The K’s 2000 Class is making it happen.

Class of 2000 is really making things happen for their reunion. They’ve invited all classes to take part in 2 days of their Class Reunion Events. I guess you can call them the Super Class. They’re like the Last of the Old School and Leaders of the New School.

There was a meeting today at Sports Vue about the whole Thing, I didn’t attend but they wanted folks to be involved in an Alumni band to play for the it.  I hope somebody’s there to tape us!! lol. I bought a Shirt from Ricardo as seen in the picture Below.  I swear man I’m Proud to wear that shirt. it represents the Doc Years. the years i came up on. I always wanted one of them.  Our shirts were slightly different after 1997. i got there in 99, we had blue shirts,… the gold one is CLASSIC!! 

This Pic was taken with my cell….

 

Radio Activity | The Bass Part

That’s the Bass (Tuba) Part I wrote for a song Radio Activity, I Completed the song months ago. but this was the first screen-print i’ve done of it.

I’ve heard 3 Versions of the song and I took alittle from each.
All though The Bass Part  is basically the same rhythm in all versions, is not fully Based off the Original Version by Royal Cash

This one is a is more on the lines of “Radio Activity Rapp” by MC Frosty &  Lovin’ C.

The Melody I came from the version by The Arcade Gang called “Radio Activity Syndrome”

Otherwise The song is very much known as “Let’s Jam”.. the crazy part to me is that alot of people don’t like the song. but I do. I guess it’s because I think the bass part is cool. LOL.

Where’s Captain Planet When You Need Him?

This Oil Spill, or shall I say Oil Eruption is Hurting the Gulf Coast in beyond human control. It’s going to be Years before that stuff is fully cleaned up. As long as its Spewing into the Gulf and hitting it will destroy the coast and the lives of the people in the seafood business as well as the coastal restoration business.  Aside from that, it’s mass pollution of the environment.

I was sitting here yesterday talking to Kelley about this.  Just Imagine if a Hurricane comes, that oil will be picked up and thrown all over the coast, eventually causing more pollution wherever it lands.  workers are getting sick, The Oil is getting Thicker and The Effort to Cap this thing has Failed Twice already.

In My Opinion, This is just one of the Many issues you get when you suck the Lifeblood out of the Earth. I honestly believe that only an earthquake can cap the hole in the earth.

Obama is getting his Photo Op on.. Just like Katrina and Bush. Obama’s being blamed for the slow effort for the Clean up. but it’s not much you can do to Clean up if the Oil is steadily bursting out of earth.  Obama said something about talking with Jindal and The Army Corps of Engineers about creating a Seawall  or Sand Island of some sort to Block  the spill.  It could work, but where will this sand come from and how much will be needed?

At this point I thought of one of the Theories about how the Castles of the Ancient times were built.  Basically Chipping away at Mountains or Even the Grand Canyon could help create the Man Made Island as a Levee-Like Barrier to control or Trap the Oil. They could  Recreate one of the former Islands that were once off the coast of LA which are now considered to be Dead-zones. But I think those zones are not really in the oils paths.

But with that said, I also thought about That same theory to be used to even Fix or fill in where the coast have eroded long before this spill.  The only thing about that would be covering the Marshlands or changing the current of the waterways (which were partially Man Made anyway) .. What’s crazy about that is.. having a man made island could change the flow of the water period, and could possibly be way to change hurricane patterns. If that’s even possible.

at this point. my Only Question is…

Where’s Captain Planet when You Need Him? 

“The Power Is Yours!”

I Knew I should have taken the camera.

Yesterday Kelley came in to Town. but she got here to early so she came to chill by me. I went outside to wait for her and the Landlord was out fixing on some things to get the place back up to code.  He saw Me and kept asking questions.  The Man’s Asian and doesn’t speak well English. he can understand lots of it though.. So It was maybe like 2:00, or 2:30 and we all were out the door.

She was coming from another part of the state where there were some events going on with her family. She’ll be back there later on today.  She only came to N.O. because she wanted to go somewhere and not be too bored.  and.. she had already booked the hotel a month a head of time.  so regardless of what was going on, she was going to be here.

When she got here she went online for that good hour before we went out to eat. She was looking online for the location of the Scotch House, when we got there, they weren’t taking anymore walk-ins. she expected that I’d know something about the place, I’m like Nope because I’m not from the 6th ward. and besides. I would have thought it was some kind of Club because of it’s location. (next to a rundown school building). I’ve been around there many times.   But WOW at all the Construction on Orleans between Claiborne and Broad.  the whole street is raggedy right now because of it.

She went to check in and park before we went to eat. at this point I started acting like a tourist. LOL.. I Suggested that we go to P & G but they weren’t open. I could have used a good shrimp sandwich out of there too.  Qhat I realized though is that on every other block in th CBD there’s a Quiznos. I remember when  subway was on the same street as P & G.. what ever happened to that.  I hate the idea that a Sub Chain would attempt to compete with local Po-boy shops. It just won’t work.

We Went to Big Pie Pizza which was on the same street as P & G. When I was sitting there joked out at the stuff on the menu and the fact that Kelley was asking for drinks that the girl didn’t know how to make. as well as that didn’t want Italian Sausage, yet she preferred the Ham. .. I was really joked out on one of the pizza’s names because it made me think of the Oil Spill.

 

We got a Medium Meat Lovers and chilled in there for a moment. When we got out, there was a car that stopped, I don’t know if the guy was talking to me but I wasn’t paying attention. He said something crazy and drove off though..  Maybe 30 minutes later (after the rain slacked up) we went out in the Quarters got some Grenades, I saw some folks gigging by Cafe Du Monde. most of them were my frat bros,  they were just finishing up and improvising until their rides come. These folks asked me about the practice we all were supposed to be.

Aside from that  Kelly and I were laughing at some of the crazies things we heard or saw.   The Sheraton caught fire, there was some man yelling “Come on down here to the Voo-Doo Mart” …his accent was funny. There was also  the guy who asked me where “Lampart” street was ..LOL i was like .. “Rampart is that way. it’s a cross street you’ll see it when you get there” ..LOL I also told her about the fact that the further you go down bourbon the gayer it gets… and she realized that. when she saw two big black heavy set dudes Switching like females.

After all that we went to chill back at the Hotel before i went back to the house.  Man I got inside and went Clean to sleep. Therefore I’m up early .. I had a good time with Kelley.. what would have been Cooler is if a crap load of my DSRT buddies were out here.

I should have taken the camera with me to capture all of this. for real.. lol

New Housing Comes With Rules and Regulations.

Last Night I saw the news about the former Residents of the St. Bernard Projects Protesting for fair housing once again. out if this came the discussion of rules and regulations being off the wall, aside from that they were saying that the community is Nice. IMO That’s where it should be left alone. because at that point the rules are set in place to bring upon a decent neighborhood. at the same time, It’s making former residents feel as if they’re not invited.

From what I see, Although there are many protesting for Fair housing, some people are in it just to hear themselves. or, are to poormouth about how things are not the same.  I Too Feel that they built Columbia Parc to bring in New Residents and not Tend to those living in Public Housing Prior to the storm. But I can’t complain It’s their company and they know what’s best for the community.

This Time I Caught some Backwards Thinking within the protest. There was a lady mentioning that The Community is not Columbia Parc, this Is the “St. Bernard Development Community”. It’s true that we will always acknowledge that The Area is the St. Bernard Neighborhood and Home of the Former Housing Project. It was our home and still is. We will always represent it to the fullest.  But bringing up idea that there shouldn’t be so many restrictions along with high costs is Thinking Backwards. Those people don’t need Residents Project Mentality They’re looking for people who are trying to live beyond the Mentality of the Past.

Just like any subdivision or private complex They have Rules and they’re being enforced. The only way you’re going to progress within that community is if you live within the rules. It’s not like a Prison, You’re not living in bondage. All you need to do is live there and try to better yourself while living comfortably.

It’s Not the Projects anymore. These people have new rules to keep their neighborhood at peace. That’s what we all want. to live in peace.  The St. Bernard wasn’t the greatest place on earth. yeah we were allowed to live freely, but that caused turmoil in the streets for many.  That's an old way of life. We got to do better than those days.

The Old St. Bernard had Many Rules.  but many were not enforced as compared to others. over time properties were damaged, and things got out of hand with the younger neighbors  because they felt that they could do what ever they want.  Why? because there was nobody enforcing the rules. 

Miss Mingo Mentioned that there’s a Curfew now…to be honest, yeah that’s too much. for a grown man or woman who may be working late hours to have a curfew. that’s unnecessary.

I honestly think that they find common ground about the rules that are currently in place. otherwise I’d rather see them do something peacefully rather than cause a disturbance within the neighborhood.

Gary Coleman Died Today, That’s Wild.

I Knew He was Sick and had problems with his kidneys but wow that was unexpected.

Rest In Peace to him.

Here’s Gary at his best.

I need to get in the right sleeping modes.

For the past two weeks I’ve been just about drained of energy during the day, part of that is because I’m not eating how I should be. It’s not that I’m NOT, it’s generally because I’m eating at the wrong times of the day. That confuses the works of the system.

With tat said, I’ve been in pain because of it.  Today I’m not. But I think I’m going to try to remain awake for the day so that I could rest throughout the night.  The Only problem is ignoring everything around me.

The Things that are stopping me can be suppressed but I just cant seem to control those things.

During the day, No Mater what time it is somebody is making some kind of noise. whether it be the Radio, some one yelling or talking loud. the dogs are barking in my room, somebody comes in my room to mess with the dogs, somebody leaves my door open to that All of that noise is heard.  If it’s not that I’m being called on to do something for my mom.  which keeps me up. somebody calls my phone (if it’s on) .. I even realize that when the phones ringer is off, if i don't answer those same people tend to leave stupid voice mails.

There’s also when I’m called by people who are calling my phone for others. at random times.  This also happens at Night. I never seem to get a full 8 hours of sleep without interruption by something.

With that said. it’s partially the reason why my sleep times are so random. Like 2 days ago I fell asleep after 6am, I woke up at around 8am. I went back to sleep after 11. when I woke up it was 11pm. and that caused a repetitive cycle.   aside from that I got a phone call from Tramaine. this dude asking dumb questions.. “why you sleepin all day” .. DUDE YOU CALLED ME AT 3AM THAT BREAKS MY SLEEP! .. ya know ..lol

Yesterday I Missed TNA because of it!! lol .I Guarantee I will Watch Smackdown Tonite!  I can’t miss it. lol..

but yeah man, when All this said.. I just have to Keep myself energized throughout the day so that I can allow myself to rest at the right times. 

That’s all i really have to say about that.

My Opinions Seem To Make People Furious

Okay, So Earlier today the a guy on my list wanted me to see a Documentary he’s coming up with about Twirling Cymbals and the whole Zildjian Frat thing that was created because of it.

I Replied to him “I saw That Already!”  which I did.. I think the stuff is cool. I was watching latest video on  the youtube page though and I decided to make a comment to see how folk respond.

I Wrote this as a status:

I hope this movie about Twirling Z's starts off in the Heart of New Orleans and takes it strate to SU.. because other than that There is no other Origin.. I think this Kat from JSU is Jivin' us on the slick.. making himself look like the ultimate innovator of twirling... We have LEGENDS who never been in college band.. They need a Documentary...

A Few people Respond, and then he responds and he was upset. I didn’t expect’em to take it so seriously but here it goes.

D. Hollywood Writes:

..hold on pimpin...this is about everybody..this was only a trailer....i aint finished...and yes the dudes from jsu taught me and they were from Kennedy..so i know where twirling came from..if u know me i give props to New Orleans all the time...i know my history...this trailer was a sellin point to get zildjian on our side..and it worked..i aint jivin nobody..i wouldn't dare do anybody like that....I'm on the kids side to be honest....i never said i invited twirling...so before u start talking wait until its finished....because i got the father of z phi z and nigga that taught me from the n.o... so check a nigga motives before u judge them..cause that aint me...i show love to everyone bruh....

… And I Responded

I gotchu. I just gotta throw it out there. its a great thing though. What I'm lookin at is that every few years there's a dog that's an innovator of the game... I like the whole thing. I'm not criticizing I'm just statin’ what I want to see lol. I wanna hear some stories of cats who burned people waiting 4 the bus... Or in a parade.. Of in 3rd grade lol on them smedium FAMU size 13s lol

That was all written originally by mobile device. I logged back on to a PC  to send him a Message where I saw that he had deleted me from his contacts.  That’s here I saw his status saying “The More You’re Known The More Haters Grow” or something like that.. yeah I assumed he was referring to me. but That’s of no concern to me.

I Wrote to Him prior to him re-adding me:

Come On Man
I was saying how i Felt about it.
It's great to be an innovator in the game, but with a lot of the focus on yourself, folks are getting the impression. that you're just putting yourself out as the Master of it all. I got that out of the comments of reading TSPN Forum. as for me I wasn't expecting you to take that status seriously. but like i said, But as i said I heard of some legends that ain't never hit a HBCU and they deserve to be part of a Doc. ..and of course you are doing it on behalf of them I Love the whole Idea and I'm glad it all exists. I just chose to write it in my status to see how folks respond. that's what FB is for….

I ain't a Hater

.. at this Point I havent gotten a reply from him. and other than that I got  “Likes” to the status.

Sometime later I get this reply from CJ:

This whole post post immature as fuck. The nigga on your friend list. U could have sent a private message. This some real hoe shit u did for responses. Im gone tell u its some hoe ehit because I know derron and know he gone respond the "good boy" way.

I Respond

CJ I was just putting it out there this way because i wanted to see how folks respond. i did send a message after the fact tho. I wasn't saying it to disrespect the dude .. i wasn't even expected him to take it seriously. generally I'm saying what I wanna see. there's a whole thread about it on TSPN and cats are saying how they feel there. but i cant give my opinion here?

CJ Responds Again.

Cats on the swacpage may have not had the outlet to go to him directly. u did. that's what made it a hoe move. you said yourself you did that shit for a response. The way u came at him was very disrespectful . you basically said "who the fuck this nigga think he is " If u want n.o. featured in a documentary then put your money up and make your own shit. you being disrespectful because u want n.o. to get some shine

I was going to respond to this via facebook, but I decided not to because I didn’t want to have to keep it going.

Maybe I’m wrong for being so harsh toward the fact that he’s put himself as the forefront of the documentary. and yeah I should have went to him before making a public comment. otherwise.  I don’t think the status should have been taken so seriously. I’m not telling him what to do. Nor did i call him any kind of . I just stated how i felt as a project as a whole based on the trailers. The Dude’s gonna get similar feedback from others sooner or later and it wont be said directly to him.

it’s like CJ’s saying that people who have no direct connection to the creator can speak freely. but  apparently I cant simply because I’m connected to the dude.  Once Again I get called out of my name for speaking my mind.  At least this dude Knows that I’m talking about his work unlike the many anonymous people who have spoken about it.  I’m glad The Dude responded. at least I know that He’s doing it for the cause rather than self gain.I hope the documentary is seen by many.  it’s a good thing. I can’t hate on that.

Once Again Comments by The Book have been taken out of Context

.. And Life Goes on..

At about 4:25 I got a Reply From D. Hollywood here it goes

its cool but its how  you put it after i asked u to support it...the trailer was to get a deal from the company...our lawyer (zphiz) told how to lace it...I'm the president of z phi z and somebody has to do it...the doc aint about me..its about the movement...i got mad respect from the n.o. community and i will continue to do my part..in our z phi history we recognize where it comes from..this is long over due and i have the resources...the reason y ppl look up to me is bc i turned z phi into a real respect frat and i show love and respect to all schools..i have been doin’ this since 92 ....its all good..but trust me i got every corner covered..that’s my job i don't half do anything...

I Responded Back with this

I Feel you on that. being that you are the prez of Z Phi Z I know you're gonna go beyond the origins to assure people to understand the craft. and I think it's time for a documentary. Doing your part is what it's about. I don't think anybody else would have taken the time out to do what you have already done to even begin the project. i support it 100% cause at the end of the day it's all about the bands.
I see comments on clips all the time from people who think its pointless. that's only because they don't understand the reason behind it. and well yeah man. thats where you're steppin' in. to educate the people. I can respect that.

With that said.. I’m out

The Book

Video: All Star Band Tribute Brandon Franklin

 

What You see in this video is a marching band made up of students and alumni of the New Orleans Metro Area Schools paying Homage to a Man of Music, The Late Brandon Franklin.

During the Final Practice (Last Wednesday) Rawlins told us of a Conversation he once had with Brandon.  Although they both were Joking at the time, Like any other Bandhead, One of Brandon’s wishes was that He would like every band in New Orleans to play at His funeral if he dies. Rawlins Decided to make it happen and what he got was An influx of 300+  Willing to participate. 

By the date of the funeral The band was only around 180 or so members (of course people who were at work couldn’t make the funeral) .. But the point is that With very little time, Rawlins and the Bandsmen of New Orleans made it happen in honor of Brandon.

At this point we all were thinking, If we can come together for 1 mans death. we know this can work beyond it. I’ll get in to detail about that Later.  Hope you all enjoyed clip.

The Book

Dealing with Stupid people on social networks

So After all the greatness that happened over the past week in honor Brandon’s homegoing. I get back to this website to see offensive comments toward some folks on the site which were also in reference to Brandon's death.

Recently After the death of Brandon, Wil Rawlins and other directors in the city put together A Special All Star band to play for the funeral. The Clips have been getting great reviews. Outside of that, there were forum discussions mentioning the band. One comment basically changed the whole tone of a thread.

Thread asking “Who Would be a good challenger for them?”  a user name 1001WATTS replies “a good challenge for them would be another flood..”  One of the members got offended, they argued back and fourth, … It was The Comment Made by 1001 Watts that Made me band him.

001 ŴǺŦŦŽ said:
bet you wont say that !&%@# to a Hurricane
Maybe it should of been you that got shot

I Personally Didn’t find that Funny at all So I Banned The Guy…

Afterwards he Registered Twice using B’s Name posting Pics of Dead bodies and Videos from Boondocks, along with Multiple Threads labeled “I Got Shot” … Apparently this guy has no life and no regard for tragedy.

He’s still doing this stuff at the moment. I can’t ban his IP. what I did do is make a new Thread directed toward him..

  You Think It’s a Game, But It’s No Laughing Matter

Ending it with this..

We Started the band In Honor of a man who was greatly appreciated amongst New Orleans Local Musicians and Band Members.

I think it's pretty weak... you should stop registering and get a life..

I Also Mentioned that Usually I’d let Banned members back if it’s something small, but all that repetitive mess is unnecessary

Yeah, I took this to heart because this sis someone who I Knew. and he’s talking about My city.. but hey.. he took it too far and doesn’t deserve to be a member on the site. I called the site owner and told him what was going on.. It’s really something we cant do much about..

.. I’m out..

 

My Cousin’s Graduation party just got over

yep celebrated right here in my back yard, we prepared for this for the whole week. aside from myself going to Walker for practice and doing some other things..

Man.. why of all things my brother had to ruin my fun. I’m steady taking pics and he yells “hey bruh, Another family member dun graduated don’t let her pass you up. you need to get a job” …

,.. That Ruined my night.. This man just doesn’t understand that I can’t work anywhere. but when I do. He’s gonna tell me how fake my job is.. that’s why i dont like to be bothered with him.

He went home because my dad told him something .. yeah the “hush police” came by to tell us to cut the noise.  He walked up toward the car looking all crazy.. my dad stopped him and told him to not do that.  The Police was actually out telling the other kids to stay near the party and not by the cars in the lot because it IS passed Curfew..  ya know..

.. yeah man, but I have alot on my plate between today and Monday. Hopefully my weekend will be a good one.

Brandon’s Home going celebration was amazing

There’s so much that went on from the past weekend it’s just amazing. I would have taken part in this band but it doesn’t matter I was able to take part in it either way. Met some good people as well as got a chance to see some old friends because of this.

Brandon was an Amazing man, Hadn’t he died, This  whole thing wouldn’t have been able to take place. It makes many of us believe that although he died an unnecessarily tragic death,  He’s fulfilled his purpose.

I wish I would have known him as those closer to him did.  The TBC Brass Band who were  brandons pallbearer’s Lifted the Casket 3 Times prior to putting I'm in the Hurst. I have the footage. it’s an amazing thing to see that. Nobody in the history of N.O.’s marching Scene has gotten that kind of Home going.

I want to think Mr. Wil Rawlins, Eric Jones, and all those who made this happen.  In all due respect to Brandon. Thank You Brother for your time on earth as well as for bringing us together to celebrate your life.

The Book

Touching on a few things

As fo the Feed, all systems are go.. well, I guess they are..LOL, but the main issue is fixed!
With that said.. my Aunt nd Uncle are in town for a graduation today.  They'll be here for a week. That's  great because they'll be able to come to the party! .. My mom decided to throw a party for my lil cousin, she's the only one in the fam graduating High School this year. she deserves it. We're basically prepping for that this whole week.
 I've been doing work around the house (outside) to prep for this stuff too... I'm about to cancel a repair job on a pc in a hot minute because of all of it.. I just wont have time..

Aside from that,  Friday I'll be attending B. Franklin's Funeral as my folks prep for my cousins party here. I may attend the repast for B. at Walker as well just for an hour or so..

Saturday I'll be Practicing with the All Star Alumni.. I hope that works out greatly..
What I NEED now is Sleep.. But i have a Nephew that has been yelling and screaming and getting in the way since 6:45am

People are asking my why wont a play in the other mass band for the funeral.. well THAT is one of  the reasons.

Burning The Feed

Due to Technical difficulties with Feedburner, I've decided to get rid of the Feeds, I had about 60 subscribers, but i couldn't work with it how i needed it to be. So I just let it go.
i'll be creating a new feed link that i may share later. Untill then, I'm out.

Color Changed Once again | The Darkness is Back

Two days ago while creating an entry  in Windows Live Writer, I ran across an issue with the template and colors. The main issue was that the color in my background was conflicting with the way certain fonts colors look with the background. Not only that, the curser was hard to see.

Therefore being one of the reasons i went back to dark. The other reason is that I properly installed a decent looking brick background image to my page. now it has a similar feel to my blogs origin. Although that background was Fixed, this one seems to be doing a little justice for now,

So yeah. It’s back to the Dark surface for me.  Still looks good though

 

The Book

I Guess It Makes you feel good, Right?

I’ve talked about this subject many times with a friend in relation to a dude I was in High School with. Regarding the way he acts and has been acting since high school. I don’t recall writing about this. but It came to mind now being that we’ll be at a Pre-Reunion Picnic real soon.

I’m guessing that on his part that it is gratifying, but for me. it’s just plain unnecessary to do.
Here’s the deal, anytime I talk to this dude he has to make a big deal out of things in which we did in the past, as they relate to recent situations.  Generally he tries to play me off as being lowly in comparison to him. Here are a few things that really Get to me, but I really can’t defend my post because some how he thinks it’s cool and to make jokes about these things in front of others.

When we were in High School, Spring of 2001 The Directors mention to me that they wanted me to take the sections lead.  Unfortunately things turned around when the director decided not to come back.  by the time the next school year started. Tramaine (the dude this is about) took it upon himself to influence our peers that he was the Leader of our Section as if this was a the greatest position on earth. 

When we were in front of females he would play me off as if  He’s the Man and I’m nobody  in comparison, giving off the impression that and that I do everything he says. That was totally false because I did as i pleased according to the guidelines of that band room.  There were situations where He wanted to march in first, or wanted an End, So I let him have it because those positions meant little to me. I really didn’t care about being seen as Head Man In Charge. because I knew that I ran things. Unlike him he needed approval by others. 

When we would be in the band room,  I was always the Section Leader, Outside of the band room He somehow claimed the title, mainly because people saw him on that end. The funny part is, that was the Co-Section leaders End he was on. I let Gerald have my end because he was a Senior Member before our time. I stood next to Tramaine to Keep the sound Balanced as well.  But when we weren’t in parade Line up I would not be near or around him because I really did not care for his antics.  There’s even a Video Via Youtube called “Where Bookman At!?”  a former member of our band yelled that same phrase because they assumed that I’d be up front because they knew I was section Leader. In the Video it’s the last parade. I didn’t really care where I was we were walking to the line up so it didn’t matter.  in that Video he’s the shorter guy up front. I’m in the back with my hat on.

How does this relate to today?

Well, Today, He still plays me off to the students at the school he teaches at. around females, or around people I know. He thinks its funny, but he doesn’t realize that it doesn’t work as well now days.  but It still gets to me, because it’s unnecessary Drama. For example. a few weeks ago He asked me, Who was Better out of the Both of us, and when I said I think I was, He caught a Fit and brought up situations where he did things and got plaudits for it. as if it really matters now.

Now he’s working as an assistant band director and think he’s the man. He also used that as something to brag about in comparison to me. I really don’t see it as that big of a deal because I.  have done what he has done and More-so. I worked with bands before, I was in a College band too, he Never attended college. yet he has the need to throw his it in my face that he is a director. Some day it’s not going to work out for him because He has no degree in the field and it’s basically a Job for him, not a career.

His students even believe that he was my section leader / that he was better than I in our days as bandsmen. when i would show up by the school he would tell them to Rib me, or to tell me something fairly disrespectful in my view. but I just play along with it to get him to chill out.

There are also times where if we are out he would say things that he thinks would embarrass me on his behalf.  yet he throws me out front to defend his post when he cant win an argument or things similar.  Another example is that He’s led a bunch of others to believe that he’s helped me to fight, or fought people on my behalf and those people think that I owe him simply based off that lie. I’ve only had handful of altercations in high school. even one with him. I’ve never asked anyone to help me or Take up for me. somehow he claims to half done these things in behalf of me though. smh.

The wild part is that, He’s always asking “how does so people know you, josh?” .. It’s because I Did / do my part and That what Matters. I don’t have to brag and boast about myself nor tear others apart to make myself look good to other people. it’s not in me.

There are times when I try to leave the dude alone because of it. For me, on that part i think he shouldn't care about that junk.  but for some reason it makes him feel good to make me out of some 2nd rate person.

Someday he’s going to realize that all  of that stuff isn’t worth it.

 

That’s all i have to say about that.

A Video Not Meant to go Viral

That Parent’s Comment alone sparked this entry.

So I’m watching Access Hollywood (or one of those shows) and they mentioned the controversy regarding a Viral Video of Kids dancing to “Single Ladies” at a Competition.  The Parents of those Girls Spoke Out.

From much of their view, as well as being someone who grew up around girls who are taught to dance in a similar fashion. I could understand that they are only doing something they were trained to do. and somewhere down the line the video was taken out of context due to some random persons views regarding their dancing and their outfits.  

I haven’t seen the full video and I really don’t need to watch it.
But I see it as a something that They are doing and that they love.  Maybe a parent should have drew the line at some of the moves and maybe the outfits, but It’s there kids and they know that what they’re doing was mint to Win a competition.

As for the recording going Viral. I have no problem with that.. But But it was one of those parents’ comments got to me..

The Video was not meant to go Viral, these girls were performing at a dance competition, not for the whole world

At this point, it sparked me  to blog. Why? Because I feel that anything Recorded is meant to be seen by the public, or else it would not have been recorded. The Popularity of the video is great publicity for those girls.  It could be the same reason they travel the world.  I don’t know why  someone would not want there talents displayed world wide.  That’s the point of taking part in these competitions. not for only personal gain, but to share the experience with everyone.

This Competition was not only done to be seen by the people who attended, if so it would not have been recorded.  It’s almost like she (the parent) took out her fury on those who recorded the footage as well as those who shared this video online.  That’s an ole school way of thinking In my opinion.

They should be happy that people are watching. maybe  they’re upset at many comments. but Everything has a downside. therefore when people critique you know and learn to see from that  persons view and Fix what may not be  100% Right in everyone's eyes.

As they stated, the girls got the moves from the Chipmunks movie.  Now if that was a bad influence why was the song and dance done there as well?  That’s a Kids Movie, these were kids doing what kids do.   I say Let them dance.. Leave them alone. They’re preparing for something that can get them into College and the Pros.. if they keep it up, they’ll make it.

The Book 

Johnie Has a Question

This is a a clip of what was supposed to be a good 10 minute video that i've never really had time to work on, but hey. It's all good.

Interview w/TBC Brass Band founder Jason Slack

TBC's Founder Speaks on Brandons Death and the founding of To Be Continued.

Capturing Life, Contributing To A Memory

After contacting me earlier via facebook; Offbeat Magazine is using my picture within today's article about the Murder of Brandon Franklin.  (Click Here for the Article)

When I take photos and record video, Not Only am I’m doing it to capture the moment,  I’m doing it for the people who make it happen. I never think of my work being put to use when tragedy strikes. Yet somehow that’s always the case.  For me,  it’s like a stamp of approval when a publication such as Offbeat Mag wants to use my work.

I Have found it necessary to continue at documenting my life while capturing the people I meet along the way.. By the way they contribute to the memory of others i know for sure It’s Worth it.

With That Being said

a few days prior to the death of Brandon, My facebook status read.

“New Orleans, Where a Mourning of Death is the Celebration of Life”

The Irony is that I was referring to the fact Many people have Jazz Funerals or a second line march after the funeral. In this particular case with Brandon being The saxophonist of a well known brass band. He will have that Honor. Not only that, Here have been Second Lining since Monday with members of other brass bands such as the Hot 8 and New Era.  Otherwise Brandon's band T.B.C. has continued to perform on the corner of Bourbon and Canal as usual.

Here’s a Video from one of the marches with TBC and Other bands.. You can Feel the Emotion.

….Life and it’s changes.

Another reason I know it will never happen.

In pursuit of a certain kind of girl, i realize that with some of those girls likely having some kind of social status just about makes them out of my league. Not saying that they’re better or worse. it’s just that. they are the type that will only choose someone who fits within their circle. and is meant to be with someone within that circle. 

Anyone outside of that circle would not be looked at as an equal. this is what Josiah and I talked about the other day. I won’t mention who’s names were spoken of nor their social statuses. but alot of it had to do with Finding someone willing to share your life with without holding anything back. or having some kind of weird “no fly zone” kind of rules as a regard of “who can say this about that”.. you know..

Well. It just made me think that. Even if i did have a chance at what I desire. its a possibility that it wouldn't work out simply because of the social status she has.

Sometimes i ask myself why can’t we all just be normal..lol

I guess they’ll all just run away

Sometimes I want to be brutally honest with people, but I'm honestly afraid of being betrayed.

Not Afraid as in “Scared”. I just always seem to have a feeling that, people will dislike me if i start expressing my feelings toward certain things openly.  You may feel that i shouldn’t care, but i do care.

Also, There are situations where I’d say things which i feel are necessary and I’d get cussed out because of how i feel toward those situations. That makes me angry. The main reason is because I don’t curse. and I have no intention to curse anyone. so why shall i be called out of my name?

When I speak truth, the folks don’t want to hear it tend to run away from it. The ones who do entertain it try to prove me wrong, call me crazy because of my beliefs. or simply find a reason to hold a grudge against me.

There was a situation where somebody mentioned that i have a bad temper, I have no bad temper.  I just don’t like to be put on blast for unnecessary reasons. especially trying to tell me how to do things you can’t do.

Aside from all that. I realize that when i write things via facebook usually the same people reply because some of the things i’d say are crazy, no doubt.  and only few seem to respond when i ask serious questions or make serious statements regarding things I do or do not approve of.

I guess it all gives me a reason to blog more.  I’d rather have Feedback than to not have feedback at all. it doesn’t matter if you like it or not. this is why we have opinions. just because I don’t approve of something doesn’t mean you should cut ties with me.  that’s really your problem..

it’s a number of people  i’ve realized who have just recently come up missing from my contacts  via facebook, mainly based on statuses that they didn’t like.. Simply because I was either telling the truth, or giving my opinion based on factual knowledge.

Simple as that..

I’m Out.

nothing, like at all?

come on now, i know you’re on fb, but dang i just texted you and you can’t answer back? lol I’m just saying you just replied to my status… come one now.. lol I can wait.  I guess it’s the status that made you think…  well hey, it ain’t that big of a deal.

I can wait…

Murder of a Musician

I received a phone call with the news some time in the AM, as well as via facebook. I read the article at Nola this morning in regard to the murder of Brandon Franklin. All I could do is shake my head in disbelief.

He was a Member and Drum Major of the O.Perry Walker High School band as well as the Louisiana Leadership Institute Marching Band around the time he became a member of the To Be Continued Brass Band. He has also performed with many other brass bands in the city.

Every Time I would see him he was either Playing Music, going to a gig, coming from a gig. or hanging around somebody's band. The Last time I spoke to him was about 2 weeks ago outside of Tipatina’s. I believe he performed that night as well.





Here’s a comment someone added beneath the Nola.com  article

WestBankReader
Brandon Franklin was a very impressionable young man. I met him during the course of my employment with Algiers Charter Schools. He was such a tremendous asset to Mr. Rawlins, Music Teacher and Band Instructor at O. P. Walker High School. If you met Brandon you had to like him; his personality was a big as New Orleans. He always had a smile and a few words to make you strike up a conversation with him.

The band members at OPW had a lot of respect for him as he assisted Mr. Rawlins. I know that Will (Mr. Rawlins), Ms. Laurie (principal), and the students will miss him a lot.

Brandon R.I.P.

A drum major gone home!

My condolences  to The To Be Continued Brass Band, family, friends and anyone who’s effected by his death.

Rest In Peace Brandon Franklin.
You will be missed.

Ludacris 2010 Census New Orleans

L

Ludacris 2010 Census New Orleans from DTP TV on Vimeo.

Luda at an attempt to influence the New Orleans to Fill out and Send back the Census forms.

The Legendary Lena Horne Has Passed

For me, I only Knew of Lena Horne for Two Reasons, one was The very uplifting song she sang she sang in The Wiz, as well as her as a singing guest on The Cosby Show. Aside from that, I haven’t known much of her material nor about her life. But After Reading the New York Times article as well as her bio elsewhere. I Know that she was one of the Few in her time who has paved the way for Black Women in Entertainment today.

Rest In Peace
Lena Horne
1917-2010

Color Change

Well, This Blog as been Many Colors in the past, Most of them were dark, I just wanted to do something different.  I don’t think I’ll be using this particular color for long, but for now, this is what I want. 

 

Partially it had something to do with coming across too many white text on a black surfaces, I wanted to get away from it for a time being.  These colors remind me of the old Marchingsport site. therefore my choice was predetermined. LOL

at this point you’ve probably noticed I’m on a Windows XP PC. well yep. it’s the one I own.

Can’t be doing that stuff

ah man, for the past 3 days I've watch my nephew from AM to PM and it sux. I even had to take him on to where i went to work on fixing a PC at.  He’s not really THE problem. it’s just that I’m deprived of going places when he’s around.

Today. I woke up with a phone call from my brother. He asked me  if my brother and nephew were awake, I wasn’t sure I’d just waken up. I said “yeah they’re sleeping” .. he asked me to ask my brother if he wanted to go to the zoo.  his answer was no…  So after that we hung up… at that point I couldn’t go back to sleep. so i put on some sweat pants and a T shirt to go walking…

Unfortunately I got a knock at the door, It was my brother with my nephew.. I’m like AWW MAN I WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE (i didn't say that).. but it caused me to set inside for about an hour until the baby got quiet. and i left out here for my walk.

While on route I spotted some guys who looks as if they were probably stealing copper off someone’s  home.  they noticed that i was looking kind of hard and they tried to hide. it was sad but funny that they tried to hide.. In my mind i was thinking of calling the police. but i didn’t.  Also. By the time I got back to that area The people who lived in the home were pulling in. I was thinking of going over there to talk to them. but there was also a guy not to far from the walk route  standing around who he looked similar to one of the guys who were on the property earlier. At this point. i just made my way home from that area.

Honestly I think i should have mentioned it. I was hoping that the guys would get busted though.

aside from that, My body hurts from all that waking. I need to do that more often.

Oil, Bombs, Floods

 

The Oil Spill
You know, with all that Oil in the gulf, if I had a pot i’d have a Fish fry..

Nah, really though.. The Clean up of that is going to be hard, it’s going to take time for all that to wear down.  I’m glad to see that there’s a way for everyone to help. as far as the Hair and stockings situation goes. I hope it works out.  I’m glad it’s not worse than It could have been.

The Fear would have been an eruption, Glad that’s not happening now at least.  It’s still forever possible anyway… The downside to everything..

The Car Bomb
I’m happy the people in NY were outspoken about the Car Bomb situation.  all of that talk shows that the people are aware.   That thing could have killed everyone around it had it blown up.   Now There’s a Suspect soon to be charged.. wow..   

The Floods out west..
You know,  Every time there’s a flood, you hear somebody who says that they understand how the people from N.O. Felt in Katrina. yet the people on these news broadcast always seem to suggest “We’ve never seen anything like this Before” …   Shew.. There have been many floods that caused widespread damage since Katrina’s.. maybe it’s not exactly the same. but You HAVE seen These kinds of floods before.. ya know..

I think that all floods are Messed up especially when the damage messes up nearly everything you have or destroys everything you own. .. I know I wouldn’t want to deal with that anymore.

i guess that’s all i have to say about those situations

It ain’t gonna be what I thought

But I’m good, I still might go make that move to over there and help out, but realistically I’ll be out of this sucka at least 8 to 9 hours a day by then. That’s all in the plan.   I just hope some people stop telling me what they want me to …  That way I can focus on how I’m going to make this work.

LOL…

The Fro of Intimidation

Is it just me, or does everybody have something to say when a brotha with an afro walks in the room. Maybe they’re not saying anything openly, but they are saying something.
I think that people in recent times here in N.O. are so used to seeing Locked hair and dumb looking Mohawks now ‘til they think it’s funny when somebody with an afro walks in the room.

For the past 3 years I’ve noticed because I’ve gotten stared at, pointed at, talked about  laughed at.because of my Fro alone,  much of this was back in 2008 & 09 when I had the big fro,  but there’s nothing wrong with my hair.  it’s just an afro. Why is it that people want to get a secret laugh in when they see me coming. what’s so funny about my hair?

Folks have Asked if I’m trying to get a Curl or If I Perm My Hair… NO FOOL IT’S MY NATURAL HAIR!!… Even with my boys who like to rib, talk about my hair first because it’s an easy target.  why? because I’m usually the only one in the group with one. everyone else has a a low taper or as i explained a Mohawk or Locks.    don’t do Locks because my hair does not Lock like that  even if i try twisting it.  I really don’t want that anyway.

What’s in my Head?

Folks like to ask “what are you putting in your head?” .. I tell people I Don’t because at that point it usually  stops the questioning. but,  I do it’s called Shampoo and Conditioner when Washing my hair…but really, afterwards use Kemi Oyl prior to picking my hair out… but that’s nothing.  Back when I had the Huge fro after washing my hair I’d put it under a doo Rag and pick it out the next morning, but I don’t now because my fro isn’t so big I’m going to get my hair cut soon.

at this point, why does it matter to you if i put something in my head or not. because the most you will do is talk about my hair to get a laugh.  See, My thing is this too. I’m not Big on having fancy hair do to look “Cute” like many of these froot booties around here.  If i really wanted to. I could have some waves. in my head or something like that my keeping it brushed low. but I DON’T NEED TO. that’s a “pretty boy” thing. and I aint one of them. I have an Afro with about 3 inch side burns and I like my hair this way.  I’d rather do my own thing.

I think some black people are backwards when it comes to hair.  These girls go GaGa over a dude who’s hair is “Long & Permed”. yet they laugh at the fro? ...I had a Huge Fro but  for them it’s not the same.  I’m not big on hair nor hair care, but I appreciate what i have and I have to keep it up. I aint trying to kill it like some people. but on a day like today for example. I don’t get up and Just pick my fro out. I let my hair sit As is unless I'm going some where..  at that point I go get that Kemi and pick my hair out..

And Still I Don’t see why people have an issue when people with fro’s are around. Man, I’m Black and the Fro is like the Ultimate Black Hair style. Otherwise I really don’t like to go to the barber.. LOL!