So… I called myself multi-tasking, being Super Mom & dropped my iBook with the power cord still attached to the computer. And you know what happened, right? The power cord broke in my MAC. 
Soooo, I’m going to have to get this baby serviced over @ Tekserve and will be offline for hopefully no more than a week.
Sorry guys. If anything I’m more mad than ever. I use this baby to speak to everyone. Oh well, wish me luck, & hope that I don’t get charged an arm & a leg!!
~f@ke
This year the 38th Annual Comic-Con Event was held in San Diego, CA. The 2-Day event was sold out and full of lots of teasers, but much to look forward to. Comic Con is everything comic releated with people wearing costumes & all. From Anime comics to cult favorites, like Star Trek & Star Wars. Giving the fans live press conferences on upcoming movies and even a special screening of the 300 movie, with 10 special guests winning a 300 themed X-Box 360. Here’s what I gathered so far:
There was talks about the Get Smart Movie. The Director was quoted saying that he envisioned this movie being a “Parallel Reality” & a “Comedic Bourne Identity”. I loved the Get Smart TV Show when I was little, so I hope they stay true to the humor.
There is another Batman movie being added to the collection-
Dark Knight
Starring Heath Ledger as The Joker & Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dewers
See trailer here
This site has the authentic Gotham City Police Report on the Joker. But there is no set release date.
Another trailer to check out this trailer for the Shoot ‘Em Up movie set to release Sept 7th, 2007. The plot goes as follows: A man named Mr. Smith (Clive Owen) delivers a woman’s baby during a shootout, and is then called upon to protect the newborn from the army of gunmen. And the main bad guy is Paul Giamatti (Sideways, American Splendor, Lady In The Water) as Mr. Hertz.
My favorite bit of news:
The Watchmen Comic will be made into a movie and will be out in theaters on March 6, 2009. Here is the official movie site here you can read the full synopsis and the cast list on the website.
& here is the first movie poster below
Unisoft has began discussing a licensing deal with NBC to create a vdeo game based on the hit TV series ‘Heroes’
The United States Postal Service released comic book stamps (July 26th, 2007). USPS will offer the stamps as a sheet (20 stamps on a page) that will retail for $8.20 (.41¢ each). The stamps will feature Marvel Superheroes such as Captain America, Elektra, Iron Man, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Sub-Mariner, The Incredible Hulk, The Thing and Wolverine. On the sheet of 20, 10 will be the individual characters and the other 10 will be famous comicbook covers. See below for the actual stamps & click here to purchase them
~f@ke
Floetry has broken up?!?!?!?!?! Ummm WTF???
I haven’t learned the root of this breakup, but it looks as though the lyricist (aka floacist) of the duo, Natalie Stewart, is parting and being replaced by Amanda Diva.
You should remember Amanda Diva, she was like the first VJ for Sucker Free on MTV2.
Well, since then she has been working on her music career. If I’m not mistaken Amanda, writes, sings, and raps. She is definitely multi-talented, because she also draws.
Currently she can be heard on Sirius Satalite Radio.
I’m happy to hear that she is moving her career in a positive way. But to replace one of the women that made up such a beautiful group, leaves you with very BIG shoes to fill. Not to mention alot of slack from devout fans.
You can catch the new duo on the Floetry Remixed Tour, which starts today in DC. Peep their tour dates on Amanda Diva’s Myspace page & You can hear Amanda Diva on a Floetry track to make your own judgement.
Peep how she changed the photo of Floetry above on her myspace page too
GOOD LUCK AMANDA!!!!!!
I know you got skills-nillz
~f@ke
I felt like they are.
I read this via TVGuide.com (Click here for the full story)
ABC entertainment president Stephen McPherson says his counterpart at NBC, Ben Silverman, was either “clueless or stupid” in his remarks about hiring Isaiah Washington for a role on Bionic Woman.
Silverman, in one of his first acts as the new cochairman of NBC’s entertainment division, swooped up Washington for a six-episode stint on his network’s new series after ABC decided not to keep the actor on Grey’s Anatomy. ABC’s decision was largely based on Washington’s on-set use of a homophobic slur towards cast member T.R. Knight last October, which he repeated in front of the press at the Golden Globe Awards.
Silverman told reporters that he had begun talking with Washington “before he became available” and said he was shocked when ABC decided to let him go. “When he told me he was available I was like, ‘You are? Wait, I don’t understand. What do you mean? You’re a huge star on a star television show.’” he said. “I don’t quite understand what had gone on there.”
McPherson told reporters that “if (Silverman) was in fact talking to him before he was available, that’s inducement to breach. So I don’t know, he’s either clueless or stupid.”
As to Silverman saying he didn’t understand the circumstances surrounding the firing of Washington, McPherson said: “Was he living in a cave?”
When you read this & you take into account that they are also ending the successful George Lopez show after 5 seasons, and they also got rid of all of the african american actors on LOST. You have to wonder…
What amazed me was the fact that the President of ABC didn’t try to subliminally address the hiring of Isaiah Washington. He was very blatant with his feelings toward Isaiah as a person. To say that he should not have been hired, is basically like spitting in his face. As the president of a company, you are supposed to carry yourself, professionally, and to voice your own personal opinion about an ex-employee is not professional at all.
With a comment like what he said, makes him to be a bit hypocritical. You fire someone for commenting about what he said to another cast member (Patrick Dempsey) referring to the treatment of another cast member (TR Knight). But yet you are doing the same thing by saying that Silverman was ‘Clueless or Stupid’ for hiring Isaiah. So are you calling Isaiah Washington stupid/ clueless?
I dunno how I feel about this, but I know I don’t think it’s right. He made a mistake, should he have to pay with his life? TR Knight isn’t even a good actor.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!!!
Look @ what an ABC producer had to say about The GEICO Caveman show here
~f@ke
Again, I’m late in posting this, but… Here you go
It was announced on Tuesday, that the Vibe Vixen magazine will no longer be gracing the news stands with their covers.
The new CEO of Vibe Media Group, Steve Aaron, announced that they will be publishing the Aug/Sept issue and then the magazine will fold.
However, the CEO went on to say that Vibe Vixen will be featured as special issues about urban culture, sometime at the end of this year/ beginning next year. They are not sure how often the issues will be released.
On a brighter note, the magazine will keep their website, so you can still check them out.
As many of us women may feel that there is yet again, no outlet for us to feel ‘at home’. I would say that when there is another Vibe Vixen, Suede (I shed a tear when I think about that magazine), or Honey let’s open our mouths wide and speak very loudly and atell our homegirls to go out and pick up at least one issue.
If we can do this as a whole, we’ll see the female urban magazine last a lot longer than 1 yr (Suede) or 2 1/2 yrs (Vibe Vixen).
We can at least say that they were nice enough to bring Honey magazine back to the stands.
I personally, think that they put their hat where they can’t reach. The magazine/periodical game is tricky. The way you sell is weird, it’s like wholesale + consignment. There are 2 ways (that I can remember) to sell your magazine/newspaper. You either sell it to the retailer in bulk with a percentage off, sometimes as much as 60%. Or you sell it in bulk at full price, but what doesn’t sell by a certain time you have to refund the money for.
So if you have a high expense budget, you can loss money. I know for a fact that Suede had an etirely too high of a budget for their magazine. With all the rich colors and exclusive coutour fashion, you could tell that money was not an object for their magazine, and in turn they folded, before they could get the recognition that they truly deserved (let’s not forget the interview with Barack Obama).
I do not know if that is the case for Vibe Vixen, but with a newly hired CEO to the Company, and expected layoffs, maybe some people got raises and somethings just had to get… Cut
Overall, I hope that the next time we see a well crafted magazine out there catered to us, women, we support it.
A great & inexpensive gift is a magazine subscription. If you can’t use it, someone else will love it.
~f@ke
This Guy, Leroy Jenkins caught my eye with his fitted hats collaboration that he did with Estate LA (peep my post on it here). And he has teamed up with Royal Elastics for a second time to do a series of sneakers.
Leroy Jenkins, needs some women pieces in his life, because his prints are rich with detail and the floral prints are sooo in this summer for us ladies!!
But the wonderful people over @ Highsnobiety went to the United Tradeshow in NYC (July 23rd & 24th) and got a peek at the kicks collab and some coats from the Leroy Jenkins Fall/Winter ‘07 Preview. Note that the pics below are not the full line up of the Fall/Winter ‘07. I will keep my eye on the screen and look for more.
Peep the kicks & gear below:
Leroy Jenkins x Royal Elastics
These babies come in a few colors and they are limited to 100 pairs per each design. Along with the Leroy Jenkins & Royal Elastics brand logos, there will be a number embroidered on the shoe, I guess so you can know how special you are 
Satin Baseball Jacket
Military Jacket
Leather Bomber Jacket (peep the detail at the bottom)
~f@ke
Today on The Oprah Show, she gave away her favorite things for summer.
Got A Robin Thicke performance
TangOrita (Click Here for Receipe)
Robin Thicke Cd – The Evolution of Robin Thicke
Ipod Nano
Ego Waterproof Sound Case- Speakers for Ipod $149.99
Land’s End Beach Tote $49.50
VIP Tixx to The Beyonce Experience Tour w/ Robin Thicke (Presumably Sold Out Nationwide, except in CT)
Beyonce’s CD – B’Day
Each guest was fitted for the PERFECT pair of Shades before the Show started by Marchon
Some points to keep in mind when picking a pair of sunglasses are:
• Shades are for your moods. They should be like shoes. (Have variety)
• Medium size rectangle shades are the “IT” shades of the summer
• Sean John sunglasses have a “Universal” fit
• You should pick a pair of shades that fit your face
(See my summer sunglasses picks here)
Hat Attack Wide-Brim Sunhat $44.00 (available in Green, White, & Beige)
Old Navy Terry Cover-Up (This is SOLD OUT!)
But I found these:
Victoria Secret Cabana Dress $24
Victoria Secrect PINK!® Terry Hoodie Robe $39.50
VS Strapless Classic Terry Dress $35
VS Terry jumpsuit w/ ruching $14.99
Target 3-D Beach Towel$11.99
India.Arie Cd – Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
Gotta Luv the Oprah Show!
Someone please help me understand WTF this is supposed to be? I just saw this and I didn’t know whether to laugh because it’s funny or be angry.
Is this supposed to capture the youth’s interest and make them turn over a new leaf??
With hooks like:
“Read a book. Read a book. Read a muthafuckin’ book”
“Drink some water”, “Brush your teeth”, “Buy some land”, “Take care of your kids”
I tell ya what, this is one of the dumbest, ignorant things I’ve seen BET show yet. And I blame the assholes who allowed this to come into fruition. The concept to voice your opinion is cool, but coming from a ‘ghetto’ stand-point is only going to make the issues at hand seen as light-hearted problems, instead of taking them seriously.
This is a prime example of what f@ke is, this fucking stupid mockery of our culture that they hand delivery to our doorsteps and then the deliveryman expects a generous tip.
If you haven’t noticed I’m beyond disgusted with this video. And I’ve taken it for far more than probably than I should. But it’s summer and kids are home and of course watching MTV & BET and to think that there are some kids watching that laughing and think that it’s cool, just rubs me wrong. Sorry…
See for yourself & tell me what you think/feel…
“Read A Book” Written, performed and Produced by Bomani Armah
Video produced by Six Point Harness
There’s more fuckery over @ BET.com
~f@ke (INDEED)
What is the difference between the more ’mainstream’ artist and the ’not –so- ‘mainstream’ artist? That is a question that some music lovers can’t answer. For some, it is a question that has no importance. They don’t care why T-Pain is getting more spins on the radio and on BET than Hi-Tek. Or, why so many people are only interested in the music that they hear on the radio or television. Many of us have learned the skill of seeking out the music we like to hear. But the sad thing is a vast majority of people believe that if an artist is not played on the radio or TV than they are not really artists. You know ‘outta sight, outta mind’ kind of thinking.
Over the last 2 1/2 years, we’ve all heard the statement: “the state of Hip Hop” as a frequently discussed topic among the Hip Hop sector. Almost all major magazines have written about the ‘state of Hip Hop’. Personally, I thought Hip Hop took a turn for the worst when all you heard was 50 Cent, G-Unit, and Crunk music – pun intended. I personally, am tired of having stupid ass jingles in my head.
I was introduced and explored “conscious” hip hop, seriously, about four years ago. I was familiar with the few artists that made it on to MTV or BET, playing their random singles. The problem with me growing up and listening to music was that I only thought that the music that my friends and peers were listening to was the music that I should listen to. So in turn that was the music that I would go and purchase.
With that being said I guess you can say that I am coming from a familiar place when you think about all the people out there who are not familiar with exploring music beyond what their peers are listening to. The way people crap on underground or grassroots Hip Hop is the same way.
I recently worked for an internet music company and most of the questions that we got from the customers were “ what is independent?”. And so I felt that the question was valid, but how do you answer that question with a simple answer? You can’t. To some extent you have to be familiar with the in’s and out’s of the music business in order to grasp what is the difference between an independent label and a major record label.
For the beginners and intermediate folks who appreciate music but aren’t too knowlegable of the logistics, I’ve listed the key elements of a major record label vs. an independent label a.k.a. indie label.
WHAT IS A RECORD COMPANY?
• A company that manages recording related brands and trademarks.
• Owns their labels, the master recordings, and any other supporting businesses such as DVDs.
• Consists of Manufacturers, Distributors, and Labels
• Can have smaller companies under the Company umbrella, but allows the smaller company to conduct their own business
EXAMPLE OF A MAJOR RECORD COMPANY:
Universal is the BIG Record Company, Def Jam Records is a music label – Def Jam South is a label under Def Jam’s music label, but still under Universal
WHAT IS A MUSIC GROUP?
• Provides distribution for the recording artists.
• There are 4 Music Groups (MAJOR) – Sony, BMG, Universal, and Warner
• Each of the “big four” consists of many less large companies and labels serving under different regions and markets
• Keeps contracts with the recording artists
• Maintain contracts with production companies
• Organizes all marketing, production, licensing, and copyright protection of the recordings and/or videos
WHAT IS A PUBLISHING COMPANY?
• Prepares music to be publicly sold
• Has their own rights to music that is published
• Can be under the Record Companies umbrella, but exists separately, even if sharing the company name or brand
• They represents the rights in the compositions – i.e. the written music, but not the recorded song
WHAT IS A MAJOR RECORD LABEL?
• One that owns its own distribution channel
• Signs, market, publicize, develop, and promote as well as provide sales support to the larger distribution companies for their releases and artists
• May be made up of a Record Group which would be controlled by a Music Group
• If signed to a Major Record Label you will pay for
a) packaging
b) promotion (discounts, free cds, some advertising)
c) overseas promotions
d) music availability (MP3 downloads, SACD, or DVD Audio)
e) breakage (even if there is none)
EXAMPLE OF A MAJOR RECORD LABEL:
Interscope is the Record Company -Aftermath is the Record Label
WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT RECORD COMPANY?
• A smaller record company
• A company that is not under the control of one of the 4 biggest/ major record companies
WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL?
• Almost any label that releases non-mainstream music, regardless of its corporate structure
• Without the funding of or outside the organizations of a Major Record Label
• Can still be under the control of a large corporation with complex structures
• Can also have Major-Label shareholders
• If a Major Company owns 50% or less of the total shares in
• Can be created and managed by Major Label Artists, but are partially owned by the Major Label Parent (sometimes referred to as Vanity Labels – see definition below)
EXAMPLE OF AN INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL:
Lil’ Jon’s TVT Records, KOCH Records
**Vanity Labels are intended to satisfy established, powerful artists and/or to give them independence in discovering and promoting new talent. The new talent will usually not be owned or controlled by that major company
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INDEPENDENT LABELS:
A. The 1960’s and 1980’s were the most profitable periods
B. Smaller Independent Labels operate different from Major Labels
1) Waive exclusive claims on recordings and other rights
2) Allow artists to retain their recordings rights
3) Profit sharing on projects rather than fixing a royalty
4) Making contracts based on projects rather than a period of years
C. Larger Independent Labels may operate the same as a Major Label
D. Some prefer to use the term “Indie Label”
Additional Facts:
• D-I-Y or Do-It-Yourself companies are also considered Independent
• The difference with profits from an Independent Label & a D-I-Y label is the profits of a D-I-Y label is 100% whereas Independent is 50/50
• A Distributor or Distribution Company is the middleman between the manufactirer and the retailer. After the music is manufactured it is sent to the Distributor who then sends it to the reatil stores. The Distributor has their own contracts with retailers or customer. The Distributor answers the question of how to get the product to the consumer.
So with all these facts and examples of what makes a Major Label and an Independent Label, I hope that you have some questions answered. It really is all techincal mumbo-gumbo.
The benefit of being signed to a Major Record Company/ Label is that as an artist all you have to do is create and perform the music. Because that is mainly your only duty, you lose money, because the Record Company oversees and handles how your music is manufactured and distributed. All of this you pay for of course. The Record Company also gives you advances, sometimes more than what your album will gross in sales. This can be a bad loan, if you do not make good on the payments. And you can end up owing the Record Company instead of them owing you. As an artist I believe you also pay for your videos. And the profits are not 50/50. You receive a negotiated percentage that may or may not work in your favor.
Now with Indie Record Labels, the number of retailers may not be as many as with a Major Company. But you would receive a greater profit. You also do not have any real form of marketing. That would probably be something that you would have to do on your own accord.
There are many differences with the two companies, but I think that what counts the most is the marketing and promotion of an artist and the distribution. The reason being, you can make a great album, but if you do not have the right marketing then no one will think to buy your album. They may not even know that you had an album drop. And the distribution deal is what also matters, because you would want your album sold at as many reatil locations as possible. With a large number of album sales, you would have a profitable pay-off.
And if you have the rights to your master recording copies then you can use that music on other albums, for more profit!
Hope I helped you with this question!!
~f@ke
Last summer I brought my 1st strapless bra, when I purchased it I didn’t know what to look for as far as quality, so I brought the bra that was on sale. BIG Mistake, but I learned my lesson.
I brought a new strapless bra recently, and I went in to the store with my guns drawn. I knew that I did not want a strapless bra, were you can see the seam of the bra thruough your shirt, or you boobs look extra high because of the underwire, or you constantly have to adjust your bra because it is slipping. And who wants to wear the clear strap that is still noticable, I know I don’t.
So, I’m armed & ready to scour the intimates section for the perfect & best strapless bra @ a very affordable price.
Well Ladies, my search paid off. It took me all of 30 mins to look through Wal-Mart’s Intimates section and I found the ‘IT‘ bra for all curvy, full figured, & busty women.
What caught my eye was the picture of Queen Latifah on the tag. I glanced at the bra & loved what I saw, but the price was too high, considering, they had bras in there on sale 2 for $8. But all the other strapless bras were just like the ones I had already had. And I didn’t want to repeat a mistake. So I seethingly walked over to the strapless bra that adorned Queen Latifah’s face on the tag. And I gave this bra a good look over, & to my surprise, this bra was everything I could have ever wanted in a strapless bra!
The bra is made by Curvation. I remember 2 summers ago when Queen Latifah had the Sugar Water Festival, she was giving coupons away for free Curvation bras. I didn’t hop on it, because I was part of the ity-bity titty committee. But nonetheless, I don’t remember hearing any thing about the bras or the Curvation brand.
The Plus Stay-Up Strapless Underwire Bra has rubber-like strips throughout the inside of the bra. The rubber-like strips are around the bra cups & there are 3 strips on the back. These rubber-like strips make it almost impossible for the bra to move. It has a seamless cup so that no one can see your bra cups. Honestly, this one of the best bras yet.
I googled searched for the Curvation brand & I got slim pickings for the company. on their site, there are no store locations in NY that carry their brand – at least that’s what the store locator said. So I would suggest that you go to Walmart.
Peep the pics of the bra below:
Inside of the bra cups ~ rubber-like material is around the cups. Notice the seamless bra cup
Right side
Left side
For the ladies who are a part of the ity-bitty club I found these strapless bras that are similar to the one above as far as the seamless look goes. But they are not bargain cheap.
The Body Wrap: Seamless Control Bandeau Bra $24.00
Sassybax: Underwire Strapless Bandeau Bra $48.00 (Ouch!)
You may think I’m frugal when I say that I didn’t want to pay $13.00 (remember I mentioned that I am a sales whore), but like I said there were other bras there that were lesser in price. Plus, come on I was @ Wal-Mart for pete sakes! But when I saw how this bra was made, I had to say overall, the price is a steal, when you think about how much you pay for a bra @ Victoria Secrets.
