MAXWELL + New Ablum= Blacksummer's night--->Drops July 7th!!!

I'm hyped!!!! Believe it or not, there's still good music out there. I've been a fan of Maxwell since he first came out, and I've been anticipating this, his fourth studio album for a while. My main "groovy man" is realeasing Blacksummer's night on July 7th, and I'm definitely picking this up in person. The cool thing about this release is that they have a Deluxe edition, CD/DVD combo, which amazon.com has for $11.99; not bad. Although he has a new look to him, since he cut his hair, he's still the same soulful dude from back-in-the-day. There's no Samson curse here. If you're a fan of cool, smooth, sexy, and real baby-making music, you won't go wrong with Mr. Woooooh-whoo! lol.

Here's a little excerpt from his upcoming album. Two songs, "Bad Habits" & "Pretty Wings".

"Bad Habits"



"Pretty Wings"

Maxwell - New Music - More Music Videos

And here's a little somethin', somethin' from back in the day, a couple of selections that are the reason I call him Mr. Wooooh-whooo! lol.

"This Woman's Work", personally the greatest love song Maxwell has ever done. It's been on so many movie soundtracks, that i've lost count. And let's not even talk about the video...Too soulful... Too Deep...

Maxwell - New Music - More Music Videos

"Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder): MTV Unplugged". Although I like the studio version better, I love how he jazzed it up a bit for this live performance. Music for the soul man... Music for the soul.



As they say in the business world, "the best salesmen is a satisfied customer".

Blacksummer's Night by Maxwell. In stores July 7th. Go get it!

RIP Mr. Thriller. Can't Believe You're Gone.

I heard it once again yesterday morning and I still couldn't believe it..."The king of pop Michael Jackson dead at the age of 50 years." Cause? An apparent heart attack. On my way to work, I saw his blown up picture in the front page of every newspaper, in every language and I still didn't want to accept it. If I'm being honest I still can't believe it. Why is it always the good ones that have to go? Not that I'm wishing for Souljah-Boy-Tell-Em, and Gucci Mane, to be six feet under, but damn, why Mike? Only God knows.

I was at work when I received the first text message with the news. Of course, at first I thought it was a stupid prank, as recent reports mentioned that MJ had undergone several physicals in preparation for his upcoming concert in England, and was found in great health. So I immediately had one of my co-workers investigate. Minutes later, she confirmed the shocking news that Mike, the "KING OF POP", had passed away in a hospital in L.A. due to cardiac complications.
I was awestruck.

According to NPR Music News, www.npr.org, as of yesterday, no final ruling had been reached regarding the autopsy. USmagazine, www.usmagazine.com, mentioned that the autopsy reports revealed "No indication of foul play or trauma". NPR reports that police are currently trying to locate MJ's private physican, who was reportedly living in the rented mansion, and was present at the home during the 911 phone call. According to the 911 phone call recording, the MD was attempting to resuscitate MJ, who was found by an unidentified caller, unresponsive and not breathing. As of Friday, the MD which is not a suspect in this case, had not been located, and his car was impounded and hauled away from MJ's home.

As the true cause of MJ's death remains unclear, there are rumors that his aggressive addiction to pain killers, could be a related cause. One of MJ's longtime friends, and attorney Brian Oxman, said he was worried about the large amount of drugs at Mike's disposal. NPR reports that Oxman said that in 2007 alone, a local pharmacist had sued MJ for prescription bills totaling more than $100,000. Oxman added, "It's pretty hard to spend $100,000 in a pharmacy in 13 months,"... "This was one of his experiences and was a matter of public record and most people were aware of that fact."

At the end, whatever the results show, they still won't be able to replace the icon, and the legend. Everyone loved this man; he was an internationally cherished personality. Yet how will he be remembered? As a legend? An amazing and incomparable artist? The King of Pop? Or as a troubled and lonely individual? To me, he will always be Michael Jackson, The legend, The King of Pop. Want to know something really ironic? As I'm writing this piece, I have my music play-list on shuffle, and one of MJ's songs just came on. Damn...

It's clear that MJ has passed on, but his music will keep him alive in our hearts and minds forever.

Farewell to a legend. RIP MJ. We'll miss you.

Good Read: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

A boy lost in the woods; a Woodsman; a beautiful girl in a red cloak; a Crooked-Man; Trickster; Wolves; a ferocious monster; Dwarfs; a lady called Snow White; an enchanted Castle; an Old King; a Warrior; a Knight; a Sleeping Princess; a Ginger Bread House; The Beauty & The Beast; Troll under a bridge; and Werewolves. Do these things sound familiar? Well of course they do. They're the main subjects in most, if not all of our favorite fairy tales, folk stories, and myths that we've read since we were children. Believe it or not though, a reference to all of these can be found in The Book of Lost Things. However, the book is much more than that. In fact, its ongoing reference to our favorite stories is only a small piece of this incredible novel. The real essence of the story is found in the life of a 12 year old boy named David, who in mourning the loss of his dear mother, his first love, completely retreats into the world of his second love; his books.

I dare you, even double-dare you, to set your eyes on the pages of The Book of Lost Things by New York Times Bestselling author of The Unquiet, John Connolly, and accompany David, as he takes you far off into the realms of his incredible imagination. Follow David on a voyage to make sense of things that at a young age he still can't comprehend. See as he grows through the teachings he finds within the stories he's read throughout his early years. Be there as he realizes that life, "real-life", is not as sweet as the stories within the books on the shelves of his room, but rather that life brings loss, pain, suffering, and hate, but also gain, comfort, happiness, and love.

"For all that is lost, can be found again".

I can honestly say that this has been one of the coolest and most entertaining, books I've read in a long a while. It allowed me to see the world through the eyes of a young boy, who in many ways suffered through many of the things that worried me as a young child. You will laugh, worry, and at times get squeamish with some of the gory scenes, but in the end, you'll enjoy it all. And don't worry, this is an adult novel. Trust me.

For in every adult dwells the child that was, and in every child lies the adult that will be.


-John Connolly, The Book of Lost Things

Humor: "And that's how the fight started"

One year, a husband decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift.

The next year, he didn't buy her a gift.

When she asked him why, he replied, "Well, you still haven't used the
gift I bought you last year!"

And that's how the fight started.....

************ ********* ********* *********

My wife walked into the den & asked "Whats on the tv?"
I replied "Dust".

And that's how the fight started.....

************ ********* ********* *********

A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel
horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'

The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'

And that's how the fight started.....

************ ********* ********* *********

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming
anniversary. She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 200

in about 3 seconds.

I bought her a scale.

And that's how the fight started.....

************ ********* ********* *********

I asked my wife, 'Where do you want to go for our anniversary? '
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.

'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!' she said.

So I suggested, 'How about the kitchen?'

And that's how the fight started....


************ ********* ********* *********

My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were
in bed. I turned to her and said, 'Do you want to have sex?'

'No,' she answered.

I then said, 'Is that your final answer?'

She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying 'Yes..'

So I said, 'Then I'd like to phone a friend.'

And that's how the fight started....

************ ********* ********* *********

I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95. I told her the beer
would make her look better at night than the cold cream.

And that's how the fight started.....


************ ********* ********* *********
I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my
order first. 'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.'

He said, 'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?'

'Nah, she can order for herself.'

And that's when the fight started

50 Cent's War Angel LP album - Free Download

Wassup family,

Just letting everyone know that as of last night at 11pm, 50 Cent's street album, War Angel LP, is available for FREE download. That's right, for FREE!

With his next major market album Before I Self Destruct to hit stores in September, Fif wanted to bless the streets with something they've been missing for a while; some Hard-core Rap. Get the FREE download at thisis50.com, while it's still available.

Check out this quick snippet courtesy of MTV.com.

MTV Shows

Go Get It!

In closure, and just cause I like all of the hip-hop gossip, here's an exclusive interview w/ Fif and Funk Master Flex, on the Hot 97 Funk Master Flex show. Hear Fif talk about Nas, Ricky Ross, Diddy, MA$E, Method Man vs. Joe Budden, Chris Brown vs. Rihanna, etc., etc. You can find this interview on Hot97.com, and thisis50.com. Check it!

Bruce Lee is one cool KAT!

I've been a Bruce Lee fan like FOREVER! As a child growing up, I recall shadow boxing in my room, after seeing one of his films on TV. Over the years I've spent hours online looking for his interviews, stories, anecdotes, etc., just to learn a bit more of this man.

For those that don't know, Bruce was not just a gifted martial artist, or a killing machine. He also studied philosophy at Washington University, was a martial arts teacher, had a really good sense of humor, and was a really cool laid back dude. He was a humble and quiet man of few words, but when he spoke, each word was direct, and sharp like a dagger. Bruce was a really deep and philosophical dude. Below you'll find one of my favorite Bruce Lee interviews taped in 1971 with Pierre Berton, for The Pierre Berton Show. See Bruce Lee like you've probably never seen him before. This was one smooth KAT!

To Note: Check out how fast Bruce's fist moves towards the end of this first clip.

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3



"Be Water"
Empty your mind.
Be formless, shapeless, like water.
Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.
You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle.
You put it in a tea cup, it becomes the tea cup.
Now water can flow or it can crash.
Be Water my friend...

-Bruce Lee

That's deep stuff man.

NAS, Deep Lyrics, and Fried Chicken

I've previously mentioned that NAS, by far is the deepest lyricist of my time. When I say deep, I don't mean an individual that just captures you with a few punch lines from time-to-time, and is great with his word play, synonyms and painting a picture. When I say deep I mean a lyricist that at times forces you stop, slow down, and listen. Throughout the years, many artists have had this affect on me. Artists like Rakem, Biggie, Big Pun, Jay-Z and of course Eminem. However, I feel they all fall short in comparison to NAS, when it comes to how poetic he is. Personally, he's incomparable with regards to his use of methophors, similes, and personifications, to relay a message.

I've shared this opinion with one of my best friends, and I've said that unlike other artists, NAS is the only artist out there, that I can't listen to on the train when I'm going to work, especially if it's new material that needs to be dissected. I mean, when I first heard tracks like, "It Ain't Hard To Tell", "The Message", "Nas Is Like", "One Mic", "Ether (the Jay-Z diss)", and "Rewind (the so clever backwards song)", just to name a few, I almost caught a stroke. Of course after a while, I would be able to listen to them at anytime, and any place, but when it's stuff fresh off the "frying pan", I have to be at home, in my room, prepared to pay attention.


Speaking of "frying pan", as I revisited NAS's most recent release, and 9th studio album, UNTITLED, given this title because of the controversy surrounding his initial intentions to title it NIGGER, I got smacked by a track that I had somehow missed the first time around. I was probably on the train when this happened lol. The song "Fried Chicken" feat. Busta Rhymes, brings NAS's gift to light once again. In this track, NAS & Busta, go on to show how much Fried Chicken and Women, are so alike, since "to the last breath, there gonna be a niggas death." I know, I know, I couldn't believe it myself. Here's a taste of some "fried chicken":

"Fried Chicken" by Nas feat Busta Rhymes, album: UNTITLED (2008)

Verse 1 (NAS)

Mmm, Fried chicken
Fly vixen
Give me Heart Disease
But need You in my kitchen
You a bird, but you ain't a ki
Got wings but you can't fly away from me
Driving in your bucket seats all the way from Kentucky To fuck with me
Look what you've done to me?
Was number one to me!
After you shower
You and your gold medal flour
Then you rub your hot oil for about a half an hour
You in your hot tub, I'm looking at you salivating
Dry you off, I got your paper towel waiting
Lay you down cause you're red hot
Louisiana style you make my head rot
Then I flock
To the bed then, "Plop"
When we done, I need rest
Don't know a part of you that I love best
Your legs or your breast
Misses Fried Chicken, you gon be a nigga's death
Created by southern black women
To serve massa, guest
You gon be a nigga's death...

Wooooooo! Stop it. Stop it.

Props once again to NAS. Wikipedia reports that UNTITLED is NAS's fourth album to debut at #1 on Billboard 200 album charts, and has been certified Gold. Sweet!

Disturbed Rocks!

Yup! I love rock. And I love Disturbed. I actually have all of their albums, and purchased their 1st three albums in stores. They've become my favorite Rock Band. Their band kicks ass, especially the band's energetic & talented lead singer David Dramian, from Chi-Town. Their songs are often controversial, offensive to some, and sometimes political, but none lack POWER! This is the only group I listen to when things are just a bit to hectic in life, work; relationships; responsibilities etc. As soon as I feel drowned, I turn off the lights in my room, jump on my bed, grab my ipod, scroll to Disturbed, and press play. The result? STRESS RELIEF!

Check out some of my favorite videos from this group. Let me know what you think.

Release your stress!

"THE NIGHT", album: Indestructible (2008)

Disturbed - New Music - More Music Videos

"STRICKEN", album: Ten Thousand Fists (2005)

Disturbed - New Music - More Music Videos

"REMEMBER", album: Believe (2002)

Disturbed - New Music - More Music Videos

"STUPIFY", album: The Sickness (2000)

Disturbed - New Music - More Music Videos

Rock on!

The System at work SUCKS ASS!

OK, so, I titled this wonderful Blog Forum: Mental Ventilation. Why? Because, literally, that's what I come here to do...I VENT! So, that being said, I'm about to "VENT RIGHT NOW", or, as my mom would say it, "BEN RAI NAU", which has the same meaning, but is pronounced slightly differently, and with difficulty. OK. So Ready? Here we go!

If you're a friend of mine, and you've known me for more than a few years, you know what I do for a living. That's right, I'm a contract killer for the Merengue Mafia INC. No, just kidding. I'm a spanish-film pornstar (OMG sike!). No, not that either. Actually, I work for an agency, who i'm not going to mention, because i'm just about to say some things about them right about now. I have no idea If I mentioned who I work for in my profile, but oh well. I NEED TO VENT! So listen, or, Read, cause technically if you're reading this, than you can't be listening to me, unless i'm speaking to you, and then that...Oh forget it.

Our freaking system at work freaking "suck's ass". And I mean, it really sucks major ass. The shit goes down every freaking day, for a minimum of at least 2 minutes at times, but in other times as much as hours, and even days! Now, i've worked for several companies during my years of employment, e.g., my old Highschool, Shea Stadium, Christian Book Store, The City of New York, etc., etc. But never, and I mean never-ever-ever-ever, have I worked with a system that is so retarded like this one. THIS-SYSTEM-IS-FREAKING-RETARDED! HELP!

Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job. Even more now that I've gotten the hang of things. I love the perks too. You know, the no dress code; no punch-in time clock; two 15 minute breaks during the day in addition to your lunch; the awesome health benefits (Shout out to Manhattan Physician's Group. Yo, Dr. Sheehan, Waddup? I'll see you next week boo. Or you'll see me. Get it? Ha!); a cool ID that has a sensor that opens doors (shut up! I think that's cool); two monitors to work with, making me feel like Neo in the MATRIX (i don't care, I like imagining that i'm in the MATRIX from time-to-time, it makes the day go faster); unlimited bathroom breaks (hey, some people, like Hospital Telephone Operators, don't have that blessing); the awesome area I work in (Financial District, Battery Park, City Hall, South Street Seaport etc.); and I can go on. But the system is horrible. As we speak it's still down. As a matter of fact, I wrote this blog, during the "down-time" Aaaah! It Erks me.

OK. I vented. Thanks for listening... I mean reading.

Do You Wanna Get Frosty?

One of the funniest commercials out right now. Boy Band meets Wendy's Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty. Haaa! Too Funny. Check it!



OMG Hilarious!

Justice, like you’ve never seen it Before

Want to get a glimpse at how stuff probably goes down in our NYC judicial system? A more realistic look on how the legal system toys with people’s lives? The clean; the dirty; the right; the wrong? Public Defenders vs. District Attorneys? Lawyers vs. Judges? The Innocent vs. The Guilty? Then you really need to check out TNT’s Raising The Bar. Raising The Bar, a show by 10-time Emmy Winner Steven Bochco, creator of Hill Street Blues, LA Law & NYPD Blue, is a fresh new LAW series like no other. Starring Mark-Paul Gosselar (aka Zack from Saved By The Bell), who’s truly stepped his acting game up, bringing a powerful performance every single week. If you missed the 1st season, you’re in time to check out the 2nd. I’m sure that this season of Raising The Bar will be just as good or even better; Keeping you on your toes throughout; Trust me.

Woohoo! Can’t wait, Can’t wait, Can’t wait!

Raising The Bar-Season 2 premier-, sneak peak.

Monday June 8th, 10/9c. Only on TNT.

New Moon Official Trailer

What do you get when you add a Girl+Vampire Boyfriend+Departure+Depression+ A Werewolf Crush+A Wolf Pack Secret+A Life on the Edge+A rescue Mission? How about New Moon. New Moon, a motion picture based on the Twilight Saga's second book of the same title, by Stephenie Meyer.

I freaking Love you Steph! I can't freaking wait!

Check it out! New Moon 11.20.09

Rick Astley Spoof: Hilarious!!!

Ok, So a few blogs ago, I told you how much I liked "Never Gonna Give You Up", by Rick Astley. Well, as I searched for a video to put on that particular blog, I ran into this spoof interpretation, created by some cat named Joe Sabia, that had me peeing in my pants lol. I think you'll get a kick out of it too. The guy has an awful singing voice, but that's what makes this parody even funnier. I love that Ninja Bartender line lol. Don't worry, you'll see what I mean lmao!



Haaaaa!

Video Feature: Fabolous aka Loso

Check out these hot new tracks from Mr. LOSO. I thought they were crack!

Fabolous ft. The-Dream - Throw It In The Bag

Fabolous - New Music - More Music Videos

Fabolous - My Time

Fabolous - New Music - More Music Videos

Milk Chocolate Soul Anyone?

If you really know me well, you'll know that my all time favorite song is... "What you won't do for love" by Bobby Caldwell. I was a young kid when I heard this song for the first time, and when I did, I instantly fell in love with it. I recall that that same day, I ran to the corner bodega, bought a Maxwell 60 minute blank cassette tape, and sat by my stereo system with the dial on NY's CD 101.9, tape in the deck, and my finger on the record and pause buttons. That night, after several hours of being hunched over, with an ear next to the speaker, the DJ played the tune once again; its incomparable introduction playing on. I released the pause button, and the song became mine.

For years, I looked through library books, magazines, discographies, looking for this "black" R&B singer named Bobby Caldwell, who had this amazing soulful groove. Unfortunately, all the pictures I found, were of this Frank Sinatra look-alike, with a top hat, an elongated face, elongated nose, and baby blue eyes. All of my investigations, continued to lead me to this man. But my ignorant self would not accept it. I would tell myself, "Am I spelling his name wrong?" "This cat can't be him." This guy's WHITE". "Don't tell me they pulled a Millie-Vanilli over here?" "That would be a disgrace!"

Bobby Caldwell

As I continued in my stubbornness, I decided to take a trip to "The Wiz", and bring finality to this tormenting investigation. As I walked into the store, I quickly moved to the music section, immediately went to the "C's", for Caldwell, and, and, and..."Crap!" "It's this freaking guy again." I was pissed. I looked on and saw an old black man taking inventory. I figured he worked there because he had one of those WIZ polo's on, and I asked him for help. I said, "hey, you know that song," (i sang the first two lines) "I guess you'll wonder where I've been. I searched to find a love within..." The fellow says, "Of course, that's a classic! You're holding his records right there." Then he says, as to prove himself right, "would you like me to play it for you?" The old man went behind the counter, pulled out a demo of the same CD I was holding, took out the CD in slow-motion so I could see he wasn't fooling me, and placed it in the store's CD player. After a few silent seconds, my favorite tune of all-time, came over the loud speakers. I smiled, looked at the CD I was holding and said, "I'll take it!".

Yes, I felt like smacking myself. But, that incident taught me a great lesson, "NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER". After this, I came across two other artists, the soulful Michael Mcdonald, and Teen 80's sensation Rick Astley. Two fella's who I could've sworn were black R&B/PoP singers, but this time, when I came across their pictures, I didn't fight it. I appreciated their talent, their sound, and added their music to my personal collection.

Michael McDonald


Rick Astley

Maybe you already know their music, but I still come across folks in different areas of the city, who can't believe what i'm telling them. "Yup, they're white". "Nope they're not black". And "Yes, their definitely some soulful dudes". But I like to call their music...
"MILK CHOCOLATE SOUL".

Check out a few videos, showing some of their greatest hits. Enjoy.

Bobby Caldwell: What You Don't For Love (not the best quality, but it's the original video)

Bobby Caldwell - What You Won't Do for Love
by 2fresh

Michael McDonald: Keep Forgetting
(sampled by Warren G for his Regulate record)


Rick Astley: Never Gonna Give You Up

Rick Astley - New Music - More Music Videos

Good Read: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hossein

Picture a world where you're merely seen as an object; a property; a thing; a nobody. A world where your only function in society is to be married off-if that's possible, to procreate, care for your home, and your husband. A world, where your rights to learn, to study, to be independent, and to run free, are snatched from you in the blink of an eye. A world where your days are threatened by insensitive beatings, bombings, run-away missiles, murders, ongoing civil warfare, and tragedy, in a land that was once your own, a land you once called "home sweet home". A world where PERSEVERANCE; FAITH; FAMILY; INNER-STRENGTH; and LOVE FOR THY COUNTRY; are the only things that keep you moving on, and keep you ALIVE.

For two women in Kabul, Afghanistan, this became an everyday reality.

In this #1 New York Times Bestseller, A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini, also the author of #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Kite Runner, Khaled tells the story of two women of Kabul, Afghanistan, his own homeland, who fought through their lives' painful transgressions, and lived through each other, for each other, for their families, and their country. A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of the strongest, most passionate and riveting tales I've ever read. An incredible page turner that can be read in one sitting.


I must warn you though, this story is not for the weak of heart. As it continuously depicts tragic and mournful situations. But don't worry, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself holding back a few tears, or choking through some of the scenes, or see yourself living through these characters, and feeling what they felt. Believe it or not, tears came to my mother's eyes when I described some of the scenes of this book over supper at our dinning table.

Personally, I was touched. The story brought several things into perspective for me, and allowed me to further appreciate my own life and existence. Appreciate things that at times we take for granted and see as insignificant, but if we only knew how blessed we really were to have them. I highly recommend this book. Without a doubt, one of my personal favorites.


5 stars for Khaled Hosseini on another amazing book.

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,
Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.

- Saeb-e-Tabrizi

Also by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner. Check it out! You won't be dissapointed.

Documentary: Before The Music Dies

As I've mentioned in prior blogs, the arts & music mean everything to me. I mean, I honestly cannot leave home without my 80 gig Ipod classic; I love that freaking device. You see, music is like an engine that keeps me going, and momentarily takes many of my worries away. It allows me to appreciate where I've been, where I've come from, and where I'm going. Music is so powerful that it effortlessly takes me on a voyage to my childhood, my first kiss, my first crush. Then on the next music track, delivers me to my first true love, the first time I told someone "I LOVE YOU", my first affectionate embrace. Music has the ability to remove me from my current worries and premonitions, and take me to a safe haven, even if just for a moment in time.

I love music, cause it's been so good to me. It's been my best friend. We've been through it all together. However, for many years, I've continuously voiced my opinion on how music was just not the same anymore. Of how it was slowly turning into something else. Sadly, over the years, music has become a beauty pageant; a popularity contest; JUST A MONEY THING. The skill, talent, sacrifices, and determination of an artist have been set aside, made secondary, and a concentration has been placed on how marketable an individual can be. Bottom line is: "What sells?" "How much money can we make off of this person?"

I'm only 30 now, and to be honest, I really don't know enough of music as a whole. I mean, I would need a few years in a conservatory to review the works of all of the greats and be able to really appreciate it. My God, wouldn't that be something? I would honestly LOVE to do that. But, If there's something I do know, and something I've been able to observe over the last 20 years, is that there's clearly been a loss of respect & appreciation for this amazing art, an art that's slowly dying among the new masses. I repeat, a loss of respect & appreciation for this amazing ART, AN ART THAT'S SLOW DYING AMONG THE NEW MASSES.

Rapper Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones aka NAS, personally the deepest hip hop lyricist I've ever encountered, was cursed at, made fun off, and talked about on numerous records, when he titled his December 2006 release,"Hip Hop Is Dead." But, don't you think NAS was on to something? I think he was, but you see it goes beyond the genre of Hip Hop. Regardless of the few, and I mean very few artists with true raw talent out there, there's not much that's really being done to keep the true essence of music alive for our children, and our children's children.

In "Before the Music Dies", a documentary by Andrew Shapter & Joel Rasmussen, they hit this important topic right on the head. These friends united, and as a tribute to their lost siblings, who were musicians, directed an impacting, and inspirational story of music, it's roots, and where it's sadly heading.

I can't finish this blog off without giving a shout out to my current favorite kick-ass website, www.hulu.com. I honestly cannot go to bed at night without seeing another clip, or bits of an intriguing documentary. Make sure to check them out.

Peace, love & keep the music ALIVE. If you have a moment, check out this documentary.

Do you have any last parting words?

Funerals. We never like to hear about them, and we never like to attend them either, but as it is with death, the accompanying funeral ceremony, is also inevitable. Now leave it to SNL, the MASTERS of skit comedy, to poke fun at this traditional ceremony. Now, I recall that in many of the funerals I attended, if not all, whenever the priest or pastor would ask for any parting words, only a few family members and friends took a stand in the podium, never going more than a few minutes. Now, what If these same folks, just had too much to say? Check out another awesome and hilarious skit. Too funny.

P.S. I freaking love Will Ferrel lmao!!!

Intel: Rockstar Status. Mr. Ajay V. Bhatt

OMG! Can you imagine how cool it would be to meet the co-inventor of the USB device? Yes, that's right, the U-S-to-the-mother-freaking-B. Well, if you've been absent from this planet for the last 10 yrs, this probably won't excite you. So, for all of you electronically impaired individuals, i'll do a quick recap. The USB, has revolutionized the world of electronics, and you use it every single day, and probably haven't even noticed. It's what you use to upload music into your ipod, sync your devices to your computer, download pics into your PC or MAC from your digital camera, attach your printer to your computer with, charge the lithium batter on your phone, recharge that favorite blue tooth of yours, so on and so forth. Practically every single thing invented nowadays, especially every FREAKING computer in the galaxy, has to, and I mean has to, be compatible with a USB port for a USB cable. EVERYTHING!!! OMG! Can you say $$$$$-Cha-Ching. Before the USB was invented, everything was plugged in with PARALLEL PORT ADAPTORS! (pictured below) YUK!!!

Remember these things? Some of our comp's still use them for video devices like the monitor and stuff. But haven't USB's made life a bit easier? Just imagine having to screw and unscrew that gigantic thing every time you wanted to add a new song to your Ipod's playlist?
No way Jose!

Now what would it be like to meet this guy. Wouldn't he have like "Rockstar" status in the world of gizmos and gadgets aficionados? I'm sure you've probably seen the commercial that Intel has done poking fun at this idea, with a smooth man (I love his hair lol) playing the role of Mr. Ajay Bhatt, co-inventor of the USB. No, that's not the real Mr. Bhatt in the commercial, but this other dude just became famous in about 30 seconds lmao!

The real Mr. Ajay V. Bhatt (pictured on the left), and I keep saying Mr. because this man has made billions of lives just a bit easier, and much more enjoyable-Gracias!-is the Intel Fellow and Chief Client Architect for Mobile Platforms Group, Intel Corporation. According to a column on Intel's own website, www.intel.com, Mr. Bhatt has not only been a developmental force behind the USB, but also the Accelerated Graphic Port, PCI Express, Platform Power management architecture and various chipset enhancements. Mr. Bhat holds nine U.S. patents with several in various stages of filing. But hold up everyone, get this, what's even crazier, and this blew me backwards, is that Mr. Bhat received his master's degree from The City University of New York. That's right, CUNY baby! I wonder why they haven't put this guy in one of those "Look who's at CUNY" posters of our subway trains. Come on now! The inventor of the USB. Educated in NYC? Woohoo! Go CUNY. I'm a City College Alumni myself and this makes me proud. Woohoo!

Can you imagine how much money this guy's making? OMG!!! OK enough excitement. Check out the commercial. lmao! Rockstar status baby!

Good Read: The Double by José Saramago

They say that for every person, there's an identical twin somewhere in the world. But, you've never believed that stuff right? I mean, you've never come across someone who looked just like you right? Or who sounded just like you? Or who walked just like you? Or someone with all of the above, and was also anatomically identical to you in every aspect of the word? Someone who was so freaking identical to you, that a picture ID of them, would be a picture of you, with their name and signature. What would you do if you ran into such a person on your way to work? Would you freak out? Would you make a story of it?

Welcome Mr. Tertuliano Máximo Afonso to the scene. If his name hasn't already attracted you, maybe his story will. The story of a secondary school history teacher, who in efforts to find something entertaining to relieve a possible onset of depression,-which he would never admit-and on the recommendation of a colleague-math teacher-friend, rented what was categorized as an OK comedy, to cheer himself up. However, instead of finding laughter, or even enjoyment in this mediocre film, Tertuliano is stumped when he sees himself playing a short role in the film, the actor an exact replica of himself. The only difference, the man he's now staring at, exactly resembles how Tertuliano himself looked 5 years ago, when he wore a mustache.

Who is this man? How can this be? It can't be possible?

Portuguese author and winner of the nobel prize for literature, José Saramago, entertains us with another master piece, and one of my personal favorites. "The Double", will captivate you from start to finish. Accompany Tertuliano Máximo Afonso, as he transforms himself into a Private Investigator, and begins to decipher clues to meet this man, actor, who's become his personal enigma, and his immediate DOUBLE.

Also by Jose Saramago: All The Names, The Cave, Seeing, &
Blindness (Now a Major Motion Picture)

Good Read: The Soloist by Steve Lopez

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship, and The Redemptive Power Of Music.

I can always appreciate a great book, a great story. A book that can go beyond the pages, the print size, and the black letters neatly placed on top off white pages, in parallel lines. A book that can take your mind away to a different city, state, and into someone's life. A book that allows you to practically teleport to a specific place and moment in time and turn you into a caregiver and/or caretaker. A book that can touch you, and birth a new appreciation for the arts. The Soloist, by Steve Lopez is one of those books.

The Soloist, is the emotional, often anxious, and incredible true-story of a homeless man, (Nathaniel Ayers, from Cleveland Ohio) who struck the curiosity of a passer-byer (Steve Lopez, columnist for the LA TIMES), as he was found playing a violin, in a highway tunnel of Skid Row, Los Angeles, out of all places, with just "TWO" strings. For Lopez, this was just the beginning of another interesting column for his readers; another deadline met. Little did Lopez know, that this harmless and expedient meeting, would result in a life-changing friendship. A friendship that would reshape his outlook on life, society, and teach him a lesson on the REDEMPTIVE POWER OF MUSIC.

Add this book to your current reading list. You won't be disappointed.

Now A Major Motion Picture starring Jamie Foxx & Robert Downey Jr.

Check it out!

Justin Timberlake SNL excerpts

Another hilarious "not-so-popular" SNL skit featuring Justine Timberlake, and an older Barry Gibb Talk Show skit. Lmao! I can't take this lmao! Very Funny.

SNL: The Barry Gibb Talk Show

For years SNL has entertained us with all their amazing skits, but have you ever wondered what a show hosted by Barry Gibb would be like? I ran into this skit and was practically peeing in my pants. Justin Timberlake continues to show us how gifted he is, and Jimmy Fallen keeps beign that crazy funny dude. I just love how Justin plays Robin Gibb, with his f*$ked up teeth and all, and Jimmy plays Barry, the temperamental lead singer of the 70's disco kings, The Bee Gees. Check out their original pics and the Hilarious skit. Lmao!

Robin Gibb

Barry Gibb