Most of us have come to look forward to Skillz' year-end review rap. I've already heard the one for 2006, and it's the business. Here's a look back at what he had to say about '05:
2005 Rap Up
It's your boy Skillz y'all
You know how we do it
And it's that time of the year
So I might as well get to it
Matter of fact
Year in review homes, I'm takin' it back
So would y'all mind an '05 recap? (I like that)
Aiight, well listen
It started off with Game, yeah his album was crack
And just like that, bam, the west coast was back
I mean, homes did his numbers plus he had a lot to say
Beefin' with Bleek and Buddens but he ain't want it with Jay
Speakin' of the west, the boy Houston tried to ride out
I bought your album dog, but you ain't have to gouge your eye out
Dabbled in paparazzi and got a quick check
I took that picture of Nelly and Ashanti that you saw on the net
And then rappers was gettin' knocked, lawyers was no option
When Kim took the stand, man we had just lost Cochran
Nas and Kelis both said "I do"
Eddie Murphy got divorced but he was married to a dude
Tigga left Rap City and we ain't know what to think
Irv turned himself in and took the Murder out the Inc.
Then Jamie got his Oscar, after that he was set
He smashed "Ray", but "Stealth"? Well that was for the check
Chappelle took fifty mil and then he slid out the door
The hottest thing on TV, that be "The Bobby Brown Show"
Poor Bobby, dude still tryin' to be a star
But will it ever happen? Hmm... aww hell to the nah
Then cats started beefin', I ain't too sure why
Jada and 50, 50 and Joe, then Flip and T.I.
And I'm beefin' wit' Mickey D's man, y'all dead wrong
Talkin' 'bout payin' rappers to mention Big Macs in their song
We do rap from the heart, y'all better have some respect
Alright, Big Mac! Big Mac! Big Mac! Now where's my check?
"Ordinary People" was a hell of a song
And I ain't the only one who got sick of hearin' "Who is Mike Jones?!"
I'm like the next man, I got love for the south
We know your name Mike, I'm just wishin' you'd close your mouth
And then "I'm a--I'm a hustler," that joint was wicked
But soon as Cass got to poppin', man them boys came to get him
Mariah, she came back, she had our support
Mike Jackson, innocent, moonwalked right out of court
Nick Cannon and Christina, man they was havin' relations
And then 50 kicked Game out at the radio station
How can two men go so hard and diss each other?
Then at the press conference look like they 'bout to kiss each other?
And then Free and AJ quit and the world'll never know why
I miss her too AJ, but damn, did you have to cry?
Well if it don't make dollars then it don't make sense
And it's sad cuz BET ain't really been the same since
And this is not speculation y'all, I'm statin' the facts
So would y'all mind if I continue? (I like that)
Alright well listen
Cats gotta hustle and you just can't stop it
R. Kelly, well his hustle happened to be "Trapped in the Closet"
Dude went all out, he was like a full fledged actor
Had us hangin' on every word like chapter for chapter
But he never went to trial, how soon y'all forget
By the time his case come up we'll be on Chapter 106
Destiny's Child said the group thing had lost its flavor
And everybody read Superhead's book except Fantasia
DipSet started poppin' and brainwashed the kids
No matter where you went you couldn't escape Jeezy's ad libs
Yeah, the Snowman went to work
And once they found out what it meant, they banned the damn t-shirts
Ying Yang did their thing with The Whisper Song
They locked Kim up, but they let my man Sigel come home
And then Gwen Stefani came with "Hollaback Girl"
Looked like she had been in Harlem hangin' with black girls
T.O. was playin' games, but he kept on teasin' us
Turned his back on his team and messed their season up
Ma$e came back to rap but we had heard that before
And "Run's House", well that was damn near like "The Cosby Show"
We found out the real truth about Jay and Dame
Hov skated on dude and kept the Roc-A-Fella name
Then Dame's show debuted and the ratings was wack
"Ultimate Hustler", well umm, I don't know about that
Eminem went on tour and filled up all the seats
But when the "Curtain Call" came, he found it hard to sleep
It's better you than me Em, huh, cuz it couldn't be Skillz
I couldn't have that kind of bread and spend it on sleepin' pills
Be for real cuz Common's "BE" album was ill
I got sick of rappers smilin', showin' their grills
And Eve had a porno, but if you blinked it was gone
And then Suge got shot by dude was some pink pants on
Ciara and Bow Wow, they started datin' right
I mean he's three feet, there's no way that he's layin' the pipe
And then all rap music was comin' from the south
Tom Cruise got whipped so he jumped on the couch
But that was nothing, we was headed to a bigger arena
Because we all got burnt by this woman named Katrina
God's daughter sat in the water and came from around the back
She wasn't a cutie, but trust me, her eye was all that
And she ain't have a home but had a jones for guys that was black
She looked down at New Orleans and was like (I like that)
The news was so sad, it was like a modern day slaughter
And I ain't even gonna talk about what was floatin' in that water
See, it was sort of like watchin' a 9/11 sequel
Then Kanye said Bush didn't care about black people
We was all like "Yeah, what he's sayin' is true"
But I'm like 'ye, white people just started carin' about you!
I mean his album still sold, he ain't really blow his chance
But he set us all back with that damn "Gold Digger" dance
And then we lost Luther, the number one singer for soul
And then the league hit the players with a new dress code
LeBron was cool but other cars was mad at it
Cuz if Shaq get one suit made, there goes all the fabric
On VH1 Big Daddy Kane was the man
HU Homecoming somebody tried to shoot up Cam
Botched carjackin', nah fam, that was wrong
Them dudes was just tryin' to shoot theyself
Cuz they like "The Whistle Song"
I might start singin' homie, don't provoke me
T-Pain had a hit singin' karaoke
And then 50 looked crazy on the cover of GQ
He put his movie out, and yeah Usher did too
But keep your mind on your music cuz your actin' is through
So much for the movies, mmm I guess it do what it do
And Trina and Lil' Wayne, they both came out happy
But this a sad day when we dancin' to "Laffy Taffy"
And I ain't hatin' on the South cuz most of it is raw
"Oh I think they like me," nah I don't think I like none of y'all
So in that '06 we gon' have to make that fire
I send my respects out to Tookie and my man Richard Pryor
Jay-Z declared war but then he changed his plans
Cuz by the end of the show he was shakin' Nas's hand
Even Diddy let The L.O.X. come back and get their paper
After Kiss said he was gonna hit 'em with a refrigerator
I made an indie album, next one is ready to go
Me and all the DJs in the world shout out my man Justo
And the "Stop Snitchin" thing y'all, it ain't gon' work
I told y'all I saw a seven year old with a "Stop snitchin" shirt
And don't get me wrong homie cuz I ain't tryin' to be a preacher
But I'm like "Man who snitched on you? Your kindergarten teacher?"
If it make the news, Skillz gonna put it in the mix
Til then Happy New Year y'all, welcome to 2006
yeah!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
My Buddy
You might say he's my Christmas gift to myself. It's my new *best friend,* Frankie. Frankie's a six year old Chihuahua that I adopted on Thursday, December 7th. I truly never thought I'd be the one to own a dog [or anything that requires the slightest bit of responsibility] any time soon, but alas. I blame it on a dear friend who's dog I kept for four months this summer -- it was a mean trick. There I was doing a friend a favor... looking after Bianca, and apparently all the while she was growing on me. The first month without her felt like a new found freedom, but once the second month came, I began to miss the company. Long story long -- I've got a new friend, and his name is Frankie.
Be cool!
jaz
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Time Out
Sometimes I just want to be left alone. Sometimes I get to a crazy place and to sort myself I need solitude and Me Time. I don't want solitude and Me Time, hear me clearly, I *need* it. It's necessary that I have this time to get back to clear thoughts and happy days. Please know it's not meant to be a personal diss on any one person -- it just means I gotta take five. That's all. I need a minute to gather myself before I face the world again.
This is me taking five...
This is me taking five...
Monday, December 25, 2006
History of Santa Clause
In case you're interested...
The person known as "St. Nicholas" was born somewhere between 270 and 280 AD, in Patara, Lycia in Asia Minor. Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas did his best to help others whenever he could.
As a young man, he migrated to Myra, Turkey, where he became ordained as a bishop. St. Nicholas spent his entire life helping the poor. He loved children and often went out at night disguised in a hooded cloak to leave gifts of money, food or clothing on the window sills of unfortunate families.
The most famous story of all about St. Nicholas, is about a poor family with three daughters of marriageable age whose chances were dim due to the lack of dowries. St. Nicholas heard of their plight and one night climbed the roof and dropped three bags of gold coins which landed in the girls' stockings which had been hung on the fireplace to dry. He was caught in the act by the girls' father and St. Nicholas asked that he keep this visit a secret. However, two days later, the entire town was talking about the good deed done by Nicholas.
But life was not always good for Nicholas. He along with many others was thrown into prison for not worshipping himself as a god as declared by the Roman emperor Diocletian. He was released in 313 AD when Diocletian resigned and Constantine came to power. He then returned to his post as Bishop of Myra continuing his good works until his death on December 6, 343.
Out of love and respect for St. Nicholas, by 450 AD, churches were being named after him in Asia Minor and Greece. In the 1200s, December 6th became known as Bishop Nicholas Day in France. And by the end of the 1400s, over 2000 chapels and monasteries had been named after him.
In the 1500s, the English stopped worshipping St. Nicholas in favor of another gift-giving benefactor, Father Christmas. Over the centuries, his popularity grew and more and more stories were told about him and of his good deeds.
The name Santa Claus was derived from the Dutch Sinter Klass. It was the Dutch settlers in New York who brought the Santa Claus tradition to the Americas.
Over the years, "Santa Claus" took on many different appearances. It was Washington Irving who gave Americans their first detailed information about the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. In his "History of New York", published in 1809 under a pseudonym, Irving described the arrival of the saint on horseback each eve of Saint Nicholas.
Santa Claus fully achieved his "Americanization" in 1823 in the poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" also called "The Night Before Christmas" which was written by Clement C. Moore originally for his children. Moore added a team of eight tiny reindeer, as well as Santa Claus's laughs, winks and nods.
The American image was further elaborated by Thomas Nast, who illustrated him as a rotund Santa for issues of Harper's magazine from the 1860s to the 1880s. It was Nast who added details of Santa's workshop at the North Pole and Santa's list of good and bad children. Santa also got a "new" suit or image over the years thanks to the advertising campaigns of Coca Cola.
Happy Holidays!
The person known as "St. Nicholas" was born somewhere between 270 and 280 AD, in Patara, Lycia in Asia Minor. Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas did his best to help others whenever he could.
As a young man, he migrated to Myra, Turkey, where he became ordained as a bishop. St. Nicholas spent his entire life helping the poor. He loved children and often went out at night disguised in a hooded cloak to leave gifts of money, food or clothing on the window sills of unfortunate families.
The most famous story of all about St. Nicholas, is about a poor family with three daughters of marriageable age whose chances were dim due to the lack of dowries. St. Nicholas heard of their plight and one night climbed the roof and dropped three bags of gold coins which landed in the girls' stockings which had been hung on the fireplace to dry. He was caught in the act by the girls' father and St. Nicholas asked that he keep this visit a secret. However, two days later, the entire town was talking about the good deed done by Nicholas.
But life was not always good for Nicholas. He along with many others was thrown into prison for not worshipping himself as a god as declared by the Roman emperor Diocletian. He was released in 313 AD when Diocletian resigned and Constantine came to power. He then returned to his post as Bishop of Myra continuing his good works until his death on December 6, 343.
Out of love and respect for St. Nicholas, by 450 AD, churches were being named after him in Asia Minor and Greece. In the 1200s, December 6th became known as Bishop Nicholas Day in France. And by the end of the 1400s, over 2000 chapels and monasteries had been named after him.
In the 1500s, the English stopped worshipping St. Nicholas in favor of another gift-giving benefactor, Father Christmas. Over the centuries, his popularity grew and more and more stories were told about him and of his good deeds.
The name Santa Claus was derived from the Dutch Sinter Klass. It was the Dutch settlers in New York who brought the Santa Claus tradition to the Americas.
Over the years, "Santa Claus" took on many different appearances. It was Washington Irving who gave Americans their first detailed information about the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. In his "History of New York", published in 1809 under a pseudonym, Irving described the arrival of the saint on horseback each eve of Saint Nicholas.
Santa Claus fully achieved his "Americanization" in 1823 in the poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" also called "The Night Before Christmas" which was written by Clement C. Moore originally for his children. Moore added a team of eight tiny reindeer, as well as Santa Claus's laughs, winks and nods.
The American image was further elaborated by Thomas Nast, who illustrated him as a rotund Santa for issues of Harper's magazine from the 1860s to the 1880s. It was Nast who added details of Santa's workshop at the North Pole and Santa's list of good and bad children. Santa also got a "new" suit or image over the years thanks to the advertising campaigns of Coca Cola.
Happy Holidays!
Out With the Old, In With the New
As 2006 comes to an end and 2007 nears, we all begin looking back wishing we'd gone here, done that, accomplished this, and we start planning for all the great and wonderful tasks we want to complete during the next twelve months. I am not unlike any other. I too am doing some reflection. I too am doing some planning. There are several goals I want to reach, some stepping stones I want to cross, and some personal changes I'd like to make. I also have a personal plea: If anyone knows of any store, market, or online retailer that's selling Inner Strength, Self Control, and/or Discipline please be so kind as to let me know. I'd be interested in purchasing any of these products in bulk.
We've Got Us a Hot One!
Her name is Bianca Ryan, she's 12 years old, and she can SING. Like for real sing. Not the pop-ie mess that's played on most radio stations. Not the "let me whisper softly over a bangin' track, and no one will ever no I have no real talent." No -- she can S I N G.I didn't follow the show, but she was apparently *discovered* on that Idol two-bit knockoff [which perhaps was worth something after all] America's Got Talent. You remember the one -- with judges Brandy and David Hasselhoff... with such acts like The Rapping Granny, and the riverdancing family. At any rate, Bianca Ryan made her national debut there singing And I'm Telling You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUlFnwQuRfg), and she did the song justice -- and not justice for a 12 year old, just plain old justice.
At current she's got a self-titled CD out with 12 songs on it, and I believe she's got what it takes to go all the way. The only thing I worry about is her age, in that it gives her little to "sing about." I wonder how they will market her. I think if she can stand strong and make it through her early teens, that she's got a real shot at a lasting career. There's no question she's definitely got the voice to take her wherever she wants to go.
Again I say... Her name is Bianca Ryan. She's twelve, and she can sing!!
I Saw It. I Loved It.
I'm not even sure where to begin. I saw Dreamgirls, and absolutely loved it. A definite hit! And Jennifer Hudson deserves every ounce of praise she's been receiving in the media. That girl straight did her thang!!! Oh my gosh! I guess American Idol was finally worth something, because she proved herself as not only a fantastic singer, but as a professional actress as well. I'm so proud of her for this performance. I'll also say that I wasn't nearly as disappointed with Beyonce's singing as I thought I would be -- of course her acting is another story, but the other cast members filled in the gaps where she fell short.
Eddie Murphy: excellent performance.
All in all, Dreamgirls is a must see.
~jaz
Eddie Murphy: excellent performance.
All in all, Dreamgirls is a must see.
~jaz
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Pucker Up!
If you like sour candies, then you'll love Renee Zellweger's EXTREME SOUR LEMON Candy. It's the sourest candy available on the market and is sure to put a permanent pucker on your face. Grab a package today and taste just how EXTREMELY sour these candies really are!
NOTE: I swear I'm done pickin' on folks (for today) -- but I saw this and just HAD to share it!
I'm Wishin' on a Staaaaarrrr!
Does anyone know what Star Jones is up to? I hear she's learning what life after The View is like...
Apparently there's new evidence surfacing that links Star to alien, non-human life forms. She may be a little much at times, but I'm not sure that I would go all of there. But I'll share the photo with you so that you can draw your own conclusions.
Man Can't Live On Bread Alone
Nicole Richie is making it her personal duty to prove this theory wrong. Living off of air, water, and who knows what else Richie's current stats are 5'1" and approx. 85 lbs. This summer she said, "I know I'm too thin right now, so I wouldn't want any young girl looking at me and saying, 'That's what I want to look like,' I do know that they will, which is another reason I really do need to do something about it. I'm not happy with the way I look right now." Richie blames her severe weight loss on, in part, on her breakup with then-fiancé "DJ AM" Goldstein. "I get really stressed out, and I do lose my appetite," she says. In an effort to put on a few pounds, Richie says she forced herself to eat – particularly high-calorie foods like burritos – but eventually sought professional help. "I started seeing a nutritionist and a doctor. I was scared that it could be something more serious."
Those were he comments this summer, and she's continued to go back and forth since then. She thinks she's fine, please leave me alone -- I think I'm too think, I need your help.
My advice: Girl, eat something before you break a hip!
Those were he comments this summer, and she's continued to go back and forth since then. She thinks she's fine, please leave me alone -- I think I'm too think, I need your help.
My advice: Girl, eat something before you break a hip!
~jaz
Tis The Season
For coughs, colds, sneezing, and running noses.
My favorite "can't leave home without it" tag along for this time of year is ARIBORNE (http://www.airbornehealth.com/). Airborne is an herbal health formula that comes in dissolvable tablet form. Just drop one in a small bit of water and drink your way to a stronger immune system. The tablets were created by a former second-grade school teacher, Victoria Knight-McDowell, who was constantly exposed to germs in her classroom. Its unique blend of herbal extracts, vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids and antioxidants helps give your body a fighting chance when exposed to germ-filled environments.
What I've found is if you take one at the very first onset of cold, you may not have symptoms past that day. If you're not quick enough, and you take the tablets once the cold has begun to get ugly, Airborne will definitely shorten the time of that cold -- this has been my personal experience.
I like it. It works. Thank God for Victoria Knight-McDowell -- this is a wonderful product!
Be Healthy!
~jaz
My favorite "can't leave home without it" tag along for this time of year is ARIBORNE (http://www.airbornehealth.com/). Airborne is an herbal health formula that comes in dissolvable tablet form. Just drop one in a small bit of water and drink your way to a stronger immune system. The tablets were created by a former second-grade school teacher, Victoria Knight-McDowell, who was constantly exposed to germs in her classroom. Its unique blend of herbal extracts, vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids and antioxidants helps give your body a fighting chance when exposed to germ-filled environments.
What I've found is if you take one at the very first onset of cold, you may not have symptoms past that day. If you're not quick enough, and you take the tablets once the cold has begun to get ugly, Airborne will definitely shorten the time of that cold -- this has been my personal experience.
I like it. It works. Thank God for Victoria Knight-McDowell -- this is a wonderful product!
Be Healthy!
~jaz
All You Have To Do Is Dream
Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, "Dreamgirls" is set in the turbulent late 1960s and early '70s and follows the rise of a trio of women -- Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyonce' Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) -- who have formed a promising girl group called The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who offers them the opportunity of a lifetime: to become the back-up singers for headliner James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis gradually takes control of the girls' look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as The Dreams. That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether. Though the Dreams become a cross-over phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined.
My two cents: I can't wait to see and support this film; however, I do wish they'd cast an unknown for the role of Deena. Beyonce' is too large -- too much of a name for me. Like with the new Superman, I can't even remember the actor's name that played the lead role [but I'll add that he did an excellent job], but it worked. I was able to view the film as an original piece of work, and like it or not like it based on the complete body. Casting a superstar in a leading role like this takes a little away from the film in my opinion. Understanding that her name alone will draw a massive audience, I still think they could have turned a good movie-going experience into a spectacular one. But this is just my two cents.
jazzy
My two cents: I can't wait to see and support this film; however, I do wish they'd cast an unknown for the role of Deena. Beyonce' is too large -- too much of a name for me. Like with the new Superman, I can't even remember the actor's name that played the lead role [but I'll add that he did an excellent job], but it worked. I was able to view the film as an original piece of work, and like it or not like it based on the complete body. Casting a superstar in a leading role like this takes a little away from the film in my opinion. Understanding that her name alone will draw a massive audience, I still think they could have turned a good movie-going experience into a spectacular one. But this is just my two cents.
jazzy
I Can Sing Too!
Halle Berry says. As the rumor-mill has it, Berry is to release a music CD in February 2007. Berry was quoted saying that she wants people to know that she can do more than act.
[dramatic pause]
Tyra Banks tried her hand at singing... Beyonce' is trying her hand at acting. I would venture to guess that as an entertainer you know what your strengths are -- not to say that Berry's CD won't be a grand success -- just saying I can't wait to see.
[dramatic pause]
Tyra Banks tried her hand at singing... Beyonce' is trying her hand at acting. I would venture to guess that as an entertainer you know what your strengths are -- not to say that Berry's CD won't be a grand success -- just saying I can't wait to see.
The Amazing Ms. Lizzie
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jones Bolden (August 15, 1890 – December 11, 2006) was an American woman who, at the time of her death at age 116 years and 118 days, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person. She was the last remaining documented person born in 1890.
Elizabeth Jones was born in 1890 in Somerville, Tennessee, the daughter of freed slaves.
Lizzie married Lewis Bolden circa 1908 and their first child, a son, Ezell, was born on September 21, 1909. She had seven children in total, only two of whom were still alive as of 2006: "Queen" Esther Rhodes, 89, and Mamie Brittmon, 86. At the time of her 116th birthday in August 2006, Lizzie had 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, 150 2nd-great-grandchildren, 220 3rd-great grandchildren and 75 4th-great grandchildren.
In her final years she resided in aMemphis, Tennessee nursing home and was described by her family as unable to communicate, and they thus requested that media attention (such as interviews and visits) be limited. During her second reign as world's oldest person titleholder, Bolden was not seen in public.
Elizabeth Jones was born in 1890 in Somerville, Tennessee, the daughter of freed slaves.
Lizzie married Lewis Bolden circa 1908 and their first child, a son, Ezell, was born on September 21, 1909. She had seven children in total, only two of whom were still alive as of 2006: "Queen" Esther Rhodes, 89, and Mamie Brittmon, 86. At the time of her 116th birthday in August 2006, Lizzie had 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, 150 2nd-great-grandchildren, 220 3rd-great grandchildren and 75 4th-great grandchildren.
In her final years she resided in aMemphis, Tennessee nursing home and was described by her family as unable to communicate, and they thus requested that media attention (such as interviews and visits) be limited. During her second reign as world's oldest person titleholder, Bolden was not seen in public.
She was photographed for two different books in early 2005, and was featured in Jet magazine in May 2005 and the Memphis Commercial Appeal in June 2005. For her 116th birthday, new photographs were released for the first time in almost a year, and her family said that she was looking forward to her big day.
[PHOTO: John Louis "Jack" Bolden, age 74, visits his grandmother, Elizabeth Bolden, age 114.]
And The Winner Is...
GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2006
[abbreviated listing]
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. BABEL
2. BOBBY
3. THE DEPARTED
4. LITTLE CHILDREN
5. THE QUEEN
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. PENÉLOPE CRUZ / VOLVER
2. JUDI DENCH / NOTES ON A SCANDAL
3. MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL / SHERRYBABY
4. HELEN MIRREN / THE QUEEN
5. KATE WINSLET / LITTLE CHILDREN
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. LEONARDO DICAPRIO / BLOOD DIAMOND
2. LEONARDO DICAPRIO / THE DEPARTED
3. PETER O’TOOLE / VENUS
4. WILL SMITH / THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
5. FOREST WHITAKER / THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. BORAT
2. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
3. DREAMGIRLS
4. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
5. THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ANNETTE BENING / RUNNING WITH SCISSORS
2. TONI COLLETTE / LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
3. BEYONCÉ KNOWLES / DREAMGIRLS
4. MERYL STREEP / THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
5. RENEE ZELLWEGER / MISS POTTER
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. SACHA BARON COHEN / BORAT
2. JOHNNY DEPP / PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST
3. AARON ECKHART / THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
4. CHIWETEL EJIOFOR / KINKY BOOTS
5. WILL FERRELL / STRANGER THAN FICTION
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
1. CARS
2. HAPPY FEET
3. MONSTER HOUSE
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
1. ADRIANA BARRAZA / BABEL
2. CATE BLANCHETT / NOTES ON A SCANDAL
3. EMILY BLUNT / THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
4. JENNIFER HUDSON / DREAMGIRLS
5. RINKO KIKUCHI / BABEL
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
1. BEN AFFLECK / HOLLYWOODLAND
2. EDDIE MURPHY / DREAMGIRLS
3. JACK NICHOLSON / THE DEPARTED
4. BRAD PITT / BABEL
5. MARK WAHLBERG / THE DEPARTED
BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
1. CLINT EASTWOOD / FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
2. CLINT EASTWOOD / LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
3. STEPHEN FREARS / THE QUEEN
4. ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ IÑÁRRITU / BABEL
5. MARTIN SCORSESE / THE DEPARTED
BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
1. GUILLERMO ARRIAGA BABEL
2. TODD FIELD & TOM PERROTTA LITTLE CHILDREN
3. PATRICK MARBER NOTES ON A SCANDAL
4. WILLIAM MONAHAN THE DEPARTED
5. PETER MORGAN THE QUEEN
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. 24 (FOX)
2. BIG LOVE (HBO)
3. GREY’S ANATOMY (ABC)
4. HEROES (NBC)
5. LOST (ABC)
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. PATRICIA ARQUETTE / MEDIUM
2. EDIE FALCO / THE SOPRANOS
3. EVANGELINE LILLY / LOST
4. ELLEN POMPEO / GREY’S ANATOMY
5. KYRA SEDGWICK / THE CLOSER
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. PATRICK DEMPSEY / GREY’S ANATOMY
2. MICHAEL C. HALL / DEXTER
3. HUGH LAURIE / HOUSE
4. BILL PAXTON / BIG LOVE
5. KIEFER SUTHERLAND / 24
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (ABC)
2. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
3. THE OFFICE (NBC)
4. UGLY BETTY (ABC)
5. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. MARCIA CROSS / DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
2. AMERICA FERRERA / UGLY BETTY
3. FELICITY HUFFMAN / DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
4. JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
5. MARY-LOUISE PARKER / WEEDS
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ALEC BALDWIN / 30 ROCK
2. ZACH BRAFF / SCRUBS
3. STEVE CARRELL / THE OFFICE
4. JASON LEE / MY NAME IS EARL
5. TONY SHALHOUB / MONK
For the year ended December 31, 2006
[abbreviated listing]
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. BABEL
2. BOBBY
3. THE DEPARTED
4. LITTLE CHILDREN
5. THE QUEEN
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. PENÉLOPE CRUZ / VOLVER
2. JUDI DENCH / NOTES ON A SCANDAL
3. MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL / SHERRYBABY
4. HELEN MIRREN / THE QUEEN
5. KATE WINSLET / LITTLE CHILDREN
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. LEONARDO DICAPRIO / BLOOD DIAMOND
2. LEONARDO DICAPRIO / THE DEPARTED
3. PETER O’TOOLE / VENUS
4. WILL SMITH / THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
5. FOREST WHITAKER / THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. BORAT
2. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
3. DREAMGIRLS
4. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
5. THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ANNETTE BENING / RUNNING WITH SCISSORS
2. TONI COLLETTE / LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
3. BEYONCÉ KNOWLES / DREAMGIRLS
4. MERYL STREEP / THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
5. RENEE ZELLWEGER / MISS POTTER
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. SACHA BARON COHEN / BORAT
2. JOHNNY DEPP / PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST
3. AARON ECKHART / THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
4. CHIWETEL EJIOFOR / KINKY BOOTS
5. WILL FERRELL / STRANGER THAN FICTION
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
1. CARS
2. HAPPY FEET
3. MONSTER HOUSE
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
1. ADRIANA BARRAZA / BABEL
2. CATE BLANCHETT / NOTES ON A SCANDAL
3. EMILY BLUNT / THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
4. JENNIFER HUDSON / DREAMGIRLS
5. RINKO KIKUCHI / BABEL
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
1. BEN AFFLECK / HOLLYWOODLAND
2. EDDIE MURPHY / DREAMGIRLS
3. JACK NICHOLSON / THE DEPARTED
4. BRAD PITT / BABEL
5. MARK WAHLBERG / THE DEPARTED
BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
1. CLINT EASTWOOD / FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
2. CLINT EASTWOOD / LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
3. STEPHEN FREARS / THE QUEEN
4. ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ IÑÁRRITU / BABEL
5. MARTIN SCORSESE / THE DEPARTED
BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
1. GUILLERMO ARRIAGA BABEL
2. TODD FIELD & TOM PERROTTA LITTLE CHILDREN
3. PATRICK MARBER NOTES ON A SCANDAL
4. WILLIAM MONAHAN THE DEPARTED
5. PETER MORGAN THE QUEEN
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. 24 (FOX)
2. BIG LOVE (HBO)
3. GREY’S ANATOMY (ABC)
4. HEROES (NBC)
5. LOST (ABC)
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. PATRICIA ARQUETTE / MEDIUM
2. EDIE FALCO / THE SOPRANOS
3. EVANGELINE LILLY / LOST
4. ELLEN POMPEO / GREY’S ANATOMY
5. KYRA SEDGWICK / THE CLOSER
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. PATRICK DEMPSEY / GREY’S ANATOMY
2. MICHAEL C. HALL / DEXTER
3. HUGH LAURIE / HOUSE
4. BILL PAXTON / BIG LOVE
5. KIEFER SUTHERLAND / 24
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (ABC)
2. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
3. THE OFFICE (NBC)
4. UGLY BETTY (ABC)
5. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. MARCIA CROSS / DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
2. AMERICA FERRERA / UGLY BETTY
3. FELICITY HUFFMAN / DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
4. JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
5. MARY-LOUISE PARKER / WEEDS
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ALEC BALDWIN / 30 ROCK
2. ZACH BRAFF / SCRUBS
3. STEVE CARRELL / THE OFFICE
4. JASON LEE / MY NAME IS EARL
5. TONY SHALHOUB / MONK
Saturday, December 02, 2006
My New Favorite Artist
Oh my gosh – it’s got to be some of the funniest stuff I’ve seen in a while! Ms. Peachez is a strait mess!!! If you’ve not had the opportunity, please visit www.youtube.com and check her out. It’s ignorant as all get out, put I promise she’ll make you laugh at least twice!
Fried Chicken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx4ulI-PZqY
In the Tub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GautSlgAsN0
Cosmetology School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hd1emMaR0g
From Da Country
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScE1mzL9b-k
Saint Nick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U06wUps_r9w
I ain’t mad at ya’, Ms. Peachez!!
~jaz
Fried Chicken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx4ulI-PZqY
In the Tub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GautSlgAsN0
Cosmetology School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hd1emMaR0g
From Da Country
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScE1mzL9b-k
Saint Nick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U06wUps_r9w
I ain’t mad at ya’, Ms. Peachez!!
~jaz
Are You Serious???
My jaw is still hanging on the floor from the story of the death of 23 year old Sean Bell. Here’s a quick synop:
The undercover police officer who fired the first shots at a carload of men in Queens early Saturday, setting off a storm of police bullets that killed a bridegroom and injured two of his friends, suspected at least one of the men had a gun and was intent on returning with it to a nearby strip club, according to a person briefed on the officers’ version of events.
In all, five plainclothes officers — two of them detectives working under cover — fired 50 bullets at a silver Nissan Altima, killing Sean Bell, 23, who was to be married Saturday, and injuring Joseph Guzman, 31, and Trent Benefield, 23. Moments earlier, just after 4 a.m., the three had left a bachelor party at Club Kalua, a strip club under surveillance on 94th Avenue in Jamaica.
[New York Times: by Cara Buckley & William Rashbaum / Published 11/27/2006]
Apparently the men were suspected of having a gun, and the officer said he tried to apprehend them by standing in front of the car, and stating that he was a police officer. The story says the gentlemen in the car ignored the warning, and struck the officer with the car, prompting him to fire the first 11 shots.
The car was searched and no gun was found.
This is indeed a sad story, and I hope and pray that each officer involved is forced to explain their actions and brought to justice.
Michael J. Palladino, the president of the Detective Endowment Association, insisted that deadly force was being used against the detectives, which could have justified their response. “The amounts of shots that were fired do not necessarily spell out the word excessive,” he said.
I ask him to define EXCESSIVE.
~jaz
The undercover police officer who fired the first shots at a carload of men in Queens early Saturday, setting off a storm of police bullets that killed a bridegroom and injured two of his friends, suspected at least one of the men had a gun and was intent on returning with it to a nearby strip club, according to a person briefed on the officers’ version of events.
In all, five plainclothes officers — two of them detectives working under cover — fired 50 bullets at a silver Nissan Altima, killing Sean Bell, 23, who was to be married Saturday, and injuring Joseph Guzman, 31, and Trent Benefield, 23. Moments earlier, just after 4 a.m., the three had left a bachelor party at Club Kalua, a strip club under surveillance on 94th Avenue in Jamaica.
[New York Times: by Cara Buckley & William Rashbaum / Published 11/27/2006]
Apparently the men were suspected of having a gun, and the officer said he tried to apprehend them by standing in front of the car, and stating that he was a police officer. The story says the gentlemen in the car ignored the warning, and struck the officer with the car, prompting him to fire the first 11 shots.
The car was searched and no gun was found.
This is indeed a sad story, and I hope and pray that each officer involved is forced to explain their actions and brought to justice.
Michael J. Palladino, the president of the Detective Endowment Association, insisted that deadly force was being used against the detectives, which could have justified their response. “The amounts of shots that were fired do not necessarily spell out the word excessive,” he said.
I ask him to define EXCESSIVE.
~jaz
Childish Prank or Racial Hatred?
If you haven’t heard, Tennie Pierce is a Los Angeles fireman that was awarded 2.7 million dollars in a racial discrimination suit. Some of Pierce’s firefighting buddies thought it would be funny to have Pierce unknowingly eat dog food. Well I’m sure it wasn’t so funny once the prank escalated to a near 3 million dollar court case settlement. But the plot thickened – the Mayor stepped in, and overturned the verdict. New evidence was brought to surface, and now the public learns that these hazing “pranks” are old hat within the Fire Department. Not only are they commonplace, but Pierce was no stranger to being on the torturing end of these stunts. Several photos show Pierce and his buddies hazing many a colleague. And in the pictures that I saw Pierce is either smiling or laughing in most of them, or giving a thumbs up to the camera. So with this new evidence, the Mayor saw no reason for such a settlement since this was nothing new to Pierce.
Pierce’s attorneys are obviously counter suing.
So the question is asked… Was the dog food prank just another silly stunt of the firefighters, and Pierce didn’t like having the shoe on the other foot? Or was this incident provoked by racial discrimination?
Now I haven’t walked in Tennie’s shoes, but I also know that dog food won’t kill you. I don’t know… the only think I keep thinking is, “Don’t give it if you can’t take it.”
We’ll see what happens.
~jaz
Pierce’s attorneys are obviously counter suing.
So the question is asked… Was the dog food prank just another silly stunt of the firefighters, and Pierce didn’t like having the shoe on the other foot? Or was this incident provoked by racial discrimination?
Now I haven’t walked in Tennie’s shoes, but I also know that dog food won’t kill you. I don’t know… the only think I keep thinking is, “Don’t give it if you can’t take it.”
We’ll see what happens.
~jaz
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Ugly Betty is PRETTY Good
Ugly Betty may be filling the gap where GIRLFRIENDS slacks off. Executively produced by Salma Hayek, Ugly Betty tells the story of an ordinary girl [played by America Ferrera] hired as an assistant to the editor of a top fashion magazine in New York City. Very much a Devil Wears Prada for TV, Ugly Betty is not a new concept. It's actually based on the Columbian telenovella Yo Soy Betty La Fea, and I think ABC has struck gold with this one. The show is fresh, funny, and it's refreshing to see a non-traditional, non-white family as the focus.
Ugly Betty is a keeper, and America Ferrera is doin' a bomb job!
~jaz
Ugly Betty is a keeper, and America Ferrera is doin' a bomb job!
~jaz
It's Worth the Work
I'm probably a bit behind, but I recently got a chance to hear the story of Lisa Price and her company, Carol's Daughter [http://www.carolsdaughter.com/]. Lisa is an African American woman who (as she put it) turned a hobby into a business. Carol's Daughter carries a variety of beauty products, many of which Lisa was once preparing by hand in her kitchen. Today the business has grown and she's a self-made millionaire.
Listening to Lisa's story got me to wondering why more of us don't do that. I sincerely believe that we all possess at least one (in some cases more) God-given talent, skill, or ability -- but why are so many of us just sitting on those skills and not putting them to use? What is the difference between the person that let's their skill go to waste, and say a Cathy Hughes or a Lisa Price? What is it that he or she is missing? Some argue, "No one ever told me that was even a possibility." And to those folks, I hear you loud and clear, but you can't make me believe that if you were stranded some place, desert island, mountains, unfamiliar city -- whatever -- you can't make me believe that you wouldn't *figure* some things out. I have to believe that you would eventually learn how and where to get food, that you would eventually learn one or two survival techniques, if surviving was important to you. And these things, again, you would *figure* out on your own -- WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF NO ONE.
The world that we live in is no different. Most of us don't have the family examples to follow, but I believe that all of us have the capability of being the example for someone else. We have the choice of whether or not we want to start a new trend. And if you are one of the people that's looking for the example, use Cathy and Lisa -- and of course there are others -- but here are two excellent examples of starting from nothing. Cathy would be the first to tell you that she sacrificed much to build what she has, but I'm sure she'd also tell you that it was all worth it.
African Americans, as a people we really need to step up our game, if not for ourselves, for the examples we want to set for our children. My challenge for you is to begin taking the steps (no matter how small they may be at first) towards creating something of your own. Lisa began by selling her homemade goods at church and local flea markets. Find out who the clientele is for your product or service, and make yourself known. Anything is possible.
Just remember, "It's worth the work."
~jaz
Listening to Lisa's story got me to wondering why more of us don't do that. I sincerely believe that we all possess at least one (in some cases more) God-given talent, skill, or ability -- but why are so many of us just sitting on those skills and not putting them to use? What is the difference between the person that let's their skill go to waste, and say a Cathy Hughes or a Lisa Price? What is it that he or she is missing? Some argue, "No one ever told me that was even a possibility." And to those folks, I hear you loud and clear, but you can't make me believe that if you were stranded some place, desert island, mountains, unfamiliar city -- whatever -- you can't make me believe that you wouldn't *figure* some things out. I have to believe that you would eventually learn how and where to get food, that you would eventually learn one or two survival techniques, if surviving was important to you. And these things, again, you would *figure* out on your own -- WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF NO ONE.
The world that we live in is no different. Most of us don't have the family examples to follow, but I believe that all of us have the capability of being the example for someone else. We have the choice of whether or not we want to start a new trend. And if you are one of the people that's looking for the example, use Cathy and Lisa -- and of course there are others -- but here are two excellent examples of starting from nothing. Cathy would be the first to tell you that she sacrificed much to build what she has, but I'm sure she'd also tell you that it was all worth it.
African Americans, as a people we really need to step up our game, if not for ourselves, for the examples we want to set for our children. My challenge for you is to begin taking the steps (no matter how small they may be at first) towards creating something of your own. Lisa began by selling her homemade goods at church and local flea markets. Find out who the clientele is for your product or service, and make yourself known. Anything is possible.
Just remember, "It's worth the work."
~jaz
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I Miss Toni Childs
GIRLFRIENDS had become one of my favorite shows on network television, but this season it just isn't the same. The woman that brings the spunk to the show, and my favorite character, Toni Childs, is no longer present, and I keep wondering if the show will ever be the same.
Mya's too much by herself, Lynn's storylines have always been kinda' boring, and Joan is too whiny -- Toni was the extra *something* that kept things going, kept things alive -- kept things funny. For those faithful GIRLFRIENDS supporters out there, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Mind you -- they are making small strides to maintain loyal viewers, but it's taking a while, and I keep wondering if it will ever again be the show that I couldn't wait to see.
I miss you, Toni Childs!
~jaz
Mya's too much by herself, Lynn's storylines have always been kinda' boring, and Joan is too whiny -- Toni was the extra *something* that kept things going, kept things alive -- kept things funny. For those faithful GIRLFRIENDS supporters out there, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Mind you -- they are making small strides to maintain loyal viewers, but it's taking a while, and I keep wondering if it will ever again be the show that I couldn't wait to see.
I miss you, Toni Childs!
~jaz
Let's Give Thanks
Today is a day when family and friends gather together to laugh, smile, and recount old memories. It's a day of food, football, naps, and more food. Those of us that have lived a few years will usually reflect at some point today, and share with others the many things we are thankful for. So in the spirit of giving thanks, I thought I share my thoughts with you...
Most of us probably don't have all of the material possessions we wish for, nor have we accomplished all the goals we set for ourselves. However, there are others much less fortunate, and I think it's important to remember them when we feel we don't have enough.
Hurricane Katrina Victims
These families are still trying to rebuild their homes and their lives. If you haven't seen Spike Lee's When the Levies Broke -- you need to. It really opened my eyes to the magnitude of the devastation still present in the city.
911 Victims
I'm sure we will forever remember where we were and what we were doing when we got notice of the horror taking place n US soil. The unfortunate truth is that even though a few years have passed, many of those whose families were directly affected by the tragedy are still grieving.
Local Impoverished
Wherever you live there may only be a few or there may be hundreds, but there are those living on little or nothing. There are children that Santa won't visit, there are addicts that won't kick their habit, and there are women that will stay in abusive relationships. We should all keep these people in mind when we feel we have "nothing."
Use this holiday season as a time to do something for someone else. It will make you feel great, and the recipient(s) will love you for it.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
~jaz
Most of us probably don't have all of the material possessions we wish for, nor have we accomplished all the goals we set for ourselves. However, there are others much less fortunate, and I think it's important to remember them when we feel we don't have enough.
Hurricane Katrina Victims
These families are still trying to rebuild their homes and their lives. If you haven't seen Spike Lee's When the Levies Broke -- you need to. It really opened my eyes to the magnitude of the devastation still present in the city.
911 Victims
I'm sure we will forever remember where we were and what we were doing when we got notice of the horror taking place n US soil. The unfortunate truth is that even though a few years have passed, many of those whose families were directly affected by the tragedy are still grieving.
Local Impoverished
Wherever you live there may only be a few or there may be hundreds, but there are those living on little or nothing. There are children that Santa won't visit, there are addicts that won't kick their habit, and there are women that will stay in abusive relationships. We should all keep these people in mind when we feel we have "nothing."
Use this holiday season as a time to do something for someone else. It will make you feel great, and the recipient(s) will love you for it.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
~jaz
Monday, November 20, 2006
Thank God For Pepple Getting The Hint
Isn't it nice when someone FINALLY gets the hint?
That's all!
~jaz
That's all!
~jaz
Watch out for Debo!!
Born in Evanston, IL, Jackie Wilson [Debo] is no stranger to a microphone. Singing since the age of three in her church choir, her rich, melodic voice has been coating tracks with a rich dose of soul for most of her life. Starting out listening to classic radio shows, Jackie's love for house goes back to her childhood in the Chicago area. After taking a break from singing during her early college years, she dove in headfirst fronting the five-piece band Chi-town band Home. During this time, she also cut her teeth getting involved in Chicago's monolithic house scene. She frequented spots such as Boom Boom Room, Smart Bar, and Madbar where she fell under the spell of Chi-town talents like Mark Grant, DJ Heather, and Frique. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Jackie connected with SoCal producer Justin Michael for collaborations on tracks: "Ready for More", featured on British house label Duffnote; and "Turn it up" on Delecto. These tracks found their way into the hands of world-renowned DJs such as DJ Heather, Miguel Migs, the 3 Degrees DJs, Kaskade, BBC 1Xtra's Aaron Ross, Diz, and Marques Wyatt. Recently teaming with Jasonic Audio productions has been a welcome breath. It allows for a return to her more organic songwriting, and ever the late bloomer, she continues to blossom. Look for another Justin Michael colab called "Funky Love", recently remixed by Jay-J and released on iTunes under Swank Records fall 2006.
She's a personal friend of mine, and she's the bomb!
~jaz
He's Usually Funny. This Was Foolish.
Michael Richards [aka Kramer -- Seinfeld] stunned a comedy club audience, shouting racial epithets at people who heckled him during a stand-up routine.
The 57-year-old actor-comedian, best known for playing Jerry Seinfeld's eccentric neighbor Kramer on the hit TV show "Seinfeld," was performing at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood Friday night when he launched into the verbal rampage, according to video posted on TMZ.com.
The tirade apparently began after two black audience members started shouting at him that he wasn't funny.
Richards retorted: "Shut up! Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f------ fork up your a--."
He then paced across the stage taunting the men for interrupting his show, peppering his speech with racial slurs and profanities.
"You can talk, you can talk, you're brave now mother------. Throw his a-- out. He's a n-----!" Richards shouts before repeating the racial epithet over and over again.
While there is some audible chuckling in the audience throughout the outburst, someone can be heard gasping "Oh my God" and various people "0oh" after Richards uses the n-word.
Richards performed the next night at the Laugh Factory without incident.
Calls to Richards' representatives were not immediately returned early Monday.
He refused to comment on-camera when reached by CNN, but the network reported that he said off-camera he felt sorry for what had happened and had made amends.
The 57-year-old actor-comedian, best known for playing Jerry Seinfeld's eccentric neighbor Kramer on the hit TV show "Seinfeld," was performing at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood Friday night when he launched into the verbal rampage, according to video posted on TMZ.com.
The tirade apparently began after two black audience members started shouting at him that he wasn't funny.
Richards retorted: "Shut up! Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f------ fork up your a--."
He then paced across the stage taunting the men for interrupting his show, peppering his speech with racial slurs and profanities.
"You can talk, you can talk, you're brave now mother------. Throw his a-- out. He's a n-----!" Richards shouts before repeating the racial epithet over and over again.
While there is some audible chuckling in the audience throughout the outburst, someone can be heard gasping "Oh my God" and various people "0oh" after Richards uses the n-word.
Richards performed the next night at the Laugh Factory without incident.
Calls to Richards' representatives were not immediately returned early Monday.
He refused to comment on-camera when reached by CNN, but the network reported that he said off-camera he felt sorry for what had happened and had made amends.
Word Up! All Hail the 90s!
You might be a child of the 90s if...
- You're named Hunter, Tyler, Taylor, Kyle, Koby, Danny, Destiny, Hailey, Madison, Britney, Caitlin or Shaye.
- Master Splinter is more than just a rat to you, and you thought that eating pizza and living in a sewer would be a "tight" way to learn martial arts if you were a turtle.
- You EVER thought that Ricky Martin was straight, Britney Spears could sing, and The Backstreet Boys, N*Sync, or Christina Aguilera were "da bomb".
- Big purple dinosaurs make you want to start singing and so do small colorful babies with antennas sticking out of their heads.
- Mom or Dad has ever yelled at you because s/he stepped on a Micromachine.
- You had serious discussions with your friends over whether Tommy or Jason was better at Martial Arts.
- Lunchables were once a satisfying meal for you.
- You're not sure if Christina Ricci, Macauley Culkin, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Elijah Wood still need a babysitter, or if they should be dating the babysitter.
- Cheesy poofs sounded delicious, but you weren't allowed to say anything else Cartman said.
- Your dream car was a Jeep wrangler, Hummer, Mazda Miata, or a new VW Bug.
- "Hakunahmatata" sounds like a real word to you.
- Nintendo 64 is state of the art and the Tomb Raider girl seemed REALLY sexy.
- Body glitter was a must-have to go along with your pink hair...or maybe just by itself if you never ACTUALLY went through with the hair.
- It seems like the internet and MTV have always been around.
- You ever added "izz" and "ite" to a word to give it more "flava", as in "That '64 Impala is the shizzite"
- Someone that you knew, or maybe even you, had a belly button, nose, or eyebrow pierced (and pretty much everyone you knew had their ears pierced, more than once).
- At one point, you pulled your t-shirt up over your head and ran around the house screaming, "I am Cornholio!" and you know exactly why you needed t.p.
- If you could just get Pikachu trained...
- Tickle-Me-Elmo, a Super Soaker, and a pair of light-up tennis shoes were once on your Christmas list.
- The best concert you could ever go to would be called anything-palooza, and would feature everyone from Cypress Hill, Nirvana and Pearl Jam to Korn, Limp Bizkit, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smash Mouth, and Sugar Ray.
- Unless, of course, you were a gangsta'-thug-life type kiddie...then you scoffed at all of the above and understood that Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Warren G, Snoop, and Dr. Dre were the only ones who REALLY knew what waz up.
- Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, made you laugh, and Vanilla Ice and Dennis Rodman didn't.
- If Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Beverly Hills 90210, Party of Five, Moesha, Friends, Third Rock, Ally McBeal or Melrose Place was on, not even Freddie Prinze Jr. or Alicia Silverstone could get you to go out with them.
- The big stars to you are Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, and Matthew McConaughey.
- You're not sure who Winnona Ryder is, but you think she's that lady that used to be going out with that guy who looks like Skeet Ulrich.
- Sailor Moon and any other anime that you could get your hands on was stuff to make all your friends at the raves jealous with.
- You saw Men In Black, Dazed and Confused, Rushmore, Friday and Scream 1 and 2 when they were still in theaters.
- Even though you'd never admit it, you're now slightly afraid to go camping just in case the Blair Witch is somewhere near by.
- You secretly believe that maybe, just maybe, Tupac is still alive.
- And we all know you'd still go out with Edward Furlong or Pamela Anderson if s/he asked.
That's Phat!
~jaz
- You're named Hunter, Tyler, Taylor, Kyle, Koby, Danny, Destiny, Hailey, Madison, Britney, Caitlin or Shaye.
- Master Splinter is more than just a rat to you, and you thought that eating pizza and living in a sewer would be a "tight" way to learn martial arts if you were a turtle.
- You EVER thought that Ricky Martin was straight, Britney Spears could sing, and The Backstreet Boys, N*Sync, or Christina Aguilera were "da bomb".
- Big purple dinosaurs make you want to start singing and so do small colorful babies with antennas sticking out of their heads.
- Mom or Dad has ever yelled at you because s/he stepped on a Micromachine.
- You had serious discussions with your friends over whether Tommy or Jason was better at Martial Arts.
- Lunchables were once a satisfying meal for you.
- You're not sure if Christina Ricci, Macauley Culkin, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Elijah Wood still need a babysitter, or if they should be dating the babysitter.
- Cheesy poofs sounded delicious, but you weren't allowed to say anything else Cartman said.
- Your dream car was a Jeep wrangler, Hummer, Mazda Miata, or a new VW Bug.
- "Hakunahmatata" sounds like a real word to you.
- Nintendo 64 is state of the art and the Tomb Raider girl seemed REALLY sexy.
- Body glitter was a must-have to go along with your pink hair...or maybe just by itself if you never ACTUALLY went through with the hair.
- It seems like the internet and MTV have always been around.
- You ever added "izz" and "ite" to a word to give it more "flava", as in "That '64 Impala is the shizzite"
- Someone that you knew, or maybe even you, had a belly button, nose, or eyebrow pierced (and pretty much everyone you knew had their ears pierced, more than once).
- At one point, you pulled your t-shirt up over your head and ran around the house screaming, "I am Cornholio!" and you know exactly why you needed t.p.
- If you could just get Pikachu trained...
- Tickle-Me-Elmo, a Super Soaker, and a pair of light-up tennis shoes were once on your Christmas list.
- The best concert you could ever go to would be called anything-palooza, and would feature everyone from Cypress Hill, Nirvana and Pearl Jam to Korn, Limp Bizkit, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smash Mouth, and Sugar Ray.
- Unless, of course, you were a gangsta'-thug-life type kiddie...then you scoffed at all of the above and understood that Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Warren G, Snoop, and Dr. Dre were the only ones who REALLY knew what waz up.
- Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, made you laugh, and Vanilla Ice and Dennis Rodman didn't.
- If Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Beverly Hills 90210, Party of Five, Moesha, Friends, Third Rock, Ally McBeal or Melrose Place was on, not even Freddie Prinze Jr. or Alicia Silverstone could get you to go out with them.
- The big stars to you are Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, and Matthew McConaughey.
- You're not sure who Winnona Ryder is, but you think she's that lady that used to be going out with that guy who looks like Skeet Ulrich.
- Sailor Moon and any other anime that you could get your hands on was stuff to make all your friends at the raves jealous with.
- You saw Men In Black, Dazed and Confused, Rushmore, Friday and Scream 1 and 2 when they were still in theaters.
- Even though you'd never admit it, you're now slightly afraid to go camping just in case the Blair Witch is somewhere near by.
- You secretly believe that maybe, just maybe, Tupac is still alive.
- And we all know you'd still go out with Edward Furlong or Pamela Anderson if s/he asked.
That's Phat!
~jaz
Take a Chill Pill -- All Hail the 80s!
You are the children of the Eighties. You are not the first "lost generation" nor today's lost generation; in fact, you think you know just where you stand - or are discovering it as you speak. You are the ones who played with Lego Building Blocks when they were just building blocks and gave Malibu Barbie crewcuts with safety scissors that never really cut.
You collected Garbage Pail Kids and Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Ponies and Hot Wheels and He-Man action figures and thought She-Ra looked just a little bit like I would when I was a woman. Big Wheels and bicycles with streamers were the way to go, and sidewalk chalk was all you needed to build a city. Imagination was the key. It made the Ewok Treehouse big enough for you to be Luke and the kitchen table and an old sheet dark enough to be a tent in the forest. Your world was the backyard and it was all you needed. With your pink portable tape player, Debbie Gibson sang back up to you and everyone wanted a skirt like the Material Girl and a glove like Michael Jackson's.
Today, you are the ones who sing along with Bruce Stringsteen and The Bangles perfectly and have no idea why. You recite lines with the Ghostbusters and still look to The Goonies for a great adventure. You flip through T.V. stations and stop at The A Team and Knight Rider and Fame and laugh with The Cosby Show and Family Ties and Punky Brewster and what you talkin' 'bout Willis? You hold strong affections for The Muppets and The Gummy Bears and why did they take the Smurfs off the air? After school specials were only about cigarettes and step-families, the Pokka Dot Door was nothing like Barney, and aren't the Power Rangers just Voltron reincarnated?
You are the ones who still read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins, Beverly Clearly and Judy Blume, Richard Scary and the Electric Company. Friendship bracelets were ties you couldn't break and friendship pins went on shoes - preferably hightop Velcro Reebox - and pegged jeans were in, as were Units belts and layered socks and jean jackets and jams and charm necklaces and side pony tails and just tails. Rave was a girl's best friend; braces with colored rubberbands made you cool.
The backdoor was always open and Mom served only red Kool-Aid to the neighborhood kids- never drank New Coke. Entertainment was cheap and lasted for hours. All you needed to be a princess was high heels and an apron; the Sit'n'Spin always made you dizzy but never made you stop; Pogoballs were dangerous weapons and Chinese Jump Ropes never failed to trip someone. In your Underoos you were Wonder Woman or Spider Man or R2D2 and in your treehouse you were king.
In the Eighties, nothing was wrong. Did you know the president was shot? Star Wars was not only a movie. Did you ever play in a bomb shelter? Did you see the Challenger explode or feed the homeless man? You forgot Vietnam and watched Tiananman's Square on CNN and bought pieces of the Berlin Wall at the store. AIDS was not the number one killer in the United States. You didn't start the fire, Billy Joel.
In the Eighties, you redefined the American Dream, and those years defined us. You are the generation in between strife and facing strife and not turning our backs. The Eighties may have made us idealistic, but it's that idealism that will push us and be passed on to our children - the first children of the twenty-first century. Never forget: You are the children of the Eighties.
Grodie!
~jaz
You collected Garbage Pail Kids and Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Ponies and Hot Wheels and He-Man action figures and thought She-Ra looked just a little bit like I would when I was a woman. Big Wheels and bicycles with streamers were the way to go, and sidewalk chalk was all you needed to build a city. Imagination was the key. It made the Ewok Treehouse big enough for you to be Luke and the kitchen table and an old sheet dark enough to be a tent in the forest. Your world was the backyard and it was all you needed. With your pink portable tape player, Debbie Gibson sang back up to you and everyone wanted a skirt like the Material Girl and a glove like Michael Jackson's.
Today, you are the ones who sing along with Bruce Stringsteen and The Bangles perfectly and have no idea why. You recite lines with the Ghostbusters and still look to The Goonies for a great adventure. You flip through T.V. stations and stop at The A Team and Knight Rider and Fame and laugh with The Cosby Show and Family Ties and Punky Brewster and what you talkin' 'bout Willis? You hold strong affections for The Muppets and The Gummy Bears and why did they take the Smurfs off the air? After school specials were only about cigarettes and step-families, the Pokka Dot Door was nothing like Barney, and aren't the Power Rangers just Voltron reincarnated?
You are the ones who still read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins, Beverly Clearly and Judy Blume, Richard Scary and the Electric Company. Friendship bracelets were ties you couldn't break and friendship pins went on shoes - preferably hightop Velcro Reebox - and pegged jeans were in, as were Units belts and layered socks and jean jackets and jams and charm necklaces and side pony tails and just tails. Rave was a girl's best friend; braces with colored rubberbands made you cool.
The backdoor was always open and Mom served only red Kool-Aid to the neighborhood kids- never drank New Coke. Entertainment was cheap and lasted for hours. All you needed to be a princess was high heels and an apron; the Sit'n'Spin always made you dizzy but never made you stop; Pogoballs were dangerous weapons and Chinese Jump Ropes never failed to trip someone. In your Underoos you were Wonder Woman or Spider Man or R2D2 and in your treehouse you were king.
In the Eighties, nothing was wrong. Did you know the president was shot? Star Wars was not only a movie. Did you ever play in a bomb shelter? Did you see the Challenger explode or feed the homeless man? You forgot Vietnam and watched Tiananman's Square on CNN and bought pieces of the Berlin Wall at the store. AIDS was not the number one killer in the United States. You didn't start the fire, Billy Joel.
In the Eighties, you redefined the American Dream, and those years defined us. You are the generation in between strife and facing strife and not turning our backs. The Eighties may have made us idealistic, but it's that idealism that will push us and be passed on to our children - the first children of the twenty-first century. Never forget: You are the children of the Eighties.
Grodie!
~jaz
Can You Dig It?!? All Hail the 70s!!
You might be a child of the 70s if you know the answers to these questions:
- Many 70s children loved this little rabbit, who appeared in many books, as well as having a range of stationery and toys. What was the rabbit's name?
- Nowadays Saturday morning kids' TV is taken for granted. But in the early 1970s there was no such thing. The BBC's first Saturday morning children's show was Noel Edmonds' "MultiColoured Swap Shop". Who did NOT present "Swap Shop"?
- This superhero (heroine?) caused millions of little girls to make themselves dizzy spinning round in the playground, and was an object of their big brothers' fantasies. But which actress was Wonder Woman?
- 'Star Wars' was probably the most famous movie of the decade, but which of these other movies did not first become a hit with kids in the 1970s?
- Hong Kong Phooey was a 'number 1 super guy', but who was his alter-ego?
- Which of these foods did NOT become popular for parties in the 70s?
- 'Battle of the Planets' was a Japanese cartoon (dubbed into English) about a group of superhero child astronauts. What was the name of the evil villain they regularly defeated?
- Which of these hit toys was NOT popular in the 1970s?
- This television series had a person who was the epitome of "cool." One snap of his fingers and girls would magically appear. What was the name of this television series?
- There were two kinds of bell bottom pants. One was called Bell Bottoms, but what was the other kind called?
- This toy, very popular in the 1970s, has a bright red frame and two knobs, which you turn to draw or write. What is the name of this toy?
- This fad was very popular among girls, as well as guys. It was raved as "psychedelic" for the cool designs and colors. What was this fad?
- Which famous rock band made their first television appearance on Paul Lynde's Halloween Special in 1976?
- What were jeans called in the 1970s?
- This teen idol had a major hit in Europe with the single "Morning Girl." Who is this superstar that made young girls go crazy?
- Who won the Grammy in 1977, for the record of the year?
- Which Team won the World Series in 1977?
- What film won the Oscar for best picture in 1977?
- What show won the Emmy for best comedy series for the 1977, 1978 seasons?
- What Musical won the Tony for 1977?
Flower Power,
~jaz
- Many 70s children loved this little rabbit, who appeared in many books, as well as having a range of stationery and toys. What was the rabbit's name?
- Nowadays Saturday morning kids' TV is taken for granted. But in the early 1970s there was no such thing. The BBC's first Saturday morning children's show was Noel Edmonds' "MultiColoured Swap Shop". Who did NOT present "Swap Shop"?
- This superhero (heroine?) caused millions of little girls to make themselves dizzy spinning round in the playground, and was an object of their big brothers' fantasies. But which actress was Wonder Woman?
- 'Star Wars' was probably the most famous movie of the decade, but which of these other movies did not first become a hit with kids in the 1970s?
- Hong Kong Phooey was a 'number 1 super guy', but who was his alter-ego?
- Which of these foods did NOT become popular for parties in the 70s?
- 'Battle of the Planets' was a Japanese cartoon (dubbed into English) about a group of superhero child astronauts. What was the name of the evil villain they regularly defeated?
- Which of these hit toys was NOT popular in the 1970s?
- This television series had a person who was the epitome of "cool." One snap of his fingers and girls would magically appear. What was the name of this television series?
- There were two kinds of bell bottom pants. One was called Bell Bottoms, but what was the other kind called?
- This toy, very popular in the 1970s, has a bright red frame and two knobs, which you turn to draw or write. What is the name of this toy?
- This fad was very popular among girls, as well as guys. It was raved as "psychedelic" for the cool designs and colors. What was this fad?
- Which famous rock band made their first television appearance on Paul Lynde's Halloween Special in 1976?
- What were jeans called in the 1970s?
- This teen idol had a major hit in Europe with the single "Morning Girl." Who is this superstar that made young girls go crazy?
- Who won the Grammy in 1977, for the record of the year?
- Which Team won the World Series in 1977?
- What film won the Oscar for best picture in 1977?
- What show won the Emmy for best comedy series for the 1977, 1978 seasons?
- What Musical won the Tony for 1977?
Flower Power,
~jaz
Yeah Baby!! All Hail the 60s!
You might be a child of the 60s if…
- Hangups had nothing to do with the phone.
- You knew the words to "Dominique," yet you didn't know a word of French.
- "The Twist" was a dance – not a doughnut.
- You know that the first "moon walk" was taken by Neil Armstrong, not Michael Jackson.
- On TV, parents slept in separate beds.
- The word assassination took on a heartbreaking – and all too real – meaning.
- You rooted for that new baseball team, the New York Metropolitans (New York Mets to you later fans).
- You unraveled your jeans to have a fringe on them.
- Four words: "Sock it to me."
- You own every Bobby Rydell record ever made.
- You know what a record is.
- You know that the British Invasion was not a military operation.
- Your lipstick was white, not black.
- "More" was everybody's wedding song.
- "Turn on, tune in, drop out."
- A joint was not a corner bar and weed was not just an annoyance that poked out of the family yard.
- Jeans were called dungarees.
- Topics of heated discussion: Was Paul really dead? Does anyone know the real lyrics to "Woolly Bully"?
- Michael Jackson did not look like Diana Ross.
- You wore miniskirts the first time around and only wish you had the figure to wear them again.
- You still do drugs – but now they are aspirin.
- Songs about magic dragons and unicorns could actually be hits on the radio.
- Bilbo and Frodo were your Harry Potter.
- You wished you could be a California Girl.
- You loved Mickey Mantle; you hated Roger Maris.
- You wore bell bottoms – the first time around.
- You only had friends in fours so each of you could be one Beatle.
- The more patches your clothes had, the better.
- Your house only had a one-car garage because most families only had one car.
- You actually used a slide rule in math class.
- You'll never forget how you learned that JFK had died.
- You knew who had a bomb shelter.
- "Night of the Living Dead" terrified us.
- Fidel Castro terrified us even more.
- Gas cost less than 30 cents a gallon, had lead in it and the attendant pumped the gas, cleaned your windshield and sometimes fixed your car.
- Top hair accessories: an ironing board, pink rollers, beer cans, Dippity Do, and a hair dryer with a bonnet and a hose.
- Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!
- Watts was a section of Los Angeles where riots occurred, not the power of a bulb.
- You liked either the Beatles or the Rolling Stones – never both.
- You knew all the words to "Light My Fire."
- You thought saying "far out" was really far out.
- You would never trust anyone over 30.
- You followed Frank Zappa's advice and never ate yellow snow.
- You learned to dance by watching "American Bandstand," "Hulaballoo" and "Shindig."
- You know what "One ringy-dingy" means.
- Seven words: "Tonight, we have a really big show."
- You remember when the Ponderosa was not just a food chain.
- You rolled up your skirt after you left the house and rolled it back down before you got home.
- You wondered how you could get tickets to a little rock concert in the Catskills.
- You dreamed about becoming a surfer, even though you didn't live anywhere near the water and never even saw a surfboard!
- You either loved Dr. Kildare or Ben Casey – never both.
- Catholic Mass was said in Latin, and you thought "e cum spirituo" was a phone number.
- The Pill was more popular than Viagra.
- "Take it off, take it all off" was a shaving commercial.
- You still have your long ponytail, but it's gray now.
Far out!
~jaz
Monday, November 13, 2006
Eponym Trivia
An eponym is a general term used to describe from what or whom something derived its name. Therefore, a proprietary eponym could be considered a brand name (trademark or service mark) which has fallen into general use. A very poplular one, for instance, is Kleenex. Obviously Kleenex is the brand name and facial tissue is the product. Here are some other popular eponyms:
- xerox
- coke
- scotch tape
- white out
- q-tip
- post-it-note
Betcha' didn't know that these, too, are eponyms:
- frisbee
- kool-aid
- popsicle
- styrofoam
- jello
- thermos
- hi-liter
My new most favorite eponym... GOOGLE!!
Be easy,
~jaz
- xerox
- coke
- scotch tape
- white out
- q-tip
- post-it-note
Betcha' didn't know that these, too, are eponyms:
- frisbee
- kool-aid
- popsicle
- styrofoam
- jello
- thermos
- hi-liter
My new most favorite eponym... GOOGLE!!
Be easy,
~jaz
A Moment of Silence
Gerald Levert, the R&B singer whose hits included "I Swear" and "I'd Give Anything," as well as chart-toppers with the groups LeVert and LSG, has died, according to his label, Atlantic Records. He was 40.
Levert died of a heart attack Friday at his Cleveland, Ohio, home, according a statement from Atlantic.
"He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer," the statement read. "Above all, he was an exceptional human being whose warmth and grace inspired us all."
Levert, the son of O'Jays member Eddie Levert Sr., first hit it big with his sibling Sean and friend Marc Gordon as the trio LeVert in the mid-'80s. The group's hits included the 1987 song "Casanova," which hit the Top Five on the pop charts.
Gerald Levert went solo in 1991. His hits included a duet with his father, "Baby Hold On to Me."
In 1997 he and singers Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat formed LSG. The group's self-titled album sold more than two million copies, and their hits included "My Body."
More recent albums by Levert included 2002's "The G Spot" and 2004's "Do I Speak for the World."
His most recent album was 2005's "Voices."
Levert had four children.
[POSTED: 4:54 p.m. EST, November 10, 2006 / www.cnn.com]
In Case You Care...
Around this time of year everyone begins to make their list and check it twice. I am no different -- but for those of you who's list I fall on, and for others that care... welcome to my Christmas Wish List:
- $1400.00
- GNC gift card
- treadmill
- world peace
- water filtration system
- Welcome Back Kotter DVD
- roman chair
- end war in Iraq
- new car
- $200 Target gift card
- Harry & David fruit basket
- donation to rebuild homes in New Orleans
- anything Anne Geddes
- Just the Right Shoe
- classy blue ink pens
- adopt a child from Sally Strothers
- King of Queens DVD
- $2500.00
- sphynx kitten
- end to natural disaster
- glove & scarf set
- 2007 calendar
- digital camera
- end to world hunger
- personal trainer
- violin lessons
- cowboy boots
- prosecution for all rapists and those that commit child sex crimes
- Jamba Juice gift card
- Spanish tutor
- Everybody Love Raymond DVD
Like I said... in case you care.
~jaz
- $1400.00
- GNC gift card
- treadmill
- world peace
- water filtration system
- Welcome Back Kotter DVD
- roman chair
- end war in Iraq
- new car
- $200 Target gift card
- Harry & David fruit basket
- donation to rebuild homes in New Orleans
- anything Anne Geddes
- Just the Right Shoe
- classy blue ink pens
- adopt a child from Sally Strothers
- King of Queens DVD
- $2500.00
- sphynx kitten
- end to natural disaster
- glove & scarf set
- 2007 calendar
- digital camera
- end to world hunger
- personal trainer
- violin lessons
- cowboy boots
- prosecution for all rapists and those that commit child sex crimes
- Jamba Juice gift card
- Spanish tutor
- Everybody Love Raymond DVD
Like I said... in case you care.
~jaz
Saturday, November 11, 2006
It's Not the Devil
Addictive, maybe, but not the devil.
I'm talking about Myspace. I was one of the ones boycotting it's existence in earlier days, but as of late I’ve grown to like and somewhat depend on this vast Internet Community. It really hasn’t failed me yet. Anytime I’m looking for someone, I can either find them on Myspace, or find someone that knows them. Either way I’ve won! And it just keeps getting better and better, since the site continues to gain so much popularity – and not just amongst the adolescent crowds. It’s a great way to advertise your service or product, meet new friends, and a sure home run for finding old ones.
Long live Myspace!
www.myspace.com/jasmynneshaye
I'm talking about Myspace. I was one of the ones boycotting it's existence in earlier days, but as of late I’ve grown to like and somewhat depend on this vast Internet Community. It really hasn’t failed me yet. Anytime I’m looking for someone, I can either find them on Myspace, or find someone that knows them. Either way I’ve won! And it just keeps getting better and better, since the site continues to gain so much popularity – and not just amongst the adolescent crowds. It’s a great way to advertise your service or product, meet new friends, and a sure home run for finding old ones.
Long live Myspace!
www.myspace.com/jasmynneshaye
Friday, November 10, 2006
A Sprinkle of Confidence Goes a L O N G Way
Admittedly I’m a proud supporter of America’s Next Top Model. And though there are several things I’d love to change about the show – the fact still remains: these girls are getting an opportunity they may have never had before. And for that very reason, I tune in on a weekly basis.
Well for those of you that secretly (or openly) watch along with me, you saw that our Middle Eastern beauty, Anchal, was given the ax. Anchal is definitely the most beautiful contestant I’ve ever seen on the show, but unfortunately for her she lacked that little something. She lacked belief in herself, and because of it, when she looks in the mirror; she doesn’t see the same thing that we see. Anchal lacks confidence, and I’ve never seen a better example. Here you have it: the epitome of perfect bone structure, natural sex appeal, and a wonderful body – but the person herself neither believes nor sees any of this. How can this be? I’m sure more than anything it has to do with years of being told otherwise. Being told in some form or fashion that you’re not good enough. Perhaps even being called ugly or unattractive. This was Anchal’s situation, and she’s currently fighting an uphill battle in a effort to obtain any shred of confidence that she can.
And we’ve all seen it – a sprinkle of confidence goes a long way. The super-unattractive guy with the modelesque female and she can’t be with him for his money because he’s broke. She’s with him because unlike most of his counterparts he had the guts to step to her. For whatever reason he believed himself to be good enough for her, and she bought it – hook, line, and sinker. We’ve seen it a million times, and it’s true: no one will believe in you until you believe in yourself.
Anchal couldn’t *sell* model, though she’s a beautiful girl she just couldn’t sell it. But she’s not alone, because I think many of us fall short in this arena in some form or fashion. Can we sell ourselves in the job interview? Can we make this hiring manager believe that *we* believe we’re the best candidate for the position? Can you sell yourself to the Casting Director? To the cute guy that just moved in your building? To whoever for whatever… can you do it? Bottom line is do YOU think you’re good enough??? Someone once told me to “fake it ‘til you make it.” And I sware it’s some of the best advice I was ever given (as generic as it may be), and that’s what I plan to do – keep a healthy dose of confidence with me at all times.
Be easy,
~jaz
Well for those of you that secretly (or openly) watch along with me, you saw that our Middle Eastern beauty, Anchal, was given the ax. Anchal is definitely the most beautiful contestant I’ve ever seen on the show, but unfortunately for her she lacked that little something. She lacked belief in herself, and because of it, when she looks in the mirror; she doesn’t see the same thing that we see. Anchal lacks confidence, and I’ve never seen a better example. Here you have it: the epitome of perfect bone structure, natural sex appeal, and a wonderful body – but the person herself neither believes nor sees any of this. How can this be? I’m sure more than anything it has to do with years of being told otherwise. Being told in some form or fashion that you’re not good enough. Perhaps even being called ugly or unattractive. This was Anchal’s situation, and she’s currently fighting an uphill battle in a effort to obtain any shred of confidence that she can.
And we’ve all seen it – a sprinkle of confidence goes a long way. The super-unattractive guy with the modelesque female and she can’t be with him for his money because he’s broke. She’s with him because unlike most of his counterparts he had the guts to step to her. For whatever reason he believed himself to be good enough for her, and she bought it – hook, line, and sinker. We’ve seen it a million times, and it’s true: no one will believe in you until you believe in yourself.
Anchal couldn’t *sell* model, though she’s a beautiful girl she just couldn’t sell it. But she’s not alone, because I think many of us fall short in this arena in some form or fashion. Can we sell ourselves in the job interview? Can we make this hiring manager believe that *we* believe we’re the best candidate for the position? Can you sell yourself to the Casting Director? To the cute guy that just moved in your building? To whoever for whatever… can you do it? Bottom line is do YOU think you’re good enough??? Someone once told me to “fake it ‘til you make it.” And I sware it’s some of the best advice I was ever given (as generic as it may be), and that’s what I plan to do – keep a healthy dose of confidence with me at all times.
Be easy,
~jaz
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Slow & Steady Wins This Race
There is much to be said about a disciplined person. Be it a professional gymnast, basketball player, or a Pulitzer Prize author – it took discipline to get there. It took discipline, sacrifice and hard work for Cathy Hughes to build the empire that she now has. Most of us saw the transformation as Oprah went from being Donahue’s competition to having no competition at all. Again, it took discipline. And discipline can be a tricky thing. I think many of us have set our sights on a goal, developed some new habits to ensure we reached the goal, but for whatever reason we fell short somewhere. Somehow or another our newfound discipline lasted for only a little while. Mind you – during those few precious months [or weeks] we were a force to be reckoned with, but those gale force winds soon calmed to quiet whispers, and before we could count to 10 the old habits had returned, and that new discipline was no where to be found. And when this happens we often times beat ourselves up as if we’d never even stepped foot onto this new path. The mental bashing continues for so long that it takes another lifetime for us to re-saddle our horses and begin the ride to accomplishment again.
Here’s my suggestion: let’s mentally shrink these mountains we’re trying to climb by setting smaller goals for ourselves, and treating the grand achievement like a marathon. Along the way we’ll win a battle here, loose a battle there – but in the end we will win the war, and finish the marathon as proud contestants. Someone once asked, “How do you eat an elephant?” ANSWER: One bite at a time. Let’s not bite off more than we can chew. We *are* conquerors and we *are* overcomers – we just have to pace ourselves a little better.
Are you with me?? If so – see you at the finish line!
~jaz
Here’s my suggestion: let’s mentally shrink these mountains we’re trying to climb by setting smaller goals for ourselves, and treating the grand achievement like a marathon. Along the way we’ll win a battle here, loose a battle there – but in the end we will win the war, and finish the marathon as proud contestants. Someone once asked, “How do you eat an elephant?” ANSWER: One bite at a time. Let’s not bite off more than we can chew. We *are* conquerors and we *are* overcomers – we just have to pace ourselves a little better.
Are you with me?? If so – see you at the finish line!
~jaz
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
F I N A L L Y
The wait is over gang!! It's finally here! For those of you that have turned blue waiting for the arrival of Beverly Hills 90210 on dvd, call your respiratory therapists 'cause you can breathe again! IT'S HERE!! Can you believe it?? Don't believe me? Visit amazon.com and see for yourself [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/102-2639673-7658545?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=beverly+hills+90210&Go.x=8&Go.y=8 ].
I don't know about you, but I've been waiting, petitioning, and begging for this day for what seems like forever, and I'm so happy I can hardly stand it! Woo-hoo! Thank you Aaron Spelling! Thank you FOX! And thank you dvd gods! 2006 hasn't let me down after all!
PS: Season 1 of Melrose Place was also released today as well.
Can this day get any better?
~jaz
I don't know about you, but I've been waiting, petitioning, and begging for this day for what seems like forever, and I'm so happy I can hardly stand it! Woo-hoo! Thank you Aaron Spelling! Thank you FOX! And thank you dvd gods! 2006 hasn't let me down after all!
PS: Season 1 of Melrose Place was also released today as well.
Can this day get any better?
~jaz
Monday, November 06, 2006
Silverstein Please! [to be shouted in similar fashion to the ridiculous Ovaltine commercials]
Is there any thing, place, or person that snatches you back in time when you see it? It [or they] force you to take a silent journey to a memorable euphoric place, and all you can do is smile? I’ve got several of those euphoric memory triggers, and one of my most favorite is kept in arm’s reach so that I can visit such classic times on a daily basis if I choose. His name is Shel Silverstein, and the books are The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, and Where the Sidewalk ends. Shel is one of my favorite authors because his books made me snicker, giggle, and laugh uncontrollably when I was younger. And today, when I revisit them I’m reminded of those days, and typically smile because I can’t wait to share these treasures with my future children. And for those of you that do have children, nieces, or nephews, don’t sleep on Shel – Dr. Seuss, Richard Scarry, and Mother Goose aren’t the only ones that know how to cater to the kids. Look him up, you’ll be glad you did, and the kiddies will love you for it!
Be easy,
~jaz
Be easy,
~jaz
Sunday, November 05, 2006
A Phrase Not Used Enough
Do you ever feel like responding with "Who cares??" when someone tells you something or asks your opinion? Call me crazy, unsympathetic, or just plain rude -- but it seems more often than not I find myself biting my tongue from blurting this seemingly appropriate phrase. Let me give you a few examples…
Man! I need to go get my nails done.
[silent: Who cares?]
Jazzy, somebody took the last bagel from the break room.
[silent: Who cares?]
Dolce & Gabbana said their gonna discontinue my favorite perfume. What am I supposed to do now??
[silent: Who cares?]
Do you think we’re all gonna get laid off?
[silent: Who cares?]
New York was actin’ a fool last night on Flava of Love!
[silent: Who cares?]
Can you believe my dad said he’s not gonna pay my cell phone bill anymore?!
[silent: Who cares?]
We took the dog to the vet yesterday, and she’s got cancer.
[silent: Who cares?]
I ate a piece of cheese at lunch and I feel so fat.
[silent: Who cares?]
My ex-boyfriend said he wants us to get back together.
[silent: Who cares?]
I went to the mall last night and couldn’t find nothing to wear this wknd.
[silent: Who cares?]
My cousin just had her baby!! Wanna see the pictures?!
[silent: Who cares?]
Do you think I should wait 3 months before I have sex with him?
[silent: Who cares?]
My biology professor told us that his wife is leaving him.
[silent: Who cares?]
I’m not even sure why I’m choosing today to speak on this, maybe it’s got something to do with the 18 meaningless conversations I had today, or maybe I just wanted to vent a little. So I guess I can close this chapter for now (until I choose to revisit it again).
But really… who cares??
~jazzy
Man! I need to go get my nails done.
[silent: Who cares?]
Jazzy, somebody took the last bagel from the break room.
[silent: Who cares?]
Dolce & Gabbana said their gonna discontinue my favorite perfume. What am I supposed to do now??
[silent: Who cares?]
Do you think we’re all gonna get laid off?
[silent: Who cares?]
New York was actin’ a fool last night on Flava of Love!
[silent: Who cares?]
Can you believe my dad said he’s not gonna pay my cell phone bill anymore?!
[silent: Who cares?]
We took the dog to the vet yesterday, and she’s got cancer.
[silent: Who cares?]
I ate a piece of cheese at lunch and I feel so fat.
[silent: Who cares?]
My ex-boyfriend said he wants us to get back together.
[silent: Who cares?]
I went to the mall last night and couldn’t find nothing to wear this wknd.
[silent: Who cares?]
My cousin just had her baby!! Wanna see the pictures?!
[silent: Who cares?]
Do you think I should wait 3 months before I have sex with him?
[silent: Who cares?]
My biology professor told us that his wife is leaving him.
[silent: Who cares?]
I’m not even sure why I’m choosing today to speak on this, maybe it’s got something to do with the 18 meaningless conversations I had today, or maybe I just wanted to vent a little. So I guess I can close this chapter for now (until I choose to revisit it again).
But really… who cares??
~jazzy
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Praise Where Praise Is Due
I had a chance to catch The Color Purple on Broadway, and was more than pleased. Alice Walker wrote a phenomenal book, Steven Spielberg directed an exquisite film, and Gary Griffin has given us yet one more reason to love this timeless story. From curtain open to curtain close it was spectacular! The acting was top-notch, the singing was mesmerizing, and the story was told in a rich, captivating manner staying a bit closer to the original novel.
Many of us rattle off such phrases as the following like nothing.
“You told Harpo to beat me?!”
“I may be black; I may even be ugly, but I’m here!”
“Next time I’ma put a lil Shug Avery pee in it. See how he like that.”
“My name is Mary Agnes.”
“My God, the dead has arisen.”
“That’s when I know’d they is a God.”
And with the onset of the musical it’s truly as if a special place and time has somehow been reborn. It’s a magical masterpiece that should be seen by all. Treat yourself if you can – you will not be disappointed!
Ahhhhhhhhh-min.
~jaz
Many of us rattle off such phrases as the following like nothing.
“You told Harpo to beat me?!”
“I may be black; I may even be ugly, but I’m here!”
“Next time I’ma put a lil Shug Avery pee in it. See how he like that.”
“My name is Mary Agnes.”
“My God, the dead has arisen.”
“That’s when I know’d they is a God.”
And with the onset of the musical it’s truly as if a special place and time has somehow been reborn. It’s a magical masterpiece that should be seen by all. Treat yourself if you can – you will not be disappointed!
Ahhhhhhhhh-min.
~jaz
Friday, November 03, 2006
Favorite Things
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens;
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens;
Brown paper packages tied up with strings;
Wait – scratch that. THESE are a few of my favorite things:
Favorite color: blue
Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite city: Seattle
Favorite book: The Giving Tree
Favorite weather: 72 degrees and sunny w/a light breeze
Favorite snack: potato chips
Favorite actor: Edward Norton
Favorite actress: Charlize Theron
Favorite beverage: cranberry juice
Favorite pizza: mushroom + onions
Favorite dish: lasagna
Favorite scent: orange/citrus
Favorite sound: ocean waves
Favorite building: Heck-Andrews House
Favorite TV show: Beverly Hills 90210
Favorite Michael Jackson video: Smooth Criminal
Favorite collectable: Just the Right Shoe
Favorite comedian: David Spade
Favorite mess: my family
Favorite relaxation: napping
Favorite guilty pleasure: hot dogs
Favorite fruit: mangos
Favorite teacher: Rhondi Fizer
Favorite fictional character: Strawberry Shortcake
Favorite radio personality: Russ Parr
Favorite dog: Great Dane
Favorite physical activity: jogging
Favorite infomercial product: Magic Bullet
Favorite restaurant: Katsu-Ya
Favorite accessory: sunglasses
Favorite instrument: violin
Favorite 5-minute meal: grilled fish via George Forman
Favorite writing utensil: blue ball point pen
Favorite reality TV: America's Next Top Model
Favorite supplement: biotin
Favorite old habit: quoting Ace Ventura
Favorite new habit: blogging
Be easy!
~jaz
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens;
Brown paper packages tied up with strings;
Wait – scratch that. THESE are a few of my favorite things:
Favorite color: blue
Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite city: Seattle
Favorite book: The Giving Tree
Favorite weather: 72 degrees and sunny w/a light breeze
Favorite snack: potato chips
Favorite actor: Edward Norton
Favorite actress: Charlize Theron
Favorite beverage: cranberry juice
Favorite pizza: mushroom + onions
Favorite dish: lasagna
Favorite scent: orange/citrus
Favorite sound: ocean waves
Favorite building: Heck-Andrews House
Favorite TV show: Beverly Hills 90210
Favorite Michael Jackson video: Smooth Criminal
Favorite collectable: Just the Right Shoe
Favorite comedian: David Spade
Favorite mess: my family
Favorite relaxation: napping
Favorite guilty pleasure: hot dogs
Favorite fruit: mangos
Favorite teacher: Rhondi Fizer
Favorite fictional character: Strawberry Shortcake
Favorite radio personality: Russ Parr
Favorite dog: Great Dane
Favorite physical activity: jogging
Favorite infomercial product: Magic Bullet
Favorite restaurant: Katsu-Ya
Favorite accessory: sunglasses
Favorite instrument: violin
Favorite 5-minute meal: grilled fish via George Forman
Favorite writing utensil: blue ball point pen
Favorite reality TV: America's Next Top Model
Favorite supplement: biotin
Favorite old habit: quoting Ace Ventura
Favorite new habit: blogging
Be easy!
~jaz
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Word Play
Do you know what a portmanteau is? If not, let me take a minute or two to introduce you. A portmanteau is a word blend formed by combining two or more portions of separate words to create something new. Easier exampled than explained: spork = spoon + fork. And there you have it! A portmanteau! You'd be surprised to find out that some words we use all the time are portmanteaus. Take a look...
bash = bang + smash
blog = web + log
blurt = blow + spurt
hassle = haggle + tussle
brash = bold + rash
prissy = prim + sissy
smash = smack + mash
twiddle = tiwst + fiddle
And there are the more common ones like: infomercial, televangelist, smog, brunch, croissandwich, rockumentary, and ginormous. I think my most favorite portmanteau is SPAM. The luncheon loaf made from bits of horse hoof and pig nostrils. Well, yes -- SPAM, too is a portmanteau. SPAM is spiced ham. [Can you believe they would even consider calling it ham?]
One of my favorite pastimes is creating new portmanteaus that will someday leak into pop culture and one day be as much a part of language as "da bomb" and "bling." Here's what I've got so far:
busiual = business + casual
frinner = frozen + dinner
fask = face + mask
pranner = printer + scanner
cofable = coffee + table
As you can see I've got much work to do to come up with something catchy enough to be infused into pop culture. For now I'll just continue to be bold, using my ridiculous combinations in public until I get a, "That's cool!" or "Yeeaaah! I've never heard it called that before!" Then I will know that I have arrived. Until then, wish me luck.
~jaz
bash = bang + smash
blog = web + log
blurt = blow + spurt
hassle = haggle + tussle
brash = bold + rash
prissy = prim + sissy
smash = smack + mash
twiddle = tiwst + fiddle
And there are the more common ones like: infomercial, televangelist, smog, brunch, croissandwich, rockumentary, and ginormous. I think my most favorite portmanteau is SPAM. The luncheon loaf made from bits of horse hoof and pig nostrils. Well, yes -- SPAM, too is a portmanteau. SPAM is spiced ham. [Can you believe they would even consider calling it ham?]
One of my favorite pastimes is creating new portmanteaus that will someday leak into pop culture and one day be as much a part of language as "da bomb" and "bling." Here's what I've got so far:
busiual = business + casual
frinner = frozen + dinner
fask = face + mask
pranner = printer + scanner
cofable = coffee + table
As you can see I've got much work to do to come up with something catchy enough to be infused into pop culture. For now I'll just continue to be bold, using my ridiculous combinations in public until I get a, "That's cool!" or "Yeeaaah! I've never heard it called that before!" Then I will know that I have arrived. Until then, wish me luck.
~jaz
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Just Jaz
This is where it all starts, I suppose... My first post. My introduction to those who chose to grace this page... I don't know. I think you'll find that I'm a fairly simple person. Not terribly unlike most. Just like you I've got likes, dislikes, some pet peeves, and a few strong opinions as well. But it's all good, right? The mix of good, bad, and ugly is what makes us human. I don't wear anger, hatred, or ill will on the end of my sleeve -- but I probably won't greet you with a fake a$$ grin either. If the occasion calls for a smile, you'll get it, otherwise... I'm just Jaz. That's me: Just Jaz.
Now don't get me wrong, I like to cut up as much as the next one [if not more]. It's probably my most favorite thing to do. Laughing out loud for no reason. Picking on myself for the ignorant things I do, and picking on other people for the ignorant things they do. That’s the beauty of it – I *can* and DO laugh at myself. I suppose I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine. I guess I’ve experienced enough depression and despair that I openly accept and often times seek out any opportunity for a good laugh. And I’ll even let you in on a little secret: if you’ve got a crazy-wacky-sarcastic sense of humor like I do, one of the laughs of my year was captured on an episode of Good Times. It’s actually the last episode of Season 3: The Rent Party. On this episode you’ll see Michael Evans gettin’ his sing and dance on in a way only he could pull off. HIL-A-RIOUS!! If you can’t get your hands on a copy of the DVD, youtube.com is the next best option.
Welcome to my blog!
~jaz
Now don't get me wrong, I like to cut up as much as the next one [if not more]. It's probably my most favorite thing to do. Laughing out loud for no reason. Picking on myself for the ignorant things I do, and picking on other people for the ignorant things they do. That’s the beauty of it – I *can* and DO laugh at myself. I suppose I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine. I guess I’ve experienced enough depression and despair that I openly accept and often times seek out any opportunity for a good laugh. And I’ll even let you in on a little secret: if you’ve got a crazy-wacky-sarcastic sense of humor like I do, one of the laughs of my year was captured on an episode of Good Times. It’s actually the last episode of Season 3: The Rent Party. On this episode you’ll see Michael Evans gettin’ his sing and dance on in a way only he could pull off. HIL-A-RIOUS!! If you can’t get your hands on a copy of the DVD, youtube.com is the next best option.
Welcome to my blog!
~jaz
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