Dear New Year's Resolutions

You and about 10 billion other heads...

It's that time of year again. The time of year when everybody says '20xx is gonna be my year!' or 'let's get it, 20xx' or 'leaving the negative in 20xx, and makes a bunch of you, New Year's Resolutions. Now, there is nothing wrong with trying to improve ourselves, but why do we always wait until a new year to make a list of you guys?? I suppose that the turning of a calendar offers some the hope of a new beginning. That said, why do our grandiose plans and goals have to have a calendar? New Year's Resolutions, you give us a contrived sense of ambition because we see everything in such up-and-down terms.

People, instead of letting their ambition have some sort of continuity, wait until the new year to come up with ways to improve themselves. The problem is, resolutions, that you last as long as the New Year's spirit does: maybe a few days. That's not to say that everyone has the same, weak mental fortitude, but NYR (that's what we're calling you for the rest of the post), how many weight loss, or money management versions have we seen? How many vows to stop drinking or smoking or cursing have passed through the tenet of NYR's?? Hell, an even better question: How many of you have actually been kept until the next new year?? I'd say more resolutions come and go in the first week of the new year than drinks on New Year's Eve. No offense, but this year, instead of making a promise to do something, I'm just going to do the same thing I've been doing, just better. That's a resolution I can keep, and will probably not forget a week later...

Google Nexus One

I told you it was coming, just not when. Google is on the minds of every techie on the planet as they anticipate releasing their Nexus One cell phone. Of course the phone will run the latest version Google's proprietary Android OS. But what has everyone clamoring is the fact that the phone will come out unlocked, meaning you can put it on any network (GSM networks only, so T-Mobile or AT&T in the US). If you don't want to pay the $530 to get it unlocked, you can get it for $180 on T-Mobile. Check the rest of the post for some screenshots directly from Google...

Bringing a Gun to a Snowball Fight

Everyone knows that you shouldn't bring a knife to a gunfight, but I don't think that many people would think to bring a gun to a snowball fight. My man Josh at Bruce & Carrie's Son put me on to this incident, that even he was 10 days late for. I shudder to think what kind of tragedy would have ensued if cameras weren't present. Even with the threat of police brutality (not the kind you're use to, is it?), there are two positives that we can take from this. First of all, the power of social networking is limitless. Over 200 folks were gathered for this frolic solely from Twitter and Facebook communication. One can only imagine how many more people heard or saw information about the gathering, but didn't attend. Secondly, it's heartwarming to see that people don't let the threat of violence deter them from their fun. In the background you can still see people chucking snowballs and smiling, while a serious situation was arising in front of them. The folly and brash nature of the policemen was a sad story, and indicative of a lack of discernment on their part and every policeman who draws their weapon needlessly. Hopefully we can get past this and just enjoy nature, like our snowball fighters were...

Skills - 2009 Rap-Up

Skills - 2009 Rap-Up

Like I said when I did the underrated mixtape countdown, everyone is doing their top 10's and year in review lists. I'm not really with most of it (I read it, though), because everyone's doing the same shit. This, however is dope. I love when hip-hop takes on popular culture, especially in such a funny way. I've never heard of Skillz before, but anyone who can put out a song like this has to be halfway decent. Check out his 'rap-up' of 2009...

Dear Teddy Riley

The phrase is correct, but the actions are dead wrong...

Okay Teddy, I will not lie. Blackstreet was one of my favorite groups. I still sing No Diggity, Baby Be Mine and Don't Leave Me Girl to this day. You guys paved the way for the R&B group explosion of the late 90's and were innovators in terms of sound. You however, have truly disappointed me. I've always been a firm believer that discipline in a child's life is second only to love. Whether corporal, or simple positive reinforcement, the discipline in a child's life is one of the more prevalent factors in shaping them as an adult. That said, what the hell, Teddy?? Since when has it been okay to beat a child with their Christmas present? You see, Teddy, there is a HUGE difference between discipline and abuse, and you crossed it.

According to the ridiculous Twitter argument between you and your daughter (readers, you can find that for yourself; I refuse to cite TMZ or MTO), she was unhappy with your new girlfriend and decided to voice that opinion. Call me new school, or progressive, but when a child reaches a certain age (18 in your daughter's case), they have a pretty good scope of relationships, even if they haven't been in one themselves. Now this is just an assumption, but your new girlfriend probably isn't your first of that variety (young, and money hungry), and probably won't be your last. You may even love the woman, which is cool. But at what point do you take your daughter's feelings into consideration?

Even if you didn't agree with what she was saying, I'm sure hitting her with a Rock Band guitar probably isn't the best way to leave your fatherly imprint on her. In fact, I'm even more sure that doing that will make her despise you even more. I'm no family expert. Nor was I there when the incident, and subsequent Twitter argument (funny that there is such a thing, isn't it?) took place. But your daughter was there before your girlfriend, and will be there after (not trying to put a hex on your girl; I'm just telling it how it is) her. Don't alienate and abuse her because she told you that you need to stop putting p*ssy on a pedestal...

Neighborhood Newletter (12/30)

The idiocy here is unparalleled...

10 ways Apple owned the decade

Phone helps illegal border crossers find water, culture

Space Probe Gets Halfway to Pluto in Record Time

Escaped Prisoner Teases Police With Facebook Photos

Giant Mold Universe Found Inside Walmart Chef Boyardee Can

Why Men Cheat: A Year of Philandering

How Excessive Alcohol Intake Will Impact Every Organ

Funeral home offers drunk drivers a free burial

Vans Chukka Low Team Series (Spring 2010)

I said it before, and I'll say it again. For me, spring and summer are when fashion is at its best. These days, it is way too cold to be fresh. That said, sneakers ans shoes obviously are at the forefront of my mind, most of the time. Vans always catch my eye because of the simplicity of their design, but also because of how many variations can come of that simplicity. This spring Vans is releasing a Chukka sneaker in four colorways based on four different riders (Alex Olson, Chima Ferguson, Keegan Sauder, and Chris Pfanner). Three of the four have two-tone pallets and contrast lacing, with suede uppers. The fourth one features metallic silver leather. Check them out...

The World's Largest New Era Cap

If the Na'vi from Avatar were into streetwear, this is most definitely the fitted that they would rock. MISHKA has always been known to be one of the most innovative and creative brands on the scene, and this just shows how big their imaginations really are (get it?). Unfortunately, the size 16 fitted is not for sale, but is on display at the MISHKA store at 350 Broadway in NYC. Check out the hat you can use for some serious panhandling...

HDTV x Fireplace

I created a new tag for the blog. It's called 'When I'm Rich'. It goes in concordance with 'The Catalog', and surprising catalogs things that I can only aspire to purchase when I am filthy, stinking rich. The first post to have this is honestly ridiculous. It looks like it's fresh out of an episode of MTV Cribs (pre-recession). It's a HDTV with a built-in fireplace that funnels the smoke around the TV. It comes in a clear, white or black colorway. The concept is simple, but somewhat practical. Hopefully the casing is as expensive as the rest of the console so there aren't any burnt TV's on Cribs...

Stussy x HAZE Special Collection

I haven't posted and clothes for damn near a month. That's not because I haven't been paying attention to fashion. It's because nothing's come out that I've really dug enough to blog about. Plus, lately I've been part of the thinking that it's too cold to be fresh. But with the new year coming around, the spring collections are starting to pop up. Stussy and legendary designer Eric Haze are collaborating to create a special collection for this coming spring, with a few t-shirts, some hoodies, a varsity jacket, and most importantly, a sneaker colllab with Pro-Keds. Check the collection out...

Kick-Ass (2010)

Just when it seemed like every superhero avenue had been explored in depth, someone decides to revamp the whole 'rag-tag bunch of nobodies who turns into superheroes' genre. If you saw Mystery Men (sad to say I did), then you know how badly done this can be done. However, from the trailer for Kick-Ass (and the red-band, unrated trailer below), we might finally be in luck. Of course they have to throw in the discouraged, frustrated teenager, but the little girl in the next trailer makes me want to see this. Check both trailers...

Dear Airport Security

Yeah, this is another post from the holiday week, but this needs to be said. While traveling to Atlanta last week, I thought my hindrances would be minor since I was flying domestically. That wasn't the case. When coming through the metal detectors and overall TSA hype, both my mother and I had to toss bottles of lotion and cologne that were deemed 'too big' to carry on. Then when returning, we had a very feisty TSA agent try to disrespect my father, among other people traveling, with a snippy attitude and an unwarranted pat-down. But that's neither here nor there. What really irked me was the story above.

Airport security has always been a hassle. There is no debate that that hassle contributes to our security and safety in the air. However, at what cost does this come?? Are these methods of security really that effective? I've seen a young child frisked for having a bottle of 'suspicious fluids', a teenager yelled at for forgetting to take their shoes off in a timely fashion, and my father frisked for forgetting to remove his wallet (in fear that someone would steal it). Those are all minuscule happenings on the radar of airport security that get blown way out of proportion. Yet and still, some attempted Nigerian terrorist can enter a plane (and pass security) with a bomb strapped to him?? TSA, what's the deal? Such oversight is indicative of the failures of this system. If someone can thwart you guys that easily, I shudder to think what could have happened had the suspect been more efficient in his undertaking. I understand the heightened level of anxiety during high-travel times. I understand that everyone is privy to the whims of the TSA. Hell, I even understand that sometimes suspicion overrides common sense. But where do we draw the line between gross invasion and 'security'?

Something must be done to rectify the system of checks and balances that airport security goes through. There has to be an wide, yet thin line between the terrorists and the unseemly civilians that use the air for good purposes every day. The fact that Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab was on America's radar, but was still allowed to fly as everyone else shows how faulty the system is. Whether it was gross oversight or simply naivete that allowed this incident, there is no doubt in my mind that we are still not safe, nor will we be for the foreseeable future. It's not a question of jostling or harassment, but of incompetence and ignorance. I'm glad that no incident took place, but can't help but give you guys the side-eye every time I fly now. For all our sakes, I hope whoever frisked my father and whoever let Mutallab on that plane are now in the same class, re-learning their modus operandi. Lord knows it might not be such a Merry Christmas next year if the same thing is allowed to happen again...

The Cool Kids x Don Cannon - Merry Christmas (FreEP)

The Cool Kids x Don Cannon - Merry Christmas (FreEP)

Yeah, I'm late. Sue me. Over the holiday, there were supposed to be an assload of mixtapes dropping. Unfortunately (well, not really), we only got one. I'm just glad that it was the Cool Kids. Over the past two years, the two Midwest MC's have really wowed me with their growth, both lyrically and as artists. Their Merry Christmas FreEP (why's everyone putting out EP's now??) only featured four tracks, but along with a Don Cannon cosign (I really hope he's on board for their album), they're making sure they go into 2010 with the right attitude. Of course, the beat are FIRE, and Chuck and Mikey bring their individual flavors to each track. There's not much else to say about the release. Of course, check the link, the tracklist, my #dopetracks (no more Cream of the Crop and Cream of the Crap), and some videos. Merry (belated) Christmas...



#dopetracks
Tires
BBQ Wings
Catch of the Day
Free Throws

Dear Laker Fans

A lot worse things could have happened...

I really didn't like the two 'marquee matchups' this Christmas, but was forced to after realizing that every other channel was showing holiday shows (does anyone else get tired of them??). Of the five games, the one was probably hyped the most, and of course, one team dominated. This time it was the Cavs. Along with the L, the Lakers squad had to deal with you guys throwing your foam fingers on the court. What's the problem? One loss (which didn't even shake their hold on the Western standings) and you guys are booing?? I'd hate to see the Staples Center if this happened in the playoffs, or even the Finals. Lakers fans, you don't know how to act. If you win, you riot in the streets and loot sneaker stores. If you lose you're ready to beat your players with foam. Calm down. Be glad you're not Knicks fans, because we've had a team to boo about for years...

Top 10 Most UNDERRATED Mixtapes of the Year (2-1)

Okay, so we've finally gotten to the last two underrated mixtapes of the year. I took a break for X-Mas, but I'll start the week off hard (pause). Hope you guys enjoyed the countdown, and found some new music you might not have heard of...

2. The Kid Daytona - Come Fly With Me



The Kid Daytona - Come Fly With Me

#dopetracks
Air Jordan
The Groove
Lately
Air Born
The Minimum

I said it so many times and I'll say it again: The Bronx has no big artists on the radar for hip-hop. It's sad and even unbelievable that the borough that created hip-hop is dead on the mainstream. The Kid Daytona, might be one of the next to try for our borough's throne. Come Fly With Me does a lot of 'fly' talk (then again, isn't that how hip-hop started too??), but has punchlines, dope beats (6th Sense, nuff said), and Daytona has different flows for days. Hopefully he gets the shine he deserves, because the BX needs SOMETHING...

1. Lupe Fiasco : Enemy of the State: A Love Story




Lupe Fiasco : Enemy of the State: A Love Story

#dopetracks
The National Anthem
Say Something
Thank You
The One

Honestly, did you think anything else would be #1? I didn't have any doubt. Lupe is. by many accounts, the most underrated MC in the game. His mixtape was even themed about how underrated he is. Lupe ripped every beat (wouldn't he be the SHIT if his beat-selection was better?), and showed people that he fits more lines in a song than some on an album. Listen to the mixtape and do your ears a favor.

Neighborhood Newletter (12/24)

The Christmas spirit tells people to do some weird things...

'Girls Gone Wild' Founder Named 'Douche Of The Decade'

Senator cites blacks as disadvantage for his state

U.S. Senate passed an $871 billion health care reform plan

7 Top Technology Trends That Ruled 2009

Armed Santa Claus robs US bank

The Real Reason Cell Phone Use Is Banned on Airlines

Tennessee Man Buys Gas For 80 Strangers

Kid uses Facebook to Blackmail Classmates Into Sex With Him

Repo Men

If you are turned off by blood, gore, violence and language, please move down to the next post. If not, you are in for one of the craziest action movies since Kill Bill. Repo Man stars Jude Law and Forrest Whittaker as mercenaries of a high-tech medical company that builds organs for people at a hefty price. When people can't pay the price, the two are sent to get those organs back, hence the name Repo Men. The twist comes along when Law can't foot the bill for one of his own organs and Whittaker gets sent to repossess it. Hilarity, violence and gore will ensue. I will most definitely be seeing this one. Hopefully you're not too grossed out to see it, too...

Whack-a-Banker

I love seeing the recession bring out the humor in people, albeit in such creative ways. This video comes all the way from England, but I definitely think this game would make a killing over here in the states. I'd kill to see this game down on Wall Street, especially during the holidays, when everyone's banker becomes a mortal enemy. As credit card bills and debt pile up, sometimes you just want to beat the hell out of a banker. Here you can do it without getting a bid...

PS: PAUSE on the title, people..

X-Mas Pranks Going too Far

Something about this video screams 'TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS'. Apparently, some guy left his friend his apartment keys for a vacation, and that friend decided to pull the prank of all pranks by wrapping his entire apartment. When I say his entire apartment, I mean EVERYTHING. It's funny until you realize that his friends didn't just stop at his furniture, but also took it upon themselves to wrap the food in his fridge. With friends like this, it's understandable why people are losing their Christmas cheer. Then again, I'd laugh if I saw a friend's apartment like this, too...

The Karate Kid (2010)

It seems like the writer's strike is making new movies harder and harder to come by. Even so, I can't be mad about a remake of the Karate Kid. Gone is Mr. Miyagi and Ralph Macchio. Enter Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith and you have a new version of an old movie that today's kids are going to forget. If the movie is as transparent as the trailer, then you might waste your $11.50 (did you know movies are $7.50 in Atlanta??), but I suppose seeing Jaden Smith kick a bunch of teenage Chinese ass might be worth it. Check the trailer...