Im beyond glad that I found this post on YouTube.com because I definitely missed the live performance on E!. And exactly as I predicted Holliday looks desperate and sad. And it wasn't even her best performance of this song.. all I can hear is AND YOU AND YOU ugh shush ho!! I mean damn Jen you let E! play the shit out your ass. I mean the place you on top of what looks like an abandoned building... half a block away from the red carpet and was like bitch sing.
The saddest moment had to be when she turns to the red carpet... and belts out I'm not goin... you sure weren't going cause you didn't have a ticket or an invite to the show (Damn doesnt that sound familiar). This was probably the final nail in that coffin of her career.
Hopefully she made it off that building to see a real performance. JHud, Beyonce, Anika Noni Rose (my favorite), and Keith Robinson (baby!! could get it) were the only part of that entire show that was alive. The 4 gave a great perfomance staged by Bill Condon himself. I was happy to see JHud force Beyonce to finally sing Listen. Because we all know that Grammy performance was a snooze. And all of that for them to loose to the lesbo and her boring earth song... had me thinking back to the 86 Oscars when Color Purple was dissed as well... Oh well I guess I will be appeased with the 2 awards we were given.
Overall the show was a bore... if it wasn't for DVR, I would have missed JHud's acceptance speech because me and my friend had both dozed off after Eddie lost. But many congrats to JHud and Forrest for winning!!
Sad... Desperate... and a Bore
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 11:01 AM Labels: entertainment, reviews
Well today is February 20th... and you officially have a little less than 2 months to get your gifts together for my birthday on April 18th. In case you are at a total lost of what to get me let me help you out.1. Ipod (mine broke... wont turn on at all anymore.... and now I am singing "Lost Without You")
**update 3.15.2007: I got a new one so we can remove this off the list**
2. a new bottle of cologne {since the bastard broke into my house and stole all of my scents, (refer to the link and beware of scandelous bastards) I have only been able to replace two of them... 7 days, 7 scents... so I need 5 more} **update 3.22.2007: I now have 3 bottles... so 4 to go keep them coming!!**
3. an oil change (Tero is needs her own form of colonic LOL) **update 3.15.2007: taken cared of... now a good wash and wax is needed**
4. the Dsquared Striped Knit Polo (just because)
5. a 42 inch LCD TV for the living room.
6. a Romare Bearden lithograph for the living room.
7. new shoes... doesn't matter which ones I just like shoes (size 12!!)
8. a new book... I need something to read.
9. Rock & Republic Henley Bootcut Jeans... just because they fit just riggggggggggght.
10. Gift certificates from Best Buy, Borders or Saks so I can get any of the above :-)
Random Thoughts this Tuesday Morning...
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 10:51 AM Labels: Oprah, random thoughts
Tomorrow, Maxwell will release his new single, Fistfull of Tears, from his upcoming album Black Summer's Night tomorrow on his Myspace page
Yet Another Church Experience...
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 10:22 AM Labels: atlanta, Religion
Damn… I woke up today with the sun gleaming in my window (Damn I should have closed those curtains before I went to bed) trying to convince myself that it was Saturday morning… I tried recounting the days in my head… looking at the clock four times… and finally turning on the TV as Matt Lauer reminded me “This is Today, Thursday, February 8th, 2007.” Damn not even Friday… its only Thursday… can a brutha get a break please.
Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate my job. I am just bored with my job… I am not being challenged and I am not as busy as I like to be. I want a job that I am humping nonstop from when I walk in till when I look up at the clock and see its almost 5pm. (any HR or PR people in the ATL get at me!!) I think a lot of people are looking at their careers and asking themselves what is next. I know at least my friends Gee and BeeFree have blogged about it recently. Fridays have quickly become my favorite day of the week… because it marks the end of the work week and the beginning of the weekend. (Saturday nights are the worse because I know yet the weekend is almost over)
So what is next? Where do I go from here? What is my next step? I don’t know for sure but I do know I will be thinking about this seriously over the next few weeks and will start making plans to accomplish those goals.
The Gays Are Up In Arms Again...
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:40 PM Labels: gay, social commentaryAfter this video appeared on CBS during this past Sunday's Super Bowl... three gay rights organizations immediately condemned the commercial as being homophobic, arguing that the men's reaction to the accidental kiss demeans gay men. The Snickers website offered additional endings to the commercial which included the two mechanics engaging in violence and another with the two Super Bowl teams acting out in amusement and disgust.
I often wonder why we put so much into stuff like this. Have we come to the point where we are not able to take a joke anymore? I am pretty sure there was no malicious intent by Mars Inc., but yet the homos are ready to rally and throw all Snickers into the river.
"I don't know what kind of mind-set it takes to think it's okay to slug another guy because of a mistaken kiss," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which objected to the ad. "It's just unacceptable. This is clearly the wardrobe malfunction of 2007," a reference to the Janet Jackson breast-baring incident during the Super Bowl's halftime show in 2004.
But Steve Hall, a former ad executive who writes the Adrants.com newsletter and blog, says the Snickers commercial has harmed the candymaker's image with all consumers. "Can you imagine the looks one will now receive from the checkout clerk when they buy a Snickers bar?" he wrote yesterday. " . . . There's plenty of other perfectly good candy choices with far less embarrassment attached to them."
Like Steve are you really serious… do you really think the check out girl at the Kroger really thinks you are a mechanic kissing faggot cause you bought a Snickers? With 3000 troops being killed in Iraq… global warming turning our winters into a slightly colder fall… our education system being one of the worse… I think our efforts can be aimed at something of a little more substance.
Two weeks ago I attended New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church. Now this is the second time I had actually attended this church. The first time I found that it reminded me a lot of Calvary in DC… another waaaaaaaaaay to busy service. When I tell you they had more going on than a little bit. From people running around the church… to dance teams, just a lot going on. I think they have a pretty good choir however it was hard to tell seeing that the musicians were overpowering the voices. Now I will say the pastor (don’t remember his name) delivered an on time message both times I attended. And while I found most of the service a bit extra… the message was enough for me to return again.
Yesterday we attended Victory out in Stone Mountain. First I must say they have a very nice edifice. I am not sure if we were late or something but we didn’t really get to hear a lot of the choir or any praise and worship, but the two songs we did hear sounded pretty good. I really enjoyed the pastor’s way of delivering the sermon. Most preachers will read their text and then go off into their soliloquy, however this pastor referred back and taught his lesson from each line. It was Communion Sunday so the service was a little bit long but what made it even longer was the Pastors very random 10 rules of having an orderly service… which reminded parishioners not eat McDonalds in the sanctuary, to take their crying babies to the cry rooms they had set up, and when it was appropriate to walk and talk. Most of this I thought was common sense but apparently it wasn’t. But that verbal chastisement added an additional 30 minutes to the service. Overall good service and I am sure I will visit again.But the search continues.
John Legend - P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:35 PM Labels: entertainmentJust because...
So I finally told him yesterday. This time I really told him how I felt. It felt like it was the right time to do this.
After getting very little sleep I had arrived to a bitterly cold DC on Tuesday morning. The day had already started off awful and to no surprise it would continue the same way. After battling my way from Dulles Airport to the Metro station which of course you have to take a $9 shuttle bus to the metro because Metro doesn’t go to the suburban airport (well at least not until 2012 or so) and of course Metro doesn’t furnish city buses out that far either. So I purchase my fair card and hop aboard the orange line to Metro Center to transfer to the Red line to Judiciary Square. It was arriving at Metro Center where I realized as much as things change… some things remain the same. Their had been a fatal accident on the red line and now all trains were single tracking which basically means 20-30 minute delay.
While I had hoped the mediation would go well… a resolution would be reached… and this entire ordeal with Kellen Company would be over, I knew in my heart of hearts that this would be yet another joke and wasted $150 trip on a substandard airline (gosh I hate Airtran). With all the lies… mistruths… and assumptions, I walked out wondering if maybe I was the one crazy or does this company just really not care that they single handily ruined my 2006.
At the end of the meeting we were supposed to hang out before my flight back to Atlanta that evening but I was so emotionally drained and physically tired from the lack of sleep that I called to tell him that I just couldn’t do it. I wanted to hang out and see him and just be around him but my mood had taken a turn for the worse and I didn’t want to be around anyone (luckily I got an entire row to myself for the flight home).
Later that evening he called to check on me and to see if I was ready to talk. Now it has been a couple years since we were quasi together (don’t you just love that word it is definitely one of those imperfectly perfect words), but since we have become better friends. It was what ended our conversation that I not so simply said I love you.
Amazes me how three words… three syllables, can often be the hardest sentence to speak.
A Day in the Life
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:07 PM Labels: atlanta, entertainment, gay, hiv
http://www.adayinthelifeplay.com/
If you are in the Atlanta area you should definitely check this out!
Noah (and Blacks) Sails off Logo
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 11:40 AM Labels: entertainment, gay
EXCLUSIVE: LOGO Chats With CLIK: Smoke Screen Or Real Movie Deal - Clay Cane
Noah's Arc Cancelled; Film Planned Instead - Keith Boykin
Noah's Arc has Sailed - Rod
The Press Release - Patrik-Ian Polk
No Ahh... Arc - Christian Vincent
Online Petition to Bring the Show Back
This should be a good year for African-Americans at the Oscars...
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Forest Whitaker in “The Last King of Scotland” (Fox Searchlight)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Eddie Murphy in “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount)
Djimon Hounsou in “Blood Diamond” (Warner Bros.)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount)
Achievement in costume design
“Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount) Sharen Davis
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Listen” from “Dreamgirls”(DreamWorks and Paramount) Music by Henry Krieger and Scott CutlerLyric by Anne Preven (sorry B!)
Achievement in sound mixing
“Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount)Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton
Achievement in art direction
“Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount) Art Direction: John Myhre Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
For a complete listing of the nominations visit www.oscars.com . I will say I was disappointed that Dreamgirls didn't get nominated in Best Picture, however I haven't seen all of the other nominees to comment on the snub.
Diana Gowins You are about a Dumb Ho
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 9:49 AM Labels: atlanta, entertainment, social commentary
My mother and father seperated when I was quite young. And my mother raised me with very little and often no finacial support from my father. So when I hear a story like this it pisses me off to see the sense of entitlement. After reading this story this past weekend, I became enraged at Diana Gowins' sense of entitlement.While Willie Gary is no angel, Diana was a mistress.. a ho.. a jumpoff, why does she think because she slept with a married man she is entitled to his way of life? Gary's only responsibility is to the two kids. And I believe $5,000, tuition and health insurance is more than enough. If he wants his kids to have anything else then he can provide that but the ho should have took the $14,000 offered now she will have to manage with just half that. Diana is a sad example of a strong black mother.
Child support limits face test: Mom asks court for $28K a month
By Beth Warren The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 01/21/07
At last count, Florida attorney Willie Gary raked in roughly $1 million a month. Featured on the TV show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," the 59-year-old lives in a sprawling, $6 million waterfront home in Stuart, Fla. His law firm, which recently employed former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, has three posh offices and owns two jets, including a 32-passenger Boeing 737 outfitted with an 18-karat gold sink and a $1.2 million sound system. But just how much money is too much money to pay in child support?
Atlanta resident Diana Gowins —- the mother of twins fathered by Gary —- could find out soon.
The 36-year-old is seeking to have reinstated a $28,000 a month judgment that was slashed last year to $5,000 by a judge who cited concerns about Gowins' spending habits and lack of a job.
The case, which is headed to the Georgia Court of Appeals for review, could set a precedent in how to deal with child support battles among the small number of Georgians who are so rich that current laws offer no directives. "At this level of income, the guidelines stop providing a lot of guidance. There's not that many people of this wealth," said Marietta family law attorney Stephen Steele, who helped craft state child support guidelines that took effect this month.
Gary, who is married to his childhood sweetheart, and Gowins met in January 2000 at a Florida event honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Gary was the keynote speaker and Gowins, who excelled at track, was seeking sponsorship as an Olympic hopeful. The two agreed to meet for business, but ended up having sex. Gowins, who became pregnant and gave birth to twins who are now 6, says she and Gary have dated on and off for four years. Gary's attorneys say the pair had two rendezvous at a hotel. Gowins has sole custody of the twins.
Gary's attorneys said he was willing to pay $14,000 a month until he found out Gowins had stopped putting money into a college fund for the twins and was instead spending much of the cash on herself. Gowins, who lives in a $600,000 home in south Atlanta, splurged on designer clothes, cruises without the kids and a tummy tuck, Gary's attorneys contend. She also spent thousands of his money on a Steinway piano, as well as private school tuition and diamonds for her oldest child, a teenage daughter from a previous relationship, they said.
Gary's attorneys filed court documents asking the judge to reduce the child support payments.
A judge heard evidence from both sides, then cut the payments to $5,000, not including expenditures for health insurance and school tuition. In taking the action, the judge cited Gowins' spending and her lack of employment. A former nurse, Gowins said the accusations that she's spending fistfuls of money aren't true. She also said she doesn't work because she wants to be a stay-at-home mom who is active in her children's academic and social lives. "I think it's very important my children have me at their side," she said.
As for the judge's ruling, "It's very insulting to me," said Gowins. "I'm not the first and won't be the last to be a stay-at-home mom. I do have a job. I take care of the children, cook and clean."
The state Court of Appeals agreed to review the case and decide whether the judge should have revisited the amount after initially ordering Gary to pay $28,000. The state's current child support law charts out specific amounts Georgians must pay for their offspring, but it tops out at an income of $30,000 a month.
"There's not law that says what's right when you make $1 million a month," said veteran family law attorney Randy Kessler, who represents Gowins. Gary, who teamed with famed boxer Evander Holyfield and others to buy a cable TV network, was one of 11 children. His Web site tells of a rags-to-riches story of first toiling as a migrant worker before heading to law school and ultimately earning national recognition. He boasts of trying cases in 45 states and winning more than 150 cases worth $1 million or more, including a $240 million verdict in 2000 after teaming with the late Johnnie Cochran to sue entertainment giant Disney. His net worth is estimated at $60 million.
Gowins says Gary has called the twins only twice since 2004. His attorneys say he's stayed away to avoid interacting with Gowins. "Her lies and thievery make it difficult for him to trust her," said Tamar Oberman Faulhaber, one of Gary's attorneys.
Gowins dismissed that. "It's very hurtful," she said. "I feel like: 'Why introduce yourself to my children and not carry out your parental role?' "
I think my favorite thing about these special weekends is the opportunity to do things with friends from out of town... and this MLK weekend was no different. The weekend started off with me and my friend from New York, LB, heading to Atlantic Station to see Stomp the Yard. While the storyline is very Drumline (delete bands and add fraternities) but Columbus Short, Laz Alonzo, and Brian White are enough reason to go see the movie... which I will be seeing again. Friday ended with us sweating it up at Towers 2.
Saturday began with a walk or 3 around Lenox Mall... thankfully there were no chain thong incidents but the kids were definitely out. A house party with too much alcohol for some and an extra but funny host ended a rather lowkey evening.
Sunday..... well I had a very late lunch or possibly an early dinner with Maurice Jamal. He is such a character, that will definitely keep u entertained. It was great to hear about his upcoming projects especially the adaptation of James Earl Hardy's B Boy Blues for the big screen... and of course the upcoming release of Dirty Laundry this fall. The B Boy Blues movie website can be found here.
The highlight for Sunday and probably the entire weekend was attending my first ball with my boy LB (it was his first too). The House of Escada presented The Devil Wears Escada at the Fox Theater in the heart of midtown Atlanta. The ball was everything that I thought it would be and a lot I didn't. Frank Mizrahi served as our guide for the evening, answering the endless questions we had and introducing us to the many notables of the ballroom scene. While I anticipated the shade that has come to be expected from gays, that was quickly disspelled as the legendary Andre Mizrahi (remember the guy that vogued down on Apollo) not only spoke but gave me a hug as he did so. While I thought some of the categories were a bit extra and too long... and some people should have never even got up to walk certain categories it was interesting to see the effort the participants and houses put into their craft. Part of me thinks you can actually get more from attending a ball than going to a club. I mean you get music, you get a show, and you get to talk and meet people in decent lighting. I definitely plan on attending another one... hopefully with the expertise of Frank. Here are a few pictures from the evening but of course if you want to see them all you have to visit Frank's page.
All in all a great weekend... many thanks to LB and Dr. Frank for making it memorable.
Well it seems to be that time of year again. Seems like it was just four months ago we welcomed you to Atlanta, and now that time is upon us again. Well on behalf of Mayor Shirley Franklin, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and all the residents of metro Atlanta, we welcome you back to the King Weekend Celebration.
While we know you came in town to party, meet a jump-off, and go to the many Escada Balls… we ask that you keep in mind the reason we are all off from work on Monday. 
We ask that you take a minute and reflect on the man, the works, and the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. Take a minute and visit historic Auburn Avenue and the King Center (or at least drive down MLK Boulevard). Or take a few minutes and visit the AUC Library and look at our multimillion dollars pieces of paper… ooops nevermind they aren’t even on display yet.
But while here please remember to follow the 10 Commandments for Visitors during Pride Weekend Part 1
See also:1. Thou shall not steal. Now we do not want a repeat of the events that occurred last year (although I am sure it was some tired ATL queens). So if you find the need to permanently borrow some new ‘fits… do that before you leave home. Just to forewarn you Signature 4 Men has since hired a very massive guard that doesn’t really care for homos.
2. Thou shall not harass the straights at Lenox Mall, because once again they will be walking around wondering why this mall is gayer than usual.
3. Thou shall dance like nobody’s watching when the DJ plays the house version of MLK’s I Have a Dream speech; for this is the closest to playing homage most of you will get to this weekend.
4. Thou shall remember that the old Cypress Street has been gentrified and is now home to some of the most expensive condos and office space in Midtown… so don’t go trolling down there assuming to find… well you know what you were trolling for.
5. Thou shall not commit adultery. If you are vacationing without your significant other… keep it in your pants.
6. Thou shall not take late night walks in Piedmont Park. It’s too damn cold and the park closes at nightfall anyway!!
7. Thou shall remember this weekend is about peaceful progress. Stop gritting on each other and say hello when you pass by or at least smile.
8. Thou shall be a friend to your friend. Do not let them come out of the house in some shit that if anyone else had on you would be cackling about. I do not want to see a repeat of the chain thong incident walking around Lenox Mall.
9. Thou shall once again remember that Atlanta is currently at its homo resident limit, so no new homo residents at this time!! (the only exception to this rule: tall, light, masculine, educated, attractive, over 25 but under 35, employed, single with a great sense of humor and beautiful thighs and smile… otherwise you gotta go)
10. Thou shall have a good time, enjoy Atlanta for the weekend and take your ass home on Monday.
Is it Time for Gay Pride Travel Tour Already??
Remebering the Dream of a King
Farewell... Coretta Scott King
Welcome to Atlanta
Well yet another interesting church experience in Atlanta.
First several, several years ago when the rapper Ma$e decided to leave Diddy, Bad Boy and New York relocate to Atlanta and pursue his calling to become a pastor... I was like ummm ok.
Then, one day God spoke to him saying, “You’re walking millions of My people to hell and every time you enter into another city and open your mouth, more people join-in, unaware. But today, you’re going to let their hands go. What I want you to do is, go to Atlanta, learn about Me and I’m going to send you back to stop them before they reach the wrong destination. Then, you’re going to lead the flock back to Me!” At that moment, Mason Betha heard from God and obeyed.
Not long after Ma$e aka Mason Betha started Mason Betha Ministries and S.A.N.E Church International, my homegirl started attending and eventually joined his church. She would always tell me about how real his service was and would always say I would come and check it out. Well today I did.
Well S.A.N.E Church is definitely in its beginning stages. There are three services 8, 10, and 12 noon held in an auditorium that could fit about 300 people, however at this 8am service today there were approximately 80 people in attendance. Mason told my girl that because of who he is he has to cater to a very diverse group and that was definitely shown today. I sat next to men in suits, guys in urban wear, a white family and a black family. But one thing they all had in common was that they were definitely into the service. The service was very minimalistic which I liked. There was an offering, singing, a message, communion and a dismissal. There was none of that extraness that I experienced at Tabernacle last week.
I will say to see Mason in action was quite a surprise. I had gotten over the whole this is a gimmick after his ministry had been going for more than a couple years but I never imagined him to be such a captivating speaker. He was well versed and related his message so that everyone in his diverse audience could understand. I was completely impressed.
Well of course it wouldn't be me if I didn't have an issue with anything. As I sat there and enjoyed the service as it came to a close, I thought wow I can't wait to blog about this experience maybe I have found the right church. Until Mason expressed his biblical views on homosexuality... while it wasn't a bashing experience, he definitely let it be known that him and his ministry felt that homosexuality was a choice and not in accordance to the Bible. While I respect him for stating his beliefs, in which we are all entitled, his beliefs don't coincide with my reality and for that reason S.A.N.E Church is not the church for me. And my search for a church home continues.... oh how I miss Metropolitan!!
Random Thoughts this Friday morning...
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 8:30 AM Labels: random thoughtsThis summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.
Lessons Learned in 2006
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:30 AM Labels: lessons learned, personal, random thoughts, relationships
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
“The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.” – John Ruskin
These daily affirmations and prayer have been the only things getting me through 2006. I came into 2006 on quite a high. A good job that afforded me national travel; other than my car note and student loans relatively no debt; good friends to enjoy travel, shopping trips, and just hanging out with; and the possibility of a romance that seemed to be on the right track.
Life is nothing but a string of decisions. Some decisions can make it better, some can keep it from growing, and others can change things for the worse. I made one decision in 2006 that seemed to take what was to be such a great year, to being the absolute worse of my adult life. However as I try to take something positive from this disastrous year, I have learned so much about myself and people around me. And these are my lessons from 2006:
The grass in Atlanta is no greener than the grass in DC. My job in DC was going just fine, but I saw an opportunity to work for the number 3 (if that) association management firm in Atlanta and jumped on it. After working for the firm less than two weeks, I was fired for what they said “wasn’t a good fit”. And that was the only explanation they gave and even had to give under the “work at will” law. So after leaving a job I was comfortable with in DC and relocating to what I thought was going to be a better life in Atlanta… left me unemployed for three months and once again back in debt. My lesson learned: Still trying to figure this one out!!
Friends come into your life for a reason, a season, and rarely a lifetime. Me and Harold had been friends for almost ten years, but me moving to Atlanta would be the first time we actually lived in the same city. He introduced me to his friends and I attempted to make my own. My first three months in Atlanta were quite difficult and depressing, and when I landed my current job it seemed as if there was finally a ray of hope. I called him to tell him things were finally turning around… to get a mild response. The weeks that followed had me feeling left out and alone. Only to get an email on his birthday saying that he can’t sustain this friendship any longer, with out any explanation. My lesson learned: The only thing in life you can count on is taxes and death. Nothing in life is forever… and don’t expect an explanation on why.
Dating is difficult and Relationships aren’t easy. One of the first people I befriended after moving to Atlanta was Kool. Kool brought two other people into my life one was Dominican and the Bee (more on him later). I actually met Scorpio before moving to Atlanta and what started off as a friendship led to dating and then… well nothing back to an awkward friendship. Dating Dominican and Scorpio was an interesting experience, of which prompted a few blog entries this year but most notably Must I Date Your Friend Too . My lesson learned: Dating is a process of weeding through people to find the right one to develop a relationship with. Patience for that right one is a virtue that I must work on.
If you are driving an X5 with no job… you are a crafty faggot. Like I mentioned above Kool brought two people into my life… the other was Bee. After numerous weeks and months of hanging out, hanging out every weekend kind of took a back seat to dates, kids, and jobs. And then my house got broken into and weeks later Kool’s house got broken into again. Long story short… the short bastard standing between us took advantage of two genuine friendships invaded our homes stole material things and left his dignity. I was always raised to do whatever you can to help friends out and if Bee ever needed anything, all he had to do was ask but instead he decided to play spades at my table, eat food I prepared, watch movies on my TV… all the while eyeing what he would be stealing later. My lesson learned: You never truly know who a person is, but always trust your gut feeling.
Lack of communication will be the death of any friendship. He is attractive, intelligent, and funny. And he was to be mine. Because of all the stress I was going through when I first moved to Atlanta… I pushed him to the side and got sidetracked. I looked for things to justify what I did but I was wrong. I fucked up something that could have been great. Looking back on it now, I don’t think either of us really worked that hard on making it the way it should have been. But I am a man and I admit my mistakes and wrongdoings. And today I sincerely apologize for my fault in this all and hope we can work on the friendship. My lesson learned: Just like a plant, friendships need nurturing as well.
2006 was one hell of a year… and I am claiming that 2007 as my rebuilding year. By the end of 2007 I want to be where I was before moving to Atlanta and back on the path to making my 10 year plan a reality. So I am leaving all of this strife, bad memories, and experiences of 2006 right here… because tomorrow as I embark on a new year and a new start.
I am hoping that each of you make your 2007 better than your 2006.
Many bloggers have already or will be posting many reviews of the Dreamgirls movie and most of them will focus on the great performances of Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Fox and Beyonce. However after finally seeing the movie for myself after months and months of hype this post gives much do praise to Eddie Murphey and Anika Noni Rose.
Murphey as James "Thunder" Early is electrifying in his portrayl of a star's rise and fall from the top. This comedic side of him probably hasn't been this sharp since his many years on SNL. And his singing makes me wonder if his late 80s albums were all that bad. But it's the fear eating at Jimmy that brings out the best in Murphy. Jimmy is a star who has abused too many drugs and used too many women from his wife who Dawn Lewis effectively played sans any lines and Lorrell, his current mistress played by Anika. However Murphy effectively illuminates these character flaws without dimming the wicked charm. I dont think Murphey has ever reached this far emotionally or dug this deep to bring a character so real.
In 2004, Anika Noni Rose was awarded the Theatre World Award, Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actress and the Tony Ward for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, for Caroline, or Change. In 2006, she brought this award winning talent to big screen as she effectively portrays Lorrell Robinson's growth from a giggly naive girl to a grown woman. My favorite scene is when she has finally had enough of Jimmy Early and pulls the strength and courage to walk away from the man that made her a woman. While the character Lorrell, is relegated mostly to the background in most of the film, her few moments to shine display a young performer whose power is far beyond her years. Anika Noni Rose more than holds her own vocally and in acting as the third Dreamgirl.
On the others... For me Jennifer Hudson didn't steal the show at all. I expected her to deliver a flawless performance and she did. I am quite thankful however that Beyonce actually stepped up her usual lack of acting talent and gave a pretty decent performance herself. She amazingly and effectively channels the diva herself, Diana Ross throughout the movie. She pulls this off through several dazzling fashion ensembles and the photo shoot scene. However I don't think her performance should have been compared to that of Meryl Streep and Annette Benning this past year with a Golden Globe nomination. However I will say the scene of her getting photographed, as Ross did, in an infinite number of extravagant costumes and hairdos was utterly beautiful.
Often when Broadway goes Hollywood, the director and screenplay writer try to do too much and it often comes off seeming more patchwork than a constant flow... and Dreamgirls can seem quite patchy at times. And umm what happened to the Jamie Foxx/Jennifer Hudson sex scene???
Oh yeah... Congrats to Jaleel "Urkel" White and Dawn "Different World" Lewis for scoring cameos... I guess their careers aren't totally dead yet.
Yep it is true… for a long time I kept this a secret but like most secrets it has seeped out. I say this with much trepidation…
“Hi I am C. and I have an underwear fetish.”
Men's underwear has come out of the closet and into the public eye and it's about time. The variety of styles you can get now is unlimited, from the god-awful white briefs to the even worse loose boxers. From sexy mesh underwear to “you got one thing on your mind” jock straps. You can now even get skimpy g-strings at your local Bloomingdale”s or Macy’s department stores. Oh and let us not get on those Calvin Klein micro fiber boy shorts. Erotic thongs, athletic one-piece suits and styles that I can’t even give a name to are all over Undergear and the many underwear sites now dedicated to men.
Now let me clarify when I say I have this fetish I am not by any means talking about any type of underwear that looks like it might hurt the person wearing it. And I am by no means talking about men in panties… because you know that is just gross. And I am definitely not talking about stealing underwear… which in the UK can now land you on their Sex Offender List.I am talking about enjoying the site of a man or woman in a nice pair of undergarments that accentuate their best ASSets. (Tighty Whiteys are an instant invitation out the door.)
The basic idea of sexual fetishism is sexual arousal and satisfaction through an inanimate object. Everyone has a fetish. In some cases, "fetish” has been used to name aspects of a nation's predominant ideal of beauty, e. g. the preference for small feet in old China or the modern western preference for big breasts. More recently it is used to name any sexual preference which is perceived as unusual: overweight, race, body parts and hair color are examples for physical features that popularly are considered fetishes. But for me it is underwear… appealing underwear.
So I am curious what is your fetish??
Let's see Columbus Short, Laz Alonzo, Brian White and a familiar story line... we know where I will be January 12th.
What an interesting weekend... First let me start off by saying, I think we work too much. There should be a 4 day work weeks with 3 day weekends. If anyone is hiring on that schedule let me know and I will forward the resume over ASAP!!
There were a number of friends, acquaintances, and even a quasi boyfriend in town. So since my bestfriend, Rey, from DC was in town and hadn't partied much with the kids in Atlanta, we planned to hit up a couple parties and clubs.
Friday was real chill for the most. After lounging all day, Rey and me went over to Neimans, when Chopsticks (me and my roommate call him that because at the gym he wears these lil shorts showing off his very petite legs as he always works on his upper body... too funny) appears out of nowhere... repeating his email address to someone on the phone over and over loud enough for all of us to hear. So of course my bestfriend being the fool that he is... was like now I am gonna stalk your email. To which Chopsticks replies at least I will know who it is. (Insert vomitting noise and eye rolls here).
So then me, Rey, my roommate and his house guest hit the gym. After a good "club" workout we all went home to eat and drink before hitting the club. I must say the club was quite festive and the mix of cuties and the uncutes was just right. Having a friend working the bar is always helpful in making the nights turn into an alcoholic bliss.
Now Saturday is where the weekend turned interesting... so we spent most of the day lounging and all on our own schedules till the evening when it was time to go to the first house party. My roommate had 2 more friends come in town so as we waited on them to arrive Rey decides he wants to go visit one of his military friends. So I am already ready to go but waiting patiently (patience is not a virtue I have) so when we are finally ready to go of course Rey is not where he needs to be which sets off an hour long argument and me deciding that I wasn't going anywhere and to hell with the whole evening (yeah I am spoiled so what). After changing my mind once again and getting directions from my now long gone roommate, I venture out to a part of SW Atlanta that was so far that I could have sworn I was half way to Alabama. (I don't understand why people have the desire to live so far from civilization in houses that aren't even all that big) The party was so packed that if you wanted to move around the house there was one circular path going in one direction. The organizers of the party asked that you bring one can good or a donation and by the time we arrived there was a huge tub filled with food outside... (don't you love partying with a purpose) After being there about an hour and meeting one boy... the police came and shut it down and it was off to the Atlanta Live.
Now I can't stand Atlanta Live but we had planned to meet another friend, Bell, there and all party together. (a little background... I met Bell back in early October , after weeks of hanging out we decided not to date and just be friends because we weren't on the same page.... Bell and my friend Mo were also cool and according to Mo they were "just friends" but more on that later). So once getting there me and my bestfriend, Rey, run into Bell, so we just stood around and talked and drank until the others arrived from the party. As soon as Mo and the rest of the crew arrive and get drinks... Mo pulls Bell away and they all head to the dance floor leaving me and Rey just standing there. So after we get round 2 we move to the dance floor where they are. So we are all back together dancing and acting fool but everytime I talk to Bell.. Mo is right there and quickly pulls him to the side. I thought I was the only one noticing this until my bestfriend gives me the eye of what is that about and starts laughing... once again they eventually leave us once again. So me and Rey go off on our own and start dancing and partying with 2 cute Jamaican lesbos and talking to other folks we knew. Then I get a text from Bell asking me where we were. Once we all met up again he asked what is going on I thought we were all supposed to be hanging out... I simply told him that it was apparent Mo didn't want us hanging together so I will let yall be so everyone can have a drama free good time. (a little more background... Bell told me that he has told Mo a number of times that they can just be friends because they sexually incompatible and too fem. But since Mo kept telling me that they were just friends and no more I never put much value in this. but I guess the truth came out that night) Me and my bestfriend called it a night not long after that seeing that the club was too young and too ghetto and full of uncuteness. It is sad the best looking person that was there was an old date...
Sunday was really chill, I hung out with my bestfriend and quasi boyfriend most of the day and got to go to bed relatively early, only to be back at work today......
When I first heard of this... I was like what the hell?? Is this another attempt to sell those $65 designer t-shirts, so the late kids can claim they are wearing a label. But after touring To A T: T-Shirt Culture... Cute or Couture, I got it.
Like a good pair of jeans or the little black dress... T-Shirts are a staple in fashion. The popularity of the t-shirt is a direct result of its ease of accessibility and for the endless outlet of individualism it allows. Over the years t-shirts have evolved. The t-shirt has been transformed from ordinary underwear worn by James Dean to today’s form of self-expression worn under blazers by some and with a pair of flip-flops by others. Now there are more different styles of t-shirts than ever before, often influenced by the many different elements of today's culture. Whether it is the tattoo inspired Ed Hardy Ts.. or the retro sexually implied slogan Ts.. or the Inspi(red) shirts on sale at GAP.... there is a style of tshirt for pretty much everyone. When it comes to style of t-shirts or even fashion in general it is a combination of many elements of culture such as musical taste, speech or other entertainment influences.
Museum of Design Atlanta’s new exhibit puts t-shirts from well established fashion icons like Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, and Dolce & Gabbana side-by side with up and coming local Atlanta designers including Project Runway favorite, Michael Knight and Clint Zeagler of Pecan Pie Couture. The exhibit explores this trend displaying t-shirts accented with rhinestones, beading, embroidery, cutting and sewing, and silk screen prints. If you are in the ATL, you should definitely come downtown and take a look at the free exhibit before it goes on tour.
And if you haven’t seen Michael Knight’s website do check it out http://www.mychaelknight.com/ .
Just some random new stories that have caught my eye. What do you think?
Wednesday, December 6 via AOL.com
An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing Monday morning after a passenger lit a match to disguise the scent of flatulence, authorities said. Nasty bastard!!
Wednesday, December 6 via Washingtonpost.com
"Keeping us up here eats away at families," said Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), who typically flies home on Thursdays and returns to Washington on Tuesdays. "Marriages suffer. The Democrats could care less about families -- that's what this says." Kingston says in response to the new Democratic leadership inacting a work week that starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday and will end their business about 2 p.m on Friday. But my question is weren't these politicians elected to WORK!! If I have to work a 9 to 5... why shouldn't they.
Wednesday, December 6 via AJC.com
Federal immigration agents arrested six illegal immigrants Wednesday who had security badges that gave them access to restricted areas of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, including the tarmac. Have you not seen the security lines at Atlanta's airport... and these damn illegals get all access badges... ain't that about a b!%$h !!
Cherokee County (GA) commissioners Tuesday night approved ordinances declaring English the county's official language, and going after landlords who rent to illegal immigrants. Cherokee commissioners have maintained that illegal immigrants drain local resources. And because the federal government hasn't tackled the issue, commissioners said it was up to them to send a message to those living in the county illegally. I am all for anyone coming to America... just come legally and learn the language.
Wednesday, November 29 via CNN.com
"We have reason to believe, and we have some forensic evidence that is consistent with our belief, that a microwave oven was used in this death," said Ken Betz, director of the Montgomery County coroner's office.... If China Arnold microwaved her baby... they should boil her ass in alcohol.... of course IF she did it.
Last night Robin Thicke and John Legend put on a show... and a damn good one at that. The Tabernacle was packed to the rafters and hot as a 5 fat girls in a Ford Focus in Arizona. Even Usher came out to take in the show.
Robin Thicke opened the show 30 minutes late giving an energetic performance, with relatively strong vocals on R&B--tinged pop tunes from his album The Evolution of Robin Thicke and his first album that I can't recall the name of. But after his strong performance I will be picking them both up.
In true diva like fashion.... what had to be at the very least an hour after Robin left the stage, Legend's band and backup singers took the stage. To think just two years ago a then-unknown John Legend was setting up a keyboard on the sidewalk outside of Philips Arena 2 blocks away, ready to croon "Ordinary People" for pretty much anyone that asked.
So when the now three-time Grammy winner finally took stage backed by a band that included three flawless backup singers, two keyboardists, a guitarist and a drummer, Legend slid behind his own baby grand piano and banged out hits from both albums including my favorites Heaven, PDA, and Stereo. Just like the album, he alternates between '60s-era Motown soul and lounge music throughout the concert. I think every single is so retro that even my mother would enjoy nearly every track.
Attending the concert with not only a fan of Legend... but a fan of music made the night even better. The surprising highlight of the evening was while John was singing P.D.A., him was staring at me singing along and leaned over to kiss me. At first I was shocked... like did this dude just kiss me in the middle of this concert. And then the row of ladies behind us hit me with an, 'awww i wish i had a date to kiss me too', which led to my embarrassment. But I must say it felt good.
A late night dinner with great conversation just topped off a memorable evening.
An Evening with John Legend and Robin Thicke
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 7:30 PM Labels: atlanta, entertainment
This Thursday evening I will have the opportunity to finally hear and see John Legend perform live. The Once Again Tour sponsored by Bailey's is coming to the Tabernacle here in Atlanta and of course I scooped up a couple tickets as soon as I heard the tour was coming to town.
John Legend's brand of sexy, sophisticated music was a needed surprise that seem to come out of nowhere in 2005. His style of music is so different and so fresh from most of what's out in contemporary R&B right now, it remained to be seen if he could duplicate the success of his Get Lifted album. And unlike some new artist, who come out with a second album and try and flip the script... John gave us a new album that was even more sophisticated, more grown and even more sexy. Now I am by no means saying this new album is just a duplication of his last. This album has no guest appearances and is more ballad driven than the first.
I am so looking forward to hearing the mix of soul, blues, and gospel influences that have shaped Once Again into yet another masterpiece.
As an added bonus Robin Thicke is opening for John. While I have only heard a couple tracks of his Evolution of Robin Thicke... the ones I have heard like Can U Believe and Wanna Love You Girl, I know the boy can sing. So I will definitely be looking forward to his set as well.
It should definitely be a memorable evening.
Will Michael Richards wake up Black America?
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 4:09 PM Labels: social commentary
It's been a couple of weeks since Michael Richards went crazy at the Laugh Factory and revived his stale career, albeit this time he will have 15 minutes of infamy, and not much else has occurred. He has apologized on Letterman and the Jesse Jackson show and reiterated time and time again… that he may think of black people as niggers but he isn’t racists. The guys Richards belittled in the club have come forward, demanding an apology and in true American fashion, money as well. Can someone tell me how do you monetize racial epithets anyway?
Since that time everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to my coworker has chastised Richard’s behavior but I want to know when will we, as Black America, also wake up and realize the damage this word is doing to us. For years I have always said I could careless about the use of the word be any racial group. I always believed I didn’t use the word and black person using it as a term of endearment is about as bad as a white person using in it in disdain.
What makes this even sadder is this ridiculous assertion being spouted by some brothers who will point out that there's a big difference between the word 'Nigger' and 'Nigga'. It baffles me to think you have some people who take this word and flip it so that it empowers them, or at least so they think. So that now nigga is a good thing... However when some white or Asian kid comes rolling up to me talking about 'What's up my Nigga'?, should I embrace him because this kid is down with hip hop culture or kick his ass because he has disrespected me?
We as Black people must understand that when the word nigga is used in public or in lyrics, other ethnic groups also hear them. And yes, these other ethnic groups may understand in which context blacks mean and use the word nigga and may recognize this as a term of affection and friendship. But at the same time it still reminds people of the word nigger. The two words nigga and nigger will never ever be separated. If blacks use the word nigga as a greeting, then certain people from other ethnic groups will want to use the word in the same light. And why does skin color have to depict the true intentions of the use of the word?
Shouldn’t we follow the lead of other ethnic groups who vehemently step to folks who use such hateful epithets? For example, the Jewish community or even the gay and lesbian community. There's an old saying that goes 'What you say or allow to be said about you is what you will become'.
Best Buy had advertised an HP for $374 and a Sony for $599. And it was my goal to secure one of those laptops. The Best Buy ad also stated that the doors would open at 5am however they would start passing out tickets for the advertised specials at 4am. So I was thinking ok getting there around 2.. 230am would be fine. Well of course I was wrong. I arrived at Best Buy in Hoover, AL (I was in Birmingham with my mom for the holiday) at 230am only to see the line stretch past 3 additional stores. After debating whether to go home or stay for about 5 minutes and seeing the line still growing I decided to stay. Who would have ever thought so many people in Alabama would be going after these damn laptops.
I will say that the Best Buy handled the sale very well. Only letting in the first 100 people, then 10 people at a time till they reached their 375 capacity limit diffused the trampling often seen on the local news. Another line to get into the computer section prevented the workers from being overwhelmed while at the same time giving every customer personal attention.
