2009

it has a ring to it, doesn't it? 2009.

i believe in the custom of celebrating the 'new'. but it's always a weird night for me, the 31st of December. I would much rather do a brunch on New Years Day and save all of my ambitions, dreams and conversation topics for those who sit around me. not really into the 'let's party our arses off tonight and kiss whoever' anymore. come to think of it, i have never gone out and gotten crazy in celebration of the new year.

being surrounded by good friends, enjoying good drinks, and good biscuits and egg-like things are my idea of a celebration. however, it is a great time of reflection and I would be lying if I said I am not up past midnight every year this time.

so....

tonight, I am truly enthralled with life. I think that there is so much we can all manifest and should really take the time and energy to do so now. NOW. not tomorrow, and not for another year. we should ideally manifest every single day. life is all about what we create while living. we define our own lives.

our life is in our hands.

I wish you all the power to know what you want, and the energy and motivation to go and get it.

- Lady Luck

You thought you heard this song...

BUT YOU DIDN'T HEAR IT LIKE THIS....

Check out the Producer - Jalyn's page here.

black friday: now I understand the meaning behind the name.

don't mean to be debbie-downer, but seriously folks...since when do we need (especially in this economy) a $750 50-inch flat screen Plasma.

and since when is it worth someones life?

out on Long Island today, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death. to death. did they close the Wal-Mart? no. did the shoppers pause at least for a second to see if he was ok? no. did they make some room around the scene once ambulance workers came and tried to resuscitate the victim? no. he was trampled on by 100's of people. not just 100. hundreds.

it's really a shame when in this day and age, we value products over people's lives. this election could have gone the other way with McCain having presided, and y'all would not be running out to shop at (of all places) Wal-Mart. that is for sure. since when did consumerism take precedence over human life and compassion?

I wonder if they are going to go back to the tapes and press charges on the exact people who killed him. after all, it's homicide. and nothing would taste sweeter than those hillbillies not being able to enjoy their 50-inches of LOST this year, and having to spend time in the county jail.

who is to blame though? is it those who were standing on line at 9pm on Thursday night for the store's 5am opening? is it advertising? is it consumerism, and the machine we have created on a whole here in America? or is it the evil empire of Wal-Mart? story here.

dying to know,
lady luck.

living whole.

1) Loving acts begin at home, but the effects ripple infinitely outward.

2) Each transition is an opportunity to look at who you are - and where you're headed.

3) Walk a little, every day.

4) Let go of what you don't need; you'll make space for what you want.

5) The desire for change shows up in your body as well as your thoughts. Pay attention to it.

6) Good food that serves you in the short term will sustain you in the long run.

7) A healthy life stems from better choices.

8) Help others because they need it, not because you need to provide it.

9) Giving is the key to a happier, healthier life.

10) Teach what you know, and you'll discover what you're ready to learn.

beer is buddhist?

seriously. it is now.

the Wt Pa Maha Chedi Kaew Temple in Thailands Sisaket province used a mere 1,000,000 beer bottles to build the temple.


the washrooms and creamatorium are built of Heineken and Chang Beer bottles (Heineken = green, Chang = brown).

and not only did they use the bottles, but they created intricate patterns on the walls.

a moment of silence.

please, let's all take a second and pray for Jennifer Hudson and her family.

her mother and brother were shot dead today in the South Side section of Chicago.

it's a shame when this happens to anyone, not just celebrity's families...and worst of all - her little nephew is missing.

GOD BLESS THE HUDSON FAMILY.

there is no end in sight.

UPDATE - 12:22am, Sat 10/25
the story is totally fake. She is being held on $50k bail. claiming she is insane. yes, b*tch, you are. that is what the B stands for. I hope she is imprisoned for the election and can't put her vote in. people like her don't deserve a voice.

I am so appalled. excuse the rant below, but I have to let a few things off my mind.

after trolling through Gawker last night, I came upon a ridiculous story. let me run this by you and tell me what you think...(I won't even get to my issues with Gawker right now, so it's just the actual news story):

a 20 year-old goes to an ATM in Pittsburgh and (apparently has a MCCAIN sticker on her car) goes to take money out. afterwards, walking back to her car, she is 'mugged' by a man. not just any man. a black man who supports Barack. how do we know this? because, with a knife - he carved a 'B' into her cheek....a perfect B as a matter of fact. you would think someone robbing another person on the street would be a bit rushed..maybe not the time for perfect penmanship.

here is the funny part - the 'B' is backwards. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
does that scream 'I did this in a mirror' to you too?

now, this is a hefty girl. one who would need more than a slight punch in her eye. nothing is matching up in this story. and on top of this all - she refuses medical attention?

when I stub my toe, my first thought is - great. it's broken. - and I often consider going to the hospital.

now, I know Texas is a Republican state - but what 20 year-olds are seriously voting for MCCAIN? obviously she has a screw loose to begin with. now, hold onto your seats, cause here is the kicker - MCPALIN called her themselves to apologize. yep. you heard me. both Republican candidates dialed up this doll (as they were prancing around Philly that night, campagning saying they will do anything to win PA as a state). a bit fishy, no??

now - Gawker. damn it!!!!!!!! I liked you. why do you have to so emphatically report in the headline, "Woman Mugged by Obama Supporter!". WTF! and then, then to add injury- you report he was a "dark-skinned" Black man. why would that matter? how does it matter? the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (where the story was first posted) never stated the tint of 'his skin'. since when does the shade of what race you are come into play? I will tell you. when you have a Black man sweeping the polls for President. Obama made a statement hoping there would be justice in the case. I am sure he is talking about the fact that this is complete fiction.

the Pittsburgh Post Gazette is looking into the case. ATM cameras will be investigated as well.

she should be locked up on two accounts - 1. lying and 2. supporting terrorists.

UPDATE: her name is Ashley Todd who has a video on YouTube about another 'black man' who has harassed her in her campaign for a Republican Congressman. yep, you heard right - not only is she a MCCAIN supporter, but they say she also has been doing some campaigning for him.

UPDATE #2: I emailed nick@gawker.com my questions about their journalism skills in reporting he was a 'dark-skinned' black man. when he emailed back, he told me "to get over yourself". love the media.

spruce up your wardrobe, wood ya?

make like a tree and leaf...asap, to go shopping at CK.
X-MAS here you come!

and for those who are in the mood to burn through some paper:

Meaty news in MEPA.

dear club-owners of NYC,

having lurked in the trenches, been at parties, in the DJ booths, at VIP tables, worked behind the scenes at Club day offices and events...I have to say - we are clubbed out. NYC is just so behind the dime when it comes to good parties. and now...now, they are knocking down The Garden of Ono just so another fleshed out, underage, cheezy nightspot can open to rape us all of our morals, photog shots and wallets.

why would this be exciting...another club-disaster in MEPA? and to even think the purveyors behind Stereo are somehow involved - this hurts my heart.

as a woman (and quite a hot one at that), I get quite a kick out of the 3 am-messes who stumble out of the clubs on the cobblestone streets to hail a cab. lipstick smeared, ankle-boots scuffed, hair a complete disaster, and their bony knees run as far as they can with cigarette in hand to either deface men who already got a cab, or steal it to go back to their loft and blow some lines.

maybe this is my rant of having enough of the party scene in NYC for a while. but seriously, how hard is it to come up with a new idea, something other than the typical music - bottle - b&t crowd. and, let's totally ignore concepts like The Eldridge, Upstairs, and Backroom.

here is my advice to you: stay away from ridiculous ideas like The Box, steer clear of monster-clubs like Marquee and Pink Ele, and get those 'idea bulbs' going so we know for sure that someone is home upstairs.

maybe then I will resurface and come out.

signed,
woman on the guestlist

Women against Palin! Unite!!!

Friends, compatriots, fellow-lamenters,

We are writing to you because of the fury and dread we have felt since the announcement of Sarah Palin as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Republican Party. We believe that this terrible decision has surpassed mere partisanship, and that it is a dangerous farce on the part of a pandering and rudderless Presidential candidate that has a real possibility of becoming fact.

Perhaps like us, as American women, you share the fear of what Ms. Palin and her professed beliefs and proven record could lead to for ourselves and for our present or future daughters. To date, she is against sex education, birth control, the pro-choice platform, environmental protection, alternative energy development, freedom of speech (as mayor she wanted to
ban books and attempted to fire the librarian who stood against her), gun control, the separation of church and state, and polar bears. To say nothing of her complete lack of real preparation to become the second-most-powerful person on the planet.

We want to clarify that we are not against Sarah Palin as a woman, a mother, or, for that matter, a parent of a pregnant teenager, but solely as a rash, incompetent, and altogether devastating choice for Vice President. Ms.Palin's political views are in every way a slap in the face to the accomplishments that our mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers so fiercely fought for, and that we've so demonstrably benefited from.

First and foremost, Ms. Palin does not represent us. She does not demonstrate or uphold our interests as American women. It is presumed that the inclusion of a woman on the Republican ticket could win over women voters. We want to disagree, publicly.

*Therefore, we invite you to reply here: *

Mailto: womensaynopalin@gmail.com

With a short, succinct message about why you, as a woman living in this country, do not support this candidate as second-in-command for our nation. Please include your name (last initial is fine), age, and place of residence.

We will post your responses on a blog called "Women Against Sarah Palin," which we intend to publicize as widely as possible. Please send us your reply at your earliest convenience. The greater the volume of responses we receive, the stronger our message will be.

Thank you for your time and action.

VIVA!

Sincerely,

Quinn Latimer and Lyra Kilston
New York , NY
womensaynopalin@gmail.com
http://womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com

music to your ears...

for more from this fabulous artist, JALYN - check out his other songs HERE.
he's handsome, soulful and sings well acoustically? done deal!!

Italian's are fans of bans...

E BASTA COSI!!! (enough is enough)

Italy is bugging out. hardcore. a beach near Venice has outlawed sandcastles. what's next - pails and shovels carried by 3 year olds?

if you are caught displaying any type of PDA in car, you are smacked with a 500 euro fine in Eboli.

in Vicenza, a man recently got fined for laying down in a park to read a book. clothed. no, it wasn't a Playboy man, it was The Alchemist.

in Capri, you are not allowed off the beach in merely a bikini.

any groups of two or more people in Novara, are forbidden from lounging around in parks at night. right, so one person can go, but three cannot.

in another town, you cannot mow your lawns on the weekend.

wow, it makes living in China sound like a cake-walk.

meet Jazzy - adopt Jazzy...

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE AMAZING SUPPORT!! JAZZY WAS ADOPTED, AND IS IN A WONDERFUL HOME IN BROOKLYN, NY. I WILL UPDATE THE SITE WITH PICTURES OF HER GETTING HEALTHIER AND HEALTHIER.

to the world, she may be one dog - but to one dog, you can be the world.

what made us think China would behave this time?

I still cannot believe China won the bid to host the Olympics.

well, as I am sure you have heard by now - China got caught faking us out. in more than one way. quite a many, actually.

perhaps you were one of the billion people who tuned in to watch the Opening Ceremony...one of the people who 'oooo'd' and 'ahhhh'd' at the amazing spectacle they put on, many claiming "Wow, no way. How did they do that?". By tricking you, us, everyone - that's how. By assuming we are complete idiots who just sit there and watch with mouths agape and our remotes in our hand, drinking our beers and talking about Paris Hilton - as their Politicians and economy get richer.

first, we have the tiny singer singing "Hymn to the Motherland" lip-synced.

look above. does one child's face disturb you more than the other? c'mon, tell me the truth...wouldn't you boo the child to the right, off-stage for not being as cute as the one to the left? it's ok, you can tell me...Communists thought the same thing, so you are not alone.

what is really bothersome is the new claim of a child's face "not being suitable for television", hence having a vocal stand-in to lip-sync the 7 year old's part. why you may ask? her teeth as a 7 year old, weren't perfect. yep. they felt she would offend people with her 'imperfect looks'. revealed to a local radio station in Beijing, the musical director of the ceremony Chen Quigng stated Lin Miaoke, the 'television ready 9 year old who everyone would think was cute'. where did they find two little girls anyway these days in China? and what kind of message does that send to people, little girls and Yang Peiyi, who still has teeth growing in because she is only 7 ?! (story)

then, we have Olympic Officials admitting what we saw, was not real. no &*^&!!
that brilliant display of fire in the sky was not all authentic. did you know that 70% of the fireworks were pre-recorded and computer generated? what a great idea to save money China!! the chairman of Beijing's committee cited "most people could not tell the difference." how right you are China! we are complete idiots who love being made a fool of with your animated fireworks. thanks so much, really! (story)

not to mention, they violated the agreement made which secured their hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games - which was to improve the human rights of their citizens.
about 10 days before the Beijing games began, Amnesty International went in there just to validate their disappointed suspicions. "The Chinese authorities have broken the promises they made when they were granted the Olympics seven years ago," Amnesty's UK campaigns director, Tim Hancock, said. he also stated, "They told the world that the Olympics would help bring human rights to China, but the government continues to persecute and punish those who speak out for human rights ahead of the Games....The Olympic values have been betrayed by the Chinese government." China promised to make the city 'greener'. They said they would work on police brutality and imprisoning people voicing campaigns for human rights; all of which have not happened. (story)

what should have tipped us off is the fact that we cannot buy toys for our children manufactured in this country.

it's a special time when you give a child a toy- a time for them to grow with it, learn from it, and have fun. certainly not to get poisoned and die. lead paint is used in most of China's manufacturing of plastic, wood, and metal toys; and recently, we discovered the lead paint to also be in children's bibs. and it's not only our kids who are targets folks - it is us (Chinese-made toothpaste and tires and our pets (pet food). these products are way beyond China's limits and International limits for acceptable lead amounts - so how do they get out? money talks, that's how. while I understand the responsibility of this problem lie not solely on China's ground, and manufacturers still demand certain items, made in a certain way - the onus must be upon the Country who exports. (story)

or the fact that about 175 million children under the age of 14 (who make up around 20% of the workforce) in factories are making fireworks, garments and textiles, sporting goods, games and those toys...

(an updated story)

or perhaps the gender-war where prenatal sex selection, forced abortions and female infanticide (the systematic killing of girls soon after they are born) are all widely accepted.

in fact, the Chinese men now have a problem finding brides. a recent (2007) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, stated these practices, combined with neglect, have created a vast number of "missing" girls in Asia, what's the number you are wondering? 60 million. that figure may not seem like a lot to some people, so let me put it in these terms - there are under 9 million people in NYC. only 18 million in the entire state; women and men. so that would mean every woman you have seen on the streets, dated, loved, worked with in our city - could all have been victims of China's strict policy regulating female babies, and have gone 'missing'. (story)

they have even upset BUDDHISTS!! the non-violent group who is all-loving. jailing them and beating them was just not enough for the police and politicians. Now, The State Administration for Religious Affairs mandated all future incarnations of living Buddhas in relation to Tibetan Buddhism, "get government approval". (story)

listen, I am not saying we here in America are all-mighty. in fact, there is a lot wrong with this country and world. but when human rights have been so visibly violated, and humans so visibly humiliated - fingers will point. and mine is targeted at a yellow star against a red backdrop.

in honor of animal-olympics.

I like elephants - alot.

they symbolize good fortune and luck (when their trunks are up), and are known to be mystical giants. I despise when they are mistreated, painted, used in circus stunts and the like; but that is a different story. having said that, this is a computer generated gray-giant, but it does not take away from the hilarity of the video.
(try to be patient in the first 20 seconds, it's worth it)

in honor of the olympics...

...we might just see this little bugger in 2020's Olympic Games.

I mean, when I was 4, I was maybe a little coordinated and enrolled in ballet, tap and jazz classes. but by no stretch (literally) of the imagination, was I doing perfect-form gymnastics with a personality of an adult; nor winning the likeness and ovation claps from adults like this tiny talent is, check her out!

so, you think you can dunk?

to that I say "goonadisht ayma oosteabala hai". in other words, you really have to watch this...it's unreal.

why craig? why?!

all day long craigslist.org has been down. yes, craigslist.

it's one of the top 50 highest-trafficketed sites on the internet these days.

let's say I wanted to rant-or-rave about the concert I went to yesterday...

or search for apartments in Key West?

yes, frighteningly enough - these are things I had on my to-do list today.

anyway, my one vice left - the almighty search engine - is down. let's pray it's up... soon. (update - started working again at 11:02pm)

Farewell Isaac Hayes

Isaac lived a full life, but not that full where only 65 years on this earth is enough.

he had 12 children, a superior music career, an acting gig on South Park and in over 20 other tv shows/films, was a Scientologist, head owner of a basketball team and won 4 academy awards - including the first Academy Award for a non-acting category by an African American, for his work on Shaft - "Best Original Song".

found dead near his treadmill by his wife today, we have lost another great this week folks (Bernie Mac died yesterday).

having grown up picking cotton in Tenessee, he regretted to finish high school by 18, but returned to get his degree later in life. he soon got into music with the now infamous Stax Records, and was one of the biggest driving factors behind the success of southern soul.

(as buddhas in babylon, we struggle to keep a balance of yin & yang. having said that, this weekend suffered some heavy loss in the world of entertainment. while we normally are not this bleak, we must still honor those who have been greats in our lifetime! let us pray Morgan Freeman pulls through after being released.)

a fighter, successful businessman and an artist known to have deep-bass vocals and a very unique sound. as a tribute, please enjoy some Isaac Hayes mojo below:

I am not smiley over Miley anymore...

kiddie porn.
because Leibovitz shot it, and it's in Vanity Fair, it's ok?

where do we draw the line for sexuality to be used in gaining fame? sure, talk about Kim Kardashian's backside, or David Beckham's rippling abs...oogle Pam Anderson at 41 still as toned as ever - but to look at a 15 year old that way? come on, it's a little twisted.

it's only a matter of time before media, pressure, success and our people make her into a train wreck like many other teen-turn-adult stars: Lezlo, Spears, MJ, Corey Haim, etc...

why she gets on my nerves:

• her real name is Destiny Hope Cyrus.
• at the age of 14.5 she was earning $3.5 million - last year she earned $18.7 million.
• on the show, Hannah Montana, her name is Miley Stewart.
• she now has her father's middle name as a stage name.
• her show moniker is Hannah Montana and her second album titled Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus had all of the songs on it written by Destiny Hope Cyrus.
  
• she is a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, already.
• as a 15 year old, she appears in Vanity Fair wrapped only in a bed sheet.
• she is blonde when she is Hannah, and brunette when she is Destiny, or should I say Miley, or should I say Miley Ray.
  

are you as confused as I am? she has multiple identities, parents who apparently allow her to be portrayed as a sex symbol when she is nothing more than 'a barely cute kid' and we support this!

she is no different than the annoying spoiled teens on Gossip Girl, The OC, The Hills - well, except for the fact that she gets caught in precarious circumstances quite often, for a 15 year old: near nude cell phone pics, scandalous magazine spreads and the like.

I am not hating on this teenager. I am concerned about the attention and pressure we give to young women. Daniel Radcliffe, Mr. Harry Potter himself - wasn't a sex symbol at 15, he wasn't shot nude wrapped in a bedsheet - nor did he take lude photos with his phone while 8 year olds chanted his name, and he made millions.

do you see where I am going with this?

anyway, enough of my rant - here is this little hussy talking...and fyi, everyone is confused including Barbara Walters and Rosie. her pitch in her voice alone is enough to drive you crazy, here she is on The View where she admits to being annoying.

We will miss you Mr. Mac.

The idea is to die young as late as possible. ~Ashley Montagu

this NAACP winner, Emmy & Golden Globe nominee - rose above all of the poverty and loss he suffered in his life to become a well-known comic. in fact, he was # 72 on Comedy Central's list of the "100 Greatest Standups Of All Time, and his character on The Bernie Mac Show was ranked # 47 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" in 2004.

from what we know, he was hospitalized for 8 days and passed on this morning from pneumonia. it's amazing how serious pneumonia can be, albeit he had another health condition regarding his lungs but it had been in remission for almost 4 years - his body just could not fight it.

pneumonia has taken many greats from us: Kelli's mom - Lynn, Fred Astaire, Harriet Tubman, Leo Tolstoy, Jim Henson, James Brown and many personal members of families around the world.

all I can say is it's a shame that such a multifaceted, real talent has left us so early in his life. here is a an ironic skit from his tv show, The Bernie Mac Show:



to see him in one of his films, check out: (links to wikipedia)

• Old Dogs (2009)
• Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) - Zuba (voice)
• Soul Men (2008)
• Transformers (2007)
• Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
• Pride (2007)
• Guess Who (2005)
• Ocean's Twelve (2004)
• Mr. 3000 (2004)
• Bad Santa (2003)
• Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
• Head of State (2003)
• Ocean's Eleven (2001)
• What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001)
• Life (1999)
• The Players Club (1998)
• How to Be a Player (1997)
• B*A*P*S (1997)
• Get on the Bus (1996)
• Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
• Friday (1995)
• House Party 3 (1994)
• Above the Rim (1994)
• Who's the Man? (1993)

enjoy your day.

separated at birth.

cute to look at. wouldn't harm a fly. wants to lick your face.


terrifyingly awful to look at. would harm your country. wants to kiss your ass so he can steal your Obama vote.

could it be?

no no no, your web cam is not on.
you are not wearing your pirate hat right now.
and your facial asymmetry is not that drastic, silly.

enter, SLOTH and his crew from The Goonies. enter, Goonies part deux. yes. it's true - however, sans Feldman. it's a little exciting, and I am very curious as to who they would cast in it, and if our one-eyed friend will make an appearance.

lingerie can save lives.

Vicky's secret may just be - looking sexy while being unscathed by flying bullets.

apparently police in Germany have outfitted their police-women in bulletproof bras. where we here as laywomen in America often have to deal with the uncomfortable woes of bras, i.e. the straps leaving marks on shoulders, underwires cutting into our skin and some have to deal with the back-fat ordeal...police women were often severely hurt by the plastic and metal pieces when wearing their bulletproof vests and bullets penetrated them.

often times when pretending to be espionage and traveling through an airport or ghettos of Oakland or Philly, I wish I had on some protective gear that would still hold my DDs. now, we have an answer - and it's a pretty good-looking one at that.

dubbed, 'the action brasserie' , the German word for 'police' is sewn across it just in case you start to undress a female officer then try to shoot her.

I am not sure what the cross-dressing population is up to now in Germany, but you really can't blame the policemen if they would rather forgo the vests and put on this lighter, more attractive option.

Wiedersehen.

the real monster is - a sad attempt at fame, with this Montauk hoax.

this is the most pathetic attempt to gain attention for these three 20-something wanna-be's from Montauk.

how bout this for a movie...

the main character's stories are:

Rachel Goldberg thought her aging looks, even at only age 29 would be ignored...but if she only had a media stunt - an idea, where she could become famous overnight and not have to get into acting - that would be ideal.

Jenna Hewitt agreed, and knew her mid-20's looks were disappearing and thought instead of getting a stylist, losing weight, or getting her hair done - that she would take place in the hoax.

Courtney Fruin has a scientist ex-boyfriend who she stalked in Plum Island and thought this would be a great way to give them bad press.

Monster - note: it will not look like any of the animals above. To be a computer-digitized image of a mix of three random animals just so it can debunk any scientists go at what it may be/where it may have come from.

the dialogue went like this, on a Friday in early July:

"Rachel, I swear I am getting saddlebags. What can I do to find a man without having to workout and actually pretend to be smart?" said Jenna

"Well, Jenna - I know this girl Courtney who got dumped by this hot scientist who works right here on Plum Island. She wants to get him back and thought of this amazing idea...let's have lunch at the Surf Lodge and talk about it on Monday."

Monday comes...

The three pseudo-socialites go to the 'hot spot' Surf Lodge out in Montauk just so they can be spotted and decide to talk about their plot to become famous. Jenna and Rachel approach Courtney and bring up her ex who hurt her, and works at a lab where they do animal-testing. Knowing of a science-testing facility out in their rural town of Montauk, the three decide to play desperate and come up with a ridiculously obvious plan to expose the Plum Center by creating a monster of no known origin. Oh, and then - it disappears...yep....to their friends backyard, where they um...let it decompose, and now where is it? Well, they decided to put the bones in a box.

Their simple minds averaged it would take three weeks, but it wound up taking only two to make the image. All eye witnesses were their friends, and no known people are to have said to see it who are not part of their clique.

the plot:

Post on an internet site.
Gain buzz and attention from the even 'simpler' American media.
Make appearances on web-tv and tv's hottest news stations.
Gain fame and notoriety before getting discovered as fakes.

the ending:

let's not spoil it and let the actors do it for themselves.

I thought at first it could have been real. After watching these a**holes in an interview, I used my better judgement as should you - check it out for yourselves here.

take a deep breath and relax...

yoga nidra

it means to relax which does not have to necessarily take place in yoga class. you do not have to twist into a pretzel. you do not have to chant or pray. you only have to breathe and relax.

now that we have gotten that out of the way...for you neophytes - many things are beneficial about the actual act of relaxation, not just 'relaxing'. many of us are usually either in the grind and busy working, or vegging out in front of the TV, or drinking/eating and then sleeping. do you see how there is no true relaxation?

chances are many of us are constantly surrounded by:
a ringing cell phone
a computer
a television
music
another person
moving images (via transport)
books and magazines

we hardly take the time to:
stop and listen to the complete silence that naturally surrounds you
listen and work on our breath
meditate
relax

so, let's explore the definition of relaxation: total abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application.

let's start with the basics. breathing helps to sustain life. using our common sense, we know it helps us to de-stress and slow down our heart rate. it is something that happens involuntarily and something we rarely think about (unless you are a runner, yogi or swimmer - besides other things).

but no one takes the time to consider how obsessed we are with the actual act of breathing. in fact - that is all smoking is...breathing in......hold, and out. except, air is free - not $8 a pack, and (mostly) clean and clear of pesticides, chemicals and life-harming drugs.

it's actually amusing to me when people either discount breath-work, or assume they know it all. the truth is - breathing and relaxing go together. here is my advice: if you don't have time to work on your breathing, then you have to work on your breathing. likewise, if you don't have time to work on your relaxation, you have to relax. got it? good.

many studies have been designed to measure the brain's activity during deep relaxation to see exactly what proof stands regarding it's effectiveness. one study in particular I am referring to was conducted by a brain researcher and his team at The Kennedy Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark.

basically the subject lies down in a PET scan bed. the only other object in the room besides the 21 electrodes attached to their head, is a guided relaxation CD which they are listening to in headphones. there are 7 subjects, who will remain in the PET scan for one and a half hours each.

the study showed the individuals had EEG (brain activity) which was similar to the relaxed state of sleep except they remained in complete control and were never unconscious or drowsy at any point. imagine you could be in control over your thoughts, visions, manifestations and dreams - all while completely relaxed?

what about being able to completely concentrate and focus on one activity for an undisturbed period of time? think about all you could accomplish by becoming a more focused and determined mind.

pictures were taken before (1), during (4) and after (3) the relaxation. before and after, the pictures illustrated the state closest to normal waking consciousness - sans stress and fatigue. during the relaxation - there was an increased ability to visualize and become more in touch with one's emotions.

so, the fact remains - for those of you who needed scientific proof. relaxation does a body good. here are some helpful links for you if you would like to start relaxing today: (for the guided relaxations, my advice is to put on headphones to your laptop, etc. and listen in that capacity as opposed to watching it....you should be lying down with eyes closed unless noted to be seated)

the study itself
guided relaxation - male voice, 10 minutes
guided relaxation - male voice, 9:18 minutes
guided relaxation/meditation - female voice, around 8 minutes
guided relaxation - female voice, 10 minutes: seated

if you don't know, you better get to know...

Jazmine Sullivan has been under most people's radar...J Records better be promoting her with a bigger budget (and make this girl some dang music videos), this upcoming year. look out for her new record...she's got the best vocals (even better in my opinion) since Lauryn Hill, lyrically I would say Lauryn and Jill Scott are pretty close.

yeah, I said it.

what color(s) are you?

everyone's skin contains all 4 colors.

all skin, without coloring, would appear creamy white.

near-surface blood-vessels add a blush of red.

a yellow pigment also tints the canvas.

lastly, sepia-toned melanin, created in response to UV rays, appears black in large amounts.

these 4 hues mix in different proportions to create the skin colors of all the peoples of Earth.

some of us have more or less of another...just means we are different shades, not races.

if we keep using 'race', we should first consider the implications in defining the word: any contest or competition, esp. to achieve superiority: the arms race; the presidential race.

so I ask you this:

which color are you racing against?

perhaps none.

maybe you are just relaxing in the shade.

interesting (and upsetting) facts - part 2

• there are 27 million slaves in the world.

• there are 44 million child laborers in India, some working 16-hour days.

• every week an average 88 children are expelled from US schools for carrying a gun.

• same-sex relationships are illegal in more than 70 countries. in nine - including Afghanistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia - the penalty is death.

• 2 million girls and women are subjected to genital mutilation every year.

and you thought you were having a bad day.

some pretty amazing feats...

if this doesn't touch your heart, you are a robot.

I swear it's not corny, it's actually quite amazing for a 6 year old!



her name is Connie Talbot, and she apparently likes Bob Marley - which means I like her. she was on Britain's Got Talent, and swept through to the finals. she's even made some adults cry...anyway, her CD is out, and you should consider a purchase. I have. see Connie's site here.

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there are many times I am in Times Square and I find myself cursing the American public, tourists and New Yorkers alike. it's so overdone and forced, crowded and sub-human. but here and there, some really cool stuff happens...this is one of them.



who is he? I don't know, and I would be surprised if you do; he is a (cheesy looking) record producer/clothing maker who reps Andy Hilfiger (yes, the 50 year-old looking brother of Tommy) and has his album coming out soon. I guess giving the money out to homeless people isn't really 'good marketing' since they don't buy albums.

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this little guy is one of my favorites. he used to be the regular Sunday act for the Seattle Sonics at their Sunday games, until the Sonics went bye-bye. but his 6-year old career isn't going anywhere, check him out...B-boy Jalen Testerman.



special right? is there something these 6-year old's are eating? what is really in their milk?!

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so, regular jumping off buildings and gymnastics weren't enough for these kids overseas. instead, they have taken movie stunts, and made them real - enter: Free-jumpers and Free-runners. just some bored kids in Russia, Paris and the UK who need some excitement in their lives. you might want to put this on mute, unless you like bad music.

interesting facts - part 1

• if you are right handed, you will tend to chew food on the right side; vice-versa if you are lefty. so, right-handed people have more cavities on the right side, and lefties on their left side?
  

• if you stop getting thirsty, you need to drink more water. when a human body is dehydrated, it's thirst mechanism shuts off. so if you are always thirsty does that mean you are always hydrated?
  

• when peeling onions, chew gum to stop the tears. too bad this doesn't work when you get laid off, dumped or while watching a sad movie on a first date.
  

• a pink tongue means you are germ free. and only a pink tongue. if it's white, there is a film of bacteria on it. makes you wanna check out your dates mouth before diving in, huh...

• the pupil of the eye expands almost 50% when a person is looking at something pleasing. kinda brings some meaning to: 'My, what big eyes you have.'
  

hungry? get your grub on...

for as long as I can remember I have had impenetrable beliefs in caring for my diet. in fact, as I grow older (albeit wiser) I learn more and more that most people do more research on which cell-phone to purchase (new touch-screen Blackberry coming out, btw) than they do the story behind their meals.

do you know which vegetables you should buy organic due to an overabundance of pesticides?

do you know what happens in the meat industry just so you can celebrate your promotion with an Anus, or celebrate Thanksgiving?

I have also learned people choose not to be educated on this matter. they would rather eat and live in ignorance than to further learn, decipher, analyze and decide on what to do about their diet choices. and then, there is that select group who is completely apathetic about the quality of animals' and workers' lives.

for the most part it's negligence - giving up the validity of your own responsibility in situations. but at least have the decency to understand the value of life...enjoy those ribs and egg omelet folks ;-).

if you would like some literature or book recommendations, hit me up via email.

cheers to green (and free) reading!

my new favorite vice - reading magazines. free magazines. online ; without having to worry about them taking up space in my 850 sq. foot apartment with a 300-book library. my ideas are running thin on making furniture out of my old magazines.

Mygazines , provides a greener & cheaper alternative to buying, keeping and then having to recycle magazines. my advice is to save trees and money folks, and halt your subscriptions for the next year or so...

you can search for your favorite magazine, a certain article. topic or feature. you can clip them out and create your own 'magazine' out of the virtual tear-offs. email them, or post them to your del.icio.us account.

as I was fanning (as much as you can do through a pdf) Vogue, a question crossed my mind - how is this legal? I mean it's groundbreaking and I am not complaining, but it seems they are on that legal edge of what's acceptable in the publishing & copyright world.

so my advice is get it while it's hot off the 'presses' folks. keep reading alive dammit...and enjoy.

Madonna turns 70 in August!

how to look like Madge...aka, 20 years older:

* study the Kaballah
* wear no makeup, and ONLY sweats in public
* have blatant affairs and prefer a sordid sex life
* work out incessantly so you looka-like-a-man
* get your body fat down to a 'healthy' 5%
* become 'the' target of a US Media scandal
* maybe stay away from food altogether
* get obnoxious amounts of 'discreet' plastic surgery

Chi-town at it's finest, people's actions - a whole other story.

I peeped this on one of my favorite blogs. it's a clip from the Showtime series, "This American Life" which while I have never watched, seems to perfectly depict what is wrong in this country.

I love my Chicagoan friends. I do. but in such a (still) heavily segregated part of the country, there is something very un-funny about this scenario. as a matter of fact - they even say in the clip that there is a new term for how segregated Chicago is: HYPER-SEGREGATED.

there is much about the Wieners Circle that represents a microcosm of our world, especially right here in our homeland. with a 99% White crowd and 100% Black
staff - you can plainly see what happens when us 'kids' are left alone to play.

what was once a 'good-idea' marketing tactic via the owners, has slowly turned into a cathartic avenue for rich drunk kids, to unleash their fears and ignorant beliefs...which should have been kept in, and those people and their intoxication, kept out.

even the owners remark how morally-sadistic the crowd is, and the workers - well you can see the pain in their eyes regarding the 'accepted abuse' they undergo just to get paid.

warning - strong language, may not be suitable at work, unless you are self-employed, or...work at a hot-dog stand.

do you feel me?

good ol' Anthony Hamilton...for years, I fought being a fan but recently have given in, for sentimental reasons really.

great song, great movie it was in....I always forget about this dude, but his voice is so smooth and soulful. enjoy - I will be hitting you with other musical treats.

I have picked a flower for you...

and it's right here

...all you have to do is enable the microphone when the little box comes up (press accept!) and speak or sing or play music.

this is a bunch of fun...and you will probably get sick of in 2 minutes, which is your attention span anyway (wink, wink).

put some color into your life :0)

here is a virtual - kaleidescope.

once again, in the realm of 'virtual sand art' I am mystified as to just how they do it...enjoy kids.

(I am giving ya the easier program link, but in the upper left hand corner - the new program link is there once you get to the web page)

Dr. Randy Pausch's words will change your life.

Dr. Randy Pausch, who was an amazing man, teacher and father - died yesterday at the young age of 47.

when he had nothing left but his word, he gave it to an audience of 400, but was truly talking to his three small children. diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, at the time of this speech, doctors gave him months only to live. he went on to live for another ten months, blessing us with appearances, Congress visits to speak about cancer research and more incredible perils of wisdom.

this first video is Dr. Randy Pausch on Oprah giving a much-abridged version of his amazing speech:

the second is the unabridged Carnegie Mellon speech.

he was asked to take part in Carnegie Mellon's 'Last Lecture' series which is a trend amongst colleges nowadays, where the top Professors are asked to think deeply about what matters to them and to give hypothetical 'final talks'.

except, for most of the speakers, they were in their usual 'healthy' states. for Dr. Pausch, it would essentially be his last public speech.


we have all been touched personally by death, and many times - they are non-ideal situations ; a parent who didn't get a chance to say goodbye or even give you that 'life talk', a friend you didn't get to hug, your grandparent you didn't call the week before. there are always regrets. but Dr. Pausch shows us that we can live without those regrets by honoring ourselves, and being positive. learning to apologize properly, and value people more than things are just two key lessons.

I leave you with the most outstanding quote I have heard in a very long time, from the revered Dr. Pausch:

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."

and, if you are interested in learning more about life and enjoying every damn moment of it as I swear to do, read his book (I am getting it today):

THE LAST LECTURE by Randy Pausch.