Janet, JHud & Mariah-Divas on Diets!

I finally saw Janet Jackson’s Nutrisystem commercial, (sigh). Let me start by saying that I “luuuh” me some Janet Jackson. I knew all the words and (thought I knew) all the moves from all of her videos when she was in “Control” and leading the “Rhythm Nation”.

Janet Jackson recreated the blueprint for what it takes to be a “pop star”, and redefined the performance style of that genre. You may not have to be able to sing, but if you’re coming behind Janet, you better be able to dance! And in terms of female pop success over time, Janet’s career arguably rivals that of Mariah Carey and comes second only to Madonna. So when I saw Janet hawking a weight loss regimen, my only thought was, “It’s come to this?”

Yeah, Janet’s no longer the pop ingénue. Album sales have been low and the whole Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” debacle that got the FCC involved, has cast somewhat of a shadow over her shining stardom. And I’m not sure how the Tyler Perry movies affect her “brand”, but Janet is still a star. She still has a legacy as part of a musically prolific family and on her own that I don’t think should be tarnished by selling Nutrisystem. There are other ways to remain relevant, and it’s not like she needs the money. Part of the process of being a super star is to act like one. I doubt if we will ever see Madonna promoting other people’s products! And that brings me to Jennifer Hudson, who kicked off this trend of “Divas on diets”.

Though I’m completely opposed to JHud making a career out of weight loss, (especially since she can actually sing) I kind of get it. Initially Hudson probably needed money, and after her family tragedy, also needed a project that didn’t require too much of an emotional investment. In that respect I do think working with Weight Watchers made sense. But since the weight loss it seems all we hear about is Hudson’s shrinking body and I’m over it! I don’t care about her weight; I want to hear her sing. I want people to talk about her work, not her waistline.

Hudson has claimed it’s other people who keep harping on her weight. Okay, Jen, the media keeps asking you about your weight, but YOU keep answering. Why not instead offer a brief explanation and steer the conversation toward your career?

And maybe that’s the problem because Hudson’s career, at least at the moment, until her portrayal of Winnie Mandela hits theaters is her weight. What exactly is going on with her sophomore album, or a tour, or anything other than making the occasional appearance on award shows? We have come to identify Hudson, in as she has identified herself, as the spokesperson for Weight Watchers more than we recognize that she is an Oscar winning actress. And what happens if she gains the weight back? (Did we learn nothing from watching Oprah drag out that red wagon full of fat?) And don’t get me started on Mariah…

I’m not a big Mariah Carey fan. I like her music from back in the “Honey” days, but I’m over the butterflies, the hand waving during her ear piercing high notes, and the Nick Cannon nonsense. But, I can most definitely admit that Mariah, is a star-uh! And stars don’t do weight loss commercials…

First of all there is no way I believe that Carey, at nearly forty-two years old, and just having had twins, got her body back by using Jenny Craig, alone. No, you can’t sell me that with a fifty percent off coupon! We all know Carey has had a nip and tuck here and there, (as has Janet) which to me, makes me give her the “side-eye” when trying to buy into this belief that I too can get a body like that, in just a few short months if I use Jenny Craig. Chile, please! 

But aside from the credibility issues, I just don’t think mega-stars should be reducing their careers to selling weight loss products! That is reserved for folks who have “fallen off” and need a little career boost, ala Valerie Bertinelli. (And it worked for her which is great!)

But I have to admit that Carey plays the situation very slyly by not even speaking a word in the ads. She only lends her image and cashes the checks! (I guess if you’re gonna be a super-star who sells weight loss products, that’s how you do it!) And on that, as much I hate this whole trend of dieting divas, I have to give Carey a “Werk”!

I’m opposed to these three divas doing weight loss commercials for various reasons. I think Janet undermines her legacy, and feel she’s worked too hard for it to come down to this. I’m completely sick of Hudson’s career being defined by her weight loss. (I abhor that new commercial where she sings to her former “fat” self as if she’s bidding adieu to a chunky loser.) And Mariah? I just don’t believe you girl...I just don’t.

The issue of maintaining your “integrity as an artist” has become less of an issue over the years, with everybody trying to be anybody doing endorsement deals, whether or not they make sense. But that’s the thing. As an artist who’s had an incredible career, and one who has the potential to, I think an endorsement needs to make sense, not just cents.

What do you think about these “Divas on diets”?

Rihanna's Style is Described as 'Niggabitch' in Dutch Magazine-And Ri Ri Goes O to the Double F!

 

You know what? I’m already heated about some things and this latest racist stunt gives me just the right platform to blow off some steam.

You may have heard about the incident with a Dutch magazine, Jackie where they referred to Rihanna’s style as “niggabitch” Hmmm…. I’ve never heard of that term being used to describe a style of dress. Is it akin to Boho chic? Collegiate style? Let’s cut the crap, the comment was racist.

You can read the slur and the response from the the Editor-in-Chief, Eva Hoeke, who has since resigned, on Parlour Magazine here. She pretty much, (as I suspected before I read the details) blamed American radio and TV for allowing the racist jargon in the publication stating that “This word is used in America as slang.”

A lot of words are used in American slang, that doesn’t make them appropriate to use in describing a human being. But that’s the point, people in the African Diaspora are not viewed as human beings. In the eyes of many we are still objects to be degraded. This harsh and hurtful reality continues to be proven time and time again. In what universe, let alone country or culture is it acceptable to describe someone's style as "niggabitch"? This paltry explanation from Hoeke, sprinkled with feigned cultural ignorance just doesn’t hold water…. I'm not Dutch but I would know better than to call someone something like a "dirty clog-wearing trick!" I would know THAT'S NOT okay-even if I JUST heard another Dutch person say that on TV!

And I guess Hoeke thinks she’s slick by offering this pathetic excuse for an mea culpa where she takes no responsibility and tries to play it off like it’s all fun and games. But she merely demonstrates her true racist nature by claiming the comment and entire title of the piece started out as a joke, as she pointed out on Twitter, undermining the black intellect as if we can’t read between the lines and detect that this whole “apology” is bullsh*t. She claims the comments had no racial basis. How in THE hell does the n-word NOT ever have a racial basis-yes, even when the ignorant members of the black community use it?

It’s also funny when Hoeke writes that they are “fed up” with the comments they’ve received in response to this verbal equivalent to a burning cross. Yeah Hoeke, we’re fed up with your ignorant and racist crap too!

Funny this woman feels superior enough to degrade and debase an entire community of people, chalking it up to a poor judgment call,  meanwhile her whole statement is rife with grammatical errors and typos…  It’s not “…me and the publisher” it’s “the publisher and I.” It’s not “Apart from that I also offered an rectification.” It’s “Apart from that I also offered a rectification.” (You dumb*ss!) Note to racists: If you’re going to attempt to degrade me at least get the grammar right!

This is just another example of the ignorance that still exists in the world and the fact that many people have a very hard time taking full responsibility for their actions. And though it isn’t surprising, it is still sad. And apparently Ri Ri went all the way off on her Twitter page…offering a Cee-Lo type concluding remark . I suspect she had some assistance in crafting this comeback, but the fact she had the gumption to respond is greatly appreciated. If this had happened to Bey, I feel she would’ve just had her people scribe a tasteful reply to preserve her carefully crafted image. So I’m glad Ri Ri went all “hell to the hell no!” on these folks!

Hoeke can keep her tired-a-- apology. Rihanna doesn’t need anything from this woman or this magazine to remain one of the most visible and influential black women of style. And we as a community don't need fake apologies that only further a racist agenda.

What do you think about this incident?

'Stickfly'-Solid but Not Moving

 

I got a chance to see Stickfly, the Broadway play presented by Alicia Keys. No, Keys doesn’t make an appearance, and nobody breaks out singing “Falling”, as I’ve heard some have feared. But she does provide the music for the multi-layered drama about an upwardly mobile black family, who vacations in Martha’s Vineyard, where familial dynamics are explored, race relations and class issues are discussed, and secrets are uncovered.

Stickfly, written by Lydia R. Diamond, stars a group of young notables including Mekhi Phifer, Dule’ Hill, Tracie Thoms, (Rent) Condola Rashad, (yes, Phylicia and Ahmad Rashad’s daughter) Rosie Benton, and veteran Rueben Santiago-Hudson, who portrays the LeVay family patriarch. Phifer and Hill play brothers, who bring their girlfriends, Benton and Thoms respectively, up to the Martha’s Vineyard estate. Rashad plays the maid.

Though well written and according to some reviews, “overly” written, (yes, Diamond knows a lot of big words and throws them all in to demonstrate that these people went to school) this contemporary depiction of an upper crust black family who’s made it to the “penthouse apartment in the sky” didn’t leave me feeling as if I’d heard or learned anything new about the conversations people are having about race and classism. And maybe it wasn’t supposed to. Maybe it was just an exposition. But within is this account of what it’s like to be black, educated and privileged in America, and the expectations and boundaries that come along with that, I found the dialogue to be entertaining enough to keep me engaged, but not insightful enough to keep me curious. And there wasn’t that much to be curious about in this play.

The underlying family secrets are pretty easy to figure out very early on. Within the first few scenes you can already piece together what is about to erupt. Your only guess is how. But I did appreciate the examination of how family clandestine behavior and denial can create lasting, rippled effects on the psyche and self image. There are great kernels of truth in this piece.

The actors provided mostly solid performances, except (I’m sorry to say) for Hill. Though I’m a big fan of him on the TV show Psych, I felt Hill’s depiction of the son seeking approval and acceptance was flat. His lack of nuanced delivery works for the campiness of Psych, but does not translate well in this work. Phifer, on the other hand, portrays the arrogant, classist, high-brow plastic surgeon quite well. (However, though it was a long time ago, that now infamous Honey magazine interview where he totally disrespected his ex-wife and mother of his son, actress Malinda Williams, leads me to believe playing arrogant characters comes easily to him.) And Thoms is a good stage actress, hitting every beat and making every mark, but she didn’t really make me feel anything. Santiago-Hudson plays the prideful, emotionally stunted father with the grace of a seasoned professional. Benton, as Phifer’s “Italian” girlfriend holds her own playing the lone “white girl” in the group who uses her work with “inner city” kids as a badge of honor. But it would appear as if the stand-out performance came from Rashad, who convincingly carries the character’s resentful chip on her shoulder. And I heard from one of the producers that there is already talk on Tony “buzz” surrounding her performance. (But how can you be Phylicia Rashad’s daughter and not be an amazing actress? It just has to be in the blood lines.)

The great thing about Stickfly is that it depicts a black family unit sans the usual stereotypes, which makes it relatable to many, as reflected by the varied makeup of the audience that night. I felt as if the story could have been about a family of any background, and I really appreciated that. I also valued this departure from the Tyler Perry-ized version of black life plaguing media right now. (No one is on drugs, getting off drugs, trying to "hoop" it out of the hood, or carrying a pistol!) And I liked that it’s a contemporary black story, not a period piece where the African American struggle is much more intense and bleak. We get to see a modern-day narrative about black people with careers, concerns, flaws and dreams like everyone else. And I give Keys credit for using her wealth and influence to bring a play of this nature to the forefront. Keys gets an “A” for effort.

Though the analogy of “Stickfly” doesn’t fully translate, (Thoms’ character studies bugs?) on the whole it’s a quality production that could use some tweaks. The structure is solid, and all the bones are sturdy and in place. I just wish it had more heart. I would have liked less wordy, analytical banter and more moving emotion with better intrigue. But all in all I would say if you get an opportunity to see Stickfly, take it. It’s not a perfect work, but it works well enough to give it a few hours of your time to support black theater.

Have you seen Stickfly? Do you plan to? 

Not Feeling Very Christmas-y? Five Quick Tips to Get You in the Holiday Spirit!

It’s Christmas time! Yaaay!!! Oh, not feeling it? In a “Bah-humbug”, “So what? Who cares?” kind of mood? Well, you’re not alone. I’ve heard a good number of people say they’re just not feeling very “Christmas-y”. And that’s okay.

The holiday season can be overwhelming for many people in different ways. With shopping, family and a skillion party invites, you could be feeling as if you just want to check out around this time. Or, you may be feeling nothing at all. 

Many have the "holiday blahs" due to underlying issues like, financial woes that create anxiety and pressure regarding gift giving. Or maybe this time of year harbors unresolved stressful memories. Whatever could be holding you back from enjoying the holidays, I have a few suggestions I hope will help you find some simple joy this Christmas season!

Bake!

Bake cookies! Just get some cookie dough at the grocery store, (it’s usually on sale at this time) and bake and decorate some simple sugar cookies (or whatever you like). It’s an easy way to focus on something fun and make yourself a sweet treat. 

photo courtesy of myrecipes.com

You can make this treat a little sweeter by taking some to a neighbor. It will make them feel great and you’ll feel like you’re part of something.

Decorate!

Decorate your place! And you don’t have to spend a lot of money. My friend just told me she bought herself a small Christmas tree for only $25! I thought that was a steal. You can also go to the discount store and buy some cheap ornaments, ribbon, etc. and have a ball! Speaking of balls, my Twitter pal @KimMylesDesign suggested this door decoration 

out of disco ball ornaments! (Cute, right?) And I went to my local discount store and scored this cute snowflake garland for $2.99 ! 

So put a little Christmas in your heart, by putting a little Christmas in your hearth!

Engage!

Checking out temporarily I think is okay—as long as the checking out is about re-charging, but you might have fun if you engage with people. Have a hot cocoa or holiday cocktail with friends and relax and laugh! 

photo courtesy of hypursuit.com

If you have any elderly neighbors/friends/relatives who don’t get out as much as they once did, visiting them will surely put a smile on their face, a  warm feeling in your heart, and provide a sense of connectedness. 

Get Down With Charlie Brown!

The Charlie Brown Christmas CD is one of the best Christmas collections around. 

 

I play it every year, sometimes even when it’s not Christmas time! Even the Grinch couldn’t resist the cuteness of Christmas Time is Here! (I loooove that song!)

LIGHT-en up!

One thing I like to do is take a walking tour of the Christmas lights in my area, or a nearby neighborhood. 

There are people who decorate their homes and get CRAZY with Christmas lights and memorabilia! It can be hilarious. It’s totally free entertainment! It’s a nice, relaxing thing to do by yourself, or with a buddy. Get out and light-en up!

And if you're really just not feeling the holidays--it's okay, but if you're dealing with more serious issues bigger than temporary "holidays blahs", may I suggest you speak with a counselor or other trusted source to get yourself back on track!

Be kind to yourself, and enjoy your own version of your perfect holiday!

'Old School' Treats and Dewey’s Candy!

Remember Now & Laters, Chick O Sticks, Sugar Daddies, Lemon Heads and one of my personal favorites, candy necklaces? Well Dewey’s Candy has it all! Dewey’s Candy, located in Dumbo, Brooklyn is a magical place that takes you back to the days of going to the corner store, getting “penny candy” and hanging outside with your friends until the street lights came on!

This delightfully nostalgic candy shop has earned a reputation of being one of the coolest spots in New York, even catching the attention of Gap Kids, who used it to shoot a commercial! I got a chance to talk with the owner Alison Oblonsky, to find out how she created her own sweet dreams!

Owner of Dewey's Candy, Alison Oblonsky

Why did you start your business?  

I started my business because like so many people, I found myself unemployed. After spending over 20 years in the fashion industry I decided that I didn't want to return to the corporate world.  It was time to reinvent myself for the next phase of my career.

Why a candy store?  

I wanted to go to work every day and be in an environment that made me happy and that would make people happy. And what makes people happier than candy?  

What are your future goals for the store? (franchising, etc.)

I do plan on expanding in the near future. Not sure if it will be through e-commerce or another brick and mortar. And the ideal goal is to franchise the brand.

How do you want people to feel coming into the store?

I want people to feel like they just took a stroll through their childhood. The nostalgic component of the store is my absolute favorite. It's where I see the most reaction from customers.

When does the Gap Kids commercial air?

I just found out that it was never designed to hit TV. They designed it to be shown online, Youtube as well as theaters nationwide. The funny thing is that I got a call a week ago from a friend of mine in Florida who was sitting at the movie theater waiting for the movie to start and bang!.... the Gap Kids commercial aired!

Check out some pics of the Dewey’s Candy experience below. (Oblonsky did visual merchandising for a major fashion retailer, which is why the store looks so amazeballs!) 

Yep! These are REAL lollipops!

 

Love me some Red Vines!

 

Dewey's Candy supports various causes like The Trevor Project!

 

Rows and rows of candy! Ahhhhh...heaven!

Candy necklaces and GIGANTIC Pixie sticks!

A bouquet of Blow Pops!!

A chocolate bar? I could live here....

Nerds, Ring Pops, Sugar Daddys oh my!!!

And my purchase of another favorite...huge boxes of Junior Mints!!! Mmmmm!!

Dewey's Candy is located at 141 Front Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY. To find out more information (and view the Gap Kids commercial) go to Dewey's Candy !

What are your favorite “old school” candy picks?