News: NFL Player Prevented From Seeing His Dying Mother Due To Racist Cop?
March 27, 2009
Check out the unedited police car dashboard video here. People are in an outrage with how completely disrespectful and ridiculous this officer was being–esp. because he was only pulling him over for not completely stopping at a stop sign. When you have just seconds to see your dying mother, making a COMPLETE stop a stop sign when no one else is around is not your first thought. The officer said his dying mother was not an excuse to come to a complete stop. And he screamed and ordered the wife to get back in the car when she hopped out of it to run in the hospital–before she even knew they were being pulled over.
The Dallas police chief has “apologized” and suspended the cop with pay. He says it was a completely uncompassionate act and embarrasing. Others are saying it’s much more than that. It’s simply a reflection of the racism amongst the cops that is still alive and well in Texas. This is a mess.
Source: ybf.com
Houston’s Best Brazilian Bet
March 23, 2009
If you are an inner looper (Galleria hopper, Rice Village dweller, or Heights tenant), then you might find a trip to Emporio Brazilian Cafe is like a trip to Brazil. Of course the trip is worth it. Located on Westheimer and the Beltway, this restaurant serves Brazil right. When first walking in to the restaurant the marble floors, and the black tables, gave the atmosphere a business casual feel. If you want to impress Boss man or Boss lady, take your kiss ass-self there
Inside you’ll be greeted with eye candy that’ll rev up your appetite before you even sit down. A cursory glance around the restaurant will reveal clean floors, a bar big enough to seat 20 people, and professionally dressed waiters. In short, we’re feeling this place. It’s not nearly as pricey as it sounds. not.
First timers choose wisely, you can easily eat steak anywhere, so don’t waste this experience on that. If you’re really hungry try theFeijoada, a black bean soup consisting of ribs, steak and sausage; served with collard greens and white rice. It’s a little heavy, but damn good. Also, the Peixada, a light fish stew cooked in olive oil and topped off with shrimp, is highly recommended. The service is top shelf.
Restaurant Hours:
Monday – Saturday 11:00 – 4:00 PM
Dinner – Friday – Saturday 5:00PM – 11:00PM
Email: cafe@brazilian-cafe.com
12288 Westheimer – Houston, TX 77077
Anya Tish Gallery
March 23, 2009
Of the five galleries housed in the space at 4411 Montrose Blvd, you can always count on a champagne reception of a Friday evening. This week, the reception in question was for Texas native painter Charlotte Smith, held in the Anya Tish Gallery from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Smith’s work, described as both “pointillism on steroids” and “galactic,” hinges on a paint-drip method she developed herself which endows each piece with a unique interplay between color and texture, surface and shadow. Walking the line between painting and sculpture, Smith’s pieces imply rather than depict the subject. The collection is titled “Hard Candy” and will be on display through April 17th.
Across the hall from the Anya Tish Gallery is the Peel Gallery, a one-room space concentrated on the meeting of fine art and retail. Emerging jewelers have their wares displayed on hand-crafted furniture, lit by elegant and modern chandeliers – and everything is for sale The third gallery on the upper level of 4411 Montrose is the Barbara Davis Gallery, which will be housing Virginian artist Christopher Deeton’s “Numinous” exhibition through April 11th.
Downstairs, you’ll find the Joan Wich & Co. Gallery, which focuses on the discovery and elevation of local Houstonian artists. The Joan Wich & Co. Gallery will also be the host of next week’s artist reception, for painter John Sturtevant and his collection “The Last Beginning,” which will be on display from Friday, March 27 through Saturday, April 18.
The receptions tend to run for three hours. All the galleries keep their doors open and it’s as much fun to mill around outside and chat as it is to take in the art. As the evening winds down, if you’ve worked up an appetite, or perhaps even a little buzz, be sure to drop into the Tart Café across the foyer for a bite, also open till 9 p.m. I hope to see you there next week!
http://www.anyatishgallery.com/
Debunking the Top 5 Cosmetic Department Myths
March 23, 2009
Have you ever walked into a cosmetic department and felt intimidated by the sea of women dressed in black?
Have you ever strolled into a cosmetic department and thought “Damn, I knew I should have done my hair and makeup today… I’m a hot mess!”
Have you ever gone to a cosmetic department and immediately felt over whelmed by the prospect of finding the perfect color foundation?
Have you ever been bombarded by cosmetic associates trying to sell you the sun, the moon and the stars?
Have you ever wondered how on Earth you would find the perfect shade of lipstick to match your dress with so many choices?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have a serious case of CDS, Cosmetic Department Syndrome.
So I am here to cure your case of CDS. This used to be me until I ended up getting a job in the dreaded cosmetics department. I thought “Oh no! Now I’m going to be labeled as one of those stuck up, cosmetic bitches!” “How dreadful!” As I took a trip to the dark side, I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Myth #1- “These cosmetic ladies are here to intimidate me with their black outfits, perfect hair, and perfect makeup!”
Since I have been in the industry for over 5 years now, I can tell you that it is a requirement of the department stores as well as the cosmetic companies for their employees to wear all black, have their hair pulled back away from their face, and have on a full face of makeup. If it was up to me I would wear lime green and fuchsia, any color but black, and come in “a la natural.” Unfortunately, if I looked like that, I would never sell one piece of makeup or skincare.
Myth #2- You must look like Tyra Banks to walk into the cosmetics department.
The truth is, if you are in search of a whole new look or all new skin care it is actually better if you come in without makeup. The cosmetic associates could care less what you look like. With the economy as horrible as it is, they are just happy to see any customer walk into the cosmetics department. Their job is to make you look and feel beautiful. At the end of the day if they accomplish that goal, then you are more likely to buy something.
Myth #3- “It’s impossible to find the perfect color foundation that actually matches my skin, I’m sure this will end up in my drawer of makeup I cannot wear!”
Finding the perfect foundation may be easier than you thought. First narrow down exactly what kind of coverage you’re looking for, sheer, medium or full, with or without SPF, and finally liquid or powder. An experienced beauty advisor will be able to help you find a foundation based on your skin type. If you are still struggling, try a couple of counters, let them know you just need to be matched up and that you’re shopping around. If you feel you need to wear it around for awhile, ask for a sample. All cosmetics companies can make you a sample of anything that can be put into a container, including foundation.
Myth #4- “These people would try to sell snow to an Eskimo. They just want to sell me something even if I don’t need it!”
Now, while you may feel as if all cosmetic associates are trying to sell you anything and everything, the truth is, they have all been trained to not only show you that foundation or lipstick you’re looking for but to also show you a healthy skincare routine to go along with it. So when you feel pressured to buy, only buy what you really need and will actually use. As a beauty advisor, I would never want to sell you products that you are not going to use or don’t need because the likelihood of you returning it is high. In the cosmetics industry RETURN is considered a four letter word. Granted, there are some cosmetic sharks out there that could care less what they sell you, but in my experience most of us really do care. 
These cosmetic companies put billions of dollars into training their beauty advisors to provide you with the best customer service possible as well as product knowledge. If you are feeling pressured just say “I don’t want to buy something that I’m not sure about and end up RETURNING it.” You will see the cosmetic associate back off quickly. If you encounter a cosmetic line that is too pushy, is not listening to your needs, and is making you uncomfortable, leave immediately and walk down the hall to the other 50 cosmetic lines that are eagerly waiting to assist you!
Myth #5- “Finding the perfect lipstick is impossible!”
Here are a couple tips to make finding the perfect lipstick shade easier for you. So the most common lipstick customer I encounter is the one who is trying to match up some other color that they either used to wear, or has been discontinued. In this case the best way to find this obscure color is to actually bring that old tube of lipstick with you. The beauty advisor that’s helping should have no trouble matching your old color. With one stripe of your old lipstick on their hand, they can compare other shades that are close to your color. If the person helping you is just trying to match your lipstick tube by looking without actually striping it on their hand, you’re likely to end up with a color that won’t match the one your looking for. The other lipstick customer is the one who just wants a new shade. By asking a couple questions about what kind of shades you like, what kind of finish you want, your beauty advisor will be able to find a color for you. DO NOT; I repeat DO NOT leave the store without actually trying this color on your lips. Lipstick has a tendency to turn colors as soon as it hits your lips. We all have different pigments in our lips so this can determine how the lipstick actually shows up on us.
So with these beauty basics in your back pocket, you should be cured of Cosmetic Department Syndrome. Happy shopping and good luck!
George Bush and the Texting Epidemic
March 17, 2009
First off, if anyone reading this has never seen Will Ferrell’s: You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush, you are missing the most fantastic performance of a comedic impersonation. As a true home grown Texan, I feel that I totally understand and know George Bush after watching this. Ferrell brings a likability to his character. As terrifying as it may sound, he’s doing Ol’ Dub a favor .
Here’s a clip below. He’s quite genius.
THE TEXTING EPIDEMIC
In just the span of 8 years texting, facebooking, myspaceing, and twittering has ruined the social fabric of America. Dependency on cell phones are way too intense. Text messaging has become such a major form of communication that it’s acceptable to have an entirely unacceptable lengthy conversation via typing. Take for instance the latest “Chris Brown News”,
Chris Brown’s manager Tina Davis sent a three-page text message that started his alleged assault against Rihanna.
According to TMZ.com, Davis and Brown — who are 20 years apart in age — had an intimate relationship.
A “three-page text” is what started this whole disgraceful Chris Brown and Rhianna Circuis. A damn lengthy text message. Please forgive my harsh criticism, but shit has gotten a little out of control? It’s really sad and we’ve all fallen victim to our new found crazy dependency over texting.
Has anyone ever received a text reading….” You looked so good last night at the club….I hope I haven’t offended you” ? As opposed to giving you a call the next couple days, folks feel the comfort of masking behind texting. Or the…” It was nice meeting you, here’s my number, call me sometime” text message. Is there no satisfaction in hearing a voice?…. What is society so afraid of?
In my adventures of being single and dating, my love-hate for texting has added to many unfortunate episodes of miscommunication with the opposite sex, damn near ruining what could have been a great relationship. I’ve literally called someone and left a message via voice mail and in return received a response through facebook. When I’m out at, let’s say THE CLUB, I catch both women and men feasting over their blackberries and flimsy flip phones clinging to every word received via text. Forget socializing or dancing, texting is the latest fashion statement, “Check out my new blackberry…too bad you have the old one!”
It’s gotten so bad that people are getting arrested for social networking. Check out the story about the high school dude who got arrested for posing as a female on his facebook page to entice other male classmates to have sex with him….That link is here http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,495664,00.html. It’s kinda “Ghei”.
Both Women and mostly men are stuck and have accepted operating their entire relationship through social networking. One not having the balls to talk to the other will eventually lead to major damage in the relationships. What a cold shame?
My love -hate relation with texting lead me to this post. If, I can literally schedule an after work happy hour with at least four of my girl friends via text message and we all arrive in fellowship at our fav spot without ever having to dial a number….then we’ve wasted so much of “friend-time”. Let’s call one another girls!
To BriNG THis tO a ClOSE, when it’s acceptable to use syntax such as…LOL, LMAO, TTYL….
| ? | I have a question |
| ? | I don’t understand what you mean |
| ?4U | I have a question for you |
| ;S | Gentle warning, like “Hmm? what did you say?” |
| ^^ | Meaning read line or message above |
| <3 | Meaning sideways heart (love, friendship) |
| <33 | Meaning heart or love (more 3s is a bigger heart) |
| @TEOTD | At the end of the day |
| .02 | My (or your) two cents worth |
| 121 | One-to-one (private chat initiation) |
| 1337 | Leet, meaning ‘elite’ |
| 143 | I love you |
| 14AA41 | One for all, and all for one |
| 19 | Zero hand (online gaming) |
| 1DR |
then you know it’s down hill for the next generation! They won’t be able to write a college paper for stupid mistakes like using “u” instead of “you”.
People are losing out on creating soul-mates, ruining careers, and wasting personal time. When a decent call was once a normal part of a social medium, texting has reared its ugly head and taken its place. I feel for President Obama’s addiction to his crackberry. It makes his job much more stressful. Receiving bad news 24 hrs a day via text and email is mind blowing.
What if Chris Breezie’s manager would have just left a message on his voicemail instead of sending a psychotic career ending 4-page text to his blackberry?….Or if that one guy or girl you really had a true connection with would stop hiding behind text messages? We could learn more about one another. The crazies are revealed through over- the- phone convos and we all have the right to know who and what we’re dealing with.
Will our techy generation kill the most important form of socializing? Texting is equal to Reality T.V.
It gets more addictive and abusive the more years pass.
TTYL
WEEKEND REVIEW OF STYLE: CELEBS AND REGULARS
March 16, 2009
WEEKEND REVIEW OF STYLE
Although Rhianna is in the process of ruining her career, she still seems to remain stylish with this chic sweater bolero with a fur collar. Not only is this furry dream of a cropped sweater fierce, she has the nerve to incorporate the grey gloves with perfectly fitted jeans.
Here are my two favorite musical geniuses, Pharrel and Chad. Although Pharrel usually steals the scene with his great looks and sex appeal, I always seem to look out for Chad but he never finishes the look, and then my eyes revert back to Pharrel. He just has that “IT” quality. He looks so relaxed and comfortable and cool.
There’s so many issues with this child….Laawwwwd! She calls her self Lil Mama, but she looks like someone ’s soccer mom for real. Who invited her to this premiere and why? What is this look…..my darling? A lost pre-pubescent substitute gym teacher? It was so rude of her to even show up to someone’s premier looking so, so……. wayward.
Now to a regular random New York City girl. This picture is the epitome of New York style. It’s still freezing and out there in the Big Apple but there is no reason to dress frumpy for the winter. This cropped cape is flirty, professional, and warm. Perfect for a brisk walk through the city. As most fashionistas brave the New York weather, making a statement is always paramount. The appliqued handbag with grommets and the gloves are a perfect look from the waist up and even though I am not a fan of lace up boots, it works for this outfit. It breaks up all the poshness that’s going on up top and brings a more realistic approach to being a working girl in the city towards the bottom with the tights and boots.
This photo is special to me because I am such a fan of boy jeans with heals. It’s so sexy and many people have a hard time pulling it off. The tailored blazer gives off a more professional and transitional look. This is a great look for the office and a afterwork happy hour.
Well that’s all for my weekend review. I hope to find some Houstonians who can inspire me to want to copy their outfits. I haven’t seen any lately, but I also haven’t ventured out enough. Where are the fashionistas and dapper dons of Houston anyway? If anyone knows, give me a shout so I can post up a photo and do a review.
photos via: thesartorialist.com, and concreteloop.com
“Go From Granola Girl to Eco Chic Glamour Girl…”
March 16, 2009
There’s so much emphasis on taking care of our planet, recycling, eating organically, and the entire “go green” movement, that it only makes sense that we now have fashion options for a greener lifestyle in Houston. Enter “Green by Adeline, Fashion with a Conscience,” Houston’s newest player in the fashion game. The line, created by Adeline Sung, is the city’s first eco chic fashion boutique. “Green by Adeline” carries fashionable, trendy clothing made out of sustainable, organic, eco-friendly fabrics that you won’t have to waste your precious dollars trying to dry clean. Pollution? Smog? P’sha. As soon as you step your well-heeled foot in the door you’re transported to a place where those Earth contaminators don’t exist. The interior features beautiful clean lines and a bamboo floor runway that make shopping here divine. After all, ambiance is half the experience.
“Green by Adeline” delivers high quality clothing in sizes small to extra large in a variety of fabrics, textures, and colors. Prices range from $30 organic fitted cotton tees to $700 custom made ball gowns. Sung’s designs can take you from boardroom to dance floor without muss or fuss, and if you need to make a statement she also designs custom jewelry and handbags. “Green by Adeline” is currently having a sale. All of their fall merchandise is 75 percent off as they are making room for the spring and summer collections. Located near the Galleria on 5136 Richmond Avenue, “Green by Adeline” is perfect for anyone who don’t want no trash on their BLVD.
Album of The Week, Mama’s Gun
March 16, 2009
Erykah Badu was too damn earthy. Too spiritual. Too deep. Yeah, yeah, she sold 3 million being deep. But she said it herself, “what good do your words do, if they can’t understand you?” There was an uppity air to the “neo-soul” movement that might’ve seemed elitist for the non-college grad. If you cared to be that deep you might’ve read few more books than Essence or tried understanding Morrison over the easier McMillan. Just for a second. Erykah embodied the movement and personified the “righteous” sista with lyrics like “Most intellects do not believe in God, but they fear us just the same.” Who talks like that as a woman? Not many, but she recruited many a disciple with her Billie-esque voice, hip hop sensibility and seemingly well-read self.
But let’s keep it real, nothing connected in full AfrAm community like “I’m getting tired of your shit, you don’t ever buy me nothing.”
After the chewsticks, ankhs, staffs, rim shots and upright bass looking down on all other music out at the time, some freestyled “ghetto” lyric connected Erykah with EVERYBODY and made her priceless and singular. While Jill & Lauryn had their own corner of the sky, they took nothing and no one from Erykah. While “On & On” and “Next Lifetime” with their cypher and reincarnation talk was cool for their moment in time, “Tyrone’s” unabashed rawness made those who liked Badu love Erica Wright. With 2 full years of Baduizm and Live on shelves and stage, as well as full disclosure of love, new life, and heartbreak with Andre Benjamin, we KNEW this girl, unlike the stranger we spent the first year figuring out.
Mama’s Gun did as much to put neo-soul to rest as D’Angelo had done earlier in the year with Voodoo. It was Erykah’s statement that she wouldn’t be “genrefied” and packaged nice and neat for the mass consumption. She was now a mama and was running her own show. First things first, we starting with a rock song. Just so y’all ain’t up in here looking for “On & On.” She allowed Questlove to hit a snare this go round, rocking out on “Penitentiary Philosophy” and funking out on “Booty,” the latter being the epitome of a sassy southern belle being straight up.
“Your booty might be bigger, but I still can pull yo nigger, but I don’t want him….You got the beans and rice and the hot hocake, but ‘cha nigga still over here in my plate, I don’t want him.”
The irony of the lyric is actually that she’s YOUR sister. She don’t want him ’cause of what he’s done to you and hopes you woulda done the same for her too? Whoa, now see? That’s what black women wanted to hear. That even if their dude fell for the hussie, she’d throw him back. Even here, Erykah’s the sole soul sister able to galvanize uppity and underprivileged into one room and make ‘em all dance to the same tune.
“This is how I look without makeup, and with no bra, my ninnies sag down low. My hair ain’t ever hung down to my shoulders and it might now grow. Shit, you never know.”
She was so open, it was impossible not to come in and have a sit down. The music itself was welcoming, but in performance she actually removed her famous headwrap to reveal a bald-head. It gets no more naked.
It was was angrier (“since you ain’t playing by the rules, I’m bout to kick you off your stool.”), more introspective (“been such a long time, I forgot that I was fine, just kiss me on my neck.”), and even sexier (“how good it is”). It was thingsBaduizm wasn’t. It was the best therapy the heartbroken could ask for. Perhaps heartbreak opened up Badu to just being Wright. As brilliantly broken down in three stages on “Green Eyes,” she exorcises her woes theatrically. A magnificient close to an album we never saw coming.
Jimmy Fallon Slow Jamz The NEWZ
March 16, 2009
Who doesn’t love The Roots? This band is a traveling jam session evoking the sound of a well versed youth. Well versed includes a mix of global elements important to a generation who elected the first black president, such as, politics, activism, and a consciousness of sound music. Yes, sound music is indeed a very important part of the post baby boomer generation and NBC is very aware of this (if only the record companies can get it together)….but I’m no fool. So imagine mixing up a majority SNL “Weekend Update” with Jimmy Fallon, seasoned with 12 second bits of sultry “Secret Garden” inspired R&B break downs, sprinkled with Black Thought laying vocals and ?uestlove leading the band on the drums…..and you couldn’t really ask for a more perfect back drop for the news. The only problem is The Roots are the fuckin back drop. It’s an oxymoron to say the least. I totally understand what NBC is doing. Now that Conan O’Brien is taking Leno’s spot, what could possible break the mold of the Late Night regimen circuit? I know….add a great band to make a questionably funny host look cool. I’m not mad at The Roots. This puts another notch on their belts as not just an ordinarily talented “Rap” band. They have skills and wit….but there is a bit of trepidation.
Black Thought: “Yeah, it’s definitely a concern, but I wouldn’t call it a worry. It’s a concern. We’re all putting forth the best effort to make sure he’s the next Conan and not the next . . .”
“Chevy.” – The Village Voice
Jimmy Fallon is no Dave Chappelle, but this project NBC is cooking up could be one of two things….surprisingly genius or a waste of time for a great band….Stay tuned and Check out Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC
The Dream feat Mariah Carey, “My Love”
March 12, 2009
Check out Mariah Carey looking like a ghetto Barbie in The Dream’s new video “My Love”.
Love the song….Hate Mariah’s hair….isn’t she almost 40.
By the way, who are these people who have the time to record videos via cam corder and then have the audacity to waste more time to upload them to youtube. This video is not an authentic one, it is in fact a bootleg (which says little for youtube)….hey we’re in a recession folks!
