Jovani Fox VS The "Fox"

Its because of people like Bill O'Reilly and the "Fox News" dumb dumbs that really make it easy for me to demolish them. I thank my professors in college for helping me hone my "Bullshit" radar...really, it comes in pretty handy in the Obama Era. 


Its safe to say; and quite frankly, I have come to the conclusion that people can (and will) say anything on TV and in the media. I have also come to the conclusion that we (as a people) will never actually agree on anything. But see, that is the beauty of it all. The twisted and hateful beauty of being a free-thinking person in America. FREEDOM OF SPEECH! 


Alas! With all that being said, I was hit with this TRAVESTY of reporting...(see link below)

Stewart Setting the record Straight

Of course, everybody's favorite "Fair & Balanced" news station FOX NEWS recently was all over Common's appearance at the White House via invitation by First Lady Michelle Obama...and who BUT Bill O'Reilly (everybody's favorite idiot) was there to lead the three ring circus. I am not surprised he hopped on that bandwagon, and approached the situation with such "scholarly" like rigor...But what I am mostly surprised with is why he just hasn't come out and say he is racist. It is obviously apparent and I don't think I have to be the one to point this out.

The other night he had fellow talk show host John Stewart on his show discussing how "stupid" it was of the President of the United States to knowingly have "People like Common" "Supporters" of Cop-Killers (i.e. Assata Shakur and Mumia Abu Jamal, former Black Nationalists) at the White House. It was also apparent that O'Reilly knows absolutely nothing about Common at all. Painting this picture like he is some horrible "Thug Rapper" is a far cry for sheer stupidity. We're talking about probably one of the most positive and yet still kind of under-appreciated rappers who rarely curses and never objectifies women or talks about drugs. I could actually side with O'Reilly had it been somebody like Lil Boosie or Gucci Mane rapping at the White House. Clearly every rapper is a thug to this guy. 

During the duration of the interview, as John Stewart looked to be painting O'Reilly up against the wall, all he could say about Common was "He supports Cop killers," and how Obama needs to check the resume of people who he invites to the White House. And it was Stewart that pointed out that several performing artists whom appeared at the White House had unsavory like resumes. Case in point: Bono was invited to the White House in the past and he to (knowingly) had made music in regards to supporting criminals and convicted killers. But unlike Common...Bono is white. 

After wasting nearly 10 minutes of my life. Scratching my head and laughing hysterically, I said aloud to the computer: "Just say you don't like Black people." Honestly, I would have rather heard him say that because riding the ONLY negative fact about the man as your primary source of debate is just cover up for your racist connotation. But its okay, do you want to know why? Because it was on Fox! The almighty Fox. Where the world gets all the "Correct" information. I really wish for once we can step down from our AGENDAS and give people the TRUTH. The world would be a much better place...Maybe. 

(sidebar: I also found this tidbit online. An O'Reilly supporter with a blog! HOW FUN Yaay!)

If I teach you nothing with this blog, I hope you learn to be skeptical...#foodforthought

KiD CuDi - Man On The Moon III: Prequel To The Wizard

Its been a while since I have posted...this I know, but I was just compelled to bring you guys some real music this morning!

I'm a HIP HOP fan..like a real hip hop fan, and when I came across this mixtape and began listening to it, I was just blown away...the Artist: Kid Cudi. Rating on the Mixtape scale: 10! Easily.

Since he first came out I was intrigued. Intrigued by his content, his voice and vocals, his delivery, his creativity. Cudi exudes hip hop in my opinion. His raw talent and "I dont give a damn" attitude makes his music all the more relevant in today's hip hop. Underrated?? Definately. I believe a lot of people underestimate the sheer talent this man has. I mean come on...Kanye is a fan of his and I don't think Kanye likes anybody for real if you ask me. He's a tough pill to swallow....this is true, but isn't that all the more reason to be intrigued by him. This certain cloud of mystery looms over his head, and though I have heard many people say "That nigga is weird," the rest of us have embraced his "Man on the Moon" persona. His last album Man on the Moon II: Legend of Mr. Rager was CLASSIC! It was a tale of a man's struggle with demons and the challenges of everyday life. In a period in music where everything is so Pop-ish, it's a breath of fresh air to hear artists like Cudi talk about something tangible and HUMAN.

If in anyway I have peaked your interest...click the link below and prepare to be amazed. I'm telling you. It's worth the download. By the way; the mixtape is 60 songs deep so have fun!

KiD CuDi - Man On The Moon III: Prequel To The Wizard Hosted by NO DJ // Free Mixtape @ DatPiff.com

"We Shall Overcome" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Unemployment: 1 Month After

Its really starting to settle in...the Unemployment crap that is. Its been a month today. No, actually, its been a month and a day today. I feel like I have taken my place with all the other struggling writers, journalists and authors who have a dream, a goal, a passion and haven't found the right company, business, individual that will take an interest in them.

As much as my family, friends, and associates try hard to give me advice and tell me what I should do, what I could do...its different once you actually have to put it into action...into fruition. The whole "Collect Unemployment" thing didn't work out like expected. I haven't gotten a dime. The whole "Call your former employer about your severance pay" thing also didn't work out as planned either. So I'm back to square one; still hopeful about the future, what's in store for me and not cracking under the pressure.

I'm too much of a "Prideful, Stubborn Capricorn" to admit when I need help. Bad, I know. But I cannot help it. That just who I am. I pride myself on being the person who always has things in the bed. Never in a clutch begging for money or a quick fix. I'd like to keep it that way...but can I really?

I've contemplated many things: moving back to Boston to live wit my Lady...get back on my feet. Take a random job anywhere just to get income circulating. Apply for regular office jobs to give me a break from journalism a while. I mean you name it, I thought of it. But...when you're the type of person I am, you have to think of many things.

There is an upside to being unemployed in my case. For the past 2yrs I busted my ASS working for the small newspaper I worked for. Staying late, working weekends, driving an hr everyday, working at home until wee-hours n the morning. But...that was my CAREER! It felt good to be fresh outta college and working as an Editor. Not many people can say that. But, when I was let go, there was this overwhelming feeling of FREEDOM. When most people would be panicking, I was rejoicing. I had TIME back. I didn't have time before. I could sleep in, I could enjoy my weekends without having to worry about working all night on Sunday to make Monday deadline, I could work on my children's book, I could read, I could cook...the list went on.

I still feel that way too...even tho, at this point in the month, panic mode is slowly creeping in, I'm still managing to find the positive in a shitty situation. The book is coming along well, I've found my inner poet again; performed at an open mic for the first time in 8yrs, I started back freelancing writing so I don't lose touch with my craft, spent some time with my brother, went to the movies a couple times. So...in all, if I can keep this positivity up I don't imagine going crazy anytime soon.

I just keep in touch with my faith...asking God to take control and bring me something good and worth my while. That's all I can do really. I've emailed my resume to just about every business in Montgomery that was hiring. Some have called me back, others haven't. But, I'm still optimistic...

Something will happen...SOON
(Fingers crossed)

Until next time...

Personal Rant 1: Life Without a Laptop!

Oh! The sheer, utter, inhumane horror! I've been livivng without a laptop for months and the feeling is just now hitting me. Especially now since I am no longer working (which would allow me access to a computer) I am understanding how integral a computer is to life now.

I remember when I didn't have a computer at all. But then again, I was a child back then and my life didn't revolve around a computer. Now, as an adult, a writer and now a job seeker, that "Link" between me and the cyber world is broken. However, I have a temporary solution to my No PC world....MY CELLPHONE! Without my G1 (as dumb as it is sometimes) has kept me as much in the loop as I can be. I cannot be too picky...I still have access to all my emails and my social networking, but when I have to download things from one place to another or create documents I have to search for the nearest computer and guess where that search brought me....

The LIBRARY! Yes....I am now the proud recipent of a library card which gives me access to BOOKS and COMPUTERS! Its like heaven! (LOL) (sidenote: I was completely aware that libraries had books and computers. Please don't think I'm slow!)

Now though I have my all access pass at the library, I have found one flaw: I can only be on the computer for an HOUR! In computer talk that is like no time! I guess now I will just have to learn to rap everything up in an hour.

 

Until then, hopefully when I get a new job...my first big purchase is going to be a laptop...I feel like a fish with no water...

 

Until next time...

Why are we so stuck on COLOURS...

I love that fact that we are an opinionated people because that allows for some very intelligent (or unintelligent) conversation. Me and my fellow blogger and bestest buddy Yasmin were having one of our daily Sisterly conversations when she sends me this link to a Slim Thug interview in Vibe Magazine.

Thugga...not one of my favorite rappers in the world, but still a popular act, has officially gone on my Shit List just for his shear audacity to say things such as:

"They have to understand that successful Black men are kind of extinct. We’re important. It’s hard to find us so Black women have to bow down and let it be known that they gotta start working hard; they gotta start cooking and being down for they man more..."

Really Mister Thug? Is that your opinion? I couldnt help it. I went semi-postal when I continued to read the article because it seemed as if it went from BAD to WORSE in an instant. The young lady who wrote the article I commend her. I am just a little bit too opinionated to have let his stupidity slide.

Though I officially hate his guts for throwing Black Women under the bus (ONCE AGAIN) I will not fault him because of the simple fact that he is obviously ignorant beyond belief. He goes on to rant and rave about having this intelligent, mixed breed girlfriend who is a Columbia University graduate and how his brother would clown him for NOT having a white girl because he "gotta do all that arguing and fighting and worry about all this other shit.” 

(Side Note: I am laughing my ass off by now. I simply have heard enough)

Mister Thug...I'd like to tell you one thing on behalf of us "Ungrateful Black Women," We do not settle for less, as well nobody of any race should. Point blank. I do not know why you Rappers and men of status think you can just come out writing off PLENTY of good Black Women simply because before you were a STAR you dated hoodrats. The DYNAMIC of a Black Woman is complex. Not all the time will you have a hot home cooked meal waiting for after you've finished screwing everything walking on tour, but that does not mean that a good Black Woman is not capable of "holding you down" or whatever the hell you want to call it. Oh, and might I add...you cheated on your GORGEOUS Black girlfriend LaToya Luckett. (SHAME..u think I didnt know??) Anyway...ahem..back to my point. 

All of a sudden there is this notion that all women are supposed to be these submissive creatures of habit, only capable of cooking, cleaning and being demoralized. NOT HAPPENING Thugga. You should want a woman (not just because of her skin color) but because she has something going for HERSELF. This includes Black Women. In history, Black Women have stood alongside some powerful men and have made their own strides in this world. Leading slaves to freedom, running countries, breaking records, standing up for civil rights, traveling to the moon...you name it. I am still at a lost as to how you might have missed all that Thugga. Letting your ego get in the way of loving inside your own race just goes to show that (MOST) men really do only think about themselves and how they are going to feel in the long run. 

Black Men are being locked up everyday. They are killing each other on the street and tons of other Not-So-Good things. But you do not hear me calling every Black Man in America "Jailbait" because guess what Mister Thug...EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! You cannot hold ALL Black Women accountable for somebody else, as well as women cannot say "All Men are dogs" because not ALL MEN are dogs...but there are a few. 

These females that you speak of: 

 "...girls that will buy a $3,000 bag and don’t know how to pay it off on their credit cards. They walk around in these Louis Vuittons and red bottoms but they’re riding around in raggedy cars, so it’s just getting your priorities right."

Unfortunately do exist. Yes, it is true..but are all of us the same? That's a real Uneducated assumption. You go on to say such things like:

"White women treat they man like a king and Black women feel like they ain’t gotta do that shit. Black women need to stand by their man more. Don’t always put the pressure of if I’m fucking with you, you gotta buy me this and that. Black men are the ones that motherfuckers need [but] I think a lot of them need to step it up too. A Black man who gets a little bread will go make it rain in the club and be broke the next day or instead of him going to invest in a business he gonna go buy new jewelry or a new car and still live in the hood. Black peoples’ mentality is real fucked up in general [and] it’s affecting everything..."

Yes it is Mister Thug..Including your rationale. You go from blaming Black Women to blaming Black People as a whole...Ummm, pretty good cop out. I just want you to know you just included yourself in that statement too. That is, unless you feel as though you belong to a different race all together? Your use of stereotyping and generalizations is preposterous (for lack of a better word) and speaks only to your lack of understanding and better judgment...or lack there of.

  I hope everything works out for you tho. Good luck with...ummm, that.

Sincerely,

An Educated Black Women...

As Buddy would say: "People r the worst folk in the World"

I have the pleasure of working with one of the world most prolific men. His name is Henry "Buddy" Thomas and I love him to death. He's a wise man, who has seen the world change many times, so when he talks, I usually listen intently.

During one of his daily "rants" (though, its not really a rant) he goes to say my newest, most favorite quote:

"You know what baby, People are the worst folk in the world,"

And he's actually right. 

Of course, he means that in a whole different sense, but when you think about it, most of the problems we have in our life are due to people. We have relationship issues, work issues, friendship issues; all due to people. A friend and I were having a conversation recently about "People," Wishy-washy people in particular. I made this statement about protecting your feelings from those who care nothing of them...and the conversation ensued!

See, my philosophy on people is this: People walk in and out of your life for a reason. Mostly to teach you a lesson, mostly because they cannot handle the caliber of person you are.

My way of thinking helps me understand what People really are and what they are capable of. I read People, (its a gift and a curse) so I can get a reading off of what I can rely on them for. If I read that you're a good person, cool the talk to, horrible at being reliable, THEN, chances are I will never call you for anything. If you're not one for hanging out, but GREAT at being a good listener, then I know when I am having a hard day I have someone to talk to. 

See, I'm not one for friends. Not saying that I don't have friends, I have a few. Everyone else is a "Homie." I put People in these categories because like all things, People need to be organized too. Its fcuked up that we just can't love everybody and befriend everybody. It just doesnt work. I've tried. Some People really want true love, true companionship, true friendship--others, NOT SO MUCH. But I do not blame them. I blame what they have been thru. 

So often in my life (in both school and college) I've had fairweather "friends." Ones that speak when its convenient vs. when its right. Ones that never call you at all unless they need something from you. That's fine too. My "People Organizational Skills" have allowed me to identify these People and live my life hurt-free when they go back to their actual ways.

Its completely messed up that I, in a sense, expect People to fail me. It's partly because they do it all the time and it never fails. And believe it or not, 2010 has been the year of "True Colors." I believe in Karma just as much as I believe in Murphy's Law (ya know: Anything that can go wrong, Will). I've never been anything less than Me! I dont know how to be another Person. I'm real with my "Homies" as I am with my "Friends." You can either love me or hate me. It doesnt matter. I'd be long dead before I'd achieve the status of "The World's Most Liked Person." If we're cool, then that's exactly what we are...there's no gray area to factor in. That is until I get the feeling that u take my friendship for granted, then--we're pretty much done! Done that several times.

If you stay true to yourself, your values, your morals, your philosophy, your belief--just look People in the eye, smile, and live your life like you've been unphased.