Miss Virginia Wins 2010 Miss America Crown - ABC News

Miss Virginia Wins 2010 Miss America Crown - ABC News

I'm not big on pageants, but when a Sis holds it down something proper, I must salute.

...Of course it doesn't hurt that she's from VIRGINIA!! (Not-that-close, tho.)

Congratulations Ms. Caressa Cameron!

DMV Love Continues: 'Sonje Ayiti' #Haiti #Haiti #Haiti

Even the biggest socialites'n'sich are turning up their shine as the DMV keeps pressing with Haiti.

That being said, here's some of what's going down just within the next 48 hours around the way:

Saturday, January 30th

Hip Hop 4 Haiti W/ Hip Hop Caucus

Layla Lounge

501 Morse St, NE

hiphop4haiti.ning.com

4P - 9P

Folks across the country are declaring 1/30 an official day of service to Haiti. Clothing, supplies, toiletries and non-perishable food items are welcome at this event. See the full list of goods to bring when you run through Layla tomorrow evening here. Local artists in attendance include DeAngelo Redman, Kyonte, Dy Rec, Mugsy Malone, Bear Witnez, Laelo Hood, Rated R, DJ DEE Cash on the 1s and 2s, & all female cipha! You can learn more about Hip Hop 4 Haiti's going-ons via www.HipHopHelpHaiti.org (New York Ave Metro Sta, Red Line)

Saturday, January 30th

DC Loves Haiti

The Park @ 14th

920 14th St, NW

Donations: $10-$25+

DRESS CODE: (DON'T play yourself) no sneakers allowed

$5 coat check

6P - 9P

The Park is also welcoming volunteers for this event. If you are interested, more information is available here. Performances include activist, poet, educator and Emcee Omekongo Dibinga. 100% of funds donated will go to Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health, World Vision, and/or (if you as a donor choose), the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund. Checks can be made to one or all of these organizations. Learn more via DC Loves Haiti. www.theparkatfourteenth.com (McPherson Square Metro Sta, Blue Line)

MasAshes: Donnie Simpson, Nooo!!!! Say Goodbye today at Ben's Chili Bowl

Donnie Simpson will certainly be missed. He has been the voice of WPGC 95.5's mornings for nearly 17 years, a significant chunk of his 30+ years in radio. The DMV loses a heavyweight over the airwaves. The video below features FOX5's Tony Perkins in the WPGC studios in Lanham, MD with Simpson himself.

Management may have had ought over the future of the show, but this doesn't have to be your last goodbye. ('Managerial ought' seems to be the unwelcome refrain in local radio...no? And if Radio One Empress Kathy Hughes comes fussing at me over the radio one mo'gain about this Congressional bill...)

(I ain't mad tho.)

Ben's Chili Bowl hosts a Fan Appreciation Event for Donnie Simpson TODAY from 12p - 2p. Ben's is located at 1213 U St., right across from U St.-Cardozo Station.

POST SCRIPT

Heeeeeeeeeyyyyyyy...

Anybody feeling another Talk to Me (Kasi Lemmons, 2007)? Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor did tha dang thang. I LOVE that movie! But no, really. Anybody? *Kanye shrug*

speaking of Nick Cannon (even tho I wasn't, really)...

His video ft. the Booskie and Nicki Minaj premiered today.

The Barbie thing...um...

*sighs.

But that piece aside, I think this is my first time watching Nicki Minaj perform. Heretofore I've only joined the bandwagon via her raps in audio format. Can you say NOTORIOUS K.I.M.????????

Especially when the male burlesque scene comes along. All I can think is 'Get Money.'

As for the video itself, I'm feeling trial version of Hype (letterbox biz), Arial font is EVIL, and who's done the babydoll box thing before? Reminded me of Beyonce and Lady Gaga a likkle in "Videophone."

Keepitreal, Nick was skerred to do extreme close-ups cuz Mimi might have something to say about any delayed pans of Nicki Lewinsky.

He pulled out the Drumline chops at the end, too...HA!

But look, I ain't hatin'! Make that money Nick Cannon! Milk the cow, bwoy milk the cow.

Mariah Carey, ft. Nicki Minaj "Up Out My Face", directed by Nick Cannon

Notorious B.I.G. ft. Lil' Kim "Get Money"

2010 Moves Forward with Weepy Great Commission Given by 2009

Yes. In other Disney related news (read 'Samuel L. Jackson's 'Thor' post), Miramax is ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Cinemablend isn't fibbing when they say the indie house changed once the Weinstein duo deuced. They'll take it even further to call the Weinstein brothers' Miramax the best epitomizer of '90s cinematic kulcha-culture.

And as far as melanin goes before and after the 20th century's end, there are a couple of notable films that earn Miramax a shoutout or quatro. In true Tarantino fashion (he kills me with his awkward 'Blaxploitation' era obsession), there's 'Jackie Brown' starring the still-stuntin' Pam Grier (who I heart!) a conked Samuel L. Jackson, and Robert DeNiro with face fuzz (1997).

There's the all-Salma-Hayek-all-the-time biopic, 'Frida' (2002), which was nominated for 6 Academy Awards that year.

On the international tip, 'City of God' is set in Rio de Janeiro the place, not the tourist attraction (2002), and bypasses mainstream "stars" for story (can you say: chhhhyeeeeeahhhhhboyeeeee!?)

Then there's 'Tsotsi' set in Johannesburg, SA. (It's kinda deep, yo.) Nineteen year old Tsotsi is accustomed to being a badbwoy. He's hijacked a car, as is customary to Tsotsi, but lo and behold, the woman he just shot and the innocence in his backseat is about to change him--living in a shantitown or not. This film is kinda deep, yo. And it's one such flick that may not necessarily characterize Miramax, but moves me to regret its passing, and ponder its potential in this decade.

Otherwise Brownfolk...

Where else would you have found a flick featuring Chewy in drag (Chiwetel Ejiofor in 'Kinky Boots', 2005)?

Vivica Fox dying oh-so-early in 'Kill Bill 1' regretting that she didn't get to be Black Mamba (2003)?

Blair Underwood asking Julia Roberts "Can't a brotha get some looooove?" in 'Full Frontal' before 'Sex and the City's' Miranda gave it to him (2000--and we rolled our eyes, anyways, thanks)?

Nick Cannon as an Iraq War vet to be (Sundance 2008 feature 'American Son', indicative, if I do say so my self, that Weinsteins have left the building)?

IFWHEN: I make my first flick, I'll wear...

:-D

LaCoste & Married to the MOB designed these sneakers.

For girls who have been tryna figure out how to soothe their Chucks-to-heels fetish, I must repost. If there were any shoe that quelled the need for the 'juvenile' and comfortable, then the need to feel *fris-kay* AND receive some sign from Womanhood that you're officially IN (or you'll at least halfway do)...

I've always said, if I ever get to a point where I don't feel like I have to worry about impressing somebody else in order to get into a school, in order to get a job, in order to..., in order to..., I'd do it my way. And why not literally lace up my sneakers?

Here's a poem, too! I heard a sister lament this same dilemma one year at Hip Hop Theater Festival here at home (DC, like, duh). These aren't the exact same verses, and actually, this is a different sister altogether. BUT it just goes to show I'm not alone. Read 'A Poem with Sole.'

POST SCRIPT

Don't take this as a sign of some defeated attitude. Creo que you can always do it your way--no matter what size heel or what color Converse distresses the prepackaged people around you. These sneaks are just an example of my victorious rebellion. :^)

Some DMV Goodness Tonight y Antes del Weekend

TONIGHT, January 27th 6:00p

Haiti Benefit (Partners in Health & Shelterbox)

Rock & Roll Hotel

1353 H St., NE

$10 Cover

BrightestYoungThings.com reports:

Shelterbox responds to disasters like the earthquake by distributing all-purposes "shelterboxes", kits that include everything a family needs to weather a crisis, such as a sturdy 10-person tent, blankets, a stove, and even coloring books for children. Shelterbox...gives each individual box a unique identification number so...you can track..from its point of departure to its new home in Haiti. [hm...]

Partners in Health...have been actively recruiting nurses and doctors with emergency room experience to head down to Haiti to help out with all the traumas. Rock & Roll Hotel is donating 10% of bar proceeds in addition to the donation of space for the event. If you're into Loose Lips, Caverns and Lissy Rosemont, pass on through, boo. www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

TONIGHT, January 27th 7:00p

Iranian Film Festival 2010

Freer Sackler (Smithsonian)

Meyer Auditorium

feat. Maziar Bahari, moderated by Karim Sadjadpour

An Iranian Odyssey: Mossadegh, Oil, and the 1953 CIA Coup (2009, 50 min.)

Freer Gallery says: Early 1950s Iranian prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, attempted to nationalize the country's oil industry, which had been monopolized for decades by a British company. Two years later, Mossadegh's quest--and his government--were defeated in a coup carried out by the CIA. Drawing from exclusive archival material and eyewitness testimony, 'An Iranian Odyssey' recounts these events and helps explain the lingering tensions between Iran and the West. [A timely doc, no?] asia.si.edu

TONIGHT, January 27th 8:00p

Metropolitan Muse Concert Series

Layla Lounge

501 Morse Street, NE

$10 Cover

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: If you consider yourself HIP HOP and you still haven't experienced HHP, that is Hip Hop Pantsula, (I'm not even going to get into it about Terrence Cunningham (!))--you've FAILED at life. thingsthatarejusttrue{dot}com. This is his last week in the country before he heads back to South Africa, where the whole CONTINENT stands in solidarity on the matter that he is the absolute truth. Check out his latest album, Dumela (2009), to prep yourself. Start with the Nas track, Keledimo, but that's just an appetizer (smh). This is the man Wyclef bows to, fam. Stop sleeping. Thanx. Terrence Cunningham, resident artist at Layla Lounge shares the stage with Jabba this evening in Norf'eas in true MetroMuse fashion. www.MetroMuseOnline.com

TONIGHT, January 27th 9:00p

SOTU Address

Busboys and Poets

ALL LOCATIONS

2021 14th St., NW (U St.-Cardozo)

1025 5th St., NW (Gallery Pl-Chinatown)

4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA

BB&P is so right. Everything does indeed look better on the big screen--AND in the company of community. Watch President Obama's first 'State of the Union' gut-check this evening at any Busboys & Poets location this evening. 14th & V will host a special open mic at 8:00p to lead in to the POTUS address. www.busboysandpoets.com

Thursday, January 28th 6:30p

Thelonious Monk

Sponsored by the American Art Museum

Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture

8th & F Sts., NW (Gallery Pl-Chinatown), enter on G St.

THELONIUS MONK!!

(That should be the only thing I write, and then I drop my laptop and walk away doing the Kanye-shrug.)

You should head on over to the Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture's McEvoy Auditorium to see the rather epic, and Smithsonian says 'reclusive' pianist and composer, Thelonius Monk--as interpreted by art-master documentarian Charlotte Zwerin (prod. by Clint Eastwood)--projected on screen, gratis. The 90 min. work is titled 'Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser' (1988). This event is part of the Clarice Smith Distinguished Lectures in American Art. Get your seat early. First come, first served. si.edu

O'Keefe reportedly arrested by FBI in alleged "plot to wiretap" senator's office

O'Keefe reportedly arrested by FBI in alleged "plot to wiretap" senator's office

Posted using ShareThis

Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Thor’ Role Is News To Him - ‘Nobody’s Told Me Anything!’

Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Thor’ Role Is News To Him - ‘Nobody’s Told Me Anything!’

Check the MTV link above for the full story about Samuel L. Jackson's tepid feelings post-Disney-Marvel's 'Thor.'

I mean, it ain't like Disney doesn't have a way of cleansing stuff...

POST SCRIPT

yes they deserved to die!

LOL

DjeliISaysDjeliTells: Angelique Kidjo

Angelique Kidjo, New Album, New Tour

CultureMob surmises that she is the nu-nu Miriam Makeba, the female Fela, and now with allegations like that on her side, I must take a listen to Angelique Kidjo.

She'll run through D.C. in March, so if the hallabaloo is true, we must prepare we must prepare.\\

Take a listen aqui.

For Hustlers-in-Training >> When FB goes REAL wrong

I know you want to be someone's apprentice.

I know the job market looks, feels and is rough.

I know you've heard a lot about pursuing the "informational interview," and street credos like "don't talk about-be about it" are ringing in your ears.

But before you utterly and totally fail in your auto-upgrading exploits, read Pete Chatmon's (Double 7 Films' big deal) post over at WeResistSimple.com (must be over the age of 21 to access).

Just because somebody famous may have shouted you out via Twitter and accepted your stalk-request on Facebook, doesn't mean you're BFFs. smh

GO READ before somebody reposts this about you!

So you wanna be in a music video?? K'Naan needs you, fam!

So I L.O.V.E. K'Naan!!!

Not lying. So serious.

If you want to be in the Dusty Foot Philosopher's music video along with Keane, send your name, age and headshot to reception@flynnproductions.com.

Word. Somalia stand up.

Check out his music for, too. It can't hurt. Like disyeah track: T.I.A. (This Is Africa).

'Waiting for Superman'...lemme vent right quick, and GO!

Davis Guggenheim (above), Geoff Canada in 'Waiting for Superman' (below)

I'm not this cynical all the time.

I promise.

It's just more often than not I'm moved to the keyboard when I'm irritated and irked.

So here I am. Irritated and irked.

The first acquisition of the annual big deal over yonder in Park City, Utah is 'Waiting for Superman', Paramount Vantage's proud purchase. Brought to you by the same guy that helped Al Gore infuse sexy into eco-consciousness and the still hotly-debated climate change crisis.

Davis Guggenheim, director of 'An Inconvenient Truth', helms the doc that I daresay, has brought all of the big guns out to Sundance Film Festival.

Michelle Rhee ova dere. (Chancellor of DC Public Schools)

Bill Gates ova dere. (Gates Millennium Foundation)

And oh. Geoff Canada (Harlem Children's Zone) is but one face that lights up the doc itself (I am a big fan of his).

I'm not knocking anybody's approach to unscrew-up the hot mess that is this NCLB mire--and in fact, am happy to salute Guggenheim for doing what no one else has done to this point:

Bring it up.

In a major way.

Through a major medium.

He surely won't settle it. I can tell from the 2 minute bit he did with Sundance about the film itself. But the first word never does.

In fact, I predict this documentary will avert its eyes to the REAL roots of American public education's failure. And I predict it will only further propagate the gospel of the so-called cool kids in education 'reform,' minimize the debates to a two-sided something or other about why we should praise the good we see for implementing a Charter structure and blame the bad on 'bad teaching' and unionization.

But I can tell you right now, boo.

Dis ain gon be de las word u seen on de matta.

Trust.

Can't wait til this opens in D.C.

POST SCRIPT

Read this after I posted: Washington City Paper's Arts Roundup for 1/25/10 quips, "Methinks not everyone in town will be lining up to see Waiting for Superman at E Street Cinema a few months from now."

I {heart} Kerry Washington and Kristin Chenoweth Does, Too

Kristin Chenoweth's Lesbian Dream May Come True

E! reports that Kerry Washington, who has also played same-gender-loving in Spike's 2004 flick 'She Hate Me', and trans in 'Life Is Hot in Cracktown' (which also featured the RZA!), will play the onscreen signif-other of biopic protagonist and soul star, Dusty Springfield.

Springfield will be played by Kristin Chenoweth ('Pushing Daisies'), a Broadway regular, FHM feature and once guest judge for American Idol (Simon hates her, like he hates most).

Read the full article over at E! And get a second take from BET's What the Flick?

the real Dusty.

GO MO'! The Academy Award (had better) go to...

Never mind the off the record Award shows, Mo'Nique has now nabbed the Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her interpretation of Sapphire's Push, and Lee Daniels' 'Precious'.

Way to make me put my foot in my mouth H'W'D.

You'll recall my skepticism surrounding the Black NEWB effect. This business of throwing Black newcomers a nod as if it should suffice in the stead of acknowledging veteran accomplishments AND warmly welcoming Newbs (reference J. Hud's Oscar following Bill's 'Dreamgirls'). I was concerned--must always disclaim: NOT HATING, JUST SAYING--that Gabourey would get swooped up in that vortex this year and quickly sidelined thereafter.

BUT NOT SO THUS SAITH AWARDS SEASON 2010.

Keep me wrong, y'all. Keep me wrong. Mo'Nique is doing the dang thang!

Now on to my Sundance musings...

(Those harlots.)

Reel Round the DMV | Week of January 24th

We're still doing it up real big with Haiti around and about the area (the 'for' was irking me too). While you're out, you may see some politicos looking down and out (THAT'S WHAT YOU GET! i am a little fluttered by that loss...) but even so, let the people STAY WOKE and more importantly mobile >>

Today, January 24th @ 6:00p

Sankofa Cafe on Georgia Ave. screens 'Jazz', episode 8 of Ken Burns' doc series of the same name. This volume centers around the years 1945-1955. (OOOOooooohhhh!) No doubt, a fresh release. Mosey on over if you can. www.sankofa.com | 2714 Georgia Ave., NW

And if you're still feeling in the spirit when you leave, check out Oye' Palaver Hut via WashingtonDCJazzNetwork.ning.com, and do what you can to support their ongoing Storytelling/Music Project. The program is in need of gently used and new instruments for juvenile and adult inmates participating, growing and teaching through the music right here in the DC area. Get at 'em. www.oyepalaverhut.org | 202.773.5446

Today, January 24th @ 8:00p

Busboys and Poets in Shirlington screens 'The Cats of Mirikitani' for the last time. Elva Anderson, art therapist and licensed professional counselor hosts Q&A following the film that follows 80 year old Jimmy Mirikitani--who has survived U.S. terrorism via internment camps, Hiroshima and homelessness--only to be directly threatened by the aftereffects of 9/11. A local filmmaker and fan of Mr. Mirikitani's art become the catalyst for his journey back through the mire to the present.www.busboysandpoets.com | 4251 South Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA

Today, January 24th @ 8:00p

BloomBars, my Columbia Heights homestead, kicks off the work week (and adds a nice footnote to the weekend) with Seed the Sound Sundays. Ahhhhhhhhhh...exhalation feels lovely. Stop in and experience what I'm at a loss to paint in words for you. HHP, visiting artist in resident from South Africa is still holding it down something lovely, too. Find yourself there. Please. There's nothing like this anywhere else in the city. Guaranteed. www.bloombars.com | 3222 11th St., NW

Thru January 28th

@Landmark E St. Cinema WFI is getting it in Goethe-Institut style. John Hanshaw recommends 'Tandoori Love,' 'Kill Daddy Goodnight,' and 'Pope Joan' showing Monday, January 25th, Tuesday January 26th, and Wednesday the 27th, respectively at 6:45p about a block away from Metro Center (red line). Know: these films are NOT free. Check out the full playlist over at Washington Film Institute's site.

FEBRUARY 12th, WFI presents a second Hatitian Film Night & Fundraiser at--guess where?--the Goethe-Institut (7th & I, NW). The reception runs from 6-8:00p with 'Aristide and the Endless Revolution' screening at 8:00p. 'Aristide' nabbed Pan African Film Festival best doc in 2006. The doc recounts what really happened BUT i wouldn't be keeping it bytwenty8 if I told you to watch without doing your homework, too. No screening should be ingested without personal research. GO. WATCH. y READ! www.dcfilminstitute.org | E St. Cinemas, 555 11th St., NW (Metro Center)