Five Minute Poetry: Pregnant with Promise...

Everything old is new again...Last winter I became pregnant with promise and birthed 12 infantile begin agains...I binged on them for a while and purged them when I saw there was no promise in them at all...Illegitimate children...Bastards of my own ignorance and numerous misnomerings of things that did not deserve numbers nor names...And as a new winter presses on, I find myself pregnant with promise again; bracing myself for an embrace that will erase the old things that abated and bate me...

.FIN

Memories: By Chira Martin...

Chira is my best friend...She's the best friend a gal could have...And before I turn into a soggy-eyed sap, I'll end this by stating how blessed I am to have so many talented people in my life...

MEMORIES

They flow over and downwards and pool where thoughts have crossed only to be misunderstood. Their overture to an audience yearning for pleasure incites revulsion instead. Abruptly, they cease and are held in reserve until sensibility revisits the senses.

©2008 Chira Martin

You can check out more of Chira's talent on her blog, 'Through Shyra's Eyes'

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Five Minute Poetry/Word of the Day: Gaffe

gaffe \gaf\, noun:
a blunder; faux pas

I've garishly made a gargantuan gaffe

And I'm scoffing at myself as I make calculated moves

Towards finishing this thing off

By thing I mean the thing I thought thoroughly thoughtful enough

To not belittle me in my bereaved stature

Head hanging and hollowed out

Tongue dripping with the secret secretions

The taste of you has left behind

And steadfast in making a return

As if to war

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Christmahannukwanzakah: Revisited...

I've been told I have a rather odd sense of humor...That being said, I found this video classically humorous...Seeing as it's the holidays, it deserves a replay...Laugh your face off...If you're odd like me...

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Five minute poetry: Mental challenge at my desk...

I gave myself five minutes to write this piece...This is a new experiment I'm doing to push myself further and see how ambidextrous my brain is...If you understand what I mean, you're my hero...If you try it, you're my idol...

I conclude this moment with the concave confines of my copious complexity

I've been a bit recluse and recklessly rekindling the reconnaissance of restlessness rendered ruthless

So to appease myself I made it less apparent that I am an apparition to his appetite

Writing waxed, willing and woven words into

Manuscripts that melt magnificently on the tongue...

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Mr. Turner - FUCK THE GOTDAMN SHIT...

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Aja x Washington Post Express: Funny...

SO I'm at the Clipse Playcloths Event a wee bit tipsy and such...There's cameras everywhere and oddly everybody wants a flick (I think it was the company I was keeping - Carolyn is gorgeous!)...Next thing I think, there's a reporter from the Washington Post asking me to answer a question...I gave my best, honest, spontaneous answer...Like to hear it, here it go...

Question: Which star should have a clothing line?

"Colin Munroe. He's such an intellectual, different individual"

I dunno, I was half drunk and had to answer on the fly - at least we had the smiles right...In all honesty though, I really really dig Colin's style and would love to see what he could conjure up for a clothing line...I'm sure he could pull it off...
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Colin Munroe - LA Viper Room: Unsung Hero Tour Footage...

Safe to say I'm jealous I couldn't jet set out to the Viper Room (One of my favorite venues) to see Colin Munroe (One of my favorite people/artists) perform...But I'd like to give a big Beautifoul™ thanks to Mario Rangel @ Illroots.com for posting the footage right after the show...Peep Colin's talent then go download his mixtape IMMEDIATELY...I command the masses!!...*Evil cackle ensues*...
Parte Un

http://vimeo.com/2429258 from Mario Rangel on Vimeo.
Parte Deux

http://vimeo.com/2430369 from Mario Rangel on Vimeo.
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Word of the Day: Intrepid...

intrepid ..in-TREP-id.., adjective:

Fearless; bold; brave; undaunted; courageous; as, an intrepid soldier; intrepid spirit.

I find your intellect quite interesting

And I'm intrepid enough to try and interpret your interior

Undaunted, I sailed your radio waves

Petrified, you capitulate to my discovery

And I'm sitting on the edge of your sanity

Holding all your precious knowledge

And laughing jovially

Because the feast of your thoughts

Fuels my intrepid nature...

.FIN

Clipse: Playcloths x Mixtape Launch...

I'll be there...You should too...Salubrious I'd say, but not sober yet slightly dubious too...That's what she said...Curious?...You should be...
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Colin Munroe Mixtape: Download that isht NOW!!...

'Colin Munroe is the Unsung Hero' is full of classics...I've been telling you about this phenomenal Canadian artist for nearly a year, and now's your chance to see what all my hype was about....With tracks produced by Black Milk, Dallas Austin and Colin Munroe himself, you're bound to have an epic mixtape - and boy does Colin have one...I love the mixtape so much that I can't even choose my one favorite track...I literally love them all, but I hold an oldschool personal space in my heart for 'Will I Stay'...Download 'Colin Munroe is The Unsung Hero' today...Or be square...I mean that...

And you wanna see a phenomenal show by the man himself, put your face in the place at one of the venues listed on the flyer below...

And if you want some more of Mr. Munroe PLUS Wale PLUS Mark Ronson PLUS Cudi Kid PLUSSSSSSSS Yours Truly (as a spectator, bien sur), then shimmy your way on up (or down or side-to-side) to NYC...

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The fragility of solitude...

My sanity sits on a thin line as it holds hands with literature and scripture…A line so fragile one word could break it and send everything tumbling into an abyss of uncertainty…And so I develop this nervous habit of writing to forge some false sense of fortitude…As my tongue obliterates the taste of abandonment by saying words that sabotage my solitude…So as to not break that which is at it’s most fragile…Me…

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McDonald's: Blantant Racist Stereotypes...

Wow!...I can honestly say McDonald's has crossed the line here...For me, it all started with the "Green is the new black" commercials...Use your imagination, but I take it as McDonald's found out that they could make their money off of the Negroes by marketing themselves with that particular demographic in mind...I managed to suppress the hatred for said marketing long enough to forget about it and order myself a Filet-o-Fish (Extra, extra cheese)...THEN they came out with 365black...Yes, they went too far, but I see what they were going for...Honestly, I'm pretty sure droves of black folk didn't run out and buy McDonald's after that campaign; but meh, they tried...So now comes this monstrosity of a racist debacle...See for yourself...And, if you dig it, go buy an extra value meal - and be ashamed of yourself...

Yes, I may be a little sensitive here, but I've had enough...
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Self Portrait: Black and White, Part Deux

It's been a while since I've photographed anything, and I was reminded today by one of my readers of that fact...I've got a slight hangover today so I figured that was great timing for photographing myself at my worst...Why not?

I call this one "Get that fucking thing out of my face"...

Cyclopes...

Don't eff with the Aja...

Clearly, I bore my'self'...

Yes, I WAS trying HELLA hard to get the new tat in this shot...Om Mani Padme Hum...

Yesterdays makeup, yesterdays make up...

Why not, everyone else has one...

Obligatory Aja photo...Me and that damn tongue...

Excuse me?...

Close your mouth...

My fav...

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Stussy x One Warm Coat: Good Cause...

You know you've got a gently used coat stored somewhere... Come out to Stussy DC between tonight and November 21st to donate yours PLUS get 15% off a new Stussy jont PLUS get free dranks (yes, DRANKS) and stuff from 8-10pm tonight...See, charity is easy people...And Obama says it's time to pitch in and help our fellow American...Do as the man commands...See you there...
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Soulsquad x Obama: Yes We Did...Get Yours...

My boy Damon, Owner and Proprietor of SoulSquad T-Shirt Printers, is always on top of the viral tees...Here's his latest masterpiece...Go cop one NOW dammit...You'll be glad you did...Also, support your local vendors and get your next T-Shirt Designs and Printing from Damon...Trust me, you'll be glad you did...

SOULSQUAD T-Shirt Printers
4553 Rhode Island Ave.
Brentwood, MD 20722
202.905.4143

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Bmore Museum of Art: Magnetic Poetry...

Man oh man do I love poetry or what??...That's a rhetorical question...Obviously...So imagine my excitement when, at the end of the Franz West Exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art, there was an 'Interactive Room' with an entire wall of GIANT magnetic poetry...Yes, I was CISED...So much so, that my cousin and I spent an hour being creative there...Here was my best line:

"Awkward insecurity exaggerates candy-colored neurotic elegance...Supersize your uncertainty"

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Sartorialist: Real People Fashion Fotog...

I want an apprenticeship with Scott Schuman, the creator and photographer for the Sartorialist blog...Yes, I AM a little old for that...No, I DO NOT think he's the greatest fotog of all time, but I admire the realness in his photography...Real people walking down the streets of various couture cities, showing their individual style and captured for our viewing pleasure...Catch a glimpse here...

And as a reminder, for the best party fotos like the ones after the jump, shake that laffy taffy over to Last Night's Party...

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[Insert Caption Here]...

Personally, I favor the right side...I've had more than enough of the other...

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Equality: Yes We Can!!...

Our future is not lost...It is only at it's nebula of bright beginnings, and it's incandescence can be seen in this photo...

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President Barack Obama: Yes We can...

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

This won't be a long post...I've got too much to say about the historic event that happened at 11:02 pm, November 4th, 2008...As a result of this virtual cornucopia of thoughts and praises, I'm left with not much to say yet tears in my eyes and pride in my heart...A pride I never really had for my country...But now, reflecting upon all the struggles of those who came before me and the promise we have for our future; I can honestly say I believe in my country and I am proud to be an American...Barack Obama accomplished what some would say is the impossible dream, and yet it was made possible by the desire for Americans to want more for ourselves and the struggles of those who came before us who suffered through pain to make things better for our generation...I spoke with my Granny last night and she just sobbed on the other end of the phone...Without saying anything, I knew what those tears were all about...She'd lived through those times when it was illegal to drink from the same water fountain as those just a shade or two lighter than her (she's a light brite) and NEVER did she think she would live long enough to see a black person hold the most executive level position in this country...She is proud to be an American now too...I see this could be a novel soon, so I'll end it by asking you to watch President-Elect Obama's acceptance speech once more and to always remember: YES WE CAN...


"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House -- a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn -- I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."

"So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers -- in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people."
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Halloween-y Poem: Nosferatu's Nefarious Nature...

Man oh man...IT'S HALLOWEEN!!...It's officially the day when you can literally be anything you want to be no matter how silly or stupid or scary or sadistic...You can get away with it without being called a "freak"...It's also the time when we celebrate vampires and ghouls...In commemoration of the aforementioned I decided to write something...Nosferatu is both the title of my favorite silent film and the name of the villain in it...I seriously suggest you see this film...It was SUPER creepy and engaging; not to mention the fact that it was made in 1922...Anyway, I present some new ish...


Nosferatu came to me in my nocturnal state and drank of my nectar
Naturally, I tried not to knowingly surrender my naïveté
But his nefarious nature was quite nurturing, to me
And my neck became needy
And I became naughty
Nearly naked, my nectar exposed
And Nosferatu nestled and napping in my nymphomania
Needing nothing

Epic Failure: News Headline

Uh oh, gay (or extreme cougar) pedaphiles, they're already naked and waitin' baby!!...You sick bastard...
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Literary Brain Fart: Shit

I'm supposed to be entering a poetry contest for the Baltimore City Paper today...My ex - *sigh* - suggested it, and I thought I might fancy the idea...Unfortunately, I'm stuck...Can't find the right words to write new material, and suddenly hating all my latest material...I've nothing in my mind....Nothing but...

My mental is clouded with mucous filled nothingness

And I'm wet from the sticky green boringness its' bored into my soul

I'm trying to trust myself enough to trust my voided mind

But running in the wrong direction...

.FIN

Heroin & Cigarettes: My new song...

Intrigued?...You should be...After a long songwriting/Studio hiatus, I've finally gone and relieved the absence of both (though the project is not nearly complete)...'Heroin and Cigarettes' is a hardcore, raunchy and sad version of what I imagine I feel like on the deepest parts of my inside and where possibly I might be, had I not the integrity to push through this breakup...*GASP!*...Yes, the breakup...That dreaded thing that put me on my ass for far too long...I suppose this song is part of my healing process...Guess we'll just have to wait and see...Anyway, the finished product should debut here in a few weeks after ad libs and mixing and mastering...Perhaps a verse from one of my uber talented lyricist friends...Stay tuned...

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Royal Fam SBTG: Dead General edition custom Dunk Hi

In correlation to the relaunching of their website, Royal Fam SBTG is debuting it's new 'Dead Generals' line...The line will feature some great new military inspired apparel as well as some SUPER dope custom dunks, aptly dubbed 'Jackal and Hyde'...The dunks feature salvaged denim, zippers above the laces, and gold or red crossbone and banner lace locks...Jackal and Hyde just became available on the new and improved Royal Fam SBTG website yesterday...You might wanna hurry though, as these customs are SUPER limited quantity and I suspect they won't last long...

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Stussy Japan: SS Link Rag Mat

I thought this was dope (And somehow I picture Dizzy already having this; he's always on top of things)...This mat is a recent collaboration with Japan's Gallery 1950, and is available exclusively at Stussy Harajuku...You can see more collabs Gallery 1950 has had recently, after the jump...

Fragment Design

Original fake

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Converse x Barneys NY: Swanky Chuck Taylor

Chuck Taylor, the quintessentially universal classic shoe of every bodega, hood and suburb alike...This classic sneaker has been one of my favorites since a wee tot, but I always wished there was a pair I could wear when I play 'dress up/dress down'...Voila!...That dream chuck has arrived with Converse's collabo with Barneys NY to create a perforated, premium patent leather, Chuck Taylor Hi...It's available now in three colorways you can see after the jump...I suggest you cop at your earliest convenience...



Oh yeah, and don't forget about the Lupe Fiasco x Product Red joints releasing in February 2009...


.FIN