(EP)

I'd like to meet:

Frankly, anyone that has sense (and a sense of self and soul) - and believe you me, its not common

Concert Spotlight

An Open Letter to You - My Hypothetical Ex-Girfriend by(EP)
Forgive me for sounding too trite or bitter, for this is clearly not the intent of the message, but rather the by product of a history with you, my love. It's not that I don't still care about you, its just that I don't much care for the regression in your transformation. Or maybe I am to fault for clearly, I didn't take the time to subconcioulsy divert my frustrations on to you. Unfortunately, what was instilled in me at a young age is a degree of respect for women that is underappreciate for the women I transfer my affections to. And as a a mature man, I am clearly not immature enough to strenghten the bond of affection you have for me. Forgive me for refraining from calling you out your name time and time again, for the ones who have done so hold a certain degree of affection and respect in your heart. And since I'm apologizing, forgive me for not having the kind of job that requires a uniform and nametag - not to knock the hard working bros that are out there doing there thing - but evidently, not having this kind of job is not enough indication of how much you can change me. Forgive me for being too articlulate, too handsome, too indpendently sexy - thus too intimidating for you. And forgive me for not having the kind of rogue boyish qualities, raving temper-tantrums, self-centered ticks, and cheating tendencies that most men you are use to dealing with possess. In my own defense, that is not the man I strive to be and its certainly not the man I presented myself to be. For all the crying and galavanting about how much you need a good man in your life - you are the one incabable of accepting such a thing. Therefore, I take my exit in your life and bid to you that one day you will break the cycle that has encased your mind in its own psychological war. Pretty girl, your looks will take you only so far, but the void that is your personality will one day be your strong suite. My only hope, is that one day the veil is lifted and you understand the true message behind my words, you understand me for who I am, and I accept you for exactly who you are - just another female, just another girl, an open letter to you - my hypothetical ex-girlfirend.
.. Featured New Music to Cop

Arpil 24, 2009
"An Open Letter to Ciara (from Sanspiracy)

Dear Ciara,
I was a big fan of yours when you stepped into Aaliyah's lane upon her untimely death to grab some shine and team up with Petey Pablo for the chart topping "Goodies". I was even front and center when you dropped "Evolution" and continued charting crunk pop and R&B territory with an offering that, although filled with studio gimmicks, was a pretty solid offering for an artist with such a limited vocal range. But then came "Fantasy Ride" a project purported to be 3-disc release that then turned into a one disc turd and this ladies and gentleman is where the wheels began to fall off.
Ohh Ciara, how wayward you have become. Your video for the recyled, cheap "Love, Sex, and Magic" with Justin Timberlake (that by the way, was dropped off his own project - "Futuresex/Lovesongs") only goes to show how much you have been turned out by tinseltown. Lets forgive the obvious swagger jacking to focus on how everything is on display but your music. With hardly any dancing to its credit, JT get yet another pass to objectify black women in a conept that has you looking like a coked out, 60's club whore. Ciara, you are a very sexy and pretty girl, but I never imagined that you would slip into the role of vixen and put your snatch on display in order to sell records.
Speaking of records, then there is the dics, much delayed, much overhauled by concept and idea - most of the tracks, if not all, have leaked months if not years ago and now the whole thing is online for those savy or stupid enough to even download it. The tracklisting alone inspires groans. With guest appearances from JT, Ludacris, Missy Elliot, The Dream, Young Jeezy, and Chris Brown (Man, the Chris brown track is pure comedy), the album is basically dead upon arrival and a mishmash of styles that culminates into a migrane headache. If anything, your music only makes an argument for how Aailyah inevitably left a huge legacy to be filled. Sadly, your heels are not big enough to step into her shoes.
Every single track on your album is bad - which now I understand why the 17 differnt release dates, but why they didn't just can the project all together and start anew ala Mya is beyone me. In fact, like Mya's exceptional "Sugar and Spice" (no sarcasm intended) maybe this should have been a Cambodia only release. Poor thing, its really time for you to hang your tacky lacefronts up and maybe think of joining the cast of the "Justice League Superheroes" show at Six Flag Magic Mountain. Now that is a fantasy I could endure and swallow a little bit easier.

Arpil 24, 2009
"Going GaGa for CaCa (from Sanspiracy)

Over the past couple of weeks I have read several music criticisms of Ms. Caca and I would have to say that I disagree with them on a couple of points. For one, Lady Caca is immensely innovative. I mean, who else could take two old prosthetic legs and turn them into a pair of thigh high boots. The umbrella, the slight nod to the pan pacific, yes, Lady Gaga is indeed everything that is wrong with music today. But then, why do I like her so much.
Maybe its her "devil may care" attitude or the fact that in a stage were most artist are stagnant and robotic, she comes across as a burst of fresh air by way of a Clockwork Orange and meth. The truth of the matter is that she is an amalgamation or a matriculation (depending on how you look at it) of Madonna and Bjork and has brandished a page in the material girls playbook by being a cameloeon to the media. But I feel that once she has had fun rumaging through the aformentioned divas old touring closets that there won't be much allure to Ms. Gaga. I mean, her music is complete garbage...but to boot, its fun garbage. I can't say that I am a fan of her tunes, but then again, this is the masterwork behind her allure. She is outwright and in your face about being the premiere prefabricated, premanufactured artist cut from a high gloss magazine. In fact, I would be hard pressed to call Gaga "talented" for she is born out of the toxic wasteland that music has become over the past 10 years or so in which talent has been pushed to the side and then off the page for perception and Image.
To be apropos, there isn't an artist I can think of say in the past 10 years or so other than say Ashanti, who has been so shallow of a musical artist and completely gloated about their lack of talent. The fact that she is following in the footsteps of say Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as being one of the few debut female artist to have back to back number ones is even funnier. Are peoples taste in music this fical or is the competition just that bad.
The thruth is that music in this day and age has become the afterthough with the artist becoming mere walking brand extentions. I mean, who really goes and buys music anymore....that concept died with the demise of the record store (I miss you Tower Records and Virgin Records). But don't get it twisted, I'm not condoning piracy (I mean I don't want to lose my newly self-appointed, completely unpaid post as a blogger). But that brings up an interesting point. Music is so disposable now that the average consumer finds no value in purchasing the cd case, and booklet of pretty pictures (the music on the disc is irrelevant). As I say that, I click on Imeem to check out "The Famewhore" or whatever its called in its entirety - its the first time I've heard this mess - and all I keep thinking is "who is this bullshit made for" and why would anyone ever buy it.
If you can believe it, Lady Caca was signed to Def jam records by LA Reid when she was 19 years old but was dropped from the label after three months. Then nine years later music executive Vincent Herbert signed her to Interscope to write for artist such as Fergie, The Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, and New Kids on the Block before Akon got a hold of her and "The Famewhore" came to be. Judging by the roster, Caca was spreading her poison hard and fast long before she started sporting triangle dresses and soap bubble summer dresses. Man what the decade could have been without her.

Arpil 24, 2009
"Exciting news folks!!! The Weekly has a new baby brother called Sanspiracy
Check out the new blog at http://sanspiracy.blogspot.com/

February 18, 2009
"Waiting for the Watchmen: Isn't this the Point of it All"

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo .

Yeah, I have to admit I can't wait for the Watchmen to come out cause honestly, its sure to be the best movie I have seen all year...well that and Coraline (go figure). Anyhow, Mr West strikes again accompanies by his 808's and heartstrings, but the video above for his latest offering "Welcome to Heartbreak" directed by photographer Nabil Elderkin is the stuff that post utopian dream are made of. Morosely cinematic, creative in execution, minimal in concept but big on artistry - this video is precisely the point of it all...video as marketing tool. I have to admit, I wasn't at all impressed by the moody, self important, not so career killing as I thought "808s and Heartbreak" but this video inevitably forced me to revisit the album with a serious listen instead of a side eye and a chuckle. Say what you will about Mr. West, and I will, but he is a master Autuer when it comes to video treatments for his sometimes underwhelming choice of singles (the above being the case). But he is also one of the few artist that would so boldly make such a left turn in his career and embrace the artistry of his craft rather than the receipts of his labor.

January 27, 2009
"Legal SideBar: Less Talk More Walk aka Afro Samurai"
Its funny how the mind works in times of fatigue and distress. Or to be more apropos, maybe I should state that is funny how the mind perceives and eschews things in times of fatigue and distress. I should know, for I have been at this plateau many times, caught deep in meditation, in the rural town of Inakadate, samuarai sword in hand, practicing mental Seppuku for the master who correctly taught me the art of defense, but assumed rather incorrectly the misuse of such a force as derived to inflict pain upon oneself.
I can hear his words and teaching running through my head as I venture around the rice fields to reveal something that I hadn't seen in a long time.....clarity. And then, reality sets in as I take the bloody sword, remove my king's crown, remove the target scroll from my garment and whisper....softly.....agressively....I need to speak to my lawyer.
Upon my return to the states, I can think of only one thing. Other than the extended solitude I packed with me, my thoughts trail past "Skeleton boy" by Friendly Fires pulsating through my ear on my ipod to the list of grievances I burnt by the riverbend my last day in Inakadate. This retched scroll, filled with names of targets I was to dispose of an behaviors I was to exonerate had become the death of me. Sinking me deeper and deeper into the pit of Zethura......the god of depression. Zethura, being my masters namesake, had several acquaintances with me, but this was the only time I requested a legal sidebar with him to talk about the tenets of my duty and the consequence of giving up my vice.
Yes, its been three weeks since that sidebar and my lawyer still won't return my calls. But instead of absorbing a perspective of "Me against the world". I really have to be more honest with myself and take responsibiltiy for my actions. Gone are the days were a good dotcom tounge lashing would calm my soul and allow me to regain perspective. Now I chose to spread messages that are more inspirational by nature. So with this being said, what the hell am I exactly talking about.
In short, Seppuku, but not how it pertains to life and death and more so how it applies to separating yourself from the things that will kill you anyway. The new list of grievances I received in the states is in fact far shorter than the one I burnt in Inakadate, doesn't contain names of people I'm supposed to off, and only asks 3 simple request of myself. That I take steps to live and be healthier, that I learn to control my anger, and that I learn to communicate my feelings in a way that isn't self destructive to myself. I would have to admit, if I had my vice, these things would be easier to accomplish, but I supposed that is the point of receiving the list now, is that I work on the things my vice inevitably postponed in my growth as a human being.
So to cope, I have learned to enhance my body, to build it up as if building a diesel wall made of pure titanium. I work out and I go for walks throughout the day, but today was the first time that said walk actually connected with the outcome I foresee. "Less Talk More Walk" isn't an original concept by any means and I may receive a seize and desist order for its use (haha...maybe then my lawyer will call me back) but it has been my mantra for overcoming my demons.
It has since been renamed "the Signs of life tour" to get around the legal snafu and as the weeks roll by, I have come to appreciate it more and more for in these moments throughout the day, I get to see life in shades of gritty, urban, suburban, black, white and grey. Armed with an arsenal of genre defying music - this is my only weapon against the outside world. Gone is the samurai sword, but the kings crown remains and eternal metaphor painted upon my smile when a genuine gesture is thrown my way. Sometimes, this is as simple as a smile or an inquisitive glance, signs that humanity exist in the warriors who approach me with their embattled spirits.
I see others on my journey, taking the same walk....armed with the same technology and I smile. For instead of rice fields, my backdrop is now the industrial metropolis known as westwood. My cloak and shield are now designed by H&M and my hubris has given way to inebriated confidence. Well I wish to be sober damn it, so I take this walk today and everyday and continue my journey onward and nod at my comrades. I take in the glances of the restaurant owners and barber shop jocks, mail carriers, the homeless, and other corporate clones realizing that we obey a new master. Only this masters intentions are fical, and he pays no respect a character - it doesn't matter how smart, how educated, or skilled you are or are not. Everyone can play if the right capital is in the left hand.
So instead of abandoning my ambitions to cynicism, I turn them over to hope and march on. This time listening to "Lovesick" by Friendly Fires and understanding that instead of cursing my daily existence, that I can tap into my life at any point and time by engaging this walk. for today was the first time that said walk actually connected with the outcome I foresee. With the outcome being the power to understand and relate to people in ways that don't encapsulate them in my judgment, the power to live for the forest and not the trees, and the power to see the big picture even when the small cogs threaten to beat me out of my sanity. "Less talk more walk" or err the "Signs of Life Tour" is a mantra for me to fill my spirit less with the rumblings of my frustration and for me to appreciate the tangible and intangible lessons that I have receive and will receive on my journey. For I don't attribute value to what one has accumulated more so than what one has learned.
So when the next wave of fatigue and distress hits, time will only tell how effectively these words will hit their intended target. Lets just hope it doesn't involve a call to my lawyer, and a one way ticket clear across the universe. These missions have become taxing, my lawyers droll mentally stigmatizing, and I have come to love my new home. I can see my master back in Inakadate head cocked back, perched upon Bouton Hill, overlooking the ricefields saying to me.....live your life full of abundance.....live your life for you and those you love...be thankful for the human footprint that guides your life......think of this on your journey...this will be your espcape....Less talk.....in a couple of hours, get your ass back to walking.

January 15, 2009
"Numb Nuts Corner: No Texting While Driving"
So as you know, January 1st marked the first day of the ohh so logical No Texting While Driving Law. But never fret....although highly toted, this is but one of 834 new bills that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law in 2008. Another, that was somehow remissed is AB 1165 - Persons convicted of driving under the influence may not operate a vehicle with any alcohol whatsoever in their bloodstream. Good that they tell us these things eh. Well, the no texting thing only got under my skin cause I was struggling to figure out how such a thing could be regulated and what the fines are. I mean, logically, it would have made so much more sense to issue this into affect instead of the fucking hands free bullshit which urks the hell out of me because it seems to insight more probability for an accident. Like the majority of other logically sensible drivers, I don't drive around with the earpiece just in my ear and when the phone rings I usually have to scrounge around looking for the damn thing and plug it into the phone before the call hangs up which takes my attention away from the road. But bump that.....no texting damnit. And if you do you will be cited $20 for the first infraction and $50 thereafter. But that's not all, local jurisdictions' penalties, assessments and court costs tack on probably three to five times more than that - so expect to flip a rather large bill.
So now that we have the facts out. I would like to propose a logical inquiry into the mindset of "No Texting While Driving". Like.....how do you distinguish dialing a number from texting. Both operations involve looking down and punching numbers so if a cop was to pull you over....how do you contest this. As well, what about Ipod usage....will there be a law next year that says you can't use your ipod in your car anymore....I mean, that involves looking down for an extended period of time. And just so we are being good and subjective, since almost nobody signals that they are doing these activities (I mean nobody is holding their phone up in plain view for everyone to see what they are doing) how will a cop know if you are looking down reading directions, dialing a phone number, texting, or checking your ipod. See, a little confusing. Lets say you were texting.....since there is ample time between said infraction and being pulled over......whats to stop someone from claiming they were looking at directions or checking their pants zipper and how does a cop dispel this rhetoric.
Similarly, I hear that they are trying to create a ban on Digital Billboards until something really silly sounding like 2012 (like what does 3 years change exactly) because they are distracting to drivers and avert eyes away from the road. Very true, they are very distracting if pretty to look at, especially since greedy digital billboard operators try to cram in as many ads in the span of 2 minutes to insight seizures in the masses. My only question here is how else will we find out about missing fugitives.
I don't know....if this is how lobbyist and lawmakers want to spend their time then so be it. But the No Texting Law will only result in a "No Checking your voicemail" law and a "No pulling your phone out of your pocket while driving law" and then that will turn into a "No looking north while talking and driving law" and a "No smiling while driving law". I think its a little overkill and a bit too much common sense for words....but then again. If you have to write that coffee is hot on the cup, then you have to tell someone that texting and driving are a deadly combination...if for no reason other than to save a sea otter or whatever remaining sense these folks do have.

January 12, 2009
"Notes for Survival: First Week of Resolutions"
So for many of you, now is about the time all those resolutions have rightfully flown out the window and landed on their hollowly ambitious, ill-intentioned, self serving, beginnings and ends. I could probably write quite the pragmatic piece on resolutions and the psyche and what exactly it means to declare actions that the mind and body have no intention of executing, however, I rather serve to qualify it with this simple question....what would happen to you and your life if you kept your promises to yourself and actively decided to change your life little by little. I pose this question only really because it has been a week since I have given up a pretty big vice of mine, no need to spell it out here, but its something I have been struggling to give up for some time now. Really, I would have to credit this determination with both my desire to accept more for myself, freeing myself from said addictions, and a simplistic device known as storytelling.
Maybe storytelling is a little misleading as the real culprit is not the storytelling itself, but the moral or message the story is conveying. Case it point, I was out with the girlfriend a couple of weeks ago. We went to church where the message centered on "giving up the Benjamins". No, not money, but those things that we hold on to because we are scared of what would happen if we let them go. When in actuality, if we just let them go, we would receive so much more in return. It got me thinking about the things I so selfishly hold on to and for the first time, I had to question not only my use or abuse of them, but what purpose they hold in my life and how much control they have over it. Being this frank with myself, put a lot in perspective until I came to the conclusion once again, that nothing happens by accident, and that now was inevitably the time to actively make changes in my life instead of just talking about it. At first this was nerve wracking because there is a false sense of security in being a creature of habit and the mind will go leaps and bounds to justify even the silliest element of our lives in order for us to keep our worlds intact. But the more persistent you are, the easier this gets, and the easier it gets, the less varied and practiced it becomes.
Maybe its a by product of getting another year older...maybe the trip to the grand canyon was more life altering than I give it credit for. All I know is that, that was the first time in my life where I actively decided that I was going to "release control". So went all my insecurities, fears, doubts, hinderences, hatred, lonliness, until I emerged a new being - a new being who seeks truth and understanding above all other and who was set on a new journey of change. I'm still guarded as all get-out....but you can't change everything at once...haha. In fact, I see it less as guard and more as access and fyi, everyone just should not have access to your life. Especially when you are taking steps toward making it about something.
If you are reading this, now is probably the point where you are wondering where this is all coming from and what this is motivated from. Well, by giving up my vice, I have indefinably been transitioned out of my cynical viewpoint and approaching something that just stops short of complete optimism. I'm still a skeptic and have a hard time opening up, but I feel like these things will also receive the blessing that giving up said vice has bestowed on certain areas of my life. As well, I believe in paying it forward and know that many of you do read these entries and my words for you would be simply to stay strong - your encouragement is out there and if you are reading this, it is not by accident. With my vice, I have been lucky to have folks that are very happy for my change and man, I gotta thank Jovial (JJ) for his words on the subject because I refer to them daily - "you feel so good about yourself that you've accomplished something that is so freakin hard to do". I would have to say that even at this point, I feel good that I have accomplished the near impossible and this, in effect, is where character comes into play...this is where growth takes place.
Here, I present my survival guide to you for weary, lonely resolutions that have good intentions but no one to guide them into fruition. For the wayward soul that seeks change, but is too bombarded by familiarity to chart and conquer the road less taken. Its only your life we are talking about here......and none of us are getting any younger so its time we all actively take steps a) to encourage one another and b)be examples to these changes as testament. So I pose the question again, really...what would happen to you and your life if you kept your promises to yourself and actively decided to change your life little by little. What would happen if you chose to listen to the clues that are thrown at you daily instead of shooing them off or putting them off for another day. Would you increasingly become happier about yourself and your choices, would you finally be happy and free, would your life be without drama. The results may vary, but it really shouldn't take such a storytelling device to get your attention and if it does...be very conscious of the timing and the moral of the story cause the overall impact may be more profound than you know at the time.....sorta like taking a random trip to the grand canyon, sorta like being inspired to write a blog entry, sorta like deciding to share it with the world, if nothing to inspire and celebrate the lessons learned in the first week of keeping resolutions.

January 6, 2009
"Thanks for making 31 The Best Birthday I've Ever Had"

Yo.....to everyone that called, emailed, shouted me out on Facebook, Myspace, tried to show up/showed up for the party.....thank you so much...seriously....because I absolutely had the time of my life and a super kick ass time. Happy New Year to everyone and here's a toast to seeing more of Yall in 09 (enjoy the photos).