nikkipanache

Life as We Know It–Learning Acceptance

I’ve been wanting to veer away from the entertainment writing and wanting to give you more reality. I have this thing about having honest conversations and, oftentimes, I stress their importance to whoever that will listen.

As I go on in life, growing, meeting new people and discovering more things about myself, I face more real people who have real issues than instances of entertainment. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but even their real issues can be quite entertaining in it of themselves. However, this isn’t true in this case.

Take for instance, a friend I have who struggles with death and loss on a daily basis. To avoid finding practical solutions which would take a lot of mental strength, focus, and effort, this person busies -self with work and extra curricular activities. Work and personal interests are this individual’s scapegoat … The loss of immediate family members has become a barrier that separates this individual from nurturing intimate relationships with family and others.

Without going into detail, I ask that you imagine having lost a parent, whether be by abandonment or by death. How would you feel? If you have lost a parent, how do you feel?

I’m familiar with the abandonment part with my biological father. I believe it affected me earlier on in life than it does now because I’ve learned a key thing about how to deal with loss and death–acceptance.

Acceptance. I don’t know how many birthdays had gone by before I stopped anticipating my father’s phone calls or his showing up to my rescue, but I had stopped. At some point, I accepted that my father’s choices were not going to define me and my future.

I’ve read many a stories about women who grew up without the influence of their biological father and how that led them to prostitution, drug addictions, and other irresponsible behavior. I decided that wouldn’t be me long ago. I had since then developed a self sufficient life where I’m proactive in my decision making, learning to prevent problems than getting in the habit of solving them.

My action plan for my life was my way of accepting the past because it was a way for me to add value to my perceived self worth without feeling compromised by how others felt about me. In other words, I gave to myself the love, knowledge, and perspective that I needed to feel whole without being completed by any other.

Perception … What’s that quote? “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.” Our perception yields our reality … The thought that becomes our action .. That action becomes the habits then later on our character.

Looking at yourself or perceiving yourself to be an abandoned person puts you in the seat of a victim. Thou shalt not be victimized! Don’t you hate when someone victimizes an active voice for a passive one?!?! Or speaks in third person? Whew … I digress.

Feeling abandoned doesn’t get us very far because with it comes the sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Now I’m not one to preach, but isn’t God everything? For me, he has been …

When I found a father in God, using him for a source of guidance and love, I found a father that would never abandon me … Not in my darkest hour. In finding footing with God, the Universe, I found myself abandoned no more … Victimized no more … And I had found peace … And was able to accept that regardless of the actions of others, no matter how irresponsible and hurtful, that I am not defined by their shortcomings (or excellence, on the flipside) but by my own feelings and thoughts. These are the very things that I have control of … And with this control, I shall not feel abandoned no more or victimized.

It can be a difficult concept to implement in your life. It isn’t easy. Yet with the right focus, you can achieve this way of thinking.

Prayer is everything, and a direct line to the lineage that gave you life and assured your legacy. Let it be known, that you can pray all day which is encouraged, but you must also take that walk by faith.

To my dear friend, I love you so. Acceptance is underway. I hope the days are near where you feel abandoned no more. Xo

China, Blended Not Stirred–Early Morning Vision

A Blizzard to get me slizzard!!!

You know China has got to me on my places to move list. Now some of my friends who’ve been says it overcrowded and that the streets are trashed. Sounds like my other favorite place–New York City.

And when you look on the upside, New York City has a world-influential fashion industry, Wall Street, Chinatown, the Meat Packing District, and Soho! Now to tell you each place’s significance just seems redundant. You already know.

China has got to have some of the same qualities plus the Great Wall. How can one beat that?

And just yesterday, I learned that Warren Buffet–Berkshire Hathaway (synonymously used here)–has put Dairy Queens in China. “Bygod, that’s all I need.” Reportedly, the Green Tea Blizzard is best selling. I wonder what their alcohol laws are … I’ll need two jiggers in my blizzard to keep me slizzardddd …

And to fight the hangover, I could venture to the nearest Walmart, which may assist in sweating out the alcohol and burning off calories, to pick up some BC powder. You think they got BC powder in China? Or something better? “Bygod, that’s all I’ll need.”

This Black Girl Can’t Dance—”Watch The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl ” Youtube Series

Have you found a way to relate to Issa Rae’s The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl Youtube Series? I have. As you know, I cannot dance, and this episode was made for my non-dancing … Furthermore, she gets a little bougie about house parties. There, I cannot relate. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it is at a house party where you can get off with doing less … on the dancefloor. Watch and laugh.

“They Got a Lincoln Town Car …” Jermaine Dupri Talks Janky Promoters #CIAA

Jermaine Dupri talks janky promoters in Charlotte, a #CIAA event that was planned but did NOT happen. This -ish is hilarious. I know I’m supposed to be nice especially because it’s Sunday. But I can’t help it. I’m posting. I even found this so-called “ted” on FB. I didn’t post his URL, you can GOOGLE and put 2 and 2 together. Here’s a good laugh and an ode to #CIAA 2012.

Mourning Until the Morning–A Recollection of Tasha

A couple of weeks ago, my cousin Tasha passed away at age 26 from diabetes. She had experienced an extended version of long-suffering, as coined by the Bible.

For the past two years and even longer than that, she’d been in and out of the hospital, just sick and suffering from pain. And the doctors would profess over and over, in cycles, “she’s well, she’s stabilized, she can go home or she’s in a coma.” I’m sure they’d used her name, but it’s interpreted as distant language … Because I’d give a kidney for her survival, but the doctors won’t.

My cousin Tasha is the bravest person I’ve ever known. Most women walk around trying to cover up scars they wear, a few scattered blemishes to the face, a birthmark, a silly and foolish tattoo, the perceived ugliness they wear inside and out.

That wasn’t Tasha. No matter the many scars left on her body due to IVs, breathing tubes, needles, etc, she bore them without a cover up. This was her life … These were her scars.

At her funeral, her homegoing (I call it) … I recall lyrics to a a Christian hymn we’d sang growing up in church in New Jersey … “The angels beckon me/oh Lord what shall I do/ because I can’t feel at home in this world anymore” … However out of context, it fits the solemn circumstances … God’s unchanging hand, our startled spirits …

Her brothers and sisters remembered her to be a bubbly spirit who always urged them to make the right decisions, to be proud, to live with integrity. So did I. She was that way, all the time, with everyone.

She loved kids, and all she ever wanted to do was to get well enough to finish school, so that she could become a full time teacher. We talked of her dreams … Of her getting married … Oh! She said I could sing at her wedding which meant everything to me! She knows that I sing, however off key, wrong lyrics and all, when I’m in a good mood.

As children, we shared everything, from toys to households. Her birthdays were mine and mine were hers. My grandparents couldn’t bear buying gifts for just one of us on any single birthday; they’d give to us both. Birthdays came around twice a year until were around 6/7 years old.

Her birthday’s coming up this week, Feb 28. Just in a few days. I can only imagine what my auntie and uncle feel right now as the day approaches … To loose your first born just weeks before her 27th birthday. There are no words.

I had been silent in prayer for a while now … Especially in the last six months. I’d prayed throughout the night, in the car on the drive to work, while working, after lunch, on the drive home, believing she’d be ok, that she’ll make it through. Fortunately, I got to chat with her one day while driving home. That had to be December.

Hearing her voice gave me hope and my prayer was for her to become well enough to live her life as she so desired.

“We cannot disassociate ourselves from this …” The preacher’s words had drawn out. I had suddenly found myself in my very own cloud of thoughts …. Past conversations, “quotes from Tasha,” childhood memories, her stunning beauty, Tasha’s friendship, her willingness to forgive …

Did I forget to mention that Tasha was also a debater, quick-wit, smart, and clever?

When she and I lived together in our adult life, we argued about clothes and vocabulary. For whatever reason, I had not thoroughly learned the words incentive and incite. She taught me … In an argument she notably won. Talk about being pissed. That was just post college graduation, 2006. No matter what we argued about, I don’t remember staying mad at her for long.

“He doesn’t deserve you, Nee Nee, or you know you could do whatever you put your mind to.” I can still hear her voice, distinctly, in my head; however faint, its presence is pronounced, annunciated, and grammatically correct “thank you very much” as she used to say.

Anyway, I ummm …. been spending some sleepless nights … Praying and crying … Sometimes crying until I’m coughing, loosing hours of rest. I don’t know how I make it through each day. I just know that it has to be done … That I must balance both mourning and living.

It helps that my colleagues are practical and sensible folk to work with.

And there’s no crying at work. I cannot fathom breaking down in my cube. Once I hit campus, I’m high off two cups of coffee, and I arrive all smiles …

But as soon as I get home, when the responsibilities have been fulfilled–the dog has been walked, every bill has been paid, I’m exhausted from studying, I’m coached out or blogged out, I’ve solved some “social” problem I might have, answered emails, solved someone else’s problem, and regulated some b.s., I give myself permission to bawl my eyes out in private. And it’s truly a private affair … Some nights commenced at drinking.

And the time I have to mourn is painfully limited … No one knows the hour but me and God.

Yet I know I have until the morning to mourn.

A’las, today, Im called to whisper a “Happy Birthday” and pray that with each passing bornday, Tasha’s granted bigger wings … in her choice of color, of course.

Truly, I know that we’ve all experienced a passing of a loved one. And it’s truly hard to deal with the pain as life goes on. But I hope that you can appreciate my recollection of my dear Tasha, and it inspires you to remember a loved one of your own … In an even more consoling light.

Head Replays–”Will Someone Turn this Music Off?!”

Do you tend to hear the last song you’ve listened to replay in your head over and over again throughout the day? Like for instance, that last song Power 98 played just before you turned off your car … and during work, at a friend’s, at happy hour, you can just hear these lyrics haunting you … Notably, you can find appropriate placement for these lyrics in any conversation … talk about humor. Just imagine hearing “Girls Like You” replay as your best homeboy complains about his ole’ lady. And he wonders why he never gets to that next step. PAUSE. Anywho, I say all that to share with you famous head replays that get me through difficult conversations, annoying people, and humorous times. Hope you like. Paint your own picture at your discretion.

1. “Birthday Cake” No remix needed. Rihanna chants enough naughty lyrics to help me narrow down why you’re really talking to me right now. PAUSE.

2. “Thinking About You.” Have you heard Willow’s version? Her runs are everything.

3. “Rack City” I blame it on Power 98 because they play it so much. “10, 10, 10, 20s, and a 50s …” Stripper songs are downright distasteful. But this one’s too catchy for my own good. Oh well.

4. “Strip” Another relic of Breezy. This stripper song, on the contraire, is playful on all levels. The video makes all the difference. Ahhh Chris with his blonde hair. Moments of pleasure.

5. “Nobody’s Perfect” J Cole’s “cheese eggs and potatoes” line gets me going. #Fatgirl Vibes. “We rock the boat, Poseidon” <–nice Greek God reference. I likes. Furthermore, this is the new age of conscious rappers where they retain material swag yet spit lyrics that really matter, ones that call your self-governing rules into question. More about that later.

6. "Ambition" by Wale because drive is what some strive for … and what others just have. Love the lyric videos. Now I have no excuse. Wale at the Fillmore in NC this coming week #CIAA.

7. "Take Care" Drake and Rihanna house sampling keeps the party poppin'.

8. "It All Belongs to Me" by Monica and Brandy. If it's Nikkipanache's, it ALL belongs to me.

9. "Over My Dead Body" Drake. You gotta sing out, ring out your disappointments in love. When everything seems to be an illusion, a beautiful lie, and when perfect seems to have a time constraint, Drake comes to save the day. That's why we love 'em.

10. "Think Like a Man" Jennifer Hudson, Rick Ross and Ne-Yo This is so big city like. When I'm missing Jersey, this works. We're-going-through-the-tunnel-tunes. Do you see the bright lights?

Nonetheless, there's much humor and reality in most songs we listen to. Sure they minister to our spirits … realities we live and will continue to live each and every day. Can you think of head replay song or lyric? Share them with me.

Serendipity-An Inspired Music Wednesday

Him: You wanna elope? Like right now? We can go to Vegas … like right now? You wanna go? Wanna elope?
Me: Blank stare* Increased palpitations* Nervousness* Smiling ear to ear
Him: We can do it the right way.
Me: Agreed.

Destiny/Fate, we’re living it, and it has the magic to bring us together with ourselves … and with someone else.

The wondrous life of NIkki!

“Ever Dated an Athlete?”

Him: “Ever dated someone high profile before?” Me: “Whats high profile?”

I honestly don’t like this question at all. It’s worst than asking me my thoughts on abortion. Really. It’s an evasion of my privacy, and you’re asking me this question based on a presumption. You’ve taken one look at me, sized me up, and you’re certain the answer is “yes.”

Deflecting from the question, I will ask, “What do you consider high profile?” and based on that answer, I’ll respond. I should make it clear that I never fancied any local team players. I can’t even name more than 5 Bobcats players or more than 2 Panthers players which is pathetic. I know, I know.

While I love basketball, my teams are the Celtics, Houston Rockets (remember their games in the 80s & 90s?), and I thoroughly enjoy watching Lebron James score.

Besides that, I’m not truly into sports or athletes. It’s just not my thing. These relationships appear to me to be short-lived and tumultuous. They’re flights of fancy …

And I’ve never been too enamored with anyone in the music industry besides Usher. He’s got style that speaks to me. Hah! This is a precursor to my Chris Brown fascination … still. I could belt out nearly any Usher song, on key.

So nope, no high profile dudes in my life.There really isn’t anything juicy to tell. Lol. I date regular dudes. There may have been a doctor; that’s all I’m giving you.

It just isn’t classy to kiss and tell even if I did. But I haven’t.

If there’s a high profile dude currently, he’d be that based on how awesome he treats me not his social status or pay grade. Got it?

This was the most interesting question that I was asked this past weekend, so I thought I share. I appreciate interesting convos, questions, and comments that may or may not catch me off guard.

Enjoy your Tuesday, Folk.

Aside: I bet someone in the background saying: “She lying.” lol Later!

Pending Questions Inspired by Real Ppl in My Life

Instead of internalizing foolishness or blowing up every six months, I figured I’ll let it all out in my daily ASIDES! Today, here are five real questions I have for real people in my life. Let’s go!
1. Why after 5 years of being your alibi, sometimes at last minute, am I not invited to the wedding? 2. With your track record, why do you think I’m telling you to use more discretion? 3. Why does it take you 4 hrs to do something that I accomplish in 1 hr or less? Haven’t you been doing this for years? 5. Why do you use your business as leverage to lure and pick up women, meanwhile, complain about money? 6. Why don’t you use a damn coaster? 7. Do you know the Ginger-Bread Man? 8. Why is your weave hanging on to your dear life? 9. When you go to pet Charlie, why do you think your his best pal? 10. Why do you call me Rihanna? This list just made me laugh. You should too! Im back each and every day with more questions, quotes, and daily tips. Share with a friend.

Practical Tips–Reinforced by the Past Weekend

Practical Tips–Reinforced by the Past Weekend

1. Don’t share personal information with strangers, whether in a bar setting or via text messaging. You don’t know them, and they don’t know you.

2. Always use protection.

3. Don’t overthink and don’t overdrink. Both have their repercussions.

4. Don’t break up with ppl via texts. It causes more heart failure than you know.

5. Don’t put on that bathing suit. It’s still cold outside.

6. Sell domains! “For 10k, you can Coo’ all the hell you want.”

Top 5 Picks on #Netflix #Movies #TVShows

Are you home on a Saturday night? There’s nothing wrong with that. I hope you’ve got Netflix to break away from the day-to-day of your cable box. Sometimes I don’t want to see NeNe Leakes scheming nor do I enjoy seeing black women fight. So I hit the Net to find what else could be of interest. And Netflix knows me well, I apparently watch a lot of shows surrounded around supernatural beings and psychological thrillers. There are even classics that interest me like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” It’s all on Netflix and more.

So aside from all the drama cable’s bringing you, I wanted to share a few undiscovered gems on the Net. Although, Netflix has taken a huge hit with their new underdeveloped venture—Qwikstar, there’s much to be enjoyed on Netflix.

Here are my Netflix picks for the week:

Damages: Glenn Close’s is a morally-challenged, mind-controlling attorney who is just down-right devious in this favorite of mine. Every move may or may not be to her benefit! Big city setting. I’ve fallen in love with Close all over again. Warning: this series is highly-addictive; sure-fire thriller.

The Gates: Supernatural. Vampires, lycans, and witches reside in a ritzy upscale gated community. Struggling to mind their own business, these supernatural housewives, bad ass kids, and nosey neighbors are stirring up trouble for the new cheif in town. All the characters are easy on the eyes. You’re sure to enjoy. Series.

The Perfect Host: Psychological Thriller. Actors David Hyde Pierce and Clayne Crawford star in this suspenseful film. Your opinion on assailants and victims will change with the twists and turns of this movie. You can’t trust nobody. Watch what happens when a stranger seeks help in the middle of nowhere. Movie.

Dirt: Courtney Cox is really turnt up in this series. A real cutthroat cougar, Cox exploits celebs’ personal lives in order to keep her career afloat. She’s the Tabloid Queen of Dirt Magazine. A few deaths, a schizophrenic photojournalist, and coke heads are sure to hold your attention. Series.

Love Jones: Black Romance. Expressions of black love and life’s imperfections pour all over the scenes. Set in Chicago, late 90s, Nia “Nina” Long and Larenz “Darius” Tate ride the waves of lust, love, and romance. Long, full, and close-up shots. Black and white cinematography. I can never get over Darius attempting to run down Amtrak. wtdta?

Saturday nights don’t have to be another re-run, and I’ve just showed you how. Watch one of my favorites and tell me all about it. Enjoy.

Music Monday: iPod Hits on Replay–Come See

Shout out to all those who had to sit through my French Montana rants and lyric singing. Oh, but you love the song now especially since you can watch Yaris Sanchez sport those Tru Religions. Well here it is again. In my opinion, this is the contemporary version of “All About the Benjamins.”

And one more thing, singing* “girls like you remind me that I’m lonely!!” So I hit you with Miguel too. It’s Music Monday, and these are the hits I’m playing on the iPod, singing over and over again.

Meet The Writer Who Co-Wrote Rihanna’s “Cockiness”–@DEMJOINTZ

We Called It “Suck My Cockiness.” Guess they thought it was a bit too much . . lol

Recently, Rihanna’s latest album “Talk that Talk” owned the number 3 spot on Billboard Top 200 Album list. Her very showy display of raunchiness and “hoo-rah” for sex exploration doesn’t miss a beat or note … Thanks to her producers and writers.

Exhibit A–”Cockiness.” Here, in this song, we are mesmerized by a play on words … Mmmhmmm … Silently whispers “suck my cock-iness, lick my puss-sway-shun … Ohhh!!”

Now if you ask me, Rihanna has only been with (clears throat) you-know-who … She’s still a very respectable young woman in my eyes (pedestal begins to rock)

But where is she getting all this raunchiness from? Does she have a new man? Or are we being duped by awesome writers trickin’ on her lyrics? We need answers.

Luckily, Nikkipanache.com managed to connect with Producer/Songwriter Dem Jointz, tapping into his writing experience for the best track on Rihanna’s album–”Cockiness.”

With Dem Jointz and Candace Pillay’s lyrics fired up with Bangladesh signature screaming foreigner (lol), “Cockiness” has much oomph … To … Get … You … Going … Read on to what Dem Jointz had to say.

Recently, you co-wrote “Cockiness,” a kinky sex song that debut on Rihanna’s recent album release—Talk that Talk. Can you tell me about that writing experience?

Great Experience!! We were presented with the opportunity via Bangladesh. He gave Candice Pillay & I the beat In LA. We loved the beat off top and just started playing around with ideas. Bang walked in the studio and asked if we had anything so far. So I Go “I Love It, I Love It, I Love It When U Eat It” Candice joins in with “Yum Yum Yum Yum.” We were just playing around …wasn’t seriously considering the idea. HE LOVED IT!!

Few days later I was in the car running errands and it hit me. “Suck My Cockiness Lick My Persuasion” I immediately called Candice. “I NEED U HERE!! MEET ME AT THE STUDIO IN 30.” I tried to pre record the idea, so I wouldn’t lose it. I sounded crazy!!! Candice saw the vision, however, and on the spot wrote the 2nd verse … We knew it was the one!! Everything else is history!!!

Who’s idea was it to name it “Cockiness” and why?

We Called It “Suck My Cockiness.” Guess they thought it was a bit too much . . lol

What’s your favorite verse or stanza from the song?

2nd Verse, Candice caught on right away and took it there. I went crazy when she came with it . . YES YOU SEE IT!! YESSS!!

Would you have sex to this song? Just curious. Would it be to the bassline? Even more curious.

Yes!! I absolutely would! BASSLINE And all!! Lol Wait . . Since bang made the beat “Pause” lol!

I see that you produced a lot of Candace Pillay’s “Loveless” and Teedra Moses “Get Yours” feat Raheem DeVaughn. What other songs have you written?

I’ve co-written and produced / co-produced a few things. And a lot more down the pipeline.

And who are you working with now in the studio (artists, producers, etc)?

Besides Candice Pillay? Just focusing on the task at hand, but I am working with a great artist right now, “Ashley Xaviera.” I’m so excited to get back in the studio with her.

What artists, in your opinion, are hot right now and which of them would you like to work with?

Everyone!!! I’m just happy to have the opportunity!! Shout out to Bangladesh, DeShawn Kennedy, & Manger Denzil Foster

Tis’ the season for GIFTS!!!

What other musical gifts (talents) do you have?

I do it all!! beats, drums, vocal production, writing. I can hold a note somewhat (I think), even engineering . . Mr-One-Stop-Shop-Man!!!

What gift are you eager to give this season?

I want to give my sons iPads for Christmas.

Signing off, what advice would you give aspiring songwriters?
Don’t stop. Think outside the box, and attack your goal with confidence.

Also, here’s a song, Dem Jointz co-wrote/co-produced, Keke Wyatt’s “Unbelievable.” This is a beautiful ballad just right for the season. It’s on repeat over here. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Wanna find out more on DEM JOINTZ. Here’s his twitter @demjointz Special S/O @Demjointz for doing this interview. I appreciate you.

Gifts & Relationships: Holiday Edition, Take One

$1995

JSWMG 3rd Annual Red Pump Affair Recap

Thursday night, I attended JSW Media Group’s 3rd Annual Red Pump Affair which was held at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Jameka Whitten, the Charlotte ambassador for the Red Pump Project and Owner of JSWMG, put together a night filled with fashion, spoken-word entertainment by Bluz, and networking. Purposefully, JSWMG was able to engage its audience meanwhile educate them on prevention of HIV/AIDS.

JSWMG also awarded Joanne Stevenson for her dedicated work in educating and counseling those who live or are being impacted by the disease. Stevenson gladly received her Red Pump Award–a mounted, sparkling 4-inch red pump.

At Closing, Andre Jarrid, one of Charlotte’s up-and-coming designers/stylist, presented a gawking, eye-catchy, mini collection … suitable for socialites. See clips from the event below. Big shout-out to CBS Radio Personality “Chirl Girl” and DJ Yasmine Young who kept the party going. And thanks to JSW Media Group for inviting us. Next time.

Red Pump Project Founder--Lovette Ajayi and JSWMG--Brittani Menina

An exercise to represent a percentage of infections

Designs by Andre Jarrid

I rather be in Bangladesh … A Review on Rihanna’s “Talk that Talk”

“Cockiness” domineers Rihanna’s new album–”Talk that Talk,” giving raunchy a new meaning. Nothing like Madonna’s Erotica as some compared it to be. It’s definitely better … taking you there where you won’t go in public. Or will you?

This chick hasn’t been the same since “Good Girl Gone Bad.” And I love her that way, trashy and revolting, unsettled and exploring. There’s nothing constant except change, and Rihanna shows us more ways to reinvent ourselves.

Adding to this guilty pleasure, Producer Bangladesh adds his signature, a foreigner yelling in the background. It just gets me going. It’s better than kissing ‘neath the Eiffel Tower with Dirty Money’s “Last Train to Paris” and rings with the same magnitude of excitement as Jay/Ye’s “N*ggas in Paris.” Apparently, I’m missing something commonly found in Paris. Yet I much rather be in Bangladesh with Rihanna.

Speak Now Tour–Taylor Swift Takes Charlotte

CMA Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift performed in Charlotte November 16 at Time Warner Cable Arena. During “Mine” and “Story of Us,” I captured these wonderful pictures. In her two-toned gold and silver fringe dress paired with chocolate knee-high boots, she excited all those who awaited Speak Now Concert since the show was rescheduled from July’s original date. She served it up, and the crowd responded in pure pandomonium.

</a

Swift is a triple-platinum Singer/Songerwriter who is the youngest of six women to earn CMA Entertainer of the Year. “Mine” peaked 100 on Billboard Hot 100. In October, she introduced her fragrance to world–Wonderstruck. Also, ranked the Rolling Stone Hot Women of the year alongside Carrie Underwood, Beyonce, and Rihanna. Enjoy my favorite Taylor Swift song below.

“The Luxury is Keeping it at Home”–Chevy Owes Me Ad Money!!

You’d think I was out here purchasing a new collection of cars with all my FB rants over imports and domestics. No matter which angle you look at, the car business is heating up. And the increase in production rates for luxury hybrids, hybrids, and fuel economy vehicles truly predates a market that is now preparing to buy for the future.

With that said, in preparing for the curve of tomorrow, I assert that we start buying domestic more. As said on FB, we can’t expect for the economy to ‘normalize’ if we don’t invest in our own country, in all things made in America. GM has globalized and has outsold Toyota in 2011. See article.

No matter the sociopolitical environment, I think we can all agree that this country was partially built in Detroit. Moving forward, check out these Chevy commercials … let’s get back to our roots!

Is there someone in your family who remembers a Chevy? I’m sure there is … At any given get-together, a great-uncle might brag about some old Chevy he had back-in-the-day … and recall all kinds of happenings that you don’t want to discuss. Chevy captures that moment in the above commercial.

[http://youtu.be/JHim2gvKflw}

New Chevy Volt is your electric car that also requires fuel. Perhaps you can go a few months without gassing up. Now that’s luxury.

Well, what do you think? And what exactly are you driving out there? This is an open forum and all opinions and comments are welcome.

Remembering R&B Artist Heavy D

RIP Heavy D

Try My Hot Spots

I reviewed my expenses today and concluded that I’m quite loyal to a few neighborhood eateries. I’ve been trading-off what could be beautiful stilettos or winter booties for tapas, burgers, and an array of cocktails.

While these restaurants have tasty eats, their backdrops–barmaids, servers, grand furniture and crowds–provoke unexpected encounters which I enjoy above all else. I call it a “Uptown” experience. Imagining I just walked 30 blocks for a dirty martini, I dip into one of these … To change my dining scenery.

Firebirds–This is the sexiest restaurant of them all, dressed up in mahogany. If it were a man, it would wear loafers, cabbie hats, and a scruffy chin. “Bernard” we’d call him.

It’s squared-away bar seats a little over a dozen strangers. An odd number could even the playing field.

If you haven’t guessed it already, I’m telling you it’s a perfect place for new and newly found dates.

About midweek, I meet my girlfriends there to catch up. All cocktails on their drink menu are $5, and the lobster-spinach queso is a crowd-pleaser. Try the Agave Nectar Margarita and a mojito.

TacoMac–A newly fave. I ventured here twice in a day, once before, managing to make it to the new location in Huntersville and the other in
Southpark. I so loved on their sweet potato, shoe-string fries and watched a friend smash her chili nachos. Don’t count your calories here.

Kalu on Sixth–(I renamed this spot) A real episode of “Cheers” starring me. A few bartenders know me by name and are always friendly. Good service and Asian inspired wings. When frequented, I’ve ordered a Tokyo Tea (think Long Island Tea).

Furthermore, I heard from a little birdie that Kalu’s buzzin’ in November. They’re hosting several events including a charity auction on the 20th. So check them out.

Please note that I can’t promise you cheap eats here. But I can honestly tell you that I’ve enjoyed myself at these ‘hot spots.’ The food, the company, and service is all good. So try it out, if you haven’t already.