I hijacked the lyrics from wikipedia and I would have never thought that is what they were saying. Should we forget old acquaintances? I don't sing this song anyone at the strike of the New Year. My only hope for the new year is good health for everyone.
Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and old long time?
CHORUS:
For , my dear,
for ,old long time
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for old long time.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !And surely I’ll buy mine !And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the hills,and pulled the daisies fine ;But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,since old long time.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;But seas between us broad have roaredsince old long time.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !And give us a hand o’ thine !And we’ll take a right good-will draught,for old long time.
CHORUS
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
So sue me
I'm posting just to be posting. What else am I to do at work when everyone else is home or shopping.
Dreamgirls: A review by Richard Roeper
Good, but not Supreme
'DREAMGIRLS' IS FLASHY, BRASSY, BIG -- BUT IT'S NOT THE YEAR'S BEST
December 22, 2006
BY RICHARD ROEPER Sun-Times Columnist'Dreamgirls" is a star-studded, finger-popping, whiz-bang adaptation of the Broadway hit. It's sure to have some audiences literally standing and cheering, and it's bound to garner multiple Oscar nominations.
But it doesn't deserve to win in most categories.
They're selling this as the shoo-in for best picture, and I am telling you I'm not buying. As much as I enjoyed the sheer brassiness and emotion and bigness of this production, as much as I appreciated the performances from the terrifically talented cast -- as much as I liked "Dreamgirls" -- I didn't love it. Maybe it was just a little too slick and over the top for its own good.
Not that writer-director Bill Condon (who also penned the screenplay for the equally splashy "Chicago") has merely replaced the original Broadway cast with movie stars (and one "American Idol" finalist) and filmed the musical. There's a lot of flashy camera work (maybe too much), some new numbers, a few fresh plot twists, expanded roles for a couple of characters -- but at heart, this is essentially the same story that roared onto Broadway some 25 years ago.
But remember, it's not the story of Diana Ross and the Supremes, even though it sure seems like it was "inspired by" the story of Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Three poor black girls from Detroit become R&B crossover superstars, with the help of their Barry Gordy-esque, Svengali of a manager? Check.
The original and greatly gifted lead singer of the act is relegated to the background in favor of a thinner, more conventionally attractive, more audience-friendly diva? Check.
Pushed-aside former lead singer is quickly forgotten and falls on hard times? Check.
Lead singer becomes a solo sensation and branches out to film? Check.
Not to mention the parallel versions of James Brown and the Jackson 5, among others, who exist in this "Dreamgirls" universe.
The breathtakingly gorgeous pop/R&B star Beyonce Knowles has been cast as Deena, who becomes the lead singer of the group, replacing the more vocally and more physically robust Effie (Jennifer Hudson). Even Deena acknowledges Effie's a better singer, but Deena wins the spotlight on the strength of her face and her charisma, and her willingness to take direction.
There are a couple of levels of irony at work here, given the various personnel changes, lawsuits and drama involving Beyonce's real-life group, Destiny's Child, and the fact that everybody who starred in "Dreamgirls" on Broadway has been pushed aside for younger and/or more famous movie stars. (Of course, this happens with just about every big-screen adaptation of a Broadway musical, with the exception of "Rent.")
We first see the Dreamettes at a talent show in Detroit in the early 1960s. A curiously subdued but suitably villainous Jamie Foxx is Curtis Taylor Jr., the Cadillac salesman and aspiring talent manager who recruits the girls to sing backup for the lascivious Jimmy "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy), a James Brown-sounding soul sensation with a voracious appetite for extramarital affairs, booze and drugs.
Foxx seems particularly uncomfortable during the musical numbers, barely moving his lips, but Murphy deserves a best supporting actor nomination for his searing performance. Whether he's crooning a ballad or getting nasty with a sexually charged number onstage, rapid-fire quipping with the ladies and his bandmates or sinking into a drug-fueled funk, Murphy is riveting, not once winking at the camera or falling back on time-honored "Eddie-isms." It's maybe the best work he's ever done.
Jimmy scores an R&B hit with a tune called "Cadillac Car," but it's quickly mayonnaised into a mainstream hit by a ridiculous Pat Boone-type who strangles every ounce of soul from it. (It's an easy laugh and a funny bit, though it was funnier when "Saturday Night Live" made the same point about white artists purloining black music in a skit with Ray Charles some 30 years ago.) Burned by the experience, the money-motivated Curtis dials down the funk on the trio, packaging their look and sound so they'll be palatable to the "American Bandstand" crowd.
The key commercial move is installing Deena as the Dreamettes' lead singer, just as Effie's romance with Curtis is becoming complicated. (The fiery Effie clutches her midsection and says she's not feeling well about a half-dozen times, concealing her pregnancy with all the subtlety of a character on "General Hospital," yet nobody catches on.) When Curtis delivers the news to Effie that she's been replaced by Denna -- not just as lead singer, but as the leading lady in his life -- her response is the full-throttle "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” It’s a star-making moment for Jennifer Hudson, and she brings it home with tremendous passion and heart.
Hudson’s overall work in the film is basically a two-note performance — sass and ballads — but it’s an impressive debut in a role that’s tailor-made for accolades and acceptance speeches, and she’s sure to get an Academy Award nomination, and probably a win.
As the ’60s roll on — Condon gives us snippets of Martin Luther King speeches, Detroit in flames and talk of the war in Vietnam — Deena becomes an international superstar, sporting a Diana Ross-sized Afro, taking front and center on the album covers and flirting with the role of Cleopatra in a big-budget movie championed by Curtis, who is now her husband as well as the mogul of a Motown-like label. (In one unnecessary sequence, we see a Jackson 5 clone band singing a Jackson 5-type song. Why do that if you’re claiming your story isn’t inspired by the real Motown story?)
For a film celebrating R&B and soul music, “Dreamgirls” has a surprisingly conventional Broadway sound. We get ballad after ballad after ballad, with only occasional tastes of true funk or Marvin Gaye-type “message” music, both delivered by Jimmy. Regardless of the genre, Condon favors the rapid-fire, MTV style of quick cuts and fast zooms and dizzying pans, which adds to the energetic pace but doesn’t always serve the music.
Condon also seems ambivalent about whether to make “Dreamgirls” a pure musical or a melodrama with music. Most of the time, the characters speak and act in a realistic manner on realistic sets, with the songs relegated to the stage. But every once in a while, a dialogue-driven scene will suddenly break into a mini-musical, with one of the characters launching into a song in the lobby of an office building or on the street. It might have been too much to have everybody singing all the time with no dialogue whatsoever, a la “Jesus Christ Superstar,” but as a film “Dreamgirls,” might have worked better if all the singing had been done onstage, or at least in separate scenes.
“Dreamgirls” is flashy and dazzling. It is overflowing with zest and talent. My guess is that fans of the musical will love it. But it’s a little short on heart and soul, and it is deeply conventional. In the year of “The Departed” and “The Queen” and “Babel” and “Flags of Our Fathers”/“Letters from Iwo Jima,” it’s not the best picture of the year, even though it’s probably going to win Best Picture of the Year.
'DREAMGIRLS' IS FLASHY, BRASSY, BIG -- BUT IT'S NOT THE YEAR'S BEST
December 22, 2006
BY RICHARD ROEPER Sun-Times Columnist'Dreamgirls" is a star-studded, finger-popping, whiz-bang adaptation of the Broadway hit. It's sure to have some audiences literally standing and cheering, and it's bound to garner multiple Oscar nominations.
But it doesn't deserve to win in most categories.
They're selling this as the shoo-in for best picture, and I am telling you I'm not buying. As much as I enjoyed the sheer brassiness and emotion and bigness of this production, as much as I appreciated the performances from the terrifically talented cast -- as much as I liked "Dreamgirls" -- I didn't love it. Maybe it was just a little too slick and over the top for its own good.
Not that writer-director Bill Condon (who also penned the screenplay for the equally splashy "Chicago") has merely replaced the original Broadway cast with movie stars (and one "American Idol" finalist) and filmed the musical. There's a lot of flashy camera work (maybe too much), some new numbers, a few fresh plot twists, expanded roles for a couple of characters -- but at heart, this is essentially the same story that roared onto Broadway some 25 years ago.
But remember, it's not the story of Diana Ross and the Supremes, even though it sure seems like it was "inspired by" the story of Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Three poor black girls from Detroit become R&B crossover superstars, with the help of their Barry Gordy-esque, Svengali of a manager? Check.
The original and greatly gifted lead singer of the act is relegated to the background in favor of a thinner, more conventionally attractive, more audience-friendly diva? Check.
Pushed-aside former lead singer is quickly forgotten and falls on hard times? Check.
Lead singer becomes a solo sensation and branches out to film? Check.
Not to mention the parallel versions of James Brown and the Jackson 5, among others, who exist in this "Dreamgirls" universe.
The breathtakingly gorgeous pop/R&B star Beyonce Knowles has been cast as Deena, who becomes the lead singer of the group, replacing the more vocally and more physically robust Effie (Jennifer Hudson). Even Deena acknowledges Effie's a better singer, but Deena wins the spotlight on the strength of her face and her charisma, and her willingness to take direction.
There are a couple of levels of irony at work here, given the various personnel changes, lawsuits and drama involving Beyonce's real-life group, Destiny's Child, and the fact that everybody who starred in "Dreamgirls" on Broadway has been pushed aside for younger and/or more famous movie stars. (Of course, this happens with just about every big-screen adaptation of a Broadway musical, with the exception of "Rent.")
We first see the Dreamettes at a talent show in Detroit in the early 1960s. A curiously subdued but suitably villainous Jamie Foxx is Curtis Taylor Jr., the Cadillac salesman and aspiring talent manager who recruits the girls to sing backup for the lascivious Jimmy "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy), a James Brown-sounding soul sensation with a voracious appetite for extramarital affairs, booze and drugs.
Foxx seems particularly uncomfortable during the musical numbers, barely moving his lips, but Murphy deserves a best supporting actor nomination for his searing performance. Whether he's crooning a ballad or getting nasty with a sexually charged number onstage, rapid-fire quipping with the ladies and his bandmates or sinking into a drug-fueled funk, Murphy is riveting, not once winking at the camera or falling back on time-honored "Eddie-isms." It's maybe the best work he's ever done.
Jimmy scores an R&B hit with a tune called "Cadillac Car," but it's quickly mayonnaised into a mainstream hit by a ridiculous Pat Boone-type who strangles every ounce of soul from it. (It's an easy laugh and a funny bit, though it was funnier when "Saturday Night Live" made the same point about white artists purloining black music in a skit with Ray Charles some 30 years ago.) Burned by the experience, the money-motivated Curtis dials down the funk on the trio, packaging their look and sound so they'll be palatable to the "American Bandstand" crowd.
The key commercial move is installing Deena as the Dreamettes' lead singer, just as Effie's romance with Curtis is becoming complicated. (The fiery Effie clutches her midsection and says she's not feeling well about a half-dozen times, concealing her pregnancy with all the subtlety of a character on "General Hospital," yet nobody catches on.) When Curtis delivers the news to Effie that she's been replaced by Denna -- not just as lead singer, but as the leading lady in his life -- her response is the full-throttle "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” It’s a star-making moment for Jennifer Hudson, and she brings it home with tremendous passion and heart.
Hudson’s overall work in the film is basically a two-note performance — sass and ballads — but it’s an impressive debut in a role that’s tailor-made for accolades and acceptance speeches, and she’s sure to get an Academy Award nomination, and probably a win.
As the ’60s roll on — Condon gives us snippets of Martin Luther King speeches, Detroit in flames and talk of the war in Vietnam — Deena becomes an international superstar, sporting a Diana Ross-sized Afro, taking front and center on the album covers and flirting with the role of Cleopatra in a big-budget movie championed by Curtis, who is now her husband as well as the mogul of a Motown-like label. (In one unnecessary sequence, we see a Jackson 5 clone band singing a Jackson 5-type song. Why do that if you’re claiming your story isn’t inspired by the real Motown story?)
For a film celebrating R&B and soul music, “Dreamgirls” has a surprisingly conventional Broadway sound. We get ballad after ballad after ballad, with only occasional tastes of true funk or Marvin Gaye-type “message” music, both delivered by Jimmy. Regardless of the genre, Condon favors the rapid-fire, MTV style of quick cuts and fast zooms and dizzying pans, which adds to the energetic pace but doesn’t always serve the music.
Condon also seems ambivalent about whether to make “Dreamgirls” a pure musical or a melodrama with music. Most of the time, the characters speak and act in a realistic manner on realistic sets, with the songs relegated to the stage. But every once in a while, a dialogue-driven scene will suddenly break into a mini-musical, with one of the characters launching into a song in the lobby of an office building or on the street. It might have been too much to have everybody singing all the time with no dialogue whatsoever, a la “Jesus Christ Superstar,” but as a film “Dreamgirls,” might have worked better if all the singing had been done onstage, or at least in separate scenes.
“Dreamgirls” is flashy and dazzling. It is overflowing with zest and talent. My guess is that fans of the musical will love it. But it’s a little short on heart and soul, and it is deeply conventional. In the year of “The Departed” and “The Queen” and “Babel” and “Flags of Our Fathers”/“Letters from Iwo Jima,” it’s not the best picture of the year, even though it’s probably going to win Best Picture of the Year.
ShitDamnMotherFucker
Thank you D'angelo for the song
I had all sorts of little things I wanted to write about today but most of them included pictures. I guess I will have to just write and edit the posts later. I love all this extra time I have now that I am not in school.
I had all sorts of little things I wanted to write about today but most of them included pictures. I guess I will have to just write and edit the posts later. I love all this extra time I have now that I am not in school.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Ways You Know You're a Kellenberger
I was on facebook today and came across this website. I read it and laughed at the memories it brought back on they got to #31. Here is the entire list
1. The colors on this page mean something to you!
the page was done in Blue and Gold. Kellenberg colors
2. You shutter when you hear the words "My Child!"
There is significance to this I just can't remember
3. You always wanted to have a gray blazer
Of course grey blazer meant you were closer to graduation
4. When you finally got one you thought you were tough shit!
Not really
5. Is it just me, or does the Latin School hallway always smell.
Never spent that much time there
6. You always wanted to sell ads, but you never did.
Never sold one nor really cared to
7. If you're a guy, the only reason you went to Blue and Gold is because you had a friend or girlfriend performing in it.
I was in blue and gold. GTV!
8. You always hoped that the person in the tournament that you knew would win, to avoid a tear jerking scene afterwards.
9. You hated Bobby Seck (or the appropriate quarterback)!
I have no idea who this is probably after my time
10. You always wondered if Miss Tyrko was alive during the Civil War!
I was one of the few people in that school that really liked her
11. You are scared at the thought that Fr. Francis has a driver's license!
Who!?!
12. If you actually didn't do it, you've always wanted to have sex in Emmanuel!
What the hell is Emmanuel and don't you know you can get 20 demerits for having sex on campus. I never, never, never, never ever thought about sex in that school.
13. You HATE Chaminade!
Did not they had cuter boys
14. You also HATE Sacred Heart, but not as much as Chaminade!
Not really
15. You know someone who smokes pot!
Did not times a changing
16. The words elevator and blow job make you laugh!
I would love to know the story behind this
17. The troll, need I say more!
Ahh Mrs. Trentecoste. One wicked dean
18. You always thought it would be funny to release all the animals in "The Zoo!"
Animals at Kellenberg?
19. You hated it while you were there, but you can't imagine having gone to another school!
I think if I went to Holy Trinity I would have left pregnant
20. You always wondered why Mrs. Dugal drove them to school everyday!
Who is she driving to school?
21. When you found out why, you were very much enlightened!
Someone enlighten me
22. You hated coming in the side door, just because you had to walk past the guys locker room!
That wasn't so bad. Stop bitchin
23. You were ashamed during basketball season!
Very true and football season. I remember how bowling team kicked ass though
24. Mr. Buckley ROCKS!!!!!
He did
25. You always wondered what they put into the chicken in the cafeteria, but it tasted good, so who cared!
My favorite day at Kellenberg was Wednesday because it was pasta day. I can't comment on the chicken
26. You or someone you know received demerits for parking on the streets behind the school!
I know lots of people that parked there and never known anyone to get in trouble for it
27. You wonder if Miss Purcell is straight!
Ahh Miss Purcell. My senior year pre calculus teacher and homeroom teacher. I had to see her in the morning and I had her 9th period. Not the way to begin and end the day. She is a vile and evil woman who deserves Rosie O Donnell
28. You've slept during ETV announcements!
I was never that brave
29. You can still recite the 3 o'clock prayer!
What 3 o'clock prayer
30. You wanted to know why it's not called the 2:48 prayer.
See #29
31. You were friends with at least one black kid!
WHAT THEE FUCK!!!!!!!!!
32. You thought that guy in Glad was Miss Panasci!
I remember Miss Panasci but don't know what the hell Glad is
33. You know all the words to El Shaddai!
El Shaddai Adonai in Hebrew literally means I will love youuuuuuuuuu and I will have compassion on youuuuuuuuu. I will be able to sing that on my death bed.
34. You know someone who fainted at The Triumph of the Cross!
I remember this but no one fainted
35. You think it's funny to watch the janitor chase geese off the fields! (Thanks Miguel)
Sorry didn't get to enjoy that one
36. You always wondered why Bro. David did laps around the library!
I never saw Brother David running laps around the library. I know I did kiss someone in that college research room that you could go in and close the door
37. You want all the Latin Schoolers to just disappear, all they do is clog up hallway traffic!
I never wanted them to disappear. My senior year I had 5th period lunch with all of them and they were always willing to lend you money. I could do without those big ass book bags they had
38. Mrs. Von frightens you, just a little!
Don't know her
39. Although no one will admit it, you know Quiz Bowl is the most successful program at the school!
After my time
40. You've seen at least one fight break out in the cafeteria!
Yes
41. You hated getting a green slip, but when you did, you showed it off!
Never got a green slip. Never had a grey one either
42. You've cheated on at least one test! (this includes getting old exams)
Several times
43. You've used Spark Notes before!
We had cliff notes when I was in high school
44. You wish Mr. Huggard would stop using that stupid phoney accent!
Bite your tongue for saying anything bad about Mr. Huggard
45. You think that picture next to the Chapel looks like a guy giving another guy a blow job!
Umm can't recall that one
46. You think all those paintings above the lockers are just stupid!
No paintings above my locker in 97
47. Even though you tell people the football team won a championship in '99, deep down you know it was cheap! (We beat Xavier for God's sake)
After my time
48. You know at least 1 person at both Hofstra and Nassau Community!
That goes for anyone from Long Island
49. You've power locked someone's locker!
I never did it to anyone but I've seen it done. I forgot about this LMAO
50. Even though you hated it, you still go back at least once a year!
Nope haven't been back since 97
1. The colors on this page mean something to you!
the page was done in Blue and Gold. Kellenberg colors
2. You shutter when you hear the words "My Child!"
There is significance to this I just can't remember
3. You always wanted to have a gray blazer
Of course grey blazer meant you were closer to graduation
4. When you finally got one you thought you were tough shit!
Not really
5. Is it just me, or does the Latin School hallway always smell.
Never spent that much time there
6. You always wanted to sell ads, but you never did.
Never sold one nor really cared to
7. If you're a guy, the only reason you went to Blue and Gold is because you had a friend or girlfriend performing in it.
I was in blue and gold. GTV!
8. You always hoped that the person in the tournament that you knew would win, to avoid a tear jerking scene afterwards.
9. You hated Bobby Seck (or the appropriate quarterback)!
I have no idea who this is probably after my time
10. You always wondered if Miss Tyrko was alive during the Civil War!
I was one of the few people in that school that really liked her
11. You are scared at the thought that Fr. Francis has a driver's license!
Who!?!
12. If you actually didn't do it, you've always wanted to have sex in Emmanuel!
What the hell is Emmanuel and don't you know you can get 20 demerits for having sex on campus. I never, never, never, never ever thought about sex in that school.
13. You HATE Chaminade!
Did not they had cuter boys
14. You also HATE Sacred Heart, but not as much as Chaminade!
Not really
15. You know someone who smokes pot!
Did not times a changing
16. The words elevator and blow job make you laugh!
I would love to know the story behind this
17. The troll, need I say more!
Ahh Mrs. Trentecoste. One wicked dean
18. You always thought it would be funny to release all the animals in "The Zoo!"
Animals at Kellenberg?
19. You hated it while you were there, but you can't imagine having gone to another school!
I think if I went to Holy Trinity I would have left pregnant
20. You always wondered why Mrs. Dugal drove them to school everyday!
Who is she driving to school?
21. When you found out why, you were very much enlightened!
Someone enlighten me
22. You hated coming in the side door, just because you had to walk past the guys locker room!
That wasn't so bad. Stop bitchin
23. You were ashamed during basketball season!
Very true and football season. I remember how bowling team kicked ass though
24. Mr. Buckley ROCKS!!!!!
He did
25. You always wondered what they put into the chicken in the cafeteria, but it tasted good, so who cared!
My favorite day at Kellenberg was Wednesday because it was pasta day. I can't comment on the chicken
26. You or someone you know received demerits for parking on the streets behind the school!
I know lots of people that parked there and never known anyone to get in trouble for it
27. You wonder if Miss Purcell is straight!
Ahh Miss Purcell. My senior year pre calculus teacher and homeroom teacher. I had to see her in the morning and I had her 9th period. Not the way to begin and end the day. She is a vile and evil woman who deserves Rosie O Donnell
28. You've slept during ETV announcements!
I was never that brave
29. You can still recite the 3 o'clock prayer!
What 3 o'clock prayer
30. You wanted to know why it's not called the 2:48 prayer.
See #29
31. You were friends with at least one black kid!
WHAT THEE FUCK!!!!!!!!!
32. You thought that guy in Glad was Miss Panasci!
I remember Miss Panasci but don't know what the hell Glad is
33. You know all the words to El Shaddai!
El Shaddai Adonai in Hebrew literally means I will love youuuuuuuuuu and I will have compassion on youuuuuuuuu. I will be able to sing that on my death bed.
34. You know someone who fainted at The Triumph of the Cross!
I remember this but no one fainted
35. You think it's funny to watch the janitor chase geese off the fields! (Thanks Miguel)
Sorry didn't get to enjoy that one
36. You always wondered why Bro. David did laps around the library!
I never saw Brother David running laps around the library. I know I did kiss someone in that college research room that you could go in and close the door
37. You want all the Latin Schoolers to just disappear, all they do is clog up hallway traffic!
I never wanted them to disappear. My senior year I had 5th period lunch with all of them and they were always willing to lend you money. I could do without those big ass book bags they had
38. Mrs. Von frightens you, just a little!
Don't know her
39. Although no one will admit it, you know Quiz Bowl is the most successful program at the school!
After my time
40. You've seen at least one fight break out in the cafeteria!
Yes
41. You hated getting a green slip, but when you did, you showed it off!
Never got a green slip. Never had a grey one either
42. You've cheated on at least one test! (this includes getting old exams)
Several times
43. You've used Spark Notes before!
We had cliff notes when I was in high school
44. You wish Mr. Huggard would stop using that stupid phoney accent!
Bite your tongue for saying anything bad about Mr. Huggard
45. You think that picture next to the Chapel looks like a guy giving another guy a blow job!
Umm can't recall that one
46. You think all those paintings above the lockers are just stupid!
No paintings above my locker in 97
47. Even though you tell people the football team won a championship in '99, deep down you know it was cheap! (We beat Xavier for God's sake)
After my time
48. You know at least 1 person at both Hofstra and Nassau Community!
That goes for anyone from Long Island
49. You've power locked someone's locker!
I never did it to anyone but I've seen it done. I forgot about this LMAO
50. Even though you hated it, you still go back at least once a year!
Nope haven't been back since 97
Sunday, December 17, 2006
D*ck in a box
I don't care for Saturday Night Live anymore but decided to watch since Justin was hosting. It was not as funny as the last one but if they had more skits like this I would watch it all the time
This is a link to the uncensored version at the NBC website
http://video.nbc.com/player.html?dlid=51289
Youtube was not that great
This is a link to the uncensored version at the NBC website
http://video.nbc.com/player.html?dlid=51289
Youtube was not that great
Isn't it ironic
I know I've said before but I will say it again. It's frustrating having a blog to write on but can't express everything that your feeling because it can't go on line. I hate having a blog and still having to keep things to myself
Dennis Haysbert
Hello out there. I know its been a while but I am back and the woot of the day is still garbage. I was watching 24 tonight and I was looking at Dennis Haysbert and just thinking damn. Just to see him stand next to other actors he just dominates the room. Very few people can pull that off as an actor on a television show.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Welcome to the World Josiah
I have a new cousin and I'm estatic. He was born August 27th at 8:30 am. 6 pounds 6 ounces and 20 inches long. He is a perfect baby and I will do what I can to help make this crazy life good for him. I will post pictures soon.
Clarification
Now I know no one reads this blog but I posted that obituary for the person that stumbles upon it. I feel like it needs to be known that there are really good people in this world and the world lost one August 31st, 2006. I know that because I've seen the amount of people that came to say goodbye. He touched many lives and that needs to be acknowlegded.
Kip Collins 1969 - 2006
A Life Fulfilled…
Alarza Lee Collins Jr. “Kip” was born April 26, 1969 in Queens, New York. At nine months old, his mother knew her son was special when he began walking. Kip had a determination that most parents do not see in an infant. Every time he attempted to walk if he fell Kip would return to where he started and try again. Will and determination are two beliefs Kip would practice for the rest of his life.
The year was 1971 when the family moved to Hempstead, Long Island. Kip was a very precocious toddler and his abilities were apparent at an early age. At the age of 18 months Kip was able to emulate a member of his father’s band and began playing the drums. At 2 ½ years old he started riding a two wheeler and then impressed everyone when he taught his mother how to skate backwards at the age of 3. When Kip was 4 years old his father decided to make the band a family affair and allowed his son to play with him. His love for motorcycles was evident at age 5 when he began doing Eval Knieval style jumps on a bicycle. Most people live their entire lives and not show as much bravery and courage as Kip did at such a young age. At 12 years old Kip began to impress others. His parents bought him to Echo Park for swimming lessons. By the end of the summer, the instructors offered him a job as a lifeguard. Alas, he was too young for the job but quickly moved on to his next challenge.
When Kip was 14 years old his parents brought him to the Harlem School for the Arts. This program was intended to be studied for a year but not for Kip. He finished the program within three months. The teacher of the program is quoted with saying “There is nothing left to teach him, he has mastered it all.” A year later, Kip finished the piano program at the Harlem school in the same amount of time. His high school years were especially productive. His first three years of high school were spent playing with the Maria Regina High School symphony orchestra. His life long dream was realized when he transferred to Hempstead High School for his senior year. Here he played the saxophone with the school marching band. 1987 marked the end of his high school years and the beginning of a new challenge, college.
From 1987 – 1992 Kip attended Morgan State University, his mother’s Alma Mata. Kip was a self made man early in his life. At this time, when most college students are waiting anxiously for money from their parents Kip refused any financial help. During his collegiate years, Kip earned money by giving haircuts and provided rides to other Morgan State students back to their homes in New Jersey and New York. At school, his musical career flourished as he continued playing the saxophone with the Morgan State marching band. Finally in 1992 Kip completed his Bachelors Degree in Communications and Television Broadcasting. After graduation Kip gave his father his degree and told his parents, “I have finished my degree please allow me to pursue a career in music.” His father gave him his blessing and Kip went on to have a successful career in the music industry. Kip was an entrepreneur from that day forward.
In the early 90s, Kip found his first clients Keith and Hank Shockley of the Bomb Squad. 1993 he collaborated with R&B singer Aaron Hall on his album The Truth. He continued writing and producing when in 1995 he scored his first major hit with singer Monifah with I Miss You. Kip finished the century on a successful note by working with artists such as Heavy D and contributing songs to the Living Single Soundtrack.
The new millennium would prove to be even more successful for Kip. In 2000, he wrote, produced, and played instruments for Faith Evans and Jennifer Lopez. His biggest musical accomplishment came when he landed the job of creating musical score and producing the music for Carmen: A Hip Hopera. Writers for Entertainment Weekly highly favored the work and write, "...Sekani Williams and Kip Collins' clever rap lyrics bring with simile laden hip-hop wit while never avoiding the operatic tragedy's overall gravitas..."4 stars out of 5"...This well-executed project could well do for opera what Baz Luhrmann's 'Romeo+Juliet' did for Shakespeare..."
Kip’s life was not only about the music he created. He lived the life that most people dream of having. There was absolutely nothing he could not do. His last project was creating a movie theater and music studio in his home. Kip had no prior plumbing, electrical or carpenter experience but mastered this task as well. Whenever complacency sets in take a lesson from the man that could do anything. Kip was very much a family man. His sister Terri waited 7 years for Kip to arrive and when he did she had a best friend in her younger brother. The friendship between the two started early in their lives. They were always very protective of each other. As children, they saved each other from a childhood punishment or two. Kip was a very loving and affectionate man. He would show you love just because…
Alarza Lee Collins Jr. “Kip” was born April 26, 1969 in Queens, New York. At nine months old, his mother knew her son was special when he began walking. Kip had a determination that most parents do not see in an infant. Every time he attempted to walk if he fell Kip would return to where he started and try again. Will and determination are two beliefs Kip would practice for the rest of his life.
The year was 1971 when the family moved to Hempstead, Long Island. Kip was a very precocious toddler and his abilities were apparent at an early age. At the age of 18 months Kip was able to emulate a member of his father’s band and began playing the drums. At 2 ½ years old he started riding a two wheeler and then impressed everyone when he taught his mother how to skate backwards at the age of 3. When Kip was 4 years old his father decided to make the band a family affair and allowed his son to play with him. His love for motorcycles was evident at age 5 when he began doing Eval Knieval style jumps on a bicycle. Most people live their entire lives and not show as much bravery and courage as Kip did at such a young age. At 12 years old Kip began to impress others. His parents bought him to Echo Park for swimming lessons. By the end of the summer, the instructors offered him a job as a lifeguard. Alas, he was too young for the job but quickly moved on to his next challenge.
When Kip was 14 years old his parents brought him to the Harlem School for the Arts. This program was intended to be studied for a year but not for Kip. He finished the program within three months. The teacher of the program is quoted with saying “There is nothing left to teach him, he has mastered it all.” A year later, Kip finished the piano program at the Harlem school in the same amount of time. His high school years were especially productive. His first three years of high school were spent playing with the Maria Regina High School symphony orchestra. His life long dream was realized when he transferred to Hempstead High School for his senior year. Here he played the saxophone with the school marching band. 1987 marked the end of his high school years and the beginning of a new challenge, college.
From 1987 – 1992 Kip attended Morgan State University, his mother’s Alma Mata. Kip was a self made man early in his life. At this time, when most college students are waiting anxiously for money from their parents Kip refused any financial help. During his collegiate years, Kip earned money by giving haircuts and provided rides to other Morgan State students back to their homes in New Jersey and New York. At school, his musical career flourished as he continued playing the saxophone with the Morgan State marching band. Finally in 1992 Kip completed his Bachelors Degree in Communications and Television Broadcasting. After graduation Kip gave his father his degree and told his parents, “I have finished my degree please allow me to pursue a career in music.” His father gave him his blessing and Kip went on to have a successful career in the music industry. Kip was an entrepreneur from that day forward.
In the early 90s, Kip found his first clients Keith and Hank Shockley of the Bomb Squad. 1993 he collaborated with R&B singer Aaron Hall on his album The Truth. He continued writing and producing when in 1995 he scored his first major hit with singer Monifah with I Miss You. Kip finished the century on a successful note by working with artists such as Heavy D and contributing songs to the Living Single Soundtrack.
The new millennium would prove to be even more successful for Kip. In 2000, he wrote, produced, and played instruments for Faith Evans and Jennifer Lopez. His biggest musical accomplishment came when he landed the job of creating musical score and producing the music for Carmen: A Hip Hopera. Writers for Entertainment Weekly highly favored the work and write, "...Sekani Williams and Kip Collins' clever rap lyrics bring with simile laden hip-hop wit while never avoiding the operatic tragedy's overall gravitas..."4 stars out of 5"...This well-executed project could well do for opera what Baz Luhrmann's 'Romeo+Juliet' did for Shakespeare..."
Kip’s life was not only about the music he created. He lived the life that most people dream of having. There was absolutely nothing he could not do. His last project was creating a movie theater and music studio in his home. Kip had no prior plumbing, electrical or carpenter experience but mastered this task as well. Whenever complacency sets in take a lesson from the man that could do anything. Kip was very much a family man. His sister Terri waited 7 years for Kip to arrive and when he did she had a best friend in her younger brother. The friendship between the two started early in their lives. They were always very protective of each other. As children, they saved each other from a childhood punishment or two. Kip was a very loving and affectionate man. He would show you love just because…
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Isn't it ironic
I updated my profile the day before Kip was killed. I changed it because a very good co worker of mine was recently diagnosed with leukemia. He is one year older than my father but that is still very young to me. I want to live by what I wrote but I'm still in a state of shock. There are some people that I care about that are completely devastated and I know there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I know no matter how awful I felt when my father died they feel 1000x worse because it was a son and a brother. This was a man full of life taken from this world too soon. I want to stay committed to what I wrote but I am shook. Shaken to my core and somewhat paralyzed by it.
Motorcycle crash kills man in Uniondale
BY JOHN VALENTI
Newsday Staff Writer
August 31, 2006, 1:50 PM EDT
A man riding a 2000 Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Uniondale Avenue was killed this morning when his bike collided with a car backing out of a driveway near Mathilda Place, Nassau County Police said.
According to a release from the Nassau County Police Department, the motorcyclist is being identified as Alarza Collins, 37, of Hempstead. Collins was pronounced dead after being taken to Nassau University Medical Center.
The accident, which occured at 7:50 a.m. in Uniondale, is the latest in a rash of serious -- and, often fatal -- motorcycle crashes within the last week on Long Island. Just last week, a motorcycle passenger was killed in a crash on Route 112 in Patchogue, while another motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Coram on Sunday.
Two other motorcyclists were seriously injured in crashes in Mineola and North Long Beach since last Tuesday.
The accident this morning occured while Mona Pierre, 56, was backing out of his driveway on Uniondale Avenue in her 2006 Toyota Camry -- and was struck by the unidentified motorcyclist. A passenger on the Yamaha, identified by police as Moses Yorell of Freeport, suffered non-life-threatening injuries when he was thrown from the bike. He was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition.
Pierre was taken to Mercy Medical Center with minor injuries, police said.
No charges were filed against Pierre.
Police impounded both vehicles for safety tests.
Newsday Staff Writer
August 31, 2006, 1:50 PM EDT
A man riding a 2000 Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Uniondale Avenue was killed this morning when his bike collided with a car backing out of a driveway near Mathilda Place, Nassau County Police said.
According to a release from the Nassau County Police Department, the motorcyclist is being identified as Alarza Collins, 37, of Hempstead. Collins was pronounced dead after being taken to Nassau University Medical Center.
The accident, which occured at 7:50 a.m. in Uniondale, is the latest in a rash of serious -- and, often fatal -- motorcycle crashes within the last week on Long Island. Just last week, a motorcycle passenger was killed in a crash on Route 112 in Patchogue, while another motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Coram on Sunday.
Two other motorcyclists were seriously injured in crashes in Mineola and North Long Beach since last Tuesday.
The accident this morning occured while Mona Pierre, 56, was backing out of his driveway on Uniondale Avenue in her 2006 Toyota Camry -- and was struck by the unidentified motorcyclist. A passenger on the Yamaha, identified by police as Moses Yorell of Freeport, suffered non-life-threatening injuries when he was thrown from the bike. He was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition.
Pierre was taken to Mercy Medical Center with minor injuries, police said.
No charges were filed against Pierre.
Police impounded both vehicles for safety tests.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Things I Planned on Writing about this week
It's funny how one event changes your perspective on things. There were a few things I wanted to write about but probably won't get to
Birth of Baby Josiah
Different World Reunion
Getting a Life
Post graduate plans
Now all of those things (except the birth of my new cousin) seem trivial
Birth of Baby Josiah
Different World Reunion
Getting a Life
Post graduate plans
Now all of those things (except the birth of my new cousin) seem trivial
Can someone please explain to me...
How one minute you are celebrating new life and then the next your mourning a life taken too soon?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Moratorium revisited
I was looking at some previous posts and I saw my moratorium on my single status. I wonder if the previous post counts as me bringing up relationship stuff. I guess not. I’m looking but I’m not touching anyone. I hate to say it but frankly there has been no one to touch. School starts is in a week so this won’t matter anymore. I won’t have time for anything but school. Lack of a relationship is a minor sacrifice when talking about my education. At one point in my life I never thought I would have a college degree. Now that I know that I will have a degree that is all that matters to me.
My new crush
I'm sitting here and I'm watching RENT and I am so crushing on Jesse L Martin. Let us get the obvious out of the way
1. RENT the motion picture is a shitty movie. Plays like this should be made 20 years after it leaves Broadway. At that point a whole new generation can get into it and appreciate it.
2. Rosario Dawson has no business being in this movie. As per wikipedia the original Mimi Daphne Rubin-Vega was unable to be in the movie because she was pregnant. They should have waited for her to pop the kid out and given her a week to drop the baby fat.
3. Tracie Thoms . Her wikipedia page she says she has been trying out for a role in the Broadway production but has been unsuccessful. From watching the movie I can see why they didn’t want her in the play. Her voice is very nice but she doesn’t scream Joanne. I hate to say this but they needed a big woman to play that part.
4. Jesse L. Martin plays a gay man in this film. I know your wondering out there in blog world why would I crush on a man playing a gay character? I was ignoring that fact for my crush purposes.
But back to Mr. Martin he is a sexy man. I anxiously await his performance in Sexual Healing . If you haven’t watched BETJ then you need to start. If your cable company does not provide it then you need to call them ASAP. BETJ plays mini concerts and on Saturday they played a whole hour of live Marvin Gaye. My love for old music is a blessing and a curse at the same time. I love the music but then I am reminded of the fact that most of the greats are gone. I will only be able to experience Marvin through BETJ.
But Jesse, why are there not more men like him walking around.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Have you ever...
I just looked at my last post and I realize I have not followed up on my last one to post a few questions from my game. I know I never did and the game at the shower went very well. Baby is still not here but I expect baby Josiah will be making an appearance soon. If you ever read this blog Josiah I hope you know you were already loved.
Blah!!!
The strange thing about blogs is this. You want to type how you really feel but is that wise? You never really know your audience with these things. I am sorry that is has been so long since I've written anything and it bothers me that I cannot say anything substantial. I have a lot going on in my life but it has to stay quiet. There has to be an outlet somewhere.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)