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2005 Oscar Commentary
Okay, please understand that I only saw one movie last year, so all my comments are based on what I see on this particular show.
Pre-Show Comments:
Two words for Star Jones: Back Fat. UGH!
What the hell is Spike Lee wearing on his head, a Fez? But he’s wearing a nice white suit, a black shirt, and a black tie. Nice work. His wife is nice looking. Can’t see the outfit for the fur stole though. And yes, he is rocking Jordans.
Lou Gossett Junior is wearing a white suit with some kind of pinstripes with a black shirt. The shirt has some kind of pearl button at the top. His wife is HOT.
Oooh, Kathy Griffin has a nice olive gown on.
Salma Hayek looks stunning in her midnight blue Prada dress and upswept do. And she got an onion, fellas!
Alan Alda – really wish he had worn a bow tie instead of a regular tie. But he still looks night. How old is he, I wonder? Ha! He just said he thought Morgan Freeman would win the Oscar.
Sandra Oh is pretty. I like her.
Morgan Freeman – I am so going to jack his style for my next formal event. Okay, so Morgan brought his entire family, lol. Wife (pretty!), daughter (beautiful!), and son (average, but handsome, lol). Star Jones and Mrs. Freeman have on the same earrings. Morgan WAS wearing a very nice black tuxedo, black shirt, no tie, but he had a nice gold scarf. By the time he made it to the carpet though, the scarf was gone.
Johnny Depp is weird. He looks like he’s on something. The tux is hideous, the jacket is some usher blue. I kinda like him less now because of his appearance, LOL.
The Peebles!!!!! I love them!!! They were wearing matching tuxes, cream/ivory neckties, and hats. Bowler hats? I am so not fashion-aware. Melvin was wearing a bandana under his hat. God, I love them. Mario is looking older. I used to think he couldn’t age. They compared themselves to the Nicklaus Brothers.
Samuel L. Jackson….no. He wife? YES!!! She is wearing a great gold gown. But Sam is wearing some kind of collarless, black get-up. Not feeling it.
Oprah looks nice. She knows how to deflect questions, too.
Annette Bening is still very pretty – Warren Beatty still looks old.
Penelope Cruz is also wearing gold. Why everyone wearing gold?
Usher looks classically handsome in the white tux. I really think he’s a handsome dude – his skin is great.
Okay, now I’m turning the channel from E! to ABC.
Halle Berry….where did all the hair come from? Very nice single-strap, silver gown. I hear that she accepted her Raspberry Award in person! (The award for horrible movies.)
Renee Zellweger smiles too damn much, LOL.
Why does Leonardo DiCaprio STILL look younger than me? He looks the same as Alan Alda, clothes-wise.
I can’t believe Virginia Madsen looks sooooo young still. She was in Candyman!
Orlando Bloom – What a fuckin hottie! Where have I been?
Kirsten Dunst. Love her, but not feeling the blond bob.
Aight, time for the show!
Posted by Rashid on February 27, 2005 at 8:32 PM | Comments (0)
I can't remember jack!
So, I was doing some final FINAL proofing on Lazarus when I read a line that stood out to me:
"French, Black Women Writers, Computer Science, Ethics, and ah...something else, man, I can't remember," Isaiah said.
Now clearly, I had been influenced by my own classes I took in undergrad. I re-remembered that I had taken Introduction to Ethics....but I can't remember SHIT about that class!
For every class I've taken, and others I have dropped, I remember at least ONE significant thing about them....but not ethics!
Intro to Psychology: James. That's all, just James.
French: I remember each professor vividly, even down to the research interests of my last prof.
Intro to Philosophy: The Evil Genius theory. (The Matrix came out a few months later.)
Intro to Anthropology: My teacher was this teeny tiny lady, who happened to be married to my College Advisor. Her field work was related to Guatemalan sex workers. I could be making up the part about Guatemala, but I am sure it was a Spanish speaking country. Anyway, I most vividly remember all the field work I did for that class as well as World Ethnography.
Psychology, Photography, and the Visual Arts: A sucky class that I thought would be fun. The most hilarious moment of the class (though nobody laughed but me) was when we were sharing slides and the cheerleader had taken a picture of the lights in the MCI Center, taken from the floor. I thought it was a horrible picture, personally, and the prof had already figuratively torn my picture to pieces, calling it a "snapshot." Well this chick says "Well, I'm a cheerleader, so I spend a lot of time on my knees...."
I looked around and couldn't believe that no one else was even smiling.
Then there are classes I remember a LOT about, to the point where they profoundly influenced me: Black Women Writers, Problem of God, Religions of the African Diaspora, Ancient Religions of the Near East, Islamic Religious Thought and Practice, Modern Islam, Comparative Mythology, Music and Ethnicity (or something of that nature), and Black History/Black Culture.
But it's sort of scary to me that I took classes that clearly had no value to me. I just HAD to take them. Like Intro to Ethics. What the hell was the point?
Now, sitting here this long thinking about it, I finally recall that it was in this class that I learned about Universalism and Cultural Relativism. But come on...ONE thing out of a 15 week class? That's a waste of somebody's money.
Looking back, I know that Ethics fulfilled some kind of Philosophy requirement. I think I could take Intro to Philosophy and one higher level philosophy, or I could substitute the higher level Philosophy with Ethics. Seems like I hated philosophy so much that Ethics HAD to be better.
You kind of forget that you're in college to learn....
One more quick story:
So when I came to Georgetown, I just KNEW I was going to be a history major. Well, Professor Astarita quickly ended those dreams when he FAILED me on my first college mid-term. I was like WTF??? And then I realized I liked writing a whole lot better than reading (history) thanks to Professor Keith Fort and his co-teacher Stephanie Vermeychuk (love her!). I decided then and there that I would be an English major and write books.
The rest is history.
Posted by Rashid on at 6:52 PM | Comments (0)
Rashid's Girlfriend
It's time I revealed the truth to all of you.
I have a girlfriend.
I see her just about every day. She's beautiful. She's an assistant district attorney, specializing in prosecuting the especially heinous sexually based crimes in New York City.
Her name....Alexandra Cabot.
Yes, ADA Alex Cabot of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Ain't she sexy?
Unfortunately, she's in the witness protection program now, but I still get to see her every day on the USA Network!
Posted by Rashid on February 26, 2005 at 8:28 PM | Comments (2)
A New Category!
I usually post these articles on a message board I go to, but since that site is trippin', I think I'll just post it here. I think it's important for Black Greeks to keep on top of the news in our own community, both good and bad.
I have posted links to the original articles, where available.
Ole Miss Zetas Celebrate Finer Womanhood Week
Zeta Phi Beta sorority celebrates Finer Womanhood Week, which honors the history and principles of its sorority through community service and entertainment activities for the community.The event also promotes Greek unity among the National Pan-Hellenic, Interfraternity and Panhellenic sororities and fraternities on campus.
The sorority is hosting several events throughout the week that help numerous causes.
Denaya Butler, Zeta Phi Beta’s coordinator for this week’s activities, said one of the week’s biggest events will be held on Friday in conjunction with the NPHC...
Show fails to draw some acts, big crowd (George Washington University)
Show fails to draw some acts, big crowd By Cherelle KanteySounds of stepping and clapping filled the stage of Lisner Auditorium Saturday night at the Alpha Phi Alpha Step Show, but the rhythm was heard by only half the expected crowd.
Besides catering to mostly empty seats in a 1,500-person venue that was expected to be filled, the eighth annual dance competition also failed to attract half of the acts scheduled to perform.
"People just didn't follow through with their commitments," said senior Isaiah Pickens, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Based on African traditions, step dancing combines a hip-hop beat with foot stomping and clapping to create elaborate rhythms.
Out of seven teams expected to perform, three cancelled two days before the event and one never showed up. Pickens cited a lack of step dance teams in the D.C. area and a long travel time as possible reasons for the low turnout.
"It also doesn't help that this is President's Day Weekend, and people wanted to relax," said Pickens, who added that one of the teams that was a no-show would have had to travel from Atlanta to compete.
Lack of commitment was only part of the problem, however. Last year's first prize-winning fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma of Moorehouse College, cancelled their performance due to a death in the family. It ended up sending their members from a citywide step team in Philadelphia with one day's notice.
Despite the challenges faced by a lack of attendance, Pickens said he still considered the night a success. For the first time since it began organizing the event, Alpha Phi Alpha was able to present a District high school senior with a $1,500 scholarship to help cover college expenses.
"I joined the step show because I wanted to give back to the community," said Reggie Field of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity said. "I teach and coach in Philadelphia, so doing community service for kids is something I love to do."
Wendy Pena, a senior from the Lambda Pi Chi Sorority at Johns Hopkins University, expressed a similar sentiment. "Our motto is 'Latinas promoting community service,' which is one of the main reasons I joined," she said.
In addition to walking away with a sense of community, most of the groups left with a prize for their efforts. The Federal City Alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority won $1,000 for best overall sorority, with a "hip-hop meets step" theme. The women dressed in 1980s-style sweatsuits and impersonated rapper L.L. Cool J and paid homage to the late Jam Master J.
"We've never lost a competition," said Isis Stanley, a member of the sorority that took first place for the second year in a row. "It takes practice, hard work, and a collaborative effort."
The citywide alumni chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority earned a $500 prize for top sorority, which is awarded to the runner-up in the competition. Inspired by the reality series "The Apprentice," these women danced in white business suits with sparkling blue ties. A voice offstage represented the boss, a character played by a young child who fired steppers and later emerged to perform with the group.
The only men in the competition, from the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, won the $1,000 prize for best overall fraternity.
Alpha Phi Alpha will sponsor another step show next year, but this will be the last one for Pickens, who plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University. He said he is proud of the legacy of service he and his fraternity were able to deliver.
"We transcend all," Pickens said. "The greatest gift of being an Alpha man is being so involved and being able to do so many things at the same time."
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word neophyte comes from the Greek word "neophytos," which means newly planted, or newly converted.But for those of us who are in a fraternity or sorority, the word neophyte takes on a completely different meaning, especially for those who are in a multi-cultural (i.e. historically black, Latin, or Asian) Greek organization.
A neophyte celebration, probate show or yard show are all pretty much the same thing.
To put it in more simple terms, the above events are coming-out shows where an organization can show off and present its newest members to the community in which they serve. They are important because they show that the newest members have evolved from who they once were to who they are now-productive members of their chosen organizations. These celebrations are also important to the new members because it is a time when people, particularly alumni members of the organization, can come out and show their support....
Greeks Collaborate to Enhance Black Awareness
In an effort to gain a better presence on campus, increase community service, and raise money, the National Pan Hellenic Council is hosting activities throughout the week to get students involved in greek life.The NPHC is made up of the historically black fraternities and sororities on campus.
Yesterday they held "penny wars" to raise funds for next year's board and tonight's keynote speaker, Steve Birdine, the international president of Iota Phi Theta fraternity.....
“I admire people like Tom Joyner, Oprah, and Tavis Smiley because I know what they have come from,” said Williams, who like many successful black professionals, is a member of a black fraternity – Phi Beta Sigma – and graduated from an HBCU – South Carolina State University. “They didn’t inherit their wealth; they had to build it. And that’s the thing that bonds me with black folks in the struggle.”
Posted by Rashid on February 25, 2005 at 9:26 AM | Comments (1)
This is why I like basketball
Enough said.
Posted by Rashid on February 24, 2005 at 9:31 PM | Comments (3)
This Just In! Eric Benet Apologizes on new album
Eric Benet says his new album contains apology to ex-wife Halle Berry
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Eric Benet is singing an apology to ex-wife Halle Berry.
Benet said lyrics in his upcoming album include an apology - but she's heard it all before.
"I think somewhere along the way, she's heard everything," he told "Access Hollywood" in an interview broadcast Tuesday. "Maybe she hasn't heard the songs, but she's heard everything I have to say."
Berry filed for divorce from the R&B singer last April after about three years of marriage.
Tabloids speculated about Benet's faithfulness.
"Some of it is truth," but the reports also were full of misconceptions, Benet told "Access Hollywood."
"I think the biggest misconception is that there is something wrong with me," he said. "It's like the whole picture that was painted was ...'sex addict.'"
Benet also denied being a sex addict last year. In a July interview with ABC's "Primetime Thursday," he denied he ever committed adultery but acknowledged indiscretions that entailed "verbally inappropriate" behavior and "physical contact that was extremely inappropriate and wrong in a marriage."
Posted by Rashid on February 23, 2005 at 10:58 AM | Comments (1)
Etan Thomas Writes Poetry???
First of all....he's hot.
Etan Thomas plays for the Washington Wizards.....and he writes poetry???
HoneiChild, remember when I "called" him? I was like I don't care what nair one of y'all say, Etan Thomas is MINES. LOL I think I thought he was hot because he has dreadlocks AND all his bios seem to imply that he's really smart. But it's not like I watch Wizards basketball.
Here is his bio, according to Moore Black Press:
Etan Thomas is More Than An Athlete. He's been called a "gentle giant". A "rebounder with a cause". Now the world can add published author to that list! With the release of his first collection of poems, Thomas defies the stereotype of the A-political athlete, and plants his roots in his budding literary career. With the conviction of a Bill Russell, and the poetic fitnesse of Muhammad Ali, Thomas takes on controversial topics, such as, The Death Penalty, the GOP, racism and abortion.
Born in Harlem and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Thomas' childhood was surrounded by books on the civil rights movement, politics and the 1960's. He was greatly influenced by his mother, Deborah Thomas, a schoolteacher who traveled with Thomas and his younger brother back home to Harlem every summer, attending plays and poetry readings. this young, fiery poet approaches his work fearlessly, writing in the strong, historical lineage of his literary elders, Amiri Baraka and Sonia Sanchez, and in the tradition of contemporary poets, Ras Baraka, Saul Williams, Tony Medina, Jessica Care Moore, and Asha Bandele.
Thomas graduated from Syracuse University as a two-time Big East defensive player of the year and the school's all time leader in block shots. Picked by Dallas in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft, he eventually ended up playing for the Washington Wizards, where he became impressed with the political activism surrounding him. He has been invited to speak at the Congressional Black Caucus and has worked heavily with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a vocal opponent of the death penalty.
Thomas has a passion for young people, speaking at community organizations, high schools and prisons across the country. He has performed alongside Nikki Giovanni, Edward Hirsch, The Last Poets, Kevin Powell and others. Refreshingly humble and remarkably talented, Thomas is determined to change the face of poetry, politics and professional sports with his own brand of legacy and an honest sense of urgency that resonates off every page of his first collection. More Than An Athlete is more than a book of poetry; it's a statement about his generation not being confined to a box, a definition, or a label. Some play ball, and some write poems. Etan Thomas has mastered the art of both. Who's got next?
Click here for info about his tour.
Thing is....I haven't read any of his poetry, so I don't know if he's any good, but I'd love to go see him in person or support the book.
We'll see!
Oh yeah, I first learned about this in Black Issues Book Review. If you love reading or you're an aspiring writer, subscribe to this magazine!
Posted by Rashid on at 8:10 AM | Comments (1)
Last Day!
Hey folks, today is the LAST DAY to pre-order LAZARUS! Get yours now!
http://thebook.oldgoldsoul.com/order.html
Posted by Rashid on February 22, 2005 at 9:33 AM | Comments (0)
Which Family Guy character are you?
Which Family Guy character are you?
Posted by Rashid on at 8:25 AM | Comments (0)
Did you know....?
I am probably the last one to know these things since I ain't been to a movie since last year, but I wanted to share this info.
Did you know that they were remaking The Honeymooners with Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Epps?
Posted by Rashid on February 21, 2005 at 11:02 PM | Comments (2)
Entertainment Round-Up
Lenny Kravitz is going on tour! I wanted to go see him when he comes to DC, but tickets went on sale yesterday, and I'm sure all the good seats have sold out. I've got like no credit and I couldn't get to a ticket master yesterday...AND I've got like no friends (maybe one or two) who like Lenny enough to go to a concert, so I'm just ass out. I'll have to catch him next time. *sigh* He's gonna be at Constitution Hall, too!
Amerie is doing her thing! I saw her vidjoe for the first time this week and it was way more than I expected! She did the damn thing for real! Everyone I know likes it. And the extra surprise is that the song, "1 Thing" is on the soundtrack to Hitch. Her own album, Touch, will be out on May 3.
Since I've been ill, I've been catching up on my stories, The Young & The Restless and Days of Our Lives. Days is the same -- every day in Salem is like a month long. I'm kinda mad that Kate ruined Sami's wedding, but I like Eugenia a lot. You don't get to see black women in daytime that are just blatantly devious. She's pretty too, she remind me a little bit of Toni Childs from Girlfriends. Y&R is still THE BOMB. Time goes so quickly on that show that I'm afraid I'm missing a lot -- and well, I guess I have, but I can still jump right back in there.
Let's pause to recognize this guy:
Bryton is a damn good actor and I am really pleasantly surprised with his portrayal of Devon Hamilton on Y&R. If you didn't know, this is the same guy that was "Richie" on Family Matters. He's awesome, check him out.
GIRLFRIENDS is my new favorite show! I don't know how I slept on this show for five seasons, but for some reason, I started watching it in syndication. It's good! The writing is so realistic, so fabulous. Wow. The women are all really beautiful. They have also mastered the challenge of the "guest star." Their guest stars actually stick around for more than one episode!
I don't watch The Real World every week -- I am usually watching Law & Order: SVU during that time. But all the gay black listserves that I'm on have been discussing Karamo ad nauseum. Karamo is weird...Karamo is a bitch....Karamo needs to grow up....Karamo needs some dick....Karamo Karamo Karamorosa. Honestly, at this point, I was finished with following Karamo after the Dorian thing. I mean....maybe I outgrew The Real World, but after you dog somebody out on TV, why should I keep watching? There are more than enough niggas and niggettes in my life that have growing up to do...why should I have to watch somebody on MTV grow up, too?
And finally....let me just say that School Daze has been renewed as my favorite movie of all time, thanks to the School Daze Special Edition DVD. I received it as a gift from my boy Dwayne! Yay for Dwayne! Anyway, I watched all the special features already AND I watched the movie with cast commentary. Tisha Campbell-Martin, Bill Nunn, Darryl Bell, Rusty Cundieff, and Kadeem Hardison were on that joint cracking the hell up. It wasn't the typical "Yes, we are serious actors talking about the craft." It was more like listening in on a conversation between classmates -- they were loving it and I was loving listening in! One tidbit that I learned is that Rusty Cundieff is an Alpha -- never knew that. Also, one of my favorite frat Brothers, Skip Mason, served as a consultant on this film.
I am gonna re-read Uplift the Race soon to compare what the book says about the movie to what the DVD says. I think this means I am officially a School Daze fanatic. I have the VHS tape, the original DVD, the special edition DVD, the book, some promotional black and white photos, and the soundtrack on CD. All I really want now is a School Daze t-shirt. It doesn't have to be a first edition joint, I might just find a crisp graphic and make my own.
Whew! Well, those are my thoughts....I'm sure most of you are watching, listening to, and reading a lot more interesting things than I am, LOL.
Posted by Rashid on February 20, 2005 at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)
Icky
I still feel icky. For whatever reason, I have been very tired all day long, even groggy. Perhaps I am reacting to the medicine I am taking, but one teaspoon of cough syrup (with codiene) shouldn't be hitting me this hard.
I've got a good amount to do this weekend, including some final typesetting, a phone call to Japan to my cover designer, and some other junk.
But I'm so tired.
At some point I want to give some more entertainment observations: Amerie, the Real World (and how I don't watch it), School Daze, and more....
But for now, I think I want to lay down.
Posted by Rashid on February 19, 2005 at 6:37 PM | Comments (0)
From Him
Tee hee hee. :-D
Posted by Rashid on February 18, 2005 at 2:31 PM
This is my 200th post
I got sicker today...started coughing a lot more than I was earlier this week. Problem was exacerbated by some outside stress. Dealt with it, though.
I am about to hop into bed (before 8pm!) but before I do...
I don't know if I am setting myself up in a negative way, but when I think about him, I am really glad he's in my life. I do want to be near him, somehow...on one hand it sucks that I pretty much feel the same way about him as I always have. But...I guess it's better to have feelings that not have them.
Seems like I talked about something like this in my old blog....
I don't like him with the mushy like. I like him with the like of resignation....the like that makes you sigh and just be like "fuck it, i'm just gonna have to like him." at least until someone else comes along. and you kinda don't want that to happen because you can't imagine liking anybody else the same way. and maybe you won't. but that's not a bad thing.
i dunno, i'm trippin as usual.
Posted by Rashid on February 17, 2005 at 7:25 PM
A quiz stolen from my girl Kryptonite
1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:15am, then I went back to sleep from 5:30am to 6am.
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds....what's a dude gonna do with pearls?
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Sad to say....it's STILL Barbershop 2. I need to get out more.
4. What is your favorite TV show? Right this second: American Idol 4, House, ER, Law & Order: SPecial Victims Unit
5. What did you have for breakfast? So far, just apple sauce.
6. What is your middle name? Eman
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese
8. What foods do you dislike? I gota echo Kryptonite and say that soul food has eventually got to leave my life. Too much, too greasy, I'm trying to live. HOWEVA, I will never give up fried chicken. It's all that extra stuff like chitlins, chicken livers...all the leftovers from the animal that we were never supposed to eat.
9. What is your favorite chip flavor? Barbecue UTZ potato chips and Cool Ranch Doritos.
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? The Van Hunt CD (although I don't actually own it.
11. What kind of car do you drive? I drive these New Balance 574s.
12. Favorite sandwich? Any kind of deli meat pretty much, as long as it's lean.
13. What characteristic do you despise? Disloyalty.
14. Favorite item of clothing? My white crossing jacket!
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Back to England.
16. What color is your bathroom? My basement bathroom is white....but it's more like a closet that has a toilet, lol.
17. Favorite brand of clothing? I'm not into brands except when it comes to shoes, in which case I generally only wear New Balance and Nikes.
18. Where would you retire to? A rich, white neighborhood in upper Northwest DC, lol.
19. What was your most memorable birthday? Probably my 21st birthday party. (Summer of 2000?) I was living on campus and we had so much fried chicken, birthday cake, potato salad, and BEER. AND a DJ. And it's like everyone on campus showed up, and alumni from like two years prior! It was so much fun....I had liquor in the back for the white folks, food in the middle for everyone, and dancing up front for the black folks. (Sorry to be racist, but that's just how Georgetown parties were!)
20. Favorite sport to watch? Track and Field! Mo legs and mo booty!
21. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide, I guess
22. Coke or Pepsi? Neither, I don't drink colas.
23. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Both...give me a few days to slip into the habit, and I can give you either.
24. What is your shoe size? Anywhere from a 9 to a 10, depending on the shoe.
25. Do you have any pets? Two cats, Maxwell and Laila.
26. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with your family & friends? Not really....y'all bamas need to buy the book, but that's about it.
27. What did you want to be when you were little? Photographer
28. What are you doing today? Staying at home to clean, do some stuff toward Lazarus, and go to the post office AGAIN.
29. If you could, what would you like to be doing now as far as a career? Writing, writing, and writing some more.
Posted by Rashid on February 16, 2005 at 9:21 AM | Comments (2)
Tired....
#1.....I came out of editing retirement and hooked up one of my old clients on a 9-pager. It took longer than I wanted to, but it got done. Plus she's gonna pre-order a book!
#2.....my boy ANWAR book us a hotel room for initiation weekend for APO. I see now that this is becoming a tradition for us. I'm really excited for this -- it's going down in March.
#3.....y'all seen Amerie's new video? Shit is tight!
#4.....subbed for second grade today. Loved it! Soooooo glad I went back to short-term work!
#5......got a Valentine's Day Card from my girl Rachel! HEY BOO! Thanks sooooo much, it was an awesome card!
#6.....thank you AGAIN Dwayne! I won't put all the bidness on blast, but you know how much I appreciate you.
#7.....I also got some e-greetings from some friends. Thank you!
#8.....could I BE any more tired? LOL
#9.....I am so used to short seasons on HBO shows that it blows my mind when network shows produce like 22 episodes! I can watch ER like EVERY week!!! And Law & Order! That's hot! Hopefully I can more more entertainment updates soon.
Night!
Posted by Rashid on February 15, 2005 at 10:14 PM | Comments (1)
Valentine's Day....
Valentine's Day has come and (almost) gone without incident. This time last year I was dealing with an asshole. (I've told that story before, but I don't know the name of the entry.)
I am cool on Valentine's Day this year. I am not trippin' because I don't have a significant other. Cuz I got better than that!
I gots me:
1) A secret admirer!
2) A job (kinda).
3) A novel. (I write books, beeyatch!)
4) Friends!
5) And on most days, my health.
My mom got me a few Valentine's Day cards, which I didn't expect! I didn't get her anything, because well, she has a man -- what more could she want? LOL And I guess by me acknowledging the day for other folks, maybe it would remind me that I kinda didn't have anyone? I don't know.
I like Valentine's Day. I think it's cool. I don't think it's all that commercial. It's just a day to remind people to hold their loved ones close. It's not really a family day -- it's a day to just really appreicate your lover, if you've got one. And if you don't, that's cool -- no big deal. It's not like banks are closed today.
Still blown that I had a secret admirer....my boy at work kept saying I had a stalker. LOL, I was like yeah whatever....it's nice having these random acts of kindness.
I think I deserve them.
Posted by Rashid on February 14, 2005 at 7:46 PM | Comments (3)
The Old Gold Soul Entertainment Report
Okay....so let's start with the Grammys. Admittedly, I didn't watch the whole thing. BUT...
Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx: I was very surprised that I enjoyed the performance, because I generally don't like Jamie. He did slightly oversing his part, but he settled down by the end of the song.
Kayne West/Mavis Staples/John Legend/Five Blind Boys of Alabama: I absolutely hated the entire thing. I don't like Kanye as a rapper first of all. I thought the church scene could have gone in a better direction -- the choreography was horrid and seemed thrown together. Although I don't generally like the sound of John Legend's voice, I appreciated his performance. On the other hand, one of the Five Blind Boys sounded absolutely dreadful, like nails on a blackboard. Mavis Staples was adequate, but there were several times that she sounded like Weezie Jefferson.
Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge -- brilliant. LOVED THEM. I wasn't quite sure if Joss was trying to steal the second song though, Melissa was looking at her kind of sideways. Also, I know that Melissa is battling cancer, so I appreciated the fact that she was rocking the bald head with not a second thought.
Kevin Bacon looked weird, but kind of cute. Ludacris was a little overdressed or something.
Adam Sandler and Nelly presented the award for best R&B performance and Prince won. As usual, he wasn't there. Nelly accepted the award on his behalf and said "Well, Prince isn't here, so....oooooo-oooooo!!!" (He did the Prince call -- I almost died laughing.)
Is it just me, or is Queen Latifah getting her bosoms back?
U2 was okay, but I wasn't paying close atention.
It's official: Jennifer Lopez can't sing. What the HELL was that I saw when she and Skeletor -- I mean Marc Anthony -- sang together? The only good thing about that sequence was the dress.
I changed the channel because I have a short attention span.
*****
An Officer & A Gentleman is on American Movie Classics right now. Why in the hell is Richard Gere so hot???
*****
I re-watched Kill Bill today. God I love that movie. One of these days I am going to start mu kung-fu DVD collection.
Posted by Rashid on at 7:24 PM | Comments (0)
I'm not trying to seduce you. Would you like me to seduce you?
Your Seduction Style: "Sweet Talker"
Your seduction technique can be summed up with "charm." You know that if you have the chance to talk to someone...Well, you won't be talking for long! ;-)
You're great at telling potential lovers what they want to hear, partially because you're a great reflective listener and good at complimenting. The other part of your formula? Focusing your conversation completely on the other person.
Your "sweet talking" ways have taken you far in romance - and in life. You can finess your way through any difficult situation, with a smile on your face. Speeding tickets, job interviews... bring it on! You truly live a *charmed life*
What Kind of Seducer Are You?
More Great Quizzes from Quiz Diva
DAMN, they ain't neva lied!
Posted by Rashid on February 13, 2005 at 9:03 PM | Comments (1)
Tears Flow in Harlem
Tears flow in Harlem
BY KERRY BURKE, LESLIE CASIMIR and TRACY CONNOR
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Saturday, February 12th, 2005
From Hollywood to Harmlem, thousands of mourners gathered yesterday for Ossie Davis' last curtain call - a stately funeral procession through Manhattan and a star-studded church service.
The famous stood alongside ordinary fans at Riverside Church to pay tribute to the late actor and activist and to give comfort to his widow and performing partner, Ruby Dee.
They remembered the power he brought to the stage and the picket line, his passion for the arts and his lifelong fight for civil rights and economic equality.
"All people embraced him as he embraced all people," singer and actor Harry Belafonte said in his eulogy. "But he held a special place in the heart and soul of black folk and the poor."
Former President Bill Clinton said he asked to sit in the back of the church because "I would proudly ride on the back of Ossie's bus any day."
"I was never in Ossie Davis' presence that I didn't want to stand up a little straighter, speak a little better, be a little more generous," Clinton said. "Thank you God, for letting us know him."
Davis, 87, died Feb. 4 in Miami Beach, where he was shooting a movie, leaving a legacy that includes 80 films, Broadway shows and a history of activism.
Though he was born in Georgia and spent the last years of his life in New Rochelle, Westchester County, Davis began his career in Harlem, where his final farewell was held.
It began at the Abyssinian Baptist Church on W. 138th St., where at 10 a.m. a mahogany coffin adorned with roses was carried into a black Cadillac hearse.
Led by a troupe of African drummers and trailed by a cavalcade of limos and a crowd of 100 on foot, the hearse was driven west to Riverside Church.
A line of people hoping to get into the service snaked around the block. Some held signs, others tapped on drums as they shared memories of Davis.
Chad Tucker, 19, an actor from Rosedale, Queens, had been in line since 4 a.m. He talked about how Davis and Dee visited him backstage after his performance in a play, "Blue," two years ago.
"It was the equivalent of being in a gold mine. I was so touched," he said. "When I win my Academy Award, he is one of the people I will thank."
The funeral was a spirited event. Wynton Marsalis played the jazz trumpet, Maya Angelou read a poem and actor Avery Brooks read from Davis' play, "Purlie Victorious."
Dee, who was married to Davis for more than half a century, wiped away tears as close friends paid tribute.
The Rev. Dr. James Forbes Jr., pastor of Riverside, called Davis "our guru, our philosopher king." Actor Alan Alda said Davis was "my hero."
"When I was 24, I stood in the wings every night watching Ossie in 'Purlie Victorious.' His power and his spontaneity were so vivid that it made the hair rise on your neck," he said.
Burt Reynolds, who co-starred with Davis in the TV show "Evening Shade," noted they were born in the same town.
"As I grew to love him, he took the bad part of the South out of me," Reynolds said.
Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, broke down as she recalled the eulogy Davis gave her father in 1965.
"Forty years ago, Uncle Ossie said ... 'Here at this final hour in this quiet place, Harlem has come to bid farewell to one of its finest hopes.'"
She paused and then added: "Ditto."
[That part made me cry. :-(]
But there was plenty of laughter, too.
Earl Graves, publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, threw out some of Davis' trademark one-liners, which he called Ossie-isms.
If someone told Davis he was looking good, he would say, "They pay me to look good."
If they asked where his next job would take him, he would answer, "I don't know, but they will accept me when I arrive and they will pay me when I leave."
And when he was asked how he was doing, Davis would inevitably respond, "Better than I deserve, and I deserve the best."
"And he did deserve the best," Graves said. "Because the best is what he gave of himself."
Some of the most poignant - and funniest - tributes came from Davis' seven grandchildren.
"Bear with me," his grandson Brian said. "because he always said if we did his funeral wrong he was going to get up and do it himself."
Another grandson, Muta Ali, said he had been fighting back tears since he heard of Davis' death.
"You blessed my life for 25 years, and this Earth for 87," he said. "I guess you have to let the angels have their turn, too."
Posted by Rashid on at 5:31 PM | Comments (0)
Another Dirty Dozen
JS, "Ice Cream"
Eve, "What You Want"
Blind Melon, "No Rain (Acoustic)"
Prince, "Joy in Repetition (Live)"
Des'ree, "You Gotta Be"
Terence Trent D'Arby, "...And I Need to Be With Someone Tonight"
Kelis vs Madonna, "Holiday Milkshake (Aaron Elvis Loves Nita Mix)"
Salt N Pepa vs Benni Benassi vs The Rolling Stones, "Push it Baby Baby Cos I Can't Get No Satisfaction"
Marvin Gaye & Oma Page, "So Good To Be Loved By You"
James Brown vs The Beatles, "James Brown Can Work It Out"
112, "Peaches and Cream"
Prince, "Call My Name"
Posted by Rashid on at 9:26 AM | Comments (1)
I have a secret admirer!
Today, I recieved the most thoughtful Valentine's Day card I ever could have gotten.
Thw card itself says:
A Valentine's Day Wish
Thinking of you and wishing you...
sweet memories, happy dreams, warm moments shared with those you love...
Thinking of you and wishing you a
Happy Valentine's Day.
"J.C." writes:
"I am a secret admirer, not a stalker. I care about you (a little) to send this card...I am sending you this card to let you know that somebody cares about how you feel and all the things that you are going through....you are a good man with a very sincere heart..."
Emphasis mine.
J.C., whoever you are, THANK YOU SO MUCH. This card made my day. Thank you for helping me to take the sweet with the bitter -- thank you for showing me so much love just for being myself. That really is appreciated.
See? I don't have to be with somebody to have a good Valentine's Day!!!
Posted by Rashid on February 12, 2005 at 4:29 PM | Comments (2)
Malcolm X's Eulogy
Eulogy delivered by Ossie Davis at the funeral of Malcolm X
Faith Temple Church Of God
February 27,1965
"Here - at this final hour, in this quiet place - Harlem has come to bid farewell to one of its brightest hopes -extinguished now, and gone from us forever. For Harlem is where he worked and where he struggled and fought - his home of homes, where his heart was, and where his people are - and it is, therefore, most fitting that we meet once again - in Harlem - to share these last moments with him. For Harlem has ever been gracious to those who have loved her, have fought her, and have defended her honor even to the death.
It is not in the memory of man that this beleaguered, unfortunate, but nonetheless proud community has found a braver, more gallant young champion than this Afro-American who lies before us - unconquered still. I say the word again, as he would want me to : Afro-American - Afro-American Malcolm, who was a master, was most meticulous in his use of words. Nobody knew better than he the power words have over minds of men. Malcolm had stopped being a 'Negro' years ago. It had become too small, too puny, too weak a word for him. Malcolm was bigger than that. Malcolm had become an Afro-American and he wanted - so desperately - that we, that all his people, would become Afro-Americans too.
There are those who will consider it their duty, as friends of the Negro people, to tell us to revile him, to flee, even from the presence of his memory, to save ourselves by writing him out of the history of our turbulent times. Many will ask what Harlem finds to honor in this stormy, controversial and bold young captain - and we will smile. Many will say turn away - away from this man, for he is not a man but a demon, a monster, a subverter and an enemy of the black man - and we will smile. They will say that he is of hate - a fanatic, a racist - who can only bring evil to the cause for which you struggle! And we will answer and say to them : Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm? Did you ever touch him, or have him smile at you? Did you ever really listen to him? Did he ever do a mean thing? Was he ever himself associated with violence or any public disturbance? For if you did you would know him. And if you knew him you would know why we must honor him.
Malcolm was our manhood, our living, black manhood! This was his meaning to his people. And, in honoring him, we honor the best in ourselves. Last year, from Africa, he wrote these words to a friend: 'My journey', he says, 'is almost ended, and I have a much broader scope than when I started out, which I believe will add new life and dimension to our struggle for freedom and honor and dignity in the States. I am writing these things so that you will know for a fact the tremendous sympathy and support we have among the African States for our Human Rights struggle. The main thing is that we keep a United Front wherein our most valuable time and energy will not be wasted fighting each other.' However we may have differed with him - or with each other about him and his value as a man - let his going from us serve only to bring us together, now.
Consigning these mortal remains to earth, the common mother of all, secure in the knowledge that what we place in the ground is no more now a man - but a seed - which, after the winter of our discontent, will come forth again to meet us. And we will know him then for what he was and is - a Prince - our own black shining Prince! - who didn't hesitate to die, because he loved us so."
Posted by Rashid on February 11, 2005 at 6:55 PM | Comments (0)
See what Care Bear you are.
This quiz ain't never lied!
Posted by Rashid on at 6:52 PM | Comments (0)
Which M&M Are you?
Posted by Rashid on at 6:47 PM | Comments (0)
What High School Stereotype Are You?
Take the What High School Stereotype Are You? quiz.
Posted by Rashid on at 6:42 PM | Comments (0)
A quiz I stole from him
1.do you shave?
Indeed
2.what do you shave?
My beard and goatee.
3.why?
So when I throw up my mirror, I can run my fingers through my chin without getting stuck.
4.what color is your razor?
Black
5.what size is your bed?
Small, lol
6.do you like it?
No
7.you're going on a date for a walk around the lake then a coffee at a cafe. what do you wear FROM your closet?
First of all, that's too much damn walking and I don't like coffee. That said, if it's nippy, I'm wearing my pea coat and a scarf.
9.if you woke up one morning and found out your body was going to stay exactly the same for the rest of your life what would you think?
God damn it all to hell!
10. letter or e-mail?
Letter.
11. if world war III broke out, what would you say?
I'd say nothing, head for the hills, and take my loved ones with me.
12. Would you date someone with a hairy lip or hairy eyebrows?
A hairy lip is just a mustache, right? Sure. And eyebrows are supposed to be somewhat hairy.
13.which 5 people do you trust and are open with the most?
Nikki, Shari, Jimi, Claudine, Aaron M.
14.what's something a girl will wear that'll turn you off?
Girls don't turn me on in the first place, but I really really dislike assymetrical skirts.
15. what's something a girl will wear that'll turn you on?
An LL Cool J disguise.
16. what do you think of soul mates?
A myth. Men suck.
17.florida or cali?
Florida...crunk!
18. Do you think the world is filled with more good than evil?
A lot of good, but mostly indifference. There is evil, but I don't think most people are purposefully evil.
19.is cussing a necessity in life?
It's not a necessity, but I like it too much to stop.
20.what's an object you can't live without?
Something to write with, be it a keyboard or pen and paper.
21.can you live without the microwave?
Sure!
22.You have this dream about your friend of the same sex. how do you act and feel around that friend the next day?
I'd probably be flirtatious just to see if I had a chance.
23.would you rather be rich with 15 spoiled brats or just barely making it with a dog?
Rich wins every time, spoiled kids or not.
24. Summer,spring,or fall?
Fall, then Spring.
25.what's something someone's done to make you hold a grudge against them?
Broke my heart.
27.what's one look trait that attracts you to a girl?
I told you, I don't like girls.
28.what's one personality trait that attracts you to a girl?
See above.
29.do you know what 143 means?
It means "I love you"
30.who's phone number are you hoping to get?
W. Ellington Felton, so we can be friends, lol
33.do you believe in ghosts?
Yes
34.what time did you sleep last night?
VERY soon after ER right now.
35.which girl do you wish to be with RIGHT now?
Nikki, but not sexually. I'm GAY!
36.is it right to flirt if you have a gf?
Hell fuckin no.
37.would you rather be married in venice, italy, or honolulu, hawaii?
Honolulu
38.would you rather eat sandwiches or pasta for the rest of your life?
Hmmmm....sandwiches are so good, but so is pasta. I just don't know.
39.(guys) how would you feel if you gave a girl a flower?
No particular way....it probably means I want something, lol.
40. do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
A famous writer -- hey, I'm almost there!
41.what do you think of the word, "no pain, no gain" ?
Tell that to the offspring of the filthy rich.
42.what do you think of the quote "eyes are the passageways into the soul"?
That's a lie.
43.What do you think of sleep?
Sleep is good.
44.if you had the chance to slow down your growth now and live to 500 years but it's like a 50 year old body by then, would you go for it?
I would do it simply for the wisdom and enlightenment.
45.One point in a girl/guy friendship will one them like each other even if it's only for a little bit. true or false?
True.
46.Are you a procrastinator?
Not really.
47.waffles or pancakes?
I like both.
48.how's your cereal in your bowl?
I eat it straight from the box. Milk is bad for black people.
49.what's an annoying trait about you?
Just too damn perfect.
50.football or rugby?
Rugby -- the shorts!
51. hat or visor?
Hat
52.ice skating or rollerblading?
Ice skating
53. If you had a total hottie walk by you, would you talk to the hottie?
Hell yeah, even if I just say hi!
54.pizza or burgers?
Turkey burgers
55.what colour is your jacket?
My pea coat is black, my frat jackets are black and white.
56.what's something you ALWAYS have on you?
My ATM card
57.what do you think of guys with nailpolishes?
Pimps
58.do you stay in bed thinking or do you fall asleep in 5 seconds?
I am too tired to think if I am all the way in the bed.
59.would you rather go to a boarding school, private school, or an all girls or guys school?
Private school.
60.there's a high school that'll be on a cruise ship and you have the opportunity to go. it's your last year at school. do you go for it?
No.
61. who do you want to take with you to the prom?
A dude. A hot dude. A tall hot dude with nice teeth and big muscles.
62. your gf gets drunk at a party.
I'd take her home and make sure she wasn't ill.
63.is cyber sex considered cheating?
Yes.
64.how do you react to change?
I need to be in control of the change. Dammit.
65.are you happy?
Yep. If you were me, wouldn't you be happy too?
66.favorite berries-
Raspberries
67.what's one facial feature you'd like to change about yourself?
I wouldn't change anything about my face.
68.do you take a shower after a bath?
No.
69.what's colour's your towel?
Blue
70.what do you think of knuckle cracking?
It feels soooooo gooooood.
71.what was the last thing you cried over or got teary about?
Probably some dumb old boy.
72.chalk or crayons?
Chalk, for all my teachers out there.
73.how's you happiness level right now?
5
74. coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
Hot Chocolate, just like me, EH HE HE HE
75.wouldn't you just love to hug someone right now?
Not really....why invest in a hug?
76.who was the last person who complimented you?
Someone who wrote in about my blog!
77. Would you ever have a mullet haircut?
No.
78.do you know what an aphrodisiac is?
Yes, and I don't believe in them.
79.who do you wish you could kiss?
Let's take it back to LL Cool J.
80.movies at home on in a theater?
Home.
81.wanna live in a castle?
ACTUALLY, having seen both castles and palaces, I really prefer a palace. Castles are actually more like fortresses. There's not much to see or do, the stone is very cold and impersonal. Palaces have lots of land, gardens, all that good shit.
82.isn't gondola a cool word?
It is, isn't it?
Posted by Rashid on at 8:52 AM | Comments (1)
what kind of TOILET PAPER are you?
 | You scored as over-dispensing toilet paper. That's right. You're over-dispensing toilet paper, the kind that dangles over
the roll and is usually folded into a little triangle, like at hotels.
You're generous and hospitable. People admire you for your emotional
availability. And you don't mind if your friends need to unload on
you every once in a while.
what kind of TOILET PAPER are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
Posted by Rashid on February 10, 2005 at 6:58 PM | Comments (0)
Superfood
So the very next song I heard was the original "Sweet Dreams" by Eurythmics and I had a flashback to undergrad...
Picture it, Fall 1999, Gaston Hall, Georgetown University. I am the second-term President of the Georgetown Univerisy Step Team, which I founded in Spring of 1998.
Spring ninety-eight marked our inception
We came out steppin'
Now we are all that and then some
We are not a new sorority
Nor a fraternity/Nor do we try to be
We are the fine Hoyas runnin' things
Now that you all know our mission
Please pay attention
Let's show them all what they been missin'....
So we're having our second-ever step show, and our first one in a big venue. Gaston Hall seats 700. About 250 showed up at the previous year's show so we knew we would need a better venue than the food court.
We invited teams from everywhere. On the final roster we had Alpha Phi Alpha, Lambda Pi Chi, Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Phi Chi, Omega Psi Phi, the University at Buffalo Step Team, and of course the GU Step Team. We also invited Superfood, an a cappella singing group on campus.
The previous semester, or maybe even earlier that same semester, I had choreographed a very simple step for Superfood to use with their arrangement of "Are You That Somebody" by Aaliyah. They were sooooo cute! And very appreciative. I was either friends with or admired a lot of them: Ajit (who me and my girl nicknamed Jity-jit, but he never knew it), Rachel, Amanda, Sherman, LeQuan, and oh snap, I just blanked on the girl's name who is the focal point of the story....shit....[EDIT: It's TINA!]
So I invited Superfood to open up the show, with the intent that they would perform "Are You That Somebody" with the step at the end. They sang a lot of other songs I liked as well, including "Sweet Dreams" (which inspired me to write this entry, of course).
Superfood had so much talent. They weren't like the other singing groups on campus. They were like...for the people and of the people. Not standoffish, not corny. And they were pleasing on the eyes, too. The ladies and the fellas.
So okay, Tina (the girl that lead the song) had on this nice, semi-tight dress with knee-high boots. The group starts with Sherman doing the little "Dirty south.....can y'all really feel me?" and Amanda leading the "Baby girl...feel me....dirty dirty..."
TOO CUTE. Superfood made me like a cappella.
Then Tina steps out and starts singing.
"BOY....I been watchin' you..."
But why is she pointing to me????
If you could see the tape, all you saw was my afro turning to the left, then the right, then realizing that yes, this girl is singing to me.
In front of at least 600 people.
Oh. My. God.
So she's singing the song and she's CLEARLY identified with me in the crowd. And this was a relatively quiet girl -- I would have never thought that she would have so much stage presence and sexuality.
So I am looking at the rest of Superfood and Ajit is looking at her, then me, and smiling. And so is Amanda. And Sherman. In general, they were all hype to be there. I, on the other hand, was turning beet red with embarrassment. The girl is doing all types of points and shakes and bendovershowalittletittyrightquicks.
Mind you, I know it's all for the show, but in the meantime, my boys in the audience are like "YEAH RASHID!!!!! I SEE YOU!!!! GET HER!"
The ended the performance with the step and the crowd LOVED them. They were awesome, on the real. Me turning red was nothing, I had a great time. But after the show, Ajit was like "Yeah dude, I ain't know she was gonna shake her titties all in your face."
LOLOL
We had a great time in college, I swear.
(The following year, one of the Sigmas started talking to me from the stage in the middle of his performance, but that's another story.)
So yes, Superfood. The greatest a capella group that ever was. If you're reading, I MISS YOU GUYS AND I WANT YOU SING AT MY WEDDING IN LIKE TEN YEARS!!!!
Oh yeah, one more thing...support my boy Ajit's career! I love this man so much, he'll probably never know. So talented, so cool.
[EDIT] And here is Superfood's website! Buy their album!
Posted by Rashid on February 9, 2005 at 5:18 PM | Comments (2)
Damn it all....
The first song I listen to when I get home....why does it have to be "I Can't Make You Love Me?"
You can't make your heart feel something it won't....
It's such a pretty song, even though it still breaks my heart.
Luckily, the next song is "Never Get Old" by David Bowie from the Reality album.
Better take care
Think I better go, better get a room
Better take care of me
Again and again
I think about this and I think about personal history
Better take care
I breathe so deep when the movie gets real
When the star turns round
Again and again
He looks me in the eye says he's got his mind on a countdown 3-2-1
Forever
I'm screaming that I'm gonna be living on till the end of time
Forever
The sky splits open to a dull red skull
My head hangs low 'cause it's all over now
And there's never gonna be enough money
And there's never gonna be enough drugs
And I'm never ever gonna get old
There's never gonna be enough bullets
There's never gonna be enough sex
And I'm never ever gonna get old
So I'm never ever gonna get high
And I'm never ever gonna get low
And I'm never ever gonna get old
Better take care
The moon flows on to the edges of the world because of you
Again and again
And I'm awake in an age of light living it because of you
Better take care
I'm looking at the future solid as a rock because of you
Again and again
Wanna be here and I wanna be there
Living just like you, living just like me
Forever
Putting on my gloves and bury my bones in the marshland
Forever
Think about my soul but I don't need a thing just the ring of the bell in the pure clean air
And I'm running down the street of life
And I'm never gonna let you die
And I'm never ever gonna get old
And I'm never ever gonna get
I'm never ever gonna get
I'm never ever gonna get old
And I'm never ever gonna get
And I'm never ever gonna get
Never ever gonna get old
Posted by Rashid on at 5:05 PM
You know what I realized?
I just realized that I ain't gonna get nothin' for Valentine's Day AGAIN!!!
Ugh!
I really like Valentine's Day, too. I appreciate the fact that it's one day out of the year one can be shamelessly romantic and not get clowned for it. It's a day where deep inside, I expect people to come out of the woodwork and tell me "Yo Rashid, I really care about you. Don't ever change. Don't....ever....change."
Yeah, right.
So another lonely Valentine's Day it is. No cards, no candy, no gifts, no singing telegrams, no surprises, no lover, no friend with benefits. No man.
If I had the dough, I'd treat myself to something nice in lieu of having a man. Such as the new School Daze and Malcolm X special edition DVDs. I am so mad I already own both of the regular editions of those flicks, but they came out with special editions that I must get. The way my finances are going, it might be next Valentine's Day before I can afford them. Lest we forget I am still waiting for the Matrix Ultimate Edition or whatever it's called.
I've thought about him a few times. I'm so used to telling him about my day. I don't try to forget him though. Or us.
It is what it is, whatever it is.
Posted by Rashid on at 6:18 AM
Relieved
I'm so glad to be out of that classroom.
It
was
hell.
Moreso than I can ever explain.
But, they still manage to entertain me.
So, I have three boys, let's call them Larry, Moe, and Shemp. They are all really jovial, kind-hearted boys. I like them a lot. Larry has a crush -- a SERIOUS crush -- on one of the girls in the class. Moe always clowns Larry about the crush. And Shemp is just there, but he's cool. Moe and Shemp don't like any girls in the class. (I don't blame them.)
Larry is just plain silly, but in a good way. Somewhere along the line, he decides to confide in me that he likes this girl. I honestly wouldn't have known unless he told me, but it was pretty obvious once he told me. So he's ALWAYS trying to whisper something to me about this girl. It's usually nothing more than "I'm taking her to the Valentine's Day Dance, Mr. Darden." And of course I'm happy for him, but I gotta tell him to stop being silly and do his work.
So yeah, there's a Valentine's Day Dance. When I got well enough to come back to work, this dance was the talk of the town. Larry, Moe, and Shemp got it in their heads that I should take "Miss Lucy" -- another teacher -- to this dance. So I had to break it to them "Gee boys, I'm not even going to the dance, but why do you want me to go with Miss Lucy?"
"Mr. Darden, you like Miss Lucy!"
"No, she's just my friend."
"Yeah, okay Mr. Darden." *wink*
So this goes on like three days in a row. Yesterday, I told them "Guys, me and Miss Lucy went to high school together--"
"OOOOOOOOOH!!!!"
"No, we ATTENDED high school together, we didn't GO together."
"OOOOOOOOH!!!!!!"
"Oh for goodness sake!"
So yesterday, I thought they got over it. Today, however, the Mr. Darden/Miss Lucy affair was revitalized. The kids were reading the newspaper and found a picture of some white man giving a white chick a flower, and they're both smiling.
"Look," Shemp said. "It's Mr. Darden and Miss Lucy!"
So they had big laughs.
So again, because I really didn't have anything else to do, I engaged them in a dialogue about it. They just SWEAR that me and Miss Lucy were MEANT for each other and that we LOVE each other.
I want to tell them so bad that:
1) I am harrrrddddly interested in chicks.
2) Miss Lucy knows I am haaaaaaardly interested in chicks.
3) Miss Lucy's man would beat my ass.
Later, I showed Miss Lucy the picture of the white couple and she asked me "Don't they know we're black?"
Hilarious.
I'm going to miss Larry, Moe, and Shemp, but I know they'll be fine.
Posted by Rashid on February 8, 2005 at 7:16 PM | Comments (1)
Work Sucks
Long story short:
I am going back to short-term sub gigs. This gig with Satan's Little Helpers just ain't cuttin' it for a lot of reasons. I'd go into it more, but folks are shady. Wouldn't want to lose the gig entirely.
I am extremely happy to be going back to short-term work, though. Less guarantees, but more flexibility.
I so wish I could say more.
Posted by Rashid on February 7, 2005 at 6:57 PM | Comments (1)
The Quasi-Celebrity Crush; The Other
So last night I had a dream about W. Ellington Felton. It wasn't erotic or romantic in any way. But I did have this school-boy type of squeamishness in the dream. I seem to have been all "aww shucks" when I was around him.
In real life, yes, I have a boy-crush on W. Ellington Felton. I just really want to be his friend -- isn't that corny? I really like his music and I "get" what it is that he's saying. I listen to him perform live and he reminds me of a few other straight male friends that I have.
I can listen to his music all day, all night, and never get tired. Not too many artists can do that for me.
So even though he's straight, I want y'all in the DC area to support my boy-crush.
And now, "The Other." He is a real life crush I have, but alas, he is also straight. Actually, this isn't a crush at all -- I just really really want to fool around with him. Slutty, huh? Yeah, that's me.
It's kind of amazing, actually. It takes so little for me to be loyal to a man -- if I like you, I will NEVER be disloyal. I might be attracted to other dudes, but I'll never flirt, never cheat, hell, will barely look at a dude. I don't have it in me to be unfaithful, even mentally.
But when I am single and completely unattached -- boy am I ever a horny son of a bitch.
So "the Other" is someone I see on a regular basis under normal circumstances. He's quite handsome. Sorta reminds me of Djimon Honsou when he was in the "Love Will Never Do" video. But not quite. He's definitely not the typical dude I'm attracted to. I tend to get with skinny guys for dome reason -- more of a coincidence than a preference. This dude is pretty thick. Not big, but not skinny. Bigger than me.
I've been having dreams about him this past week. Nothing major, nothing overtly sexual, but there are some erotic undertones. And I wake up horny as all get out, too.
But as I said, he's straight, so nothing will come of it. I won't ever tell him "Gee, [The Other], I really want to fool around with you right quick. Let's do this."
If I thought it would work, I'd sho nuff say it just like that, too.
That was pretty much my life at Georgetown. I was surrounded by fine men -- and I do mean SURROUNDED BY FINE MEN. And I couldn't do a damn thing about it. Poor me.
If you're a basketball fan, then you had all you needed right there on campus. But to be perfectly honest, the basketball players weren't the most handsome men on campus. Sure, they were nice enough, but there were only about four who I would have hollered at the whole time I was there.
Then you had the football team -- that's where the winners were. You not only had the height and the muscles, but you had some real handsome dudes who were pretty social and outgoing.
But track.....track is where the freaks were. (Or so we heard.) The men on the track team were lean, fine men. Partiers. At Georgetown you had BPPs (Black people parties), WPPs (white people parties), and then Track Parties. Track parties were the best of both worlds. You had the liquor of white folks parties, the music of black folks parties, and the finest men on campus. What more could you want?
Oh my god, the memories all come flooding back.
I remember being at a party my Junior year. The party room had a mezzanine that me and my girl used to stand on and dance so we could see the entire party below us. It was a nice mix of seeing everything while being on display. Anyway, so during that time, my favorite jams were "No Matter What They Say" by Lil Kim (because I had come out and didn't care what people said) and "That's What I'm Looking For" by Da Brat. Oh yeah, my other jam was "You Owe Me" by Nas and Ginuwine. If you played all three of those back to back, it was the equivalent of giving me a line of coke. I would be too damn hype.
(Not that I know anything about coke, I swear to god.)
So "That's What I'm Looking For" came on while we were on the mezzanine. Why would my fool ass POINT TO DUDES on the dance floor while singing along?
Where my rag wearing soldiers that
Love to watch the dough stack
Never leave the house without their strap
(That's what I'm looking for)
point...point....point
"Rashid, oh my God, what are you doing?"
They know just what RASHID need
Keep a big bank roll and a bag of weed
When it's time to go down they ain't scared to freak, shit
(That's what I'm looking for)
"Don't worry about it girl, I'ma HAVE me one of these men tonight!"
point....point....point
Where my Rolley wearing thugs who
Claim they don't love you
But any time you want something done, they do it
(That's what I'm looking for)
The ball all night type
Frontin', screaming, thug life
That's the type of nigga I like
(That's what I'm looking for)
Well, I never did have any of those men that I pointed to, and I guess it turned out better that way. I guess one good thing was that I never got my ass beat, either. Had it been any other school, I probably would have had my ass handed to me. But I reckon I was just too bold back then! I ain't give a shit, I swear. I was so sick of being dateless and desparate that maybe, just maybe if I was "out there" in my boldness, somebody would man up and approach me.
But again, it never happened. Georgetown was probably the straightest place a gay black man could go to college. I feel so bad for the gay black men who go their now...I hope sincerely that they are finding what they need!
And I guess that's enough of my walk down memory lane for now! PEACE OUT!
Posted by Rashid on February 5, 2005 at 3:25 PM | Comments (3)
My Most Sincere Apologies
I sincerely apologize to anyone who attended last night's event at American University hoping to meet me and hear about LAZARUS. I wanted to be there more than anything in the world, but as the time drew closer, I realized that I just wasn't well enough to be there. I am sure you wouldn't want to hear me try to talk but get interrupted by a hacking cough with every word.
I apologize for any inconvenience that my abscence may have caused you. Thank you so much for your support. I really do appreciate it, especially now.
And please continue to pray for my health and recovery. I have mild bronchitis caused by an infection. I am indeed under a doctor's care -- I just really wish I was better already. I've been sick for so long.
Posted by Rashid on February 4, 2005 at 7:38 AM | Comments (3)
He's Out of My Life
Last night, I talked to him for the last time.
I told him I had a lot on my mind, like being sick, missing my event at American, and other things.
What else, he asks.
I told him that a friend of mine (M) has a big mouth, and if he wants things that he says between the two of them to remain in confidence, then he needs to explicitly tell M that.
He said he didn't tell M anything that he considered private. I said I know you didn't, I'm just telling you that it gets back to me. You know, it's really frustrating and really hurts when you hear your friend say "He really likes you, Rashid! It's just that he doesn't want to be in a long distance relationship right now. He thinks you're a sweetheart, and he wasn't relationship oriented before, but now he is. He just needs somebody to be with him in Philly."
Excuse me? First of all, you think I don't know this?
Second of all, why the fuck are you having conversations about me? Not saying that isn't allowed, but at least pick a friend who isn't going to run back and tell me. I know that conversations will occur, but don't involve me in them.
And finally.....nigga, if you're not relationship oriented, how the fuck did you get in one before me? Unfortunately, I never did get to address that point, because in the end it was irrelevant.
I told M that if he didn't want to be in a long-distance relationship, he should have never pursued me at all! Dare I say he was relentless in the beginning? Fuckin asshole.....I told him at the outset that I'd probably never date someone like him even if I was in Philly, quite simply because he's not OUT and I am a big gay writer writing big gay books. I mean come on.....how can I date someone whose friends don't know? Whose family doesn't know? I can't....I can't do it.
But he told me not to count anything out, to see where things lead. And against my better judgment, I did. And I liked him. I liked him a whole hell of a lot and I was quite glad that I ignored the fact that he wasn't an out and proud gay man.
In fact, he's bi. Damn, I really forgot he's bi. I guess I was on this "love the person, not the sexuality" thing.
So after I told him that M has a big mouth, I found it in me to tell him that I was frustrated. I don't think it's reasonable to expect me to be "just friends" when we were NEVER EVER EVER just friends. Were we just friends when I got my first graders sing to you over the phone after you fell down the steps and sprained your ankle? Were we just friends when you told me you just wanted to hold me, lay with me, talk to me all night? Were we just friends when we beat our dicks and listened to each other come over the phone?
Didn't think so.
So how can I get to a "just friends" place when that was never my objective, and wasn't his until recently?
He asked me what I wanted from him. I told him he couldn't give me what I wanted. I want you to love me, I said. To give what we had a fighting chance. But in abscence of that, I want you to leave me alone.
A little more was said -- can't quite remember what or in what order, but the last thing I rememeber is asking him if he felt like he and I would ever have a chance. He said "I don't know." I said well when you do know, you know how to contact me. It's not fair to expect me to be part of your life, feeling how I feel and getting nothing in return. Then I said I'd talk to him later.
I don't quite feel "sad" but I don't feel extremely happy, either. I know that this is something I should have done a long time ago, because I feel like his mission was just to maintain a situation in which I didn't hate him. Understandable, because no one wants to be hated. And hell, look at me -- if I was him, I wouldn't want the door completely closed on a future with me.
BUT, if I really was him, I would have never let me go. I would have never let a paltry distance like the space between Philadelphia and DC come between something special. I got sick of hearing about how much money he was spending on himself and not on investing in us. I don't want to hear about your Sidekick II or the neckties or the trips or whatever the fuck else you're doing with the money from your two jobs when a train ticket to DC costs HOW MUCH and you STILL haven't made the trip? Nigga, that's some bullshit. If you was gangsta, you would have BEEN taken a day trip to see me. If you was gangsta, you would have sent me a card -- get well card, hello card, something. I guess I'm just mad about how much I put out to prove to him that I was for real and how very little he put out to manifest how he felt about me. But as I said to him last night, I can't EXPECT anything from someone who just doesn't feel the same way! D'uh! I got NOTHING from someone who feels NOTHING!
Makes sense, right?
So in the end, he was just another nigga. Sucks to be me, but I can do better.
Amazingly, I'm not sad.
Turn down the lights
Turn down the bed
Turn down these voices
inside my head
Lay down with me
Tell me no lies
Just hold me close,
don't patronize
Don't patronize me
Cause I can't make you love me
if you don't
You can't make your heart feel
something it won't
Here in the dark
in these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And I'll feel the power
but you won't
No, you won't
Cause I can't make you love me
if you don't
I'll close my eyes
then I won't see
the love you don't feel
when you're holding me
Morning will come
and I'll do what's right
just give me till then
to give up this fight
and I will give up this fight
Cause I can't make you love me
if you don't
You can't make your heart feel
something it won't
Here in the dark
in these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And I'll feel the power
but you won't
No, you won't
Cause I can't make you love me
if you don't
That was "I Can't Make You Love Me." PEACE
Posted by Rashid on at 6:55 AM
shouldn't have...
I should never have worked on Tuesday. I was NOT ready to come back.
I handled it, though. I didn't have any major coughing fits. I drank lots and lots of water. But I had so little energy, so little patience.
My kids are the devil. Okay, only one is THE devil, the rest are demons. Honestly, I can probably count on one hand the ones that are genuinely kind-hearted most of the time.
Yes, yesterday was a rough day. They really took advantage of the fact that I wasn't feeling well. It never ceases to amaze me that when given the opportunity, most of these kids choose to be bad instead of being good. It's like some of them just don't have it IN them to be good.
Yeah, I'm cynical about today's youth.
Posted by Rashid on February 2, 2005 at 5:48 AM | Comments (0)