Monday, Monday…I never really knew the words to that song. Anyway, what’s happening people!? Hope you all enjoyed the weekend. The weather on the East Coast started out a little dodgy, but shaped up rather nicely. It was so nice yesterday I passed on my routine nap. (I’m paying for it now though!)

Let’s get to it…!!

Farewell London!

Did you watch the closing ceremonies!? I thought it was a great show…probably because I knew most of the songs (don’t judge me!) The final events were monumental. The Women’s Basketball pulled it off, winning their 5^th consecutive Gold Medal. The Men’s team gave me a little scare, but held on and came away with the Gold in Kobe’s final Olympic appearance.

Here’s the final tally of Medals Count, in order of Gold Medals won: USA- 46 Gold; China- 37 Gold; Great Britain-29 Gold; Russia-24 Gold; Korea-12 Gold. Great job by ALL the athletes – see you (some of you) in 4 years!

Now Back To Your Normal Programming…

With the Olympics ending last night, Prime-Time television will resume. I know, not much there by way of substance. Unless you’re a fan of Reality TV (which I am NOT), there isn’t much to choose from. The reality of Reality TV is about as real as the hair cascading down some of those women’s backs. Yes, everybody has a story, and yes some need their stories told more than others. But do we really need to see the cat-fights, name calling, and fake brawls that take place on just about every episode? The gamut has run full course from ex-wives of male celebrities from different genres of entertainment that are conveniently best buddies for the sake of a film crew; to a manly looking woman who sounds like Harvey Fierstein (seriously!) with enough drama going on to land her very own contract and own show – which is how most of these shows are created.

There is nothing “Real” about these shows. Most are embarrassing...Ahh, why do I even bother! This is August so there is promise of a “new season” of television. Just like every year, I’m sure there will be a new hospital-based choice where the doctors are all showing more cleavage than necessary (male and female!) And of course what’s a Fall Prime-Time lineup without a seedy courtroom drama with the prosecutors are sleeping with each other and the judge is on somebody’s payroll. (sigh…) Give me PBS any day!

Pop Some Popcorn!

How did you fare with “Shaft in Africa”? I know, I know…it’s entertaining if nothing else you have to admit! Coming in at number 49 on the Top 50 of the best Blaxploitation Movies of all time is “Disco Godfather.” I have to be honest and admit I had never heard of this movie. It stars the infamous Rudy Ray Moore (yes, that one!) and Carol Speed. Released in 1979, Moore plays a retired cop-turned celebrity DJ and vows revenge on the dope dealers responsible for his nephew’s demise after obtaining the new drug on the street “PCP” aka “Angel Dust.” I’m going to have to rely on you all for this one until I can find a copy. If anybody comes across a source before I do, share the knowledge so that we can all cringe together!

Wrap up…

While watching TV over the weekend, previews of the new NFL season flashed across the screen with the season opener airing Wednesday, September 5th! (can you see me smiling?)

‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“Most football players are temperamental.  That's 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental.”  ~Doug Plank 

Happy Friday!! It’s something about Friday that makes me want to dance a little jig (seriously!) I get up with an extra pep in my step knowing this is the last day of another work-week. The day before my favorite day – Saturday, and if I’m lucky I’ll be able to coast through the day without a hitch. Hope you can do the same! We’ve got a new member…welcome aboard “Sherri" !!!

Here we go…!!

From the Headlines…(yes, these are actual headlines people!)

“Is Diddy Headed To The ‘American Idol’ Panel?” – Who cares!!! The show has obviously run its course! They’ve managed to finagle a contract with Mariah Carey to judge and are now trying to find two more in order to keep with the original format. More success has been accomplished by those that DID NOT win which proves to me…who are we to judge? (Pun intended!)

“Usher’s Karaoke Night Caught On Tape” - And this is headline news because…..I mean, seriously. There aren’t any rules (per say) to karaoke, you just need the guts to get up there and belt out the song – right? Usher’s song of choice? The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” – of course!

“What if Fonts Could Talk?” – What???? I’m not even going to bother. I’ll let you work with that one…

 

Make Some Popcorn!



"Shaft In Africa"

In the same fashion as the Top 50 Books by African Americans, I found a list of the same number of the best Blaxploitation Movies of all time! While some of these are true classics, most are just really bad acting!  But, nonetheless, they’re entertaining and in their heyday, were Box Office hits! Not to mention, produced some the hottest music in Soul history! Starting from #50, is “Shaft In Africa” starring Richard Roundtree and Vonetta McGee. Released in 1973, this is the third installment of the hit “Shaft” trilogy (also on this list). The promo for the film announced “The Brother Man in the Motherland”…cheesy I know, but very hip for ’73! (Hip! I'm bringing that back!)

Now before you get all twisted about the portrayal of our brothers and sister in these movies I’ll be sharing, take a moment and remember they were not forced to act in these films. These actors and actresses read the scripts and cashed the checks. Just watched them with a big bowl of popcorn and be grateful to the fact that we’ve come a long way Baby!

Olympics

Another historical moment! Claressa Shields became the first Woman to win Gold in the debut of Women’s Boxing! The 17 year old middle-weight defeated her 33 year old Russian opponent with a 19-12 decision. Despite the backlash it has received, I believe women’s boxing has earned the respect of many nations. Great job ladies!

USA continues to hold on to the lead over China, passing them in the Gold count. Let’s go! Here’s the Medals count top 5: USA-90 (39 Gold); China-80 (37 Gold); Great Britain-54 (25 Gold); Russia-56 (12 Gold); Germany-37 (10 Gold). Go TeamUSA!

Wrap up…

We’ve made it through another week, and another Olympics! Sunday is the last day of the games, as well as the day of the Closing Ceremony. I missed the last Olympic closing, so I’m looking forward to this one. The theme is “A Symphony of British Music” and insiders say the best of London’s musical talents will grace the stage. Rumored (and photographed) is a reunion of the Spice Girls! (are we ready for that??) George Michael, the Pet Shop Boys, Annie Lennox, and Jessie J. The big speculation is Adele – will she or will she not perform? (is this really a surprise!?) In any case, the big finale is Sunday at 4 P.M. ET - Enjoy!

‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“If your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.”  ~Henry J. Kaiser

Continuing...

Hey there folks! Have you ever had the feeling that something is about to happen? Not necessarily something bad, but something? Well, that’s how I’m feeling and whenever it happens, I’ll share it.

Let’s go…

Politics

The saga continues with Mitt Romney’s refusal to release his tax records. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has not budged from his original statement that a source revealed to him that Romney had not paid taxes for 10 yrs. Now Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) is calling for an apology from Sen. Reid. He argues the Senate floor is not the place for campaigning for President Obama. If there is nothing to hide, why is there such a resistance? Is it simply a matter of his privacy or do you feel the American people have a right to know? Does it matter that candidates before him have released more than the 2yrs he has released?

On a more important note, the latest from the Republican Party’s “by any means necessary” attitude of winning in November, some are imposing new, strict Voter ID laws that, no surprise targets minorities. These laws in my opinion are set up to discourage, frustrate, and inevitably turn away voters come Election Day. Rev. Al Sharpton is vigorously speaking out against these laws as he travels during his “Voter Engagement Tour.” You can read Rev. Sharpton’s blog recently posted about the subject here. Know your rights people – and educate each other!

Bookshelf

Continuing with our Top 50 titles from/by African Americans, today’s title is “Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur. The step-aunt of Tupac Shakur, Assata Shakur is notably considered a prominent figure of the social and political injustice of the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 1979 she escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey and sought political asylum in Cuba, where she currently resides. Numerous efforts have been made to extradite her, which all failed.

This is definitely next on my list to read. And to my digital readers, great news…Barnes & Noble has the NOOK Book version available! Also check out “Eyes of the Rainbow,” a documentary based on her life. A free version is available for download on the website dedicated to her freedom: http://www.handsoffassata.net and it’s also currently available on YouTube.

Happy Reading/Viewing! Let me know what you think about it…I’ll share my insights when I’m done reading!

Olympics

With the final days of the games fast approaching, Let’s talk Basketball! The Women’s team are competing against Australia in the semifinals for a game that promises to be a nail-biter. The US Women have dominated the courts since the first tip-off much like the Men’s team. The Women’s Gold Medal game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 11 at 4 P.M. ET, with the Men’s Gold Medal game scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 12^th at 10 A.M. ET Who’s bringing the wings!?

USA has regained the lead in the Medals won from China. Let’s go! Here’s the Medals count top 5: US-82 (34 Gold); China-77 (36 Gold): Russia-54 (11 Gold); Great Britain-51 (24 Gold); Germany-34. Go TeamUSA!

Wrap up…

There is a gem of a theater hidden in Bridgeport, CT called The Bijou Theater (275 Fairfield Ave). Their website boasts the theater is “…a multi–functional venue with integrity and an open minded philosophy.” My own testimonial is that it is a cool, posh location to catch the latest in Independent Films, live music from various genres, and comedic acts for the whole family. Stop by and see for yourself!

‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.”  ~Author unknown, sometimes attributed to M. Grundler