 as Atlanta’s Rialto Center for the Performing Arts teams up with art world rebels Lauri Stallings (gloATL) and Paul Boshears (continent) to present the Off the EDGE.
Off the Edge is a weeklong survey of contemporary, movement based art. The event is jam packed with exciting mind (and body)-bending performances from an international roster of experimental dance companies, theatrical productions and visual artists. Experience the work of one of America’s most acclaimed choreographers,Lar Lubovitch. Keigwin + Co. is known for their interactive theatrical performances which creates opportunities for the viewers themselves to get involved. Even local groups of national renown such as LIFT, Kennesaw State University Dance Company and Emory Dance will take the stage. And of course it would not be complete without the complex and always mind-altering presence of gloATL.
Taking up residence at both the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts as well as Occupy Atlanta’s old crib, Woodruff Park, the event promises to deliver upon the theme “the moving of things permits the formation of identities.”
Be sure to download the PDF schedule of all Off The Edge events… And check for a special presentation of work by yours truly Jan 27-28 6-7:30 pm as a part of the Off the Edge Public presentations near the Rialto Center!
HOT FIYAH!
Back in the day, I was known far and wide for chewing up mc’s and spitting them out. Armed with an ample vocabulary, a vivid imagination and a snarky, sarcastic sense of humor, I was no match for most round-the-way rappers. I often reflect victoriously on my untarnished reputation as a freestyle mc, thinking back with pride and curiosity as to the fates of the yokels who’s lives I shattered. I retired undefeated because frankly, with no one to rival my skills- I grew bored.
Consider today’s post as my official “coming out of retirement”. You heard me! I’ve finally met my match! You may have heard of this cat called Chocolate Drop. Word is, he’s been slaying rappers from coast to coast. I figured I had to see who this was and further, if he was better than me in my heyday. Hey, I’ll give him his props, SON is on FIYAH! His ability to string words together and completely humiliate competition is unfathomable. He is all at once combatant & comedian… professor and predator. I respect his skills.
But on my word fam, I’m shutting duke DOWN! You can make cats like T-Pain look simple, sure, but I’m on a whole other level. I live and breathe to devour rappers like Chocolate Drop. So consider the gauntlet – dropped… the juice – loose… the game – on. You don’t wanna bring that weak shit over here Chocolate Drop. I keeps it scratchy. Wool Socks!
Call Don King, Eminem, Terrance J or somebody. Let ’em know there’s about to be a rap battle royale starring me and a has been named Chocolate Drop! I’m gunning for you son!!!!
NO “WEIGH” José
Citing “medical neglect”, authorities in one Colorado county removed (with some degree of effort) a 200+ pound 3rd grader from the care of his mother and put him into a foster home. Yes, he is 8 years old and weighs over 200 pounds! 😐
Authorities say the child first came to the attention of Health and Family services when a little more than a year ago the child’s mother brought him to a doctor for breathing related issues. The child was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and the mother was instructed to place her child on a diet. Despite a brief drop in weight, the child actually began to re-gain the weight and some. The mother claims his older sibling and friends began sneaking the boy extra food. She claims that she has not been neglectful and wants her son to lose the weight. She is distraught that her son, an honor roll (not that kind of roll) student has been removed from his life and put in foster care.
I’m not going to get on a soapbox here about dieting and health etc. But I must ask the question: What exactly has been done to 1)Curtail the boy’s weight? and 2)At what point was his weight going to be a problem for the mother?
He’s 8 years old and 200+ pounds! The idea of that confounds me. Despite her claims that she in fact has not been negligent, I argue that lifestyle choices and a pattern of unhealthy behavior have led to this point. I keep thinking to my childhood and asking myself ‘where were the obese children when I was a kid?’. Sure, there were some fat kids… but OBESE!?! I can’t recall any 200+ pound children in my class because we were all too busy running and playing outdoors.
Highlight reel…
With mere seconds left in the second half and our church league basketball team up by more than 20 points, my coach decided it was safe for me to get in the game (after all, it was a church league and everyone is supposed to play).
“Fahamu! You’re in at forward” my coach called out.
The entire bench and all of the fans within ear shot gasped. I nervously stood up and jogged over to the judges table. As the buzzer rang out the clock wasn’t the only thing that stopped. You could hear a mouse pissing on cotton as I entered the court. There was a look of disbelief in the eyes of my teammates as well as the players on the other team. I found my place as my teammates prepared to inbound the ball. The buzzer signified the return to action and I found comfort in knowing there were only about 15 more seconds in the game, so the torture would soon be over. Temporarily distracted by my own internal clock counting down, I barely realized the ball was now in play.
“Fahamu!” a teammate yelled.
As I turned in his direction I saw the ball hurtling towards me. My reflexes kicked in just in time and I caught the ball before it hit me in the face… But now what?! Time stood still (at least for me) as I tried desperately to figure out what was happening. Before I could gather myself I realized all 5 of the opposing team’s players were rushing towards me.
“SHOOT IT!” a mysterious voice yelled.
In a panic, I clumsily lobbed the ball in the air towards the basket. The move resembled a drunken Kareen Abdul-Jabar skyhook. Once again a dead silence over took the gymnasium. In slow motion the entire room- filled with coaches, parents, classmates, church mates, players and more- watched the ball float towards the goal until SWIIIIIIIIIIIIISHHHHHHH… NOTHING BUT NET!
The gym erupted in cheers and applause, my team’s bench as well as the bleachers emptied out with everyone running towards me smiling and cheering. Someone grabbed me from behind, lifting me. Soon I was floating over the crowd, slapping hi-fives and receiving all manner of congratulations and praise. As the final time buzzer sounded I realized that I had actually scored in a basketball game! Talk about highlight reel material.
To David Stern and the NBA franchise owners, here’s a suggestion; if the NBA players decide that they don’t want to accept the terms of your agreement, I’d do it for like a fraction of what they get paid. Hey there won’t be much dunking, but it will be entertaining!
HELL to the Chief
Bro President can’t seem to catch a break. Whether Tea-partiers are toting guns to Presidential appearances, being booed by members of Congress during Presidential addresses or being referred to as “Hitler” on national television, Bro. Pres can’t get a break. I mean, I don’t think a public figure has been this disrespected since the days of Rodney Dangerfield.
Recently a van in Obama’s fleet was stolen from a hotel parking lot in Virginia. The vehicle which contained the Official Presidential seal as well as a few thousand dollars worth of media equipment (including Obama’s teleprompter and podium) was later recovered in the parking lot of a different hotel. No details were given as to what if anything was missing or damaged.
I’m personally compelled to say WHAT THE FU(ss)?!!! Who are the President’s security people? It seems that the President’s entire term has been littered with security breaches and too-close-for-comfort and potentially deadly mishaps. The likes we would have NEVER seen during previous administrations. I mean the closest W came to a security breach was at the hands of a single peanut which almost choked him to death.
I know Obama and Michelle read this blog religiously so let me make a suggestion… There are plenty of able-bodied out-of-work mall cops who would take the charge of protecting the POTUS to new levels of scrutinizing security. Or better yet, take cues from hip hop artists who travel with an entourage of “homies from the hood” who are there to hold jewelry, wallets, cell phones etc. Sure, they could find better use of their time. But I guarantee, if something were to pop off, your homies would be quick to raise up and instigate the hell out of a beef. Hey it works for Lil Wayne! I’m just saying…
…AND plus his dancin’!
So like for real, not since Willie Tyler and Lester has a puppet exhibited so much soul (yes, you read correctly… I started this post out talking about Willie Tyler & Lester). But let’s be real there haven’t been too man puppets of the brown persuasion to make it to the big time. So I didn’t really have much else to compare it to. Yes, I am aware that Willie Tyler and Lester are about as cool to bring up in casual conversation as genital warts but give me some slack- I don’t have a lot of material to work with!
Anyhow, apparently there is a great tradition of dancing puppets in Central and South Africa featuring puppeteers who work magic with puppets that do a variety of acrobatic dance moves to popular and traditional African music. It’s really dope to watch.
For serious though, aside from being some damn good puppet work- its some pretty hellafied dancing. I want lessons… and I’m not talking puppetry!
Bound & Gagged
Allegations of sexual misconduct with young male parishioners by Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth church in Atlanta was a media field day last fall. One by one, young men came forth with charging that Long had seduced them with gifts, trips and mostly “fatherly attention”, then taking advantage of their loyalty, pressured them in to sexual (im)positions. Long passionately denied their claims but then quietly settled with 5 young men, paying them cash and imposing a gag order which bound them to never speak about the accusations again.
Well apparently the money was not enough to hush their hurt and shame. A couple of the young men have come forward once again saying that the trauma they’ve suffered can not and will not simply be placated with cash. Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande sat down with WSB TV and broke it down, knowing that they might be in violation of the settlement gag order, but claiming that their story needs to be heard, to help others and to help them move on.
The two are penning what’s being described as a detailed tell-all, with what LeGrande describes “ten years of details, each person, it’s gonna be a book full of ‘wow’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ and ‘Oh my God’s.'”
You can bet Hollywood is already calling. There hasn’t been this much buzz on the tube since Dudley got hemmed up in that bike shop on Diff’rent Strokes. I’m sure everyone’s ready to make a movie on this one, from Lifetime to Tyler Perry. Can’t you just see it?
TYLER PERRY presents Tyler Perry in MADEA GOES TO NEWBIRTH!
The harrowing tale of a sassy old grandmother’s wayward grandson who, through the mentorship of his neighborhood pastor, turns his life around only to get turned around (and bent over) by his mentor, pastor and father figure. In the end, Madea, armed with a rolling pin and a bible, must go rescue her grandson and put the smack down on pastor.
All jokes aside, sexual abuse is a serious matter. Many from the beginning felt that the young men were simply after money from Long. No doubt those same people and others will still feel the same way due in part to the fact that these men accepted a settlement, but now seem to be driven by morality to speak out. Yet in speaking out, writing a book etc, they stand to make potentially more than their original settlement. I hope for all involved that justice is served. By justice I mean, that the truths in this tale serve to heal and empower victims of sexual abuse, not simply capitalize on it – or be made to be another media circus. In the end, the true victims of sexual abuse often suffer in silence, their stories, not newsworthy enough, never see the light of day. There are no settlements or book and movie deals, only the trauma of their experience.
WE NEED A PRAYER
Political journalists are having a great time pulling apart the loosely tied pieces that make up presidential hopeful, TX Gov. Rick Perry. At a breakfast junket earlier this week Perry responded to an audience member’s question about global warming as follows:
“I do believe that the issue of global warming has been politicized, I think there are a substantial number of scientists who have manipulated data so that they will have dollars rolling into their projects. I think we’re seeing it almost weekly or even daily, scientists who are coming forward and questioning the original idea that man-made global warming is what is causing the climate to change.”
Perry’s ideas are laughable in the least, especially since there aren’t ANY scientists (ok maybe one quack who’s using a Mr. Wizard chemistry set) who are of Perry’s suggested opinion. In fact, what we are seeing “almost weekly or even daily” is more and more evidence that proves that our global dependency on fossil fuels, industrial waste products and other non-sustaining energy resources are in fact increasing the destruction of our environment at more and more rapid rates. Perry is convinced that climate changes simply occur and that human-kind has done nothing wrong or to cause it.
In fact just earlier this year, as his state of Texas suffered from the worst drought since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Governor Rick Perry took dramatic action to save the state from the ravages of a changing climate. He issued a proclaimation for “Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas”. For three days, Perry asked Texas to kneel at the pew, or at the foot of their beds, and silently ask God to bring water to their parched state.
Hmmm… good idea. Please, close your eyes, and bow your heads and join me in prayer;
Dear Lord. Sweet, sweet lord of the land. From tender baby Jesus in a manger to the Jesus with a beard and birkenstocks… From Jesus the carpenter to Jesus who turned water into wine… Surely a Jesus so powerful can save us from the fate of having another Texas governor as President of the United States. Please Jesus who created Easter Eggs and Santa Claus, convince Rick Perry to record a demo and sign to Cash Money Records. Bless his album to go triple platinum so he can get a Bentley and a crib in Miami. Make sure he gets so caught up in sipping Ciroc that he never, ever-ever, ever-ever-ever, considers running for President again.”
Can I get a AMEN?
Haaaaaahahahahaaaahhahahahahahahhahaa
Hahahahahahahah…. chortle *snort *snort LMMFAO LOL BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH heeeee heee heee heeee ROTFL…. LMMBO…. Hahaha Hahahaah… Seriously I was trying to write something but I can’t stop laughing… I gotta get an interview with these cats A.S.A.P.
When Stars Collide
My lady has a theory. When two greats connect, the resulting product is… let’s just say, less than great. I, like you wanted to believe in the magic and wonder of a Jay-Z x Kanye West collaboration. But I’m becoming more and more skeptical. I’ve heard the lead single “Otis” and upon an initial listen, I liked it. It had all the makings of a Kanye classic track. It had energy and it was a refreshing respite from the “All Lil Wayne 24 hr radio stations” (no diss to Wayne, but can you let somebody else get a turn to rap). The next time I heard it, it wasn’t as fresh as I initially thought. Then I saw the video and I began to question my choices in life. You know, stuff like why did I keep looking at the television screen? Or why did I wake up that morning?
The reviews I’ve read have also been mixed. They don’t sound like the musings of critics who are particularly moved by the album, as much as they were hopeful of its potential. A particularly hilarious track-for-track review written by “Ghostface” seems to be the most reliable. Alas, I am a bit gun-shy about buying the album. I want to support–for real. I don’t want to be known as one of those dudes that just complains about how rap music is all shitty, but when something good, different, innovating, challenging or simply creatively distinct comes along, I do nothing. So tell me friends, what do you think I should do? Is it a yay or nay? Cuz frankly I had a vision of it and it’s not pretty…
AMERICA’s Gotta do Betta!
“America’s Got Talent” is a show that proves week after week to have television’s most misleading show title. If America has talent, it’s busy between the hours of 8-10pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The following is a list to prove that AGT is not worth the dry ice used in the overused smoke machines employed by the show.
10. Nick Cannon’s wardrobe (actually the more I think about it, Nick’s stylist proves how talent-less America really is )
9. Little kids rapping. Sure they’re cute, but if cuteness was a sole measurement of talent, puppies would win Oscars, Grammys and Nobel Peace Prizes.
8. Weird shit. Your freakishly long fingernails, willingness to stick sharp objects into your eyeballs or your unpopular ability to fart flames is not a talent. You should seek assistance, a hug or a role model.
7. Smoke and mirrors. No amount of lighting or pyrotechnics can make yo-yoing a popular artform again. That shit died in the 1500’s.
6. Sharon Osbourne’s voice. Can we say fingernails on a chalkboard?
5. “Eddie Cain Jr. Syndrome”. Hey I wanted to see crackhead/alcoholic Eddie Cain Jr. revive his career as the soul-stirring lead crooner of The Five Heartbeats more than anyone… but every crackhead/alcoholic in a shiny suit is no Eddie Cain, Jr. and their sob story only makes me gag.
4. Yo-yos and jump rope. At last check, there are no fine art degrees, scientific studies or comprehensive research for these “talents”… therefore in my humble and jaded opinion, they are not talents.
3. Commercial breaks. When your audience looks forward to the commercial breaks and leave the room when your show is on, its time to rethink your program.
2. Suicide rate. The fact that the national suicide ratings peak during your time slot should not be cited or mentioned as a part of your Nielsen ratings reporting.
1. Howie Mandell is a judge. ‘Nuff said.
The “Brojan” Horse
Many suspect that America’s shining knight may have been a double agent after all. In the manner of Sentinel Prime, President Barack Obama appeared to bring new hope to a nation on a 90° incline slide into a fiery hell, while wearing a pair of gasoline soaked, American flag print, bikini briefs. His ideals and charms made us all starry-eyed and optimistic. We cringed a bit at his insistence on bi-partisan politics (particularly after the previous 8 years, where a long, aged and knuckly Republican middle finger stayed lodged in the majority of Americans’ assholes) but we believed him, that vengence would solve nothing.
Imagine our shock however when Mr. Prez began doing the opposite of what he assured us he would NOT do; cuts to social programs that benefit less-fortunate sects of the population, tax breaks to the wealthiest demographics,Etc. Little by little, his bi-partisan tilt seems to lean more and more towards what appears to be a text book conservative agenda. So much so, that some pundits are suggesting Obama may in fact be a sleeper Republican!
But one small fact seems to be overlooked in all of this. The conservative right is so adamant and rage-blinded by their disdain for Obama’s administration that they almost always vote against or present polar opposition to Obama-led initiatives.
I think it may be, for all intents and purposes, an extremely brilliant move on behalf of the Black House to trip the right up into doing the exact things they are fighting against. Kind of like when Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck trick Elmer Fudd into shooting himself in the face.
Through the in-fighting, ridiculous caricatures, insidious ideaologies, desperate and clumsy attempts to discredit the current administration and lack of a clear and sensible agenda… it may take a lot more than the smoke from the double-barrel shotgun blast to clear before Republicans realize what’s happened. But by then, we should be living well in a globally-sensitive, socially-responsible, culturally-rich country where the dream is no longer “Liberty and justice for all”, the reality is!
Look! In the sky… its InsecureMan!!!!
Okay, I must admit, my new affair with Hulu Is getting pretty hot and heavy. Due in large part to my nothing short of obsessive addiction to a British action/drama called Misfits.
The show is like a cross between “Heroes” and “True Blood”. There area no vampires, Mystic elves or orgy-inducing demons… but there is plenty of cliff-hanging action and mouth-watering mystique!
I stumbled upon the show by accident but I eagerly await my weekly email from Hulu informing me of the latest episode release.
The show is thoughful and presents what I think is a unique take on superhuman abilities. Imagine if you would, your personal idiosyncracies and personality quirks magnified yet beyond your ability to control. Imagine still a world in which thousands of others like you, realize they too have these ungainly powers, yet the suddeness and quirkiness of it all makes everyone all the more insecure and secretive.
All in all, Misfits is a great show, well-written and thoughtful. I look forward to more and to hearing your take on it.
To watch Misfits… log on to Hulu.com and type in “Misfits” in the search bar.
Fresh to Death
Do you remember the episode of Good Times when they all thought Fishbone died? In grief and mourning everyone failed to see him arrive at his own funeral, dressed as his own widow. In a surprise twist he revealed himself and launched into a sermon about how important it is to tell the people you love that you do in fact love them while they are alive as opposed to the dog and pony show many people put on when a person has died.
John Beckwith and his son, John Jr. must have been inspired by that episode when they came up with the concept for the commercial advertising their Golden Gate Funeral Home. Check it out here:
The father and son have taken their program even further with expanded services which include a fleet of luxury funeral vehicles, choreography, and gators to match their branded suits. I’m not clowning but… ok yes I am. WTF?! It’s a funeral, not Showtime at The Apollo!
I know, I know some people get off on showing out for funerals. I guess they figure everyone’s going to be talking, so let’s give’em something to talk about. Well at least the commercial didn’t go like this:
Two young brothers caught up in a a gang shoot out. One of the young brothers gets hit. As he lies mortally wounded in his partner’s arm, he looks into his homeboy’s eyes and with his last breath blurts out, “Make sure they take me to Golden Gate! I wanna look goooood”. Then he dies. In his grief and desperation his homie assures him “Yeah G! Golden Gate Funeral Home… where you’ll be fly to death.”
SHIT! I think I may have just written their next commercial!
Monumental…
"Warn-A-Brother" ©2008 Fahamu Pecou
On June 28, 2011 friends, family and fans of hip hop artists, Pete Rock and Smif & Wessun gathered to celebrate the release of a new collaborative project titled Monumental. According to reports, the sold-out event, held at Tammany Hall in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, was peaceful on the inside and outside. Earlier in the evening, a minor altercation ensued but was handled promptly and peacefully by the nenue’s security. Approximately 1/2 hour later nearly 20 police arrived on the scene. Since there were no incidents or disturbances at that time, they met up with officers who were exiting the venue. As the officers gathered, it is reported they began to put on gloves and more officers arrived. En masse, these officers entered the venue and began macing and assaulting guests, artists, as well as family members of the featured artists.
Mayhem erupted as the officers forcefully began ushering people out of the venue. Outside of the venue even more officers awaited and aggressively pushed, beat, maced, and verbally assaulted guests as they were being forced out. Several people were beaten and had to be taken to local hospitals. At least 5 were arrested and held and are now being called, The Monuental 5.
Several eyewitness accounts, cell phone videos and photos show groups of officers beating civilians with wands and fists. In some cases even women. By all accounts, the incident was completely unprovoked and any resistance was due to the excessive force used by police to break up an otherwise peaceful event.
An official protest was mounted and held in NY on July 5 and civil leaders are pressing forward to seek restitution for the injustices that occurred as well as to build defense funds for the 5 individuals who were arrested. More details as well as videos of the assault, information on how you can be involved and more can be found via this website created to keep the public informed about this unfortunate incident.
Drawing from the SOUL
When brothers David Sims (Dawud Anyabwile), Jason Sims and Guy Sims decided to collaborate on a promotional comic book, they didn’t set out to change the game- but that didn’t stop them from doing just that. The brothers, each creatives in their own right came up in a family that taught the benefits of using one’s unique skills and personal drive to forge one’s own path in the world. The resulting product, Brotherman, became an international sensation and revolutionized the comic book industry in the early 90’s. After selling nearly a million copies independently, the story-line was brought to a sudden halt. In the 15 years that ensued, Dawud mastered the art of reinvention, reorganization and re-commitment. Brotherman is back and his mission to save our souls extends beyond the pages of the comic and into real-world lessons that we all can use…
Check out The 15 Project’s interview with artist and icon Dawud Anyabwile:
T15P: Your comic book, “Brotherman” was a national sensation and irrevocably transformed the business model in the comic book industry. How did it come about?
Dawud Anyabwile: There were many stages to the origin of that story but to summarize it I would have to say that it began as a promotional tool to advertise a custom airbrush shop that my brother, Jason and I were operating in East Orange, NJ in 1989. We wanted to create a comic book for the Black Expo 1990 to promote our airbrushed t-shirts. The idea for a comic came first, the actual story came second. We called on our other brother, Guy Sims, to write the first book and in three months we wrote, illustrated and published issue number one in time for its debut at the Black Expo NYC on April 7, 1990. It was received with immediate success so we decided to do the book full time and cease the custom airbrushing to focus on building the comic book company, Big City Comics. The books evolved over the years and we eventually sold three quarters of a million issues independently.
You are an illustrator with the soul of a painter. What informs your style? Who are some of your artistic inspirations?
I never really categorized myself since I feel that I ran the gamut of art styles coming up. I was an art major throughout high school, I had an interest in comics since I was young but to this day do not consider myself a “comic book artist”. I worked at production studios wearing many hats as character artist, background artist, concept artist, etc and I also did animation on several projects but do not consider myself an animator. Illustration would be my strongest point of interest, however I also love fine art work which I have not had a chance to do much while working on comics and animated projects. My core “soul” is connected to studying life. My experiences and memories are embedded in me and come out in my fine art work as well as my comic art. I am definitely focused though. I am not a jack of all trades; instead I like to experiment with styles which help me to become greater at what I do overall. Studio productions force me to draw and create things that I would normally not even care to do on my own but once I do them it opens me up to incorporating new approaches to my personal work. My inspirations as a child were Marvel comics, Mad Magazine, Overton Lloyd of Parliament Funkadelic, Ernie Barnes, Philly graffiti writers that I knew coming up and the whole hip hop movement since I was a junkie for diggin’ in the crates back in my DJ days. That was a big influence on my work. I can’t forget family which was my number one inspiration. My parents and my brothers all supported my craft and I theirs. Our home was a place that cultivated the arts and independence.
We’ve seen some images and heard rumors of a Brotherman animated piece in the works. Is this true, what’s next?
Until I have something inked on paper I leave it as rumors. Not to say there are not possibilities of this reality but there are many steps to making these major things happen and without patience it can be chaotic. I move with whatever the universe decides. I have had many studios approach me in the past and I now currently have opportunities at the table but I take my time to make sure what is before me is right. Once that connects then trust me the world will know it’s not a rumor but a reality.
Brotherman came to save the day and then was gone almost as quickly as he came. What led to his absence? What initiated his return?
Big City Comics and Brotherman were birthed from a family business, a family that has worked closely together for years before there was even a Brotherman. As a young man I was impacted greatly when my mother passed on the evening of a major trade show in NYC. We had just released the 10th issue and for an independent company 10 issues and almost a million sold takes a lot out of you that many people may not fully understand. Soon after my father passed within a year of that event and I was feeling empty inside. Brotherman and Big City Comics was no longer a priority in my life. My spirit could not produce and fight the fight like I was doing. The reality of the pillars that we were holding up seemed to be revealed and the pillars at that point seemed extra heavy to me and I had to break from it. I had to do something else. So I ended up at a studio in NYC doing character designs for a Pink Panther CD Rom game. I used the money from that job to get issue #11 of Brotherman out but I did not push it like we used to. The book had to go on hiatus. Little did I know it would be almost 15 years before it was to return. I have since worked in LA as a character designer on “Wild Thornberrys” and “Rugrats” as well as many other production gigs like storyboarding music videos like “Big Pun “I’m Not A Player” featuring Joe. I eventually came to Atlanta where I developed a relationship working at Turner Studios. During this time I was still working on finishing where the cliffhanger of Brotherman left off in 1996. Those past fifteen years were not easy for me, however I move on spirit and eventually the people that I needed in my life began to appear, the situations that seemed to be negative in my life soon became blessings and signs that it is time for me to bring Brotherman back to the forefront. It was also the calling of the fan base everywhere from NYC to LA to ATL. I would run into people who would express what Brotherman meant to them and they kept emphasizing the importance of it’s return. Although I knew I wanted to bring it back I knew it would take the right assistance and timing. Which brings us to today.
Often when an artist becomes known for a particular work or style, it becomes difficult for others to accept change in them. Did you find it difficult to move beyond Brotherman? What type of work did you do post-Brotherman?
It wasn’t difficult for me at all. I admit that many people know me for Brotherman but I was able to branch out and work on major international animated projects and films that had nothing to do with Brotherman nor my signature style. That is just how my life went and I embrace it. Brotherman has helped me to obtain some gigs and in some cases it was my work on other projects that helped me to move forward. I never felt “type casted” as an artist. I have been independent for most of my professional career and was used to making my own way by doing things like caricatures, illustrations, painting cars, motorcycles, doing animations and whatever so my portfolio reflected that variety. Brotherman was just one aspect of my “being” not my totality. Although it is now a major part of my life I still don’t see it as “my life” but instead a part that needs cultivation in order to be fully realized.
Volumes like John Jennings’ “Black Comix” shine a spotlight on comic and animation artists of color and highlight the fact that there is not a great deal of recognition for artist of color in that industry. Have you found it difficult to navigate that world? Do you think that there is still a big disparity with the number of artists of color vs. white artists in that field?
This is where my past comes into play. My father raised me with an awareness of my place in this world. If there is something I want or something I think is lacking then it is MY duty to fill that void. As difficult as it may seem to fill a void it can be done and it will be done was the mantra in my home. That can be applied to comics, filmmaking, music and any industry. If you approach it with the mind state that you are redefining and creating what you feel needs to be out there, then you don’t spend a lot of time concerning yourself with those who are trying to shut you down, hate on you or compete with you. You just DO what the Creator has guided you to do and what happens happens. I always knew that we were outnumbered in “their” field however when it comes to creating our own genre I am NOT outnumbered. I am the majority, the vanguard. I am here for a reason, to offer new alternatives to my children and kids like me and to show kids of other cultures that there is another way to view us. Now don’t get me wrong, I am well aware of the fact that more white artists dominate the comic, animation and effects industry but with the advancement in technology that barrier has been lifted. We can publish books with ease now, animate from home and create productions at will. The issue of distribution and finances is still there however with internet we can at least be seen and have a voice which can be the bait to an investor or other supporters who can help you get to the next level of success. I always say that we are the ones we are looking for. We hold the answers to our own success. Just utilize the tools that we now have access to.
Your “speed painting” videos are amazing to watch. What inspired you to begin creating/sharing these with the world?
Thank you! I’m glad you are enjoying them. I created an art instructional video in the late 90’s to early 2K’s called DRAWING FROM THE SOUL. It was revolutionary at that time as well because there were no popular art instructional videos featuring a Black art instructor that taught from another perspective. It was even highlighted on the Tavis Smiley Show. Just as Brotherman was groundbreaking, Drawing From The Soul inspired a lot of young kids to draw and I intended to bring that back to the forefront as well. The speed paintings are just precursors to generate a following to prepare them for the tutorials which will be more in depth in the teaching. I enjoy making the videos. I also like to share and help those that may find the videos inspiring. So right now it is to build a following and generate excitement in the arts.
In addition to being an accomplished artist, you also teach and lecture around the country. What advice would you give to a young animator?
Well, my main piece of advice is to be yourself. Be inspired by others but never lose yourself in someone else’s work. Drawing From The Soul means to pull from your spirit and share that with the world. That is one ting that cannot be copied. Your true self. Show us what YOU can do. Also, circle yourself around positive people who want to see you succeed. Keep your distance from those that put you down or drain your energy. Focus on your craft and practice every chance you can.
For more information on Dawud Anyabwile, Brotherman and/or to order comics, t-shirts, get news and much more visit: http://www.brothermancomics.com/
The “T” stands for TERRIBLE
Day 2 (after more than 5 separate calls to customer service totaling no less than 6hrs of hold time and repetitive questioning)
“Hello, thank you for calling T-Mobile customer service. How may I help you”
“I’ve called before, the person I was on hold with for the last hour and a half and I were disconnected. They never called back. I’m trying to get some service here. I’m having several issues with my device. Currently it does not even ring. It crashes constantly and has a lot of bug type issues. This is the 3rd Blackberry device I’ve bought in 2 years. I’d like to replace it with a different make and model. I no longer have any faith in Blackberry devices”
“Ok sir. I’m sorry to hear about the problems you are having. Let me see if I can help you. Who am I speaking with? [give name] May I have your 10-digit mobile number area code first [give number]. Can you please verify your security pin? [give pin number]. Thank you, your account is verified. Have you tried trouble shooting the phone”
“Yes, I’ve done that over the phone with a tech support rep as well as in the physical store. The phone is garbage.”
“I see. Well let me check. It shows you are still under warranty. I can send you another phone but it will be the same device as you already have.”
“That is a problem, as I’ve explained to you and several other people there. I do not want another Blackberry device. If you can’t replace this phone with a different device, then I am forced to take my business elsewhere.”
“So you want to cancel your T-Mobile service?”
“If you’re going to send me another Blackberry, then yes. Rather than go through this with you all again in a few months I’d much prefer to just take my business to a company that can provide decent equipment and good customer service”
“Ok sir. We would hate to lose you. Let me transfer you to my supervisor for assistance.”
10 minutes of holding.
Supervisor: “Hello, thank you for calling T-Mobile customer service. How may I help you”
“Yeah. I was just transferred to you… I’m having problems with my phone!”
“Ok sir. I’m sorry to hear about the problems you are having. Let me see if I can help you. Who am I speaking with? “
“Are you serious? Is this a joke?”
“I’m sorry sir? I’ll need to verify some information before I can assist you. Who am I speaking with? [give name] May I have your 10-digit mobile number area code first [give number]. Can you please verify your security pin? [give pin number]. Thank you, your account is verified. Have you tried trouble shooting the phone”
Vein popping in my forehead. “Yes, I’ve done all of that over the phone and in the store. Look, I just want to get a new phone. I don’t want a refurbished Blackberry that’s only going to give me the same problems in a couple of months. Either send me a different make and model phone or you can cancel my account with T-Mobile.”
“Ok sir. I’m sorry to hear about the problems you are having. Let me see if I can help you. I’m showing you are still under warranty. I can send you another phone but it will be the same device as you already have.”
“Are you not listening to me? I don’t want another Blackberry.”
“Sir…”
“If the next words out of your mouth are not- ‘What kind of phone can I send you and where am I sending it to?’ you can just transfer me to account services.”
“Well I am showing you are not eligible for and upgrade until September 2012. I can send you another Blackberry like the one you have.”
“Don’t bother. Account services. I’m done with you. This is the absolute worst service ever. Not only do you waste my money – I’ve literally purchased 3 of these phone over the last 18 months… not upgrades… purchases because they all SUCK! But now you’re wasting my time with this runaround. I’ve been a customer for years and this is how I get treated? ”
“I’m sorry you feel that way sir. I completely understand. Let me transfer you to account services.”
8 minutes on hold.
Account services: “Hello, thank you for calling T-Mobile customer service. Who am I speaking with? May I have the 10-digit number of the account you are calling about? “
“ARE YOU FUCKING SHITTING ME?!?!”
Funny Money
Dolla Dolla bill yall
“Hello thank you for calling American Airlines”
“Uhh, yeah, look here. I’m interested in buying your company”
“Excuse me sir? You want to buy a plane ticket?”
“No, I want to buy the airline. I’m prepared to pay $1.3 billion dollars. Do you take rolled quarters?”
Absurd? Why yes it is.
Untrue? Why no it’s not!
Illegal? Apparently so because one Allen Weintraub was recently hit with a 17-page lawsuit from the SEC for posing as a serious bidder in the purchase of American Airlines and Kodak-Eastman when, in fact, he had no assets or access to the huge sums of money those deals would require. Apparently such posturing violates a decades-old Securities Exchange Act.
What’s worse is Weintraub was already a convicted felon having a long history of financial fraud, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Weintraub, posing as the head of Sterling Global, a privately-held company that purchases distressed franchises, contacted both American Airlines and Kodak offering in one instance a buy out representing 70% premium over the company’s current stock value. Weintraub claimed to have access to the capital, but no records could be produced to prove his claims and further, no records of his corporation “Sterling Global” were ever found- in any of the locations it claimed to have presence around the globe.
As ballsy as it is hilarious, Weintraub is now facing several civil penalties and the SEC seeks to have Sterling Global and it’s apparent sole employee, Weintraub, banned from any further portrayal of themselves as serious and legitimate bidders for Kodak and American Airlines.
The 15 Project 