Saturday, September 27, 2008
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU OUTTA HERE?? THE WAMU EDITION
This Washington Mutual commercial, from the not too distant past, is extra hilarious in hindsight...it was all good just a week ago!
Story After JP Morgan Chase's Washington Mutual deal, rescue talk turns to Wachovia
BONUS - I completed my first internship at MBNA over the course of 4 summers. At the time it was the biggest employer in Delaware (Ask Joe Biden!) and it was a HUGE deal during my last summer ('99) when the company's outstanding was over $1 billion. Man, they opened a daycare, had a bunch of picnics and everything, it was a straight celebration bitches! Bank of America assumed all that debt in 2005, I wonder how that's working out for them?
MBNA on Wiki
A MILLION AND ONE QUESTIONS AFTER THE DEBATE
After watching the debate and hearing Obama and McCain beef about Iran, Iraq, Wall Street, Russia etc., I was a bit disappointed not to hear about what's going here in the states, specifically in our inner cities. Obviously through all of the economic crisis talk and usual rhetoric, some things don't change. Education, healthcare, gun control, police brutality, the crazy prison system, parole and probation laws and other issues that are ravaging communities fall by the wayside, I'm curious to hear what our community organizers have to say.
The Daniel Giddings case in Philly Field Negro Report on Cop Killing in Philly (PA is a key battleground state by the way), has not made national headlines and I wonder if it will. Philly is kinda wild right now and unfortunately, it's typical of Metropolitan cities.
Another thing, what about Africa? Anybody has a view on the Pan African concept? What about the Caribbean? I mean, we're supporting Barack kinda hard, but I still haven't heard about support for Haiti for anyone. The south is still vulnerable to hurricanes and no one addressed that. Also, with all this economic talk, where does this leave young aspiring entrepeneurs? What about creating generational wealth? The effect of gentrication in our inner cities?
A million and one questions I swear...
Friday, September 26, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I believe that America's free market has been the engine of America's great progress. It's created a prosperity that is the envy of the world. It's led to a standard of living unmatched in history. And it has provided great rewards to the innovators and risk-takers who have made America a beacon for science, and technology, and discovery…We are all in this together. From CEOs to shareholders, from financiers to factory workers, we all have a stake in each other's success because the more Americans prosper, the more America prospers.”
— Barack Obama
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Highsnobette: Highsnobette - Womens Fashion Online Magazine
Highsnobette: Highsnobette - Womens Fashion Online Magazine: "19 SepGet a Piece of the Obama Cookie!!
Regardless of what your political inclinations are , you will agree that the buzz surrounding Obama is if anything noteworthy,for as long as I can remember I don't think I have ever seen a t-shirt with a political candidate being sold and worn by young people and retailers like Karmaloop purveying the goods
So it's no surprise that the The Obama Cookie now exists:Vanilla Caramel,White and Dark Chocolate Chip
enjoy"
Monday, September 22, 2008
SELECTISM: Selectism - Mens Lifestyle Magazine
SELECTISM: Selectism - Mens Lifestyle Magazine: "The Political Accessory
Fashion
It appears that killer heels and statement baubles are not the only accessories favored on the runways at London fashion week this year. Nicole Farhi chose to go a different route at her show, featuring Obama ‘08 buttons as an alternative to a brooch. Via Style.com."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
FUNK FLEX INSPIRED TO SPAZZ ON R. KELLY
Flex goes innnnn.
If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
HAIR'S THE DONALD RIDING FOR McCAIN
"The Donald" has been supporting McCain on the low for awhile now, but he made it official on Larry King Live last night. Personally, with the way he's being murdered on the economy subject, if I were John McCain, I would've told Mr. Trump to slow down. I mean, McCain has to realize Trump has been taking a few losses recently, right? First The Apprentice straight up tanks, then Rosie O'Donnell murks him and most recently, he's looking more and more like a bully in Scotland trying to build his behemoth golf resort project (it's like white on white gentrification). I guess Donald is on par to gain from McCain's tax plan, so why wouldn't he co-sign this McCain's bullshit? Anyway, here's the story Donald Trump Endorses McCain
Sidebar - McCain, check your own rallies, you're looking like the number 2.
The Obama Art Report
The Obama Art Report: "Terry Richardson x Barack Obama
Cult celebrity photographer Terry Richardson took a couple photos of Barack Obama last year for a Vibe Magazine Obama INTERVIEW. Check out Terry Richardson's site HERE
Terry Richardson
Taken from Hypebeast"
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Quote of the Day
“What we’ve seen the last few days, is nothing less than the final verdict on an economic philosophy that has completely failed” - Barack Obama
THIS JUST IN, DUBYA FINALLY RESPONDS TO THE DEATH OF THE ECONOMY!
When asked what he would like to say to the people he has lead for the past 8 years and is leaving in the worst economic state in decades, George "Dubya" Bush responded with...
I'm just kidding, of course, but I can't help but to think he must feel this way. Bush has his boy Paulson out there looking crazy, while he seems to have retreated Katrina style. As a leader, you have to show your face in times like this, it's like an army getting their ass handed to them and the general is chilling at the crib eating a (turkey) ham sandwich. Come on doggie, man up! Put that bottle down and address your country, lol.
I'm just kidding, of course, but I can't help but to think he must feel this way. Bush has his boy Paulson out there looking crazy, while he seems to have retreated Katrina style. As a leader, you have to show your face in times like this, it's like an army getting their ass handed to them and the general is chilling at the crib eating a (turkey) ham sandwich. Come on doggie, man up! Put that bottle down and address your country, lol.
HILARY CLINTON VRS SARAH PALIN - THE SNL EDITION
As soon as Sarah Palin was introduced to us, which was but a few weeks ago by the way, the Tina Fey 2.0 label was born, but being Tina had been off SNL for awhile, I for one didn't believe she would come back to do the obvious. How could I doubt the power of Lorne Michaels? Hilarity (no pun intended, big up ya self Amy Poehler, can't wait for that Office spin-off) ensues.
Shepard Fairey - Creator of the Barack Obama 'Progress' Artwork
Shepard is a graffiti artist/DJ/guerilla marketer and one of the most influential political satirists around. Art critic Robert L. Pincus says Fairey's work, "is political art with a strong sense of visual style and emotional authenticity. Even in times when political art has ebbed, Fairey's has just the right balance of seriousness, irony and wit to fit the mood of the moment." Check out his article at The Washington Post here Obama's On-the-Wall Endorsement
The Economy is Fundamentally Sound
Sorry for the lack of posts in the past couple of days, been hard at work finishing up The Barbados Experience project, but damn, feels like the economy is officially collapsing. Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, AIG FEDs Rescue AIG - $85 BILLION LOAN are all kinda scary. You mix that with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the collapse of Bear Stearns (March 16th of this year) and it's safe to say we are on the verge of a financial disaster. Seriously, what's next? Wall Street is looking more like Cotton Candy Street these days, but yet John McCain says "the economy is fundamentally sound" and his right hand man Phil Gramm says we are in a "mental recession". NICE. Below is Barack Obama's speech yesterday about the state of the economy.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
WYCLEF TO THE RESCUE
Wyclef recently launched a fund to help with relief efforts in his homeland of Haiti. It's still crazy to me how this disaster has not registered on the political radar of this year's election. Good job Clef, represent.
Story Wyclef Jean Announces Storm Relief Fund for Haiti
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
VICE PRESIDENT OR PLAYBOY PIN-UP???
The next VP could be a woman who kills literally and figuratively in a bikini. I've seen it all, seriously, I doubt that anything can top this.
Thug Motivation 101
Jeezy has been going extra hard with his Obama endorsement, especially after that "misunderstanding" with Vibe about him co signing McCain. I peeped him arriving to the VMAs on Sunday Kennedy style and was kinda impressed with the creativity of it all. Hip Hop and the Obama campaign has had a rocky relationship thus far, but no one can deny the impact images like this have on young voters.
Related: Chris Lighty - Politics Unusual: Hip Hop's Hopes for Obama
New MAD Magazine Cover
Saving Sarah Marshall was one of my favorite movies out this year. This parody of the movie poster by MAD Magazine, dropping October 14th, is hilarious!
Monday, September 8, 2008
MSNBC Bows Down - Drops Olbermann & Matthews
In a move that I can't say I'm surprised by, MSNBC has relieved Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews of their anchor positions. Olbermann, in no uncertain terms, has shown his support for the Democrats, while harshly criticizing the Republican party while Matthews, who has less abrasive in his commentary, has stated on air he is inspired by Barack Obama. So basically it appears that NBC has folded to pressure while Faux News (word to Clive Isreal) will undoubtedly continue their barrage of hatred. Man, wasn't the Republicans just going on and on about how the media is so left wing and liberal?
Story MSNBC Drops Olbermann, Matthews as News Anchors
Word is that this very truthful observation by Olbermann of the 9/11 video the Republicans aired at their convention, sealed his fate at MSNBC.
Story MSNBC Drops Olbermann, Matthews as News Anchors
Word is that this very truthful observation by Olbermann of the 9/11 video the Republicans aired at their convention, sealed his fate at MSNBC.
What Inspires You?
Wendy of Lobe Riders Jewelry says:
People
Graffiti
Music
The City
Fashion
Lobe Riders Jewelry was established in 2006 in a garage in Brooklyn by make-up artist Wendy. Wendy is originally from San Jose, California, where she grew a love of graffiti and hip hop. After studying graphic design, she used her skills as a fine artist, and Lobe Riders was born.
Lobe Riders produces original, custom-made graffiti-style earrings. The original line consists of multicolored acrylic letters and symbols.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Quote of the Day
"It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today" - Barack Obama
I Am Inspired by Community Organizers
Barack Obama on the importance of community organizing March 31, 2008
I have been fortunate enough to acquire knowledge and accumulate marketing experience in a variety of fields including the entertainment industry, the nightclub business, tourism, rocking with my cousin China in the diamond district (remember Icetek watches??) among others, but one of my most significant experiences thus far has been my work with one of my mentors, former State Assemblyman of the 57th District in Brooklyn, Roger Green. It was working with him that my eyes were open to local politics, activism and meeting community organizers who stand up and fight for what they believe in. Sarah Palin recently dismissed the importance of these organizers, essentially playing the dedication and hard work they put into the causes that a lot of times go unnoticed. The Sean Bell and Timothy Stansbury murders by NYC police, the Jena 6 situation, the rapid rising murder rates in our inner cities, the Rockefeller drug laws etc,. were all causes propelled by community organizers. These people, my friend, are the true agents of change in America. Get involved.
Sean Bell Protest
When Disaster Strikes
It's official. The US government has taken over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These companies, which were founded to "provide stability, liquidity, and affordability to the nation's housing finance system under all economic conditions", have failed in their efforts to do just that. With the housing market already in turmoil, this is sure to add fuel to the volcano. Maybe New Yorkers aren't that crazy with the renter's culture.
Story Paulson Engineers U.S. Takeover Freddie, Fannie
Related - For years, Fannie Mae has been under heavy scrutiny for diversity in the workforce, I wonder how this latest development will affect that situation?
Fannie Mae Reacts to Concerns Over Office Diversity
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Quote of the Day
"The true test of the American ideal is whether we’re able to recognize our failings and then rise together to meet the challenges of our time. Whether we allow ourselves to be shaped by events and history, or whether we act to shape them" - Barack Obama
FANNIE MAE + FREDDIE MAC = BANKRUPTCY
This is going to have a crazy ripple effect. The recession is in full swing, please believe it.
Story TREASURY REPORTEDLY SET TO BAIL OUT FANNIE MAE & FREDDY MAC
FROM MARY J. BLIGE TO MILEY CYRUS
This is crazy. When folks in the music industry put their egos to the side, this is the type of positivity that can be produced. Gone were the days of "We Are The World", "Self Destruction", "Same Gang", and others, but these ladies all got together and not only recorded the joint, but got on stage and performed for a very worthy cause. Women are the backbone of our society and will be a deciding factor in this year's election. All of these ladies do inspire me, especially Rihanna, Mary and Keyshia Cole for personal reasons, and should inspire YOU to get involved in activism. The easiest way is through community organizers like one of my surrogate mothers in Brooklyn, Coraminita Mahr, who is a VP of Health Care Union 1199, which supports nurses. Health Care is a hot button issue in the world, especially with the threat of Cancer, and it's dope to see the ladies unite for JUST STAND UP.
Friday, September 5, 2008
So.......what's the Foreign Policy with Haiti again?
Let's go left for a second. So now both parties are fresh off their pep rallies for their candidates, it's time to get real, correct? With the devastation occurring in Haiti right now, I'm curious to hear what either Obama or McCain thinks. I mean, if it were anywhere else in the world, it would have been addressed at the conventions I'm sure. It's crazy how some places are deemed more important than others, I guess if Haiti was in the Middle East or close to Russia, it would be a whole different ball game. Check out a video from the BBC's view here Haiti's Hanna Death Toll Rises
LIFE IS QUEER! (with its twists and turns)
The Don't Quit poem has been permanently embedded in my brain, since I used to read it so much when I was in school. It has certainly helped me through some tough times and even to this day I use it as a mantra. I was going to post the words, but I found a video version instead. The video is a bit cheesy, but it does drive the point of the poem through.
Side Note - The author of the poem is anonymous, it's crazy how someone was inspired to do this, but didn't want to share themselves with the world. I guess sometimes it be like that.
Quote of the Day
"They say I need to be seasoned; they say I need to be stewed. They say, 'We need to boil all the hope out of him -- like us -- and then he'll be ready" - Barack Obama
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Eric Holder Jr. is a Proud Bajan
Anyone that knows me, knows I am a proud Bajan and rep pretty hard cough*The Barbados Experience is coming soon*cough, so imagine how I felt when I learned that another Bajan, Eric Holder Jr., is a part of Barack Obama's inner circle and was instrumental in the selection process of his VP candidate. I knew of Mr. Holder for awhile, but when I ran into an article written about him by Tony Best in one of Barbados' local papers, it definitely made me proud. Bajan massive stand up!
Check out the article here Obama getting help from Bajan son
Side Note - the first Black major party candidate for President of the United States, Shirley Chisholm, is also Bajan and went to the same school I attended in Barbados. More on that later.
Wynter Gordon is inspired.
For as long as I've known Wynter, she has always talked about doing serious charity work once she has cemented her position and I have always been inspired by that. The following is a video that was put together a few months ago by super editor/manager Keith Blanco. Unify was actually a part of her demo that secured her deal, I vividly remember being in Reign's office when she was inspired to write the record. Unify is currently available on iTunes and on the Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns" soundtrack.
Karl Rove vrs..........Karl Rove??
Even though hyprocrisy and politics go hand in hand, this is just ridiculous. Republican boss Karl Rove battles himself on the issue of experience pertaining to the former mayor of Richmond and current governor of Virginia, Tim Cain, who was on the shortlist for the Democratic VP position and the actual pick of his party, Sarah Palin. Damn homie, wow. I'm not really into the Daily Show/Stephen Colbert movement, but funny is funny.
Speaking of which, Palin did get a couple shots off last night, but when she said, "what does he actually seek to accomplish after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet", I was through. I guess when you can't take care of your own home, you couldn't possibly imagine helping the world. SMH
Chicago Students Protest
Say what you want about Bill Cosby, who now I think about it has been pretty quiet during this election season, but he nailed one point in his Come On People: On The Path From Victims to Victors book with Dr. Alvin Poussaint and that's the fact that there is a serious problem with the school systems in many of our cities. Chicago State Senator James Meeks was part of a group that organized a boycott in his city this past Tuesday to protest unequal education funding in Illinois. Don't be blinded by the bright lights of the Presidential race, if you truly want to make an immediate change, you have to participate in activism on a local level.
Read the full story here Chicago Students Skip School In Funding Protest
"Do you fools listen to music/Or do you just skim through it?"
Jay Z is arguably one of the most superficial rappers to ever touch a mic, but time and time again, he has shown awareness of suffering in the world and continues to comment on various injustices, inequalities and inhumanity that affect people of all kind. Matter of fact, his overlooked Kingdom Come album is sprinkled with social commentary throughout, but it seems that we would rather hear Hov spit that "You bought a 4.0?/You better get your change" rap than anything else. Anyway, check out the video for the Katrina inspired Minority Report. I was actually in New Orleans last summer while on the road with Wynter and saw the devastation that Katrina caused firsthand, absolutely crazy. Thank god Gustav didn't hit the city squarely since we all know, no matter what they portray in the media, New Orleans wasn't ready for that.
Quote of the Day
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek" - Barack Obama
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Diddy backs down, but is still inspired to Rock The Vote
Someone told me the other day that politicians tell you what you want to hear and you could never believe them. Do I agree? Of course I do, but at the end of the day, isn't sifting through the bullshit a part of life? No matter what, there are always snakes you have to deal with, but life doesn't stop. Are you still with me? Well, I posted the original video of Puff going in on John McCain's choice for VP and though quite brutal, it was real. Like he says in this "semi" retraction, he's no politician, I guess he just got inspired to make a statement.
On another note, as important as it is to register to vote, once you've done that, REMEMBER, to get out and vote in November. Follow through, people, follow through.
Knock 'em out the box, Rick, knock 'em out
I saw this snapshot over at Miss Info's from an Obama inspired t-shirt, the picture is pretty dope, plus her summary about it is crazy.
Check it out here Story from Missinfo.tv
Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Swizz is tryin' to get "That Oprah"
The homie Swizz Beatz dropped a monster with this Coldplay, Oprah Winfrey inspired ode to chasing dreams. That "we about to get this paper" lane is always a solid move, think Ye's "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (I feel a Jeezy post coming up shortly -that's riiiiiiiiiiiight) and this joint is no exception. On another note, is Chris Martin and Coldplay a cooler version of Michael Stipe and R.E.M.? I'm just sayin'.
Quote of the Day
"We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent" - Barack Obama
So So Involved.
Jermaine Dupri shares how Barack has inspired him to participate in the poltical process. Though a bit long, JD definitely drops some gems and it ends up making for an interesting read.
To read the article, click Jermaine Dupri says, Obama, you got me!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
What Inspires You?
That was a question I posed to a few people around me, just to get a vibe on what was important in their lives. After speaking to them, we decided to open it up and make it more of census. With that said, don't be surprise if someone pulls out a camera and ask, what inspires you?
Ok, so I'm no Spike Lee or anything, but the above is my man Dwight of Poetic Films with his newborn, Kymani.
Ok, so I'm no Spike Lee or anything, but the above is my man Dwight of Poetic Films with his newborn, Kymani.
John Legend - If You're Out There
This is the song John Legend performed during the convention that will appear on his forthcoming album, "Evolver". Inspirational R&B records are always a little iffy but this was nailed on all fronts. Enjoy.
McBush Supporter On CNN Doing The Same Old 2 Step.
Hello all! Just to let you know that I will be contributing to this blog from time-to-time. Children will weep, mothers will faint and, occasionally, a priest will renounce his religion based upon some of the things that I say here ... lol. If that's OK with you, I invite Y.O.U. to please read on homie.
Now, the video I posted today is a magnificent example of the fuckery that the G.O.P. (The Grand Old Party) will attempt to use against Barack Obama and his running mate Joe Biden. It kind of sucks when your selective moral posturing and your differing standards for experience get called into question though, huh? "Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not on Faux News anymore." In the words of the great Biz Markie, "Damn, it feels good to see people up on it!"
Quote of the Day
"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress" - Barack Obama
Word to Marvin
It's funny how this song resonates over 20 years later. The plight of the black community is still in dire straits and obviously no one believes that will change over night with Barack Obama being the next president. But, what it does is inspire me to at least attempt to make a difference and that's what this site is about. We are all inspired in different ways and by different people, but the point is to be inspired and not be content in life. There's always a higher plateau to be reached, a new achievement to be accomplished and it's more important now than ever to strive for greatness. Revolution starts from within, think about it.
Robert Indiana inspired to create HOPE.
Robert Indiana decades ago created the pop icon LOVE, known worldwide with its letters stacked two to a line, the letter "o" tilted on its side. Now he has created a similar image with HOPE, with proceeds going to Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Moment in Time
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that isn't more apparent than in this particular picture. The image speaks for itself.
Quote of the Day
"Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential" - Barack Obama
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