The McRib? Nah, I'm good...

“The McRib Is Back!”


A brightly colored sign announced this to an overflowing McDonald’s. The food stylists, those people responsible for making sure that every photo of every item of food looks heavenly, have done a great job. The barbeque sauce looks tantalizing, the pickles and onions look crisp and refreshing and the bun looks fresh. The best looking fries and ice cold drink sit off to the side. It all just works together.

But me, I just shook my head. Under all that lovely looking accompaniment lies one of the strangest food experiences I’ve ever had. Ever. Years ago, when I lived with my grandmother and we were broker than broke, we were signed up with a food bank at a local church. We’d go over and pick up a couple of bags of staples to supplement what we could afford. One day, as we were unpacking the bags, we came across this large industrial plastic bag with a dozen or so patties in the bottom.

They were grayish brown and covered in ice, so we didn’t know what they were. We smelled them, something completely unrecognizable hit me, but I still couldn’t identify what kind of meat they were. So we put them in the freezer to figure out some other day. You know, when we got low on protein.

When we finally defrosted some, we started to see the faint shape of ribs…more accurately, a McRib. They were like little oily sponges of pork something-or-other once they were thawed. I’d never seen a texture like that in a grocery store before in my life. My 1st thought…“is this what scrapple looks like?”

But, we were hungry and it was time to cook them. So, into the pan they went. BIG mistake! Within 2 minutes, they were swimming in grease and a 3rd of their size. We ended up wrapping them in paper towels, a couple of times, to get as much of the grease off as possible before we ate them. They tasted alright, but my stomach was not happy. But, we thought it was our cooking method. They couldn’t be THAT bad right? This was the highly sought after McRib, after all.

But, sadly it was not. The next time, we tried to bake them. When we pulled them out of the over there were these small, still grayish brown, things floating in grease. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Needless to say, I never touch a McRib again. And this was before I gave up meat. All it did was make me wonder…what else is in this stuff?

A little global funk and soul recap...

I saw Taylor McFerrin (yes, son of Bobby) do a great improved set this past Wednesday at Zanzibar...on the same show as Electric Wire Hustle. I'd heard his name, seen a few mentions but hadn't really gotten into his stuff. Until now. UBER talented dude. And he makes beautiful music. I newly obsessed with A Place In My Heart feat Ryat. Check this dude out, you won't be disappointed...

Taylor McFerrin - Track Preview from EARLY RISER by Taylor McFerrin

Go sign up for Taylor McFerrin's mailing list to get these songs!

And speaking of Wednesday night...Electric Wire Hustle!!! Another group I'd heard bits and pieces about for a while before I got the album. Loved it right away. But that album is only about a third as good as they are live. And I mean that. 3 people on the stage that sounded like 12! A lead singer with a gorgeous voice holding down the guitar, a keyboard player/programmer that did a BANANAS talk box solo and a drummer that really BEAT my bad day completely out of my body. This is their first go 'round in the US, but if you get a chance to see their show, DO NOT MISS IT!

The Sounds & GREAT Vibes of Sunset Junction 2010...(videos)

The only way I can describe Sunset Junction...energy! So, I filmed some of the good times at the Evelyn Champagne King and Bobo & Rhettmatic shows...both shows were a dance party. Also, Me'Shell N'degeocello's rendition of Cars. Enjoy!

SANG ANDRE!

The vocal ministry of the amazing Andre Washington! That's the only thing I can call it...enjoy!

Sights of Sunset Junction 2010...

I had a ball this weekend at Sunset Junction. The music, the people, the food, the energy. It was everything I needed. Everywhere you went people were dancing, smiling and socializing. I can't even tell you how much fun it was just to people watch. It was an experience. And, yes, The Whispers did Olivia during their AMAZING set!!! What a way to wind down the summer. Get there next year...

You're how old? I'll have what he's having!

My mom and I ordered dinner from a new place tonight. Natural Soul Food Cafe. They messed up our order a bit & took great pains to drive back to us and fix it. I'm so glad they did! It gave me a change to speak to one of the employees and for for my mom to talk to the delivery guy. They're older, we knew that off the bat. But during his 2nd trip to our place, my mom told the delivery man that we really enjoyed the food. It was great and healthy! 

His response sent me online to look them up. He stopped cold and said "I'm 70. I do 100 push ups on the classroom floor to motivate elementary kids to eat healthy. I got a letter from Michelle Obama!" My mom said, "wow, we'll be giving you guys lots of business!" He then informed her that they were a non-profit cafe. What? A non-profit? Ice seen there space for years but had never eaten at the restaurant. So, follwing a great meal and an eye opening visit, I looked them up...

They really are a non-profit, they really do have a program that serves our kids. And they really are committed to healthy food. It seems the delivery service is a small piece of their overall mission. So small, in fact, that when I called the woman answered "is this the lady that ordered the food?" 

I'm in love with this place and these people. I am going to spend money with them because I belive in what they are trying to do. It's wide reaching, but with a serious focus on the community around them. Their sponsors have given them the luxury of using ingredients that are pretty much cost prohibitive in this economy, and especially in this area.  And all if this so that they can provide healthier food to the lower income community around them. The only thing that disappoints me is the lack of spotlight on what they're doing.

So, if you're in the Crenshaw/Leimert/West Adams/Jefferson Park Area, stop by! Call and order something! Go to their "Community Sensitivity Dining Room" and over pay them. Their website says "pay what your taste buds say"...those of you that eat out all the time should stop by and give them what you'd give everyone else that's chasing a profit. Just look past the red, black and green militant looking storefront...they are lovely people, doing great work, that will serve you tasty food and use you money to give back. Check them out...www.naturalsoulfood.org.

32...

So, I'm now 32. Happy Birthday to me...again! And like every year round this time, I reflect, correct and grow a little more. This year, I really didn't feel like celebrating my birthday. Not because I don't like my birthday, but because 2010 has been a ridiculously busy year already. And a lot of fun! I couldn't think of anything I wanted to do that I hadn't done yet. Well, nothing I could afford anyway. I also didn't want to deal with the bullshit that happens every time I plan something for my birthday. People respond to the invitations with "I'm there!" Which really translates into "I'm there...unless something that benefits me comes up...or someone's throwing a more fabulous party than you...or I'm working...or I can't make a good enough excuse to leave my man/woman...or I procrastinate and miss the entire thing altogether."

That happens more often than not because I have, what I'd like to refer to as, a large group of acquaintances and a small group of friends. I can count my real friends on one hand. And they were great this weekend! Most people land in the large group of acquaintances. Fine by me. My social circle is fun, entertaining, talented and sweet. But unreliable as hell. LOL So, for the last few years, I've been learning to expect exactly what people are capable of and no more. It's working out great actually. I feel selfish at times, but I think you need to be to get what you want. At least a little bit. Not to the point of treating people badly, but at least to the point that you take care of you and be ok with that.

At 30, I learned that it was ok to be exactly who I am. At 31, I learned that it's ok to say "no, I won't keep giving of myself and getting nothing in return". At 32...well I'm not quite sure what I've learned yet. Though, I've definitely accepted that I know more than I realize and see things in terms of what's happening below the surface. It's a great tool to have. But it's not life changing. Every year, I learn a lesson that changes the way I live my life. Even slightly. I look back at 07-08, I was 29 having the hardest year of my life. Then look at my life now, I know that even a slight change makes a HUGE difference. I'm looking forward to figuring out what the lesson is this year...

Kitsch...and a little history on the black hand side.

Today I volunteered at the annual APLA event held at the "Pink House". The home is owned by Allee Willis. The woman is phenomenally accomplished. She's written songs for Earth, Wind and Fire, Randy Crawford and a tons of other people, wrote the theme to FRIENDS (Cha-ching!) and her current project is Color Purple, the musical. She co-wrote the music with Brenda Russel and Stephen Bray.

I had heard she was an eccentric and that is no lie! But she is also a technology guru (especially when it comes to the arts), has spoken before congress, has one of the largest collections of pop culture memorabilia (a large part of it BLACK) that she rotates through her home and museum and she's got an alter-ego named Bubbles. Bubbles even went so far as to work with Real and Chance from I Love New York! The woman is a fascinating walking breathing history of entertainment and bank of genius. It is no surprise that she's also a bit mad scientist and wacky. I absolutely love her! I strongly recommend that all my entertainment minded friends spend hours on her website: http://www.alleewillis.com/. I'm going to just to learn from the woman...

Today's exhibit was art done by John Lloyd Young, who played Frankie Valley in the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys. He took a food box and covered it in rhinestones to give to Allee as a gift, she in turn asked him to do an entire collection for sale. Her introduction of the artist included the following line, which pretty much sums up the afternoon, "I don't even mind that I lost the TONY to him...since he was so fuckin' brilliant in Jersey Boys."

Below are two slide shows of the pics I took today. The first includes the art, the second is of Ms. Willis' museum. When I tell you that she has a genuine love for black people that I've never seen before, it's an understatement. Her father wrote her a letter on his deathbed. In it, he told her to stay away from "the black people". Her embracing of the culture and working within it is a very, VERY deliberate thing. She's beyond dope!

Also, here's a REALLY GOOD LOOK AT HER FANTASTIC HOUSE!

The Happiest Place On Earth...

Yesterday, my mom and I spent the entire day at Disneyland. We had free tickets earned volunteering for AIDS Project LA. Volunteering was fun, and Disneyland was a blast! It had been about 4 years since I’d been last and this time we planned out exactly what we wanted to see. There were some great highlights and, yes, a couple low lights. But, let’s start with the good stuff, shall we?

Since I really don't care...

Disclaimer: I'm venting. Bear with me.

When I was about to turn 30, a friend told me that my “whatever” attitude was going to get worse. Way worse. I was already one of those “I don’t give a fuck, I’m doin’ me” type of people, so according to him it was going to get a lot worse. And, he was right…


Don’t get me wrong, I love people. I love observing people, I love getting to know people and I especially love spending time with people. But with that I’ve had to learn not to give anyone anything they themselves are not willing to give. If I’m there for you and you’re there for me, we are golden. I don’t care if I only have a real conversation with you twice a year. As long as we’re both actively engaged in the friendship, we are and will always be friends.

With that being said, I know I don’t have a lot of friends. I happen to think its better that way. I know a whole lot of people, but I can count my real friends on a hand and a half. My real friends are the ones who make an effort, who check on me, whose words are backed up by their actions. And I thank them for that. But you acquaintances have gotten it all wrong.

If your idea of friendship is to be inconsiderate, shallow, rude and selfish, I really don’t want you around. Everyone has their issues and a true mark of friendship is to accept others as they accept you. But in order for that to happen, you have to accept your faults. You have to be able to take personal responsibility for your actions. If you let someone down then ignore it and them, you’re basically the worst kind of asshole. You think you’re entitled to treat people however you want. And, judging by the precedent, you would probably be super hot if someone did the same shit to you.

People always give me the “she’s got an attitude” look when they get dry responses from me. But, I would ask folks to take a good long look at how they’ve treated people. That might not be my attitude you’re seeing, that look may just tell you how little I now value you as a person. Life is too short to surround yourself with people who make you feel like they don’t give a fuck about you. It just is. None of us should have people in our lives that don’t respect, value or care about us. If I’m in control of my quality of life, then I’m in control of how much bullshit I put up with.

I will ride or die for certain people in my life. They know it, I know it. They have off days just like I do, but I will never question their friendship. They’ve put up with my mess and I owe them the same. But the rest of you fuckers? I don’t owe you shit. And I’m not giving you shit. I’ve done my fair share of being there for people far longer than I should have. But after years of doing that and getting nothing in return, I finally got fed all the way up. Someone once told me that I couldn’t just cut them off. Oh, but it’s a skill I’ve gotten damn good at it. No more toxic people, no more users, no more risking my stability for folks who have none of their own, just NO MORE.

Now that I got that off my chest, I must say this…I have a small but mighty group of friends who push me to be better ,call me on my shit, sit with me when I cry, encourage me to take chances, and once in a while give me permission to be bad! LOL I love you guys very much. You know who you are…

Who's the worst singer since slavery?

It's a tie between The Dream & Sean Garrett...FYI writers & producers: becoming an artist is NOT necessary.

Ask me anything

If you could attend any concert, what would it be?

Prince...20 years ago.

Ask me anything

Hey, hood vegetarians!

I love to cook, I love to eat. I'm a foodie. That's just what I am. However, when I gave up meat in June 2006, I found it hard to find great places to eat that didn't break the bank. At home, I can always whip something up, but when I don't feel like cooking I still have to eat, right?

*Disclaimer - I still eat seafood, dairy, cheese, eggs and all that. So, I'm not really a vegetarian. The meat just wasn't doing it for me.*

I found a great place on Jefferson and Normandie, near USC, to get tasty and cheap vegetarian "soul food". No, seriously! Angelenos, this stuff is the bizness! It's a hole in the wall with dinky tables and chairs. Eat in (with the good satellite radio and happy people), or call ahead and take out. Make sure you get their Blueberry Lemonade when you go. Try the "BBQ Chik'un", try the "Fibbs" (faux riblets), the Vegan Mac is good too (when it's not on the salty side), and the greens are the best ever!!! But they have this Chik'un Stuffed Yamm (pictured below) that's amazing. Whoever came up with that was genius! But a tip, skip the dessert. I know what I'm having for dinner...

Check out what might be your new favorite spot...Vegisoul!

RUN FORREST! A good day in LA...

This morning, my mom and I volunteered for AIDS Project LA in support of their runners who raised (I found out this morning) $500,000 dollars during this year’s marathon. Because they changed the route to cut clear across LA, they got to set up a major event and PowerAde/water station. We started at 6:30AM making balloon towers, setting up tables and stations, then pouring 12,000 cups of beverages for the runners. Half of the volunteers didn’t even show up, but something wonderful happened. People walking down Santa Monica Blvd stopped and asked if they could help. Some stayed 30 minutes, one guy and his dog stayed a few hours. He didn’t even talk to anyone; he just saw what we were doing and jumped in. They pretty much doubled the volunteer sign up as the morning progressed. It was amazing!

My two cents on Telephone...

Since I'm hearing about Lady Gaga and Beyonce's new Telephone everywhere, I figured I would throw in my two cents as well. I'm a music geek, but I'm also a music biz geek. What that means it that I can equally love and hate something for totally different reasons. I see the perspective of art and artist, but also of sales tool and image. So, here we go...

F R E S H

So, the 80s are back. The good, the bad and the ugly. My mom has a theory that everything goes in 20 year cycles. I think she's right. So around 2029, skinny jeans will be in full effect right? Let's hope not!

A few things from the 80s we can do without. Fanny packs, gumby fades and overalls are all back. Thankfully they haven't caught all the way on yet. I've seen a few too many Bobby Brown esque fades in music videos lately and I'm sure they will be followed by men in biker shorts soon. But one trend that excites me to no end...the 2 finger ring redux! I'm not talking gold nuggets and nameplates (though the name plates are back too). Remember these gaudy pieces of craziness?

It's still fashion...

Gabourey Sibede in Marchesa,

"If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot!"

J*Davey live at The Roxy March 3, 2010

Miss Jack Davey from CWG Magazine's review of the show.

Just wanted to share my pics from one the THE BEST J*Davey shows I've ever been too!! That says a lot because they never disappoint. I have video too, but the singing along and the drunk queens screaming lyrics next to me fucked up my audio. So I added a little live snippet of Get Together (my favorite J*Davey song of the moment) I found on youtube. In or out of focus...you get it!

Tell us what you really think!

"I think Jill Scott has a poodle on her head. Looks like the dog @Oprah used to have. #NAACP Image Awards." - Jawn Murray

"Jill Scott's braids are TIGHT. She's got crazy beautiful skin. She's on the end of the row. Another winner?" - Honey Magazine

GET YOUR OWN! Please and Thank you.

Ok, I haven't blogged in a while. To the few people that check these, sorry 'bout that. I will get back to it soon and very soon. However, there's something I just have to get off my chest...

it is my sincere wish and prayer for 2010 that folks will MIND THEIR OWN DAMN BUSINESS! Stop being nosy under the guise of being helpful or protective. We know that is NOT the case. We know you just don't have a life of your own, so you're fascinated by everyone else's.

I've also noticed that nosy ass people are usually the one trying to make everything about them. They pry so they can then tell everything THEY did and said. It makes them feel important (in their own minds). It normally goes like this. "So and so went to the doctor"..."Oh, well I told them they should go. And I said that it's probably ____." I, I, I, I, I...I'm getting annoyed.

When you're dealing with people...

It's best to know what you're dealing with. Honestly, it helps. I came across an article that described a good amount of the people I dealt with in 2009 and it really made an impact on me. Knowledge always helps you separate yourself from other people's mess. It also helps you realize that it's not always you. Sometimes it really is OK to give yourself a dang break!! So, read this list about the signs of emotional immaturity. You may see glimmers of "friends", bosses, boyfriends, girlfriends, exes, parents, all types of people. It'll open up your mind and change the way you interact with people...

The Ultimate Melt The Sheets Playlist...thank me later...

I figured a good way to start 2010 is to invest in my own romantic karma. So, I bring to you The Ultimate Melt The Sheets Playlist. Disclaimer: this is a grown up collection of music that sets a mood, so if you're more into songs about poppin, droppin, smackin, and lyrics about body parts, this may not be for you.

This playlist if for couples who need a little bit of spark! Life has a way of killing the love in our lives. For those of you lucky enough to still have a bit, here's my gift to you! This is about snesuality, connection and intimacy without all of the obvious selections. I've added a little audio to give you an idea where it's going. So, open your mind, do a little leg work (BUY the music...if you can find it) and let me know how you like it!!