The Beach Chair

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Could it be?



I've stayed away from the political talk on here for several reasons. The main one being that the campaigning has been going on for over a year and I wanted to wait until we still didn't have 100 candidates in the running.

So, with loverboy John Edwards set to drop out of the democratic race, it appears it will come down to Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama for the democratic nomination.

With Super Tuesday looming, Obama is coming off a convincing win in South Carolina and is carrying a ton of momentum in what can be a make or break day for a candidate. With prominent democrat Ted Kennedy in his corner, Obama is gaining steam and has a lot of people in his corner.

Could it be?

Aside from "Run Jesse Run!" back in the late 80s, never has there been a black candidate who generated so much buzz. And, while Jackson had his moments, he never was really considered a serious contender like Obama is.

I'm not jumping on the bandwagon nor drinking the kool-aid of either candidate, but it says something that the two leading candidates for the democratic nomination is a woman and a black man. Either way, it will be historic.

But despite Obama's charisma and appeal, are we really, really ready for a black, even if he's lightskinned, president?

Only time will tell.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Yeah...she could get it



Disclaimer: I did this post as a guest blog for some friends of mine. But, because I'm a man of the people, I decided to post it here as well. Enjoy.

The lovely ladies of the Atlanta Soulcialites have been so kind to ask me my input on the top actresses over 40 who could “get it”. I thank them for the opportunity and also for opening a huge can of worms. I will put down my humble card for a few minutes, because there is no better authority of “get it-ness” than I.

I am of the opinion that a women, particularly those of color, get super fine until they are 35, so by 40, they are just right, to say the least. And while there are probably “regular” women in the neighborhood, the gym and in the beauty parlor over 40 who are just as, if not more fine, for this discussion, we’ll stick with actresses.

Again, these are my opinions, feel free to rip me apart.



It starts and ends with Halle Berry. When Andre 3000 came up with the Prototype, he was talking about here. Ever since she was the “other chick” in Boomerang a while back to her 10 seconds in Swordfish where she showed the world her goodies, Berry has always been considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. She could get it, whenever, wherever and however. Although, from her track record, I may be a little to dark for her.

Halle Berry: 5 magnums





A close second is Angela Bassett. Other than some random drunk chick at the club, nothing says getable other than class and elegance, all of which Bassett has. Even though Taye Diggs helped get her groove back, Bassett still has some left in the tank and could definitely get it…on silk sheets with the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack playing in the background of course.

Angela Bassett: 4.5 magnums



Class and respect is fine, so by no means am I dismissing that or dismissing the get it-ness of Angela Basset, but sometimes you need a hood, ride or die chick. Enter Vivica Fox. The Soul Foodin’, Kill Billin’ Set if Off up in here actress turned socialite could get in the backseat of the caprice, with GUnit blaring out the subwoofers.

Vivica Fox: 4.2/3 magnums




I honestly tried to diversify this list with some “wild cards” so to speak, so consider this one actress one you wouldn’t think of off the top of your head.

Salli Richardson.

If you remember A Low Down Dirty Shame, you know what I’m talking about and we could just end the discussion there. But, Richardson is just plain fine and she just turned 40, so she’s still ripe (sorry ladies).

Salli Richardson: 5 magnums




A get it list wouldn’t be complete without a little creole-looking, redboneness. So that’s were Rick Fox’s leftovers Vanessa Williams comes in. I really don’t have much to say, but I think if those seductive eyes were look at me, I’d fold up like a lawn chair.

Vanessa Williams: 3 magnums

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

2008

Greetings and Happy Belated New Year!

It's been a while since I've posted, as a matter of fact, I haven't blogged since last year! (smile).

With that said, as I prepare to begin the second year of the Beach Chair and another year in my life, it's only fitting to pay homage to 2007 before I can look ahead to my expectations for 2008.

For starters, 2007 was undoubtedly one of the most memorable years of my life. I can't tell you how much I grew as a person. You see, 2007 was the 25th year for me. I heard her and many others share with me that your outlook on things change drastically when you turn 25. I listened, but I didn't hear. I can literally go through each month and tell you many memorable stories that made 2007 special. There isn't enough space on this blog to do this. But let me just share some of why 2007 was special to me.

Maturity -- 2006 was a rough year for me. It was a transitional year for me as well. I started a new job, I ended a previous relationship and I was just all over the place mentally and emotionally. I really didn't know what direction I was heading in life. But, in 2007, I became more stable. In my job, in my love life, monetarily and such. In doing so, I grew up. Moving to the Northeast forces you to do so and do so quickly. Me in 2006 was the complete opposite as me in 2007...and it was for the better.

Perseverance -- Despite all the good things in '07, it wasn't peaches n cream the whole year. There were bumps in the road. Sickness hit my family as my mom had two major surgeries over the course of two months. It was the first time I'd ever seen my mom sick and to go through that, along with the trips from Connecticut to Virginia could have taken a toll on me -- if I'd let it. But I persevered. My grandmother suffered a mild heart attack and my dad's not doing the best. But I persevered. And being able to do that without losing it showed growth and made 2007 great.

These are just two things that stood out to me. There are soo many more to mention, but all in all 2007 was great and one I'll remember forever.

Now, as I prepare for 2008, I prepare to face with with excitement and anticipation of what's to come, knowing that for every good thing that happens, there are going to be some bad times.

Whatever happens, I know it's going to be a great year!