Spike Lee’s “A Miracle at St. Anna’s”–EPIC!

I have been anticipating this all summer, and unless you are going to be at a Presidential Debate Party this Friday (which I understand), YOU NEED TO SEE THIS!  A trailer for all not familiar with Spike’s GENIUS!  Guess we gotta get the 40 acres ourselves.

SUPPORT!

SNL Sarah Palin/Hillary Clinton Parody

I am not a fan of “late night” humor…but I watched this Saturday night and was dying.

Do You Remember: Whitney Houston Interview w/Diane Sawyer?

With all the focus on “interviews” and what people CLAIM they can do, my mind wandered to probably the MOST memorable interview of my lifetime…Whitney Houston on PrimeTime.  Well…enjoy!(And I will ALWAYS LOVE WHITNEY…).

Remainder on next page.

Obama Is My Slave…

Fashion Week 2008.  Sights, sounds, and paparazzi overload…all the makings of a successful week-plus of fashion-forward fun.  And as I master looking extremely disinterested (which, I learned today, is the trick to people assuming you are really important), and see all the elite town cars and Bentleys roll on 6th Avenue, a shirt catches my attention.  I thought I was mis-reading the shirt (since I have one eye that is seriously impaired), but before I could move closer, another female, who, like me was wearing an “Obama” pin and, like me, belonged to the race “kissed by the sun,” was visibly upset–so visible, that she approached them before I did.  I…wanting to take the more “liberal” approach and attempt to come up with some meaning behind it….actually contemplated if there was a benign meaning to this shirt.  She, on the other hand, didn’t.  She asked them “what is the purpose of your shirt?”  The artist (the man) replied “It is freedom of expression.  I support Obama.”  She responded “I am deeply offended.”  And he said “Well, that’s your opinion.”  Laughing I took my camera phone over there, at which he posed with his “model” and once again stated he was a supporter (oh…and said that I should spread the word about his clothing line…which is the name on his dingy boxers).

I, for one, have come a long way with this freedom of expression thing.  “Jesus Is My Homeboy” t-shirts weren’t even that cool to me (for personal reasons)…but I get it.  But there is no gray area for me on this one.  Once again, it is funny the liberty the majority have in expressing race—and how such individuals feel that there are no repercussions for their expressions.  (I mean, how many times are we going to hear the same excuse “Oh, I didn’t know it was racist).  Slavery, of any kind, is not funny.  Period.  On a more superficial level, one would never see a Clinton supporter with a “Hillary is my BITCH” t-shirt, or “Senile for McCain” t-shirts…neither of which would rise to the level of insensitivity witnessed today.  Even more interesting, however, is that there would be an (expected) OUTCRY if either of the latter  two shirts were displayed—-feminist groups would, rightfully, have a field day crucifying such a statement in the public.  Everyone with an AARP card would stand behind McCain and express the importance on the elderly community in our society.

But black dissention is not viewed the same.  “Pulling the race card” or “making a big deal about nothing” is often the response from the majority.  And for even those who understand…like the spectators who watched me and the other woman today…they do not feel that this is their problem to reprimand a fellow member of their race.  The removal of the auction block has its consequences I guess.  We are, once again, at the mercy of the public to be exposed in any way…and once again WE suffer because another hides behind a right laced in our Constitution.

On a fashion level it was distasteful.  On a personal level it was disrespectful.  I didn’t know I would feel that way about a statement like that until I saw it.  And people wonder why it is hard to love this country…

Spotlight: Rico A. Harris, Artist

Last night, while celebrating the success of my brother from another mother, Rae, an up and coming artist had his pieces on display at Harriet’s Alter Ego in Brooklyn, NY.  He was very welcoming and allowed for us to have fun (and take pics) of his pieces.  His artwork is very intricate, creative, and he is on to big things!  Check out some of his artwork at http://www.myspace.com/fabricmaker (go to “pics”).

And for your latest news in fashion and entertainment, check out Rae at stuffflypeoplelike.com (on my blogroll).  Congrats RAE!

Two Actually Interesting Discussions from ‘The View’

Watch for entertaiment, laughter, or yell at the screen ( I do at times).  There actually are some interesting viewpoints here!

BOTH CLASSICS 😉

Do You Remember: Gina Thompson?

Like what ever happened to her? She had whatever summer that was on lock! But…you KNOW she was under “Bad Money-Grabbin’ Boy” Puffy Combs.  Sigh.  And since he has certain songs unavailable on Itunes, here is the hit so you can jam while your boss left early for the weekend.  Happy listenin’!

And the winner is…COCKROACH

At least that’s how we remember him as (real name is Carl Anthony Payne II). And Ify & Them would like to congratulate him for maintaining a JOBB! He shows what perseverance in the entertainment world REALLY IS! Through the Cold War of the 80’s, the Hollywood Strike, and the recent depression we are experiencing, Cockroach held it down on the Cosby Show, then resurfaced as “Payne” on Martin, and now plays a random “hood” friend of Calvester on Under One Roof. Cockroach…we salute you. Check out a memorable clip of Cockroach!

(Did you know….that he is also the stepfather of Bobby Brown’s oldest son, Landen! Dang, he is DOING IT!)

Check in the garage for a memorable “Payne” moment on Martin.

There really is NO LIMIT for Percy Miller a.k.a. ‘Master P’

Hip-hop entrepreneur, Percy Miller, better known as Master P, is launching an alternative cable network–Better Black Television (i love that name yo…just get to the point…BETTER…BLACK).  This endeavor is promoted as a family-friendly network which will provide “positive content for a black and brown culture.”  BBTV is set to launch in 2009, offering news programming, original shows, and “responsible hip-hop music and videos.” (I feel an MC Hammer comeback…what, what!).  Percy is surrounding himself with excellence by having an advisory board that includes Oscar winner, Denzel Washington (for Training Day to them….Malcolm X for us), NBA player Derek Anderson (Charlotte Bobcats) and hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc.

Kudos! It’s about time there was an alternative to “Hell Date”.