The Complex Gentleman's Guide for Young Men who wish to look Fresh and Exude Coolness: The Ascot

Ok so the people I work with are easily impressed. If I throw a tie on I'm all of a sudden "classying the place up". I think it's funny that something so simple can even garner a response. I take the compliments and keep it moving. Today I decided to really class it up and rock the Ascot.

What is an Ascot you say? It's a more formal neckband that looks like a poofed up scarf. I know it doesn't sound cool but trust me it's fly. You're more likely to see some type of royalty or an older gentleman wearing it. It's not seen very often so when people notice it they can't help but have their interest piqued. It's simple to put on and easy to style. It's definitely not something you wear everyday but when you want to look debonair the ascot is definitely your ticket.

Trust me...I'm a Gentleman

Edit: funny video I saw on CNN

Going to the Movies!.....by yourself: Cool or Uncool?

Ok so recently one of my favorite comicbooks was made into a movie. It's a little flick called Kick-Ass, which is the story of a kid in the real world who tries to be a superhero...for real.

I really liked the comicbook and thought the movie would follow suit. So like any other comic book geek I had to see it. The only trouble is I couldn't get anyone to see it with me! I got every excuse in the book and I had no luck finding a partner in crime to watch what I knew would be an awesome movie.

So this weekend I saddled up, looked up the showtimes, and headed to the movies with me myself and I. It's not like I haven't done it before. I'm generally impatient and this sort of thing is right up my alley. I've seen a couple movies by myself. Namely "The Whale Rider" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". But still it feels weird. I thought to myself "What will the ticket person say when I roll up and buy my ticket by myself." I was thinking of ways to play it off like I was meeting up with someone in the theater.

But none of that was necessary. I went in with my hidden food (customary for whenever I catch a flick), grabbed a good seat and watched a superb movie. I actually had an amazing time. I laughed, I cried, I ate (which is always fun)and just enjoyed my little outing.

So the question still remains is it a loser move to go to the movies by yourself. I actually think its the opposite. I think it'd be pretty corny to dictate your life based on the whims of other people. Why stop yourself from having a good time? So next time you feel like going anywhere and can't find someone to tag a long, just go. Trust me, you'll be fine....

Except for going to a restaurant cuz that's just awkward. Grab take out instead.

That's my Word!

Peace!

Throwback Thursday: Christmas in Hollis

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Run DMC kept it cool even on holidays. Damn!

Shawn Knowles-Carter?

It seems that Shawn Carter will now be known as Shawn Knowles Carter. Him and Beyonce have decided to share each others last name. Here is a quote:

“They want to keep Knowles because Bey’s parents didn’t have any sons and they’re keen to keep the name going strong, especially if they don’t produce any sprogs themselves. Or if they end up just having girls.”

This is really surprising. Most of Jigga's fans see him as the womanizing stud depicted in "Girls Girls Girls" or "Big Pimpin". But this is a different look for Jay. Most people will say he is whipped. But I think this is a positive move for him. It shows how progressive he is. Good Job Jay.

Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson - Forever Young

AMAZING!!!

Great Interview from Obama - Talks about Black America

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States who also happens to be the first Black President, gave an interview to The Huffington Posts April D. Ryan. In the Interview he talks about the healthcare bill, unemployment, and body surfing. He also talks about the State of the Black Union. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Q: And lastly, you'll be coming up with your State of the Union, your first State of the Union in January. And I know you're going to speak to all America. But, in your opinion, what is the state of black America?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, I think this continues to be the best of times and the worst of times. I mean, I think it's the best of times in the sense that never has there been more opportunity for African Americans who have received a good education and are in a position then to walk through the doors that are opened. And, obviously, you and me sitting here in the Oval Office is a testament to that.

I think it's the worst of times in the sense that unemployment and the lack of opportunity, particularly in some cities, has never been worse. I mean, you look at a city like Detroit where you used to have an enormous African American middle class built on the auto industry -- that city is in hard, hard times right now.

Now, just going back to the point you raised earlier about our responsiveness to the African American community, imagine what Detroit would look like if we hadn't stepped in to make sure that GM stayed open, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. Having said that, if you've got double digit unemployment in cities like that, we're going to have to make some special efforts, and it starts with early childhood education; it starts with education generally. That's why I'm putting such a big emphasis on that. But it also means that every federal agency has to make sure that the assistance that's being made available to the general population is targeting those hard to reach places, so that they are also benefiting from our overall efforts to lift up the economy.

I'm optimistic about the long term future of the African American community, but it's going to take work. It was never going to be done just because we elected me. It's going to be a collaborative effort between people in the community who recognize that we're going to have to rely on government to do some things, but a lot of these things we're going to have to do ourselves.

You can listen to the whole interview here - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/april-d-ryan/interview-with-president_b_400142.html

3 Foreign Films You Have To See

The world outside the good ol' USA is a fascinating place....I'm serious! I know as Americans we get caught up with our own Bull$#!+, with the MTV's and the HBO's, we don't really think about the rest of the world because we've got so much to look at here. With our media hungry culture we can entertain ourselves just fine without looking outside our borders.

But as cool as we think America is, there is still a whole world out there with even cooler stuff. The different cultures that comprise the various societies make for interesting stories. I know most Americans don't even have passports, so watching these three films -- from three different continents -- will give you a pretty amazing look at the rest of the world. While you're watching them you can finally go get you're passport. Remember to smile for your picture!

La Haine (1995)

Paris, France - You think being a minority in the U.S. is rough? You haven't seen anything until you've seen Mathieu Kassovitz's La Haine. It follows three friends ,a Jewish guy, a Muslim guy, and a Black Guy (no they don't walk into a bar), the day after a race riot in their projects. The events that transpire through the next 24 hours expolde from the screen and latch onto your mind as you see that even halfway across the world people of color still have it rough. It's an amazing film to say the least and the ending will leave you speechless. If you beleive in social justice then this film is a must see.

Tsotsi (2005)

Johannesburg, South Africa - Tsotsi, from director Gavin Hood, won the Oscar for best Foreign Film in 2005. It follows the story of a young hoodlum in Soweto after he steals a car and finds a baby in the back seat. He goes on a transforming journey with the baby which gives him hope to being a better person. Don't be mistaken though. This isn't your normal bad boy with a heart of gold movie. Tsotsi does some pretty awful things. At times you will really hate the character, but that's what makes the movie great. He's complex. It's a thought provoking film and worth a good watch.

Cidade De Deus (2002)

Rio De Janiero, Brazil - Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund, Cidade De Deus (City of God in english) has got to be one of the films you see before you die. It's THAT GOOD. Seriously. It follows the story of a young boy growing up in the City of God favela in Rio. As he matures you see the rise in organized crime through his eyes. The storytelling is fantastic as they move through the years and tell side stories that become relevant in the film but don't take away from the main plot line. The movie is supurb in every sense of the word. Go watch it...Now!