Swing Easy...

MELLOW MONDAY!: Sept. 26, 2011

Fall is in the swing of things and so are the winds of change. The leaves, the weather, the clothes and the things that connect us on a higher level are all headed in the other direction on the pendulum. Its safe to say that we all go constantly from one stage of life to the next, getting over one obstacle just to discover that there is one on the other side to challenge us in different ways than we ever expected.

This has been life as usual for the past 24 years of my life, but Ive only been able to begin to understand and recognize the points of transition the last few years. I almost get excited now, because I don't ever know what to expect but it just keeps getting more and more interesting.

Right now I am back at another point where I know somethings coming around the bend and one thing Ive learned is that no matter what that "something" is, I am coming out on top. I just have to hang on.


This weeks jam comes from a band with cool mellow vibes straight out of the Mountains of NC. With a style of music that, in itself, promotes unity and harmony with its blend of different sounds and voices coming together, Common Foundation is building a foundation of its own that is sure to stand strong for years to come. So turn up your speakers and put on your favorite head phones, hold tight to the pendulum of change and always remember to swing easy.

COMMON FOUNDATION-SWING EASY

	http://www.myspace.com/commonfoundation

Special Thanks to Courtney Hall for shifting my ears to the sound. Jam on lady.

Toasted Poco

Mellow Monday!: Sept. 12, 2011




So Im driving to pick up my friend from work at the corner of Robertson and Pico and when I pull up to the curb I try to text him to walk "Toward Pico"...my iPhone corrects it twice to "Toasted Poco".....WTF IS A TOASTED POCO!!!!...I said to myself as my anger arose! When I got home I decided to look up wtf a Poco was....to my delight, this is what I discovered...


POCO- Crazy Love

This band was formed in 1968 by Richie Furay and Jim Messina when their previous band, Buffalo Springfield broke up...you may know this band by this song,


BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD- For What it's Worth

Keep it Mellow, Toasted Poco.

Ba-da, Ba-da-da-da

Mellow Monday!: August 15, 2011

Tis another Monday in the world and last night when "Monday" came up in conversation, this was the first thing that popped in my head and I couldn't help but sing the song...I dig the oldies...so to all you fly Mamas and Papas out there, keep it Mellow, it's Monday Monday!

...Just keep ya eyes open, cause Monday night could be totally different that Monday night...

Be well. Even when you're not.

Wellness Wednesday!: August 10, 2011

Basically,
Even

When
Excitement
Lies
Lazy,

Every
Vacant
Ear
Needs

What
Holds
Eternal
Nirvana.

Your
Outward
Uplifting

Acts,
Relieve
Every

Negative
Outlook
Today
.  Period 


so...Be well, even when you are not.

...and share a smile with someone that doesnt have one, they'll appreciate it...

Chronicles of  CJBs Random Raps: Life Lessons

XXX OoO

MELLOW MONDAY!: August 8, 2011


So it's been a hot minute and Monday's are my favorite. I got to get this letter out, I hope she gets it!

Keep it Mellow with TripleX...and my face says OoOh.

Tones of Home...

Mellow Monday: July18, 2011


I was uploading all the pics from my move from NC to CA today on Facebook and it brought me back to where I started for a while...I was reminded of my tones from home...Hope Mills, NC...while were at it, let's rep Fayetteville, NC for a little bit, after all, that is the stomping grounds.

Keep it Mellow with Tone of Home...

Hauser Blvd.

Mellow Monday!: July 11, 2011


Keepin' it Mellow in Miracle Mile...Cool Cool Cali...

Keepin' it Mellow in My Project...Coo Coo Cal...

I can do anything that I want cause...

Mellow Monday!: July 4, 2011

Happy 4th of July everyone...

"I" can do anything that I want cause...

Keep it mellow, remember that with great power comes great responsibility...What are you doing with the power that has been given to you?

Women are from Venus, Venus Flytraps are from Wilmington NC

FUN FACT FRIDAY!: July 1, 2011

Women are not from this world, they are officially from Venus...that's a fact.

(Venus)

Venus fly traps are native only to Wilmington, N.C...that's a Fun Fact!

(Downtown Wilmington)

Venus Williams is 31 years old and just lost the other day to put her out of Wimbledon 2011.
Despite those 2 facts, she will still kill me any day of the week in a tennis match...

Fun Fact: The planetary sport of venus is tennis. (that is why tennis balls are round)

..(actual being from Venus)

Fun Fact: I have been thinking about a Venus Razor the whole time I have been blogging about this...and hearing that song that goes like "I'm your Venus, I'm your fire, Your desire"...so I am going to include it in this blog.

SILLY RABBIT!

TASTY TUESDAY!: June 28, 2011






...silly rabbit, Trix aren't for kids, they're for a 24 year old dude with the munchies...      

                 B)   <that is a smiley with sunglasses.

Back Back Forth Forth

MELLOW MONDAY!: June 27, 2011

Top of the morning playas...It's not often that I get a blog out before NooN on the East Coast, but today is Monday....Mellow Monday....and I love Jamz.

This morning I got the Throwback Jamz channel on the t.v. This station plays 90's Jamz, but one song that came through the tube was from 1986. (Probably the greatest year to roll through the calendar. Why? Because on 12/21/86, I came through the calendar)

The song was by Cameo listed on the album "Word Up"- Back and Forth

Doods...gotta love the attempt at the box hair cut...."It'll blow your cap!"...

When I was listening to this song, I was reminded of a song by a group that was popular in the 90's, The Wu Tang Clan....

In 2001, the Clan, riding on the success of the 90's, released a single for their upcoming CD called...Gravel Pit... This jam was def. on my mix CD's back in high school

Man....look at the difference 10 years made...that 80's style is rockin right back around the bend though...I guess it just all goes....


................BACK BACK and FORTH FORTH....................

BrAiNsToRm

SUNDAY FUNDAY!: June 26, 2011


So it's Sunday but I have a problem. I have had too much Fun today........................................


...I know......How could I be having TOO much Fun...

......


....because I have a 1000 word essay due at 11:59 pm Pacific Time and I have just been having Fun ALL day!.....!

So in an attempt to get started here at 6:29 p.m. I am going to get creative.
I was logging, BACK,  in to my online class a few minutes ago for about the millionth time today and I knew in my mind that I had to get started and I had to brainstorm. So to make this work more interesting, I am going to BrAiNsToRm while blogging...or...make my blog a BrAiNsToRm....I think I am gonna go ahead and call this blog..."BrAiNsToRm"... .... .... .... ..... do you know how long it takes to pause and type..."BrAiNsToRm".....yea...takes a little bit.

Ok so my assignment is this:

-I have to select an ethnic group to which I belong: Ok, so I know for sure that I have English and Cherokee. English isn't an ethnic group though. It's an origin. But, White, IS considered an ethnic group, since that is my only option I can select on any survey that's given to me. There is a Native American option, but I'm mix, so...could I choose the "more than one" option on this stuff...stuff like the census. I mean, I have white skin but....were talking ethnicity here lol...ah its all ridiculous if you ask me...ok lets get on with it...

-If I belong to more than one group, I have to choose one that I most identify with or one that I want to know more about: Ok, so I have already written an essay on Cherokee in this class since that is what I was the most interested in. I guess English it is...or White in this case.

-I have to decide if my ethnic group colonized or if it immigrated to the United States: We definitely colonized the United States and took out the Natives. I guess that makes me a product of a Pocahontas and John Smith story...lol...

-Did we face prejudice, segregation, racism, or any combination of the three? We were involved in segregation from African Americans and also racism. Not only them, but also with Japanese.

-If so, how and why? Hmmm this should be the interesting part...Back in the day we all had separate water fountains and bathrooms and seats on the bus and churches. We took away Chinese rights. We took away Native Americans rights. Man it seems like we were taking away everbodys rights. Why? hmm.... power hungry? Greed for the land? Fear of the unknown people? Maybe they thought that someone would outrun forest gump lol...

I'm just glad it's not like that nowadays. There's things we can learn from each other I'd hate to be classified as a dude that wears tights and fluffy shirts...SOOMEBODY along the way FINALLY taught those white dudes  how to dress.

-Was the group affected by any of the following forms of discrimination, or did it participate in any of the following forms of discrimination? If so, describe: * Dual labor market * Environmental justice issues * Affirmative action * Redlining * Double jeopardy * Institutional discrimination * Reverse discrimination * Glass ceiling, glass walls, or glass escalator: Ok, so I did a paper in high school about Affirmative action so I am definitely going to include some thoughts on that subject. Reverse discrimination kind ties in with Affirmative action.

-Do you culturally identify more with the ethnic group you examined, with United States mainstream culture, or with both equally? That is a no brainer. Ive always been culturally identified as white. I mean it takes me a while to get a tan, know what I'm sayin'....my sister got the benefit of those genes....thanks Tiff...btw you don't look Cherokee Tiff....you definitely look like an Asian....
But to the United States mainstream.... I am white...

Ok now I have to go look up some sources.....It is now 7:13 pm....I have 5 hours...let's see how Fun this Sunday can REALLY be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONWARD!

PAAAALM SPRINGS!

FUN FACT FRIDAY!: June 24, 2011

So its Fun Fact Friday in SoCal and its on and poppin' cause I just had some stir fry on pita bread with some lemonade...what makes the night more perfect? I'm watchin' Cops...Which is where this weeks Fun Fact comes from!


So the cop was driving down the highway in Palm Springs and he was giving some random facts about population and stuff and then, while he was driving under a bridge that goes over a 4 lane highway he says...

Palm Springs is home to the first Nudist Bridge! #californiaknowshowtoparty

I thought to myself....now that really is a FUN FACT!

Now go amaze your friends with this cool information...and have fun, ITS FRIDAY!

...your welcome...

I can smell the colors outside on my lawn...

MELLOW MONDAY!: June 20, 2011

With school and work goin' on, it's hard now a days to get on here and blog. But Monday we always gotta keep it Mellow...Let's take this time out of our busy schedule to appreciate the world around us...

Lawn Boy by Phish off of their album...Lawn Boy....Enjoy B]

Now the days are getting long, I can sing my summer song!

MELLOW MONDAY!: June 13, 2011



Today's song was written by artist Dave Brubeck. It is off of his "Jazz Collection" album and also "Real Ambassadors". Louis Armstrong is the vocalist...This song would be so hard to follow and sing if all you hear was the piano and he nailed it. I don't think that there could have been a better artist to sing this piece.  Armstrong turned 60 just a month before this ballad was recorded in 1961. Dave Brubeck turned 90 last year and is recognized in the world of music as a Jazz Master.

Check out this dynamic duo...and keep it Mellow...after all...It's summer time.

Summer Song-Dave Brubeck & Louis Armstrong

Thirsty?

Thirsty Thursday!: June 9, 2011

So last night I went out and celebrated my recent job offer. I'll be a teller at Chase bank. The job is a Godsend because money goes fast in the City of Angels.

By the way let me tell you about this job thing. My first goal was to get a job when I got out here to the west. Gotta get that dough. After putting in applications and applying at places like Ralph's and Target (retail) I thought I would get dressed up one day in a shirt and tie and see what I could do at the bank right up the street called Wells Fargo. I thought that this might pay a little more and I have a step up because I have experience in the field. Before I walked out of the door I said, "God, let me be in your favour". I took one resume with me that day and when I arrived I spoke to a teller. She informed me that all applications are submitted online only. I continued to ask her if I could leave my resume with her or the manager. She denied and said everything is done online. Ok, I thought, I took my resume and was on my way. I went outside and gave a homeless gentlemen $2 bucks that I had in my wallet (I told myself [after I ignored him walking into the store] that I would give him what I had when I came out). Then I saw the big Chase sign on the building right across the street from where I was standing. I was only going to go to Wells Fargo that day but since they didn't want my resume and I still had it in my possession and I was still wearing my shirt and tie...

...I thought, Why Not?...

I walked into the same scenario. A teller advised me that everything is completed online but I continued again to ask if I could leave my resume. He called his manager and asked. A gentleman named Don walked out of the office behind me and said "Sure! Let me take a look."  He scanned over it quickly and said, "Have a seat."

I walked in his office and was quickly introduced to another lady named Mellisa. Mellisa happened to be a manager at what they call a "New Build" or new branch in a new area. I then noticed a stack of papers on the desk. They were going over resumes for hopeful applicants. We talked for a while and did some role play. They got to know a little about me and mentioned that I should have no problem going out and meeting people or succeeding in the work place because of my initiative to get out and get it done. "You obviously did the foot work to show your face and bring in your resume". They told me to go home and apply online and take the assessment provided  (you are not supposed to have the opportunity to interview without first applying online.) 

 "Take your time" she said..."alot of people are failing the assessment"

Don told me to email him after I finished so I followed up and he informed me that someone would be reaching out to me. Later that day Mellisa called and asked me if I would be ok with wearing a shirt and tie and jazz like that, I said "Of Course!". She said that I would be suprised how many people have a problem with that. Im thinking the whole time that those people must not really need a job.

I waited a few days and heard nothing so I called back. I asked Don if he had received the results back from my assessment, he said that he got an email back that said "recommended". He continued to say that someone would be reaching out to me.

The next day a recruiter called and said that if I accept my pay rate and benefits package and uniform requirements then I have the job contingent on background check and drug testing. I accepted and he congratulated me because there was a very large pool of applicants and he said that I seemed to impress Don and Mellisa.

Contingent...that word tends to spark doubt even among the great news that I had just received. I took the drug test and fingerprinting in the time frame provided and waited anxiously for 5 days for the results. I called the number that they provided me to check the progress on everything and the recruiter told me that she just had to submit my I9 form and I am good to go. Everything cleared...Congratulations.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

This story is a true story. A month in LA and already a job. All honesty, God had every step already planned out. I just had to do me and realize the truth that God really does have my back. Life is like that...all the time.

Which brings us to Thirsty Thursday...last night I went out and celebrated which mean that this morning, Thursday morning....I was dehydrated. So I drank like a third of this gigantic container of water in like an hour when I first woke up. Water is essential for the battle of a hangover. First you drink a full glass after your night of celebrating and drinking and in the a.m. you drink more water. Water is life people.

I just have to ask you... What are you thirsty for? A new job? Tighter family ties? A better life? Happiness? Water?

Know that the thirst quencher is out there for you to grab. Its there all the time for you to take a sip. So sit back and don't worry, the water of life will keep you hydrated.

P.S. For all of you mobile readers of my blog (sister in particular) I made some changes to my blog which should make it easier for you to navigate and view my posts. Give me some feedback on how it is working for you.

Which one will you choose?

Wellness Wednesday!: June 8, 2011

If you are alive then it is obvious that there is negativity all around you all the time. What we fail to realize is that there is also positivity around us all the time. 

The things we recognize around us becomes our reality. I challenge you to stay positive despite the negativity. Just try it. The worst that can happen is that you notice the negativity (which you may already be doing).

The point is that YOU have the power of positivity in a world of negative energy. It's contagious. A simple smile or "hello" or acknowledgement to someone else can make a life changing difference.

Be the catalyst that changes the vibes around you.

Choose life, that you might live.

Spread the love.

The Best "NA NA" Song Ever Written...my opinion

MELLOW MONDAY!: June 6, 2011


Everbody has their favorite "Na Na" song....

Hey Jude, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Na Na Na, Right Now (Na Na Na)...just to name a few....but in my opinion the BEST "Na Na" song of all time was recorded during the best decade of music. THE 90's!!!! Where House music is poppin' the House Parties!

Keep it Mellow...HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER- Ini Kamoze 1994

NA NA NA NA    NA NA NA NA   HEY HEY HEY    GOODBYEEEEE!

ITS FRIDAY...WAIT NO...ITS SUNDAY SUNDAY!

SUNDAY FUNDAY!: June 5, 2011


HEY ITS FRIDAY!

WAIT NO...ITS SUNDAY!

WHAT DAY IS IT AGAIN?!?!?! WHOS SONG IS THIS??!?!?! IM CONFUSED!!! BUT ENTERTAINED NONE THE LESS!

I Second That...

FUN FACT FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: June 3rd, 2011



There are 86,400 seconds in a day. Make every one count!

FUN FACT!!!!! I like exclamation marks ! !
                                                                   O
                                                                   U

They look like little boot prints!
                                                   !
                                                 !
                                                   !
                                                !
                                                  !
                                               !
                                                 !
                                               !
                                                 !       or its a silent cartoon of a stick man falling!
                                                 !
                                              !
                                                 !
                                              !
                                                 !

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                                                 !




                                             !
                    


                                            !smack!