Oscar Season is here.

After leaving the theater last night I realized that Oscar season is here. I mean, I had just seen Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps a few days ago and the week before that, Ben Afleck’s The Town. But it wasn’t until I saw David Fincher’s The Social Network (aka the Facebook movie) that I realized who the contenders would be for Hollywood’s most prestigious award. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s only September, how are you so sure any one of these movies will be nominated. Well that’s a good question. But hear me out.

The academy changed its policy last year to increase the number of movies to be nominated for best picture from five to ten. So here’s my potential list of movies that may be considered for best picture:

The Social Network: The plot revolves around the founder of Facebook and former Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg played by Jesse Eisenberg recruits some of his classmates to develop the social networking website, Facebook. The endeavor, however, leads to a messy fallout with friend and co-founder, Eduardo Saverin played by Andrew Garfield. Personally I think they should just give this film the award and call it a day. It’s that good.

The Town: Ben Afleck directs this Boston drama about a career thief Doug MacRay played by Affleck who considers deepening his relationship with Claire played by Rebecca Hall, a bank teller who was traumatized by a recent heist -- and who has no idea that Doug was behind the crime. Meanwhile, an investigator played by Mad Men’s Jon Hamm, who is close to unmasking Doug's secret life.

The Kids are Alright: An alternative-family drama centered on lesbian parents Nic (Annette Benning) and Jules (Julianne Moore), who each conceived a child through artificial insemination. The family's dynamics are tested when their youngest child, 15-year-old Laser (Josh Hutcherson), convinces college-bound Joni (Mia Wasikowska), to look up their donor played by Marc Ruffalo.

Inception: I know I could be just dreaming but I think this movie has a shot at being nominated. If ya haven’t seen Inception by now it’s about a thief played by Leonardo DiCaprio who specializes in the art of extraction, the stealing of secrets from a target's subconscious. Though his profession cost him everything he has ever loved and has turned him into a fugitive, an offer for a final job -- one that requires him to plant an idea instead of pilfering it -- could be his chance at redemption.

Black Swan: While vying for the coveted lead roles in a production of Swan Lake, a veteran ballerina played by Natalie Portman enters into a twisted friendship with a promising new dancer played by Mila Kunis that threatens to consume her. Darren Aronofsky directs.

Hereafter: Clint Eastwood directs a supernatural thriller centered on three people-- a blue-collar American, a French journalist and a London school boy --- touched by death in different ways and the man who helps them communicate with the dead played by Matt Damon.

Welcome to the Riley’s: On a business trip to New Orleans, a married man played by James Gandolfini grieving the loss of his daughter and his estranged marriage begins a tentative friendship with a young runaway played by Twilight’s Kristen Stewart.

Never Let Me Go: Set in a dystopian Britain, boarding school friends Ruth (Kira Knightley), Kathy (Carey Mulligan), and Tommy (Andrew Garfield) face the sobering reality that awaits them all as they mature into adults.

The King’s Speech: The chronicle of King George VI's played by Colin Firth effort to overcome his nervous stammer with the assistance of speech therapist Lionel Logue played by Geoffrey Rush.

127 Hours: Danny Boyle directs this true story about a mountain climber Aron Ralston played by James Franco becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.

For Colored Girls: Tyler Perry directs this adaptation of Ntozake Shange's play (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf). The drama is centered on a group of black women whose lives and experiences intersect at a 12-step healing program. I’ve got a feeling that this film will be a success for Mr. Perry. People love to hate on him for obvious reasons but there is something sincere in his work even though some may see it as trite and pedestrian.

Here are some notable mentions that I think may sneak in there. Conviction, Secretariat, and The Company Men.

So there you have it. Is it me or am I the only one who thinks Lion’s Gate might buy a nomination for Tyler Perry? After all that money he brings into the studio I really think it's the least they can do for the man.

Loss, Faith and Hypocrisy

Loss

At the end of 2009 I lost an important family member in my life. In April of 2010 I lost two friends to a random act of violence. In May I lost another family member. In June a close friend of mine lost his mom. And last week I went to the funeral of a woman who is partially responsible for me meeting Professor Angry (aka the wife)

Death has been wining this year with me. I’m not afraid to admit that. And with all the death I’ve witnessed this year it has kinda shaken my faith in a higher power. I can live with the loss of those who have “returned home”, but I refuse to believe that there is some kind of pattern or plan. If there is a plan then the less I know about it the better. I don't see any fairness in this plan. I still believe there is a G-d, but right now I think the creator is on some random shit. There I said it. Normally I do my best to articulate my feelings in a way that shows that I was educated but there are times when all that fancy talk doesn’t cut the mustard. G-d is on some random shit people and the sooner we accept it the better humanity will be as a whole.

Faith

Faith is an important thing for people. People die, get molested, fight wars, build schools, feed the hungry, create beautiful works of art, and write beautiful poetry and many other things all in the name of faith. Like everything in life there’s a good side and a bad side to it. But what makes faith interesting to me is a person’s commitment to it. Even I’m not immune. As humans it’s essential for us to believe in something, even if you’re an atheist you believe that there is no G-d that in itself is a belief. It’s not a religion but it’s faith that there is nothing out there and this life is all that there is.

Hypocrisy

Here’s where I think we fuck up. As humans we let our fears dictate our behavior and it manifests itself through our belief system, so much so we do wrong when we think we are doing right out of fear. Here’s an example: If I’m "saved" then I’ve made my peace with death no matter what the outcome, I know I’ll be fine, but for the person that doesn’t accept Jesus into their life they may go to hell. I think that’s pretty crappy if ya ask me. This idea of G-d as an insurance policy to get you into the “afterlife” is narcissistic to me. I do think that G-d judges all men (and women). But that belief comes from my idea of what I deem as fair. I want to believe the “wicked” will be punished and “righteous” will be rewarded. With what I have no idea. I don’t think there is a physical place called heaven or hell and I am not gonna assume to know what G-d says or thinks of me or any of my brothers or sisters. That job is out of my pay grade.

Hypocrisy is best described as the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion. When I looked up the definition I saw a picture of the Pope. Strange huh? We all have had moments when we’ve been a hypocrite, consciously and unconsciously, we’re only human, so I hope the creator will forgive me for my doubts. I do the best I can to be aware of the times when I’m full of shit. Even while typing the words across this screen I stopped to ask myself, “Aren’t you being a little full of yourself?”

I know this post on the surface looks pretty deep and heavy, but I had to let that one off my chest. So with that said I promise that the next post will be a little light hearted.

Confession

Looking at a blank screen is a blogger’s worst nightmare. As I sit here and stare at this blank screen I am frozen by fear and loss. Has it gotten to the point where I’ve run out of things to say? No not at all.

I can make a lot of excuses for my absence but the fact of the matter is I’ve been listening to that negative voice inside my head that told me that I can’t write.

So I decided to listen to it for a time.

In this moment, I’m wondering to myself. Should I even tell y’all some of this shit? Self analysis is a good thing but too much can prevent you from moving forward.

So let’s go.

Get a clue people

Get a clue people.

I was just reading about what happened to Heny Louis Gates Aka Skip Gates. And I really think that it’s funny that people still don’t understand how race plays a small role in this. The officer was just doing his job, but he didn't have to arrest the man. HLG had just come home from China…First off do you even know how long that flight is. So naturally he’s probably in a un-rested bad mood. Now put yourself in his shoes. You just come home and your front door is jacked up. So what do you do? Go around back and you come in that way. But your nosey neighbors call the cops because they see suspicious action.

But all you trying to do is get into your house. Seriously this reads like an old Dave Chappelle joke. So you’re in your house resting from a long flight and here comes a cop asking you if you live there and if you are alone in the house and if the house is yours. Man you just got back from China and you’re tired and now you gotta deal with a cop asking you questions talking about do you live here? WTF? Of course he was gonna be a little upset. His front door is jacked up and he’s gotta fix that and now he’s got to explain himself to this cop? Hell I’d be a little pissed off to.

Now ya see this whole thing is shocking cause it’s HLG. If this was Cornel West or Michael Eric Dyson; I would be more inclined to see why they got arrested cause those brothas can get a little loud. But this is HLG…I mean this guy is so calm and non-threatening that it’s shocking to me that he would be considered disorderly. If you’ve seen his documentaries or read his books you would have a better understanding of what I’m saying…that being said this arrest could be good for him in terms of book sales.

Now I see both sides to this. The cop was just doing his job. He’s conditioned to think a certain way. Asking a man if anyone else is inside his house when you get a call on a reported break in is a fair question to ask. From his perspective there could have been someone in the house that HLG didn't know about. But I also see HLG side of things. I’m tired just getting home I gotta get my front door fixed and now I got to deal with this cop.

But I digress. And then what added gasoline to the fire was someone asking ole 44 (Obama) what he thought of the arrest. And the president backed his boy up. And white America is shocked by this? If y’all had any doubts about 44 being black. All doubt was removed when he used that moment to remind white folks of black people’s history with the police. See I got NO problem with the president having his boy’s back. He had every right to say what he said. And if people listen to the whole comment there’s nothing out of the ordinary that was said.

The question that burns within each black person when they hear of this kind of crap is: If they can do that to an accomplished scholar like HLG then what the f*ck are my chances? The best case scenario is that charges get dropped and you get held for a few hours. The worst case scenario is ya get shot like Oscar Grant.

Happy New Year...Are you still there???

It’s been a long time…And first off I’d like to say HI HATERS! I told you so. Obama is our new president. And that’s all I got…Nothing more to say. This year I’ve decided to have a little more fun…Assisting me in this endeavor will be a friend, she is currently living aboard and does not want her real name out there so I will just call her…Cassie aka Sassy Cassie. Cassie is a strong beautiful opinionated woman of color who has traveled the world. We’ve known each other for many years and I always get a kick out of her unique world view. By the way she’s from Canada. I threw a couple of topics at her to not only get a rise out of her but to give you a taste of her unique world view. I hope you enjoy.

The random sample of topics included the following subjects:

• Fake Boobs
• Black Chicks who dye their hair blond
• Chicks that did porn and want to sing
• Sex In the City is it a myth?
• Girls with Pink Hair who have baby voices are they faking?
• Black chicks who wear their hair natural who date white men.
  

Cassie in classic form responded as follows:

Re: Fake Boobs she had this to say:
"Don’t care as long as they appear natural. Do the rest of us a favor though and please stop flaunting them in the female locker room at the gym. Big breasted women can spot fake tatas anywhere, especially when you lay down since fakes stay up an don’t slide to the side and kiss your armpits. We can also see the scarring. Most importantly, flaunt them around the wrong woman and she is likely to stick a pin in your new found confidence and cause it to leak out like the silicone in your breasts."

Re: Black Chicks who dye their hair blonde:
"It’s actually getting tired. If you’re in show business or the beauty industry, it’s understandable. It is not acceptable however if you can’t keep up the hair, make-up and wardrobe of such a demanding colour. If you can’t afford the maintenance, STOP! Ill groomed black blondes look washed out and dirty and yellow straw never really blends well with black hamburger meat."

Re: Chicks that Did porn and now want to sing:
Irrelevant because no one knows who they are. Just trying to marry a rich singer and need to get their foot in the door. Actually feel sorry for these pathetic sperm receptacles.

Re: Sex in the City:
I can’t be fair to Sex and the City. When I was going through my divorce and was actually on my own, making money, travelling and having promiscuous sex, I thought it was the best show in the world. Now that I’ve grown up, I can’t even stomach to look at it because it reminds me of how stupid young, independent, smart women are and the lengths they will go to for a man’s attention. I think it’s should be viewed as a guilty pleasure or a safe escape for women who’ve never lived in New York or are independent. However, if you can identify with every character at a point in time in your life, move on. It’s an endless merry go round that is never going to stop. Know when to get off.

Re: Girls with Pink hair:
I don’t’ get the pink hair thing. I don’t think they’re faking. I think they are gullible and some fabu gay hairdresser has convinced them that this is the “new blonde” and they bought into it like the emperor’s new clothes. It’s all about being accepted. Again, if you’re in the entertainment or beauty business, fine. If not, the response above.

Re: Black chicks who have naturals who date white men:
Some of these women are extremely hypocritical. I have nothing against interracial dating or marriage but think you need to ask yourself this one question as a black woman: If a white guy is only interested in me because of my afro, dark skin and big lips, perhaps he has some xenophobic, domineering fantasies, like Thomas Jefferson? Just because he wants to f*&k you doesn’t mean he’s not racist. I am so sick of these girls walking around with the afro t-shirts and the souls sister image when at the end of the day you only feel better about your hair when a white man validates it as an acceptable beauty standard, not you. In other words, the fact that the white guy likes it supposedly makes it better and silently gives the black man the finger. At the end of the day, some of these so-called soul sisters are with white men because they want to get back at the black men who rejected them. Straight, curly, blond, pink or nappy, self hatred is still alive and well!

Catching up.

I’ve been away from this for a couple of weeks and I’ve got some catching up to do. I’ve got a few things to get off my chest so let’s just get started with the randomness.

I got a problem with this new show Sons of Anarchy. It’s on the FX channel and it’s basically a story about a motorcycle club (gang). Right off the bat I have a problem with this show because it reflects a double standard that is pervasive throughout our culture.

If this show was about the Crips or the Bloods people would be up in arms. I know it’s just a TV show and I don’t have to watch it but still there’s something about this show that just bugs me. Where is the outrage from the trailer park coalition?

The tale of two conventions.

I saw both conventions. The Democrats didn’t attack enough and the Republicans lacked substance. The ticket is set: Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin. Either way history will be made in November. There’s just one quote that sticks in my craw that I’d like to vent about: "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities." Maybe it’s my urban values or my urban upbringing but I don’t get what’s so damn funny about being a community organizer. In an interview with Newsweek Obama’s former boss had this to say “I think it shows how much people from the wealthy and privileged sectors have dominated community life.” I could not agree more with that sentiment. Anyone who comes out of an Ivy League college and decides to do “community work” must be commended simply for the fact that they have chosen to help people who have less rather than maintaining the status quo.

For years my mother was some what of a community organizer. As TA (tenant association) president she looked out for the rights of the other tenants in our housing development. When a tenant had a problem whether it be a flood, repairs, or a boiler issue my mother was the one who made the call to management to make sure that tenant received the proper assistance they needed. So to say that a community organizer doesn’t have responsibilities is not only an ignorant statement but it’s an insult to anyone who works from a grass roots level to help people who fall between the cracks left by the government. It’s the community organizers who the local politicians call when they need votes it’s the community organizers who eventually become politicians. And if I’m not mistaken didn’t Mrs. Palin get her start on the PTA? And isn’t the PTA a community organization?

By the way I love the way teenage moms are getting love from the GOP. Who knew that all it took was for the VP’s daughter to get knocked up. I guess it’s ok cause Bristol plans on marrying Levi Johnson. Apparently Bristol hasn’t read Levi's MySpace page which stated: “I don’t want kids.”

*As of last week his MySpace page was taken down. Guess he changed his mind?

Barack Obama Hecklers : My Take On It

Saul Williams - Telegram

Obama Heckled on African American Issues

In the interest of fairness I am posting this clip.