Joe Jackson (All in the videos, All on the record)

I'm not going to say too much on this man because it's due to him that my favorite performer ever had a chance to have a career. HOWEVER if I ever see him in the streets...
And I'm not even a tough guy at all. I just don't appreciate him capitalizing off of his son's name and fame the way he is.

Understand me, if my SON dies suddenly I'm not going to ANY awards show to pay tribute. I'm consoling my wife and other children. I'm also not pluggin any of my business ventures while discussing my son. But then again I also wouldn't abuse while riding them as a meal ticket out of Gary, Indiana.

Ladies in gentlemen, Joe Jackson. (stay classy Joe)

Jay Z D.O.A Official Video

You be the judge.

Jay-Z's "D.O.A" Video!

Lisa Marie Presley tells her story. (SWIPE)

I got the following from Lisa Marie Presley's Myspace (yeah she still uses it) blog. I have re-posted the contents here but the link in green is to her direct blog. Go check it there for yourself as well to leave her direct comments.

LMP's Blog

Friday, June 26, 2009

He Knew.

Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general.

I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened.

The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once.

Our relationship was not "a sham" as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a "Normal life" found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

I wanted to "save him" I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened.

His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn't know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then.

At that time, In trying to save him, I almost lost myself.

He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated.

When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad.

Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson's being or actions.

I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

I was in over my head while trying.

I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision.

The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.

After the Divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret.

Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation.

At some point, I truly became Indifferent, until now.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.

Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him.

He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together.

I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now.

He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be.

I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is.

The World is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right.





I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.


~LMP

Michael Jackson, The Best To Ever Do It.

I miss him. I didn't know him but I miss him. I've had entertainers a musicians die and I knew there was an impact however this is different. My boy Keith called me because he knows that I love Michael Jackson. He told me he heard that Mike was rushed to a hospital and that he died. I got a lil mad and told him not to joke like that. I heard nothing up to that point. Our call got cut off and my phone wouldn't go to CNN no matter how much I tried. Then the text messages came pouring in.

Annie are you ok?

I think about the countless Prince vs. MJ parties I've closed down under the guidance of DJ Spinna. I learned so much more about my favorite musician/entertainer ever by going to those events. My boy Murph made me a personal mix of MJ Vs Prince and with him being a HUGE Prince fan he hit me with a couple MJ jewels. Mike has had a career spanning 40 years. Nobody did it like him and there will never be another. From the days with the Jackson 5 when they were the biggest thing on the planet to his solo domination of music he's always been a bright star. Through the legal battles and body changes I always loved his music. Nobody could get me on a dance floor faster than MJ. I remember being out in Vegas at Magic in the middle of a Triple 5 Soul party and Don't Stop Til You Get Enough came on. I was top of a fixture going for it man. Mike had a way of making you feel invincible while dancing to his music. The spins, the popping...

Thriller mania is something that I feel for those that missed it, you missed an essential part of American history. Thriller brought the country together under a love of that record. Everyone had a copy in the house. We had two in my household. I remember when my aunt got Thriller on Beta and we watched it. It was the most amazing thing ever to me. I was scared and excited at the same time. Hell I remember my best friend in elementary school telling me the video for "Can You Feel It" scared him lol. My sister's had MJ dolls (I wish I had one now). The posters were up everywhere. We all had a pair of penny loafers just like Mike.

I can be here all day writing about my childhood idol. I will miss him.




Oh and Yahoo is doing a run through of a bunch of his videos. Peep Game.

The Best To Ever Do It

Is Burger King's Seven Inches Too Much?

(That's what she said)

I've worked in advertising for about 4 years now. Had my hands in both consumer and pharma type ads. I've never had an ad this racy come across my desk before. Now granted I'm not working on this Burger King campaign, I'm just saying this is really pushing the envelope in regards to decency standards. I already have my own Burger King boycott going that's been in effect for about 4 years now since their chicken fries commercial completely insulted me as a Blackman. In the commercial a super hero type of group (consisting of only black folk) are running around sliding over car hoods for chicken fries.

Now we have their new ad. I thought it was funny but also a little offensive. Maybe I'm a prude, but the ad is a lil much for me. What do you think?

Racism on Earth via Cybertron

Word on the street is the new Transformers is all blast and no brains (what a surprise). I have to admit I went into the first one thinking I would hate it and was wrong. Some of the fight scenes were down right outstanding. I did however have an issue with the Autobot Jazz. He was voiced by Darious McCrary and during his first apperance he cursed and did a break dance move. *blink* In my opinion this was unnecessary and a tad bit racist. AND he was the only Autobot to die!

So fast forward to 2009 and we have Transformers 2 on deck. Michael Bay has introduced two (imaginary) transformers who are twins. These "twins" talk with a black-cent and one has a damn gold tooth! I picked up the story from CHUD.com so you guys can go ahead and read up on it. As for me I'm keeping my 10 plus bucks in my pocket for Transformers 2. I'm good.


The Full Story w/ image

Kuntaw Martial Arts Grand Opening

Kuntaw is an ancient Filipino martial art which involves hand and foot fighting. I first started practicing Kuntaw when I was about 10 years old. After a TOO LONG hiatus I've been back training regularly for about over a year. My father who is my teacher (GURO) learned Kuntaw while he was stationed in the Philippines in the late 80s. Now with an official school location in Brooklyn the International Kuntaw Federation plants it's flag in NYC.

This Saturday we will be celebrating the grand opening of the school with some demonstrations, belt promotion of the current students and refreshments for guests. I have recently along with my fellow Kyuds gone through the test for my next promotion. On Saturday those who passed will receive their new belts. So please come out and see what the style of Kuntaw is like. It's hard to explain but easy to experience.

Peace, Dashaun

Place: 753 Flatbush Ave. 2nd Floor
Time : 4PM - 7PM
Also it's my father's birthday so make sure to wish him a happy one when you see him.

And here's a little video to get you familiar.

Al B Sure! Back on the Block

If you know what the term New Jack Swing refers to than you should be pretty surprised when I say the new Al B Sure album drops today on Hidden Beach Recordings. Al is the famed Unibrow brother from the days of the light is right movement (Drake is fighting HARD to bring lightskinned brothers back). While I always thought his dance movements were funny and awkward at best he knew how to make a dope R&B record. He wrote songs for R&B acts like Jodeci and Tevin Campbell back when they were HOT. Lets take a look at some of his bangers from the late 80's and then see what he's up to today.

Nite and Day

Al B.Sure! - Nite and day
Uploaded by welcomeback. - Explore more music videos.

Off On Your Own Girl Live at the Apollo



And OH YES... Al does the slow jams too people.

Secret Garden

Quincy Jones & Barry White - The Secret Garden (Video)
Uploaded by sagelion13. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

I Love It (The New Single)

Remember the 90s? Pt.1

Lately I've been rocking 90's hip hop albums to get me through the day. This morning I threw on the second Onyx album "All We Got Iz Us". This was the album to show some growth from the members Fredro Starr, Sonsee and Sticky Fingers (RIP Big DS). I still remember the feeling I had when this album originally dropped. I was in high school and dark production would get me geeked for the most part. This album is full of dark production but listening to the lyrics now you have to laugh. The content is SOO over the top though that it's ridiculous. There's a small skit where Fredro just chants "I'll murder you" over and over again. I guess this was the time but I can't stand all of their yelling for no good reason thought the album. It's just unnecessary. This was also a time when Onyx was a priority at their label Def Jam.

The singles on this album Last Dayz, Live, and All We Got Iz Us all still rock. The production was really REALLY good on this record as a whole and the features add to the albums polish. It's just weird after listening to the Tanya Morgan Brooklynati album cut "Hardcore Gentlemen" I can't take these dudes seriously. I'm kinda embarrassed that I didn't see the faux thug position of their music at the time. *smh* However I will say this, I did play the whole album through with no skipping. Well up to the next to last song at least. I didn't want to yell at my co-workers like Sticky Fingers so I threw on Casa Bey by Mos Def.

All in all I would say give it a listen, Purse Snatchers is still as good as you remember it...if you remember it at all.

Onyx - Last Dayz

Ruck is running the label now! Ruck Down

On my way to work the other day I saw Sean P's younger brother Stutta across the platform on the Q. I aint seen the boy in years! It was a good run in. Then I get to work and see this video. If you like rap you need to peep the boy Sean Price. P!

Check the joint! Kimbo Price in stores soon. Brownsville baby!

Ruck Down

Are we in Seattle? Everyday It Rains (c) MJB

I'm sick of the weather, just like you are. I have things to do and I don't even want to leave the bed these days. *smh* This is the worst June I've EVER experienced in my life. The first day of Summer is a few days away and ...whatever man.

Here's a few songs.

MJB - Every Day It Rains



Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah - Rainy Dayz

Dashaun Simmons, Big In Japan

Konichiwa, Boku wa Dashaun desu. Genki Desuka?

About a month ago I got asked by a writer friend of mine Keiko to be interviewed for one of Japan's premier magazines BMR (Black Music Review). The topic of discussion was hip hop and it's influence on advertising and marketing. So for the folks out in Japan on that respect the MotherGreen / Dashaunworld Inc. movement go pick up the July issue of BMR.

Thanks to Shino Yanagawa for the photo which was used in the article and Keiko Tsukada for writing it.

Easy Mo Bee

(Photo by Shino Yanagawa)

Listening to 2 Pac celebrating the date of his birth I ran across Temptations off the Me Against The World album. Easy Mo Bee put his foot in this song right here. From his singing on the bridge to the layers in the track this is one of my favorite Pac songs. It's sad that he was locked up for the actual video shoot but the director did an excellent job in his absence.

Easy Mo Bee was one of the only producers (I think the only one) to work with both 2 Pac and Biggie. He's one of the unsung heroes of Brooklyn to me. I remember a group he was a part of back in the 90s called Rappin Is Fundamental (RIF). They did this rap/sing thing that was cool and reminisent of the Force MDs.

I want to take you through a lil retrospective of the man who is responsible for MANY hits but gets no where near the love and respect he deserves. Easy Mo Bee, a Brooklyn legend.

Flava In Ya Ear Remix (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)

2Pac Temptations (produced by Easy Mo Bee)

Lost Boyz - Lex, Coups, Beamers, Benz (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)

Notorious B.I.G - Warning (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)

Happy Birthday Tupac Shakur. We Miss You!

Today is the birthday of the man I call my heart when it comes to hip hop.
"June 1 6 7 1, The DAY! Momma pushed me out her womb told me ni&&a get paid!" (c) 2Pac

Pac was taken from us at age 25 back in 1996. I miss the brother still. He was wild as all get out but his heart was golden. A complicated man who bore his soul for all to see. There will never be another like him as far as I can see. "East coast born but west coast raised" as he once put it Pac did some might say WAY TOO MUCH by age 25. However maybe he was just trying to fit in as much as he could for a life destined to be so short.

So lets take a look at the great work from this rapper/actor/poet. Today we celebrate the life of Pac.





2pac Tupac - So Many Tears

Hip Hop Karaoke is Back Again!

My favorite past time in this great city of New York involves taking a classic hip hop instrumental and tearing a down the stage. If you haven't been before, stop playing yourself and come out to Hip Hop Karaoke. After the first time I touched the stage back in the LES some years ago I knew I would never be the same. The energy of being up there with your favorite song blasting out the speakers is something that's hard to explain. Great MCs like OC, Rhymefest, Tek from Smif N Wesson and Big Daddy Kane have all come down to bless the stage and jam with us.

It's a family vibe and we normally do it every month. Now that it's back I would love to see all of yall come out and do your best Wu Tang song or maybe a little Salt N Pepa is what you need. Whatever your fix I'll see you on Friday.

Hip Hop Karaoke /www.hiphopkaraokenyc.com

Your Chance to Rhyme

Friday, June 19

Doors/Sign-up - 10:30 pm; Show - 11:00 pm

Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St., Manhattan

$5 with printout of flyer, $8 without

As always, sign-up is first-come first-serve so get there early to ensure a spot on stage.

And if you are still on the fence peep the trailer.

Hammer breaks down Jay-Z's DOA record.

I must admit I haven't thought about checking Hammer for hip hop commentary but the man is pretty on point here. Very insightful video done by allhiphop.com. Peep game.

Mos Def Live on Jimmy Fallon

With the Legendary Roots Crew. What a performance!

Big Apple BBQ Re- Up

It's that time again people. Last year we put you up on the huge event that is the Big Apple BBQ. It goes down every year in Madison Sq. park over by my alma mater Baruch College. When I went last year it was straight up hot, shorts weather. There were bands playing and plenty of eats to go around. The lines were kinda long so I suggest you get there at a decent hour for lunch. There were a lot of people out there. The only issue I had with this mass public bbq is I CAN'T EAT MOST OF IT! There's mostly pork and beef eats to be found. While they might be very tasty, I can't rock with it. So for those of you who indulge...enjoy. They need more chicken tho, but maybe that's not what BBQ is about to most Americans.

The event takes place June 13th and 14th from 11AM to 7PM. Peep the link for any other details. Big Apple BBQ

Roots Picnic Recap

June 6th was a shining day in Philly. The legendary Roots Crew put together a smashing event for the people. An all day concert affair. The concert was headlined by a who's who in performance prowess. The groups ranged from new acts like Kid Cudi and Asher Roth to seasoned vets like the hosts themselves (The Roots) and Public Enemy.

There were two set ups for performances which included one main stage and an indoor tent stage. The first main stage act I saw after getting inside the venue was Antibalas which has my boy Marcus as a member. This is huge afrobeat band and they rock shocked the house. I wanted to dance on stage because they were killing it so much. The singer/cowbell player had a lot of energy and got the crowd moving.

After that performance my brother Just had a plan to keep moving towards the front after every act finishes. It worked pretty well as I didn't really want to see any of the tent acts. Next up on the main stage was Santigold (formerly Santogold). Her performance was full of energy and her dancers were really dope. If you haven't heard her album now (you are late) you should get it. While it seemed the she lip synced a few of her songs some were live and all were performed well.

Following Santi was the Black Keys who did the damn thing. With just a guitar and drum set they went in HARD! I had never heard their music before but I must say I was impressed with the show they put on. At one point the guitar amp was blown from just plain rocking too hard. While the crowd waited for the group to get their stuff together in impromptu chant of "DRUM SO-LO!" filled the space. The drummer just blushed and shrugged it off. The amp was fixed and the Black Keys finished their set.

Next up was Public Enemy performing their seminal album It Takes A Nation... and boy did they. With the Roots backing them and Antibalas on the horns this was a beast of a performance. Flavor Flav with his hair full out really went in on songs like Cold Lampin. Chuck D was still doing his mic acrobatics with Griff and the S1W's in tow. I could hardly contain myself during Rebel without a pause. That's a top 3 record of all time to me. I'm getting chills now just thinking about it. ?uestlove did a good job keeping the music direction as tight as possible with Flavor Flav going into rant mode in between songs asking for the crowds support on his "presidential campaign" and the like. Flav seemed to be of clear mind this sunny afternoon in Philly and he is without a doubt the best hype man ever.

This performance was followed by TV on The Radio who did the damn thing. They always give a good show though so there were no surprises for me there. By this time I was super tired and ready to go. The show was an hour behind and the Roots were taking the stage to close up the show. During their set my team made our escape to hit the road. We didn't miss much because about 5 minutes after we left the venue the show was done.

All in all I had a ball (c)Jalil. I was a little suprised by the amount of teenagers in the place to be. It felt like the Young Peoples Day Camp convetion at times. I did bump into a few cats from home like Rich Medina and Dallas Penn. This was a picnic I would go to again, I just hope next time they have chicken cheesesteaks on sell as well as the beef ones.

Let's Rock Em This Summer

(Photo by Shino Yanagawa)

I've had my bike for a over a year now and I love it. I rock gloves and a helmet and once I hit the street it's over. There's been a huge boom in cyclist culture within NYC in the past few years. More and more bike lanes are opening up and the actual street structures are changing. I applaud the efforts by the city to oblige the cyclists of this city.

However one of the major pulls for me to get on my bike is the freedom it affords me. There's nothing like starting out in the morning and instead of getting on the train you make that first stride on a bike. When you have music in your ears going and the sun hitting down on you as you attack the city to beat your previous time of getting to work, it feels great.

One thing I like to do is yield when I get to a red light then go through leaving the cars behind, and myself one step closer to my destination. However I read an article in a local paper stating that the cops are cracking down on people like me. Folks are actually getting tickets for riding through red lights. So to my riders please be careful and watch out. And to you new riders out there looking for a bike whether is be fixed gear or single gear(free) check out this site my brother Tahlif showed me. The prices are good and designs are pretty dope. Check out Republic Bikes .

Young Chris - Promise Land (oldie but goodie)

Old video from an old favorite. I don't know why Young Chris from the Young Gunz isn't dropping his debut solo album yet. In my opinion he has a story that needs to be told. He has a way with words and flow that is one of a kind (although Jay Z took it as his own and ran with it). Peep this video Young Gunner did in Dec. of last year. Heartfelt song and video.

Were Religions the Gangs of Old?

As I exited the Q train this evening after a not so long days work I saw a young man with a blue rag under his NY fitted hat. This of course served as a reminder that yes there are people in NYC that claim the California based gang Crip. While I know people who are affiliated with both Bloods and Crips on the east coast and the west coast, I've always had trouble taking the east coast incarnation seriously. My main gripe has always been most of the young men who claim Blood or claim Crip have never even been to California. Some have gone to dressing up like people in California and appropriating their slang to seem more authentic. However they live in NYC. They have dreadlocks in their hair (which is RARE in Cali). They live up the block from rival gang members and on occasion wear the "enemy's" colors. These are things that just don't happen in California.

One main difference is California is spread out as far as land is concerned. You have to drive everywhere. So where as a neighborhood in San Diego can have a heavy blood presence and likely little to no Crips around, NY is different. NYC is too compact and you can't help but be around the rival gang. There is hardly any space to co-exist without constant clashing. Thus the two gangs must learn to live with one another.

Which brings me to the title of this piece. What about religious folks? Can I be a true Muslim without ever visiting Mecca? Can I truly know the word of God to be as it is told to me without ever visiting Jerusalem? The same way the bible speaks of Galilee, Blood gangs are named after Piru St. and the like. How can I claim a gang named after a place I've never seen. In Islam one learns of the story of Mohammad traveling from Mecca to Medina. While these stories can be valuable to ones life is it real if you've never seen these places to truly exist? They can be researched academically however this is a life decision. Can such a life decision be based on a mere story?

Then there's the built in religious conflict. There are Muslim people in the world who plain do not like Jews just because of what they "stand for". There are also Christians who don't like Jews for what they "stand for". (Man people really don't like Jewish people.) The same way that Bloods and Crips have long standing views regarding one another religions can be the same. There have been holy wars fought in the name of each nation's religion. People have been percecuted for not being down with the dominate program of the day. To be a Christian in the early times among a Hebrew population, you might have a hard life just trying to be who you are. Try being a crip living in the Jungle out in L.A. Let me know how that works out for you.

I suppose if you look at religious text as allegory then it works. The way that all stories have a meaning and message that you can extract the same can be said for ones way of worship. However if there is a literal take, I would think proper study and rumination is necessary for making such a decision. All of this can be put to the side when the trump card of faith is played. Once you put faith on the table all bets are off. At this point rational thought is placed secondary to feelings and gut reactions. If I wear this red rag and claim blood and do what I think bloods do then why shouldn't I be considered a true Blood, right? I believe in the codes followed by people Iv'e never met started years ago because when I apply them in this day and time I like the feeling associated with the end results. I guess in the end most go with what the feel and rationalize the rest.

You take what you want, and leave the rest. Just like a salad bar. (c) Egg Shen.

Cuban with the Jesus Piece, with my peeps

What are some of the perks of being POTUS? Air Force One private jet to travel in is a definite perk. Free housing for your time in office with a built in basketball court and chef also works. However I never heard about getting free jewlery. When President Barak Obama went to meet the Saudi King Abdullah he received the hottest chain in the Middle East. Peep his new long chain, heavy Jesus.

Rolling wit the lynch mob, down with the headbangers

Suspected rapist Jose Carrasquillo (if he didn't do it his name is mud) was caught up on the streets of Philly. Jose was suspected of raping an 11 year old girl on her way to school. Yet to be arrested, the people of Philly were apparently not pleased with his freedom. Started by a group of teenagers (like all things) a huge crowd put the hands of God on him.

I personally steer clear of angry mobs because I know how wild things can get. I believe we have a court of law for a reason (not just to railroad minorities and exonerate police officers). This man should stand trial for his alleged crime and be given the chance to be found guilty. What if it wasn't him? We've all watched enough Law and Order to know the suspect is hardly ever the first guy you think it is. You need at least ONE commercial break before the real suspect is introduced to you.

So read the story below and watch video footage of this man getting "washed" in the streets of Philly. I guess people can shoot each other all day with no collective outrage from the people, but if you put your hands on a child...

Street Justice

Weekend Warrior pt.2

When we last left off there was a happening BBQ taking place in the LIC. The ladies were in full effect and the music was bumping. All was good as the sun began to set on a wonderful three day weekend. Then the owner of the apartment got...THE CALL.

The music was apparently too loud and we were being shut down. Now for me this was perfect timing as I was on my way to the Blue Note anyway. Shino and I learned earlier in the day that my favorite pianist and Chicagoan Ahmad Jamal was performing at 10:30. So when we were saying our premature goodbyes the party was being shut down. There of course was an after party created at a nearby neighbor's place but we were already off to the city.

This was my first time at the historic Jazz club the Blue Note. The show was to put it simply, absolutely amazing. We sat at the bar and were able to witness one of the modern legends in Jazz live. There was a mixed crowd of people there. Mr. Jamal looks very good for his age and can still tear those keys apart! Shino was crafty enough to sneak into his dressing room and snag a few pictures of him and a short conversation with the great pianist. I of course was quite jealous.

After the Blue Note show we made our way over to Sutra for DJ Scratch and DJ Evil Dee's birthday party. There was actually a long line to get inside the small space that is Sutra. One cat on the line with us was being SHUT DOWN by the manager of the space. Just because he came alone the guy would not let him in. This is a policy I've seen used before, and I hated it then as much as in this instance. This brother just wanted to have a good time and because he came solo he has to wait outside? He was eventially let in by the owner (solo guy was a DJ who actually used to WORK at Sutra!).

Once we got inside we saw it was a packed house filled with a WACK CROWD. Scratch was killing the tunes, but the crowd had a couple of what I call hood boogers and drunk goofballs. I had to let a guy know that Shino was not open for dancing with his drunk a$$. I felt compelled to leave this place even as our friends Rich and Kris walked in. I'd bitten off more than I could chew for this evening and it was time to call it a night.

The following day there was a calming picnic birthday celebration for my friend Jocelyn in Prospect Park. I went with Shino and my nephew Nasir for a fun filled day. We played steal the bacon, water baloon toss and other fun games. This was just what I needed to wind down before heading back to work. There was a gang of food and snacks and everyone left with a smile on their faces.

What a weekend.
Images from Dance Africa and Shan's BBQ Pt.1 2009 below are courtesy of Shino Yanagawa.

When We Were Children

I would wake up and watch all kinds of cartoons. I know you might be tired of me talking about Saturday morning cartoons but lets face it, I loved them. And guess what, you did too! I'm talking about the Smurfs, Kidd Video, Galaxy High etc. The recipe was Fruit Loops and hours of quality (mixed in with bad) cartoon programing.

Today's topic is CBS Storybreak.

This was a program that animated many children books. One that always stands out in my mind is "How to eat fried worms". This was a story about a lil kid who was getting punked by some of his friends. Using my memory he gained the upper hand by proposing a challenge to these friends to see who could eat the most fried worms. The worms were cooked a number of ways. I think it was this particular episode that made me a fan of the series. If you have children I highly recommend this book and follow it up with the cartoon if you can find it.

CBS Storybreak... a Saturday Morning Cartoon Legend.

Pop pop pop when it's shot who's to blame?

Hmm, another doctor killed for doing his job. Whether or not we agree with abortion or a women's right to choose, in 2009 we are still choosing violence to settle differences. This is a huge problem. If you have issues with abortion and see it as murder, I have to ask why would you think the answer...is murder. This man was killed at his place of worship. I don't have much to weigh in here regarding this matter. Read the article and form your own opinion.

The Full Story