tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67683231308668445932024-03-13T18:36:56.005-04:00TLA WritesTLA Writes is a personal journey about one womans love for words, books, movies, people, music, news, life and her pursuit of making it as the ultimate literary hustler.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-51226381966443714212009-05-08T14:57:00.003-04:002009-05-08T15:29:49.305-04:00I'm Somebody's BabyHello people! Fo shame, fo shame I been away from the game. It's not been wasted time I'll tell you that. I've been working on revising my short story collection (Thanks A.S.K.) and dealing with everything else that stays and has appeared on my virtual plate of life's activities. I've got to do better. Honestly, since I've been tweeting on Twitter (follow me twitter.com/tlawrites) I've been even more lax on the blog. One day you won't know what to do when I start posting (almost) daily.<br /><br />Wednesday I took my kid to a show with me. <a href="http://www.daptonerecords.com/sharonjonesandthedapkings.html">Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings</a>, one of my favorites. Yes, she used my fake writer juice to sneak behind stage, but I didn't stop her. I'm glad I didn't because she made it and got to meet the band. We even took pictures after the show with Ms. Jones herself. She was so short and sweet. Like an Aunt with talent. Ms. Jones (I feel like I have to show her that r-e-s-p-e-c-t by calling her Ms. Jones) was a 4"11 ball of energy that could sing and dance her ass off. She kept it up for two hours and didn't give that stage or audience any mercy. Whoever the unnamed fool she talked about that rejected her from a label deal all those years ago probably feels like a real fool right about now. I got my CD signed (real fannish right?) and copped <a href="http://store.daptonerecords.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=183">this </a>really cool tee shirt too. What more could I ask for on a Wednesday evening? Check out my <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/20090508_Jones_and_Dap_Kings_mix_soul__funk.html">review of the show</a> that ran today in the Philadelphia Inquirer.<br /><br />I couldn't find a video for one of my favorite Sharon Jones songs, "Nobody's Baby", so this live concert footage of it will have to do.<br /><br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z6Tv0NQ0e5Q&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z6Tv0NQ0e5Q&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><em>100 Days, 100 Nights</em> is a close second on my favorites list.<br /><br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8ouI5KcyHfE&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8ouI5KcyHfE&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br />Did I mention I reviewed the JHud (that's Jennifer Hudson in music talk) & Robin Thicke show too? Yup. Sure did. Check that out <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/42514262.html">here</a>.<br /><br />I'm still working on that HUGE piece for the Philadelphia City Paper. I think I'm going to have to take #1 Muse with me for security while I do more research over the next few days. Yeah. It's that serious.<br /><br />Happy Mothers Day in advance. I'm doing Race for the Cure this year with Mom and Daughter and I'm too excited. This will be our 17th year doing the race.<br /><br />Do you or your family have any Mother's Day traditions? I'd love to hear from <strong>YOU</strong> readers.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-10296211528482866022009-03-23T16:17:00.002-04:002009-03-23T16:30:02.652-04:00I know, I knowI'm so late. I've been sick for a few days but I'm on the healing comeback train, so a new post will appear soon. In the meantime, <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/41669662.html">here</a> is my review of the <a href="http://www.raphaelsaadiq.com/">Raphael Saadiq </a>concert that ran today in the Philadelphia Inquirer. I went to the show with a 102.1 temperature hopped up on antibiotics. Crazy? Maybe a little, but I call it dedication. Next up? Something <em>very</em> interesting. I guess you'll have to keep coming back to find out what it is huh?<br /><br />Did you know this video was directed by Lisa Bonet?<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3yNibj8LW-Q&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3yNibj8LW-Q&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-49685701700579453702009-03-04T14:56:00.005-04:002009-03-05T12:08:41.864-04:00Ebert Doesn't Live HereI took a few days off last week to visit my mother and we went to see "The Reader". By now my fellow movie heads will know that six-time Oscar nominee Kate Winslet won the best actress statue a few week ago for her role in the movie. Initially, I wasn't that excited about seeing another movie that was Holocaust related. I had already seen <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/">'Schindler's List'</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diary_of_Anne_Frank_(film)">'The Diary of Anne Frank'</a>. The Holocaust was horrible, no doubt about it. I changed my mind about seeing it so after one star shaped hole punch on her frequent movie watcher card, we sat in plush stadium seating and watched Kate do her thing.<br /><br />I won't give the plot away in case you decide to see it for yourself. I'd have to agree with the academy that Ms. Winslet did a great job. The movie was Holocaust related, but the horror of the event wasn't so in your face. You actually had a chance to focus on the <a href="http://tlawrites.blogspot.com/2009/02/movie-snob-anonymous.html">well developed storyline </a>and catch another good performance by the always stellar Ralph Fiennes.<br /><br />After the movie, I wondered if aging in a movie equals automatic Oscar nomination? (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/">Brad</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/">Taraji</a> anyone?) There's something about aging on screen and maintaining an accent for hours that just reels voters in. Meryl Streep knows what I'm talking about. Kate Winslet aged, maintained an accent, and turned in a performance that just couldn't be ignored. Triple threat. Kudos to Kate.<br /><br />I did want to catch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013753/">Milk</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918927/">Doubt</a>, but they will both be on DVD soon enough. Since I enjoyed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-God-Alexandre-Rodrigues/dp/B0000D9PNX/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1236199007&sr=8-1">City of God</a> so much, its only logical for my movie loving mind to see '<a href="http://www.gomorrahmovie.co.uk/">Gomorrah</a>' next. It's been lauded for being the "thinking persons gangsta movie". Of course I'll provide a detailed review later on. In the meantime, check out the trailors for 'The Reader' and 'Gomorrah' and tell me what you think. Seem interesting?<br /><br />What's next on your movie list? TLA wants to know...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8tCqSm4Phug&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8tCqSm4Phug&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hky53gXyjX0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hky53gXyjX0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-9971583898790575472009-03-04T12:42:00.019-04:002009-03-06T11:45:40.799-04:00Casual Style Fashionista Dreams<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTnqde-pkgStQCaoTRyynRTzQdb37FfRJ4N53BFrDs7dqzTAz_U40y3pc8Co7QoXBKtsRogesuJE5r-TUkjzWKLFWgIqyfh7SB_hvFAOOvGGrSu6_7uSxxYaEPYomzEF8txYbEFXmVKVK/s1600-h/style.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309396789694271250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTnqde-pkgStQCaoTRyynRTzQdb37FfRJ4N53BFrDs7dqzTAz_U40y3pc8Co7QoXBKtsRogesuJE5r-TUkjzWKLFWgIqyfh7SB_hvFAOOvGGrSu6_7uSxxYaEPYomzEF8txYbEFXmVKVK/s200/style.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I love watching the show <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/whatnottowear.html">'What Not To Wear'</a>. Stacey and Clinton perform magic on people. They take the drab and unstylish, transforming them into people who appear as if they were fabulous all the while. The only sad part about the show is that someone has to nominate you. That means someone in <em>your</em> circle thinks you are a clothing dullard. Ouch. </div><div><br /></div><div>The nominee is usually full of emotion after getting over the initial shock of realizing that their style game is seriously lacking. After Stacey and Clinton raid your closet its off to NY for a style intervention, minus the plush hotel room with <a href="http://www.aetv.com/intervention/int_interventionists.jsp">Candy</a> waiting to whisk you off to rehab for the formerly chic. The beginning of this overhaul begins after you arrive at the studio. You are allowed to perform a few final spins of shame, modeling your sad threads in a 360 degree mirror for the world to see before they literally trash your clothes. Like in the trash can trashed. Sometimes I think they should spray bleach on them because people do dig things out and wear them on shopping day, (attachment disorder?)but I digress...</div><div><br /></div><div>They send you out to shop in New York with the none too subtle product placed "Visa Check Card" for $5,000 and tips on what to look for when shopping. Afterwards, Nick and Carmindy hook your do and face up and its off to model the new you for Stacey and Clinton. They gush over you through three outfit changes and send you home to make your fashionable debut for the friends and loved ones that nominated you in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes while watching the show I imagine myself entering the party room, hearing the roar of a crowd so pleased to witness my unconscious hidden beauty being finally revealed. I'd smile, wave and blow air kisses to everyone. Of course someone would yell, "Spin around!" and I would twirl and think "In your face!" on the first spin and "Thanks for caring" on the second. Style is love, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>My fashion game is definitely lacking. I'm such a slave for comfort many times I'm willing to forgo pants for jeans, sneakers for shoes. I'm a fast mover that usually always feel the need to be prepared to move fast, whatever the reason. A sudden downpour could occur. Who wants to get wet? Being able to move from one place to another with the wanna be speed of <a href="http://www.jackiejoyner-kerseefoundation.org/">Jackie Joyner-Kersee </a>is important. I've looked at people who wear heels on the regular and think, "I'd be past them so fast if I took off running right now. Thank you trusty sneakers." Even movies are smart enough to know that when the running high-heeled woman <em>really </em>wants to run, the shoes come off. You think <a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/runlolarun/">Lola </a>would have gotten far in Manolo's? Probably not.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've always been a casual girl with dreams of super-flyness. I've already told my most stylish cousin Holly that when my big check arrives, I'll definitely hire her (per diem of course) to be my fashion go to guide. She even gives style counseling on the phone when I'm in one of my indecisive binds. A quick cell phone picture snapped is returned with a text of yea or nay, complete with suggestions. (Technology is magic I tell ya.) She helps me create temporary fashion illusions and choose clothes that will add to my small collection of grab and go outfits.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I must admit, I'm getting better with choosing clothes. I clean up nicely. For the most part, I still tend to shop on the need to have basis, but when I do, I think I'm making better, bolder choices. Who knows, one day I might be that fierce chick on the street with a style game that can't be beat.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>What are you dear reader? Are you the stylist or the stylee? Do you phone in fashion 911's on the regular? Where are <em>you</em> on the fashion meter? </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-87347717484388753922009-02-21T23:41:00.012-04:002009-02-22T20:10:06.363-04:00Movie Snob Anonymous<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyV3AR4bvePIMC8DxjwlBihwJLsaP3QsCMBzQ7wn9McPYtAAd-VCBep1FYfvIr7VXOmfo8-d2I3P_1ix4vlIJ6HnTRR6HGhn5zBhRL66nMXeNLmbibT7sPWQtWT-0no9QWcESlQXITDcs/s1600-h/hollyhood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305507685486250882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyV3AR4bvePIMC8DxjwlBihwJLsaP3QsCMBzQ7wn9McPYtAAd-VCBep1FYfvIr7VXOmfo8-d2I3P_1ix4vlIJ6HnTRR6HGhn5zBhRL66nMXeNLmbibT7sPWQtWT-0no9QWcESlQXITDcs/s320/hollyhood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was reading one of my new favorite blogs by <a href="http://aliyasking.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/the-critique-tyler-perry-as-medea/">Aliya King</a> yesterday about the new Tyler Perry movie "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsc5oiWPs7w">Madea Goes to Jail</a>". I cringed when I read it (ironically while watching "A Family That Preys") because I knew I was going to see it today. My other gig includes taking impressionable young women out to a movie that's "safe" to see from time to time. They begged to see Madea, and against my better movie judgement, today I found myself standing in a curling line of fans waiting for tickets.<br /><br />I should have known I was going to be in the company of serious TP fans based on snippets of conversation I overheard standing in line. The five year old sporting fresh Tims while sucking his pacifier was nothing compared to the adult TP fans in line.<br /><br />"You know I heard he is a cross dresser and invented Madea from that."<br /><br />"Why Madea breast always flying around?"<br /><br />"Ooh I hope Mr. Brown is in this one. He is so funny." (He is funny--for about 2 minutes)<br /><br />"I saw the bootleg on 52nd Street yesterday, but I decided to give a nigga my money today and take my son out." (son with pacifier)<br /><br />Once the lights went down I tried to psych myself up. Get your mind right girl. You can do this. It will be over in two hours and you can get on with your life.<br /><br />Sapphire's <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Push/Sapphire/e/9780679766759">book</a> turned movie "Push" was a good trailer. Oh, Vin Diesel is still fast and furious? The recession is touching everyone I see. Something about spirits living in a house with a family people who find out evil wants to claim one of them but they don't move out. Riiiiiiight.<br /><br />Did this lady just give her daughter a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and an extra large HUG juice out of her purse? Yup.<br /><br />The movie starts.<br /><br />Fast forward one hour and forty three minutes.<br /><br />The movie ends.<br /><br />You already know how it went without seeing a thing. Madea cuts up, problems were presented, Madea cuts up, subliminal sermon mid way through, errors of ones ways are revealed, lost love gets found, evil person gets theirs, Madea cuts up one last time, the end. Oh yeah, and <a href="http://images.wikia.com/openserving/entertainment/images/c/c4/RudyHuxtable.jpg">Rudy Huxtable</a> is a heroin addicted prostitute. How's that for evil subplot? </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>If I could say anything to TP, I'd have only five words to say. <em>Take it to another level</em>.<br /><br />I don't know, maybe I'm a movie snob. I like my films indy and my dialogue crisp. I actually <em>don't</em> mind thinking when I watch a movie. I like intelligent humor too. A harsh critic if you will. I pre-screen most movies without seeing a trailer. Extensive research on films is done prior to release. Any <a href="http://festival.sundance.org/2009/">Sundance</a>/<a href="http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/">Tribeca Film Festival</a>/<a href="http://www.festival-cannes.com/en.html">Cannes</a> buzz? Who's in it? What's it about? Who wrote it? Directed & Written by? All these elements need to combine perfectly for me to plop down my frequent movie club card and ticket money.<br /><br />What type of movie goer are you? Speak your mind...</div>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-70277035869911802742009-02-10T12:38:00.018-04:002009-02-10T15:19:14.786-04:00Thank You Television<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eAtR8FBoVNVkNDW9ZAw-sWO3EkwPxKkAXfLsf9W4sM76RZu97auznGygxZnh6ENQeT822u8dNyo9Vb2dpuH_mavktfMdtAhcWJIUOP7BLgafj9yr0TvPgzimlbue0akVRpQwOFPbBxDL/s1600-h/biscuits.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301243651041727778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eAtR8FBoVNVkNDW9ZAw-sWO3EkwPxKkAXfLsf9W4sM76RZu97auznGygxZnh6ENQeT822u8dNyo9Vb2dpuH_mavktfMdtAhcWJIUOP7BLgafj9yr0TvPgzimlbue0akVRpQwOFPbBxDL/s320/biscuits.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last week I went to a taping in New York that VH1's Soul Stage series was having for India.Arie. I did a review of the show <a href="http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/alternatives/default.aspx">here</a>, but while standing in line for two hours waiting to get in, my mind took a few laps on the meaningless deep end. Sometimes to avoid getting bored (annoyed?) when I'm waiting on line, my mind takes a trip, temporarily. </div><div></div><br /><div>I admit that I'd always suspected casting agencies filled audiences at these types of shows with people who fit a particular demographic that record labels, sponsors, and those who don't take too kindly to seeing any ugmos* on the telly will find appealing. Of course these groups also include the perfect shades of an ever growing minority spectrum, with a few of the majority mixed in for good measure. </div><div><br /></div><div>My guests and I arrived on time for the 6:15 call time. When we got there a smiling face with a clipboard greeted me at the door. He asked my name, gave us the quick up and down, (eyes only, still smiling) and pointed us toward the line. We were posted mid way in the line and waited for it to start moving. After an hour, we seemed to be on our way. Au contraire. People who were once behind us suddenly disappeared. People who were just arriving, moved right through. As more folks with clipboards appeared, the line kept creeping forward. There seemed to be a formula to moving forward. A clipboard approaches. Quick conversation. Disappear. Hmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we finally got into our seats, my suspicions were confirmed. The Beautiful Ones were seated in front of the stage. You know, that section where the camera would skim enthusiastic, audience pleasing faces. My mind did a <a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/series/psych/?__source=gglpsychBrandG_Psych&sky=gglpsychBrandG_Psych">Psych</a> and took me back to some of the faces I'd scanned in line. Was that the cute natural haired couple I'd seen who were all on their boo lovin' vibe in line? Yup. I see you trendy Asian punk rocky looking pair with the untamed tresses in the fourth row. Center. The <a href="http://www.discogs.com/viewimages?artist=Midnight+Oil">Midnight Oil </a>looking bald white guy? Check. The woman with the mushroom hair do, fur jacket, who went #2 and tried to dip out the ladies room without eye contact? First row. Behind the camera. Sorry. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Once the camera's started rolling, and after our applause was taped a few times, looks didn't really matter much. The Beautiful One's did not disappoint. The represented as hard as the rest of the crowd, if not more. After all, viewers deserve to see enthusiastic, non-stereotypical attractive visuals paired with their entertainment, right? Any other way wouldn't be Obama. Thank you television. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, India was fantastic. Something about her voice makes me think about hot biscuits. Hot biscuits with butter that's been sitting out, melting so perfectly, delicious when digested. She is NOT her hair, she is the soul that lives within.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>*ugmo (ug-moe) An unattractive male or female.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OeHnRkFCIzE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OeHnRkFCIzE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-48784708145418237912009-02-03T22:02:00.002-04:002009-02-03T23:25:35.933-04:00I've Been TwitteredI finally decided to get on Twitter. You'll be able to get into my world better, stronger, faster. If you want to find me on it, search me out--tlawrites. If you are already on, follow me and I'll follow you too.<br /><br />I caught "The Wrestler" over the weekend. It was good. Sad, but good. Mickey Rourke was all over that role. It was life kinda sorta--switch out wrestling for acting.<br /><br />Thursday I'll be going to NYC for a taping fof VH1's Soul Series with India Arie. Should be good. Her new disc drops in two weeks. Or a week? I'm sure I'll Twit from there.<br /><br />Anyone else see this today?<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A00Paf8zzFY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A00Paf8zzFY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-25981481564343037612009-01-29T17:16:00.003-04:002009-01-29T17:18:21.977-04:00Remember Monie?I came across this video today and thought I'd share. All my old school hip hop heads have to remember Monie in the Middle! Ladies First!<br /><br /><object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2976388&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2976388&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-3966578562705818882009-01-20T22:35:00.000-04:002009-01-20T23:47:40.038-04:00Mobile Blogging10:35 pm--I'm testing out mobile blogging. If this works I'll be so excited.<br /><br />10:36pm--It works!Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-3179069978535801862009-01-20T21:54:00.000-04:002009-01-20T23:48:06.995-04:00A Day Like No Other<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcByddXyplICuB-qoBQY73A_TMfvRGgET2PGCADbvIkHe6_Ij_c1xvQpm2QzMDouyaoTbFTbXjvlokQkr8qoOHcXhjPN3dGlT6YOHgM-9inCh5WUUOYaeLOJvVNakX29WaS4ae96njVDEh/s1600-h/RUN+DC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293577686241038130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcByddXyplICuB-qoBQY73A_TMfvRGgET2PGCADbvIkHe6_Ij_c1xvQpm2QzMDouyaoTbFTbXjvlokQkr8qoOHcXhjPN3dGlT6YOHgM-9inCh5WUUOYaeLOJvVNakX29WaS4ae96njVDEh/s320/RUN+DC.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today was the day. We finally got <em>our</em> day. Today was the day we all got a chance to say "No More Excuses". Barack finally got <em>his </em>day<em> </em>to enjoy the fruits of his (and our) grassroots efforted labor. I asked my 77 year old grandmother, "Did you ever imagine this day would come? She said, "You know baby, I really didn't". There are millions of reasons why older generations could never fathom a day like today. As for us twenty and thirtysomethings, with our cynical ways, our gadgets, our progressive ways of thinking, change has come. We must have imagined it was possible. If not, would today have even happened? Well, won't have to wonder anymore, because it has. What we'll have to wonder about this election and everything it represents will continue to change and inspire us all. </div><div><br /></div><div>What's TLA been up to? I've had a chance to cover a show for the Inquirer on four time 2009 Grammy nominee <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/37811019.html">Adele</a> and Ledisi in the past few weeks. I even got a chance to interview <a href="http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/lifestyle-features/id.1289/title.anthony-hamilton-soul-food">Anthony Hamilton</a>. He's nominated for a Grammy for his duet with Al Green "You Got The ove That I Need". Anthony is a very funny to say the least. Got myself into journalism school too. Times are a changing, and not just for Barack either. I'll continue to keep you updated on the happenings. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In honor of Barack, I'll leave you with this vid. Power to ALL People. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4fnbn0Z3APE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4fnbn0Z3APE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-83011239107047572008-12-08T12:05:00.005-04:002008-12-09T12:55:18.088-04:00I'm Ready To Go Right NOWJohn Legend is a true performer. His show this past Friday at the Tower Theater was fabulous. Everything was perfect. More than his band, the system in the Tower was working splendidly. With a voice like his, all creamy raspy Frank Sinatra like, with some Nat King Cole sprinkled in for good measure, having the proper acoustics is essential. It just so happened that his band <em>did</em> happen to be phenomenal. He had a three piece horn section that killed it the entire show. He must have went into someones <a href="http://www.blacklily.com/">Black Lilly</a>-esque event in Detroit or something to find that trio. They were high energy the entire show and they <em>sang. </em>Not sing, saaaaaaang. <em> </em>I have to go pick up some copies of the paper today, but in the mean time, here is the <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/35697969.html">link</a> that ran in today's Philadelphia Inquirer if you want to check it out.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Raphael Saadiq's show opening performance didn't go over so well. He looked great, sounded good, but the crowd response wasn't there. I think people wanted to hear some more old stuff. Not that his <a href="http://www.raphaelsaadiq.com/">new</a> old sounding stuff isn't cool, but I think if he may have dug in the crates more, people would have been into it. The crowd seemed to jam the most when he did "Dance Tonight", his single with the group <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Pearl">Lucy Pearl</a>.<br /><br />I know one thing, the appreciation I had for seeing those guns when he took off that sharkskin suit is ling-er-ing! . That brother is in goooooooood shape.<br /><br />Johnny has been on my brain since the concert. You get two for one goodness on "Greenlight". Andre 3000 is the man.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xZnSzgNM_Y0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xZnSzgNM_Y0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-88304295276795372032008-11-30T20:14:00.007-04:002008-11-30T20:50:16.617-04:00It Never Rains......in southern California. A metaphorical song about love using rain? Can you beat that on this rainy Sunday? Tony, Toni, Tone is one of my all time favorite groups. Their 'House of Music' is one of my favs. Lovin' You? What?!! Loves it.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IVekW8IyGhs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IVekW8IyGhs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I finally got some new music and picked up John Legend's '<a href="http://www.johnlegend.com/">Evolver'</a> and Esperanza Spalding's self titled debut <a href="http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/previo.html?lang=en">'Esperanza'</a>. I'm still giving both a good a listen. Sometimes with new purchases, I tend to listen to the songs that catch my ears on repeat <em>then</em> give the others a chance. Esperanza gives me that bossa nova type vibe a la <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Z11obllEQ">Astrud Gilberto </a>with a bass guitar. John Legend is John Legend. I've always found the combination of his voice and lyrics captivating. Almost like a positive spell being cast on me. I think he could sing peanut butter and jelly over and over and I'd like it. Speaking of Legend & Saadiq, I'll be reviewing their show this Friday with <a href="http://www.raphaelsaadiq.com/">Raphael Saadiq </a>for the <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/20081117_Cool__soulful_Hamilton_worth_the_wait.html">Inquirer</a>. I'm a big fan of Saadiq and hope he sings the cuts I love from him as a solo artist and with Tony, Toni, Tone. I still rock to Instant Vintage. Often. In the mean time, I'll leave you with one of my favorites from him. You know you used to sing it...<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3yNibj8LW-Q&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3yNibj8LW-Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />One mo thing. I got Ledisi's disc last year from the program director at a radio station and really liked it. If you havent heard of her check out this vid from a recent performance. Then get the disc.<br /><object height="302" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2345499&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2345499&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2345499">Ledisi singing "Use Me" </a>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-19689906379246479672008-11-17T11:33:00.005-04:002008-11-17T11:48:31.776-04:00Thanks Anthony Hamilton & EWFYou gotta press play on the vid to read this... (but only if you believe that dreams can become reality)<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d9udxtTe6yk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d9udxtTe6yk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />You ready for some big news? I just came back from picking up the newspaper. Actually, I picked up six copies. Six copies of todays, November 17th, Philadelphia Inquirer. For my Philly friends, go pick up a copy. Section D. Page 8. Why you ask? Today marks my debut as a freelancer for the Philadelphia Inquirer! Not only do I freelance for the Inquirer's Image section (nothing published-yet) but also for Arts & Entertainment. Thats how I got over to the music section and the opportunity to review the Anthony Hamilton concert. The details will come, but for now, share my excitement. For those not in the area, here is the <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/20081117_Cool__soulful_Hamilton_worth_the_wait.html">link</a>.<br /><br />Yeah baby!Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-56630189940728572732008-11-11T23:40:00.005-04:002008-11-12T02:04:21.906-04:00Change, Made Me Wanna Hustle-Pt. UnoFirst, press PLAY and let the music take you through this post.<br /><br />Yeah I know the Donald Byrd song is Change-Makes Me Wanna Hustle, but I'm way past that. Change <em>made </em>me want to hustle. I'm living with, in, and on my changes and it feels sooooooooo good. I quit my job to make more time for writing. I got an excellent freelance gig (I'll save that for next time) to add to the mix too. With all my changes, I'm hustling hard, but living happier for sure. You'll get filled in on the details soon becaues I'm in the middle of composing what will be my 'updated because I've been away so long post', so just hold on a little while longer.<br /><br />In the mean time, be thankful for the change and chance I hope most of us took last Tuesday. If you are thinking like me, I hope Barack will be the man that can continue to keep us all as politically ignited as we've been this year and on board the change train. In the mean time, I'll leave you with this vid. I wish it were a more interactive video, but right about now, the lyrics are just hittin me. Change, nothin' stays the same....<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kOTUE8HrhpA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kOTUE8HrhpA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Back soon. For REAL this time.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-67556124697645562452008-08-14T19:51:00.001-04:002008-08-14T19:52:34.414-04:00I Didn't ForgetI'm waiting to tie up a few more loose ends before I make some BIG announcements! Big as in HUGE life changing type stuff. I'll be back...Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-77707403313953529992008-07-21T18:49:00.004-04:002008-07-21T18:54:32.922-04:00Its ComingThings have been HAPPENING in TLA's life and I'm long overdue with filling you in. Everytime I said I would post, something else would happen and the list kept (and keeps) getting longer and longer for news. But now that things are settling down I'll be back after these commerical messages....<br /><br />Until then, be on the lookout for me to talk about day job changes(YES ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!), what I've been up to on the writing grind, my vacations, movies, music, and the fantastic old school Hip-Hop show I went to in Central Park on Friday! Somebody say hooooooooooooooooooooo! Stay tuned!Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-11688662092111727342008-04-22T12:08:00.002-04:002008-04-22T12:13:24.810-04:00Super TuesdayI promise to come back and provide all the details, but my latest went up today on <a href="http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/features/id.1101">HipHopDX</a> of the red carpet coverage I did this past Sunday on the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network event in Philly. I have a few more things in the works and I'll fill you in soon.<br /><br />Until then, all my Pennsylvanians GET OUT AND VOTE!Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-51438243863137621672008-04-03T00:00:00.003-04:002008-04-02T23:37:55.252-04:00I Stay WokeI know, I know. Its been a minute since I last posted. Sometimes I think I delay posting so I can feel like when I do post I have something worthwhile to say. Not that I don't usually have worthwhile things to say, but I have to ask myself if its blog worthy or not. Its like that phone call you don't make until you have a chance to compile some interesting info to ensure the worth of the call for the recipient. Should I share the boring minutia just like I share the exciting things? I'm still not sure yet and I'm already on the seventh line. What I am sure of is that I predicted 2008 was going to be great for me and my life as a writer. This first quarter is proving that I must have a little Dionne Warwick psychic friends network blood flowing all up and through because its turning out to be so true. <br /><br />The first big news is that today my undercover shelter piece for the Philadelphia City Paper was finally published <a href="http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/04/03/unsilent-nights">here</a>. I made both the print and on line editions and its been pretty exciting. Its been a long time coming but well worth the wait. I love the entire process of writing; from thinking of an idea, pitching it, having that pitch accepted to writing, editing, and finally seeing the end result in print. Going through the editing process was also very positive which isn't always the case. Sometimes an editor can chop up and rearrange your words beyond recognition. Luckily for me this wasn't the case because I had an editor who worked well with me. When I read the almost final draft I could both see and feel my voice which is very important for me as a writer. Check out the story and let me know what you think.<br /><br />Since my last post I interviewed a relative new comer to the Hip Hop game, <a href="http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/features/id.1081">Rocko</a>, for HipHopDX. Although a lot of folks have no appreciation for his rhyme style, all the feedback left in the comments is a good look for me as the writer. Con-tro-versy. I also had the chance to interview Guru from the legendary Hip Hop group Gangstarr for Scheme Magazine. You can kill all your dreams about ever seeing another Gangstarr <a href="http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/Search.do?c=1&searchType=user&keyword=gangstarr&searchSection=20013218%7CMovies+%26+Music&go.x=7&go.y=12">album</a> because based on our conversation its never going to happen. Guru is back on the scene with a new partner and ready to move forward in a new direction with a new sound. Check out the <a href="http://schememag.com/hip-hop/guru-solar/">interview</a> that his new partner MC Solar (not the French <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC_Solaar">MC Solaar</a>) tried his best to dominate. Good thing I know how to keep things moving.<br /><br />I just got booked to speak at <a href="http://www.mc3.edu/">MC3</a> again in May. Last time went well although it didn't go exactly as I would have liked. Someone actually sat facing left the entire time I talked. It took everything in me to keep my sarcasm about his rudeness to myself. But now that I know what to look for as far as keeping the listeners attention I can step my presentation game up and have those students thinking they were listening to Maya Angelou up in that piece. Well maybe not Maya, but close enough.<br /><br />On the music front, I have picked up a few CD's in the past couple of months. Of course I had to get my girl Loretta Brown AKA Erykah Badu's <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=MOTB001080001.1&store=Movies&si=ccity-prod&channel=b2c&partner=cc&catOid=-13219">New Amerykah Pt. 1: 4th World War</a>. This is Ms. Badu on her other world Parliament Funkadelic vibe. She has never sounded this refreshingly far out. I'd have to say one of my favorite cuts, (aside from the bonus track Honey of course) is Master Teacher. (I stay woke too EB) When Badu starts harmonizing her brown sista power philosophies over funk filled tracks you can't help but get caught up in her matrix. Pt. 2 drops in July so pick it up. My man Johnny Legend has a <a href="http://www.target.com/Live-Philadelphia-Legend-John/dp/B0013QRDC8/sr=1-13/qid=1207158536/ref=sr_1_13/602-3116143-3755024?ie=UTF8&index=music&rh=k%3Ajohn%20legend%20live&page=1">live</a> CD out (only available at Target) that was recorded at Philly's Tower Theater. If you are already a Legend fan you will appreciate the subtle changes made to some of his songs. I loved how he got straight gos-po-delic on 'I Can Change' which didn't have me missing Snoop's verse at all. There is a duet of 'Where Is The Love' that of course can't top the original version by Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack but I give him and Corrinne Bailey Rae a 'B' for effort. Not that I don't have enough (can you ever?) Stevie, but his <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?p_id=P+++139462&a_id=R++1186756&PersonID=P%20%20%20139462&prodid=MOTB000947902.2">#1's </a>in all its eco friendly packaging was the big selling point. Just kidding. I haven't gone all the way green, but I did think that was a cool thing to do. Last night I was riding, blasting 'That Girl' and thinking, "Damn, Stevie had some serious feelings for That Girl." Ever listen to the <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/stevie+wonder/that+girl_20131895.html">lyrics</a>? That brother went <em>there</em> with his feelings and put it in a song. You have to admire people that are able to express their feelings in song, put music to it, and make a classic. Keep trying Neyo.<br /><br />I have been thinking about starting a series within this blog and today is its premier. Its called WTF. For all my cybertext talkers, you know what it stands for. Today's WTF is being brought to you by the Rev. Pat Buchanan. After you read this <a href="http://buchanan.org/blog/?p=969">nonsense</a> you'll probably ask yourself is this the same Rev. Pat that said, "Hitler's success was not based on his extraordinary gifts alone."? Yep its him. Can the same mouth used to praise Hitler be the same one that bashed Obama's former pastor Rev. Wright so strongly? But guess what? I'm using a direct Buchanan quote and making it seem as if he just praised Hitler today. The quote is actually from 1977 but media has a way of making controversial words seem fresh. Maybe I didn't agree 100% with Rev. Wright's <a href="http://essence.typepad.com/news/2008/03/the-full-story.html">'God Damn America'</a> or his <a href="http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-rev-jeremiah-wrights-911-sermon/">'The Day of Jerusalem's Fall'</a> speeches, but who hasn't already heard (or maybe even said) what Rev. Wright has the courage to discuss with his congregants? Nod your head if you feel me.<br /><br />I got a signed copy of James McBride's, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Color-Water-Black-Tribute-Mother/dp/1573225789/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207178568&sr=1-1">'The Color of Water'</a>, new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Song-Yet-Sung-James-McBride/dp/1594489726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207178633&sr=1-1">'Song Yet Sung'</a> a few weeks ago. I just started it last week and thus far its pretty good. I never gave much thought to how slaves used multiple ways to plan escape like codes and songs, but they did. Although the book is a work of fiction McBride included lots of factual information which has made the read thus far very interesting. When I'm done, I'll review it here.<br /><br />Saw a bunch of good Netflix rentals as of late. Sometimes I hit a bad pick spurt, but lately I've been thinking that my power to select good movies skills are coming back to me. I enjoyed <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/271519">The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/283852">Gone Baby Gone </a>which both had Casey Affleck as its star. I see Casey is trying to get out of the shadow of his brother Ben and I like it. How was anyone going to know he had the skills if he didn't ever get a chance to flex them? Yeah, Ben directed Gone Baby Gone, but so what. Both were good flicks. I watched <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/279032">No Reservations</a> with Catherine Zeta Jones too. Rom coms (that's movie talk for romantic comedy ya'll) aren't my favorite genre of film, but since it had the cute little girl from <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/271419">Little Miss Sunshine</a> in it and my man Aaron Eckhart from <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/261522">Thank You For Smoking </a>. I gave it a chance. Bad move. One word. Yawn. I'd have to say the best pick of the bunch had to be Sean Penn's <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/288216">Into the Wild</a>. The way the story was both told and filmed were superb. Strong performances and good cameo appearances just added to the film. The movie was adapted from the book of the same title, so if the movie peaked your interest you can read the true account. Two thumbs up for sure and I didn't need Ebert or Roeper to cosign that fact.<br /><br />I gotta run but I promise not to stay away too long this time.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-1171216689654245412008-02-01T12:47:00.000-04:002008-02-04T10:40:57.516-04:00First of the Month Musings & MoreWake up wake up wake up, Its the first of the month, get up get up get up so cash your check and come up. Who remembers the fast flowing rhyme stylings of Bone Thugs & Harmony? They are the group responsible for one of, if not the only, best songs about the greatness that the first of the month holds for millions. I'm sure for some its the 15th and 30th that makes them excited, but that wouldn't sound right in a song now would it?<br /><br />Last night I had a very interesting conversation about music. A good friend of mine let me know she checked out the new E. Badu <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNJt5ADHzIY">video</a>. I told her I was really looking forward to Erykah's return to the music scene because it needs a jolt of something new right now. Finding good music to listen to isn't easy. With the influx of weak rhymes and vocals flooding the Top 40 airwaves, we asked each other, "Who are we going to be listening to when we're older?" Who are those artists that will be able to sustain a career long enough to make it on to PBS for the annual fundraising specials? Which songs will be included on the 2028 version of 'Smooth Grooves' or 'Lets Dance'? Yesterday, it all seemed to make sense about why our parents still love the music of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Its for the same reasons we hold dear our late 80's and early 90's Hip-Hop and R&B--Good music is hard to find. Sure it's out there, you just gotta dig for it.<br /><br />Guess what month it is? Thats right boys and girls--Black History Month! Time for the libraries to display the books on our great Afro-Americans (yes, I said Afro! Someone said it to me the other day. An afro is a hair style, no?) Its time for profiles in newspapers and magazines on all the contributions we've made to society. What am I looking forward to this month? Henry Lewis Gates' PBS <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aalives/index.html">special</a> on the genealogical history of some notable black folk. I'm talking real life Roots ya'll. I watched when this special last aired and it brought tears to my eyes. Imagine being able to learn who your people are through documents and pictures? Seeing the handwriting of someone who bought and sold your great great great great grandparents? Check it out if you can--its going to be good.<br /><br />Last week week I had the pleasure of interviewing lesbian Hip-Hop group <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.kin4life.com">KIN</a> for AHH and it turned out great. Both the group and I received a lot of feedback about the interview for obvious reasons, but these ladies really do have skills. Check out the interview <a href="http://allhiphop.com/stories/features/archive/2008/01/30/19212153.aspx">here</a> and read some of the comments too. I knew when readers saw lesbian Hip-Hop group in the byline it was going to bring attention, but who knew it would be this much. In addition, USA Today's popular Pop Candy Blogger Whitney Matheson chose me as the reader of the day. Check out my <a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2008/02/pop-forum-talk.html#uslPageReturn">profile</a> and read some of the comments.<br /><br />I better be careful about what I write because last week Ireceived word from <a href="http://allhiphop.com/languages/en-US/docs/staff.aspx">Jigsaw</a>, that I got my life threatened. Two other writers from AHH also received threats, so I didn't feel alone. Initially I was a bit shook because I could only recall writing one piece that may have had the slightest bit of controvesy to it, but who knows? From what I've been told a police report was filed and I shouldn't worry.<br /><br />I finally saw <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0467406/">Juno</a> last week and I really enjoyed it. The combination of acting and writing were perfect. Since I'm in one of those frequent movie watcher clubs, I earned a free ticket when I saw Juno, so I'll be checking out <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/">Atonement</a> with my solo ticket as soon as possible. I'll probably go when the Superbowl airs; it will be like my own private showing. Or at least only filled with fellow football haters.<br /><br />Will the Groundhog see its shadow? Does anyone still believe this has anything to do with season control? Winter will do what it do baby.<br /><br />Until next time....Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-14188918746372693952008-01-18T15:24:00.000-04:002008-01-18T18:07:33.378-04:00I'll Take You ThereHotep! All my former BSU members may remember that greeting from our leather Africa necklace wearing fight the powers that be heyday. Its Friday and a long weekend for some of us, so whats not to love about today? Not much. MLK day is being celebrated on Monday and if you are looking for a place to honor the memory of MLK, you'll find some useful information <a href="http://my.mlkday.gov/public/indexSearch.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1">here</a> to let you know where to get your service on. I can still remember my fifth grade speech in front of the class about Martin Luther King. (You know it was in February too, but thats another story) For a little extra added oomph, at the end of my presentation I read his 'I Have A Dream' speech. Perhaps I was channeling MLK with my voice because the spirit of his words moved me so that my voice cracked and I started to cry. What a great man. Not a perfect man, but a great man. I wish he were here to address <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3201070">this</a> mess. Maybe Sharpton will jump on it because Tiger Woods has already said its all good.<br /><br />TLA has been biz-zy with the writing as of late. I've still got two pieces to put to bed and another lined up to complete on Monday. A few people have been wondering about the topic of my piece for the <a href="http://www.citypaper.net/">City Paper</a>. Well believe it or not I stayed the weekend at a homeless shelter. They wanted me to write a piece on my experience and any connections I may have made while there. You will have to wait until publication to read all the details, but I can say that it was one of my most humbling experiences. I had a lot of time on my hands since I made a commitment to spend as much time inside the shelter as I possibly could. I finished Walter Mosley's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Faith-Walter-Mosley/dp/0316734594/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200684352&sr=1-1">latest</a> in between scribing over 20 pages of hand written notes. It's going to make a good read for sure.<br /><br />I'm set to make my <a href="http://www.power99.com/main.html">radio</a> debut tomorrow between 11 and 12 noon. I'm going to confirm my appearance tonight, so if you are in the listening area, tune in and check me out. Lots of horehound tea for me tonight to try and rid myself of this lingering cough. Can't clear scratchy throats live on air. The <a href="http://www.power99.com/pages/airstaff/hotboyz/thb.html">Hot Boyz </a>showed me that.<br /><br />Has everyone seen Steve Harvey's new look <a href="http://www.mediatakeout.com/21055/steve_harvey_takes_off_his_wig_-_rocks_a_baldy.html">yet</a>? I don't know if he was really rocking an Afro wig or what, but I think the new look does him some justice. What do you think?<br /><br />I caught <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477348/">No Country For Old Men</a> recently which I highly recommend. Javier Bardem, who won a best supporting actor Golden Globe earlier this week, was the highlight of the film. Next on the list is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/">Atonement</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0469494/">There Will Be Blood</a>. I may have to see Atonement sans my #1 muse, but he's always down for a Daniel Day-Lewis flick.<br /><br />I copped <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=JIV719080.2&store=Movies&si=ccity-prod&channel=b2c&partner=cc&catOid=-13219">Raheem Devaughn's </a>new CD this week. I haven't given it a full listen yet, but what I've heard so far I like. I have a couple of his mix CD's and his first disc, which grew on me immediately. I love his voice so I'll give his latest time to get under my skin. Lyrically, he doesn't tend to be overt with his sexy red light bulb lyrics which I appreciate as a lover of lyrical subtlety.<br /><br />Positive quotes are posted around my desk to keep my mind right so that I don't let evil TLA creep out on the some of these folks I come in contact at the day gig. Someone almost tried to take me there today, but <a href="http://revrun.com/wordsofwisdom">Rev. Run's </a>words calmed me. What did he say to me you ask? He said, "Patience, humility, and the willingness to eliminate what isn't really working will always free you up." Stay willing.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-45906442936713713022008-01-07T13:51:00.000-04:002008-01-07T16:52:12.189-04:00Let Me Tell You Something Right Quick...Hey hey hey, it's TLA. I bet you thought I was going to say Fat Albert didn't you? Nope.<br /><br />Although many of us may assume that white men have all the 'kill and eat the victim' jobs on lock, a brother has officially <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/010708dntextylerslaying.45b869.html">applied</a>. I guess for some its just not enough to kill a person. Its so much more personal (and insane) when you straight ingest a victim. Sad that a fictional character named Hannibal made folks think humans might make a tasty treat.<br /><br />Congrats to Obama for winning the Iowa caucuses. That win has given him the edge he needed to separate himself from his closest competitor, Hillary Clinto, for the upcoming New Hampshire <a href="http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/new_hampshire/election_2008_new_hampshire_democratic_primary">primaries</a>. Hillary's polling lead is rapidly falling, so she better step her campaign game up and get back in it if she's really trying to win it. Giving away shovels may not be enough. But you know like I do she won't win. And Barack may not either. Black Man? Bill's wife? Change the world? More of the same? John Edwards it is! Its still nice to dream about change. And whats a world without dreamers?<br /><br />The changing of the guard in Philadelphia politricks happened today as the city inducted its 98th mayor, Michael Nutter, at the Academy of Music. He got the crowd riled up with his chants of, "We can do this!" as he vowed to cut the homicide rate. We'll see. I feel hopeful because his wife reminds me of someone I know very well. And with a wife who looks like <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20080107_City_prepares_for_its_new_mayor.html?imageId=6034781">this</a>, he's bound for greatness I'm certain.<br /><br />This is the weekend I'll be off completing my undercover newspaper piece. I'm wrapping up the research portion and ready to not only report on my findings, but experience them as well. I have a story to complete for <a href="http://schememag.com/">Scheme</a> this week interviewing a member of one Hip Hop's most influential duos, so be on the look out for that in the coming weeks. For all my Hip Hop heads, the hint is in these words that I manifest. Guess who?<br /><br />TLA is finally going to make it on the <a href="http://www.power99.com/main.html">airwaves</a> in two weeks. As far as I know, I'll be talking about Hip-Hop, R&B, and whatever else comes to mind with the on air DJ I'm sure. I'm excited and hope that the final remains of this cold are gone before I have to bless the world with my melodious voice. I almost let this opportunity get away from me, but I'm glad I decided not to go with my gut and pursue it. Patience pays off.<br /><br /><br />2008 is going to be great. I can feel it.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-81461946960446692122008-01-02T15:27:00.000-04:002008-01-02T16:53:27.392-04:00Brand NewHAPPY NEW YEAR! If your 2007 wasn't all that you wanted, needed, or expected, I still hope you were able to get at least one thing out of it. Nothing like a year spent without a single life lesson learned. One of my themes for 2007 was FOCUS. I learned that staying focused is more easily said than done, but definitely attainable. My 2008 theme? Let's Get It. Let's as in let us. You and I. Me and You. <a href="http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Elevators-Me-and-You-lyrics-OutKast/D72D0A43D217173448256D5100143235">Your momma and your cousin too</a>. Whatever goals you are setting out to reach, get it. Higher level of thinking and understanding? Get it. That home, career, education, man, woman--whatever. Get it. Its 2008. Its time to put the excuses, negative attitudes and detrimental relationships, to the side and make things happen. In the inevitable words of Outkast, <a href="http://www.lyricsplanet.com/index.php3?style=lyrics&id=3729">Get up, Get out, and Get something</a>. How can you make it if you never even try? Whats meant for you, will be yours and that's all there is to it. Don't make obstacles excuses.<br /><br />Its 2008 and I'm feeling great. Ten days off from the day gig has served me well. So well in fact that I got a cold that had me in bed for five days. Mom said my busy schedule caught up with me and took it out on my body. Who knew positive stress still had the same effect on the body? And I thought giving a teenager a ride to the mall on Christmas Eve was the final straw. I had no business being in the mall although I took an unusually odd pleasure in watching last minute shoppers scramble for gifts while sipping on a vanilla soy decaf latte from <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/">Starcrack's</a>. You know that stuffs addictive right? Big time.<br /><br />I spent the last month of 2007 doing my part to make sure that the writings of TLA go even farther in 2008. I have been spreading my wings and networking, so I'll be sure to let you know when my work is up at <a href="http://www.hiphopdx.com/">HipHopDX</a>, <a href="http://allhiphop.com/default.aspx">AHH</a>, <a href="http://www.rappagesmagazine.com/">Rap Pages</a>, and <a href="http://schememag.com/">Scheme</a>. I also pitched a piece to the <a href="http://www.citypaper.net/">Philadelphia City Paper</a>, so be on the lookout for that too. It will be my first newspaper feature and I'm pretty excited. I'll be going undercover for 48 hours to complete the story so hopefully the read will be as intriguing as the topic. After its done, I'm sure you'll let me know. This news paper gig is me letting the world know that TLA isn't just Hip-Hop and R&B. I'm broadening my publication and professional horizons this year so don't be surprised at the places you'll find my work or find me working. New Years eve ended my regular schedule at the radio station but I'll still be working with the <a href="http://www.power99.com/pages/airstaff/hotboyz/thb.html">Hot Boyz </a>here and there this year. I may even make it on the airwaves (finally) with another DJ at the station, but we'll see. I'm patient.<br /><br />We'll know in a few days if Obama's is the man after the outcome of the Iowa caucuses. Although he is in the lead right now according to a <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-02-iowa-wire_N.htm">poll</a> released this morning, it going to take a little more then the backing of the big <a href="http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml">O</a> to get Barack in the White House. In the mean time, make sure your not only <a href="http://www.vote-smart.org/voter_county_election_offices.php">registered</a> to vote but that you actually get out and vote. Its too important.<br /><br />For all my fellow <a href="http://www.hbo.com/thewire/about/">'The Wire' </a>fans, its back. I already checked out the Season 5 premier episode and its top notch as usual. The writing, characters, and subject matter of this HBO gem make it one of the most compelling dramas on television. I already know I'm going to love this fifth and final season because one of the story lines involves the role of the media and its coverage (or lack thereof) of longstanding political, social, and economic issues that affect all of us in one way or another. <em>The Wire </em>isn't just another show depicting lives of the haves and have nots. Its real life, right now, with the benefit of actors to soften the blow of reality. Check it out for yourself and rent or <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6747611&st=the+wire&lp=2&type=product&cp=1&id=1371951">buy</a> prior seasons (1-4) series on DVD. You won't be disappointed.<br /><br />I got the new <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?a_id=R++1244058&type=Album_Tracks&prodid=GEFB001031302.2">Mary</a> CD and I'm loving it of course. I'm loving how she is on her grown woman ish right now. I'm so <em>feeling</em> that these days. Lyrically, Ms. Blige is doing it for me as she always does. For those of you looking for that brown hued, honey voiced soul fix, check out <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=DAPT12.2&store=Movies&si=ccity-prod&channel=b2c&partner=cc&catOid=-13219">Sharon Jones</a> and the Dap Kings. Jones and Dap King's tear it down 60's soul style and hit you with the old school horns reminiscent of the Earth, Wind, and Fire horn section. Yeah like that.<br /><br />Until next time, its not too late to start compiling that 2008 to do list. And tomorrow isn't too early to start checking things off.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-17130510298039778342007-12-01T22:29:00.001-04:002008-02-27T14:03:27.955-04:00I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!Cyber smack my hands for taking so long to post. Being busy doing multiple things has its drawbacks. Having just celebrated Turkey Day I've been inspired to show thanks to my readers by not hitting a forty day lapse between posts. And away we go...<br /><br />Having 39 days pass between keeping you all informed about what goes on in the life and mind of a media hustler has its benefits. The inevitable forward motion of time allows the world to reveal itself and expose its beauty, wonders, accomplishments and miracles. That exposure also gives a glimpse inside its shames, injustices, and self-destructive tendencies.<br /><br />A few weeks back Rev. Al led thousands on a March For Justice in Washington, DC to demand federal prosecution for hate crimes. Although hate crimes seem to be that poison for which there is no antidote, the march allowed attention, for at least one day, to be put on the powers that be to prosecute these crimes with the same voraciousness used for the Vicks, Stewarts, and <a href="http://www.nndb.com/people/416/000045281/">Libby's</a> of the world. Is the world ready to admit that a noose in ones office is as hurtful as a swastika spray painted on a door? Do you know how many people have been subject to harassment by noose? Thanks to my girl Phish, you can check out a visual time line right <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/11/25/opinion/25opchart.html">here</a>. Sad, right?<br /><br />I've got my speech coming up next week at <a href="http://www.mc3.edu/">Montgomery County Community College </a>on the life and times of a freelance writer. I've been gathering materials and feel excited about the opportunity. I don't get nervous speaking in front of people but I do want to make sure to keep things interesting. I've also been making sure to get my connections in order because come January 2008 TLA is going to use what she got to get what she wants. And what does she want? More places for the world to see her words. <a href="http://www.rappagesmagazine.com/">Rap Pages</a> magazine contacted me this week about some writing, so we'll see whats up with that this week. I'm meeting with my former editor and mentor this week too and he's always full of ideas. In 2008 I'm kickin in doors with out waving 44's.<br /><br />Things have been going <em>very</em> well at the <a href="http://www.power99.com/main.html">station</a> too. I have been able to use my writing and research skills in a radio environment which has been very helpful. We've (we meaning the <a href="http://www.power99.com/pages/airstaff/hotboyz/thb.html">Hot Boyz </a>show I work on) had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Dash">Dame Dash</a>, Jay-Z, and Frank Lucas Jr. (yup, son of the American Gangster) call in recently to the show. I did research, talking points, and questions for all three which enhanced the interview. Stumbling for questions isn't a good look when you are live on the air. Luckily for me the Hot Boyz are very good at what they do, I simply make it a little easier. We also had <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1217506/">Omarion</a> & <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0510168/">Bow Wow </a>live in the studio, along with listeners, and that was both hectic and exciting. Navigating the technical aspects of a live broadcast is no easy task. Being able to assist the engineer and the board operator with the broadcast was one of the biggest learning opportunities I've had so far. Imagine that, TLA actually learning how operate a board at a radio station? I still didn't get a nick name yet although the fellas do tend to call me Nish, which I normally hate, but don't mind so much when they say it. Maybe I'm getting softer in my younger age. Oh yeah, one little tid bit for you. According to Lucas Jr., Daddy had 769 million when he was arrested. Yeah.<br /><br />Rodney King <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-king30nov30,0,2055710.story?coll=la-home-center">shot</a>? Again? WTF?<br /><br />This week I found out I wasn't the grand prize winner for the short story contest I entered a while back. I definitely plan on continuing to enter because its such a challenge to try and come up with a good story while also keeping it under 750 words. The contest gives you the prompt and you just go from there. The prompt for this piece was this: After years with a traveling carnival, the strong man and the bearded lady try to adjust to a normal life as a married couple.<br />So without further ado, here is the winning story (at least in my mind) for your reading pleasure. The word isn't out on the honorable mentions though...<br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">On With The Show<br />By TLA<br /><br />Mornings aren’t what they used to be. For the past eight years I’d wake up in the afternoon, brush my teeth, splash water on my face, pull my costume on, and head to the tent. Now mornings meant a routine I’ve grown to loathe. Waking up to wash, shave, and moisturize with SPF 45 isn’t my idea of starting the day with joy.<br /><br />Eight months ago, which now seems like an eternity, Otto and I were still on the road performing as the main attraction for Big Bobby’s Traveling Freak Show. Over 310 days of our year were spent listening to bratty kids ooh and ahh at a woman with a beard as big as St. Nick’s. Now I get to listen to snooty suburban moms bore me to death about their monotonous lives that only seem to consist of shopping, gossiping, and wishing they could screw the gardener.<br /><br />Otto found an ordinary job as a used car salesman. I think he was hired because they thought he might be able to lift a car off the lot and save them a few bucks on tows. He hasn’t really made any friends at the job yet, and I think its starting to bother him. Worrying about his frame impinging on his ability to sell schmucks an SUV is a constant topic of evening conversation. The more he asks if his size matters, the more I lie. Of course twenty-eight inch biceps aren’t weird honey. Oh no, you aren’t a mutant dear. Have another can of vanilla ‘Bulk’ my love.<br /><br />One way or another, before our heads hit the pillows, we end up talking about our new lives. Sharing late night laughs about the ironic turn our lives had taken gave us plenty to put ourselves to sleep. Being considered a freak was the optimal word in our former lives. Now we had to try and live our lives around a bunch of dull normals.<br /><br />Normal was the word we used to distinguish between freaks and non freaks working at Big Bobby’s. Coupling up with a normal meant there was half a chance that your children could avoid harassment.<br /><br />Last year, Otto and I went to our old pal Gita’s wedding when she married a talented normal named Robert. As we danced, watching Gita swirl her hips in happiness to the hypnotic hum of Roberts’s pungi, forced us to wonder if living our lives in a bus was all there was going to be for us.<br /><br />It wasn’t easy when we first arrived. Early on a Saturday morning, we pulled our rainbow colored bus into the driveway of our new home. Stepping out, we already felt the penetrating stares of the normals who’d gathered on their stoops.<br /><br />“It’ll be ok Zelda. You know you’ll be beautiful to me no matter what”, he said barely breaking a sweat holding three trunks.<br /><br />“Thanks love. I’m right behind you.”<br /><br />After burying his lips in my weeklong growth, Otto gave a reassuring wink before heading inside. Digging in my purse, I took a deep breath, clicked the ‘on’ button, and pulled my right hand to my left cheek. Sitting on the emergency exit bumper, I took long, angry swipes all over my face until I could feel the unusual sensation of the suns warmth.<br /><br />A couple of days later, Edna, my Mary Kay selling neighbor, offered to give me a free demonstration. I got my first makeover and knew I had officially crossed over. In no time, I was hosting Tupperware parties and joined the block party organizing committee. Who knew so many clubs existed in suburbia?<br /><br />Now I spend my days scouring the Eastchester Gazette looking for the latest nouveau cuisine recipes to entice Otto’s beef jerky palate. Nights meant slathering my body with depilatories Edna claimed would make me ‘baby smooth’. Life has become all about perfectly coiffed hair, no fuss knits, and diet soda. Edna even started calling me her pseudo suburban carnival defector.<br /><br />I would never tell Gita, but sometimes Otto and I miss our old lives. Gone are the days of having fresh funnel cake in the mornings and lying in bed at night eating leftover cotton candy. But every morning, as we stand at his and her sinks splashing ourselves with cooling gels, we know this is where we’re supposed to be. No, we aren’t the headliners any more, but every day, we still get to perform.<br /><br /></div><div align="left">Thanks for your patience. I'll be back soon. I promise. And yes, I'm a woman of my word. </div>Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-43038792869240341432007-10-23T22:23:00.000-04:002007-10-24T09:13:22.434-04:00Just A Lil' BitWhat's up people? I know its been a minute but a sista has been biz-zee! My only free evening is every other Tuesday and its been making it a little difficult to keep folks updated on the happenings of TLA. No apologies, but you know how it is.<br /><br />During this brief hiatus I have been on my usual grind. Between the day gig, pitching pieces to mags, networking, working at the station, and squeezing in time with the fam, its been hectic. No worries though because you have my word I'll be back on TLA Writes with my usual, the new, and anything else pronto.<br /><br />In the meantime, let me leave you with this. I love my fam. I've got plenty of love for my friends too. But right about now, its all about my family and this hustle. Its all about trying to do what I've set out to do--be the ultimate media hustler. This hustle means I have limited time for my usual activities like calling folks, visiting, and updating people personally on the day to day happenings of TLA. I've said this a million times before, but some recent situations have led me to repeat myself. Out of sight is never out of mind for me. Let me repeat. Out of sight is NEVER out of mind for me. Once you are in with me, you are in for life. It could be two days or two years and I always feel like the people who are down with me can pick up the phone and we can talk as we always have in the past. I definitely invite that too. Pick up my slack. Give me a call if I cross your mind. If I don't get back asap, don't take it personally and chalk it up to the grind. Its that simple.<br /><br />One thing I've recognized is that not everyone is going to understand, or care to understand, what it is I'm trying to do right now. I also know that being understanding isn't everyones forte. Cool. I may lose some friends during this time and I can deal with that too. Just know that I ain't mad at anyone. Why bother with that when I can focus my energies on things that I know will benefit me and mine? I've got enough on my plate. Those that are down with TLA while I'm in hustle mode will remain. Those that aren't I won't fret. Of course I'll miss them, but when you are into letting things flow, its hard to go against the natural progression of things. That whole reason and season saying is in full effect right now.<br /><br />Personal shout outs to my fam, my sis Aleana, Word S. Bond, George, Kish, and Reg for simply being you. Its most appreciated.<br /><br />Until next time be easy.<br /><br />PEACETanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768323130866844593.post-88886986077048731382007-10-09T21:58:00.000-04:002007-10-10T09:21:27.962-04:00Hustle & FlowI thought I would take advantage of my first free evening in over a week and just go straight crazy on this blog tonight. This week I have come across so many thought provoking items. I couldn't wait to get on and take all those reflections out all over these keys. Instead, I just want to chill. I want to kick back with some magazines, a glass of iced tea, have the TV on in the background, and chill. So that's what I'm going to do. But since I don't want to keep my readers waiting any longer, I thought I'd finally share my good news with all who have been patiently waiting to hear it.<br /><br />Your girl TLA is a producer. For the past two weeks I have been 'auditioning' as an intern producer for the <a href="http://www.power99.com/pages/airstaff/hotboyz/thb.html">Hot Boyz </a>show on Power 99 (WUSL-FM 98.9) in Philadelphia. I finally got the word that I can keep the gig for a while. The powers that be wanted to make sure that I could "gel" well with the DJ's and gelled we did. This experience has been wonderful for me thus far. I am learning to come out of my shell so to speak. Writing can be such a solitary experience. Being able to be around people all the time, interacting with callers on the phones, and having a first hand view of what it takes to put a radio show together is amazing.<br /><br />What do I do as a producer? I take song requests, update the web page, give talking points to the DJ's, and research statistical information on record sales. I monitor & log equipment function and schedule & prep in studio guests. One of the most exciting things I have learned is to record and edit callers using <a href="http://www.audionlabs.com/Web%20Pages/Contrl_Panel.html">this</a> piece of equipment. You have no idea how much people scream, curse, and holler when they know they are going to be on the radio. What you hear is no where near what I hear preedit.<br /><br />The two DJ's I work with are really cool. I feel like I am being slowly initiated into a frat as its only female member. They speak softly when I need assurance and harder when I should know better. They keep me on my toes and make me work hard. The more I accomplish, the more willing they are to teach. I love it. They are teachers that I know will become friends.<br /><br />Yesterday they asked me for ideas to revamp the show. Since I am a woman with a million ideas in her head, I shared one that they seemed to like a lot. Since we were all in a sharing mood, they shared some ideas they had with me in mind. Yup, they want TLA to be on the air covering a feature. I won't divulge yet because they still need to be approved, but if all goes well you'll get to listen to the sweet melodious voice of TLA over the airwaves sooner than you think.<br /><br />In the next few weeks I'm going to be speaking to a creative writing class at a college about the hustle of a freelance writer. Getting paid too. Who would have ever guessed I'd be speaking to a class of people about how to hustle words and parlay that into other avenues? Not I. The biggest thing I'm learning is that there are no limits to this writing game. The sky is the limit and when change comes, you've got to be ready. I'm not cocky enough to say I was born ready. Not yet anyway. But to bite my girl <a href="http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/omag_landing.jhtml">O</a>, what I know for sure is that the blessing of my gift for words keeps opening doors and its not a coincidence. Its divine intervention working in combination with my drive and passion that's making me unstoppable.<br /><br />Aight, <a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/hip_hop_honors/_2007/">Hip Hop Honors </a>repeats and <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/">Time Out NY</a> have waited long enough. I'll hold on to my thoughts and share with you next post.<br /><br />Oh yeah, still haven't watched that <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8274173&st=volver&lp=2&type=product&cp=1&id=1627779">movie</a>, but I did catch this <a href="http://www.focusfeatures.com/easternpromises/">one</a> . Thumbs up for sure.Tanisha (Ta-knee-sha)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17508591322211859793noreply@blogger.com4