My new Muse(sss)

Julian, I couldn't not post this.

Damn, there is a movie I'd like to recommend to you but the title escapes me. Pretty much its the Hong Kong version of the intellectual blockbuster, Charlie's Angels. So until then, I will provide entertainment via mega girl band. At first I thought all of the bodies in this were the same person, then I began to notice the different haircuts, and then faces! Just amazing. They probably don't make that much money though, having to share a paycheck with 12 people, but they should be chauffered to talent venue's like ABDC or AI. *sigh*

ABDC

America's Best Dance Crew is off and running, and I have to say, slim pickin's. The greeZy Mario Lopez claims that this season (3) is the most advanced, but I have no idea where he gets this. None of the crews show the precision of the Jabbawockeez from Season 1, or the creativity of FannyPak from Season 2 (yes Jules, I give credit where credit is due).

So far the only crew that showed potential was the Boxcuttahz, kinda the dopple ganger of Kabba Modern-ish, but they were the first crew cut. This is mos def the season of the ladiesssss, being that the only semi-decent crews are that of ALL FEMALES, holler.



FlyKhicks:

their first performance was aite, but it was the battle at the end of the first episode that cemented them as legit. They're feminine and they love sneakers.

Beat Freaks:

Ultra-dope. They do seem like a team of 'bo's, but they are so hard core and rep for the West Coast, be it LA style.

Maybe this season, an all girl team might take the prize.

because my butt has gotten out of control.

I saw this ad on the TV box and was confused and taken aback. What the hell is this? Was I not aware that Carmen Electra all of a sudden had a new music video out? The women are stiffly thrusting in unison; its a workout video called FlirtyGirl Fitness. Yikes. I am sure soccer moms and trophy wives are eatin this up.

Today, I caught a glimpse of my ass in a window, and I'm all about a little junk in the trunk, but damn, its like a treasure chest back there. **Light Bulb**

PLEASE SKIP TO :30

Lesson Learned, hopefully.

Obama, Obama, Obama. With the highest approval rating of a new President ever and a Democratic majority in Congress, Republicans unanimously declined the stimulus bill that Obama proposed. Obama attempted to pass this bill with bipartisan support by nip and tucking the Stimulus plan to meet Republican desires.

Upon watching Rachel Maddow, Republican Congressman Don Manzullo stated that his idea of a Stimulus plan would be an auto-voucher to help the public purchase a new car. He stated that he has a Chrysler manufacturing plant in his district, and if the government handed out $5,000 vouchers to invest in a new car, people would obviously flock to the (Chrysler) car lots. This guy is obviously delusional, because if the public had an auto-voucher, they would most likely flock to Toyota seeing that Japanese car company is now the leading car manufacturer. His sick methodology continued, and he explained that the new cars sold fell from 17 million units to 10 million units, and that if the US could just get back to 15 million units sold than all could be OK. I felt my body begin to pump adrenaline listening to Manzullo. He refused to agree with Maddow when she tried to propose the idea that a stimulus plan should create jobs instead of provide vouchers.

Unfortunately, in Obama's quest to create a bipartisan government, we ended up with a watered down Stimulus plan with less spending on infrastructure, and therefore less spending on potential public transit projects. Obama's need for bipartisanship is his own battle and goal, but with Democratic majority in Congress, its just not needed. Doing things to make people like you is an action not uncommon, but watering down stimulus packages to make people like you - that's a big no-no. Hopefully, this was a learning experience to the most popular president and pop culture icon: nice guys finish last.

Now, Obama is hosting a bipartisan cocktail party. Post-Stimulus status. Sounds awkward.
Read more on this here

Manzullo interview:
Its interesting to note that Manzullo states in his introduction that he chose to appear on the Maddow show because she is so popular. Holler!

Recent Acquisitions

Surprise! I bought myself presents, and I'm not talking sneakers. I've made some recent investments in books. I thought I'd never see the day.

FINDING LOST SPACE: THEORIES OF URBAN DESIGN
Trancik, Roger.

GORILLA, MY LOVE
Bambara, Toni Cade.

THE JUNGLE
Sinclair, Upton.

ON BEAUTY
Smith, Zadie.

SUBURBAN ESCAPE: THE ART OF CALIFORNIA SPRAWL
Wolfe, Ann M.

Some are mos def dork status. Like The last one, its an art book - about suburbs. Yikes. The first text is just that, a text book. I had it shipped from another CSU library for an assignment and kept it over due because it was so fascinating. When I decided to return it and find it on Amazon, I realized it was a text book = expensive. Talk about birthday indulgences and career dedication.

Bitches be gettin in my way.

Site: Creative Arts Building, SFSU.
Situation: Power-walk to 19th and Holloway.

I am power-walking my butt up that slight incline to the "M" stop and I see the train is waiting at the red light. I don't think I'm going to make it, but the lights are timed so long, that I end up at 19th Ave just as the train begins to cross. The doors are staying open longer than normal, but no one runs, because they don't want to be that person that hustles, only to be rewarded by the doors dingIng in your face and closing before you squeeze through.

I'm supposed to meet Stella at the Ferry Building to have lunch, and I was running late because I decided to sit in on a "Rock and Roll in the 1960's" class. Fuck it. I start to run, SF style - an art I learned in the 8th grade, in which you are in fact moving faster than walking, not as fast as running, but indeed looks like you're running.

I'm run the corner and enter the home stretch, making my way up the ramp, but I all of a sudden get caught in this web of people clogging the rampway, and I run all the way up to the door, when it ding's in my face and closes - byebye M-Inbound.

I'm pissed - I let out a grunt, fix my bangs, and take a seat. Now, I hate running for buses. I refused to do so for much of high school, but conceded during my attendance at City College, due to being missing bus rides to school by literally a few seconds. I look back at the ramp to see who was in my way, and it was Muni 'cops' checking proof of payment. I march on over, slight fire in my eyes.

The officers are standing on the sides of the ramp, one writing a ticket for some blonde without a transfer.

MG: Is there any way you could do this without blocking the walkway, so people can make their bus?
MUNI 1: Oh yeah, sorry..... (blahblahblah)
MUNI 2: Well they should know not to get in your way, because we have officers at the other end of the platform telling people to take out their transfers etc.
MG: Well if you could stay on one side of the ramp, so homegirl can make her train that would be helpful, because I literally missed the M by 5 seconds.
(Blonde girl getting written up chuckles)
MUNI 2: Well we kind of do that on purpose, so that no one can get bye, do you understand?
MG: No. I have a fastpass, I'm not hating on you guys doing your job, but I would appreciate if you could do so without being so in the way.
MUNI 2: Point taken.
MG: Thanks!

I know I sound uber bitchy, but I wasn't! I was just trying to reason with them, because their system wasn't very effective, but rather very disruptive. I totally understand their job, and at a Land Use/Urban Planning perspective, my professor stated how Proof of Payment is the most effective way of encouraging payment from riders. In any event, they needed to move! Update on this later. . .

Cinema: 2009.

La Classe (The Class)
Saw the trailer for this the other day, and it caught my eye. It's a story that has been told before: new teacher gets bullied by rambunctious yet passively intellectual inner-city students. Reminiscent of HighSchoolHigh, but really, it reminds me of Dangerous Minds kinda thing. The students are all ethnic too: Black, Asian, Latino. And the teacher is white, I wonder if this is supposed to be an undertone, or if I'm just hyper sensitive to this sort of stuff.


Wendy and Lucy
Michelle Williams, post Heath, post BrokeBack. A tale about a girl and her dog. Growing up in SF, I've met a lot of girls like her, she's frail, she rocks an American Apparel hoodie, and she's endlessly melancholy, and with dog. Seems like a lonely movie, but it looks genuine.

Mission to AA: fuck off.

very similar to the Haight Street merchants rejecting Urban Outfitters, however, there is an AA there. Lesser of two evils?

BRATZ

Mrs. Obama, or Miss First Lady, or Michelle, or Queen B, however you refer to her, homegirl was pissed after learning of the new Beanie Baby craze. The two dolls released were dubbed, get this, Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia. Ty Inc says they didn't choose the names because of the Obama girls, but because they are beautiful names- which must have also been their reasoning for making the dolls black as well.

Suggested Retail: $9.99
Ebay: $35-$99.



Read the story here

Year of the OX

Happy New Year bitches!!!

January 26th is not only the first day of school, but its also the Chinese New Years, Year of the Ox to be exact.
Years include: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.

Typical characteristics of an Ox, include being

honest, patient, dependable, stubborn and conservative. The Ox is most happy when left alone to his own devices. You can trust that an Ox will always finish the task at hand despite having a slow start. They are good friends with Snakes and Roosters, but at ends with Goats.

Now, I was born in Year of the Tiger, which just so happens to be the next cycle, I saw it fit to analyze the Tiger's characteristics and compare it to my own.

Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs

Yikes, sensitive? Extremely short-tempered? Trouble with those in authority? .... doesn't sound like me at all. I mean, sure I might display some of these traits, but not on the regular. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs. I must say - a lot of my friends are bitches.

http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/tiger.htm
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=48&entry_id=35037

O$CAR$: 2009

My Picks:

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona.


Best Actor
Sean Penn, Milk.


Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight.


Best Animated Film
Wall-E.


Best Picture
SlumDog Millionaire.

Farewell, seriously.

A magical picture showcasing the feelings of an entire nation: Good by Bush, and good riddance.
PS. look at the stripper boots on Mrs. Biden! Homegirl is workin it!

PIKAPIKA

Picture it:
Red carpet rolled out when I arrive, pictures flashing, and frequent buyer card filled up. Just a normal day when MellyG arrives at PikaPika.


Damn. I'm pretty sure everyone knew that I liked this, but I wasn't aware that everyone in Japan liked it too! Purikura is in the Chronicle today, showcasing how this Japanese pass time is gaining popularity in the US. Purikura, dubbed 'the art of making' photo's,' has an enchanting effect on anyone who participates. The Chronicle spotlights SF's only purikura outlet in the city: PikaPika, which has become my second home of sorts. I guess you could say i'm an expert at it, besides the fact that the machines only speak Japanese. There are about 7 machines in PikaPika, all performing different touches to the photo's. Ryan Kimura opened PikaPika with his parents in 2006 after he returned from Japan. He went to Japan to teach english after graduating from Cal in 2004 with a deree in Asian American studies and feeling uncertain about what he would do with it. In Japan, he was introduced to purikura and decided to bring it to the States. The article points out how its a 'girl thing' and that one of the busiest days at PikaPika is Valentines day.

Now, I'm okay with sharing people, but if I have to sift my way throuh Lick Wilmerding students and Marina breezies at PikaPika as a result of this article, I'm gonna be pissed!

Here are some snapshots of my past PikaPika experiences:





http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2009/01/23/BA8O155FQ5.DTL&o=3

Inauguration Status.

Not surprising, this inauguration stopped the nation in its footsteps. Schools were paused, coffee shops empty, and the internet was a buzz; America was ready to embrace the induction of our 44th president. The event was drawn out and star studded. Upon watching the event, my companion and I realized: this was the blackest inauguration, ever!

Some highlights:

1. The Hat I was already excited to see Aretha, and I began to anticipate what she'd wear, thinking it would be some gown with a bedazzled boatneck coller. When she first turned the corner, I lost my breath, and my phone began to vibrate with multiple text's; the hat had a bow. AND, that bow was encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Diva-status, hellloooooo. Thanks Aretha for keepin it real, keepin it classy, and keepin it Diva - even at the Mall.
   
2. The Dress to Impress Michelle has mos def emerged as a fashion icon, the first time for a first lady since Jackie Kennedy. The rumor mills were on overtime, and I was concerned, worried, and excited at the idea of what Michelle would bust out in. Not to my surprise, she wore gold. Well it was more of a lemongrass yellow, but that thing sure did sparkle. Go big or go home! I'm pretty sure her critiera for the dress was "what color would no one dare wear to an inaugeration?"
   
3. THe Kids Sasha and Malia will be the two to watch during these 4 years. If Obama is elected again, it will be interesting to watch how Malia transitions into adolescence. They were dressed in J.Crew outfits - solidifying why the Obamas are so relateable, being dressed in the thread of the common folk.
   
4. The Dance I watched Michelle and Barack dance to the tunes of Beyonce on the interet. Obama greeted the audience of the Neighborhood Ball with "How good does my wife look?" Geez Barack, you are killin it with the ladies right now. It was amazing to watch these two who still look whole hardedly in love. Very inspiring.
   
5. The Future Obama wasted no time, by signing major pieces of legislation within the first 100 hours in office. Impressive.

In the words of Jay-Z: My president is black, but his house is all white.

Diva Grub - Inauguration Status.

The menu for the Inauguration luncheon was the most viewed page on the website.
Here's why:

Obama and Fillmore

A Look back: 2000-2008

2000
Its election night. I'm 14, and I lie in bed listening to the debacle that was the Florida chad. I do believe that, as a nation, we had hope for Al Gore, he was the VP for 8 years giving, him enough street cred to red carpet his way into the oval office himself, but he couldn't seal the deal.

I am 14 years old, living in Oakland with my Mom. Oaktown is alive and kicking outside: crackhead begging for help, the Walgreens alarm a buzz, and as I drift into my nocturnal state, with the news on in the background, I think to myself, "Silver lining: at least next time around, I'll have something to say about this.

2004
I turn 18, but forget to register to vote - which means I didn't vote in the CA Governor scheme. After watching the documentary "Enron: the smartest guys in the room" I was infuriated with the results: fuckin Red-Tie-Terminator replaces Gray Davis in Sacramento.

I'm waiting for the 71-Haight on Haight St. and Cole and I get solicited to sign a petition. I don't end up signing the petition, but do register to vote. At the time, Howard Dean was the front runner of the Democratic team until he released that blood curdling "HOOYEAAHHHH" at one of his rallies, and then Deanster was done. John Kerry then emerged, but he had no spark, no charisma, just a history in the Senate, a Purple Heart, a sugar mama, and a long horse-like face. This made me feel awkward: its my first election and I'm uninspired! On one hand, I desperately hated G.Bush and his cocky yet absent minded approach to leadership, and would love nothing more but for him to join Osama in a Afghan cave. However, Kerry did not embody many of my ideals or characteristics I care for in a person let alone a leader. The conventions were held in likely cities: Blue = Boston (which was Kerry's hometown, and I had just visited Boston - and hated it), and Red = New York (had to give kudo's to the then, savvy Repub's - going to the most liberal and diverse city in America). It was too reminiscent of 2000: the jauggernut Republican smear campaigns taking charge, paired with sloth like Democratic response and colma-like charisma. Democrats were lookin sloppy.

However, there were a few bonus' that came of the 2004 election. Democrats began to take control of the Senate, and there was one newcomer from the MidWest that seemed to sparkle.

As I lay to sleep on that election night I thought, "Silver lining: Bush won a second term for a reason, and that his name MUST be smeared to the high, high heavens by the end of it."

2005
Hurricane Katrina hits, and the South is a mess. Blatant racism is spread all over the news coverage and governmental response to the areas in need. I am totally disgusted. Upon watching a morning news program, one man voices my exact thoughts on the situation: Barack Obama.

2006
Dem's take control of the Sentate.

2007
Barack Obama is now a Presidential hopeful. He gracefully danced around the question until he bashfully admitted to 'considering the possibility to run.' Its November and I receive an email from SFSU, Barack Obama will be speaking at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. I hustle a couple friends and we we purchase tickets at a "suggested donation price" of $15. I'm wearing my new black flats with a gold chain on the front, my feet are killing me.

The email said that the event started at 6pm, and that bags were not allowed. I shove my wallet, keys, cell phone, lip chap, and camera into my pockets and away we go. We show up before 5pm and the line is already around the first corner. By 5:30 they begin to let people in - probably because the end of the line almost caught up with the beginning. I have our tickets in my hand, eager to be taken, but they weren't even checked. I started to realize the art of the Obama fundraising hustle. Tony Snow takes the stage - he is fine! Dusty Baker even speaks - he's a Bay legend! Sly and the Family Stone is blasting in the background and I realize that the venue is packed! Finally, in true diva fashion, Obama finally takes the stage 3.5 hours later. On stage, he sparked with charisma. His words melting into my heart, and dancing in my ears. My feet no longer throb.

I remember him emphasizing Gay rights. I was caught in the moment, drooling at his political perfection, and I take a look around and stop at a lesbian couple locking hands and crying. Listening to him preach about Gay rights was very moving, but I wondered if he shared this aspect of his platform at every rally, or was he only sharing this vision with SF? For some reason I found it unsettling. Were we being sold a bill of goods that could never be redeemed? I began to feel a big taken advantage of, and I feared that he was only campaigning instead of speaking from the heart, like I saw him speak about Katrina. Ultimately, I was honored to be within 15 feet of the future, and sought comfort in the idea that there was someone, a politician, that I could believe in.

2008
The cat is out of the bag Obama's in the race, he's kicking ass, and the gloves are officially off. We all know the story of this spectacular year - ultimately, my say was finally heard.

2009
Now its officially 1am. Obama will be sworn into office today, and this country will finally be washed of the Bush tattoo on our foreheads. Hopefully the N.American community will be united and vindicated through the leadership of Barack Obama.

For almost ten years I have felt helpless as a citizen; trapped by the pathetic, selfish and failing legislation of George W. Bush. I was born in the Reagan era, raised in the Clinton era, I grew up in the Bush era, and now I am proud to say that I will live in the Obama era. I wish my mom could have enjoied this victory with me, but I look forward to sharing the results of the Obama years with my kids.

Life is good.

Eco Holler of the Day: Tom Colicchio

Top Chef is one of my favorite show's, and is one of the more respected culinary programs.
The last couple show's Tom Colicchio, the resident diva: Chef/Restarauneur/Judge of the show, has brought an eco-edge his judgements of the contestants:
Last week he critisized a contestant for overcooking a fish, explaining when the fish gives up his life it should be honored.

His point being: the fish is already dead, why kill it again by overcooking it? Then you're left with a fish that is dead and inedible. I absolutely adored his philosophy, it being the guidelines of my consumption patters as well. I realized that I prefer to not be vegetarian, but I am very aware that meat int he super market used to be alive and kicking. The same can be said for vegetables - which is why it is an ULTRA pet peeve of mine when any veggie is overcooked; you're just killin it! And I, like Tom, do not approve.
_____________________________

This week's episode was another dose of Tom's eco-culinary conscious was served.
Chef's were taken to a farm and forced to interact with the protein they were assigned to cook: chicken, lamb, and pig. People sometimes forget that meat used to be alive - *flashback-- turkey at thanksgiving--*. The chef's were expected to cook simply, and allow the natural flavors of the fresh-farm-ingredients to shine through.
Ultimately, Tom was appalled, again, by some of the results. Tom questioned the LAMB team why they butchered the pieces of meat even further; claiming that meat left on the bone both tastes better while honoring the natural form of the animal.

I might bring this up in my Food and Agriculture class this semester. holler


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TlJmMZ1liQ

Abortion Donuts.

Krispy Kreme is being criticized by pro-life groups for their alleged support for abortion. The donut giant and contributor to large asses everywhere, released an ad campaign advertising their pride in the 'freedom of choice' by giving away free donuts on Inauguration Day. The ad's are supposed to encourage pride in the freedom of "CHOICE" in reference to politicians and leaders, and not necessarily to abortion.

You decide!!
(no pun intended)

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2009/01/pro-life_group_up_in_arms_over.php

Feliz Cumpleanos: AALIYAH

January 16, 1979 - August 25, 2001.

Housewives of Atl Season 2--> upgrade?

There has been some movement for the Housewives of ATL on Bravo. Indulge yourself:

1. Tameka to join cast. (Usher's wife might replace Deshawn Snow. YES!!! This is Tamika's third marriage and they have 2 kids together. I hope Usher makes many, many, surprised appearences. This could be a great way for her to shake off her image of being a gold digger skank!
2. SHE by Sheree, stalled. (The release Sheree's clothing line has been postponed. Meaning, bitch don't have a clothing line!!)
3. Nene gets a spinoff series! (speechless. I wonder where they'll film it, cause she got evicted!)

http://jezebel.com/5131369/ushers-wife-to-join-real-housewives-of-atlanta

A Tribute.

Mistah Fab and Amp Live from Zion I collaborated on a song dedicated to Oscar Grant.

Mistah Fab spoke at the PEACEFULL gathering at Fruitvale BART, and I think he holler'd at me.

Aweee, how predictable.

portuguese water dog

labradoodle.

On Meet the Press this morning the most significant, groundbreaking, and controversial thing Obama spoke of, was the dog breed that his family is considering. The choices have been narrowed to a labradoodle and a portoguese water dog. Now, I understand that one of Obama's daughters has an allergy to dog fur, so this vindicates the desire for the designer-breed. Obama continued to say that they will wait until one of these two breeds will show up in a shelter, but they're designer, they never go second hand. . . I dont know how I feel about this, but all I can say is: I called it, and all I can recommend is: get a pit.

Wishli$t: Capricon Edition.

My birthday is Monday (Jan. 12), please buy accordingly:





send me around the world




Camera's

24karat iPhone.

Gold, shoes.

Revelation. .

Kanye let it slip - but not really, cause it was on purpose. Here is 1/6 sample shoes that he's designing for LV. Hey, this looks pretty similar to that Raf Simmons loafer below... hm.
A couple surprises:
1) I really thought Kanye would put his face on the shoe somehow after seeing that Obama shoe.
2) Whats up with the spoiler (car reference) looking thing on the back part of the shoe? He's taking space-ship-shoewear to a whole new level, but not necessarily in a good way.

Spoiler/Obama Nike Dunk
http://www.simplysneakers.com/kanye-west-x-louie-vuitton-shoe-revealed/

Political Feedbox.

"BlackBerry President" (If Barack Obama wasn't a president, he would be a BlackBerry spokesman, worth $50million. Can't knock a president who texts.) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/business/media/09blackberry.html?em
ChestFuzz: A comeback. (From Gossip Girl to MadMen, chest hair is the new zexy accessory for 2009. D$ has been rockin it for quite some time..) http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-12-16/the-return-of-chest-hair
Illy-nois Govenor Impeached. (The House voted unanimously to oust the curropt politician: 114-1. Finally a little justice around here.) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/09/rod-blagojevich-usa

SneakAttach!

NY Mag made their picks of sneakers, but I thought they were all atrocious. So here are my spotlight kicks for 2008-09!

Fruitvale, a snapshot.