Written on Friday, September 05, 2008 by Deeze
Today, I have been listening to Mary J. Blige's "My Life" album. I almost forgot how much of a true classic it really is. Mary and Puff were magic back in the day. 1/2 Soul, 1/2 hip-hop. There's not too much in that in music these days. Soul music, and Artist singing/rapping from their soul. You find it sometimes now, but it's very rare. Albums are now made with crossing over to the 'other peoples' station.
Now our artists are selling their souls and going pop.
Remember when POP = Corny and it was an embarassment for a R&B or Hip-Hop artist to cross over? Where's the soul in out music? Where's our soul? I guess the time is over when R&B and Hip-Hop Artist did music that could be classic, and something to be proud of.
Oh well, I guess, I'll listen to 'chant' music and be hypnotized like the rest of the masses.
Posted in
hip-hop,
music,
pop,
soul
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Written on Thursday, August 21, 2008 by Deeze
I've been slacking a bit doing my cardio. I'm still going to the gym, but out of my 2 hours 1 3/4 of the time is spent lifting weights. The good news is that I can definitely see a difference in my arms, but the problem is I'm not getting a balanced workout. I'm feeling a bit pudgy around the mid-section so I need to get back on board.
Yesterday, I limited myself to lifting weights to an hour although, I was kind of anxious to do more. Afterward, I drove up to the 31st beach and decided to run to McCormic Place and back. It wasn't a long run, but about 20 minutes each way.
I couldn't resist stopping on the way and sitting on the water for about a 1/2 hour. I sat down, turned off my headphones, and just looked at the water while I relaxed for about 20 minutes. While sitting there, I started hearing the "tiny, small voice" which was a lot louder yesterday. I felt like God was downloading a scores of instructions to my brain. Although I pray at home, yesterday while sitting on the water, felt like the first clear conversation (although I didn't do hardly any talking) He and I had in a while. Long story short, I feel like I've gotten a bit back on track now.
I did my 20 minutes back and I ran into one of my best friends riding his bike. We talked for a minute and then I return to my car. Lo and behold I have a ticket for tinted windows. Of course, I'm NOT going to pay it because I've had tinted windows on each car I've owned since 1992 CPD can kiss it! City of Chicago...... good luck trying to get that $25.00 out of me.... I digress.......
I looking to change up my workouts. I'm registering for Yoga on Mondays, and Kickboxing on Saturdays. At my gym, these classes are offered, but Yoga has nothing but women in there, and kickboxing is just about all women, and it's too slow for me. There's a place a few blocks from my place that has these classes, and I'm going to give them a try starting next week. I'm actually excited. The kickboxing is a contact class and instructed by a martial arts champion. I can't wait! My doctor told me last year that I need to work on my flexibility, but I never did. I feel like I need to now because I think my limited flexibility is preventing me from being in the best shape I can.
By incorporating kickboxing, yoga, outdoor running, and some extra crunches into my weight lifting, it will help my "Blubber Reduction Therapy." Fortunately my blubber consists of only 2inches around my waist that I should be able to get rid of in about 1 1/2 - 2 weeks of my new regimen. I think I'll do bootcamp and some other activity in about 2 months when it's time to change up my workout.
Posted in
exercise,
kickboxing,
spirituality,
workout,
yoga
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Written on Friday, August 15, 2008 by Deeze
Lately I've been a bit disconnected from my glory days being in college. Those were the best and the poorest times.
I haven't participated in any AAMU events in over 3 years. In fact, I've missed the last 3 homecomings. Before I had a streak of about 8 or so consecutive ones (most while attending). This year that will change. Not only am I going to homecoming, but I'm also going to the Circle City Classic because AAMU is playing in it this year.
For those of you that don't know. Black College Homecoming and Football is a big deal. It's not so much the game, but it's more of the social scene, the halftime shows, the Greek shows, and the parties. For a non-HBCU school, it's usually not too big of a deal. Just one of the many cultural differences.
Also AAMU has an Alumni website that is similar to MySpace/Facebook. You create your own page and upload pictures and everything. For the last few days, I've been addicted. I've seen and emailed people I haven't seen or talked too in years. I feel like I've expanded my network a lot more now. Whoever created this I have to say great job!
Anyone who's reading this make sure you make a page.... you will be shocked by some of the people that you will see.
Here's a few links:
Alabama Live Network
Circle City Classice
AAMU Homecoming
Posted in
college,
friends
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Written on Friday, August 08, 2008 by Deeze
I had been a little slack on new music lately since I had been neglecting my XM Radio and I no longer have VH1 Soul :(
I've downloaded a bunch of new tracks lately because I need some new stuff to work out to. My May/June Playlist for the gym that I compiled is no longer doing the trick.. For probably the first time ever, no ballads made it in my favorite song list.
Here's Mr. Blognificent's Hot 10 tracks of the week:
10. Baby - L.L. Cool J f/ The-Dream
9. Here I Am - Rick Ross f/ Nelly & Avery Storm
8. Closer - Ne-Yo
7. Green Light - John Legend f/ Andre 3000
6. I'm That Chick - Mariah Carey
5. Comfortable - Lil' Wayne f/ Babyface
4. A Milli - Lil' Wayne
3. Stepped on My J's - Nelly f/ JD
2. Spotlight - Jennifer Hudson
1. Put On - Young Jeezy f/ Kanye West
Song I'm embarrassed to like:
Lookin' Boy - Hot Styles f/ Young Joc
If you've been under a rock somewhere, that's the song that says "Lookin' Boy" after each line, and there's a break in the beat where the big punch line comes in. At first I thought it was completely stupid (I still do) but Doll had me listen to it and when I saw the video, I found myself laughing after I listened to the words.
It reminds me of how my friends and I used to Freestyle on the back of the bus (6 Jeffery Express) on the way home from High School daily (Yes Mr. Blognificent used to rap and play the dozens). The only difference was we either had someone beatbox or used a Casio Keyboard.
I haven't freestyled in many years but since this song is so easy and I decided to create my own remix.... If I hear my lines on the radio, I'M SUING!!, LOL. Here goes.... don't laugh at my silliness too hard!!!!
Lame lookin' boy,
Game lookin' boy,
Sam Cassel, ATLien lookin' boy
Boyz II Men Motown Philly, lookin' boy
Little penguin, Chilly Willy, lookin' boy
"Take That, Take That, Take That" P. Diddy, 'lookin' boy
Family Matters Eddie Winslow, McCray Darius, lookin' boy
Tight leather suit Eddie Murphy Delirious, lookin' boy
"Whyyyyy sooooo serioussss?????????????????????" Batman Joker, lookin' boy
Short Katt Williams broke pimp, lookin' boy
Can't see, patch over yo' eye.. Slick Rick, lookin' boy
I've fallen......... and I can't get up, old chick lookin' boy
Scary beast, 'lookin' boy
Tarter sauce on your teeth lookin' boy
"Aaah you want to throw garbage cans, now I got's to cut ya", Della Reese lookin' boy
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Written on Monday, July 21, 2008 by Deeze
It started at 4:45am..... I went to the IMAX at 6am to see "The Dark Knight." I must admit, it was one of the best movies I've seen in quite a while. The movie was less about The Batman, and more about the Joker. This guy in the movie was sicker than Hannibal Lector. All I can say is.... the critics were actually right for once! I'm not going to talk about it more yet.... just go see it!
We followed it up with breakfast at Crakerbarrel, a drop off at the airport, then dinner at Outback (one of my favorites!!!!)
It was around 6 and I was pretty much pooped then a text came in from one of my former co-workers, to met them at Lux Bar. I had every intention to only stay for an hour or so but was there until almost 11pm. My friends are absolutely crazy. We probably almost got kicked out for being loud and using obscene language (2 of my friends were drunk by the time we got there). The bad part was we were outside, right by the door in River North/ Gold Cost area so you know we REALLY stood out!
I know I'm still young if I can be gone from the house from 5 am until almost 11pm and still get to work at 730am and still function effectively. I did everything but go to Church on Sunday..... I'll be back this upcoming Sunday :)
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Written on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 by Deeze
Why is an iPhone activation that isn't store bought so difficult?
Wow, I've only been to Atlanta once this year, and I have no current plans to go
Is it football season yet?
Why does it rain EVERY weekend with the exception of 2 since April 1st?
Summertime is over, and in September it's back to working like a maniac. I miss my EXTRA money.
Can I get a raise to cover these inflation costs?
Public Transportation is a great invention!
I'm sore from working out.
Why do you have to take an Accord to the dealership to change the freggin headlight? Remember when you could just pop it in under the hood?
I think my DAD has some pull in HEAVEN with GOD because I'm getting an EXTRA helping of favor. Somethings happen so good, it scares me!
I'M RSS READABLE NOW!
Posted in
random wednesdays
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Written on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 by Deeze
Now that I got an iPhone, the set up has been an irritation!!!!!!!
I bought my iPhone from someone so it was already setup by the previous owner. I needed to update to the 2.0 software because I need to be able to use my work email (they pay my bill :)). I tried to download the software but no go.
I got error 3259 while trying to download. I called the Apple Store to see if they could help me. I was on hold for about 20 mins. Since I'm very tech savy, I already did everything they suggested over the phone already, so after all that they could only set an appointment tomorrow for me because they are not taking any walk-ins because of the 3G phone.
Since I felt waiting until tomorrow night was not an acceptable solution, I decided to figure this thing out myself. I did find out that I needed to get a new SIM card for the phone since it was previously owned. I went to AT&T - South Loop and they were really cool about it, and gave me a FREE SIM card ($24 value). I registered and activated my new phone, so I figured that may be the reason that I couldn't upgrade to 2.0 Software. After a few hours of trying no go.
I researched the web over and over and found dozens of things to try like changing the 'msconfig' settings, deleting IE7, and so forth. Then I read somewhere to open port 3689... still no go. Lastly I opened port 5353 and FINALLY success.
I wasted 4 hours of my life trying to set this thing up and it should have been on Apple's website. Since they didn't hopefully I'll help someone here.
These instructions are for a previously owned 1st Gen iPhone. If it was not previously owned skip steps 1 and obviously the activation step.
- Buy new SIM Card
- Go to Control Panel > Network > Change Firewall Settings > Exeptions > Add Port TCP 3689.
- Add Port UDP 5353 > Apply Settings (name the ports something unique like iTunes Download 1 & 2)
- Sync with iTunes.... DON'T TURN ON UNTIL CPU SYNC
- Go to iTunes >
- Activate Phone and follow on-screen instructions. Since I am an AT&T customer already, it was easy to transfer my service.
- Help > Check For Updates >
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Allow iTunes to update iPhone.. usually takes about an hour for this whole process.
That should eliminate the Error 3259
Now I have to set up my work email and I should be good to go.
Posted in
gadgets,
iPhone,
iTunes Error 3259,
tech
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Written on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 by Deeze
I finally done it... I've bought 1 of the 2 major electronic purchases for the year. I bought an iPhone.... I didn't get it from the Apple Store though. I bought it off of someone for $125 in like new condition. Boy do I LOVE getting a bargin; it's the next best thing to free. It's not the 3G version, but they give you a 2.0 version to have the same functionality with the exception of being on the 3G network, which is fine to me. I don't use the phone internet THAT much anyway.
I've been in the stores playing with it since it came out but I couldn't justify buying it for $499. It just wouldn't happen!
Doll has one but only uses it for the phone...... she just realized it had GPS, lol. I'm love getting new toys... well, it's time to set it up now... the part I HATE! Wish me luck!
Posted in
gadgets,
tech
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Written on Sunday, July 13, 2008 by Deeze
Since being liberated from programming and taking a vacation from school, I have been really out of touch with technology and gadgets this entire year and the last quarter of last year. In fact, it became so bad, I stopped teaching technical classes, I didn't use a computer beyond work hours except to use things like iTunes and write an occasional blog. I used to take my laptop everywhere with me that I was staying more than a few hours. Now, I don't even consider taking it anywhere with me besides work.
I think on Friday, I've gotten new inspiration for some reason. I've gotten the itch to get back into gadgets, designing websites, and creating applications. Also, I've decided to go back to finish school in September (if I don't change my mind AGAIN). It's weird, I got completely disinterested in technology for a while, but I think I'm getting my stride back.
Posted in
gadgets,
tech
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Written on Thursday, July 10, 2008 by Deeze
Yesterday, I had a major proponent for a Project that I've been working on since I started this job to finish out, and I figured it would be more productive for me to finish at home instead of spending 1.5 hours to get dressed and commute back and forth.
I've noticed that when I work at home, I can actually perform my job at a higher level on days that I don't have meetings. When I'm in the office, I have my ipod on anyway, so it's not like I interact with anyone, I'm in my own music world. The difference is I'm conscious of quitting time, while at home, it really doesn't matter when I finish because I have no commute. Although I pulled a 12+ hour day, I feel a lot better because I started at 630 am and finished around 7, and still had the rest of the evening.
At some point I should be working from home 2-3 days per week because I don't see clients or have meetings for the most part. With the was gas prices are, I won't be able to come into the office but 2-3 days per week anyway. Although I can work from home when I want, I am going to request a standard work from home day (probably Thursday instead of Friday to not seem like a slacker).
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Written on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 by Deeze
Why is the guy from P90x a complete animal? Doll and I did a few exercises from the series, and he's a nut....... it was great. The ab exercises were only 15 minutes and they were killing us in 5 minutes.
4th of July weekend is still the best holiday of the year... no gifts to buy, no commercialization/ lies to tell children (Santa/Easter Bunny), relaxation, outdoors, and bbq!
What's with the insane cover charges these days? Only places where Black folks only/majority charge $20-$60 for absolutely nothing..... Let me get this straight..... you want ME to pay YOU for MY PRESENCE at YOUR place? .
Is it me or isn't it true that summertime always had the best music and albums to come out? Lil' Wayne is the only fire to come out so far... Usher was good but not great by his standards..... otherwise..... nothing for the Summer other than stupid chant songs.
Why was this the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Chicago since April that we didn't have NO rain for all 3 days? Damn that Global Warming.
Why do I think less and plan less for the future than I used to?
I've gotten very casual and lazy with my dressing lately. I think it's because now you can wear jeans everywhere, I go to the gym pretty often, and I can wear whatever I want to work.... That's about to change... I didn't even own a pair of sweats until I was 24.
$240 a month on gas is too much.... I'm working on knocking it down to $100.
I filled up my car for the first time in 2 weeks. Normally I fill it up once a week.
It should be mandatory for all companies to allow their non-customer face-to-face office workers to telecommute at a minimum of 2 days per week.
Direct TV sucks..... I'm glad I only pay $15 per month since it's included w/ my building. The only good thing is the NFL Sunday Ticket.. can't wait until September.
I found some new Video sites... why was I up the last two nights watching cartoons like a kid?
I'm buying a PS3 for Madden 09 and Grand Theft Auto soon (probably August)
I still haven't gotten my stimulus check from the government
We have BEER in our Fridge AT WORK!!!!
Posted in
random wednesdays
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Written on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 by Deeze
Today was my first BIG client meeting for my new job. It was funny.... my boss was more nervous than I was. I think b/c I talk for a living as a professor, giving presentations in front of people don't really affect me.
My boss and I were very pleased with the results in the meeting, now I'm just hoping that they will sign the contract although I believe we have an excellent chance. I've been working on this project since I started in April so it's good to see my work pay off in front of my face and my boss' face as well; especially since I had to start working on it my very first day of work when I had no idea what to do.
Whew... I'm glad that's over.. now I can not be stressed!
Posted in
career,
job,
meeting,
work
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Written on Thursday, July 03, 2008 by Deeze
I went to the Taste again last night, and this time I actually was able to eat. I went last Saturday to see Stevie Wonder and it was so crowded, you could barely move so I went somewhere else to get some food.
Fantasia and Estelle performed last night and it was a decent show. I took Doll to see Estelle at the House of Blues a few months ago (the tix were only $15 so I was happy :) ) and she was pretty good. For some reason Doll LOVES Estelle and was so geeked to go. I could have stayed home and took a nap very easily. I was overcast and drizzling majority of the time which was fine with me, because I know people stayed at home because they are allergic to rain. Estelle's performance was almost exactly the same as it was at the HOB, so it was good. There was no Kanye doing his part on 'American Boy' so of course the song doesn't have the same appeal, but it closed the show well.
Fantasia was being Fantasia..... screaming and hollering half the show. That's what makes her entertaining. We all know she doesn't have any hits that are uptempo so she was singing the uptempo songs of her albums that no one knew. She then threw in a few old school songs like Purple Rain which was good as well. I only came to see her sing 'Truth Is' and 'Free Yourself'.
Since Fantasia has problems with the "TH's and N'Ts" in her words, "If You Don't Want Me Then Don't Talk To Me" chorus of the song is hilarious. I love the song nonetheless. I was however disappointed the 'Truth Is' wasn't sung. Then she brought people on the stage with her to sing and dance, which was pretty cool. She pretty much closed with the ghetto anthem of 'Baby Mamma'. I can't stand the song, but I did like the fact that Jennifer Hudson sang with her for a few minutes. Honestly, that was the best part of the show. I like Fantasia because she can put on a show, which is the reason she won American Idol.
Now I have to go back to the Taste Sunday evening to get rid of the remaining tickets I have since it's the last day :)
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