Dude… I got a Dell!

After much decision making, bargain hunting and all around indecisiveness – I have finally purchased my new laptop.  I am actually using it right now to make this blog.  Learning and exploring the new features in Windows 7 has really been exciting and less challenging than I expected!  And now with Windows Live Writer, it is all the more easier for me to make posts and uploads. 

The new Dell laptops are excellent and have drastically improved in design and functionality.  As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with them I even got a matching netbook, so that I will always be mobile and ready any new adventure or escapade I can get myself into. …so yeah, “Dude, I got a Dell!” and I couldn’t be happier with my selection!

--Justus

Read More

Usher's 2010 All Star Performace

Dear Usher... I am a long time fan and supporter, but I am writing you this letter to express my concerns. #1 - Your performance... yes sir, you still got it. #2. Live vocals - a little hoarse, but still did very well overall. #3 - Your outfit - achem... excuse me let me take a moment... ok, so remember that part I said about being a fan and supporter, I meant that... I do... achem... *ackward pause* ...brother what was you thinking? Grown men do not wear capris, let alone LEATHER CAPRIS! And to top it off a Spartacus vest?!?!

No sir, we will have none of this Tom Foolery... I mean I know you and Tameka didn't work out, but at least she had you looking right! For the sake of the kids ya'll still get a long, sooo can she start styling you again... seriously! ...after I see improvements in these areas, I will return your "swagger card"... until then, DO NOT leave the house unless your clothing has been confirmed and cleared from clearance by some knowledgeable person...

In conclusion, let me remind you, yes sir, I am STILL a fan and supporter, so do not view this as some random internet hate, no sir I am not an "e-baller"... but I am concerned citizen who must address this important issue. Thank you for your time and attention... and remember, "fashion is not a privelege, it's a right"! Therefore,
do the right thang"!

Read More

James Cameron's "Avatar"

It's the movie everyone is talking about - James Cameron's "Avatar"! At first I was a little intimidated to see this movie because just based on the previews the imagery and realism was overwhelming. To be honest with you, I don't like movies about aliens and creatures, but there was something about this movie that made me want to see it nonetheless, and I'm glad I did. It features the voice of one of my favorite actresses, C.C.H. Pounder, she plays the high priestess of her alien civiliation and she really plays up the power in her voice using their distinct native tongue. Also impressive was the performance of Sam Worthington, who most of will know as the good Terminator cyborg in the last Terminator movie. I encourage you all to see this movie and if at all possible, please do so in 3D and where available IMAX 3D. It gives you a whole new level of viewing pleasure, and it is well worth the 3 hour viewing experience!

Read More

Roads. Signs. Messages. - Original Prose

There are times when I feel like I'm all alone in the world,

sometimes its unbearable, other times it feels like it's a protection against myself...

There are times when it feels like no one knows that I exist,

yet sometimes, when I least expect it. I'm told "I love you" from the most unexpected sources...

There are times when I feel like I can't do this anymore, to just give up because it's easier that way...

yet there are times when after pushing aside the loneliness, and after being lifted from the fall... I suddenly realize...

I... didn't... know... MY OWN... STRENGTH!

...sometimes the loneliness begets you, but to feel lonely you first must feel loved....

My strength is not my weakness...

My weakness IS my strength...

Because I am strong enough to recognize the danger... posted like a rusted hazard sign on an old country road...

its been there seemingly forever, but right as you are pull up to the edge of the cliff, the headlights reflect it's cryptic message... "beware - hazardous road conditions ahead..."

Read More

Beyonce & Lady Gaga - "Video Phone"

Let me just preface this commentary by saying, I love Beyonce and the wonderfully-talented Lady Gaga. Yes, I do! ...again, yes I do! When it was announced that these two ladies would be joining forces and remixing my 2nd favorite track from the Bey's "Sasha Fierce" album, I was more than elated! Even more greater was knowing that there would also be a video for the collabo... what more can you ask, right? ...right??? I have to admit, this whole idea was an epic fail.

First things first, the SONG! Gaga's chorus and additional ad libs don't even fit the theme of the song. It leaves you kinda like, "um, okay... hmmm...*awkward silence*". So I say to myself, perhaps this is going to be one of those songs, you have to see in a video to really get the picture... yet again, I'm left asking myself, "um, okay... hmmm... *ackward silence*".

As expected I assumed Beyonce would gloss over Gaga in this video, after all it is her song, but let's just compare the stats... Beyonce - approx 15 costume changes vs. Lady Gaga - one outfit, that just so happens to match Beyonce's. ....yeah, exactly! It's one thing to focus more on the primary artist, but to "white wash", literally and figuratively one of the greatest divas of eccentricity in our era was kinda a low and deliberate blow, but what can I say, again it is Beyonce's video.

The video starts out with a sexy intro, nothing new here, yet I'm talking to myself yet again, "Riri is that you?" From the hair, makeup, outfit and even the facial expression, Beyonce channeled Rihanna almost better than Rihanna if that is possible. Then we move on Lady Gaga... it was nice to see her a little toned down, but come on now, the few flashes we see of her all she is doing is mimicking Beyonce ala "Beautiful Liar"... I kinda felt like this video was not a real collaboration, more so an attempt to say, "look what I can do!" -- as in "I can make you look less important, relevant and hot than me!".

As I already stated, I love these two women, but ya know, sometimes, it's best not to combine two of the things you love, that's why they say, "there's room for everyone", so perhaps, each one needs to stay in their own bubble of celebrity, because this duo performance let me empty inside... ya know, come to think of it, I should have had a V8!

Read More

Song of the Week - "Whatcha Say" by Jason Derulo

New up and coming R&B artist Jason Derulo, is taking over the music scene with the #1 single on Billboard's Hot 100. Derulo has a refreshingly different style than a lot of the urban music acts out today, and he forging his own path on his musical journey. "Whatcha Say" is following the current trend of infusing dance\pop beats and musical elements into R&B, thus making an all new fusion of genres. It seems this fusion is working in Derulo's favor as he has recently been announced as an opening act for Lady Gaga's "The Monster's Ball" tour. If you search the Internet you will more than likely be able to find a lot of tracks that may possibly be on Derulo's debut album. One of my favorites of these unreleased tracks is "Broken Record" which shows Derulo's crooning ability. With such a huge and successful introduction into the music scene, let's hope that Jason Derulo's music career will crescendo into greater and more successful avenues!

Read More

Life is "Precious" indeed...

"Wow"... is all I can say about indie movie "Precious". I have never experienced being in a movie theather were EVERYONE responded to each of the heart-wrenching and at times overwhelming scenes in this picture. The vocal and physical reactions from the crowd caused me to reach to emotions I never thought I would express in public, let alone to characters on a movie screen. This movie is powerful, intriguing and very necessary.

It sheds light on various subjects affecting many communities, not just the ghettos of Harlem as depicted. Sadly statistics show that across the board, more and more young people are experiencing some form of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Worst case scenario, the culprit is oftent times a family member or shockingly the parents themselves.


"Precious" is very necessary, because it is far past the time that someone has stood up for the for those who are unable to sand and speak out for those who remain silent. Aside from the message of the movie itself, I must say I am more than impressed with the introductory performance of Gabourey Sidibe, who was able to capture the grittiness of the subject material and also impart the innocent nature of her character in several multi-faceted ways.


Also, look out for the stellar performances from Mo'Nique and Paula Patton who play Precious' mother and teacher respectively. Based on the buzz that has already been generated and from me own viewing experience, we should expect to see several accolades associated with this film.

Read More