May 28, 2010
FYI: I adore Kanye West.
808′s & Heartbreak no matter what you say is a GREAT album. He is showing some harcore emotions on that LP ..
Anywho, ‘Ye is back with his new track, ‘POWER‘ .. I dig it .. but why would I not? I don’t have a audio player plug-in so you’ll have to head over HERE to Nah’ Right to check it out…
I can’t wait for his new project to come out. I don’t like to listen to each track as the ‘leak” ..I like to wait for the full experience. I know he would ‘Never let me down’ lol..
Word on the street is that Kanye & Amber broke up and he paid her some $$$ for her silence (aka a GAG order). Well, at least he rather pay up now than have his business in the street. I’m just mad that girls are gonna be trying to use that as the new come up. . . (you know its true … every body wants to be the next SuperHead)
Posted in entertainment, Music | Tags: fashion, hot, music, raves | No Comments »
December 4, 2009
Who is Orla Kiely and why do I want her ‘Color Forest’ Printed Shoulder Bag? I LOVE the leather flap-tab closure. Well, I love it when all my crap isn’t falling out the purse.
But this is adorable! I absolutely Love the patter, both inside and out!
I don’t love the $368 price tag Nordstrom’s is tagging this bag for however.
*adds this to Xmas wish list*
Posted in Fashion Friday | Tags: fashion, hot, raves | No Comments »
October 13, 2009
1. Want to be a Wine expert? Me too! I happen to LOVE wine, and I’m all for having the right wine for the right occasion. Except, my dilemma is that I hate red wine! But, like the author said, “Every adult should be familiar with wine, even if they do not drink it.”
2. Would you get a piranha pedicure? Part of me finds this midly intriguing but utterly gross!!! What do they do with the fish while they change the water? But I just really want to know how smooth are your feet when its done? Will some people still need that razor later??
3. Need a Plug Rug? So, when I go out and I need to hide things – tampons, cameras, ID and the like, I just stuff it in my cleavage. But I guess not everyone is as fortunate and they need a plug rug. Get them while they’re HOT!
4. It’s a Wheel? It’s a Hampster Wheel? It’s a bed? Yes, that’s right, this is a cool, ROCKING bed! This would be great for getting that perfect angle to watch TV on. And maybe a few other good uses. The site is in some other language, Dutch or German, so I can’t find the price, good luck with that! Consider it your own persona cloud!
Posted in Cleo's Rants, entertainment | Tags: entertainment, humor, news, rambling, random, rants, raves | 1 Comment »
April 9, 2009
It’s been about 3 months since I made the move to Newark and I must say, its an experience. Chronicle my acclimation as I blog with GlocallyNewark.com to help show people a different side of Newark.
Want the overpriced NYC feel in NJ, check out my review of MiSaVi
Want more of the local diner feel? I also reviewed Top’s Diner (OMG can you say Strawberry Short Cheesecake? ) talk about YUM!!
I don’t want to bombard you guys with links, but do please check me out. It means a lot to me (especially if you comment!) LOL
Posted in Cleo's Rants | Tags: hot, Jersey, random, raves | No Comments »
March 3, 2009
OMG can we say SUPER SEXY??? Where can I find this in my size? I bet it cost like $200!!I keep looking at like wow, this really is sophisticated & sexy..
Thanks to http://lingeriedreams.info-fiend.com/ via Sheenv.blogspot.com for this find.
Posted in Cleo's Rants | Tags: hot, random, raves | 3 Comments »
January 21, 2009
Ok.. here is my Inauguration coverage, and maybe the end of the ObamaRama that has been plaguing us for the past year or two. I am kind of happy that the election is over and the inauguration too. I am happy with the experience and am ready to actually see “CHANGE” in process. I know its not going to be tangible right now, but I’m tired of all the talk. I wish the Obama’s the best of luck, and I really am super proud of having been able to witness this in my young life.
So, Kitty over @ Kittybradshaw.com (thanks again for the tip!) told me about this letter making its net rounds from the Bush girls to the Obama girls. So I did my digging and found it over at the Washington Journal’s site. No matter what the Bush girls do with their lives I will always think of them as raging drunks.. but then again that’s how I think of most people, LOL. But after reading the letter, I think the most valuable thing they could have said was about not seeing your father through the worlds eyes, but by your own eyes. He’s a father first then the President. Although that may get lost over time and in translation its a very real statement to make. And although the Obama girls, Sasha and Malia, are very young they are entering foreign territory. The Bush girls kinda knew what was ahead from when their Grandfather was president.
This letter should have focused on the pressures that now await them in their growing years. I mean, all that stuff about friends and museums was great and fine, but no one can prepare them on how to deal with your teenage years, and teenage rebellion, under the watchful eye of not only the secret service but from the American People. And, honestly, Sasha & Malia have it worse being the first African-American (or Black whatever you prefer to call it) first children. There is twice as much, hell 3 times as much, pressure on them. The world will be waiting for them to make one wrong step. Sad but true…
Here’s their letter:
Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn’t quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by — the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.
We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:
– Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.
– If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.
– If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”
– And, a note on White House puppies–our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.
– Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.
– When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.
– In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!
For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.
In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.
When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren’t sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.
As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.
Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.
This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.
And finally, although it’s an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.
Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book ‘Ana’s Story’ and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book ‘Read All About It.’
Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
Source WSJ
Posted in news | Tags: hot, news, politics, raves | 1 Comment »
January 14, 2009
From Parade Magazine.. Obama’s Open Letter to His Daughters:
Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.
She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.
I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.
Love,
Dad
This was touching.. Its crazy.. by this time next week, he will officially be our president, not the President-Elect. I am excited and nervous about whats in store for the American future. I believe in what I interpret his vision to be, and can’t wait to experience the next few years. If you think about it, this is the next great era, there are going to be countless books and memoirs about this monumental time in US history. This is big.
Posted in Randomness | Tags: hot, learning, news, politics, raves | 2 Comments »
December 23, 2008
I’m a busy blogger today! I have the emptiness of work to thank for that! Thanks Work! Anyway, I am on a quest for a pair of fingerless gloves. I don’t know what it is about them that makes me like them. I think its because they make me feel edgy. Either way, I really want a pair like those pictured above, with individual loops for fingers. However, I haven’t found them anywhere I’ve looked. But to be fair I’ve really only looked at Target, so I guess that nulls my point. Either way I want these so bad. But what I did find at Target was a “arm-warmer” which I’m thoroughly enjoying except for the print. They have a black background and multi colored heats and stars. They kind of look like the ones pictured below, but not as mature. They also don’t come up as high. I feel like and edgy 13 year old, but my hands are warm. I really hope that these fingerless gloves find their way into my Christmas stocking. You hear that ‘Santa’????? When I Googled fingerless gloves I came across this site, Coquette, that had a whole blog dedicated to them, which is where I got these images. Take a look at what they’ve posted. Damn, I really want some of these!! I really want some like the first one, but I’m not paying $ 55 dollars.. but someone else could.. I would like a color to match my scarf too.. OK, let me stop being picky..if someone gets me them I will love them no matter what color!
Coquette Blog
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December 7, 2008
ChocoMinty Coconut Cookies
I don’t know if its been made clear in the past, but I like to cook, I might even venture to say that I borderline love to cook. I am intrigued by the way different flavors mesh and can’t wait to buy The Flavor Bible, when it goes down in price. So, one day I’m blog strolling and I came across this blog, Dolcecakes.wordpress.com which features different baking recipes. Now, while I think I have the cooking thing done pretty well, but don’t ask me to make a Beef Wellington anytime soon, I have not conquered baking. So, on this blog I found her recipe for Chocominty Coconut Cookies. I love mint chocolate so these instantly got printed and I conspired to make them. The ingredients sounded like things I could pick up from my local supermarket,so I decided to give them a go. After all, I love trying new things, and baking is my next goal. Well, there are a few more dishes I’d like to master, but I can multitask..
Now, I don’t know the difference between pastry flour and regular flour. The recipe called for wheat pastry flour, however in the aisle at Stop & Shop they only had wheat flour. On the package it said great for baking so I went with that since pastry flour wasn’t there. All the other ingredients were easy, brown sugar and coconut among them. I get home and set my butter out to become room temperature, which takes forever. I was getting anxious so I put it in the microwave for 10 seconds. Then I let it sit while I mixed all the other ingredients. After adding the butter, I wish it was a little softer, but it was pretty thick cookie dough. I’ve only made cookies from scratch one or two times and they were oatmeal cookies, so they should be dry. Since then Pillsbury and Tollhouse have been my cookie go-tos, so this was pretty dry, but i did as the instructions said and rolled it into a log and refridgerated it for the designated two hours. It instructs you to cut in in 1/4 inch slices, but I had no clue how to judge that, so I decided to wing it and came out with some different sized slices on my cookie sheet. I baked them for the instructed 10 minutes, but they didn’t seem done, so I left them in for a few more minutes. Not the best idea.
Cookies!
After taking them out and letting them cool, I had a very delicious mint choco cookie. However, it was tough on the teeth. Not the best results for cookies. But they were so good, strong flavors.. At first I had doubts because it used so little mint extract (half teaspoon). I wondered if the mint flavor would stand out, and it really does. I will definitely try to make these again, I would like them to have a “gooey” factor, so after I get the recipe down, I might add in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for added “gooey” ness. They may be hard, but they taste damn good with milk! I shall master baking . . . one day…
My first bite of minty goodness
Posted in food | Tags: food, hot, raves | 4 Comments »
December 5, 2008
During the summer I was browsing the EA website and saw that in 2009 they would be releasing the Sims 3. For some, that’s not big news, but to me-an avid Sim lover since they first came out, this was huge news. All I had to go on was that this one would give the user more control over their individual Sim and the neighborhood. Excited and Thrilled were not enough to cover my feelings. My roommates girlfriend is also an avid Sim’er so I broke the news to her and she was equally as excited. So, since the summer months, it has kind of been off my radar due to it not being released until 2009.
Today, or yesterday, I received an email from EA offering a discount because its the holiday season, and all that good cheery stuff that I don’t subscribe to. In the email they mentioned discounts on all Sims 2 things, so this instantly bought up my curiosity as to when the exact release date was for Sims 3. So I Googled them and came across their website, thesims3.ea.com. I watched the video that the developers put together, and saw the endless possibilities, stemming from more choices in age ranges, more job choices, and more house designs.
The biggest new feature is the interactiveness of the town. Being able to join protest outside city hall, to being able to fish in the pond in the park, and being able to drop in on neighbors are all features that are new to the game. Also, it hopes for easier user online transition. Before you had to go outside the game to upload stuff online or even import things from online at thesims2.com. And there are new “personality traits” that are supposed to have a big affect on your Sim and their interaction with other Sims. AND they can have more than one job at time, you can be a doctor with a part time gig playing for a rock band! How cool is that?? A cool scenario presented was this one, “your Sim can choose to Whoohoo at work, but if they get caught then both Sims run out of the office naked. Now, that could be a lesson you don’t want to learn in the real world!” This is about some of the moral choices shown in the game. But I think one of the biggest changes users will see is that everyone ages while you play. In past Sims games you could build two families at the same time. But if you played with family A more than family B they would be on different ages. Now, your seems are alive as your playing with your family out on this free-world.
If anyone is familiar with Sims of the past you know that your control pretty much is in your house and thats it. Life outside the house, like at work, you have no control over. With the introduction of the Sims 2, we saw more control, like your Sims could now “Woohoo” aka have sex, but this takes it to a new level. And in the Sims 2 your Sim could be pregnant, which was cool. And you had teenagers who could sneak out the house and have their first kiss. I was hooked when I got this game. Although having a laptop kinda made me play less, I still liked it. I have the Sims on my Nintendo GameCube too, but I don’t play that as much. I am eagerly awaiting the release of Sims 3, and while I may purchase it off eBay to try to get a discount, it doesn’t make me love it any less, it just means I’m cheap!!
Posted in entertainment | Tags: entertainment, hot, props, random, raves, technology | 3 Comments »
November 6, 2008
This was the election heard round the world. Since when have Kenyans, Indians and Asians cared who was the American president? But after 8 years of falling into an abyss that would lead to America becoming yet another FORMER world power, faith has been restored in the potential that America has. Barack Obama and his movement have made that possible -not a campaign but yes a movement. He rallied support not only of the youth and blacks but he also revived an American spirit deep down inside all of us. So many people have said today that they now know what it feels like to be “proud to be an American. “ I actually feel that I am proud. I have happy feelings I can’t put into words. I open my facebook and myspace and see everyones status reflect their giddiness over the new direction we can have. Change is resonating through our hearts and minds. People actually have faith in change, shocking.
I am only 23 and I can freely admit I may have thought this possible one day but never in a lifetime where I would be so young. The first black/African American president. I am humbled and awed all at the same time. I am also realizing even more how my generation has to step up to the plate and help continue to propel us forward. This is our generations civil rights moment. This is our March on Washington. Can we believe it was only 40 years ago that Dr. King said one day, no one really saw one day as being any day soon. This does not mean by any way that racism is dead in America,or any country, but rather shows that racial barriers can and continue to be broken down every day. Not only am I proud for my generation, but for those still alive from the original movement who have lived to see their hard work and perseverance pay off. That is what brings a tear to my eyes and a chill to my spine. Thinking of their pride, and ultimately their power in being forces of change. They are the people who need to be praised and admired. They deserve a standing ovation on inauguration day.
I can’t believe I had the fortune of being at CNN watching this moment unfold. Being in a room full of various people of shapes, sizes, and classes and seeing everyone burst into applause at the projection that he’d won. Seeing people tear and gasp out of happiness was enough to make me feel good. Seeing massive crowds gather for a man who the republicans tried to drag down with pettiness and slander stand strong-with his beautiful wife and daughters-made it all slightly surreal. Seeing him embrace his new role with grace and dignity made me sure he was the right man. I know on the inside there were all sorts of emotions on his part. Thinking, “I have been chosen. I am the leader. Wow.” Followed by “oh shit, I have been chosen I am the leader, wow.” Lol.
I know its not going to be an easy road for president-elect Barack Obama, but I think he’s shown he’s solid, “solid as barack.” LOL. I believe this is the election that will be remembered for years. This is an American triumph. There have been wars before, so yes 9/11 will always be remembered and idolized by some. But to me that is just a day to be honored and remembered. I sympathize with those who lost family and friends. But to me, this here, is my American history. This is what affects me. This affects the world.
Posted in news | Tags: change, news, politics, raves | No Comments »
October 22, 2008
This quote only has to do with this post in the sense that I write it with utter happiness. It’s not philosophical or anything like that. Just happy to update you guys! On with the show!
So, I posted these boots here. They are the Nine West Galen boot. I ordered them on Sunday and they arrived at my job on Tuesday. Super fast. So I anxiously awaited getting home to try them on, I was so excited. I opened them and showed them off because they were so FAB. After work however, I couldn’t go straight home and indulge. I met with a friend for dinner then went shopping for my Halloween costume (which is super cute and sexy). So after this long day of building anticipation I go home and my roommate is there. My roommate is a first hand witness of my shoe addiction. He’s watching his show, Fringe, and I’m all chipper and excited with my news. So finally I try them on. At first I was worried because they seemed a little narrow trying to get them on, since they have no zipper you have to maneuver your foot in there. I almost broke down, but after a few tugs they went on, OVER MY calves. The slouch boots were actually slouchy, in the right places. I was so excited. This is only after one boot. So I dig out the paper in the other boot and slide that one on with more more ease. So, there I am in my black work clothes with my pants jacked up, prancing in my new boots. I didn’t want to take them off. They weren’t tight in any place. I was literally in shoe heaven. Add that to my excitement about my Halloween costume and I had an adrenaline rush. Happiness! Or as a friend would say “Swagger!” LOL
Posted in Cleo's Rants, shoes | Tags: hot, raves, shoes | No Comments »
October 10, 2008
I don’t know about some people, but I was excited about Jennifer Hudson’s cd being finally released. I was not so excited about Jazmine Sullivan’s cd. Not because she can’t sing, because she has skills, but because her first single didn’t wow me and there was so much hype around her. Everyone was talking about it. I like to be the kind of person that strays from the norm. Now, JHud, is a great singer. Do I think she should have gotten an Oscar for singing in DreamGirls… NO.. but that’s not my point.So these two albums came out pretty close together in time, and rather than write seperate reviews, I’m going to compare them.
Personally, I think Jaz’s album blows Hudson’s out the box.. Not for vocal skills but because of how personal the material seems. Jhud’s seems so… generic. I don’t feel like I know her any better after listening to her album. Jazmine’s.. I feel like wow, she went through something like this. And it’s more youthful.
Let’s talk standout tracks… JHudson.. Of course her single Spotlight is pretty dope. But it is slightly generic. I like the track Pocketbook in a sense that its funny and cute. I like Giving myself, my heart, can’t stop the rain, and invisible. Cute, standard, formulaic tracks. She doesn’t do anything surprising on this album, which is a disappointment for me. She had so many people waiting for her to drop and it makes me wonder is that why she played it safe? they also included “and I’m telling you…” from Dreamgirls on the album. I think they should have included, “I love you I do” versus this song because, well it was cute and this one has been heard over and over and over again. Her songs are simply mid to low-tempo and the kind of blend together at some points. I guess thats why I like Pocketbook, its the riskiest song on the album. Overall, its an OK debut album but its a C level from someone with her talent. I do NOT feel her album was worth the wait. No sir I do NOT!
Jazmine Sullivan… where do we begin? This is a genuinely good cd to me. Good writing, good production. Not predictable. On this cd I only skip one song, Call Me Guilty, I don’t know why but it just isn’t one of my favorites. I love the track Dream big it has a different sound than the rest of the album and because it’s inspiring. It reminds me of #1 from the Instructions for Life.. Take risks.. Be in the moment. Wait, before I continue, I have to say that I may have listened to the songs in the wrong order because my burning program burned the alphabetically, weirdo! The first song I heard was After the Hurricane which was good to me. It wasn’t too mellow or mid tempo. Following that song was Bust ya Windows which now has a video, which even though it wasn’t in order it was a good followup song – in the sense that after you tore my life up like a hurricane I’ma bust your windows! Take that man! Take that!! Other songs that I like are Fear, which is utterly simple but yet so powerful. “you’re not human without fear” is so true. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. One night stand, This song took me more than one listen to like. Actually, her whole album did. The first time around I said, what is all the hype. But me being too lazy to take the cd out my car made me realize that hey, this is actually good. Lions, Tigers & Bears... this song hits my heart. So real, so heartfelt so personal for many people. Switch-the bonus track, love it! It’s so cute and fun and makes me laugh. This is why I like her album. it flows nice, it has a youthful feel to it. And i feel like I know her a little better after listening to it. I feel that she’s been through some of these situations and she understands me. I don’t know if someone else wrote them for her or not, but she makes me believe it.
Jennifer Hudson get a 3.5 outta 5.. Jazmine Sullivan is 4.5 teetering pretty darn close to 5, only because I skip that one song. Not that its a bad song, i just like everything else so much more. Now these are just my opinions, you are free to like Jennifer’s album more, but don’t get mad if i disagree. this is America, we can share! LOL..
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September 30, 2008
I came across this article about how 2008 was proclaimed the year of reading. In the article they said Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham) has never read a book, but yet she writes them. How does that really work? What about her kids? I think this occurs a lot today. Hell, we have a lot of “authors” who do not really write their own books. I mean, every time one of these “tell all” books comes out by these former video groupies, do people actually think they wrote them? No, they are more like dictations to a person they sold their story to. Foolishness!
Anyway, the article asks, does reading make you clever? Not necessarily. Reading does stimulate the cortex, and does improve things like:
- vocabulary
- grammar
- spelling
- writing
- comprehension
- reasoning
- analytical skills
People seem to think that there is tangible knowledge in books, but its not measurable knowledge. It’s not like needing to know something and googling it. If you want an understanding of a subject beyond skimming it then yes read books. Books go in-depth while the internet and other mediums give you only general ideas about things. And this is just non-fiction.
Fiction books are where imagination begins. Why do we begin telling our children stories and letting them watch cartoons? To stimulate creativity and teach lessons. Stories are oratory books. By giving children books it internalizes their ability to engage in a fantasy whenever they want. However, people aren’t creative enough anymore. Reading fiction requires patience. You have to let a story grow and develop and we are victims of an instant gratification society. We want what we want and we want it now! A good number of people in the younger generations (this includes me at times) have had their imagination muted by television , movies , and video games.
To answer the article, cleverness can’t be learned, its an innate ability, sort of like sarcasm. You can’t train to be sarcastic. There is no google search for sarcasm or cleverness. But you can draw inspiration from characters in books and mimic them. Learning does not just come from a classroom. People need to step out of that box. Lately, I’ve been slacking on my reading. I’ve been trying to diversify the books I’m reading. Read more non-fiction. My book I just started today is a mystery. I started trying to get back to where I read all day every day when I wasn’t busy. To start I’ve been trying to dedicate at least one hour a day to reading. Sometimes I’m not so successful. 
Posted in Cleo's Rants | Tags: hot, learning, raves | No Comments »
September 20, 2008
Wellington Boots. I didn’t even know what they were called, I used to refer to them as rain boots, but now that I know their name I can talk about them. I used to hate these boots. They came out of nowhere and then they were everywhere in the blink of an eye. But now, after so many bouts with cold wet feet, I see the essentialness of them and have said I can’t wait to find myself a pair. I can’t believe I made such a drastic turn around, the next thing you know I’ll be saying how the UGG boot is cool and cute (someone stop me if I ever get there, but you get my drift). My dilemma is that each and every time I find a cute pair of these boots, they don’t fit around the logs I am forced to call calves. This depresses me because these are a shoe/boot that you can be super creative and cutesy with. No one is going to object to you having butterflies and hearts on your cute plastic rain boot, but if you had a coat with all that, you might be ridiculed. I am desperate to find some to fit me with fall fast approaching and we all know that fall equals rain. Winter also equals rain (and snow!). I will not stand for wet pants legs anymore. Take a stand for dry pant legs all around and help me find these boots with a wide calf!!! It is essential that it fit loosely over the calf because your jeans and pants should tuck into the boot, not drape over them.
Posted in shoes | Tags: hot, raves, shoes | 1 Comment »
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