Blushblog

Michael Jackson Tribute and the BET Awards

   
Like millions of other people around the world, I grew up listening to, imitating, and admiring Michael Jackson.  My room was complete with posters, buttons, and action figures.  I idolized him.  He was the only superhero (other than my mom and dad) I ever believed in, so when the news of his cardiac arrest came in I was not worried.  The child in me rationalized that because he was my superhero he would be just fine.  You see, no cardiac arrest could stop him.  So, when the news of his death came in it didn't sink in for a couple of hours.  It didn't sink in until I was in the car headed to my Zumba class that the endless play of his hits resonated with me that he was gone.  When the disc jockey played "You Are Not Alone", I was shocked by my tears.  My superhero was gone.  One of my great regrets will be that I never saw him perform live.

Over this past weekend, I watched every video, interview and flashback that BET, MTV, and VH1 played.  I introduced my daughter to him and watched her dance to "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller".  From time to time over the weekend, she would tell me, "Mommy, I want Michael Jackson."  I was more than happy to find a video playing on one of the music television networks for her.


Last night, BET played special tribute to Michael during its annual awards show.  During the three and one half hours show, many performs paid tribute to Michael.  Janet Jackson addressed the audience on behalf of the Jackson family.  I was particularly impress with Ne-Yo's rendition of "Lady In My Life".  On a similar note, I was super excited that Ne-Yo brought out Keith Sweat, Guy, and BBD to perform.


New Edition performed a couple of the Jackson 5 songs in a thoughtful to Michael Jackson.  They didn't sound too great but they have not lost a step.

Here are a few notables...

Now, I know that I am not the only one who was not impressed with Beyonce's boring performance.  I also, cannot be the only one who found her performance in a white wedding night sequence teddy and sheer housecoat lame, desperate, and unnecessary.  Anyway, she won two awards last night.


Keri Hilson, who I like, performed last night.  Sorry Keri, it was not good.  When will new artists learn not to try the whole call and response thing with the audience?  The artist will always look lame when the crowd does not answer.  I hope you learned your lesson Keri.  Your dress was hot though.

Keyshia Cole and Monica performed their song and they sounded pretty good.  It is always good to see Monica perform.  She needs to get back in the game full time.


Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys received Humanitarian Awards.  Jean's speech was short and sweet, while Alicia's was long and long and also thoughtful.  She was fly as usual.


Zoe Saldana looked great.  I am a fan of a chic and modern white dress.


Tyrese, Johnny Gill, and Trey Songz performed a wonderful tribute to the O'Jays, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Tyrese, Johnny and Trey sounded great as they sang "Stairway to Heaven".


I have to give best performance of the night to Maxwell.  R&B at its finest!!.

Products of the Week

I am a steadfast believer in cleaning out your system a couple of times a year, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or have been eating less than healthful foods.  I have also read that body cleansing is good before starting a diet and exercise program and promotes weight control and a healthy digestive system.  Over the last few years, I have a tried several brands and some are better than others.  Unfortunately, I have encountered a few that have been so harsh on my stomach that I felt confined to my house.  Most recently, I have found the most success and have been the most pleased with the Whole Foods 365 Complete Body Cleanse (available at Whole Foods Market) and the GNC Preventive Nutrition Complete Body Cleanse 7 day Program.  After these cleanses, I felt lighter, my stomach was in place of zen and tranquility, and my skin looked brighter.


Thanks to Rae, I have become a big fan of the television show Cook Yourself Thin.  The show features three cooks who take the favorite meals of each episode's guest and teaches her how to cook the same meals with significantly less calories and fat.  They give you a before recipe calorie count and a after recipe calorie count.  The show is addictive!  In the spirit of my post-baby weight loss crusade, I have tried a couple of recipes and have been very happy with the outcomes.  The recipes are available on the shows website and in the Cook Yourself Thin cookbook.  The folks at CYT say that if you follow the recipes you will lose a dress size in six weeks.  I will let you know how I do.  BTW, I have to recommend the French Toast Sundaes.

How Adventurous Are You?

Are you a sexually adventurous person?  Would your partner describe you as adventurous?  While that term is certainly relative and subjective, most women I have talked to over the age of 30 said that they once were but as they got older the adventure element of their sex lives disappeared.  Some women said it died with age.  Some said it died when they had children.  Some said it died as a result of a lack of confidence caused by one thing or another.  Of course, the natural progression of conversation became how do you get the need for sexual adventure back.  Surely, there is a different answer for everyone, but I think central to all answers would be to love sex again.

Reevaluate your needs.  What feels good to you now?  Perhaps the things that use to get you going just don't bring the same excitement anymore. 

Communicate with your partner.  Has your partner's needs changed?  Part of arousal is seeing your partner aroused.  Do you need more or less foreplay?  Is your partner doing something that turns you off or kills the mood?

Lose your inhibitions.  Find ways to rev up your confidence so you can be open to a little sexual adventure.  Consider taking a exotic dancing class.  

Shock yourself and your partner.  Wear something sexy to bed and create a fantasy. 

Blushing Ladies Speak:
How did you return the adventure to your sex life?

Weekend Happenings - Myrtle Beach

Will you be in Myrtle Beach this weekend?  Here are a few minutes you should check out.

After a day at the beach, enjoy a cool down with a fair flair.  For kids and adults.
Barefoot Landing Summerfest
4898 Highway 17 South
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7pm to 11pm

Feel like teeing off?
22nd Annual Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament
Pine Lakes Golf Course
Woodside Avenue
Myrtle Beach, SC
Saturday, June 20th from 8:30am to 2:30pm

Think you're funny then take an improv class.  You're on vacation so who will know if you bomb?
Improv Classes for Adults
Carolina Improv Company
Southern Portraits and Accents
3901 N. Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 7pm - 9pm

Want to club hop?
Myrtle Beach has great nightlife, so why not take in as many clubs/bar as you can.  Get out and explore.

Feel like eating?  Here is a list a few good places to savor.
Carolina Roadhouse
4617 N. Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC

Bimini's Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe
930 Lake Arrowhead Road
Myrtle Beach, SC

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
2920 Hollywood Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC

Product Endorsement

You've seen her on BET's "They Like Me, They Really, Really, Really Like Me," now see her in person at Pregunts Art Cafe.  It's our very own Gena Pemberton.  The show is free, so bring 10 friends.  She never disappoints!

The show is tonight.  So hurry and leave work now!

                   

Take a Chill Pill

  It's graduation season.  The time where families can celebrate one of the most momentus achievements of a younge graduates life. 

Unless, you are scheduled to graduate from Bonny Eagle High School in Maine and you take a bow and blow a kiss to your family.

Justin Denney walked onto the stage, took a bow, blew a kiss to his mother, and pulled on a necklace of his.  What was he met with when he reached the school superintendent for his diploma?  "Um, no haps kid, scram."  Ok, not quite that, but he was told that "there was no fooling around" allowed on stage and asked why he felt that he deserved his diploma.  He replied that he'd worked hard for it.  She obviously didn't agree with him.  He was told to go sit down without a diploma.  That was five days ago, he still doesnt have it.

This is the same graduation where kids who played with a beach ball were taken behind the stage and threatened with arrest.  Ok, seriously?  This is insane

Now we all hear the speech at the beginning of graduation ceremonies to hold your cheers and applause until the end.  We know that's not happening and you can't expect every kid to walk across the stage meekly without some form of patting themselves on the back. 

Not giving a degree and having the police threaten them with arrest is just a bit much. 

Lighten up a little lady.  Geez.  He can't get that day back.


The story can be read in its entirety here.

I Blame Beyonce

Last week, I read on my favorite gossip website that Beyonce's father/manager/puppeteer, Mathew Knowles, informed BET that Beyonce would not perform at the upcoming BET Awards this month if LeToya Luckett, former Destiny's Child member, performed.  Is this true?  Who knows for sure but TheYBF is pretty reliable.  If this is true, Mathew Knowles' actions are petty, ridiculous, and nasty.  Was this ultimatum made at Beyonce's behest or did her father/manager/puppeteer take matters into his own hands? 

For those of you who need a brief back story...LeToya was one of the original members of Destiny's Child who left the group with allegations that Mathew Knowles was skimping on her check.  Would you be surprised?  No?  Nor would I.  At any rate, this happened years ago, and LeToya has been fighting to make a career come back.

After this BET Awards ultimatum story broke, Rae and I had a debate about who is responsible for Mathew Knowles behavior if Beyonce did not put him up to this latest example of piss poor behavior.  Rae says that he is the sole person responsible for his dirty vindictiveness because Beyonce probably cannot control her father and cannot be held accountable if he is just a "I made you" rogue manager.  I disagree.  I blame Beyonce under the laws of agency.  I am not a fan of Beyonce, and I never have been; however, I will give credit where credit is due.  She's been marketed very well.  Clearly, you do not make the money she has made without being a marketing force.  That being said, with fame and money comes responsibility.  As with any employer/business, the employer/business owner is responsible for the actions of those they employ when that person is acting within the scope of his or her employment.  In this case, Beyonce is the business owner.  Domineering father or not, he is her agent acting in furtherance of her business.  I am sure that is very difficult trying to police your dad/manager.  However, I have a hard time gathering sympathy for a multi-millionaire.  She's not Miley Cirus.  She's a grown woman and should act as such.  If dad is cutting up under your name, then perhaps it is time that dad take on another role in your camp.  It is well established that her father is largely responsible for her success, but she is the brand/star/grown woman, thus she should be the captain of the ship.  Allowing her father/manager to exercise old grudges is foolish.

I am not a fan of LeToya's, but I will champion on an underdog.  Surely, there is room on the stage for LeToya and Beyonce.  Surely, a pop star with the success that Beyonce has been blessed with can share a little limelight.  Surely, a former group member who wrote some of Destiny's Child's award winning songs deserves some respect from Beyonce and her camp.  Surely, Dina Beyonce is not that insecure and mean-spirited.  It is on Beyonce to rectify her father's behavior.  If he did make this ultimatum to BET, it is Beyonce's responsibility to make it right.  All of this is irrelevant if she takes no issue with anti-LeToya antics.  Perhaps she is the diva she says she is in her songs.  Perhaps she does not want any passengers on her plane.  Perhaps Sasha Beyonce needs be at the center of the everything.

On a similar note, I would love to know why Kelly Rowland dumped Mathew Knowles as her manager after such long relationship and close personal ties. 

BTW, am I the only one tired of Beyonce's umpteen black and white music videos?

Blushing Ladies Speak:
Tell me what you think.

Weekend Happenings: Los Angeles

Well, we know that the former Ms California may have been given the boot, but that's no reason for you to stay in the house.  Here are great things to do if you are in LA

Get a change of scenery

Whether you stay in the LA area and need a change of scenery or if you're staying for the weekend, crash in style at the Hotel Palomar.  The Kimpton Hotel Group is one of my favorite brands.  Right now they have a $1 more promotion where for just $1 more per night, you can get a free continental breakfast for two or a free drink for each day of your stay.

Hotel Palomar
10740 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles 90024

Throw on the Purple and Gold

Head out to Yankee Doodles in Santa Monica to watch the game.  This sports bar offers great food, pool tables, and other great games.

Yankee Doodles
1410 3rd street promenade at Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Jazz and Playboy-Sounds like a funky good time

Bill Cosby is master of ceremonies for this fantastic event going on Saturday and Sunday.  Tell Hef that I said hello.
Playboy Jazz Festival 2009
The Patina Group at The Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90078

   
Catch a drive-in horror flick

If you love horror movies, check out the Masters of Horror Drive-In Series in East Hollywood.  Tonight is the last night.

Masters of Horror Drive In Series
4773 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Product of the Week

I was walking out of my local grocery store yesterday, when  I noticed Starbucks handing out free samples.  The board said Iced Hot Chocolate.  I was intrigued.
                                                             
                                                        

It was Chocolaty goodness.  I normally don't drink hot chocolate from Starbucks.  The caramel Macchiato always beacons me.  My non-coffee drinking friends swear by it.  But even they had not tried the Iced Hot Chocolate.  It didn't taste like the cheap hot chocolate packets from my childhood.  It tasted like someone was in the back of Starbucks turning chocolate to dust for my pleasure.

This will definitely be put into rotation on my Starbucks run.

Oh and Kendall, according to the site, it's available with Soy!

Oh to be green

I've been discussing the option of starting a vegetable and herb garden with several of my friends over the past couple of months,  and I think that I'm finally ready to start it.  I even bought some herbs and a planter.  Ok, I purchased them about a month and a half ago, but I pledge that they will get planted this weekend!

My fire has been lit by all of the articles that I'm reading on DC families participating in community gardens.  If my Washingtonians can jump on it in an area where there is no such thing as "extra land," then so can I.  The big push to start my own garden came from my love of fresh foods.   But the ultimate push was the echo that I'm hearing in my wallet after visiting the produce section at the grocery store.  Can we talk about bell peppers for a sec?  Oh my goodness.  I'll have to take out an extra mortgage to keep those suckers in my fridge.  They're starting to become pay day treats.  I can only buy them on the Fridays that I get paid.  Not a day later or earlier. 

I won't venture into the hard to grow veggies yet.  I'll start with easy stuff.  I think that I may even rope my cousin who lives by into it.   My neighbors have a small garden and I went to them for tomatoes during the big tomato scare of 2008.

In the midst of my planning I've gathered a ton of resources.  I'm really digging this community garden thing.  If you're new, you can share your work with others, while benefiting from their experience.  I plan to have my own, but I'd love to join a community garden as well.  Keep in mind that this is coming from a girl who can barely keep a houseplant alive.   I'll let you know how it works out.

Teachers, this could be a great project to start with your kids.  Parents, YOU TOO!

The people at your local farmers market are a great source of information.  Here are some others:

DC Urban Gardeners

Community GardenCommunity Garden--Great info on starting a community garden.  They also have a great map on their homepage for community gardens across the US.

Martha StewartMartha Stewart --You know that I had to check Martha out.  If you perform a search on her site, she has TONS of info.

Blushing Ladies Speak:
Have you ever thought about starting your own vegetable garden?  If you already have one, any advice?