I Am Not Impressed!

My Book of the Year

2008-12-15T15:02:00.005-05:00

Instead of trying to describe The Oxford project, I will let the authors tell you about it:

"In 1984, photographer Peter Feldstein set out to photograph every single resident of his town, Oxford, Iowa (pop. 676). He converted an abandoned storefront on Main Street into a makeshift studio and posted fliers inviting people to stop by. At first they trickled in slowly, but in the end, nearly all of Oxford stood before Feldstein’s lens. Twenty years later, Feldstein decided to do it again. He invited writer Stephen G. Bloom to join him, and together they went in search of the Oxford residents Feldstein originally shot in 1984. Some had moved. Most had stayed. Others had passed away. All were marked by the passage of time. This time, they didn’t just pose, they talked—about their lives over the past two decades—about children lost and loves finally found; about living with illness and the wounds of war; about small town values and the promise of an afterlife; about making ends meet and wishing for more; about dreams unfulfilled and simple daily pleasures."

This book is fascinating. I have always loved projects where people are photographed over long periods of time in the same setting, it's such a memorable way to mark the passage of time. But this book was deep on so many levels. Anyone who has grown up in a small town and left will immediately be able to relate to some stories. Those who have never lived in a small town will be stunned by the "everybody knows everybody" town dynamic. It is essentially a portrait of Small Town, USA. The first time I flipped through this book was about a week before the Presidential election and Iowa was a swing state. After reading the story about a kid, who despite being born in the 80's and a current college student said he had, "never spoken to a black person in his life and didn't plan to" because they "can't be trusted", I thought how in the world can Obama become president when the heartland of our country is still producing ideas like this. I was really taken aback and I left feeling discouraged. These stories haunted me. After the election, I thought about these Oxford residents again and I couldn't help but wonder how they were feeling at that moment. I didn't celebrate at all, I was honestly afraid for them. How do you live a full life in an ever changing world that you are just not ready for. I wondered if their Small Town will become their prison, or whether they would fight to change their town or whether like many, many before them - they will just leave.

Only time will tell, but I encourage you to at least track this book down and spend some time reading these stories, both in their words and all over their faces.

Jonte's Favorite Things - Music

2008-12-07T11:43:00.005-05:00

So whether you want to believe it or not, the end of the year is upon us. That means you will be bombarded with a million "Best of 2008" lists, so who am I to deny you mine. This is a list of my favorite CDs of the year. I hope you find something on the list that you can fall in love with.

1. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak

Every since Blaque dropped that song 808 back in the nineties, I haven't really been able to figure out what 808 actually means or stands for, but I can tell you that this album does capture heartbreak very well. I swing back and forth between loving and hating Kanye West but he got me good with this one. The beats alone are killer and are the kind of eclectic compositions that I expect from Kanye. Then he replaces the boastful raps of old with real, relatable lyrics and a masterpiece is formed. I've been working on my screenplay for a long, long time and finally it has found its soundtrack.

Favorite Track: Street Lights

2. Adele - 19

I'm so lucky to have stumbled upon Adele before she actually hit the mainstream. By the time I hit track 3 I had already named her the new Amy Winehouse. I had no clue she would actually be better. The fact that she writes and plays all of her music puts her in Prince-like leagues of musical genius for me. I hope she has a long, long career ahead of her.

Favorite Track: Melt My Heart To Stone

3. Solange - Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

I've done a post about this album already, if you haven't read it, go find it. I stand by what I said.

Favorite Track: Cosmic Journey

4. Verve - Remixed #4

Classic songs of old, remixed with funky beats. Love it. I think the thing I love about it the most is that it has exposed me to some legendary artists that I probably would never have ever thought to listen to. I understand know why so many of them are so highly regarded. Thanks Verve.

Favorite Track: Evil Ways

5. Santogold & Diplo - Top Ranking

Warning: You must have eclectic taste to appreciate this mix tape. It is truly all over the place. Reggae to Rock, Sir Mix-A-Lot to the B-52s, when I said all over the place I meant it. Like Verve, it introduced me to some new artist and put a modern spin on some classics all while making it unnecessary to pick up Santogold's solo CD.

Favorite Track: Get It Up featuring MIA and Gorilla Zoe

Honorable Mention: Q-Tip - The Renaissance, Erykah Badu - New Amerykah

GET INTO IT!

2008-11-25T19:34:00.004-05:00

So I know you are keeping yourself up late at night wondering, what is Jonte watching these days. Well, let me put your mind at ease. I'm gonna put you up on some new ish.

Do yourself a favor and check out the reality/gameshows on the SciFi Netowork. I know you are thinking who in the world watches SciFi Network...well me. But for real, check out CHA$E which is essentially a giant game of adult freeze tag, played for money and ESTATE OF PANIC which is a Treasure Hunt set in a haunted house - comedy. You will thank me later. In fact, you're welcome in advance.

JUST BECAUSE

2008-11-24T15:35:00.003-05:00

So, many of my friends have a big problem with the use of the phrase "dramatic c*@#t" as a term of endearment. But just look at this right here, what else could you possibly call this? Perfection.

IT'S OVER!!!!!

2008-11-05T12:06:00.004-05:00

Soooooooooo, the election is finally over and democracy is still alive and well. I don't really need to talk about the signifigance because every news outlet has it covered. Let me just tell you my experience. This was the scene uptown last night.

It was madness, people actually took to the streets. Wild. I couldn't get video because my camera battery was low (people kept texting), but here is the audio of what was going on outside. :)

MORE ELECTION NONSENSE

2008-10-29T11:38:00.001-04:00

My family got jokes.

FYI, If I can find out where I'm supposed to vote, I do plan on voting this year - thank you very much.

Good Kitty

2008-10-23T18:08:00.002-04:00

So Paul Newman died a few weeks ago and I have been meaning to honor him for a while. I have so much respect for him and after only having recently really discovered how great of an actor he was, I wasn't ready to lose him so soon. It all started when I went to see the African-American version of Cat on A Hot Tin Roof on Broadway a few months back. I wasn't particularly excited about seeing Terrance Howard since I had a couple of weird run-ins with him in the past (different story for a different day). But, I have always wanted to see Ms. Rashaad and I knew we would get to go backstage and meet the cast. Well, the entire show surprised me for so many reasons. I had seen the movie years ago, probably on some boring Thanksgiving evening or something but I really didn't remember much about it. I had no idea, or maybe it's just because I am older now, that the plot was as deep as it was. And Terrance, more than held his own as Brick. He really got me to care about this character and he wasn't afraid to go there. But then there was all of this "How You Doingggg?" content that made me go, "what"? So when I left I thought, I need to watch the movie because the story was completely different from what I remembered.

And I was right, that whole part of the story was taken out of the movie version, but it didn't make the story any less powerful. There were so many things that jumped out at me. First, I couldn't believe how beautiful Elizabeth Taylor is in the film. I grew up with the friend of Michael, hot mess & White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor. I had no idea who this woman was on screen. I could easily see why Hollywood became so obsessed with her. She was a bad chick in this film. Then, Paul Newman put on an acting clinic. When he was onscreen he took it over. I thought Terrance went there but Paul Newman not only went there, he propped up a chair and decided to stay a while. Their version of Cat just made me miss how movies were made. We don't get movies like that anymore, with real stories and real actors. It was a revelation for me, as a writer (okay, wannabe writer). But mostly, it was like looking at a time capsule. This was not broken hip Elizabeth Taylor or the salad dressing Paul Newman. I got schooled on their celebrity and how they got there. It made me wonder about the stars of today. Will we ever see acting and movies like this again? What will become of our young stars today, will they just become spokespersons to? I don't' know, but for what its worth the movie got me interested in Newman. I did some research on him and discovered all about his charity, his dedication to his wife and his whole amazing filmography. So I just wanted to honor and thank Paul Newman for all he has done. Oh, and the Southwestern salad dressing at McDonald's - the bomb.

YOU GOT JOKES UPDATED

2008-10-17T18:05:00.006-04:00

So the election is literally days away, and it seriously couldn't come any faster. I don't know if it's because I'm older or what but I swear I don't remember EVER having an election take over pop culture the way this one has. You seriously can't turn on a television or open a magazine without having the election be front and center. I mean O'Bama is on his third Vibe cover i believe. Seriously, I thought that was a hip-hop magazine? I'm one of the least political people I know and even I have been paying attention to this one. But, one issue keeps popping up with me and it has nothing to do with any of the hot-button issues that we hear so much about. I keep thinking, has political satire gone too far?

Saturday Night Live has been spoofing politics for years and Tina Fey has been doing a killer Palin, it has resurrected that show. But, I keep thinking to myself - is part of the reason America sees Palin as such a joke because we keep joking about her? I mean how do you get the world to take you seriously when you are pretty much the funniest thing that has come up on a show like that in years. How does something like that affect the real issues? And, why isn't anybody even asking that question? I personally think that the satire and political sarcasm has gone a bit overboard. I watched an interview with Jon Stewart and Tony Blair a while back and it was hard to watch. Jon Stewart was so disrespectful it didn't make any sense. I know Tony Blair wanted to be like, "you do a show about politics - but you are not a politician and don't know the half so please show some damn respect." I really couldn't believe it, I mean it's Tony Blair. Regardless of how you feel about the war in Iraq or any other issues, shouldn't you show some respect? I mean I'm all for jokes, but for jokes sake.

And now comes W., the "biopic" on George W. Bush - in theaters today. Now believe me I don't ride for Bush at all, but the man is still our acting President. How in the world do you come out with a film like this while the man is still our President? What does that say about our patriotism and what message does that send to other countries? I mean like it or not, we did elect him - twice. In some countries coming out with a film like this would get you murked without a trial. Even in America, this would have gotten you tried for treason a hundred years ago I'm guessing. So where did the respect for our leaders go? Did they lose our respect or did we just forget to give it to them? Do you think we owe them any? Joe Sixpack, I'm curious to know what you think. But, really I don't think it's a laughing matter. At least that's what my bank account told me. It says focus on fixing the economy and for pop culture we should be focused on "Single Ladies - Put a Ring On It" and the Sasha Fierce Avatar (you heard it here first).

***UPDATE***

Well at least someone is taking my advise on Single Ladies, will the rest of you people realize what is REALLY important in life. Applaud this man, I'm sure there will be a workout video based on this to come. Look how out of breath he is and how it's done wonders for his waistline.

GUESS WHO ELSE IS NOT IMPRESSED

2008-10-15T17:04:00.003-04:00

C'mon. Look at this picture...look at it real good. Tell me Serena isn't thinking to herself, "Girl, you spent all that money on them titty's and I'm still making you look flat chested, I can't." And, neither can I Serena. Not Impressed either.

Image swaggerjacked from Concreet Loop

PUT ME ON MUSIC

2008-10-07T08:53:00.006-04:00

So today is the day that Michelle Williams' album finally drops!!!! Whew. Hey, well at least it's here now. So go get it. I know for some she is not your cup of tea, but I am an open Stan and I will always represent. So go cop that.

Michelle switches up here style on this CD and I think the dance music vibe really does work with her voice and her new image. (Plus, it gives me an excuse to post the picture above). My favorite songs on the album are Hello Heartbreak - though I do love the live version I saw her do a bit better than the album version. I also really love Lucky Girl. The intro to the song alone is killer, I love that beat. It's just interesting to see her experiment with some different styles and she really does. The differences between The Greatest and End of the World couldn't be more...well different, but somehow it all works. So I'm sure a lot of you are rolling your eyes and saying, "Jonte, get off her left tit!" Well, it's not just me. Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B+ and the general critical response is very positive. Okay, I'm done selling it. Just go support. The goal is to sell more than Solange and Kelly, we need to send Matthew a message! And, if we don't this could very well be the last we here of Michelle, Lord knows Matthew isn't trying to do her any favors.

WHAT RECESSION?

2008-10-06T13:54:00.002-04:00

I don't know much about politics, I know even less about finance and our banking structure but you would have to be living in a hole not to be surrounded by talk about both. So can someone please explain to me what all of the panic is about? I'm serious, I really do not get what is going on. I do know gas prices are high, supply/demand I remember it well from my econ class. I do understand there is a lot of panic because banks are failing and people are scared that all of their assets may not be insured. Remembering the basics of banking from High School. Balloon mortgages, Suzie Orman taught me about those. I just got back from a convention and everybody's finances were a little tight and was a bit afraid to spend money. I finally thought, wow the financial problems really are starting to trickle down. I know the government is in debt now by billions. Then I read this morning that Beverly Hills Chihuahua made $29 million dollars at the box office this weekend. TWENTY-NINE MILLION, are you serious? You are telling me that after people finished paying off their "unfair" mortgages, put overpriced gas into their cars they still managed to find $29 million to spend on a movie about a talking dog?

What does that statement say about our economy and our financial status? I don't see recession there. Stupidity maybe, but clearly people still have money to throw around, or in this case - burn. And, this example reminded us about a thought that has been floating around my head for years. Why doesn't are government just start a movie studio? Hell, Tyler Perry has one and he can't even produce a decent wig. Seriously, to make some money for Wall Street and crude oil why doesn't Washington just start making movies . Clearly movies are recession proof and profitable. In my research I found that the combined box office gross of: Beverly Hills Chihuahua (in 1 week), Underdog, The Shaggy Dog, Eight Below and Snow Dogs is....drum role please...........$327,000,000 and that is just 5 movies about dogs. Imagine if Congress made a superhero movie. Captain America anyone?

Those are just my thoughts. Again, I just don't get the recession. I think it's more about fear than people actually not having money. And, we can't be controlled by fear. So if you've got money people, spend it. It's called capitalism and the only way it works is if you are spending and selling at the same time. Now I can't tell you where to spend it, that's on you. But, don't fall victim to fear culture. That is the lesson today. But as usual if you have some insight on the recession that you would like to share with the rest of us please do. Put me on.

Holy Makeover Batman!

2008-09-30T16:28:00.003-04:00

So Entertainment Weekly started their review of the new Robin Thicke CD like this: "A typical release from Robin Thicke, who broke big last year with his slinky bedroom balled 'Lost Without U,' isn't so much an album as a survey course in Late 20th-Century Smooth."

Oh really? Smooth wouldn't be the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Thicke, surely not a "course in smooth". I think what really got me was the "A typical release" part. What is a typical release from Robin these days? As you can see from above, dude seems to be in a constant state of swagger-swapping. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with that, I certainly like to switch my style up all the time and I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll all the time, but I don't make my living off my image. And when you become a brand, all of the "evolution" can warrant a mean side eye.

Hear me out: If Zest started labeling itself as luxury soap tomorrow and started charging double for it, wouldn't you be like "what"? Did they add something to it, change the scent or put premium gasoline in it to drive the price up? These are questions you would ask yourself. That's how I feel about the new "smooth" Thicke. What did he change in there to make the product so different. Sure the packaging is different but is the content the same? I don't know. I saw that "Magic" video and was not impressed. I miss the A Beautiful World Thicke, back when that was his only name. I like Robin less and less. Give me granola eating, dirty backpack Thicke any day singing funky tracks that got compared to anywhere from the Beatles to Simply Red. You can keep the slinky, pimpish Robin that gets compared to R. Kelly. Ugh! Somebody listen to the CD and give me a review. I can't bring myself to do it.

SOOO.....

2008-09-25T17:53:00.002-04:00

So, it's been a minute since I blogged and I'm sorry. I promised myself when I started this that I was going to update on the regular. But honestly, life has just been a bit overwhelming for me lately. And really, it's not even anything that serious. I've just been getting drained in every part of my life and it has really sucked out all of my creative energy. I've got nothing.... The new TV season started and I haven't seen a thing. Clay Aiken came out, I didn't give a damn (not that you did either). The Emmy's came and went and I barely watched them. I haven't even gotten around to watching the Heroes premiere yet. I don't know what's going on. Actually, that is a lie. Work has been kicking my ASS! I have tried to put up a fight but this place has an extra strong pimp hand. It's just created stress and along with the other creative projects taking my mojo, I just feel deflated right now.

I also had to move desks at work (also part of the stress) and while I was packing all of my stuff I found a supplement from the Oprah Magazine. I had meant to send it to my sister a while back while she was going through some stuff but, while I always have good intentions my follow through is not so great sometimes. Anyway, I find this little book that Oprah put together "What I Know for Sure" and I had tabbed a piece in there and it put some things in perspective for me. I think this was God's way of telling me to snap out of it. The passage read:

"My life is bigger than I can ever know or imagine. It has its own force field. I can feel myself propelling it- guiding it, even. But most often I try to surrender to its own diving guidance."

I understand clearly why this spoke to me so much. Now I am just trying to surrender to the divine guidance to steer me out of this funk. I know it will pass shortly. May it inspire you as well.

I'LL PASS

2008-09-12T14:59:00.004-04:00

A bad wig can ruin an entire movie. Everybody knows this. They are distracting and they instantly cheapen a film's quality. When these wigs are on the heads of leading men, the affect is 3x as bad and on a black man it's inexcusable. This is common knowledge, and certainly within the film community. So can someone please tell me why in his new film The Family That Preys, Tyler Perry comes with this:

I know he doesn't exactly have Warner Bros. money to throw at his productions, but this is just silly. Certainly he had enough money to invest in a quality lace front (I've seen his house). And to make it so bad he is a repeat offender. I need only to mention Shemar Moore's name and you know the braided fuckery I am talking about. When I saw Diary of a Mad Black Woman I almost gave Tyler a pass because he was really low budget then, and because Shemar was wearing the same wig on Young & the Restless so I wasn't quite sure who was to blame. But, by now all fingers point right at Tyler. Which makes me believe that he is doing this on purpose. Either he is just sticking to the Diary formula, bad wig = big box office or he is just trying to push us to see how far he can get away with horrible production and still get us to spend our hard earned money on his "efforts". See what the economy has done. Well I refuse to support this one. I will spend my $12 (can you believe a movie is now $12) on something else. That's a lot of bootleg CDs on 125th ya dig. You can go see it if you like, but if you think you will be able to take anything the man says seriously while he has that thing on his head - well you will be wrong. The next time he produces something around the quality of Why Did I Get Married I will be back, until then...deuces.

THE HELL...

2008-09-10T19:47:00.003-04:00

So I had planned on doing a post about all of the "couture" fashion tries that celebs have been trying to pull off this past week, but it has proven to be too much. Somewhere between Beyonce's short-wig, long-wig flip-flopping and the piping hot mess that is Lil Mama, I just decided I couldn't. My computer would have gotten a virus dealing with all of that fire. Plus, I promised myself I would not blog about Solange again for a long time even though her outfit at Fashion Rocks was SCREAMING for a side-eye. But, I just can't do it. I do have one thing to say however.

I really, really need Venus Williams to stop terorizing NYC's fashion week, walking around looking like Sho-nuff. I CAN'T!!!

GUESS WHO ELSE IS NOT IMPRESSED

2008-09-08T20:22:00.003-04:00

This is the week that America turns to fashion. We've got the U.S. Open, Fashion Week, Fashion Rocks and the VMA's all in one week. So the red carpets have been quite...interesting. I will be talking about this weeks fashion later, but doing my research I saw this picture from the VMA's and thought, "wow, that girl is really not feeling T-Pain's hat." Now can you imagine all the things she probably had to do to get a ticket to the show, buy an outfit, get hair and makeup done just for the shot at getting on TV, only to spend your screen time hidden behind a giant ass top-hat. Well, I guess I would have been pissed to. Sorry girl.

Image swaggerjacked from FourFour

I'M WONDERING

2008-09-04T14:48:00.003-04:00

So with all of this drama surrounding Sarah Palin and her teenage daughter's pregnancy, I got to thinking. What if instead of getting pregnant, she had contracted HIV. Same situation, different consequence. What do you think the difference would have been in the public's eye?

I'm curious. It's just that so much focus has now turned toward teenage pregnancy. Even before Palin, people seemed to be outraged. Remember Jamie Lynn and then all of the stories you saw about the girls at that high school that had done the alleged "pregnancy pact". People were losing their minds over that. But, what about the rapidly growing cases of HIV? You don't hear much about that. Maybe it's a race thing. Minorities and gay men seem to be most affected by the HIV increase, so perhaps that is why you don't hear much. I mean, no one seems to care when LaWanda or Guadalupe and nem get pregnant at 16. But when Becky is pregnant in high school, it's a problem. So I'm just curious if the same would apply for HIV. Maybe it would have been better for the campaign than if she got pregnant. Maybe it would have garnered a bunch of sympathy and outpouring of love/concern vs. the "she can't control her own daughter" reactions we are seeing. Her daughter would have served as a "cautionary tale" instead of a "oh, what a @#*$#-up". Public opinion is like that. Maybe it would have been to taboo to get her onto the ticket. Maybe they wouldn't have even taken it public (let's be real, if the girl wasn't showing we would probably never have learned of the pregnancy). But, what do you think? They are both consequences of un-protected sex, but what a difference - right? Vote over on your left.

BITE ME

2008-09-03T15:30:00.006-04:00

So I know summer just officially ended and it's not quite fall yet - but does that mean it's swagger-jacking season? I mean really, first Cassie now this. I see you Gael Monfils, trying to cop my do. I see you. Then I was looking at some event photos, and I'm like oh there goes fellow blogger Ayoka Lucas. Then I read the caption and realized that Tweet (who can do no wrong in my book) was her doppleganger. But the "gotcha" is coming from the slaveship.

I gagged when I saw this post for MoNique. CJ, HOW DARE YOU!!!

But whatever, you all really need to get on your Just Ask Jonte questions. Did ya'll think I was playing? Hit me with your best shot. Relationship and sex questions highly encouraged. We specialize in results over here. The last Just Ask Jonte post, the one where someone was asking about trying to rekindle a romance with an ex. Well, they are getting married in two days. Married I said, and the question was from less than a month ago. Results I say. Take that j.a.c. So send your questions to justaskjonte@gmail.com . Besides, all MoNique can help you with is how to eat a whole ham in one sitting. (I kid MoNique, I love you...and tell your husband I said: How You Doinggggg!)

MAN ABOUT SOME OTHER TOWN

2008-09-03T00:31:00.005-04:00

CAPE COD
So after I spent the beginning of last week at the Open, I finished the week off with an amazing trip to New England. I got to drive through some cool cities in a part of the country that I hadn't been to yet. I went through New Haven as well as parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We went to the beach, went biking and ate more seafood than you can imagine. The beach towns in New England are amazing and it was a new experience for this Midwestern boy. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

PUT ME ON - MUSIC

2008-08-30T23:48:00.008-04:00

SOLANGE

OK, here me out, cause I already know what you are thinking, but...I promise I'm not high...see if you would get into Solange you would get that reference. Now I will openly admit that I will pretty much support anything and anybody that is related to Destiny and her chilren, with the exception of Trinity 3.5.7. With that said, I am way more open to listening to Solange than I probably should be which is why I actually went out and copped her CD. Remember when you would actually go out and buy a CD, yeah I did that. And, the results were very mixed. I found a few jems scattered in there with some real "the hell.." moments. So buy at your own risk. At best, I would say go to i-Tunes and just cop the tracks you like. I think Solange is very, very talented. Just not as a singer. Can I be real for a minute...she often reminds me of that person you hear all over the place, the one that has on some earphones and is singing way to loud. And, you think to yourself, "do they know that we can hear them singing." Yeah, that's what Solange sounds like most of the time. But as a writer, I see traces of brilliance. Valentine's Day and 6 O'clock Blues are just two songs that I think would be extra amazing, if only somebody else was singing them. And, the production on her new album (who's title I refuse to type, look it up) is tight. Creatively, she goes there and I love it. Solange has always been the Knowles I would most like to hang out with. I mean, in the last month alone she has taken a random stalker that wondered onto the stage with her and made him a part of the show - dancing with him and refusing to let security "escort" him off stage. Then she snapped on a news anchor on live-TV, who was trying to help her promote her little project. I mean clearly the girl is bananas, and I love a little crazy in a woman. But she makes a "Put Me On" post because of this song Cosmic Journey that I really love. It showcases everything that I mentioned: the creativity and the song writing, plus she even sounds like she is singing in the shower (i.e. she sounds good). Oh, and it features Bilal. I mean really, that alone made it worth the $8 I paid at Walmart for the CD.

Wanna hear Cosmic Journey da he here it go!

Sidebar: Yes, I know Billy Elliott in the picture above is clearly not impressed with Sol-angel, but she has already been victim of one "Guess Who Else Is Not Impressed" post so I'm gonna let her slide on this one.

MAN ABOUT TOWN

2008-08-30T23:16:00.006-04:00

U.S. OPEN
So it's tennis time in NYC and any of you that know me closely know that I have been a big tennis fan for a while now. So, I spent the first part of my week at the U.S. Open. I got to see some amazing tennis and some great players. I saw so many black players that I actually felt a bit bad. I wasn't trying to discriminate, but it just so happens that most of the names I knew on the days I went were people of color. Sue me. Anyway, on opening night me and my crew were treated to an amazing 5 set match between James Blake and Donald Young that lasted well into the early morning. I went back a couple of hours later for the next day's action. I like to go to day sessions because you can walk the grounds and see as many matches as you like and get up close to the action. Also, I tend to check out the practice courts where you can see the players warming up. I got to see Federer, Jankovic (who I like to call yank-a-bitch), James Blake and some others just on the practice courts. I got to see matches by Serena Williams, Skoville Jenkins (blame his parents for that name, not me) and Jamea Jackson. I had a really great time and I encourage you to check it out this year or sometime in the future if you are in the NYC area. It's not as expensive as you might think and tennis is now the black bourgeoisie sport these days. Forget golf.

I KNOW WHAT CASSIE'S GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN

2008-08-25T15:05:00.006-04:00

I just got done watching Cassie's new video for Official Girl and quite frankly, I am just speechless...but I'm about to get over that. Now Cesar, you know I love you like cooked food. In fact, I love you like an ice-cream sandwich that is made with Nestle Tollhouse cookies and Reese's PB Cup ice-cream in the middle. That much. But EVERYBODY, involved in this production needs to catch one. Hmmm, let me see, I know it just premiered but why do I feel like I've seen this video already? Oh wait, I know.

If this video isn't Aaliyah circa 1999, I don't know what is. The swagger jacking is so obvious I'm actually wondering if it was supposed to be an homage. It is the anniversary of her death this week I believe. I mean, I really don't know what else to say. Are we really that out of ideas these days? It's bad enough I have to deal with those high-top-fade wearing, retro kids running around NYC - but have we already looped back into the late nineties being the inspiration? And also Cassie, put some damn clothes on. I say this because I genuinely like you and want you to do well. But you are doing NOTHING to make people think you are anything but a pretty face with a teenage girl's body. Didn't we already have this talk. We know you look amazing. I saw you in Complex and in GQ and you looked great but you are always half naked. It was nice in the beginning but now you are just turning into Vanity - and not in a good way. Plus, that has been done already to. I want to get into your music, I love Official Girl -as a song and Addicted is my song to. I want to love you, but can't right now. Let me give you some "Just Ask Jonte" advise: If you are lacking in the vocal department, than to make it you at least have to develop a major personality and an iconic style (see: Madonna, Rihanna and hell-Aaliyah). Just remember this, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it is only flattering to the person you are impersonating. R.I.P. Aaliyah, meet me at the gates.

I'M BOUT TO GET BLACKLISTED

2008-08-22T14:17:00.004-04:00

Photo by: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

This is my thing about make-up artist, I don't know whether to thank them for bringing more beauty into the world or to hate them for making us feel worse about ourselves by presenting this unnatural, unachievable beauty standard. Either way, there are clearly some talented artist out there, as evidenced by this photo right here. I have seen Serena in person to many times to not bow down to this makeup artist. I wonder if he/she is cheaper than Mariah's retoucher?

Anyway, I am getting way off track. This is one of the promo pictures for HBO's new documentary film series, The Black List, also a book I believe. It's a documentary that interviews several accomplished African-Americans on their experience of being black. They talk about growing up black, what it meant and what they think negros need to do to go to the next level. As one of my esteemed (side eye) colleagues said, "It's what CNN's Black in America should have been." The series interviews celebs like Serena, Chris Rock, Zane and many, many more. I got to screen it yesterday and I was surprised at how enjoyable it was and how relatable most of these celebs and their stories were. So I encourage you to check it out on Monday, 8/24, 9 PM on HBO. If you don't have HBO, seriously you need to upgrade your lifestyle! I'm playing, hopefully it will come out on DVD. Every black parent needs to set their kids down in front of this film. Also, they are having a contest where you can upload your own video about your experiences being African-American. It's a very cool project that every race should check out.

THE FACE

2008-08-20T13:26:00.004-04:00

This face right here, this face only comes along once every four years. You see disappointment on the faces of athletes all of the time. Now this face, which comes in many forms all say the same thing, it not only reads disappointment but also says, "I worked this hard for years for this!" It is complete disbelief, disgust and is usually followed by look at the scoreboard. The athletes are just praying that when they look up it will all be a dream and that their name will be up there in the top spot. But, they are always wrong.

I have been obsessed with the Olympics this year and I keep getting sucked in by these faces right here. Sure I love to see the Olympic triumphs, and seeing Michael Phelps dominate has been fun, but nothing pulls at the heartstrings quite like watching an athletes dreams go up in smoke. Whether they are being robbed by the judges (yes I'm giving the gymnastics judges the side-eye) or forced out by injury, there is nothing like watching an athlete that is at the top of their game - know they are the best at what they do and still not get the gold. It's different in sports like basketball or tennis, where you will get millions and win other championships regardless of the outcome over these three weeks. But in some sports, this is the only moment that matters and it only comes along once every four years. When it slips by you, it's gone forever. Heartbreaking. Last night I watched Lolo Jones (pictured, left) get a bad start in the hurdles and come back to not only catch the competition but to pass them up. I call that "clawing 'em down". But when she got just a few meters away from the finish she hit a hurdle and just like that watched her gold medal pass her by. She ran the race of her life only to literally get tripped up. She gave a very composed interview after she finally got up from her knees. But, as they went to commercial a few minutes later they showed her standing underneath the stadium, alone and completely out of the view of everyone - crying her eyes out. I can't lie, I got teary to*. That is the Olympic spirit, triumph and tragedy. So, I salute all of the Olympic athletes, they are all true champions and I am indeed impressed.

*I had a flashback to the 1996 IL State Track championships where I was injured and instead of winning the race like I knew I could, I limped to a seventh place finish. It was the final race of my high-school career, my sister had come in to see it and I was devastated. And, also ended up crying under the track. As you can see, still not quite over it.

PUT ME ON - CULTURE

2008-08-18T23:31:00.003-04:00

So I'm walking to Popeye's late the other night, cause there's nothing like some Cajun fries at 1 in the morning. So I'm walking and what do I see on the side of the bus stop. This...

I'm like wait a minute, I know that picture. That's one of Nate's. And, I was right. The artwork in this ad is by a friend, Nathan Taylor, aka Jalani. He is a very talented brother who is also representing The, The, The Rock! You can check out his work here. He does some beautiful, colorful pieces and uses some unique materials that give the paintings a cool texture. Pictures don't do them justice. It also just so happens that he is having an art sale now until Sept. 1st. So please check out his stuff, it's worth it and as you can see he is really making a name for himself. Plus, I own a few paintings and I wouldn't mind seeing their worth climb, ya dig.

Plus, it's just important to support artist in all industries. We give corporations money all day, everyday and don't think twice about it. So hook up an artist today. Otherwise they may have to resort to "alternative" means to supplement their income, ahem. Oh and Nate, the irony that they are using your work in a gospel ad is not lost on me. It is not lost on me at all. Keep on slanging that...uh artwork, yeah artwork.

HUSH LITTLE BABY

2008-08-18T17:28:00.008-04:00

Don't say a word, Daddy's gonna buy you a "don't mock me" bird.

Two tranny post back-to-back. Ooh, how I'm doingggg? Anyway, with everything going on in the celebrity baby world (I see you Angelina) it seems like we have forgotten all about Thomas Beatie - the pregnant man having his baby. Look at this adorable pic. How could you overlook this? I'm gonna need you to start respecting this man's vagina! Yeah, while Brangelina was getting paid 14 million for their baby pics, he was only paid a case of Coronas for his. But that's cool, men like Corona so he's good.

But really, this man has done something that is truly remarkable and we need to pause and acknowledge! No, not having a baby. Let's be real, at the end of the day when he puts his legs in the stirrups, he has a uterus and that's what they are made for. I'm talking about something even more amazing. He has managed to look relatively good as both genders!

Think about it, how many people do you know that have managed that?

RuPaul, nope - good as a woman, tragic as a man
Buck Angel, nope - if you don't know who that is, please don't Google. You have been warned
David Bowie - never looked good as either

In fact I can only think of one other person who pulled it off well. Clickety Clack to find out who. And, let me know if you can think of any others.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

2008-08-13T22:36:00.003-04:00

So one of the major reasons I started this blog is because I always seem to have a story for everything. No matter what comes up in conversation, somehow I always have a funny story (at least to me anyway) that goes along with it. And, not only do I have a story but I usually need to act it out so that you get the full effect.

Today at work was no different. By the by, forget The Office, The Cluster needs it's own TV show - pronto. So anyway, today we were talking about the transsexual that is going to be on the new season of America's Next Top Model. Between her and the tranny on Diddy's show it seems like they are having the best week ever. Well, talking about this led to me to tell a story about the tranny that lives somewhere on my block. She personifies the term hot-tranny-mess (which is a term I hate by the way). The girl(wink, wink) is bowlegged and is always pumping the block like she's trying to pay rent, and it's due TONIGHT! So my interpretation was caught on tape and you can view it below. As you can see, we were clowning at work. But, before you get it twisted, we have a lot of fun but we still manage to be THE BEST AT WHAT WE DO! Enjoy.

Sidebar: Why am I not getting paid to act?

PUT ME ON - MUSIC

2008-08-12T11:57:00.003-04:00

JANELLE MONAE

Ok so the "put me on" posts are designed for me to put you onto to some new people/things I think you may not have heard of but should. Janelle Monae doesn't really fit that bill because she has been around for a minute and like Jazmine Sullivan she has had a big online fan base for a long time. People have been putting me on to her for years, especially her Stan, Queen to Be. But for me there was almost too much hype for me to get into Janelle.

Her almost over-the-top styling did nothing to help her case with me. Dare I of all people say that she came off a bit "extra". So truthfully I avoided the leaked tracks and the live performances. When she signed to Bad Boy I pretty much lost all interest. I mean really, when Day 26, Danity Kane and Cassie (sorry Cesar) are your label mates, it pretty much says that you are all about style over substance. So I wrote her off. But, when I finally did break down and listen to the music I was... well impressed. I won't even go into comparisons (naturally Lauryn Hill comes to mind) I just want you to check out the music. She really won me over with Mr. President (not to be confused with the Pink song, which is also amazing) and the modern-retro feel her music gives off.

Janelle's CD, Metropolis, Suite I: The Chase drops today, pick it up. You won't be sorry.

Will's World of Wonder

2008-08-05T18:20:00.004-04:00

GIVING WILL SMITH'S HAIRLINE THE SIDE-EYE: and by the look of the guy in the picture above, I'm not the only one.

Seriously, what is going on with his hair? Did he get the Jamie Foxx? I have always loved Will and anyone who knows me, knows I have wanted nothing more in life than to be exactly like him. I say that because I don't want you all to think I am hating, since I keep getting accused of that everytime I pose a question. I just really want to know what is going on in his "situation". I have always like him for changing up his style, which for men can be hard to do. But the more I started to look at him I was like...what's going on with his hair. Where did it come from? I wish you could see the HQ version of the above picture, it's mystifying. Whenever he is on the red carpet, the hair is perfect. You really have to look at candid pictures to see the real deal. But, what is he doing? Is it blackening of the scalp to make the hair look full? Is it makeup? Is it a piece or a male version of a lace front? It's very hard for a man of a certain age to grow that much extra hair, so I know something is going on. Whatever it is, it looks good but I want to know what it is and I'm sure many of my male readers do to. I may need to order one in the next few years. Need more examples? I got you covered.

FIVE I'M FEELING

2008-08-05T00:15:00.006-04:00

So this past weekend I was talking to a friend about all of the things we are trying to do this year and all of our goals. We were just talking about getting older and trying to get our "grown man" on. He said that he thought that there has never been a better time to be a black man in America. He attributed some of it to Obama and said that America is really going to have to start re-thinking their perceptions of black men in America. He might be right, only time will tell. But here are 5 people who make me proud of being a black man and in general I think they are doing things to help change the face of American black men globally.

1. Barack Obama - pretty much a given so I don't think I really need to go into it. Honestly, I haven't been an Obama supporter but his impact on the world is undeniable.

2. Andre 3000 - his eclectic style has made him a fashion icon to many but to me it's the fearlessness in all of his choices that makes me take notice. He really doesn't care what you think of him, which makes his choices that much more powerful.

3. The Black Male Athlete - The Olympics are right around the corner and they will be putting the face of the American black male out there for everyone to see. It's not the high paid athletes like Kobe or Lebron that inspire me, but the ones who work at Home Depot part time to supplement their income while they stretch their bodies to the limits just for the chance of glory every four years - only to be unrecognizable on their return to most of the people in the country they are representing.

4. Gnarls Barkley - They don't just make music, they make art. It defies logic, race and all labels. If you haven't seen their latest video you must watch it here. Genius. While most labels are barely putting money behind their artist, even the ones that make millions for them, Barkley's label lets them make high-concept video after high-concept video as they are barely selling records. I say they should get a National artist grant.

5. Jay-Z - So predictable I know, but dude inspires me. What can I say. I could point fingers at him all day for years of social ills in the black community: glorifying the drug trade, blatantly promoting materialism in the hood and general misogyny. But, he continues to be a globe trotting, man-about-the world in an excessive fashion that is so cliché that is has circled back around to being the essence of living life to the fullest. The American dream personified, all with the hottest chick in the game on his arm. Love it.

Sidebar: I really need this bag Jay-Z is rocking, if you see one please send it to me, thanks.

JUST ASK JONTE

2008-08-02T10:41:00.004-04:00

Q. I feel like I'm about to snap and kill my co-workers, what is the best way to deal with them on a daily basis?

A. If you had said co-worker, my answer might have been different. But, since you are having issues with a multitude of people I think it's time for you to just get a new job. We spend more time at work than we do anywhere else and you don't want your life to be surrounded by so much negativity. A friend just put me on to indeed.com and I really like it. You can type in key words, salary and/or location and it searches all of the job boards like Monster for you and gives you one big list. It's not perfect, but it's a start. And when you get the new job, I say leave in dramatic fashion. May I suggest Berger style. Go in and clear all your stuff out on a Saturday. Your co-workers come in on Monday to find nothing but a post it note on your computer monitor that says, "I just can't!"

Q. I ran into an ex-boyfriend at a college friends' wedding. We hadn't seen each other in few years and I always felt like he was the one that got away. I barely got to talk to him at the wedding because I was with my new boyfriend, with whom I'm pretty serious. I really do want to talk to the ex and see if there is still anything there, I don't know what to do. I feel bad because I'm in a relationship but wonder what could be.

A. Oh, this is a good one. Exes are always public enemy #1 when it comes to relationships. And, you'll never be able to fully commit to the new one until you are completely over the old one. So don't feel bad, figuring out what's up with the ex will actually help move your relationship one way or the other. Now the hard part. DON'T CALL HIM. In this case, text messaging is your best friend. You do need to see him quickly while the last meeting is still fresh, but don't let him think that's what it's about. Since you've got mutual friends text him one day and say, oh are you going to so and so's party? If there is no party coming up, you need to plan one. But don't invite him, remember he can't think it's about him. So just inquire if he's going? When he says he hasn't been invited, then you say oh here are the details, you should come Roxy and nem are going to be there. Or, if you know where he lives text him one day like, oh don't you live over in ________ I'm over here and looking for a place to eat can you tell me what's a hot spot. He should invite himself out or invite you over. Just try to see him. But, it's important to be very passive, aggressive about it. He can't think that you WANT to see him, it's just that you are "conveniently" in the same place at the same time. That way, when you do meet there are zero expectations and it will be all about the vibe. If the vibe is good, then you need to figure out what to do next. But if the feeling isn't really there, than you can easily say, oh thanks for coming out it was nice to see you but I got to be getting back.

Good luck to both of you. Remember, send your questions to justaskjonte@gmail.com

ONLY IN HARLEM!

2008-08-01T08:54:00.003-04:00

Yes that really is a cardboard license plate. Let me say it again, CARD-BOARD-LICENSE-PLATE. Wow. Did they really think that would be legal? And, what do they do if it rains? That’s it. I must apologize for the blurry photo, the block was hot while I was trying to take this. And, the block boys saw me trying to be slick and take a photo. I didn’t want it with them. Plus, I didn’t want you to be able to read the actual numbers because, well you know.

Sidebar: This photo was taken outside of one of my co-workers’ home. Now I don’t want to embarrass my sister-in-Christ so I won’t say her name. I will just say this: CJ please try to do better when selecting your overnight guest. These days you have to be careful who you SMASH!

GUESS WHO ELSE IS NOT IMPRESSED

2008-07-31T00:52:00.001-04:00

So my friend Trapper met Solange at one of her shows a couple of weeks ago. He loved it, but guess who didn't... Baby Daniel was not having it!

Solange turn around, you know you here that boy screaming for you. Sometimes you just have to let a photo op pass so that you can take care of your child. Oh, and peep her manicure. Alternating black and white cookie? As my friend in my head Fresh would say...Girl you so different. Oh, and I can't wait for the CD to come out. "I Decided" has been my jam for a while and I have liked everything that has leaked. I hope it blows up...then you get a nanny.

The Best Of...Really?

2008-07-30T11:42:00.000-04:00

So the other day I bought The Best of Brandy for $1 from a plastic bin on the floor in my office, cause, that's how we do at the Place Where Black Women Come First. I have the cd on my desk and someone was like, "The Best of Brandy, what does it only have four songs on it?" I just thought, HATER and kept it moving. But I have to say that's exactly what crossed my mind when I saw this:

The Best of Syleena Johnson, word? Quick, name four Syleena songs.....crickets. Now I have been a supporter since back on the Quad (my alum know what I'm talking about), but the "Best Of"? Now I know she got dropped by her label and they are trying to capitalize one more time on her name, but how does somebody who only had three mediocre CDs get a "Best Of"? Okay, this might be a good cop for those who are completely unfamiliar with her music. If you pool 14 of her "best" material than you might actually get a decent CD. But let's be real, her best would probably include her guest spots on Kanye's "All Falls Down" and Cam'ron's "Down But Not Out", no? Well, there not on this. Now if you detect a little hate in my tone, it really has nothing to do with the fact that she played me real shady a while back when I told her I remember her from the Ill Na Na State, it really doesn't. She gave me crickets then, and now that is just what I am giving the "Best Of", I don't want to but I have to.

Now if had included the time she sung "Are my Zeta's in the house tonight..." over the Aaliyah beat for "Ladies In Da House" at a Sigma party at the BBC (yes I said the BBC, not even the Bone Center). Well if this CD had included that, I would have bought it. That was truly the best of Syleena.

Sidebar: I'm sorry, if you are not an I-State alum you might not get half of this post. But hey, you probably got a better education. Let that comfort you.

NEVER GET HIGH ON YOUR OWN SUPPLY

2008-07-28T23:13:00.001-04:00

Please take a gander at these ads for Michelob Ultra. What's wrong with this picture? Go ahead and get into it. I'll wait.

Hopefully you were just as mystified as I was with this series of ads that are running right now. Why in the world are they trying to act like this beer is a sports drink? So it's only got 95 calories and is low in carbs. I like that, I really do. But people, this is NOT GATORADE. Why are there people biking and running (there is another one where they are playing volleyball)? Are you suppose to drink it, then go do these activities? Are you suppose to drink it while you are doing the activities or after? I don't get it and why isn't anyone calling them out on it? I guess they are to busy worrying about all those balls in their face. Well I say add this campaign to the list. Because drinking a bunch of this may have you running down the street, but I doubt it will be for exercise. I am not impressed at all. Maybe it's a good thing that Anheuser-Busch just sold the company to their European rivals.

YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, I'VE GOT ANSWERS

2008-07-27T22:51:00.000-04:00

JUST ASK JONTE

Do you have relationship issues or want to know how to syphon gas out of your neighbors car? Maybe you've got rash and want to know how to get rid of it. I don't know, everybody has a different concern. But, you should let me help you. If I don't know the answer, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Just ask. Send questions to:

justaskjonte@gmail.com

And don't worry, I will keep it anonymous. That's how I like it anyway.

MAN ABOUT TOWN

2008-07-26T09:56:00.001-04:00

SANTOGOLD - CENTRAL PARK SUMMERSTAGE

So last weekend I went to see Santogold play a set at Central Park Summerstage, which in itself is prestigious. It's even more impressive to me because I have been a fan since way back when she was just Santi White the writer. Then I followed her through her days in the punk/ska band Stiffed. Which, in my opinion was better than the new stuff she is doing now, so get into them to. But I digress. It was just amazing to me because I remember going to Stiffed's little show at Showworld, with her mom! There were maybe 30 people there. On Sunday, when I went to see her, I couldn't get in. It was at capacity, and I got there an hour before show time.

It really just goes to show you how quickly things can turn around. Two years ago I was joining the "I Believe In Santogold" crew, just hoping she could get her music out. On Tuesday, a bus passed me and she was plastered on the side of it in an ad for Converse. If nothing else, I'm just taking out of it how if you work hard and press on, someone will eventually take note of your talent. And, it's never to late to give up on your dreams. I hope you are reading this VANATTA!

Image swaggerjacked from ConcreteLoop

HELLO HEARTBREAK

2008-07-26T08:19:00.000-04:00

There are so many days where I wake up and I just don't feel like getting ready. I don't want to shower, iron my clothes or do a thing with my hair. I'm sure you know the feeling. Putting the effort in can just feel like a chore and I often wonder if it's worth it. Now, whenever I feel like that, I just pull out this picture.

If this picture doesn't show you what a difference finding the right outfit or haircut can do for you, then nothing ever will. Michelle, I kid because I LOVE!!! And, I wanted my first post here to be about you. I Love the new look, love the new music and when I saw you perform a couple of weeks ago- you killed it. So why in the world are they pushing your CD back, to OCTOBER? Are you serious? Now that is heartbreak for real. Is it Matthew? That's what I suspect, putting all the effort into Solange and her new material. Whay are you still dealing with them if they are going to keep playing you? I've got questions. I guess you really do have a strange connection to pain. Anyway, I guess now you can just focus on looking good, cause you do. And, here I got something to make you feel better. At least you haven't had to go under the knife like the other chil'ren to turn your face frown upside down. Here's and oldy but goody for ya.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/pnb1/DC_-_Everyone_Nose_the_Truth.jpg

I Am Not Impressed!

My Book of the Year

Jonte's Favorite Things - Music

GET INTO IT!

JUST BECAUSE

IT'S OVER!!!!!

MORE ELECTION NONSENSE

Good Kitty

YOU GOT JOKES ***UPDATED***

GUESS WHO ELSE IS NOT IMPRESSED

PUT ME ON MUSIC

WHAT RECESSION?

Holy Makeover Batman!

SOOO.....

I'LL PASS

THE HELL...

GUESS WHO ELSE IS NOT IMPRESSED

I'M WONDERING

BITE ME

MAN ABOUT SOME OTHER TOWN

PUT ME ON - MUSIC

MAN ABOUT TOWN

I KNOW WHAT CASSIE'S GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN

I'M BOUT TO GET BLACKLISTED

THE FACE

PUT ME ON - CULTURE

HUSH LITTLE BABY

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

PUT ME ON - MUSIC

Will's World of Wonder

FIVE I'M FEELING

JUST ASK JONTE

ONLY IN HARLEM!

GUESS WHO ELSE IS NOT IMPRESSED

The Best Of...Really?

NEVER GET HIGH ON YOUR OWN SUPPLY

YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, I'VE GOT ANSWERS

MAN ABOUT TOWN

HELLO HEARTBREAK

YOU GOT JOKES UPDATED