APERTURE

New Blog??!

2008-11-03T14:50:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone,

I hope this isn't my last post, but by the looks of it, I don't know. I've been very busy with school work, work-work, and outside activities. I've started up a new blog site with a few friends and we are trying to get as many subscriptions as possible.
It's called BC Swag, and its basically a company where we offer the Boston College Community promotional gear, movie tickets, entertainment offers, events, and bring companies and events on campus. The great thing about our company is that its all FREE! This is a big endeavor for all of us, and its hard to maintain an existing blog. I would appreciate it so much if you could take the time to check out www.bcswag.com, subscribe, comment, and send us messages! We are working hard to promote our site and have our company reach the entire student body.

check us out!
http://bcswag.com

Thanks!

In My Headphones

2008-10-23T00:24:00.010-04:00

So, I decided to listen to Kanye's new song "Heartless"....ooh, I like it!
This is probably the only song playing in my headphones at the moment. So, if you see me walking around campus with them on....you know what I'm bumping. (or Beyonce).

pssst, the new Kanye promo photos are a bit strange, but I like.

Listen!

Banana Phone Madness

2008-10-08T23:23:00.014-04:00

So I'm back on blogger once again, this time with completely irrelevant blog titles. It's been almost 1 month since I went on my "brief" hiatus somewhere in the stratosphere. I thought about a lot, seen a few new faces, got a nose piercing, helped DJ a party, bombed a test, aced a term paper, and struggled in a few places in between. Overall, these past weeks have been interesting....pretttty interesting. Although I've been in college for over a year now, I still don't feel completely adjusted to the in's and out's of the social community. But hey, I guess I'm working in turtle speed. In other news, I haven't really been up on my Hip-Hop music game as much these past weeks, but I have been checking in on the RnB side. Two songs in particular sparked my interest:

"So You Can Cry" Ne-Yo
and
"If You Leave" by Musiq SoulChild, Featuring Mary J. Blige

So You Can Cry is pretty much the ishh. I believe its off his Year of The Gentleman album. Its all about moving on after a relationship and just stepping out of the past to look to the future.
Its catchy, a lot of people can relate, and plus its Ne-Yo...who can ask for more?

If You Leave is equally as note-worthy. Its about putting away your pride and having the courage to leave the relationship once your figure out the re
It brings back a few memories......yeah.

Anywho, listen to the songs, enjoy 'em, download 'em, and just vibe.

"So You Can Cry" Ne-Yo

"If You Leave" by Musiq SoulChild, Featuring Mary J. Blige

Oh College.

2008-09-15T11:22:00.001-04:00

Brief Hiatus.
lots of studying and classes.
boooo

Chris Brown 'Glows In The Dark'

2008-09-03T15:15:00.009-04:00

I'm not sure how recent this song came out, but i found it during my weekly rummaging for new music. Chris Brown has a new song called "Glow In The Dark", and I must say his songs are becoming more and more intimate as he matures. I really like this song partly due to its strong Prince "Purple Rain" vibe it has going (I'm pretty sure a lot of others have noticed it too).
Prince is actually one of my favorite 'back in the day' artist and I lovee Chris Brown, so this song its pretty much made for me and my R&B addiction.

Here are both tracks, so take a listen:

Back To School

2008-08-28T18:45:00.003-04:00

Its about that time. College time.

My post are gonna be less frequent for a while as I get settled into my new dorm.

I'll be back soon!

Peace for now.

Mad Artsy: Photos From Brooklyn

2008-08-22T01:14:00.022-04:00

So I'm back from NYC, and I thought I should post some pics from my fantastic time.
I got a couple bruises, seen old friends, had plenty of laughs and a $40 bus ride with leather seats and free Wi Fi. (bolt bus)

Although I LOVE the way the photos came out, I'm so looking forward to getting a new camera (Nikon D40) this Christmas!!

Oh and these photos are definitely enhanced by my trusty Paint Shop Pro. Photo editing was actually my first love, after I figured out how to use a darn camera.

Don't skim the pics, cause they're just that good :)
(click them to see them bigger)

I love artsy shizz.

Enjoyy!

"No Sleep Till Brooklyn"

2008-08-14T23:50:00.006-04:00

Well maybe just a quick nap...

I'm headed to Brooklyn, NY this morning so I can get away from this suburban nightmare I call home. Although I've done absolutely nothing all summer, I still need a break from this monotonous routine before I head back to Boston. With this said, I'll be there all weekend, and unfortunately without my LAPTOP. I don't know if I can go a whole weekend without my baby!

But I have no choice; the mom is scared I'll break it or some mess like that...meh

Sooo, I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!

Oh and I guess the BC Laptop Brochure came out sometime this week, so look for me (the unofficial laptop girl) I think I was in the laptop email too :)

Adios.

What's That Sample?

2008-08-13T16:10:00.006-04:00

I got a basket full of ideas to keep the blog fairly fresh & interesting (since I'm still pretty new to this thing) and here's one of my favorite:

Try and guess the sample (artist & title) from Will Smith's song "Miami".
Hopefully it's not too easy.
And no Google, that's cheating =)

Are You Feeling Down?

2008-08-12T20:33:00.004-04:00

IF SO, HERE'S A CLIP TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY!!
enjoy.

Psychedelic Shroom Shiz

2008-08-11T23:50:00.018-04:00

I know I'm late, but one my good friends [Iusaaaa] just put me on to this Brooklyn based [indie?] band called MGMT. He sent me this song "Electric Feel" a week ago, and I have to admit this shiz got me addicted. Instead of my usual itunes shuffle, this song has been playing back to back to back to......you get the point.
The song is sooooo 70's (my fav era), and sure enough it has me dancing around the room & fluffin' my afro.
I feel like I'm on some distant retro planet underwater swimming with mermaids, or some crazy mess like that. As a matter of fact, I'm listening to it right now, and you should to...cause this song is H-O-T.

And perfect for the summer. Oh and its sounds even better when played with more bass.
Enjoy.

This image gets me fux'd up..woop woop

Youtube Video of The Year

2008-08-11T10:10:00.000-04:00

...well in my opinion.

This shiz is genius! its Epic! its Obama!

You must watch now.
Nuff said.

I think I laughed for a good 3 minutes straight.

Obama '08

Baby Making Music

2008-08-10T15:23:00.019-04:00

Has this ever happened to you: You hear a song on the radio that you haven't heard in years, and without hesitation you actually know all the lyrics! You even know all the runs, the inflections, and even the parts where you ad lib. This feeling is generally followed by a reaction such as "AW MAN, this use to be my JAM!", or you can substitute "JAM" for some other expletive. lol

I've actually experienced this feeling yesterday after going on an old school binge through imeem. I found all these songs I use to jam to as a child. I'm not talking about the party anthem, booty shaking, "heyyyy hoooo" kind of old school. I mean the slow dancing, baby-making, "whatchu know about THAT" kind. In fact, I know nothing about "that", I only remember hearing these songs at my grandma's house or in the car with my family.

I'm not quite sure how the music down here in the DMV was during the 90s, but I sure remember how it was up there in Detroit. The music had so much flavor and personality. It was something you could vibe to during those very special family gatherings. I'm talking about the classics like Stephanie Mills, Earth Wind & Fire, Deniece Williams, Debarge, The Gap Band, Patrice Rushen, and even that ever smooth Teddy Pendergrass.

I've actually entitled one of my itunes playlist "Detroit Reminisce" as and ode to this particular period of my life. I remember hearing most of these songs on the jazz channel, V98.7 when I lived there, and I'm pretty sure this was the time I fell in love with music.

Here are a some songs from "Detroit Reminisce" that I think you all will enjoy.

Some of the songs are short.
The following titles have missing artist:

Don't Say Goodnight - The Isley Brothers
She's A Bad Mamma Jamma - Carl Carlton

So go ahead, pop this player out, and get down with the get down! :)
(plus it took me a while to get these songs together..geez)

Colby O'Donis Is My Hot Hot Sex

2008-08-06T21:23:00.006-04:00

Weird title? Ya, I know.

But ya'll should know by now that I'm completely in lust with little Colby O'Donis.
AHH, so cute!

He has yet another new song that I just love! Of course I'm being quite biased, but I'll post it so you can rake a listen for yourself.

Its called "Natural High" Feat. T-Pain

I also came across another song by E-40 feat. Akon called "Wake It Up". I didn't really take the time to listen to the lyrics all that well, because the melody & beat were of my main interest. I'll take a better listen tomorrow; hopefully my interest in the song remains the same.

Lately, I noticed a lot of the songs in the '08 have a certain 'dark' or rather 'serious' undertone to them (something usually saved for R&B); although most of these new song are singing/rapping about sex, dancing, or both (Love In This Club?) with some sort of techno-like synthesizer.
The beats are usually awkward (something you can pop n' lock to), and I see they brought back the whole 'Zapp & Roger talk-box-voice-synthesizer-thingy' (or whatever it's called).

I think I'll compile a list of these 'dark' songs in a later post.

but for now, enjoy...like always

See You At The Debates, Bitches.

2008-08-06T17:13:00.007-04:00

Paris Hilton is back at it again with another video; this time less sexual and more satirical.

While eating breakfast, I ran across this hilarious video of Paris in response to McCain's campaigned ad, comparing Obama's alleged "celebrity status" to the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. (To me, it seems the Republicans are more concerned with pointing out the social rather than economical standpoints of the Democrats)
But that's politics for you.

Anyway, this video is a must see, courtesy of funnyordie.com

Okay Britney, your turn.

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Kickin' It Old School

2008-08-04T04:38:00.004-04:00

Remember this song?
Ohh how I love TLC!

(My mom once told me every time she would ask me who was singing on the radio, I would respond by saying in the cutest voice, "T-L-C")

So I figure this Halloween, I'm going for the old school "TLC Look". I'm gonna try and get a couple of my friends *cough, CW, cough* and hopefully they'll be down for the costumes.

As for this video:
These lady's are bold, beautiful, and obviously not 'too proud to beg'
enjoy

1992 - TLC - "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"

Baby Got Bach

2008-08-03T01:46:00.004-04:00

Oh violin, how I miss thee!
3 years strong, what happened to us?
I wish I would've continued to play.
Maybe I could have gotten as incredible as these violinist.
(sigh)...
enjoy

this woman is AMAZING!

I'm So Animated

2008-07-29T04:05:00.017-04:00

If there's one thing I love to do, its finding great websites where creativity can shine, and ordinary photos can be transformed into magnificent portraits; or at least temporary makeovers.

My two new favorites sites are:

www.befunky.com & www.taaz.com

I've tried many virtual makeover sites for women, but I must admit that Taaz is pretty great. My only problem would include the fact that the hair samples aren't the most ethnic styles...meh

(sorry folks, I'm not showing the before photo :)

so whenever the mood strikes (boredom), go play around and have fun.

Kickin' It Old School

2008-07-26T10:02:00.002-04:00

I usually play all my old school music on the right side of your screen, but I decided to switch it up. I think my readers deserve some visuals; in this case; music videos.

I was in 4th grade when this came out (I skipped a grade I guess)

1998 - Nicole Ray feat Missy Elliott - "Make It Hot"

Best Rapper Alive?

2008-07-26T10:00:00.007-04:00

I was flipping through the August edition of Vibe last night (mom actually has a subscription), and I ran across this contest for the best rapper alive. Its basically a bracket system with the names of rappers already filled in the first round; all you have to do is chose which rapper is better. It continues to go on for 3 more rounds, semi finals, and finals on August 21. a few comparisons include:

Lloyd Banks vs. Young Buck (g-unit?)
Busta Rhymes vs. Twista (fast rhymes?)
Nelly vs. Flo Rida (party anthems?)

and the list goes on...
I can kinda see why they paired certain people up though.

The submission have to be post-marked by today; and if you're reading this anytime after...oops!
I believe the prize is a chance to win an 80GB ipod.

Now Now (for all the hardcore rap fans), I know there are sooooo many GREAT rappers who are left out of the competition. I've seen that a lot of people are taken this competition all little [too] far, but we all must understand this kinda stuff sells. If I don't participate, I will be watching just for the heated arguments between readers. Even though I may not be the BEST person to ask about rap, I do know a good deal (plus I just want the ipod)

Although the competition's fun to watch, the wackness is a bit overwhelming. :)

Click Here To See Contest

Hair Days

2008-07-25T18:37:00.010-04:00

Well, it's been a while since I've post an update about my hair status. It growing quite nicely (compare texture and length to one of my earlier post). I straightened it a few times, cut some off, dyed it, let it do it's thang; and to be quite honest, I'm STILL pleased with the decision I made back in May.
August 12th will be my 3 month "nappyversary" since my Big Chop, and I felt the need to show off a few pictures of my progress.
Enjoy

Freshly Dyed Hair

Straight Hair

Sexy, Smooth, Sophisticated

2008-07-25T15:43:00.008-04:00

Those are basically the words I would use to describe Lloyd's new album "Lesson's In Love".
I've heard a few tracks off the upcoming album, and I have to admit its well beyond my expectations. It makes me feel like the first time I purchased Justin Timberlake's debut album; and for me, that's BIG. I'm definitely gonna BUY Lloyd's album either from itunes, or in the nearest Best Buy.
I have to share my favorite song from Lesson's In Love just because it makes me feel so relaxed and comfortable.

His voice is so soothing...*inhale, exhale*

AUGUST 5TH!

Luda Still Put On

2008-07-25T00:50:00.008-04:00

Dear Ludacris,

Theater Of The Mind ?...I'm still waiting!...

Thanks,
E. Marie

Rihanna's New Single

2008-07-24T17:09:00.007-04:00

I peeped Rihanna's new single "Disturbia" back in June sometime, and its really beginning to hook on me. The song is super catchy and I love how she continues to evolve as an artist. I just saw the music video, and I must say the cinematography is crazy!

Its like some weird Marilyn Manson version of Saw I on Broadway.

I have a slight feeling Chris Brown wrote this song (due to its MJ kinda vibe). Maybe it's just me, but I swear I hear his voice at the end of the hook, yet when I watch the video it's not there...freaky.
Check it out

Chris' voice on the track:

Video

Black In America

2008-07-23T20:56:00.002-04:00

Black In America
2 part special
Tonight at 9pm about Black Women & Family
Tomorrow at 9pm about the Black Man
on CNN
Watch It...and take notes (cause I will)

Legendary DJ K-Swift

2008-07-23T19:35:00.002-04:00

Today I heard about the unfortunate and tragic death of Baltimore, Maryland's own DJ Khia K-Swift. Her mixes on 92Q Jams were the reason I gained interest in Baltimore club music, and she definitely leaves behind a legacy. I am deeply saddened by her death and my thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Here's a link with more information on this tragedy:

Click Here

"Lay Back In A Two Piece Girl"

2008-07-19T23:51:00.020-04:00

Ever since I heard this song I couldn't wait to hit the beach in my two piece, flip flops, and shades. The melodic synthesizers and catchy lyrics definitely made me give this song a second look. It kinda starts out like some wacked out Fergie song [fergalicious definition make them boys go loco], yet as the song builds overtime, I could feel my body swaying side to side. The hook is definitely fire! However, I hate how the hook builds me up, and then drops me off (if you hear what I mean)
The lovely ladies of Kali Girls are responsible for this single "Beach Girls" along with the late, great Producer, Static Major [R.I.P.]. This song is definitely catered towards the ladies, although I'm pretty sure a few guys are gonna be feeling it. (but fellas, leave the chorus to the females)

Take a listen below.

Oh, and I finally made it to the beach!

Lyrical Masturbation?

2008-07-19T16:55:00.013-04:00

For those Wayne fans, you know he's a mean lyricist who keeps you thinking when it comes to his mind-twisting metaphorical rap skills, that make you say "wait, did he just say that?". (but of course not everyone is feeling him) and I digress -
Ladies and Gents, there's a new sheriff in town (corny indeed)
He may not have Wayne's status, but he definitely has the rhymes (and music) to keep you laughing for hours. His name is Bo Burnham, and he's a comedian/rapper.
Maybe its just me, but I find this guy to be a cross between Tenacious D, Smooth-E and the Free Credit Report commercial. His jokes are cleverly disguised through his lyrics, making his puns and references as original as his personality. After watching one video you'll definitely want more, although it may take some time to unscramble his jokes; but no worries, the lyrics are posted on his youtube page.

Check out his site too!

Lust At Its Finest

2008-07-19T10:00:00.004-04:00

"Don't know if you gotta girl,
don't mean to disrespect
but thoughts of you rule my world,
I even dream of you I swear,
visions of you and I..."
-Teedra Moses

I smile at him. He smiles back. His teeth and charming personality. His swagger. His awkward yet creative sense of humor. His hair. The way he moved my body to the music. His aura: infectious. YET dangerous. Our conversations: minimal, lackluster, superficial. He plays games. Overly confident? Nonchalant attitude. All signs point to no. An inevitable train wreck waiting to happen. BUT I can't shake the feeling. He knows it, although I never said so. For now, I'll keep it moving. I'll keep smiling. Cause I know he'll smile back...

Taken it back to Teedra Moses' Song of 2004

Said She Wanna Go

2008-07-18T18:47:00.016-04:00

Colby O'Donis has a new R&B single that is probably more infectious than his previous single "What You Got".

His new song "She Wanna Go" features Paul Wall. I haven't heard it on the radio yet; the beat is pretty much something to make you move your body, and the hook is super catchy, simple and fun. I figured I should share it with you because I've officially fallen in love with his voice!

Enjoy!

Click here to listen!

Drop Top Worthy

2008-07-15T02:34:00.015-04:00

"Pop in my cd and let me run a rhyme
And put your car on cruise and lay back cause this is summertime"
-"Summertime" by Will Smith

Summer time is in full effect, and you can always set the mood right with that perfect "cruising" song. Every so often, I compile lists of songs that put me in the right mood for that special occasion; this summer is no different. I've organized a top 13 list of my favorite summer driving songs that are guaranteed to make you roll down your windows, put on your shades and sing like there's no tomorrow!
Enjoy

England's Top 13 Summer Cruising Songs of 2008: (click songs to hear)

Do have any others that you rock out to during the summer?

Music is like water...

2008-07-15T02:09:00.009-04:00

...until water pours over your music.

Unfortunately, during a recent outing, I spilled Pacific Cooler Capri Sun over my entire ipod.

Now its dead...

At first, the hold button was preventing the ipod from coming on.

Then it eventually came on, but the hold button was preventing it from turning off; thus, resulting in a dead battery.

Next, I charged the ipod only to find out I had to reset the entire machine; thus, resulting in wiping all music/pictures/and videos from my player.

After resetting it to original factory settings, I unplug my ipod only to find out after hours of syncing my music, my ipod is incapable of charging.

Not only am I mad, I can't get it fixed because lines are incredibly too long at the apple store (due to the recent rage over the new iphone).

The moral of this story is: Capri Suns are the devil

Overseas

2008-06-03T13:47:00.014-04:00

So I'm back from Italia, one of the craziest placest in the world:
The Fashion is crazy
The Dollar to Euro rate is crazy
and more or less, a lot of the people are CRAZY

I took over 750 pictures during my 10 day adventure, but of course I'll only post a few.

Would I go back?
No time soon! Let's just say the people there weren't particularly hospitable to my family. I don't know if it was because we were American or Black American; whatever the case, it was rude.

Take for instance, a man refuse to serve us fries at McDonald's, yet he served the English-speaking couple behind us fries. When we asked why, he yelled, we through the finger, and he chased us from the resturant calling us "stupid Americano's" and other nasty things...amazing
Nevertheless, I had a great time despite the injustices. Just make sure you meet plenty of English-speaking tourist, they're quite friendly!

The jet lag is ridiculous! I lost half a day going there, and lost one coming back. Talk about back to the future!
BTW, if you're looking for a husband Italy is the place to go. hmm..
enjoy!

All Gone? Egg-zellent...

2008-05-15T01:42:00.012-04:00

OK, so in the midst of trying to unpack from college and repacking for Europe, I had this brilliant idea (turned reality) to chop all my hair off. The BC (big chop). Of course I said I was going to wait till August/September to chop it all off, but what can I say, I'm impatient! Call me crazy, stupid, out-of-my-mind...but just don't call me bald. Remember I still have thick, beautiful, shiny, black hair!

Rather than going to a professional to get my hair chopped off, I decided to let my MOTHER do the honors. Of course we fussed about how short she should cut it; but the fact of the matter is I wanted it ALL gone.

so..I've Gone Natural...

Its hard to tell people this because, simply, they just don't understand. I try explaining this to my non-black friends but the majority of them fail to see the significance of the situation other than me going "bald". THAT, my friends, annoys the hell outta me. When I tell most of my black friends, I receive some words of encouragement; nevertheless, there are the few who think I've fallen off my rocker. Here's a quick scenario:

Me: Hey! Guess what? I've decided for a long time now that I need to get back to my [roots] and appreciate the hair that has been given to me. No more creamy crack for MY hair...I'm going Au natural!

Friend: Are you serious?

Me: Of Course!

Friend: Ok ok ok, I get it; first you get a tattoo, then you wanna cut all your hair off...don't go lesbo on me now either...

[pause]

Now that's when I get REALLY annoyed...but none-the-less, it was a big decision which I made with a pair of sharp scissors and plenty of guts.

Lastly, I think it looks pretty good on me. Of course I'm reluctant to go outside, for fear of being spotted by an old classmate! I'm sure it will pass soon; but hey, things like this take time to grow on ya [all pun intended].

If you want to keep track of my Natural Journey, just follow this link: http://public.fotki.com/bcnatural/

note: I'm a lazy college student on vacation; I will try sometime this week to upload new pictures.

Enjoy!

Last Days Of Freshman Year!

2008-05-11T15:25:00.021-04:00

So in about 24 hours, I will officially become a sophomore at my Massachusetts based university. I can honestly say that it's been a pretty good year despite the several classes which left me drained, crying, and calling for mommy. Well...not actually, but you get the point. Right now, I'm finishing up packing & steadily studying for two more finals I unfortunately have tomorrow! Its a sad feeling knowing that the place I have made my home for 9 months is gonna be home to some other lucky freshies. UGH! Lets just say that I'm feeling a bit selfish at the moment. But you know what? I'm actually kinda happy I'm going home because I get to drive! Yea yea I know, it seems trivial compared the sadness of having to leave my college friends, but hey, I'll get to see them next year, right? Well not all of them, some are transferring - E.N. you know who you are!!! So ladys n' gents, here's my freshman year in pictures. Enjoy!
PS: HAPPY MOM'S DAY!

Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 8.0 - Trial Run

2008-05-10T19:29:00.005-04:00

These are two recent videos I edited in Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 8.0 - Trial. I would honestly have to say that this program is worth the $114; however, I'm a little short on money due to a Mother's Day gift which broke my pockets and take into account that Mom's Day isnt until tomorrow! - but I digress. I shot these two videos with a few housemates of mine. Quick note: the quality is not-so-great because I had to shrink the MB. Go figure!

The song featured in one of the videos is definately one of my favs this month. It's called American Boy by Estelle Feat. Kanye West. This joint has a very "Euro-Urban 25&up Club" kind of vibe to it. I believe its off her sophomore album called "Shine". I haven't heard any other songs off the CD yet, But I'm definately looking forward to it!

My First Blog

2008-05-10T18:55:00.000-04:00

So, I was a little skeptical at first about blogs; I mean, who cares about my life anyway? But then it hit me, there's so many things I NEED to express to the world. So many ideas, videos & opinions I have stored away in this head of mine. Its time to unleash my creative beast (I know, I'm corny). Well, actually lets just say I have lots of expectations for this blog.

So without further due, here goes nothing...