Never mind what this says about the current state of Brooklyn's Imminent Gentrification... Genius Swedish design for Cheap?!?! I'm all for it, dammit!! Yes, I'll be one of those fools lined up in the parking lot hours, maybe even days before it opens...
Growing up I always dreaded book reports despite the fact that I was obsessed with reading. For someone who loved the entire process of reading (IE:Shopping for a new book, Picking just the right one, Getting into the story line and characters, The ultimate pleasure of finishing the book and The agony of ending a really good read); Book reports meant that I had to squeeze a marvelous love affair into a page or two of chicken scratches with a cute conclusion. Torturous, I say.
But now that I'm older I look at book reports as a sort of advertisement or sometimes a warning label for the books that changed the way i view life and for the books that made me question my shopping instincts, respectively.
So here are a few of the books I've been thumbing through lately:
The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake I didn't quite finish this book, maybe this isn't the best book to start with... Either way Drake's book examines the rise of Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. The book tracks their humble beginnings in the fashion design world from young apprentices to the height of their decadent 70's mogul days. A must read for anyone interested in Fashion, Semi-Biographies, and Glamorous Parisian Life.
The Private Lives of the Impressionist by Sue Roe One of the classes in my final semester of college was an art course about the Realist, Impressionists and the Post Impressionists. The class truly opened my eyes to Impressionists art, and this book provided the insight to lives of the artists that I craved. Roe's book shows the real inspirations behind some of the most notorious Impressionist paintings (for example: Le Dejuener sur l'herbe, Olympia, and Monet's Water Lilies series). This book will increase anyone's interest in 19th century French Art and shows the true meaning of the term "Starving Artist".
The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz This is the most recent book I've read, actually I'm in the final pages of it as I type. I really enjoyed this book and will forever be grateful to it for keeping my company as my flight from London to New York was delayed for 3 1/2 hours. Diaz's writing style makes this book an easy and immensely entertaining read. Diaz frequently slips from proper English to Spanish slang in his prose in a witty and charismatic manner. I love his style of narrative and anachronistic story telling. Definitely Culture Approved.
Have you ever heard of Shirley Q Liquor? The other night, whilst hangin' in an East Village Bar (much to my Mother's dismay), my Dear friend Hakim put me on to this comic. I thought her shit was funny, i'm sure the 3 Coronas I had helped me come to this conclusion.
Upon further research, I found out that Ms. Liquor is actually Charles Knipp, a gay white man. Knipp performs in Black Face and Drag to become Shirley Q Liquor, an ebonic speakin' Southern Black Mother of 19 chil'rens, that collects her welfare on the 1st and 15th, repectivley. Shirley attends the Mount Holy Olive Second Baptist Zion Church of God in Christ of Resurrected Latter-Days AME CME, she enjoys Cold Malt Liquors ("It works Everytime!") and Menthol Cigarettes.
Ms. Liquor has been the center of controversy for quite some time. Her shows have been boycotted, her appearance protested and some show dates cancelled. In particular there is one Black Female that is not impressed with Knipp's act, Jasmyne Cannick. Cannick's campaign to shut down Knipp demands more for Black Women and Black People in general.
While watching Shirley's clips on YouTube, I found myself laughing at her/his antics. One of the clips entitled "Church Slave" was particularly funny and quite true in its comments about Black Female Churchgoers. In some ways I felt guilty for finding Shirley funny, but would the jokes have been alright if Knipp was actually a Black Man?
And to add to the equation... what of Tyler Perry's Madea? Is his Angry Black Woman Caricature acceptable simply because he is Black?
Check out this clip of Shirley Q Liquor and leave me some feedback and commentary dammit!!
Hey Snobbers, I know its been a minute seen I've posted anything on this poor forsaken blog... But like a Jay-Z farewell album, ya know i'll be back soon.
(Disclaimer: Culture Snobber does not support Jay Z's tired-ass career (his best work is about drugs, the exact same topic as his first album), nor American Gangster (I know glorification when I see it;... I do have a Bachelor's in Media Studies dammit!!)
So I arrived in London this morning. (super excited, any who knows me, knows that this I where is come to cheat on Brooklyn...sorry BK. It's not you, it's me. I just gotta do me. Truthfully, it's all them damn Condos popping up, but whateva...) And after jet laggin' my tired backside around my family's house, I decided that it was time I pick up my lovely little blog.
I'll be keeping you guys updated about this trip, my cultural findings, possible complaints and new obsessions. This week is shaping up to be something official!! New Museums, Book Reports (i'm probably the only excited about that one), Restaurant Reviews, and Field Trips Galore and UK Culture with a Capital C!!
London's Calling and Culture Snobette is not afraid to pick up!!
And PS: My UK Cousins are NOT HAPPY about BET being in the UK. See y'all I come from good stock, all The Dyers know what time it is!!
So I was supposed to start this segment of the blog a while ago... but i'm just getting around to it now.
Anyhoo, I watched MAHOGANY the other night starring the fly-ass Diana Ross and her smoooove co-star Mr. Billy Dee Williams.
Now while Mr. Williams is more known for his thespian endeavors (Lady sings the Blues, Star Wars & 227); I first met him as a little girl growing up in Brooklyn as
"MR. COLT 45"
( Side Note: A can Billy... a Can!! couldn't spring for the WHOLE 40 oz. )
As a curious youngster I did not understand Colt 45 nor did i get why it "Worked Every Time", but none the less, this image was forever embedded into my memory along with countless episodes of the Price is Right and the taste of Quarter-Waters.
PS: the kicker for me was the not-too dry, not-too greasy jheri curl he rocked... Every woman loved them some Billy Dee in the 70's and 80's. Even my mom liked Billy and she didn't even like me.
I guess it really did work everytime...if it ain't broke then don't fix it!!
Hey Snobbers, So apparently someone goofed up let BET (supposedly Black Entertainment Television, But i beg to differ) start broadcasting in the United Kingdom.
I will keep my opinion of BET to a 3 word minimum (my libel charges are still pending.) I DESPISE THEM. PERIOD
Watch out UK Negroes...Debra Lee and Bob Johnson are coming to corrupt your youth, have your daughters dancing like strippers, and have your sons acting the fool.
You've been warned. So please turn the the TV off, invest in books, and family togetherness time.
And if you're having second thoughts or don't find my humble argument convincing enough, watch this clip of The Boondocks, The Hunger Strike Episode, that was banned because of its scathing yet true critique of the network.
Next Week Saturday.. no, you don't have work the next day no, you don't have anything better to do
Yeah, the Flier is hot Yeah, it's gonna be packed with cool people (but not too cool to bust a move) Yeah, The DJ is official (Sure Shot .....IE: not somebody's cousin)
Is it just me or do kids not look like kids anymore...
As i turn another year older (well, it was a week ago), take my word for it: Trying to grow up quickly is like putting on your fliest dress ( or Freakum Dress to all my Hootchie-Phi Sisters ), getting your weave re-did, a fresh set of tips and rushing your ass out of the house to a party at like 9:15pm........ and the shit is wack!! And of course its wack darling, cuz u ain't supposed to be there that early. So take ur time and you'll get to the jumpie just in time to rush the floor for "All About the Benjamins", (super random, but i'm sure you get the point)
So I'm just finished watching my Tivo-ed Grammy awards...
Rhianna and the Time:
A lesson in irrelevance, I say. While I fully appreciate her new haircut (ie: taking out her tracks), and I think her style has improved immensely, Her performance left me wanting more. The Time was a little lackluster as well, ( what?!? No "Quack Hallelujah" ?!?!) and they should have let Jerome do the intro.
Beyonce and Tina Turner:
B, Say hello to your future. I found it so hilarious that Beyonce stepped on Tina's foot; and that Tina couldn't quite complete her karate kick and the end of "Proud Mary". Beyonce Enjoy your youth, cuz next thing you know, some Pretty Young Thang will be singing "To the Left, To the Left..." with you and most importantly TO YOU!!
Kanye and Daft Punk:
'Ye was good, nothing amazing though. Personally, I think he could learn a lesson or two from Puff on the Art of performing. Daft Punk...My Question to you: is that how you perform at your shows?? Granted you are a duo of robots, but i mean you're the functional equivalent of a Dj and someone flicking the lights. Whatevs
Alicia Keys and John Mayer:
To be honest during this performance I Turned to Channel 25 WNYC to catch up on Full Frontal Fashion. And that's all i got to say... Ps: Love the DoorKnockas though
The piece de Resistance (jouz no parlay France, obviously) Amy Winehouse
The performance was good by most standards, but Great based on her performances of the last year or so. She looks healthier, which i am definitely thankful for; and shes putting back on some weight. I loved all the shout outs to her incarcerated Husband Blake... so ghetto so great.
But the kicker for me was when she won the award for Record of the Year. The Camera was focused on her before the Simulcast delay got the news to her; So the viewer saw her entire honest reaction. She cried in utter, ran to her back up singers, people rushed the stage, a group hug ensued; and then she ran to hug her mum, whom she brought on stage with her. And by this time I was in tears.... Dennine too.
I love Amy. And I have for quite sometime. I appreciate that she writes her own songs and unbeknownst to many she used to play the guitar. Amy is a Real musician and Real Singer. and a real person as well, for the longest i feared that she would be found on some bathroom floor, overdosed like so many others, famous and non-famous (equally tragic in my opinion). When I said i hope she gets it together, in my heart of hearts I meant that. Looks like this cynical stony heart of mine still has some blood pumping in it.
Please Watch this clip of her singing "There is No Greater Love" Live, to witness what Amy used to sound like.
I'm sure you guys have heard about this by now, but I'll go ahead anyway. Actor and Comedian Bill Cosby is rumored to be releasing his first Rap Album. (Pause for effect...) The album is said to cover such topics as Proper Parenting, Teen Pregnancy, Drug Abuse, Black on Black crime and a host of other things that Black People and Minorites need to hear (truthfully, it is).
No release date has been set yet. and i'm sure puffy will be producing at least one track on the album (hey its still all about the Benjamins yo!! Take That! Take That!)
There is nothing funnier to me than watching small children fall...except maybe this
Michelle Obama was too busy strutting up the stage to begin with...she shoulda been helping the man. He can't see Michelle!! He doesn't know how many steps there are dammit!! Instead of trying to look sexy in her tight booty pants, she shoulda been counting them off with him. And then she walks off ahead like it wasn't her fault leaving Uncle Stevie with some other dude.
Huh!! The nerve of her, Embarrassing my dear Uncle Stevie on National Television like that!!
But it was still funny.....sad and funny all at the same time.
Held at the Hiro Ballroom (nice venue, but its on the West side...so sad so unfortunate). This production seemed to be sponsored, hosted and endorsed by everyone (see the long ass list of logos), but unfortunately no one was running the show. As my mother would say "too many cooks spoil the pot." This is an example of poor delegation: their was no master of ceremonies to direct the evening. Bands just showed up, jumped on stage and proceeded to abuse the audience. All of the Hip Hop artists sounded like UK Garage and Grime circa 2005. The acts that were booked were super random. Mixing Rock, hip hop and Reggae, good, i get it. Just make sure that you do it right.
On a positive note: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble came thru and salvaged the evening.
They only did 3 songs but it was totally worth the Metrocard Fare (who am I kidding...that was my Dad's Metrocard). If you've ever walked thru Union Square, then i'm sure you've heard them. This group of brothers learned their craft from their Father growing up in Chi Town and have truly made a name for themselves here on the NYC Streets.
Watch this backstage impromptu performance with Mos Def at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Now while I'm all about high culture, low culture, street culture, and whateva else people are calling themselves these days; I, Culture Snobbette, am a woman at the end of the day. So needless to say I have now become a fan of Game Rebellion!
Game Rebellion mixes Rap and Rock so effortlessly that they got thugs in their mosh pits.
Yeah, their music is good and their stage performance is amazing, but they've got something else going for them...
Front Man, Netic
I don't know I can't really put my finger on it...
Performing at the AfroPunk Fest in BK
Check out their Myspace for more porn..oops i mean music
Its your girl Culture Snobbette here: So when i'm not at home sleeping, eating cake or watching Sex and the City reruns, i'm out and about rippin' and runnin these streets in my search for Superior Culture. In the past couple of weeks, i made it to a few live shows, gallery openings and parties. And here is my Field Trip Report. Keep Your Grades up Snobbers!!
The first event i made it to was this
Held at Yume Brooklyn, a Crown Heights Loft, which doubles as a retail outlet for new and emerging designers, as well as a gallery space for visual arts. I love it! You know i'm all about shopping and art, not to mention its in BK....nuff said. Here are some pics that i took of the space and the party.
(Spitzer discussing his manhood)
