NEW BLOG!

This one will remain - I suppose. However, I have taken my blogging talents to Tumblr (a la King James). The new blog can be found here.

Peace.

The Princess

The Princess

She is fair
though her complexion, golden, is new
her royal hair
a compliment to her Tyrian hue
not of the physical - more of her mental
with her high ideals and discerning chin
she rules with Love - smooth enough
and with beauty that resides within
an electric smile, piercing eyes
a beauty rarely captured
and so rarely reprised
but her strange fruit, of brown roots
projects this Mercedes-Benz, you see -
Like No Other
her mind so strong
rests above and along,
the moral arc -
so said the King
so the princess with dire dialect
from an island nation -
with exotic energies
that would incline the Masons
to intellectually genuflect
is but so fair, and Tyrian too
She is the Jamaican princess
She is. . .
and remains. . .
you

The Princess | Music Codes

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Hello world!! How are you? So this summer I've been exploring my writing; delving deeper into my creative side, whatever that may be - and exploring what rests within the treasure chests of my imagination.

I took it upon myself to just write. Freely and unabashedly. I let life inspire me and my writing: friends, feelings, thoughts, experiences, words, music - all these things and more.

Well here is one that I wrote, that just flowed. And I thought I should record it. So that's what I did! It' s a short, simple expression of praise, of admiration of beauty and femininity and I hope you enjoy it! I dedicate it to my lovely friend Chantelle, and moreover to all of my Jamaican princesses out there (Chanelle, Sajay, Bri-Bri.. and it goes on... sorry if I didn't mention you)!!


BTW: I have a better quality audio file of the poem (online mp3's suck in quality lol). If you'd like it, just let me know.

Download ->>http://bit.ly/9kbcC2

and..uh.. sorry for the long post

Peace|Love
-nolanologY

thought4Food

Confidence & Humility go hand in hand; but these 2 friends have yet 2 meet within the ♥'s & minds of most of us...

-nolanologY

If You've Never Failed, You've Never Lived

Throwback - R. Les HIWSB Reprise video - dopeness

How It Was Supposed To Be (Military Version) from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

Song of the Moment - Say You'll Go x Janelle Monae

This is just a beautiful expression of Love that the talented Janelle Monae released on her album ArchAndroid. Check it out! It's a very poignant piece - so amazing!

Most People Don't Know Sh*t About Boxing... Lol

Please Stay LeBron - We Are The World Spoof - 2 funny

I guess no one can say the the Cleveland fans aren't true to their sports heroes. But as one of my friends humorously put it, "This takes dick-riding to a whole other level."

whatever it is - it's a cool spoof, and I'm sure a heartfelt plea, from the fine folks of Ohio.

Mother...

So... Ryan Leslie composed a song for his Mother some time ago entitled "Mother". It's a beautiful, simple song in which he just expresses his love and gratitude for his Mom (I posted it here a few weeks ago -- scroll down a little). Anyway in that spirit I decided to attempt to cover the song as a dedication to my Moms - Nana , Estelle, Michelle - and all of the other motherly women who have impacted my life in some way. I did my best and I hope you all enjoy it. Happy Mother's Day!!!

Mother (Ryan Leslie Cover) | Music Codes

P.S. Thanks to Rich Lucey for providing the piano instrumental for the track. Much thanks and love man!!!

And uh... it's my first recording - bear that in mind please - I know it's not my best...lol

Hello World

Hello folksiz.. what's good? Just checkin' in. I have posted anything in mad long. So for starters my PC failed on me. Hard drive won't even spin up on boot up so it's been decommissioned. I dropped it off of my futon; from not very high up either mind you. But that's that. I am now setting my sights on securing a Mac Book [Pro] over the summer. The bday went well, though my birth month, April, came and went; all too fast if you ask me.

Otherwise things seem to be going well. Schoolz lookin' aight. The fam, back home is doing well, to my knowledge. Alexis has accepted to go to Long Island University in NYC. She really want's to be there in the city of lights and this school allows her to pursue her educational and artistic pursuits. I am so elated about that; about her coming into her own. Graduation is around the corner for her, and prom just before that. I remember all that excitement and energy of my senior as well, just as if it were yesterday.

Anyway, I guess I'll ttyl. I'll uh try to keep up with posting a lil more frequently, even without a functional PC.lol - whereTheresAWilTheresAWay. Peace.

-nolanologY

Re-Post

GQ post I did a while ago - check it out.

#IKnowItsNotHereYetBut

So I know Mother's Day isn't here yet, but here's a beautiful tribute Ryan Leslie paid to his mother. I found the song to be very special, and would like to humbly extend it to my mother[s]: Nana[grandma; My Mom of Moms], Estelle[Mom], Michelle[stepmom] - ILYALLSOMUCH!!!!

Aujourd'hui, J'ai eu 20 ans

Well, hello world... again. Today I turned 20!!! While some might believe this is reason for celebration I can't say that I agree. Here's why:

Though today marks that I've successfully lived another year, I don't think, in fact I know it wasn't the fact that I turned 20, that made today special. It was all of the people who wished me well today that made this day special. Realizing that I could not have made it this far without my family: Dad, Alexis, Frank, Angela, Nana [and now Michelle and lil Timothy]. And my friends, those with whom I have close bonds: Shane, Keisha, Tuan, Ed, Jeff, Jahmall, Glen[jamin].. and so many others. Even those with whom I have not had the privilege of fostering 'close' relationships - all of you are so important to me; so important to delivering me to this point.

Words cannot express how much all of these very important people , You, mean to me. My heart truly swelled with joy at how many people cared enough to just say 'Happy Birthday'. Granted we all have them, and it's customary to wish someone a very happy bday, but it was just the outpouring of those little seeds of celebration and encouragement that touched; that meant and continue to mean so much more than I could ever articulate. I realize that I couldn't be who I am without those around me and for that I am so grateful. You all mean so much to me, and turning 20 served as signal blessing that I am special, and loved and cared for - in a world where too many lack this essential necessity . I am certain that God has blessed me with with your acquaintance, friendship, brotherly/sisterly love, and I couldn't be more happy or thankful.

Anyway, [to wrap up this mushy note, lol] I love you all. Thanks for your support, your advice, your jokes, your smiles, your being You. Here's to 20 years and so many more, God-willing. God Bless.

Spread love y'all.

-nolanologY

Drake > Over

The Gentlemen's Fund

"Gentlemanly behavior is a thing you just know, like a funny joke or a great date. The alchemy of manners and style is affecting, though not entirely explainable. And while there are rules, there is no formula.

A gentleman works to give back, to make a difference, to reduce his carbon footprint for the same reason he'll give you cab fare when you're over-served and then never say a word about it - it's the right thing to do.

To be a gentleman requires balance and consistency. These are the qualities that make a man dependable, and dependability, you could argue, makes a man a man.

Like anything of value, this is not achieved without effort.

A GENTLEMAN JUST MAKES IT LOOK EASY."

Check out The Gentlemen's Fund

Henry David Thoreau on 'Useful Ignorance'

There is something servile in the habit of seeking after a law which we may obey. We may study the laws of matter at and for our convenience, but a successful life knows no law. It is an unfortunate discovery certainly, that of a law which binds us where we did not know before that we were bound. Live free, child of the mist—and with respect to knowledge we are all children of the mist.The man who takes the liberty to live is superior to all the laws by virtue of his relation to the lawmaker. “That is active duty,” says the Vishnu Purana, “which is not for our bondage; that is knowledge which is for our liberation. All other duty is good only unto weariness; all other knowledge is only the cleverness of an artist.”

nQuiry...

Which is the best man to deal with: He who knows nothing about a subject, and, what is extremely rare, knows that he knows nothing, or he who really knows something about it but thinks that he knows all?
-Henry David Thoreau

usYoungMen < food4Thought

to become a man of substance over a man of existence. . . that is the aim

-nolanologY

RIT Men's Hockey in Frozen Four!!!

While I am not an avid Hockey fan - I fancy myself the occasional Hockey game viewer - I must express my excitement, tacit as it may be - for my school's Div I Hockey Team. We made the big dance for Hockey and are now resting with a spot in the Frozen Four!!! Go Tigers!!! If there ever was a time to be a Hockey fan in Rochester - it's now!!! I'm HYPE SON!!!!

somethinToThinkAbout

when your efforts, earnest in heart and mind, meet the wonderment of fruition in reality there you've found progress

The Black Agenda > Tavis Smiley Symposium

foodForThought

the pinnacle of intellect is the correct knowledge and application of Love
-nolanologY

dope > Martial Arts & Dancing = epiC!!!

foodForThought

the thing of love is: there is a distinct efficacy at the essence of it that is peerless > once that is reached lives are transformed > Love is divine

Yes We Can!!!

Paramore x Use Somebody x KoL (Cover) > dopE!

Paramore - Use Somebody (Kings Of Leon Cover) - Live Lounge - The best bloopers are here

Robin Thicke x Can U Believe > smooov.

Drake 'Over' x Piano Cover > Nicoflow [soDopeBoyFresh!]

Michael Jackson x 'Planet Earth' [poem]

Brilliant! Vid Mash Up x MJ & MJ

'Over' Freestyle > Lola Maxwell < dopE

Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons' son - Diggy Simmons [niceWitIt]

Rihanna - Rude Boy [firE!!]

Drake | TML | 1st Single 'Over' []dopE![]

Big Sean

dNp: Big Sean Interview from dapsNpounds on Vimeo.

Milestone

I am now the proud owner of a Blackberry Curve - justSayin'... I'm happy it's a change of scenery; phonery rather...lol

Niggativity

What's the hallmark of our talk?
The mainstay of our thoughts it seems?
Negativity or Niggativity?
By d- e- f negativity is generally taken to mean something opposite postive.
We can agree? It’s a tendency to shun sentiments of good; of warm sensation; to be skeptical of purported plusness; to subtract from - devalue in decibel level
But beyond that arena of orbital pessimism does there rest rule and abide this itching grizzly monster - what about niggativity?
What's that right? Think about it. Niggativity is that state of mind where one posits that they cannot believe, they cannot faith, cannot assert
It is that form of oppression pressed into one’s mind - left there - deposited as a gross cancer to metastasize - accrue interest, insured by the human servile registry aka - self- doubt
It is being told u cannot and loving that u can't
It is striving for nothing
Searching for what u know isn't here - but all the while believing it is
Sounds like insanity, but it's not, cuz niggativity pervades even the most anti-niggative mind
That's y we're taught we shouldnt use the word - cuz for years - those who preceded us were insulted and torn down with it
So using that specific string of characters then makes us wrong - makes us proprietors of niggativity
But I contend that if niggativity was this acerbic, divisive animal once perpetuated to keep the inferior down - but no longer does - should addressing my mans as nigga be taken so sharply as a disrespectful, indignant occurence?
Out of respect or reverance should I shy away from the string of niggativity or mark a change in my thinking and in my view of the string of characters - nigga?
Does it make sense to forget those letters in that sequence because they r forever tethered to the bitter evil of racial oppression
Well our ancestors died so that we can have the freedoms we have right? That I can speak freely, pursue life and liberty ?
But is it not my liberty to speak a word tied to niggativity?
Words are, and then they aren't. if it could be tied to niggativity can it not be freed as well? Maybe that's what our ancestors would want.. hmm? For us to fight to relieve the animal niggativity of its taboo hold on our collective conscience; to rest the power of that word away from the beast? And when used so freely as a term of endearment; of love in a way, can it not be done?

Anything’s possible, if u want it to be...

Or am I deluded? Am I really trapped in niggativity too? For even suggesting that nigga could be freed from niggativity? Some could and would make the argument that I am - but if so, I'd rather be on the inside fighting with all I've got to change it than to be on the outside coexisting and fearing it. Or is it that it just is a peanut butter and jelly situation? Like love and marriage - u can't have one without the other? Maybe.

-nolanologY

Baron Davis - SillyShyt

AfterNoon DeLight - Starland Vocal Band x KVWN Channel 4 News Team

Soooo.... Hello world. I was singing 'Afternoon Delight' - why? I don't know (I'm sorry it's a catchy tune). I first encountered the song in the 2004 comedy hit Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Howbeit the song was covered by the KVWN Channel 4 News Team in a great scene in the film. However they also made a music video as well which I was surprised to know, but also very elated to see. Will Ferrell is a comedic genius!!! Check both version out lol....

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Nat King Cole - Fly Me To The Moon

We Are The World 25 for Haiti - Amazing!!

This is an amazing All-Star cast consisting of some of music's most celebrated artists coming together to commemorate the 25 year anniversary of the recording of the original 'We Are The World'. Due to Haiti's current situation the song is also being used in a fundraising effort. The song can be purchased from here on iTunes and the funds go toward the relief efforts in Haiti. Please help if you can.

-nolanologY

Google Commercial - [touching]

Vickie Winans - How I Got Over

Heller y'all! Well Mrs. Vickie Winans came by RIT yesterday, Friday, February 5, 2010 to participate in the Gospel Fest 2K10. It was a great evening and all the music was wonderful. Here is the music video for her 2009 single, 'How I Got Over'.

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Alexis Harris - Get Out And Vote!!!

So my not-so-little sister, Alexis Harris, is competing for a $10,000 scholarship this year in a talent competition being put on by DC-CAP [D.C. College Assistance Program]. Below she showcases her vocal ability. Please get out and vote for her. She is amazingly talented and is a brilliant student. She plans to double major in Psychology and Film/Video with a minor in Theater/Performing Arts upon matriculating into college. She'll be graduating this June from McKinley Technology High School, possibly as the Class of 2010's Valedictorian.

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Disclaimer: You'll actually have to register first to vote, however registration is free and is only for logging purposes with the voting officials at DC-CAP.

Grammy's 2010 - MJ Tribute

BET Honors 2010 - Stevie Wonder x Trey Songz

W.A.T.W. Artists Remember Michael Jackson

MTV Shows

We Are The World - 2010 Remake []dope![]

MTV Shows

encouragement.

[nolanologY] has no doubt that Music - that melody we all have in our hearts - is of divine origin. Music lifts us, makes us feel good, loves us when it seems no one does - it's always there; brilliant, unconditional it's God's gift to us and I cherish it with all that I have and so should you!!! Sing ur song, spit your rhyme, be cool, be funny, be crazy, be loving, be u, and let ur music, ur melody out!!!

-nolanologY

The Moment

This song really touched me. It is covered here by the beautiful and talented Adele on her debut album '19' [originally written and performed by Bob Dylan]. But beyond all that that the song really hit me yesterday, Sunday, January 31, 2010, while in the bathroom cleaning up. I was listening to it on repeat and each time it seemed to resonate with me more and more. The lyrics are so beautiful and really hit me hard. All I can say is that emotion swelled within me because I thought of my father, Nolan, Sr. and my Grandmother and all they've done for me and my brother and sisters. I imagined that they felt what this song was screaming to me - their undying, unconditional love, I feel, is exemplified by this musical expression.

Then my mind ran up the ladder to God and his love for me in the same way. I just sat there, overwhelmed by how much HE loved/loves me and my fam - so much so that HE'd minister to me - speak to me - with this song to put me in remembrance of all that HE had done, all the HE is doing, and all the that HE will do! It touched me because through Adele's voice HE seemed to be so close to me, there in the bathroom talking to me, telling me how much HE cares for me, loves me - and all of us really. It is was a really serious, powerful moment for me, it moved me to tears. But for those who don't feel loved or cared for just know God does. This song, to me, is indicative of that notion, and of the fact that HE'll always be there, looking out for us - through our Family, Friends, Loved Ones. HE's always there.

Here are the lyrics to the song, I hope you find them as powerful as I did.

Make You Feel My Love
By Bob Dylan

When the rain
Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows
And the stars appear
And there is no one there
To dry your tears
I could hold you
For a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you
Haven't made
Your mind up yet
But I would never
Do you wrong

I've known it
From the moment
That we met
No doubt in my mind
Where you belong

I'd go hungry
I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling
Down the avenue
No, there's nothing
That I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging
On the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
Though winds of change
Are throwing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing
Like me yet

I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love

-nolanologY

goodMusicWordsmithBigSean = whereAmazingHappens

Throwback | Tevin Campbell - Can We Talk?

Penny For Our Thoughts @2Cent

Dope vid from the fine folks over at 2-Cent, a groundbreaking team of talented youth in the New Orleans area producing great content with a positive message for young African-Americans everywhere.

Re-Post ----> Favorite Song Of The Moment

Here's a re-up on an older, still very significant post. Great song here by an 'immensely talented' artist - J. Cole. Check It Out!!!

Every Book ---> Every Girl Spoof (hilarious, butGoodStuff)

Check out the bit from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at the end of the vid; pretty powerful stuff - reading.

trueSpit.

trueBeauty remains, even when we look away.. it shinez thru commanding the senses of the seemingly senseless... u check?

-nolanologY

Palladium Boots [goodLook]

So I've been eying these pretty dope boots for a minute. They're made by the French, former tire manufacturing company, Palladium. I first saw them when a friend of mine over @ CMartyMar, Chris, donned them one day. I really did not pay attention until I saw them later on UO's website, [UrbanOutfitters], and I instantly fell in love with them. They are hot to me, and when reading the interesting history about the Palladium, I thought that the company's history was pretty cool as well. Anyway look for some of these on mes pieds [french| my feet] soon. GQ also spotlighted the company that after it's takeover by the shoe company K-Swiss in an article it posted to its website in October 2009.

(photo copied from GQ website, article, "Same As They Ever Were (Almost)." | [http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2009/10/same-as-they-ever-were.html]

Hope For Haiti Album

Please donate anything you can; your: prayers, money, ideas, strength, thoughts, resources.. anything positive, in any amount can help!!! These are our global brothers and sisters in need and if the tables were turned we'd want that same compassion and love and help...

Speechless - Michael Jackson [powerful|loving|serene]

GQ's Ultimate Suit Guide - Amazing!!

(click the pic above or the link at the bottom of the post)

So I'm starting to question my style and tweak and challenge and stretch it as of late. I've really been transfixed by suits for some reason. I've always admired the elegance they bring to the well-groomed gentleman, but now I long to be that guy, lol. I guess as I am getting older, my style and my cognizance of my person is starting to mature and express itself a little more. Howbeit, I wanted to learn about the suit world; how to buy one, what to look for, what's in vogue right now, what isn't . . . you know?

I didn't know what a lapel was or a vent or the 'break of the pants', but with a little research on the net, and the awesome guide GQ has posted on their site, I found that once your mind's eye is trained in what to look for, you're A-OK!! Anyway to all the young gentlemen out there like myself, here's a great place to start: GQ's Ultimate Suit Guide!

Well.. itWasAGoodSeasonGuys

So we won the NFC East, finished 11-5, made it to the playoffs - won a game in the postseason!!! (Something we had not accomplished since the 1996 season)... So overall it was a good season... Here's to the future cowboys fans!!!!