An "Oldie but Goodie" (and somehow still relevant...)

First...I'm NOT a blogger (contrary to this whole entry/system thing...) I don't have the ego to think that everyone enjoys the machinations and ruminations of my simple mind, however, occasionally things happen and instead of playing "secret squirrel" with chestnuts...I share. That being said...here we go!
I've had a wonderful weekend. Revelations and resolutions that have grown me personally, physically, professionally, spiritually, and financially! Thursday (my weekends start on Thursday...) I grew in the area of allowing people to fail. Friday I enjoyed wonderful, enlightening, appreciative company and was reminded of my beauty, wit and grace. Saturday I played in the rain like a child...spontaneous baptism, if you will. I felt renewed and hung out with my big headed cousin watching Bboys and enjoying my "hood". But this morning put the icing on the cake.



I'm walking outside to do some laundry when I hear a girlish giggle and looking over the balcony I see my downstairs neighbor and a suitor. In and of itself, means very little...but let me explain that my neighbor is in her early 60's and her "suitor" is 67. They look like my gramps (blessings) and granny...and she's GIGGLING! I watched as she helped him tie his tie on the front stoop and made my way downstairs, hesitant to interrupt their moment. She's a wonderful lady (in every sense of the word), so she notices me and I say good morning. This beautiful couple proceed to give me the confirmation that I needed.



They are NOT married, they say with a big grin. They spent a wonderful night together, they say with their heads resting against each other. The scent of her apartment is warm, welcoming, comforting and inviting (she tells me she bought incense after smelling it coming from my place >smile<) They tell me that they've been "significant friends" for 3 years and have learned how and when to give each other space. She tells me she wears different wigs to "keep things fun"...(LMBO!!!) They do water aerobics together and she's gotten him to give up pork and salt. He's encouraged her to "show her beautiful smile" and she does! I felt like a sapling in the realm of redwoods...Beautiful and new.



So what does this have to do with me? It's simple. I know that I enjoy companionship. I also enjoy my space. I like waking up occasionally and stretching the length of my bed. I enjoy making a one egg breakfast, being silent for a 24 hour period, closing the door behind a "significant friend" so that I can begin my day, kneeling at my altar without explanation and watching ATHF followed by Amandla. My relationships usually last beyond the break up because I'm a friend first, but the idea of being married (again) holds no bewitching spell for me. Before the choir begins track A, let me say that I love marriages (I HATE weddings...but I truly love happily married people!) My parents have been together since third grade, my brother and sister-in-law are the coolest unit I know...and even my most recent newlywed friends (shouts out BenJala!) are meant to be...in a forever kind of way. But for myself...not so much. I simply don't see the point. Yeah, yeah...I know..."You'll feel differently after a couple of years"...I honestly don't think so.



But feel free to ask me again when I'm giggling and helping my "significant friend" tie his tie on my front porch.

Mashallah!

~M

Happy "Dummy You're In Love So Be..." Day!

Valentine's Day Approacheth and if I were more helpful, I'd contort and torture the few brain cells I'm not using to conjuring ideal gifts, dates, gifts and moments to help all the lover's I know. Instead, I thought I'd give the only useful advice at my disposal.

Ladies, if you're asking yourself: "What does he want?"
The Answer is...>drumroll!< EVERYTHING!

Gentlemen, if you're asking yourself: "What does she want?"

The answer is...>dramatic pause< EVERYTHING ELSE!

...and vice versa...

See how easy that is?!!!

Can either of us be all this to each other? No!!!

Should we try?!! Occasionally...

I present to you a laundry/grocery/wish dreamlist of the qualities we look for in each other...(and yes, I applied empirical male data, as I'm genetically predisposed to "GIRLINESS"...)

Ladies first, you chauvinist clods...

So, Gretchen...you're travelling the aisles of the Relationship~Mart (think Walmart of Men) and what do you pick up?
The staples:
Loyalty
Monogamy
Honesty
Fidelity

Now that we've gotten THAT out of the way, let's hit up our favorite aisle...

Our Neurosis:
We want a Father/Brother/Bestfriend/Pastor/Homegirl/Security Guard/Furniture Mover/Financier/Insect Killer/Teacher/Stud/Diary/TeddyBear/SuperHero/Therapist/Sun, Moon, Stars, Clouds, Ocean...

Yes, we do expect all that AND we expect you to guess which one we want when we're all silent and moody while telling you "nothing's wrong". Better yet, we'd like you to do all of the previous, in an open square of our hometown meeting district of choice while a hot~air~balloon circles, displaying "She's the best woman EVER to be born on earth!" across the LED screen, preceded and followed by fireworks as tulips and roses drop from the sky. Think you can handle all that? Good, because you must now do all of that in every city, in every state, in every country...on every isthmus, island, inlet, and celestial body in the galaxy...(including those unseen by the naked eye...).
To which we'll reply: "You don't spend enough time with me..."
*Quit whining!*
Oh yeah...you should also love ya mamma, be drop dead gorgeous, (encompassing every cultural representation of perfection), taller, financially stable, educated, respectful and perfect...without making us look any less...

Empirical Data provided the following information regarding what "men want from women"...
Pay close attention...

Food

Sex (in any way that they prescribe)

Isolation during their favorite activity,

(be that: sports, video games, reading, working,

yawning, butt scratching, chess,

anonymous booty, visits to the strip club

Unfair, but funny...(to me...and honestly, does anyone else matter?!)

Men confess when bound and gagged to wanting a Mother/Sister/Homeboy/Prophet/Ego Stroker/Financier/Sexy Instructor/Diary/Video"personnel"/Heroine~Heroin/Counselor/Cook/Secret Shopper/Customer Service Representative/Tree, Volcano, Lake, Hummingbird, Eclipse, Tsunami...

Yes, ladies...we are required to be more than "a lady in the streets and a freak in the bed", so PLEASE stop posting (on FB/Twitter/Blackplanet/GoogleBuzz/YahooMessenger/MSN...) Garveyite quotes next to pics of yourself 3/4's naked in your special "Scripture a day" panties...It'S NOT WORKING!!!

What does this tell you? (Shameless prompt: I won't know unless you comment)...It tells me this:

We have a myriad of expectations. A perfection that neither of us could reach, if either of us would reach, those things we wish we'd reach...that's a bit of stretch! I (and you) would have to summon all those additional personalities, imaginary friends and movies we've insisted on believing in to come ANYWHERE close...
But who has that kind of time?!!!

This Valentine's Day...here's my advice.

Take your 58%, 64%, 77% and be exceedingly happy. Sure, you're name isn't written on a ribbon in the sky, but, neither is Mrs. Wonder's...instead you got a smile.

No, she hasn't performed questionable acts for the amusement of your friends...but your breakfast in bed was SLAMMIN' (...besides, you wouldn't want her to ACTUALLY  do that other nonsense!)

He failed to book reservations at the la~dee~da eatery, didn't buy roses, and gave you a card last minute, as if it was a Houdini hat trick *voila!*...but only he knows that one silly joke that can make you laugh while the walls of Jericho fall...

No, she won't apologize for asking you to turn off the game, she has probably reserved this day (and this day ONLY) for breakfast in bed, and all you got was a crappy tie/watch/cologne/sweater...but if you had a bad day...you can count on the echo of her voice cosigning and protesting every injustice that you've faced, while rubbing your head and trying her best...to "make it all better".

Look, if you've got someone to make up what you can't/won't do for yourself...
Enjoy what you have.
Happy Valentines... Dummy!

Image...How many of us have them?

A couple of weeks ago, I engaged in a lively discussion regarding the images of Black Men in entertainment. The statement that proceeded the firestorm was:

"I'm proposing a boycott on all movies that portray Black Men dressed in women's clothing."

(The Tyler Perry bashing was surprisingly minimal.)

But it made me think (as debates often do...) about the portrayal of images in the media and how we are programmed to accept, embrace and possibly perpetuate stereotypes due to the entertainment industry's ability to spoon feed gruel with a suitable amount of sugar. The lively little discussion brought to light some of the caricatures that follow:

The Angry Black Man ~ and not just angry but a "boogie man savage who has yet to be imprisoned". I know precious few truly angry black Men. Most are too busy being Fathers, Husbands, Entrepeneurs, Homeboys, Friends and Family to find the necessary time/energy reserve for anger. Let's understand the culture for a split second: Black men rarely smile...on the dance floor, in church, at work, on public transit...a wide open grin is deemed less than cool...and we all know...

...Brotha's are the Definition of Cool

The Angry Black Woman ~ somehow, Black Women are louder, angrier and far more aggressive than anyone else on earth...and I thought that made us sexy >strikethrough<. VH-1 is singlehandedly packaging, processing and mass producing the image of the Aggressive Black Woman. Loud and erroneous, vocal and erratic, just plain angry and apparently powerless, the image of the "man eating Sistah" is a reality tv mainstay.

If you believe the hype: "We gone GET YOU CORRECT! Tell you da truf! Keep it 100!" and if you don't like it...you ain't a man, "cuz we just keepin' it real!"

The Effeminate Male ~ The screaming tea kettle that set the cauldron boiling. Comedian, actor, Actor/comedian, Comedic/Actor, action star, extra...Icon, Layman...A BlackMan draped in women's clothing is apparently a Holly~huckster mainstay. This is no new phenomena, this question has been posed ad nauseum...and I'll pose it here: Name a famous actor/comedian in a major tv/movie/sitcom role who has NOT dressed in drag to make the joke, facilitate a catharsis, make a point...thus far, I'm aware of one: Redd Foxx!

The Idealized Female Saint/Inept Black ~ ...I stopped watching sitcoms about 4 billion years ago for one simple reason. If a Father figure is present (and that's a rarity), he is a fat, barely literate, sloppy, technologically retarded, and an unrepentant doofus slob who enjoys his doofosity ignorance. Seriously?!!! This is a two fold curse, ladies...follow me: If's he's "good for nothing" what is he good for? Nothing...what should you expect? Nothing...and what do you do when he's 5% short of your Lifetime ideals? You/we make them feel like nothing. The other side: Men...if she views you thusly, what do you do? Nothing. What do you expect? Nothing. Who do you blame? I'll leave you to that...

The Black President Who Precedes Armeggedon/The End Times/Catastrophically Life Ending Patterns of Nature.

Watch the Weather Channel closely, Sir...

We have so many more images to choose from, and somehow our entertainment dollar is appropriated to promote images that highlight/create/speculate/reinforce the negative.  In the course of this discussion, we sought to examine and understand the line drawn in the sand between "entertainment" and destructive generalizations...

Your thoughts?

Everything I Need To Know, I Learned Avoiding Lifetime

I like being female. Specifically, I enjoy being a girl and I cherish beging a woman. What I don't enjoy...is the Lifetime Network. Everytime I hear their slogan, "TV for women", I want to hunt down whichever mysogynistic, male chauvinist troglodyte shoveled that load of crap across the table and presented as a promotional tool.

*deep cleansing breath*

With that said, here are a couple of things I've learned by avoiding Lifetime like the scourge that it is...

1. A woman acts proactively.
While it's admirable that Judith Light/Valerie Bertinelli/Shannon Elizabeth, etc...rose from the ashes of a shattered life and started over on "a level playing field", what happened to identifying trouble BEFORE your life is set ablaze by bad, misinformed decisions?

2. A woman is not the sum total of her failures.
In the same vein as "proactive life participation", building moments don't necessarily require a burning bed, emotionally bankrupt spouse, rebellious hateful children or on the job sexual harrassment. Some of us have accomplished greatness by the practical application of our skills, not as a means of "proving someone wrong".

3. Developing self worth is ongoing.
One simple "triumph of spirit" does not a grown woman make. Our growth and developement is such as complex organism. I say "organism" because it is a living representation...a process, not the finish line.
4. A mate does not a life make.
Listen, we all desire that one person who encourages us to laugh, think and grow. Unfortunately, I've yet to meet a single, solitary woman who's every life question and trauma was solved by a man/mate.

5. Female lockdown facilities are NO place for a sane virgin...
(yes, folks...this is the comic relief!)

Never one to settle with being part of the problem, here are my suggestions based on the idea that maybe adversity DOES make us stronger (and NO Thelma & Louise will be NOWHERE on this list...those idiots killed themselves.):

A Long Kiss Goodnight

Strong amnesiac, butt kicking mom.  Rhianna got her eyeshadow advice from

Ms. Charli Baltimore, and one of raps first ladies, borrowed her moniker and swag in hopes of securing a place in hip hop history!  How do you know she's bad?
She made Samuel Jackson, lower his freakin' voice!

Alien

Strong, extraterrestrial mothers fight it out for inner/outerspace supremacy.  Weaver's strategic avoidance of slime should
serve as a lesson for that "There's Something About Mary" hair snafu.

Silence Of The Lambs

A how to manual for turning the good ol' boy, law enforcement network on it's ear, Foster extracting moths, challenging a cannibal, rescuing a lotion deprived, well bound idiot...all while sporting a fly bob~cut is womanhood at its best!

(Unfortunately, the same kind of feminine kick butt was not found in the series resulting in Hannibal...an incredible disappointment for Agent Starling.)

Fargo

Another "girl cop", flick without the rampant sexuality

shows what Columbo would be like if he were pregnant,

happily married and not bothered by looking in the woodchipper.

A Canadian must have..."ayuh".

Living Out Loud

A personal fave for the simple reason that she turned down the obvious "and they lived happily ever after" ending.  Don't get me wrong...she lived happily.  (Who can be sad strolling down the street while Hot Fun In The Summer Time plays in the background?)  But she turned down DeVito's offer (which cements the movie's realism) and found herself...and isn't that what womanhood is all about?



Its been my mission since becoming an adult to openly disparage the Lifetime movie network in the hopes that someone in programming will make definitive changes to their programming to something far more palatable...and like Scarlet O'Hara...I shall never be hungry again! ...oh never mind!

These are my favorites...what are yours?

I keep hearing people lament the state of music. Being constantly subjected to, drowned in and barraged by
images of New Coon Classics (I shall name no names), I thought I'd devote a day to music that you should probably be listening to...

(Caveat: The views of this blog are OBVIOUSLY my opinion...but, guess what. There's a handy little feature on the blog that allows you to tell me how full of craptacularness I am, or what an elitist, hippy, backwards retard I am...In other words...leave a comment. No rules, no censorship...just a comment that you're willing to stand by)

K'naan

I joke continually that K brings "give us free" hip hop. His recent appearance on Austin City Limits made me stay awake like a "naughty child waiting to watch SNL circa 1980", knowing the jewels would be dropped. (AND brought Chubb Rock to the mix...RESPECT!) I wasn't disappointed! He makes anthems...Mashallah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIhm94a-8SE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TfXtcvmkiw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fRF6Cby824&feature=related

Nneka

I don't have the lingual skills to do this sister justice.  Naija born and expressive as only she can be, I'm jamming her during my work out warm ups, high intensity AND cool downs...I challenge others to walk in her shoes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lulJdMKaZw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh1JfyhbrOU&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smh5ncwkHNI

Rob Jay

Initially, I was going to delete Rob Jay...not that I don't LOVE what he does...but I'm providing examples, and I could only find ONE of my favorite songs on YouTube...When I found out "Director's Chair" was the single clip...I could only laugh! Lyricist...I've missed you...thanks for reincarnating Self!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JbtGBbwcUE

Hal Linton

The word "plaintive" would be an easy dismissal of all that Mr. Linton brings to the table. He makes that sound that amateurs reach for when attempting to convey sincerity. A You-Tube favorite for his ability to mix humility and humor into his creative process, Hal Linton delivers vocally. My personal fave? Abandoned Heart with Rob Mounsey...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-sj0kSEcP0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAifqao_txQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq6yUDgN6_8&feature=fvw

Esperanza Spalding

So...one night E Spalding snuck into my subconscious and started playing music. In an era of  "show your backside AND tonsils simultaneously", Esperanza Spalding singlehandedly restored a Sade~like hope. If you saw her at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, then you KNOW what I mean. If you didn't, get thee to the House of Blues, QUICKLY! She's converting those unrepentant jazz chanteuse haters, and I'm glad to lead the way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPp5Z1YuJUM&feature=related.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8gynGy8pSg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDxVz476VxQ&feature=related

Muhsinah

In a word: subtle...in three words: Subtle head nodding...Muhsinah won't leave you cringing at high notes unreached, instead, you'll find yourself chair dancing and grateful that singer/songwriters are on the way back. While I tend to enjoy her more melodic endeavors, don't sleep on her ability to make you groove with both hands held high.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unqJIkcIg-A&feature=PlayList&p=FCEA5311508C13A6&index=1

Jay Electronica

I want to say more, but I can't...Lyricist with the KNOWledge. Electronica provides that PE flow that allows you to learn without realizing you're learning. So holy, I dissect his echoes...Gods and Goddesses...Jay Electronica!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWc4DG1s53g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtkyVX7JYTE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrYqDPW25cc&feature=related

Foreign Exchange

There is something SO sultry about well placed string instruments and ambient sound. In a word, Foreign Exchange encompasses the incidental music of your "coolest moment". Deceptively simple in it's arrangements, but complex in delivery, allow these melodies to provide the soundtrack for a night of seduction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCXNaV7CKig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89-4jbpPgCY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofC3I7WZfSo&feature=related

New Corrine Bailey Rae

The lilting voice of the girl next door, Corrine Bailey Rae ain't folksy enough to be soul and ain't soul enough to be R&B...but what she IS draws you in like gravity. Holding to the haunting voice that gave Like A Star it's signature sound, Rae draws on her own person to bring us something special. When angels sing, they imitate her voice, face and sound. From the new album...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoNli84m1mQ

Wiz Khalifa

Been screaming on this one for a year or so...catching on, and I'm smiling. Been a minute since I gave a flip about garden tools, money I'm not spending or a car...Any wonder why Khalifa speaks to me? Let him speak to you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=714YwX_yn9c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxBCfHJ0pMw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87AXdl3NgR0

And a throwback track

Rahsaan Patterson...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttvYb6wcJSU 

How To Avoid The "Get In Where You Fit In"

Before we begin this, I'm going to ask that for 5 good seconds, we pocket our varied  ideologies, notions, lifestyle choices and prejudices opinions. The idea is to explore womanhood in all our frailties and glory. With that being said...we are more than complex (and far more than this meager list encompasses). Let's go through the "types".

High Maintenance Diva ~

We see her in the club, dressed to the 9's, 10's and 11's. Eyeshadow, designer handbag and shoes to match, she's a lace front, Mac cosmetics spectre of royalty with a chip on her shoulder and a withering glare for any man in the wrong tax bracket. The only thing that prevents her from falling into "gold digger" status is the fact that she's paid for (without assistance) her entire costume.

Gold Digger/Bopper ~
Same sister in the club, but something is slightly "off". Her lacefront may be a couple of weeks old and her bag is knockoff adjacent, but not in any obvious way. She circles, flirts with, makes a spectacle of herself for "the right man". And who is Mr. Right? The flavor of the month. We'll see varieties of this woman on reality television, vying for the attentions of one man, willingly sacrificing her integrity, self respect and her immune system for the ability to say that "at some point, in my entire life, despite my ability to do for myself (or lack thereof), I slept with DrakeWeezyGucciInsertABallPlayerActorAPolitician...despite a lack of committment or mutual decision to build anything.

Sister Christian ~

Night Ranger reference aside, King James is her only companion. Trust that the first half of your conversation, she's busy praying that your lustful demons aren't undressing her fervent desire to remain celibate and the last half, she's trying to determine flower arrangements should she somehow pray you down the aisle into her constant Holy companion. Fall for the bait, and you'll end up like Joseph (Jesus' step daddy), second in her attentions and a victim to her self imposed martyrdom...(that was probably too harsh...*shrug*).

Ms. Independent ~

PDA compatible with a schedule too busy to date, estranged family members and a (or multiple) degrees in bitterness, in a variety of fields. On the surface, she's the idealized dream. No children, intelligent, "respectable" (or whatever passes for)...but her heart (and various other places) are the home of cobwebs and icicles. If you can get past her built in defenses, she'd be the prize. Too bad she's too busy for either of you to find out.

The Infant/Damsel In Distress ~

She affects a babygirl voice, attitude, lifestyle and encourages drama situations that require her constant rescue and deliverance. For a man whose self esteem is mainly derived from his "super hero" abilities, she's an endless abyss of wasted time and talents...that she'll never realize she possesses.

The Tomboy ~

The quintessential jeans and t~shirt girl who finds her value in doing what the boys can do, to the extent that she ignores her femininity as if it's a handicap. Sure, I understand that the daily application of make up is essentially a boring monotonous chore, and wearing frilly dresses/high heels can be uncomfortable...but to never (never ever? never ever?) acknowledge that you do indeed pee sitting down have girly side is a poor defense mechanism, especially when you're feeling dejected after the Rakim concert where you and your homeboy rapped every lyric in perfect harmony...but looked up to find him taking "her" home.

The Conscious Chick ~

Her aura, ancestors and horoscope make up an inviolate triumvirate (if you're lucky) designed to protect her from herself, yourself and any other selves that count. Every conversation is meant to reference her Godess~ness and before you speak words to her, you should pour out the libations of your conversations to dead relations...feel free to insert poetic snaps here. You in the present, will never gain her attention, until you (out of frustration) become the past...and yes, she'll light candles to your memory.

Never mind that all these women have something in common, besides an inner child already outfitted in her dream wedding dress screaming, "like me, have me, hold me, LOOOOOOOOOOVE me like a fairytale, please!!!" which is...when they all wake up in the morning, go to work, Walmart (or the Farmers Market) and are face to face with themselves. They don't see themselves fitting into any of these stereotypes.

(Yes, myself included...)
But ladies...(and the few brave gentlemen who tripped across the estrogen patch and found themselves in this "Girl Garden") we do. Occasionally, we blur the lines of all these dynamics, providing an equal measure of frustration and delight in anyone who happens across our paths. Is it any wonder that men tear their afros, goatees, locs, and scalps out wondering, "What does she WANT from me?!!!"
(Ummm...yes, myself included...)
I challenge that the sooner we recognize this, the sooner we can begin tweeking our individual recipes to something more palatable for all parties involved...

Yes, myself included.


(At this point, I think it's important that I welcome your comments, because frequently...I'm full of shi...  ideas.  So I'm welcoming comments...yes, all of them). 

Artist United For Haiti Benefit Concert

Combine talented local artists, a long-standing reputable venue, an amazing DJ, and gifted live band, generous patrons, a good cause and you have the recipe for a night of entertainment and altruism. Hosted by local poet Se7en, the Artist United for Haiti Benefit at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe on Monday, January 25th was a night filled with poetry, hip-hop, and great soul vibes.

As the artist began entering the Red Cat, anticipation was high and the mood was set with the wonderful DJ styling of DJ Regg, providing sounds from Hal Linton to old school hip hop favorites, Camp-Lo. The venue provided birds eye view for all in attendance and within minute, the place was packed with people willing to party for a good cause.

Host Se7en (Power In The Word), took the stage with his usual confidence and witty interactions encouraging the audience to feel at home and like family, setting the tone for an intimate evening amongst friends. Live band, Exclusive took the stage providing a musical interlude followed by the poetry of Fertile Spirit and Baritone, who's French interlude and deep timbres delighted the women attendance. Soul artist, David Sha (Beloved Perfection), lent his vocals and brought his A-game to the packed house. Next to the stage was poet, Black Bluez who brought hard hitting pieces, including a tome to Vidor dragging victim James Byrd.

Councilman Jarvis Johnson took the stage stirring the audience with his words and a call to continue providing help and aid wherever it is needed. Councilman Jarvis also encouraged ongoing political involvement for the sake of progress in our city.

B.E.T Comedian Keir Spates provided a seamless transition and brought the laughs and a sense of humor and community. Poets Black Snow and Savannah performed both new and signature pieces appropriate for the cause, illuminating the importance of showing love to people all over the world. Prairie View Slam Poet Outspoken Bean took the stage with partner, TheFluentOne giving a dynamic duet performance that kept the audience enthralled. As a personal touch, Outspoken Bean also performed a touching ode to his brother, highlighting the importance of being there for loved ones.

Singer, Krystal Hardwick, who’s folksy sound left the crowd feeling lighthearted, followed a short intermission, with sounds provided by Exclusive. Soul Artist, Tony Henry performed a medley of inspirational tunes, ending his brief set with his trademark, Stuck In The Ghetto.

A comedic break provided by B.E.T Comedian Lil Brough, left the audience in stitches and appreciating his revealing, oft irreverent, but always hilarious sense of humor.

Hip Hop ingenue's JuzCoz, brought their quirky and much appreciated rebirth to the scene, prompting this writer to think of them as Hip Hop(e) for Houston's hip hop community, rousing the crowd into a head bobbing frenzy with their song Video Game.

B.E.T Comedienne Kiesha Hunt's comedic styling proved the adage "good things come in small packages" and provided her style of humor complete with catch phrases that won't soon be forgotten.

Rounding out the show were jazzy chanteuse Marium Akilah accompanied on the djembe and Mississippi Soul Man Joe Lee McCoy, singing his signature hit, Natural.

This is what happens when artists of all types donate their time, energy and skill to a cause...a night everyone can enjoy, comfortable with the thought that they are able to put aside day to day selfishness and make a difference in a global way. All in all, a show packed with talent, sponsored by 713Black.com, is one Houston hopes will return soon.

P.S.
Donations can still be made by texting "yele" to 501501 or visiting http://www.yele.org/.

Maidenhead...

I'll let you in on a secret. I'm not a blogger. I've been saying so for years now and despite what people may

say...I'm not a blogger. It's true, I write on stray scraps of paper and have volumes of journals, emails and
text messages to myself and even the half hearted attempt to record my random thoughts via the memo portion of my cellphone (which failed miserably, as my voice sounds like a hoarse variation of Harvey Fierstein with a noticeable Southern lilt). Despite this admission, I'm not a blogger. Instead I've tried on different titles, like a supermodel prepping for the runway. I'm a "writer", a "griot", a "story teller", a "reporter" and various other things (that all feel like they fit), but one thing I am not is a blogger.

Having said all that...welcome to my blog.
The name "Keep The Change" came about despite a friend of mine's attempts to distract me from something
workable. (Inside Joke...there will be alot of these, by the way). So I asked myself, "Self...what is the purpose of this? What do you want to accomplish?" And of course, I answered myself, otherwise I'd be crazy.

I want to catalogue random things that I think everyone can relate to. I'm told I'm pretty good at this. All the voices in my head are in agreement on this one...

I want to post reviews about concerts I've seen, albums I've listened to, movies I've watch, television I've suffered through...(getting the drift?).

I want to make people laugh, think, dream and become completely inefficient when they are supposed to be working. I'd like to be your favorite distraction.

I want to offer encouraging words. This one will catch those who know me off guard. Yes, despite all my sarcasm, biting wit, questionable effervescence and general verbal butt kicking...I'd like to be a person responsible for inspiring a person. (How I go about achieving this will be one of the many tests of my writing skill...)

In other words...I wanted to offer my two cents.
But that name was already taken...

Keep The Change is literal...everyone at some point offers their opinion. They toss their two cents into your
bucket and expect a return. Here at Keep The Change, I'll give you my two cents and invite you to keep it!
(You'll never know when it'll come in handy...)

Welcome and enjoy!