Make Me Feel Goooood

She's Tyler Moore, She's Mary...

Halle Berry
by Tony Duran
tonyduran.net

I love.
And I live.

Essentials: Swag

swagger: [swag-ger]
1. verb [used without object]
a. to walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air.
b. to boast or brag noisily
2. noun
swaggering manner, conduct, or walk; ostentatious display of arrogance and conceit.

You know... I don't really have a type when it comes to date. So-and-so looks and acts nothing like whoever who looks and acts NOTHING like whatchamacallit.

One thing someone has to have is swagger. Dudes and dudettes, whether you are a nerd or a hustler or a regular joe, make it work for you.

There is nothing sexier than a chick who can rock a ponytail and look like Marilyn Monroe or a dude who can turn heads in merely a plain cotton t-shirt. It's in your walk. You gotta own it. I like people with humility, but part of me also likes a lil cocky.

Golden Wonder, picture us at Tower when Z walked up....
Enough said... Swagger at its best.

When you walk down the street, know that you are the sh*t. Who else will think so if you don't? That's not to say you can be delusional and think that you are above others and treat them like poo. [hehe I said poo] Just walk with your own soundtrack playing in your head.

Here's your suggested swagger soundtrack:

1. Swagger Like Us T.I., Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z
2. Dirt Off Your Shoulder Jay-Z
3. Diva Beyoncé
4. Go Girl Giara
5. Glamorous Fergie
6. A Milli Lil' Wayne
7. Hollywood Jay-z feat. Beyoncé
8. I'm Too Sexy Right Said Fred
9. That Chick Mariah Carey
10. Fresh Remy Ma
11. Dougie Lil' Wil

Nostalgia: How Does it Feel

Just wanted to take you back.
For no apparent reason...
Compose yourselves...
It's just a video.
[Actually, it's really a lot more...]

D'Angelo
Untitled [How Does it Feel]



F#ck Michael Jackson. This is the Thriller.

Cover: Lisa Sings Beyoncé

Lisa Lavie
Halo [as recorded by Beyoncé]

Kelly Breaks Bad Habits

Rumors have swirled for years that Kelly Rowland has not been happy with her management team led by Matthew Knowles. Her fans urged her to break away and start fresh. Well, it looks like their wishes have been granted.

According to the Associated Press, Kelly has joined the ranks of LeToya, LaTavia, and Farrah and split from Knowles. She has not revealed who her manager is now but it is rumored to be none other than Simon Cowell [i doubt that].

"Kelly Rowland says she will always be a part of Beyonce's family, but she no longer will be managed by the superstar's father. Rowland and Matthew Knowles announced Wednesday that he is bowing out as her manager. He's guided her career since she was kid, when he put her in Destiny's Child along with Beyonce. He even helped raise her."
[Source]

Both Rowland and Knowles - who still manages daughter Beyonce - called the split amicable. Both say they will always be family.

Kelly had success with Destiny's Child but, despite winning a Grammy for Dilemma with Nelly, she hasn't had that much success in the US with her solo albums. However, she has enjoyed much success in Europe spawned by her smash hit there, Work (Put it in).

I honestly think this is long overdue. Michelle also expressed her feelings about being pushed aside in that notorious youtube video. Maybe this will help Kelly in the future. I wish her success.

Here's one of my favorite performances from her. I'm glad she is getting rid of "bad habits". :-)

Kelly Rowland
Bad Habit
Destiny Fulfilled: Live in Atlanta

The Daily Tea: Barack on Race

"We've got a tragic history when it comes to race in this country. We've got a lot of pent-up anger and bitterness and misunderstanding. ... This country wants to move beyond these kinds of things....But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races."
-Barack Obama
Speech on Race, March 18, 2008

New Music: Lil' Wayne's "Prom Queen"

[DOWNLOAD/Listen to Lil Wayne Prom Queen]

I don't know what's gotten into me but I have been into this guy lately. It's definitely a guilty pleasure because he sounds retarded and looks worse. However, he is a very clever MC at times and good at marketing himself.
I love the rock feel of this track. It's supposed to be heavy but I heard a little glimpse of Coldplay/U2 at the beginning. Following his mainstream Lollipop success, this could be a hit for Weezy.
It's funny to hear him sing again.
I love this track!

Obama Looks to build bridges

For his first formal television interview in the White House, President Barack Obama chose Al Arabiya, an Arabic-language news channel based in Dubai.
This is his first step to mending the relationship between the US and the Middle East after the disastrous turn it took during the last administration.

The interview shows that this is a new day in America. Obama spotlights his Muslim lineage as uses it as a tie between the east and west. For the first time we have a leader who can remotely identify with the area that we have so desperately tried to keep peace with.
I wonder if Obama's intentions of showing empathy will work. Only time will tell.
I'm glad we finally got a diplomatic President again.

[Read the Interview Transcript at the English Language version of the Site Here]

Creole Lady Marmalade

Fantasia
Lady Marmalade
UNCF's Evening of Stars Honoring Patti Labelle



Fanny knows how to take it to church. This was my favorite performance of the evening. She is ghetto as hell but she knows how to give a show.
She was a good choice to sing this funky track.

I love it from 3:22 through the end.
That move at 3:32 is classic. haha

I'm a Barbie Girl

Little Miss Sunshine
Chanel Iman
Once again...

"Some call it arrogance.
I call it confidence.
You decide when you find out what I'm workin with."
-Beyoncé Ego

I love it

Every Man Has His Own Special Dream

I was browsing YouTube and I ran across these commercials for Broadway productions.
Interesting to see the footage from this classic.
I wish I could have seen the original cast.

Dreamgirls

I Could Have Danced All Night

Michelle sparkles in a pale gown, stepping aside from her typical choice of bold and dramatic jewel tones. I've realized that Michelle Obama's fashion sense is about going against the typical. No matronly suit for her at the inauguration and no big named designer for her evening wear. She instead goes for lesser known designers.

The designer of the dress is Jason Wu - a 26 year old Taipei native, former student of designer Narciso Rodriguez.

Anyway, Barack also looked amazing and they looked as if they had the time of their lives.

Here's the first couple dancing to Beyoncé's rendition of At Last for their first dance.

First Lady

Chanel Iman
[in the voice of Miranda Priestley, "that's all"]

The Daily Tea: The Revival of Hope

“For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback.”
-Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America

Here's to hope, people! Here's to hope!
:-)

Hail to the Chief!!

Today, Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States of America, making him the first man of color to carry that title.
We've come a long way.
We have a long way to go.

Inaugural Speech



[Read the Full Transcript here at Cnn.com]

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Barack and Michelle

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Michelle Obama in sheath dress with matching coat
by Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo.

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First Daughters Malia & Sasha pictured in front of
Michelle's mother and Barack's sister.
The girls' coats are from Crewcuts by J.Crew.

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Placing his hand on the Bible once used by Abraham Lincoln, Obama took the Oath of Office at 12:05 p.m. on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

I don't know about you, but this moment will be remembered forever in my heart.
Barack gave a sobering and moving speech that spelled out challenges and seemed to damper any unreasonable expectations, instead calling to charge the people of America to aid his reconstruction of this nation.
It wasn't a boastful piece of oratory.
The tone was conversational and personal.
Perfect showing, Brother Barack.

I love this family.

God Bless America.

No Glass Slippers Here

These pics have been circulating for a while now so I'm sure you have seen them. But once again, let's take a gander at some designs that were sketched for Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown.

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Koi Suwannagate

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Michael Kors***

Peter Som

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Reem Acra

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Tuleh

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Christian LaCroix

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Carolina Herrera ***

Diana Von Furstenburg

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Isaac Mizrahi

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Marc Jacobs

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Karl Lagerfield

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Oscar De la Renta

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Monique Lhuillier

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Badgely Mischka

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I am a big fan of the Herrera, Michael Kors, and the Oscar De la Renta.

Let's see what Mrs. Robinson-Obama wears to the ball...

Why We Can't Wait

I love Barack but let's not forget the original dreamer.

Happy Birthday King

First Wives Club: The Sequel

What do a New Jersey governor, a young man from the Carribean, and an investment banker have in common?
A woman scorned.

In this daring sequel to the original First Wives Club Dina Matos McGreevey, Terry McMillan, and Star Jones join forces to make their men pay.
Each jilted by a lover with homosexual tendencies, they all vow to hit the men where it hurts!
Follow their antics as the action heats up.
The soundtrack includes songs by Donnie McClurkin, George Michael, Elton John, Ricky Martin, and the hit "Ur So Gay" by Katy Perry.

Ebert and Roper give it 'two thumbs' up!
Don't miss this fantastic film when it hits theaters this Valentines Day.
Remember... Don't get mad. Get everything!

[Jones, McGreevey, nor McMillan are affiliated with keepyourcomposure.blogspot.com and the above image was created by george.arnett for comic intent. Note: Terry McMillan's name is spelled incorrectly on the mock poster. Sorry. Get over it. haha]

For the Record: Sam Sparro

Sam Sparro

Black & Gold

Fieeeeerce...

I was reading the Advocate magazine and I ran across this guy.

Sam Sparro, born Sam Falson on November 8, 1982 is an Australian singer/songwriter and former child actor.

In December 2008, Sam received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording along with Madonna, Rihanna, Daft Punk, Hot Chip and Lady Gaga, for his hit "Black and Gold".

Apparently he is huge overseas. I had never heard of him but I love that song. Anyway, he also happens to be delightfully queer and was featured on the cover of Out magazine's 100 People of the Year issue pictured below. Check him out.

Knowles Taking Over the World

According to the Associated Press, Beyoncé has been given the honor of serenading the new first couple during their first dance at the inaugural ball.

WASHINGTON - Beyonce will sing for Barack and Michelle Obama’s first dance on inauguration night. And the song? "Crazy in Love?" Her version of Etta James’ "At Last?" The Presidential Inaugural Committee isn’t saying. "It is our hope that we can keep the song secret until the moment," said spokeswoman Linda Douglass.

Beyonce has been eager to participate in the inauguration, telling a reporter the day after the election: "Whatever they want — if they need me to volunteer, they need me to sing, I’m there, and I’m ready."

[source]

This chick is crazy. She has super powers. I mean she really knows how to make things happen. It must be nice. Kudos to her for adding one more of her dreams to the list. Barack Obama has made it known that he is a fan of Jay-Z and Beyoncé. He even danced to Crazy in Love on the Ellen Show. Jigga will also be performing at some inauguration festivities.

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In other Knowles news, here's a behind the scenes video from Solange and Beyoncé's Loreal commercial. They are so cute and snob-a-licious when they play down-to-earth. I love them.I know that the Golden Wonder will appreciate the part from 2:30-2:39.