It would seem to me that in the year 2005, we shouldn’t need Black History Month. Black people have finally been assimilated into every aspect of this country, from “the Streets,” all the way to Capitol Hill. The efforts of many mighty men and women have finally paid off in appreciably noticeable ways.
Yet today we celebrate their efforts and struggles as an entire people exclusively. Now doesn’t it seem a little unfair to only celebrate the history of Blacks in this country if indeed we are a “melting pot?”
Well, I actually wrote a blog on that topic, but it was way too long and I didn’t want to bore you with the expanse of my thoughts and observations on that topic (trust me, they were plentiful and far-reaching). So I’ll just give you that backside of the whole argument that I was developing in that un-posted blog.
In my last year in Undergrad, I took an upper level English class. One of the papers that I wrote was up for class critique. I took the class critique opportunity to write about a significant occurrence in US history. I wrote about Emmet Till. And if you don’t know who he is, “google” his name and read about him (and shame on you).
Anyhow, it turns out that my paternal Grandmother is from the town that Till was murdered in, and was actually in town the day that he was murdered. So I interviewed her about the incident, and incorporated the interview into my essay (I would post the essay here, but I think it is a good enough piece that I may publish it one day).
I deliberately left Till’s name out of the essay. Upon class critique, one young lady remarked that she thought it was silly that I left his name out because “everyone knows who you’re talking about”. Well, it turned out that only 3 of my classmates (in a class of about 20 College Juniors and Seniors) knew who Till was, and of his importance in the Civil Rights movement.
It is with this reality in mind that I believe that Black History Month is as necessary today as it was when Carter G. Woodson first came up with the idea. Black people have been on this soil for well over 400 years, and yet not nearly enough attention is paid to the many ways Blacks have influenced this nation. Sure, we are taught a few major names, events and faces, but from the traffic signal to the Court House, Black people have played a way bigger role in World History than those sorry 7th grade US History books give them credit for.
However, I think it is important that everyone, Blacks included, understand the messages that the leaders of the Civil Rights’ movement were trying to send when they gave their lives. This country doesn’t belong to any individual or group from any particular race, religion or belief; all people should be equally and fairly treated.
When Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he was leading a Poor People’s campaign (no matter if Black, White, or Green). When Malcolm X was assassinated, he had left the separatist views of the Nation of Islam, embraced a more orthodox form of Islam, and believed that people of all skin colors could co-exist (such as he witnessed on his Hajj to Mecca). And certainly, the hundreds of Black “warriors” that were lynched, beaten and murdered (some merely trying to learn to read, and some trying to vote) never sought to separate themselves from this nation; they just wanted to be included as part of the number.
So I think the goal of Black History Month, as we know it today, should be to expand upon the notion of equality. Injustice yet exists today in major ways in this country. From religion to sexual orientation, and even race (yes racial profiling and discrimination are still major issues in this country even after the Civil Rights Movement of the 50’s and 60’s). The struggle isn’t over, but we need to open our eyes as to how injustice is being implemented today, and fight it from that perspective.
As my Grandmother noted when I interviewed her about Till, “if you don’t know where you came from, you won’t know where you’re going.”
-Maelstrom
Here's a website where you can read of some of the many inventions that were created by Black People:
http://www.black-network.com/inventions.htm
Monday, February 28, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
Reality's Hope
Mo…what are you doing? You’re blowing my cover here. Well, anyhow, yeah it’s me, and of course I remember you. There are very few people I forget, and how can I forget a guy that was taking 3 AP classes and 2 College courses in 12th grade while the rest of us were struggling to understand what a triple bond was? For the record, the world actually isn’t that small. It’s over 29,000 miles around from North Pole to South Pole, and even fatter around the equator. Anyhow, I’m in grad school now and I’m surviving. I’m glad you stumbled upon this site though (thanks for the comments), and whoever directed you here can certainly give you my contact info. Take care!
I’ll continue yesterday’s discussion, brought about by comments left by Oz1310 on 1/24 "They Do Still Exist."
So, I know you’re about to graduate, and I’m glad to hear that you are headed to Law School. And I’m also glad that I made such a profound impact on you that one night you played mafia (check out the blog I wrote about Mafia from the archives, "The Game Doesn't Celebrate It, But I Do," 7/30/04). So, reassuming my RA role, I’ll give you this advice.
Despite the seemingly inherent selfishness of this society, there is hope. And the hope is you, because the only person that you can truly control is you. In Law School, surround yourself with positive people. Also, you’ll have to find people that you believe you can trust. And ultimately you will have to be vigilant in searching some things out for yourself, because people in academia can be so shady sometimes.
And not to sound like an after school special, but to keep it so thorough, some days you’re just going to have to call on some inner strength. Sometimes your Professors, Classmates, and even Friends will seem like they’re not on your side. Sometimes even the people you trust the most can severely hurt you. That’s when you’ve got to believe in you and keep on going.
It often isn’t enough to see the glass as half full. Sometimes you’ve honestly got to look at your situation and say to yourself, “Self, not only is my glass half full, but at least I’ve got a glass, because there are millions that don’t (not to mention the millions more that don’t have access to clean water at all).”
My point is that sometimes you’ve got to squeeze every ounce of positivity out of every aspect of every situation just to keep your head above water.
Like right now, my heart feels like about 30 Hurricane Andrew’s ripped through it without warning. And who needs that kind of stress when you're trying to get an advanced degree? However, I’ve got to believe that there is some reason for my pain; if not for my benefit, maybe for others who watch me go through it. Maybe what I’m going through has nothing to do with me at all (now there’s some food for thought).
In the final analysis, I have to trust that one day my heart will be mended back together. And that when it does, I will be a better person than I ever was before, and certainly stronger than I ever imagined being (because I never expected to need the kind of strength that I’m being forced to develop right now). I need to at least feel like there was a purpose for it all. If I don’t think like this, then there is no point to any of it; why live?
In the meantime, I've got to keep striving for academic excellence. A wise man once told me "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." I am where I am right now to learn and to prepare myself for future success. That success is what I've got to strive for. And so no matter what, maintain your focus.
Finally, negativity breeds negativity! Please avoid negative people. Also, don't let people determine for you what you are capable of accomplishing. Only you know your potential, and sometimes you'll even surprise yourself. The glass is NEVER half empty!
Well, I do thank you for the comments. They caused me to take a further look into my own thoughts, feelings, and situation. I hope that my comments weren’t too cryptic, but were “real,” laced with some optimism. Certainly, I hope that I’ve said something that will help you out in the future. It is encouraging for me to know that people are out there reading the things I write, and thanks for confirming as much through your comments (keep 'em coming).
I’ll be back at school for an encore performance on my Sax at the USAC fashion show April 7th. Hopefully I’ll see you there too. And who knows, maybe we'll even play Mafia. Take care!
-Maelstrom
I’ll continue yesterday’s discussion, brought about by comments left by Oz1310 on 1/24 "They Do Still Exist."
So, I know you’re about to graduate, and I’m glad to hear that you are headed to Law School. And I’m also glad that I made such a profound impact on you that one night you played mafia (check out the blog I wrote about Mafia from the archives, "The Game Doesn't Celebrate It, But I Do," 7/30/04). So, reassuming my RA role, I’ll give you this advice.
Despite the seemingly inherent selfishness of this society, there is hope. And the hope is you, because the only person that you can truly control is you. In Law School, surround yourself with positive people. Also, you’ll have to find people that you believe you can trust. And ultimately you will have to be vigilant in searching some things out for yourself, because people in academia can be so shady sometimes.
And not to sound like an after school special, but to keep it so thorough, some days you’re just going to have to call on some inner strength. Sometimes your Professors, Classmates, and even Friends will seem like they’re not on your side. Sometimes even the people you trust the most can severely hurt you. That’s when you’ve got to believe in you and keep on going.
It often isn’t enough to see the glass as half full. Sometimes you’ve honestly got to look at your situation and say to yourself, “Self, not only is my glass half full, but at least I’ve got a glass, because there are millions that don’t (not to mention the millions more that don’t have access to clean water at all).”
My point is that sometimes you’ve got to squeeze every ounce of positivity out of every aspect of every situation just to keep your head above water.
Like right now, my heart feels like about 30 Hurricane Andrew’s ripped through it without warning. And who needs that kind of stress when you're trying to get an advanced degree? However, I’ve got to believe that there is some reason for my pain; if not for my benefit, maybe for others who watch me go through it. Maybe what I’m going through has nothing to do with me at all (now there’s some food for thought).
In the final analysis, I have to trust that one day my heart will be mended back together. And that when it does, I will be a better person than I ever was before, and certainly stronger than I ever imagined being (because I never expected to need the kind of strength that I’m being forced to develop right now). I need to at least feel like there was a purpose for it all. If I don’t think like this, then there is no point to any of it; why live?
In the meantime, I've got to keep striving for academic excellence. A wise man once told me "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." I am where I am right now to learn and to prepare myself for future success. That success is what I've got to strive for. And so no matter what, maintain your focus.
Finally, negativity breeds negativity! Please avoid negative people. Also, don't let people determine for you what you are capable of accomplishing. Only you know your potential, and sometimes you'll even surprise yourself. The glass is NEVER half empty!
Well, I do thank you for the comments. They caused me to take a further look into my own thoughts, feelings, and situation. I hope that my comments weren’t too cryptic, but were “real,” laced with some optimism. Certainly, I hope that I’ve said something that will help you out in the future. It is encouraging for me to know that people are out there reading the things I write, and thanks for confirming as much through your comments (keep 'em coming).
I’ll be back at school for an encore performance on my Sax at the USAC fashion show April 7th. Hopefully I’ll see you there too. And who knows, maybe we'll even play Mafia. Take care!
-Maelstrom
Thursday, February 17, 2005
The Reality
To Oz1310, your comments (see 1/24 post "They Do Still Exist") made me feel like an RA again. They certainly warrant a response and a deeper look. So, I will directly address your questions, but will also expand accordingly.
Before I begin, I think it is important for me to once again reiterate that I consider myself to be a realist striving towards optimistic ends. That means I work towards and believe that the best scenario is possible, but I accept things for what they are and not for what they could be/could’ve been.
Potentially, the world is a nice place, and the United States can provide the “American Dream” for anyone that works toward it. Likewise, people are potentially as kind and helpful as we’d wish each other to be. Realistically, however, things just aren’t always so. I mean, can you explain to me why in the world one human being would murder, rape or torture another human being? And I know those are some of the extremes, but I often find the “little things” incredibly insidious as well. Sometimes a “little white lie” can ruin a whole bunch of lives.
Working off of potential gets so many people in trouble so often. It is probably the biggest reason why women get their feelings hurt by men. “He’s already overcome so much in his life,” they’ll say, “and I know he’s not exactly what I want him to be right now, but I know he can become much better. I think I can help him reach that potential (i.e. change him).” It’s why so many NBA teams are suffering right now. It amazes me that each year now, team after team gambles on an untested High School Basketball player to make it in the pros. Last year, the National College player of the year didn’t get drafted until 19th, and some stupid team took a High Schooler that played the same position over him.
The optimist in me has seen and knows that a man can change to actually be a great human being, and be all that his lady would like him to be. However, the realist in me knows that reality is by far the exception and not the rule. The optimist in me knows that High Schoolers can make it in the Pros, but the realist in me realizes that there have only been about 7 High Schoolers to do it in the 50+ years of the NBA’s existence.
With that in mind, and with respect to your comments, I’d have to say that the world is most often a cruel place. People just don’t seem to care anymore, and sometimes I wonder if they ever did.
Why is the world so cruel?
I think it is a combination of a few things. To start, people don’t love or respect or value themselves. And if you can’t value who you are as a person, or believe that you can be a better person tomorrow than you are today, then I can’t expect you to respect me.
I’ll make this analogy: If my car is brand new, but I carelessly scratch it up and abuse it, I’m less likely to care if I crash my car into yours no matter how new your car is. Why? Because my car is already messed up so I don’t really see this “little” accident as that detrimental to me. And, while I’m at it, you can deal with a little scratch here and there on your car too! What makes your car so special?
And that’s how people treat themselves and each other, like they are jacked up cars that don’t mind adding a flat tire to yours.
The problem is that I could be trying to keep my car in mint condition or I could be on my way to the car shop to get my car fixed (i.e. turning my life around) when you decided to not care about my car and crash into it? Have you thought about what it took for me to admit my car needed a tune-up (i.e. that I am finally taking responsibility for the mistakes in life that I made or moving forward from the hurt that others inflicted on me)? And do you know how much it costs to get a car fixed (i.e. how hard it is to mend broken bridges, break bad habits, or even gain confidence in myself)? And you aren’t going to take any of that into consideration???
Furthermore, a person that is trying to keep their car in mint condition WON’T crash their car into yours. Why? Because they value their car (i.e. their life/humanity/existence) and therefore respect yours (they wouldn't dare mess up your car, because they don't want to mess up their car in the process...i.e. each person is connected and by hurting you, they'd also be hurting themselves).
And that’s my point; people just don’t value their cars (lives) like they should, and so they often won’t value yours.
So when did I begin to think like this you ask? Years and years ago. But I've often fought it by pacifying myself with adages like "everything happens for a reason," or "you'll be a better person because of it later." We all do it, but the problem is that I've got eyes too, and I realize that too often "crime does pay," and "cheaters do prosper," often to little consequence, if any at all. So, especially in recent months, the culmination of all that I've witnessed and experienced outweighed the nostalgic glow of sentimental sayings.
Then again, what do I know? I've only walked this planet for just over 2 decades. Maybe those old people (that I'm so jealous of) know things that I don't know. Maybe there is a purpose for the sad realities of this world that I witness. But there I go again striving for that optimistic potential!
I’ve written too much for today, so I’ll stop here for now, plus I've got a killer exam tomorrow (now there's something you can look forward too in continuing your education). I’ll complete my thoughts tomorrow, but hopefully you’ve got something to ponder until then.
-Maelstrom
Before I begin, I think it is important for me to once again reiterate that I consider myself to be a realist striving towards optimistic ends. That means I work towards and believe that the best scenario is possible, but I accept things for what they are and not for what they could be/could’ve been.
Potentially, the world is a nice place, and the United States can provide the “American Dream” for anyone that works toward it. Likewise, people are potentially as kind and helpful as we’d wish each other to be. Realistically, however, things just aren’t always so. I mean, can you explain to me why in the world one human being would murder, rape or torture another human being? And I know those are some of the extremes, but I often find the “little things” incredibly insidious as well. Sometimes a “little white lie” can ruin a whole bunch of lives.
Working off of potential gets so many people in trouble so often. It is probably the biggest reason why women get their feelings hurt by men. “He’s already overcome so much in his life,” they’ll say, “and I know he’s not exactly what I want him to be right now, but I know he can become much better. I think I can help him reach that potential (i.e. change him).” It’s why so many NBA teams are suffering right now. It amazes me that each year now, team after team gambles on an untested High School Basketball player to make it in the pros. Last year, the National College player of the year didn’t get drafted until 19th, and some stupid team took a High Schooler that played the same position over him.
The optimist in me has seen and knows that a man can change to actually be a great human being, and be all that his lady would like him to be. However, the realist in me knows that reality is by far the exception and not the rule. The optimist in me knows that High Schoolers can make it in the Pros, but the realist in me realizes that there have only been about 7 High Schoolers to do it in the 50+ years of the NBA’s existence.
With that in mind, and with respect to your comments, I’d have to say that the world is most often a cruel place. People just don’t seem to care anymore, and sometimes I wonder if they ever did.
Why is the world so cruel?
I think it is a combination of a few things. To start, people don’t love or respect or value themselves. And if you can’t value who you are as a person, or believe that you can be a better person tomorrow than you are today, then I can’t expect you to respect me.
I’ll make this analogy: If my car is brand new, but I carelessly scratch it up and abuse it, I’m less likely to care if I crash my car into yours no matter how new your car is. Why? Because my car is already messed up so I don’t really see this “little” accident as that detrimental to me. And, while I’m at it, you can deal with a little scratch here and there on your car too! What makes your car so special?
And that’s how people treat themselves and each other, like they are jacked up cars that don’t mind adding a flat tire to yours.
The problem is that I could be trying to keep my car in mint condition or I could be on my way to the car shop to get my car fixed (i.e. turning my life around) when you decided to not care about my car and crash into it? Have you thought about what it took for me to admit my car needed a tune-up (i.e. that I am finally taking responsibility for the mistakes in life that I made or moving forward from the hurt that others inflicted on me)? And do you know how much it costs to get a car fixed (i.e. how hard it is to mend broken bridges, break bad habits, or even gain confidence in myself)? And you aren’t going to take any of that into consideration???
Furthermore, a person that is trying to keep their car in mint condition WON’T crash their car into yours. Why? Because they value their car (i.e. their life/humanity/existence) and therefore respect yours (they wouldn't dare mess up your car, because they don't want to mess up their car in the process...i.e. each person is connected and by hurting you, they'd also be hurting themselves).
And that’s my point; people just don’t value their cars (lives) like they should, and so they often won’t value yours.
So when did I begin to think like this you ask? Years and years ago. But I've often fought it by pacifying myself with adages like "everything happens for a reason," or "you'll be a better person because of it later." We all do it, but the problem is that I've got eyes too, and I realize that too often "crime does pay," and "cheaters do prosper," often to little consequence, if any at all. So, especially in recent months, the culmination of all that I've witnessed and experienced outweighed the nostalgic glow of sentimental sayings.
Then again, what do I know? I've only walked this planet for just over 2 decades. Maybe those old people (that I'm so jealous of) know things that I don't know. Maybe there is a purpose for the sad realities of this world that I witness. But there I go again striving for that optimistic potential!
I’ve written too much for today, so I’ll stop here for now, plus I've got a killer exam tomorrow (now there's something you can look forward too in continuing your education). I’ll complete my thoughts tomorrow, but hopefully you’ve got something to ponder until then.
-Maelstrom
Monday, February 14, 2005
"Hitch"
So, I ended my hiatus from the movie theatre this past week and saw 3 movies: “Hide and Seek,” “Hotel Rwanda,” and “Hitch.” I enjoyed each of them (though “Hide and Seek” just pacified my desire to see a “scary” movie…it was alright). Don Cheadle delivered another Beastie performance in “Hotel Rwanda,” and I’m not just saying that because he’s my favorite actor (honestly, cop the album…I mean, see the movie). But I must say, I was pleasantly delighted with the last movie I saw, “Hitch.” This movie had the perfect blend of both humor and sentimentality with a touch of grace throughout. I mean, everything worked, even the subtleties that maybe only I was paying attention to.
The movie stars Will Smith and Eva Mendes as the main protagonists, along with Kevin James. Smith plays a "Love Doctor" who seeks to help guys get with the girl they love (James happens to be a client). Mendes plays a hardworking, no-nonsense newspaper reporter who has a practical, but cynical view of men. Ok, so it sounds like it’s been done before (and it has), but there are enough twists to make you forget about the sappy movies that Valentine's weekend typically pumps out.
Albert Brenneman (James) enlists the help of Hitch (Smith) in order to win the heart of a very wealthy, yet very attractive Allegra Cole (played by Amber Valetta). Brenneman is a little bit of an unkempt guy that could use some direction when it comes to the ladies. James (of "King of Queens" fame) delivers a great performance in this role, adding great seriousness to a naturally hilarious character.
Hitch is a guy that takes his "consulting job" very seriously. He is incredibly successful when it comes to advice, and he uses what he knows about love to his own personal advantage, but has no specific lady to call his own. One night in a bar, he happens upon a dashingly beautiful Sara Melas played by Mendes. She's heard all the pathetic pick-up lines, but is mildly impressed by Hitch who seems to know that she knows them all, and offers a different angle.
Somehow the two major plots (Brenneman/Cole and Hitch/Melas) get intertwined with Hitch being the common link. And that's all I'll tell about the flick because I don't want to ruin it for you anymore than I probably already have.
So, what did I like?
Smith and Mendes were great as a 1-2 duo. I wouldn't mind seeing another movie starring just those two. They were awesome together. The chemistry between James’ and Smith's characters is great as well.
It also isn't lost on me that the two lead roles were minorities (Mendes is Cuban-American and Smith is African-American), but you never even think about their potential interracial relationship, or about their minority status. That reality wasn't even made an issue in the movie, whereas in most movies that star minorities you'd hear some loudly noticeable declaration of racial differences/similarities. Their acting was incredibly transparent.
And fellas, Eva Mendes is gorgeous. She was so sizzling hot throughout the whole movie that I actually sensed her pheromones emanating directly from her radiant beauty through the camera, by way of the movie screen, directly to me. Whether she was mildly disheveled, wearing glasses, at work, or out on the town, she exuded sexiness. But I was even more impressed by the performance she delivered. It was her first leading role (she normally gets "ghetto girl" bit parts or much smaller supporting roles) and she did not disappoint. I believe she proved that she can truly act, whereas before I wasn't so sure. Hopefully her performance in "Hitch" will open up opportunities for her to have even bigger roles.
And ladies, don't worry, you've got Will Smith. This role was more of a throwback to his "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" days, instead of some of the more serious roles that he’s played in movies like "Ali" and "I, Robot." And no, you don't get to see his bare body like you did in "I, Robot" ladies, but his muscles were well on display through his series of short-sleeved, clingy shirts.
The music throughout the movie was on point. There were revamped hip-hop tracks, smooth latin grooves, and much more. I was particularly impressed by the number I heard in the background when Mendes’ and Smith's characters were playing out on the water on Jet Ski’s. I thought I was the only one paying attention to how great that song was, but after the movie, one of my friends that I saw the movie with (who is an incredibly accomplished musician) asked me "did you hear that one track when…," and I was like “yeah, that was tight.” I do hope they make a soundtrack.
The pacing of the movie was also great. The writer's didn't go overboard with the comedy (there was no silly slapstick), and even the clips that I'd seen before the movie from commercials were still funny at the theatre. The slow paced moments in the movie often offered great peeks into the strange realities of guy/girl relationships (ie, the hurts, the questions, the uncertainties, and the nostalgia).
In all fairness, the ending may have been drawn out 3 minutes and 27 seconds too long, but overall I thought the movie was great. And trust me on this one because I'm definitely not into the whole "relationship, love, romantic-comedy, blah blah blah" thing right now.
Fellas, even if you forgot to plan something spectacular for your lady after the big Valentine’s dinner tonight, and you’re worried that “dinner and movie” is too overdone, you may be able to get away with it just this one time. I think your lady friend would find this movie quite enjoyable. Now what you do after is your business.
So go see it, go check out "Hitch."
-Maelstrom
The movie stars Will Smith and Eva Mendes as the main protagonists, along with Kevin James. Smith plays a "Love Doctor" who seeks to help guys get with the girl they love (James happens to be a client). Mendes plays a hardworking, no-nonsense newspaper reporter who has a practical, but cynical view of men. Ok, so it sounds like it’s been done before (and it has), but there are enough twists to make you forget about the sappy movies that Valentine's weekend typically pumps out.
Albert Brenneman (James) enlists the help of Hitch (Smith) in order to win the heart of a very wealthy, yet very attractive Allegra Cole (played by Amber Valetta). Brenneman is a little bit of an unkempt guy that could use some direction when it comes to the ladies. James (of "King of Queens" fame) delivers a great performance in this role, adding great seriousness to a naturally hilarious character.
Hitch is a guy that takes his "consulting job" very seriously. He is incredibly successful when it comes to advice, and he uses what he knows about love to his own personal advantage, but has no specific lady to call his own. One night in a bar, he happens upon a dashingly beautiful Sara Melas played by Mendes. She's heard all the pathetic pick-up lines, but is mildly impressed by Hitch who seems to know that she knows them all, and offers a different angle.
Somehow the two major plots (Brenneman/Cole and Hitch/Melas) get intertwined with Hitch being the common link. And that's all I'll tell about the flick because I don't want to ruin it for you anymore than I probably already have.
So, what did I like?
Smith and Mendes were great as a 1-2 duo. I wouldn't mind seeing another movie starring just those two. They were awesome together. The chemistry between James’ and Smith's characters is great as well.
It also isn't lost on me that the two lead roles were minorities (Mendes is Cuban-American and Smith is African-American), but you never even think about their potential interracial relationship, or about their minority status. That reality wasn't even made an issue in the movie, whereas in most movies that star minorities you'd hear some loudly noticeable declaration of racial differences/similarities. Their acting was incredibly transparent.
And fellas, Eva Mendes is gorgeous. She was so sizzling hot throughout the whole movie that I actually sensed her pheromones emanating directly from her radiant beauty through the camera, by way of the movie screen, directly to me. Whether she was mildly disheveled, wearing glasses, at work, or out on the town, she exuded sexiness. But I was even more impressed by the performance she delivered. It was her first leading role (she normally gets "ghetto girl" bit parts or much smaller supporting roles) and she did not disappoint. I believe she proved that she can truly act, whereas before I wasn't so sure. Hopefully her performance in "Hitch" will open up opportunities for her to have even bigger roles.
And ladies, don't worry, you've got Will Smith. This role was more of a throwback to his "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" days, instead of some of the more serious roles that he’s played in movies like "Ali" and "I, Robot." And no, you don't get to see his bare body like you did in "I, Robot" ladies, but his muscles were well on display through his series of short-sleeved, clingy shirts.
The music throughout the movie was on point. There were revamped hip-hop tracks, smooth latin grooves, and much more. I was particularly impressed by the number I heard in the background when Mendes’ and Smith's characters were playing out on the water on Jet Ski’s. I thought I was the only one paying attention to how great that song was, but after the movie, one of my friends that I saw the movie with (who is an incredibly accomplished musician) asked me "did you hear that one track when…," and I was like “yeah, that was tight.” I do hope they make a soundtrack.
The pacing of the movie was also great. The writer's didn't go overboard with the comedy (there was no silly slapstick), and even the clips that I'd seen before the movie from commercials were still funny at the theatre. The slow paced moments in the movie often offered great peeks into the strange realities of guy/girl relationships (ie, the hurts, the questions, the uncertainties, and the nostalgia).
In all fairness, the ending may have been drawn out 3 minutes and 27 seconds too long, but overall I thought the movie was great. And trust me on this one because I'm definitely not into the whole "relationship, love, romantic-comedy, blah blah blah" thing right now.
Fellas, even if you forgot to plan something spectacular for your lady after the big Valentine’s dinner tonight, and you’re worried that “dinner and movie” is too overdone, you may be able to get away with it just this one time. I think your lady friend would find this movie quite enjoyable. Now what you do after is your business.
So go see it, go check out "Hitch."
-Maelstrom
Sunday, February 06, 2005
"The FCC Won't Let Me Be"
So the big game is today. The unofficial United States National Holiday, the Superbowl (really, they should cancel Work, School, and anything other than sleep tomorrow as a result). And though the game is a huge deal, the entertainment during halftime, and certainly the commercials, are at least just as big of a deal. Unfortunately this year's extra curricular sideshows will be heavily diminished because of last year's. Indeed, last year's extra curricular's probably had a bigger impact on our everyday lives than we realize.
I never thought I'd find myself agreeing with Howard Stern, but two weeks ago, when Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell announced that he was leaving his post at the FCC, I totally felt Stern. "This is a great day," Howard Stern exclaimed. Powell was the sole reason why Stern's radio show was canceled and ultimately forced him to sign a (exorbitant) contract with satellite radio. But greater than forcing Stern to clean up or move on, Powell played a major role in not only our communications in this country, but also in our politics.
Now certainly, under Powell's tenure, many great communications transformations were accomplished. The "Do Not Call List" was implemented (which allows consumers to block telemarketing calls), major mergers were allowed (like Cingular with AT&T), and now wireless customers can keep their phone numbers when they switch phone companies. And that's just to name a few. However, most people will remember his administration as the one that cracked down on indecency. A move that ironically occurred at a pivotal time in this country's development.
One year ago today (Superbowl Sunday), the Presidential Race was underway. Little did we know that a split second of television would ultimately decide the winner of the election. And who could've guessed that the winner would be decided on the first weekend of February when the election wasn't to occur until the first Tuesday in November?
Well, that's exactly what happened. "Bet I'll have you naked by the end of this song," exclaimed Justin Timberlake as he ripped the bra off of Janet Jackson's right breast. Immediately, the news headlines weren't about the amazing ending to one of the closest Superbowl games in history, nor about the streaker that ran onto the field naked after halftime, and not even about the disgusting commercials that aired (like the one where the horse farted in a lady's face or the myriad of Erectile Dysfunction ads). The buzz, for about 3 weeks (really, for an entire year), was about something that most people didn't even realize they saw (those that watched), and that everyone else wouldn't have even known about if the media didn't keep talkin about it (how hypocritical). "Oh my god, Janet (and MTV, and CBS, and...) should be reprimanded for flashing her breast on TV like that."
Well, it just so happened that the head of the FCC was the son of The President's diplomatic right arm. And what won the election for Mr. President? Morality.
Many people have praised Bush for his stances, and say that it is his character and consistency that led to his re-election. Still others said that it was "The Architect," Bush's Campaign Manager Karl Rove, that should receive supreme credit for his genius during the election year. And of course, many people credit the Christian Conservative Right with putting Bush back in office.
Well, I'd agree that all three of these factors played a role in the re-election of "W." However, if there is one person that anyone I would credit for the re-election of President Bush (even despite his poor performance as Commander-in-Chief for 4 years), it would be Michael Powell. Powell helped to make Morality the key issue in the Presidential election, helping to imply that performance doesn't matter (read my post from November 5th), all while giving Karl Rove the fuel that he needed to invigorate the Christian Conservatives and make Bush's "I'm never wrong" approach to government powerful tools that led to his re-election.
So, I guess I've already made my point. I just think that it's a little more than a coincidence that the President had an advocate at the top of the FCC, and that the FCC made a big deal of morality-the issue that won Bush re-election. And what's worse, I think it sucks that we let them get away with that (and that we let Justin get away with allowing Janet to take the blame for it all when we know he had to know what was up too).
It also sucks that now the commercials won't be as sweet or edgy (get ready to see a litany of "boner pill" commercials), and Paul McCartney is the halftime entertainment. It's like Bush is winning all over again. And that just plain sucks.
-Maelstrom
ps: by virtue of the fact that Tom Brady cut his hair (at least I think he did), Pats lose 27-23... I mean what can I say, he's cutting the locks...and the power is in the locks!
I never thought I'd find myself agreeing with Howard Stern, but two weeks ago, when Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell announced that he was leaving his post at the FCC, I totally felt Stern. "This is a great day," Howard Stern exclaimed. Powell was the sole reason why Stern's radio show was canceled and ultimately forced him to sign a (exorbitant) contract with satellite radio. But greater than forcing Stern to clean up or move on, Powell played a major role in not only our communications in this country, but also in our politics.
Now certainly, under Powell's tenure, many great communications transformations were accomplished. The "Do Not Call List" was implemented (which allows consumers to block telemarketing calls), major mergers were allowed (like Cingular with AT&T), and now wireless customers can keep their phone numbers when they switch phone companies. And that's just to name a few. However, most people will remember his administration as the one that cracked down on indecency. A move that ironically occurred at a pivotal time in this country's development.
One year ago today (Superbowl Sunday), the Presidential Race was underway. Little did we know that a split second of television would ultimately decide the winner of the election. And who could've guessed that the winner would be decided on the first weekend of February when the election wasn't to occur until the first Tuesday in November?
Well, that's exactly what happened. "Bet I'll have you naked by the end of this song," exclaimed Justin Timberlake as he ripped the bra off of Janet Jackson's right breast. Immediately, the news headlines weren't about the amazing ending to one of the closest Superbowl games in history, nor about the streaker that ran onto the field naked after halftime, and not even about the disgusting commercials that aired (like the one where the horse farted in a lady's face or the myriad of Erectile Dysfunction ads). The buzz, for about 3 weeks (really, for an entire year), was about something that most people didn't even realize they saw (those that watched), and that everyone else wouldn't have even known about if the media didn't keep talkin about it (how hypocritical). "Oh my god, Janet (and MTV, and CBS, and...) should be reprimanded for flashing her breast on TV like that."
Well, it just so happened that the head of the FCC was the son of The President's diplomatic right arm. And what won the election for Mr. President? Morality.
Many people have praised Bush for his stances, and say that it is his character and consistency that led to his re-election. Still others said that it was "The Architect," Bush's Campaign Manager Karl Rove, that should receive supreme credit for his genius during the election year. And of course, many people credit the Christian Conservative Right with putting Bush back in office.
Well, I'd agree that all three of these factors played a role in the re-election of "W." However, if there is one person that anyone I would credit for the re-election of President Bush (even despite his poor performance as Commander-in-Chief for 4 years), it would be Michael Powell. Powell helped to make Morality the key issue in the Presidential election, helping to imply that performance doesn't matter (read my post from November 5th), all while giving Karl Rove the fuel that he needed to invigorate the Christian Conservatives and make Bush's "I'm never wrong" approach to government powerful tools that led to his re-election.
So, I guess I've already made my point. I just think that it's a little more than a coincidence that the President had an advocate at the top of the FCC, and that the FCC made a big deal of morality-the issue that won Bush re-election. And what's worse, I think it sucks that we let them get away with that (and that we let Justin get away with allowing Janet to take the blame for it all when we know he had to know what was up too).
It also sucks that now the commercials won't be as sweet or edgy (get ready to see a litany of "boner pill" commercials), and Paul McCartney is the halftime entertainment. It's like Bush is winning all over again. And that just plain sucks.
-Maelstrom
ps: by virtue of the fact that Tom Brady cut his hair (at least I think he did), Pats lose 27-23... I mean what can I say, he's cutting the locks...and the power is in the locks!
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
28 Days
Today is the 1st day of Black History month. It is a month aimed at celebrating the culture and history of those people who are of African descent. As we all know, Africans were sold (often by other Africans) into slavery to Europeans during much of the middle portion of the last millenium. The Europeans would take these slaves on a horrendous trip across the Atlantic Ocean in slave ships to the Americas. Along the way, hundreds of slaves would die, and their bodies would be thrown overboard. Only the strong survived, giving rise to the notion of black people being physically strong and superior (and maybe even the idea of athletic superiority).
Once the slaves reached land, they would be auctioned off individually and given new names. Families were split apart and sent to separate plantations, often hundreds of miles away from each other. For many of them, their daily duty was to pick cotton from sun up until sun down. They weren't allowed to eat or sleep in the same quarters as their slave owners or any other "white people." They were given the last of the food that the white people had to eat. Often the scraps, like the pig intestines (chitterlings or "chitlins"), were all they were given to eat.
Sometimes a slave could move up from just working in the fields into cleaning the plantation home, or taking care of menial tasks for the slave owners. These kinds of slaves were often light-skinned and treated a little better than the other slaves. They were given the name "house-niggers." It comes as no surprise that they were treated a little better than other slaves and appeared light in skin tone once you realize that they were the children of the Slave-Owner and one of the female slaves that he raped.
Certainly there were some slave owners that were better than others (if you can consider a slave owner good at all). However, many times even the slightest mis-step with any of them could send a slave owner into a violent frenzy. Beatings, whippings and lynchings were common place. Black people were literally considered to be animals; savages (giving rise to the belief of black men being sex-mongers...they were just like beast in the wilderness that only sought to mate). Unfortunately, that's how they were treated, no better than wild animals.
Now, what I've pointed out may seem like an archaic problem from the 1700's. Indeed, when this country was founded, Black people were merely considered property (much like a lamp, sofa, or housepet), and Black men were only considered to be 3/5ths of a man. However, routine lynchings (especially in the Southern United States) did not end until the 1970's; long after the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th/14th/15th Amendments, and years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr (as well as many other major figures in the Civil Rights movement).
The remarkable thing about Black people is that no matter what has come against them, they have emerged stronger than before each time. Extremely resilient and ever evolving in order to meet the challenges that society poses for them. Today, not only are many of the top athletic and musical entertainers Black people, but Black people have found their way into Politics, Major Corporations, and numerous Diplomatic/Foreign Relations positions (to name a few).
And certainly as you sit there reading this, probably half (or maybe even more than half) of the things that surround you were invented (or first patented) by Black people. For example, that light in your room was first created and perfected by two Black men (Thomas Alva Edison and Lewis Latimer). But you probably already knew that, so try this one on for size. The first patents for the Curtain Rod Supporter, as well as the Curtain itself belong to Black people (William S. Grant and S.C. Scranton, respectively). Honestly, the list is endless, from the Medical Sciences (blood transfusions) to the very mundane (ironing boards), all invented by Black people. I'll stop there for now.
Anyhow, to get an idea of what slaves had to go through in coming to the United States and the new life they encountered here, I'd suggest the series "Roots," written by Alex Haley. To see what a horrendous problem rampant, pointless lynchings were only a few decades ago, I'd suggest seeing the movie "Rosewood" starring Don Cheadle, Jon Voight and Ving Rhames (and based on a true story). Finally, if you want a comprehensive account of the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's, I heavily suggest the "Eyes on the Prize" series (which I hope someone will take the initiative of updating very soon). These three films give great depth of understanding to the struggles of Black people in this country, and make us to know how far we've come while helping us to see how much farther we still need to go as far as equality is concerned in this country.
Here and there, throughout the course of these 28 days, I hope to highlight some people, events and occurrences as they relate to Black people in honor of this month. I do hope you will join me in celebrating this very significant month in American History.
-Maelstrom
Once the slaves reached land, they would be auctioned off individually and given new names. Families were split apart and sent to separate plantations, often hundreds of miles away from each other. For many of them, their daily duty was to pick cotton from sun up until sun down. They weren't allowed to eat or sleep in the same quarters as their slave owners or any other "white people." They were given the last of the food that the white people had to eat. Often the scraps, like the pig intestines (chitterlings or "chitlins"), were all they were given to eat.
Sometimes a slave could move up from just working in the fields into cleaning the plantation home, or taking care of menial tasks for the slave owners. These kinds of slaves were often light-skinned and treated a little better than the other slaves. They were given the name "house-niggers." It comes as no surprise that they were treated a little better than other slaves and appeared light in skin tone once you realize that they were the children of the Slave-Owner and one of the female slaves that he raped.
Certainly there were some slave owners that were better than others (if you can consider a slave owner good at all). However, many times even the slightest mis-step with any of them could send a slave owner into a violent frenzy. Beatings, whippings and lynchings were common place. Black people were literally considered to be animals; savages (giving rise to the belief of black men being sex-mongers...they were just like beast in the wilderness that only sought to mate). Unfortunately, that's how they were treated, no better than wild animals.
Now, what I've pointed out may seem like an archaic problem from the 1700's. Indeed, when this country was founded, Black people were merely considered property (much like a lamp, sofa, or housepet), and Black men were only considered to be 3/5ths of a man. However, routine lynchings (especially in the Southern United States) did not end until the 1970's; long after the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th/14th/15th Amendments, and years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr (as well as many other major figures in the Civil Rights movement).
The remarkable thing about Black people is that no matter what has come against them, they have emerged stronger than before each time. Extremely resilient and ever evolving in order to meet the challenges that society poses for them. Today, not only are many of the top athletic and musical entertainers Black people, but Black people have found their way into Politics, Major Corporations, and numerous Diplomatic/Foreign Relations positions (to name a few).
And certainly as you sit there reading this, probably half (or maybe even more than half) of the things that surround you were invented (or first patented) by Black people. For example, that light in your room was first created and perfected by two Black men (Thomas Alva Edison and Lewis Latimer). But you probably already knew that, so try this one on for size. The first patents for the Curtain Rod Supporter, as well as the Curtain itself belong to Black people (William S. Grant and S.C. Scranton, respectively). Honestly, the list is endless, from the Medical Sciences (blood transfusions) to the very mundane (ironing boards), all invented by Black people. I'll stop there for now.
Anyhow, to get an idea of what slaves had to go through in coming to the United States and the new life they encountered here, I'd suggest the series "Roots," written by Alex Haley. To see what a horrendous problem rampant, pointless lynchings were only a few decades ago, I'd suggest seeing the movie "Rosewood" starring Don Cheadle, Jon Voight and Ving Rhames (and based on a true story). Finally, if you want a comprehensive account of the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's, I heavily suggest the "Eyes on the Prize" series (which I hope someone will take the initiative of updating very soon). These three films give great depth of understanding to the struggles of Black people in this country, and make us to know how far we've come while helping us to see how much farther we still need to go as far as equality is concerned in this country.
Here and there, throughout the course of these 28 days, I hope to highlight some people, events and occurrences as they relate to Black people in honor of this month. I do hope you will join me in celebrating this very significant month in American History.
-Maelstrom
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