What More Can I Say?

2010-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

</embed><br /> <a href="http://www.nick.com/videos/">True Jackson VP: "True's New Assistant"</a> You will never guess who True's new assistant is!

Raw Footage: Transformers 2

2009-02-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

If I see one movie this summer...IT WILL BE THE TRANSFORMERS

Raw Footage: Sort of

2009-02-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Here is my FAVORITE Cosby Show Opening

The Octuplet's mother

2009-02-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

Recently in the news a California woman gave birth to octuplets in

January. She's been getting a lot of flack for having this 8 children in addition to the 6 children who are currently with her ages 2-7

Outside of her being unemployed and living w/ moms, I don't understand why this is a story. My wife's grandmother on her father's side had @ least 10 kids. One of my best friend's growing up had 7 siblings in addition to him. Maybe this chick (I believe her name is Nadya) wants to be a mother...don't knock her for it.

for those of you who think she's dumb, I bet we all are currently living w/ at least 3 dumb decisions we've made in our lives. Do we need to get some cameras in your life and have ppl blog about your perceived mistakes?

That being said, Nadya...RIGHT ON TO YA. Don't know how you make it thru the day (b/c my 14 month old daughter be runnin me and the Mrs ragged). But that joy you get from the interatction of your 14 children must be priceless...

From the guy who's happy Omar Epps I mean Mike Tomlin won the Super Bowl

B. Holcomb

In My Mind Part II

2009-01-27T17:26:00.000-08:00

1. Would Pepe Le Peu be considered a rapist in 2009?

2. So I'm excited President Obama gets to keep some form of a PDA...while he serves as commander in chief. But those people who have special access to the President's PDA (READ: email addy), will they have to get a special device on their end??

3. As of January 27th, 2009, how come in the tv show "Lost"; Walt doesn't have to come back to the island?

In My Mind...

2009-01-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

Zoe 101

My wife will be the first to tell you, when I develop a celebrity

crush, I become a closet stalker of said person. So when I learned the news that Zoe Salanda (pictured above) will be playing the role of my old school Star Trek crush in the upcoming Star Trek movie (LT Uhura played by the lovely Nichelle Nichols pictured below) I was happier than R. Kelly @ a debutante ball

Zoe hit my radar around 01/02 when she played Nick Cannon's love intrest in the movie Drumline...then I remember seeing her in an episode of Law & Order SVU (a show I just began watching in 2006...I know. She was also in the first "Pirates of the Carribbean" movie. (she had a small role, and if you blinked you missed her). She was also in that movie "The Terminal" starring Tom Hanks...ironically she played a Trekkie in that film (lol). Regardless, I'm hype for this new Star Trek Movie:

Sylar from "Heroes" is playing Spock. And the underrated actor Eric Bana is playing the movie's antagonist a Romulan (I think he's a Romulan) named "Nero". My only "concern" is that JJ Abrams is directing this joint. Brilliant Sci-Fi mind, but damnit if he doesn't quit confusing me w/ "Lost"...

Here is a teaser poster with Zoe as Uhura...

Super Bowl EX EL Eye Eye Eye (43)

I'm torn this year about who to root for in this year's Super Bowl. I'm

a fan of Omar...I mean Mike Tomlin (Head Coach of the Steelers) but I also like Kurt Warner (Our former QB, who brought us our first and only Super Bowl Championship). But I don't want the Bidewell family (Owners of the Cardinals) to win. Not only that, but b/c the Cardinals in the Super Bowl a lot of the "hype" isn't there this year...We'll see what happens. Peace to my man CJ who was able to score some tix to the big game...

The Inauguration

Courtney and I were fortunate enough to be in Washington DC "amongst the people" (Peace to my man Steve and his lady Rikah) during the inauguration ceremony. Below is footage from our point of view

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr4OIbC18Gk

WARNING: I apologize in advance for the "Blair Witch" presentation...but this video is still worth sharing!

Twitter

Lastly...I'm on Twitter y'all! Peace once again to the Diva for hippin' me to "the next big social network device but I didn't get it at first". Regardless though, feel free to follow me on Twitter at: bholcomb

later

I'M BACK!

2008-11-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'll be honest. Life just got in my way. Everytime I had

an idea to blog about, something else came up, and then my idea became stale. Let me give you some brief updates as to what happened since I gave my review of "American Gangster"

1) The Patriots lost the Super Bowl & Eli Manning won a Super Bowl Ring
2) Tiger Woods won the US Open on damn near one leg
3) Knight Rider came back to TV (and man, K.I.T.T. simply does too much for even my standards
4) Barack Obama, defeated the Clinton legacy & the Republican party to become the 44th president of the United States (see immediate blog below)
5) and lastly, my wife Courtney gave birth to our first baby girl named Ava Rose. She was born on Sunday November 18th, 2008 @ 3:47am. 4lbs, 10 oz (I forgot how long she was; but here is how she looks 50 weeks later:

So that's little mama, ready to turn 1...now, directly below is my post about the rise of Barack H. Obama, our 44th President

B.Holcomb

This wasn't supposed to happen like this

2008-11-06T14:52:00.001-08:00

It all started for me back in October, 1984 when I first heard Eddie Murphy draw the comparison as to how "in shape" Jesse Jackson would be because he’d constantly be running while delivering his state of the union address if Jesse were elected president of the United States. A black president…even 21 years after the “Dream” speech was still a laughable topic amongst the American culture.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

July 28, 2004. While my then fiancée and I were laughing about possible personality clashes to occur during our wedding, I had turned on the tv and there was this man speaking at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He fit the description you’re all too familiar with from the storybooks…tall, dark & handsome….but damn his ears were big. However, his voice was Oprah Winfrey, Master Yoda, Keith Jackson & EF Hutton. A voice that commanded your attention, and the more he spoke, the more people listened. Then he was running for (and would win) a US Senate seat from the state of Illinois. His message was constant through his speech “Hope is on the way”. His name was Barrack H. Obama

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

December 14th, 2006. Courtney & I hosted a white elephant exchange gift party at our home. During the gift exchange, one of the attendees unwrapped a gift that was a book penned by the man I described above. The title “The Audacity of Hope”. Jokingly I shouted “That’s our next president everybody” and Courtney and I entered a stance that mimicked John Carlos & Tommie Smith on the medal podium during the 1968 Summer Olympics. The rumor was slowly turning into a strong buzz, but nobody took it seriously then.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

February 2007, Springfield, IL Barrack Obama announced his candidacy for president of the United States. “No way” your average Californian would say. “who is this guy?” would be Kobe Bryant’s response. “He’s a long shot” your Fox News correspondent would say…the democratic nomination was all Hillary R. Clinton’s. December, 2007, my sister (who maybe one of 31 black people in the state of Iowa) called me to let me know she had received a Holiday card from the Obama family. On the front was a picture of Barrack, Michelle, & their daughters Milea & Sasha. This guy won’t win. But that’s an earnest effort to get my sister’s vote during the upcoming Caucus. Later, Oprah Winfrey would endorse Barrack Obama, the reaction…Oprah’s a traitor.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

January 3rd, 2008, Barrack Obama won the Iowa Caucus..”. Then Barrack split the delegate count of the New Hampshire primary w/ Hillary. Then Barrack would win South Carolina. Then Barrack would emerge as a legit contender from the infamous “Super Tuesday”. Suddenly states that never voted in the primary had a voice in the upcoming months. People who couldn’t tell you what an electoral vote was, began quoting political blogs they read on huffingtonpost.com We were experiencing something unreal. A movement unlike anything we’ve felt before.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

Forced to denounce and disown the Pastor who married his wife and baptized his children. Forced to deliver a dynamic (yet necessary) speech about race relations in America. Forced to defend himself because “he delivers great speeches”, defend himself because “he’s out of touch w/ the common man, and has never had to struggle…an elitist if you will”. Yet come out on top as the 2008 Democratic nominee. No, it wasn’t supposed to happen.

A black man, being called a Socialist, and being associated by others labeled as anti-American. Others who hatched internal plots within the United States while Barrack was 8 years old. While campaigning against the personification of what the American dream by the alias of Joe the Plumber.

“Do you understand he wants to tax you forever?”
“Do you understand he wants to engage in civil talks with our enemies abroad?”
“Do you understand that he’s never had to work hard in his life?”
“Do you understand he’s not one of us?”

No. This wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

The night of November 4, 2008, Courtney, myself and our then 11 month daughter Ava went over to a friend’s house to watch the Returns. I wore my “THAT ONE 08” T-SHIRT, Courtney had on a t-shirt with a picture of her family that was taken at a family reunion decades ago. At that time, I didn’t understand why THAT T-SHIRT of all t-shirts? But it would later make sense to me.

By the time we arrived @ our friend’s house, including us there were 6 people, 6 cell phones, 5 cupcakes, 4 bottles of Gatorade, 3 laptops, 2 televisions, 2 pizzas and 1 overall feeling that we could potentially be witnessing history. The night began troublesome, as Ava was under the weather, and McCain had jumped out to an 8-3 electoral vote lead (he won Kentucky, Barrack won New Hampshire)…but it was early. As Ava began to feel a little better and the pizza began settling into our stomachs, more “projections” were coming in…McCain had a slight lead over Obama. The room…was cautiously optimistic but prepared for thse worse

As 7:35pm CST approached, a game changer happened…Ava suddenly felt like a brand new baby, and began pushing her stroller like she had been walking for 12 months! As she laughed & paraded around the room, George Stephanopolis had just announced to us that Barrack Obama had won the state of Pennsylvania. It’s 21 electoral votes suddenly gave Obama a lead…more projections would come in, a state here to McCain…a couple of more states for Obama this was the pattern until about 8:30pm CST…where suddenly Obama had 207 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win…McCain had 83.

As the conversation changed to dynamics in our workplace, to commonalities shared bw the two married couples to “What if Obama wins?” I immediately replied “we need to scream our loudest pop champagne like we won the championship!”. More projections were coming in. McCain was inching closer, but John King had said “at this point in the race, it looks bleek for McCain” But I knew from past elections that anything could happen. I encouraged the members at our party to “Wait until the PST (pacific Standard Time Zone) close their polls.” Barrack stood @ 207 electoral votes still.

At 10pm CST, Wolf Blitzer made 2 announcements. The first being that New Mexico was awarded to Barrack Obama, and the second one BARRACK OBAMA WINS THE ELECTION. Immediately Courtney asked “What does Fox News call?” As we flipped to Fox News, (whose fair & balanced reporting were lapdogs for John McCain & Sarah Palin), Brit Hume announced “and as the polls in California, Oregon & the state of Washington close, Fox News reports that Barrack Obama has won the 2008 presidential election. As Ava was asleep, the remaining 5 adults in the room were in stunned disbelief…then I uttered softly “…he did it y’all.”

I looked around the room and sound the quietest sound of joy I’ve ever experienced. From smiles, to tears, as we sat and watched Fox News show the cheering from Grant Park in Chicago, to the students in Indonesia, to people in Kenya dancing, the pure elation was unparalleled, then a cell phone rang, then a text message indicator went off. “He did it ya’ll”

History was made. Suddenly it made sense why my wife had a picture of her family on her t-shirt…they saw what she saw. They saw what we saw.

Overjoyed
Blessedness
Amazement
Monumental
Admiration

How do I feel?

As we approach the 48th hour of the announcement that the 44th president of the United States is named Barrack Hussein Obama, I’m still in disbelief. But I wanna shout like I just just won the Masters Golf Tournament by a record 12 strokes. I wanna sing like I’m the greatest pop artist of my time opening up for Super Bowl XXV, I wanna cry as if I’m one of the greatest players in NBA History and I finally won my first NBA title. But I can’t…I’m still on the barstool @ my mans house on Tuesday November 4th @ 10pm CST

I’m still receiving emails from people who I thought didn’t know what a filibuster was
I’m still receiving text messages from people who have never donated one cent to a political campaign
I’m still receiving phone calls from friends who are expressing their happiness as pure silence. Friends who always have something to say to me

I never appreciated the importance of Jackie Robinson’s legacy until I was 9. But I can imagine seeing a Negro play professional integrated baseball was at one time a joke to my grandmother and others of her generation. But very common place in 2008

I never appreciated Thurgood Marshall’s legacy on the United States Supreme Court until I was 14 years old. But I can imagine seeing a Black man nominated as a US Supreme Court Justice was at one time a joke to my parents and others of their generation. But very commonplace in 2008.

And for me, imagining a black man, a demographic who the United States society expects NOTHING from, assume the position of president of the United States on January 20th, 2009 was certainly a joke to me, my wife, my best friend and others in our generation as recent as January 2007
.
But to my daughter Ava Rose Holcomb who turns one year old in a fortnight, and others in her generation, will they appreciate this by 2012? Maybe. 2016? Perhaps. But when she and her generation are old enough, to know that they can reference Barrack Obama as their example that people can truly be judged by the content of their character, and can achieve anything in their lifetime…makes the shock and awe of what happened this past Tuesday night slowly transform into quiet joy for me. I guess it was supposed to happen...just like this

American Gangster: The Jay-Z album

2007-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

When I first heard of the news that Jay was going to drop yet another CD; this one based off the film American Gangster You can imagine that I had reservations . These reservations were further confirmed when I heard the first single Blue Magic which lead to my questioning in the previous post below.

Then I heard "Roc Boys (..And the winner is)" and absolutley LOVED IT!! So as of October 17th 2007, Sean Carter is 1 for 2 on the new album. At this moment I have to shout out my man Jamal Jackson (b/k/a Jay-Z Zombie #4) for letting me know that this new album is supposed to be a concept album . So I'm lovin' the "Roc Boys" single and can't wait to HEAR the rest of the CD.

In preperation for this CD, I watched BET's American Gagnster profile on Frank Lucas on Wed Oct 31st. On Friday The Court and I doubled w/ Jamal and his now finacee (CONGRATS TO YOU AND JAMYLAH) (Editor's Note: You can check Jamaylah and the the thoughts of her crew right here )

and saw the movie American Gangster starring Denzell Washington & Russell Crowe

(BTW I wonder if in some circles, Russell Crowe's name appears before Denzell Washington).

So now I have some background. On November 6th, I purchased the CD, processed it, and I have to say it's pretty damn good! Below is a brief song by song snynopsis of what I feel Jay-Z was trying to convey in American Gangster

Track #1 intro An Introduction.

Track #2-Pray . Here I believe is where a man is at the crossroads of either staying in the drug game or living a legitimate life. The song goes on to weigh the pros and cons of both situations, and the man is asking you to pray for him
(This song also features Beyonce' doing the speaking parts)

Track #3-American Dreamin' . By now the man in track #2 has decided to continue in the drug game, and the stage is set to begin the conquest of becoming the ultimate Kingpin
(Editor's Note: The production on this track is wonderful!)

Track #4-Hello Brooklyn 2.0 f/ Lil Wayne . Okay first and foremost, I believe there is an industry ploy to make everyone believe Wayne is a good lyricist. No Wayne really sucks! Ok now that that's off my chest, off first instance, I couldn't stand this cut...but after listening to what this song is trying to say. I'm a fan of this joint

This song goes into the man's start of the drug game in Brooklyn, NY. It's sort of ironic in the sense, that he's speaking about his love for the borough, but @ the same time his familiarity w/ the borough makes it a perfect place to serve as homebase for his drug operations. Thank you Brooklyn, NY

Track #5- No Hook . This song is demonstrative of Jay-Z's raw flow. The song is entitled No Hook, and it speaks to The Man's process in building his empire. He's made the decision to stay in the game, he starts in Brooklyn, making a name for himself now he wants to bring his family in and begin his own Kingpin family

Track #6- Roc Boys (...And The Winner is). Again, I absolutley love this song! This song is a celebration of the success the family has gained through the drug game.

(The Fortissimo sound of the horns are ridiculous crazy )

Track #7- Sweet . So after the party is over, this is a reflection of the product...the product of being a drug kingpin, the product of drugs, the proudct of the customers. Listening to the lyrics it takes a reflective view now that the man's family is in the game with him...does he feel bad they followed his footsteps? Does he feel bad the community is slowly tearing apart? Not yet...b/c it's a sweet life

(Production on this track is great also!)
Track #8- I know . My man Jamal and I had to agree to disagree on this song (although I believe I'm correct). Jamal believes this song is a personfication of Heroin...which if you listen to the first 3 lines of the song, one could draw that conclusion easily. However after listening to the entire song I felt that this song is a personification of overall "addiction". The addiction to drugs, the addiction to stay high...the overall feeling you get to stay high.
(Initially I didn't think this song fit w/ the overall mood of the CD, b/c it lacked that 70s feel that was being heard up until this point. But again, after I listened and understood this song I grew to appreciate it...and the beat does actually work w/ this song; in it's own unique way continuing w/ the 70s vibe) Editor's Note: Hello Brooklyn lacks a 70's vibe also

Track #9-Party Life . This song is more like "I know" part II. Just delves deeper into the game, that feeling of addiction, and continued attitudes from getting high.
(Unforunatley, this song could've been left off the album, as I'm really not digging it all that much)
Track #10- Ignorant Sh** f/ Beannie Siegel . This song is pretty special to me, as it was the last song I heard before I walked down the aisle on July 30, 2004. So why is this song on this album in 2007? I don't get it. As much I love this song, it just doesn't fit on this album. The only rationale I can provide for this is this song explains that the drug game can get you so messed up that shit (life) just becomes ignorant? That's a stab...and I consider myself pretty good at turning the abstract into tangible thoughts and ideas.

Editor's Note: So by now I've heard 3 versions of this song:

The first version I've owned was a version w/ DJ Don D'Marco (a mixtape DJ). And it's great; minus the fact that in classic mixtape fashion Don D'Marco (or DMiggs for the Snoop inclined) is shouting over the mixtape...not necessary, but you still enjoy the vibe
The 2nd version I recently heard came from my man FP. Many of you have seen these intials before in previous blogs as I reference him as being one of the only people who catches my dry humor moments and random pop culture references. FP gave me a version of the song w/o a mixtape DJ...but right before the hook of this song it sounds like the folks in the engineering booth were like "OKay, pause the track right here and put an explosion sound...RIGHT THERE FOOL! YEA THAT'S HOT; NOW UNPAUSE THE TRACK". So the sound is very discombobulated
Lastly is this album version on American Gangster. I understand Seigel is about to drop an album in the first quarter of 2008, and Beans (Seigel) is one of the more productive members of the Roc-A-Fella family (although I thought Beannie Seigel went w/ the Dame Dash Music Group); but I feel it was a mistake to let him get on this song. I think if this was my first time hearing this song, I wouldn't mind; but pre conceived notions have runined the song for me

Overall, I'll stick w/ my little mixtape version that's on my iPod ; back to my breakdown

Track 11-Say Hello . Every gangster film, piece etc. needs a "Say Hello to the Bad Guy" anthem right? Well here it is.
(Sorry I don't have much to say about this track, but I always find myself stuck on the Ignorant Shit point made above)

Track 12-Success f/ Nas . So this is the part of the movie where everything is going good, and the producers, directors are setting you up for the big fall. But this is usually that last big party, where something is said to the wrong person and you know the kingpin is gonna pay in the end. This song reflects on the evolution of the kingpin and describes what success is @ the ultimate peak. This is far and away my favorite cut on the CD...But when is Jay-Z going to learn to not have guest artists who do better than him on his own isht? (i.e. Renegade f/ Eminem...which btw, you've never seen a Jay-Z Eminiem collaboration again have you?)

Track 13-Fallin'. So Track #12 was the Climax, and now Track 13 "Fallin" details the Falling action (for my English Lit inclined). This too is an enjoyable song, and can you believe Jermaine Dupri produced this song?

The remaining tracks are bonus tracks. ONe is the very terrible "Blue Magic" that I refuse to comment on, and the other track "American Gangster" reminds me of the 1992 classic "Tonite" by DJ Quik "Cause as soon they come, we doin' the same ol shit TONIGHT!!!"

Peace to all who continue to shout me out in your respective blogs, conference calls & happy hour conversations. As I tell people, I'm not really a funny dude, I'm just the guy that speaks about all the activities happening in my life

On a parting note, wifey is due by December 12th. I have no idea how many weeks she is, but she's due by December 12th. I will do my best to update continue to update the blog once a month about the redefintion of my life (B Holcomb: The parenting chronicles) in addition to my commentary of the game we called life..but keep in mind that creativity cannot be forced (Peace to Aaron McGruder)

oh yea The American Gangster album...I give it a solid 4.25 mics! (out of 5)

From the guy who always wonders how do seeing eye dogs know exactly where to go

B. Holcomb

Retirement Plans?

2007-10-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick observation. But out of these three below, who do you think has the worse pension plan?

A) Jay-Z
B) Roger Clemmens or
C) The Mc Rib Sandwich

Why won't any of these people (things) stay retired???

Raw Footage: Common-I want you

2007-10-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

New single from Common (and one of my fav's off the Finding Forever album)

Peace to 2nd crush, Kerry Washington for her directorial debut!

I live for the love of Hip Hop but..

2007-10-25T15:15:00.001-07:00

...some of us cannot let it dominate our everyday lives.

As I was walking out of the 7 & 11 to fulfill my vitamin water fix

, this sista runs up behind me and says

"You know you're no longer supporting 50 when you buy that stuff?" Puzzled, I began to look @ my vitamin water. I had the essential (orange/tangerine) flavor, and I saw "Glaceau" on the bottle...but no sign of 50. Still curious I responded with

"This isn't Fif's flavor"

"No I'm serious" (she really did have a serious look on her face) "50 sold Vitamin Water to Coca-Cola"

"What???" (those of you know me, can imagine the look on my face)

"Yea, 50 came up with vitamin water and he sold it to Coca Cola & made 1.2 billion"

Amused, yet slightly curious as to if I missed the bus I replied with

"Sista, Fif has his own flavor..and he got 1M out of an endorsement deal...but he did not..."

"YES HE DID" this sista replies adimantly.

"You may wanna check your source; Fif rcvd 1M for endorsing a specific flavor of Vitamin Water, sort of like Tiger Woods and this upcoming flavor of Gatorade, but Fif DID NOT INVENT VITAMIN WATER!"

"Dag, you sound like Kanye West with all that hate...and I didn't know Tiger had his own drink coming out"

From there the conversation transformed into talk about construction surrounding the 7 & 11 that has been occurring forever. We went our seperate ways, but I was really thinking "Fif couldn't have invented vitamin water..." Suddenly it occurred to me

I take quarter water sold it in bottles for 2 bucks,
Coca-Cola came and bought it;
for billions, what the f**k?

---First couple of lines in the song "I get money" by 50 cent

You gotta love the way the world is headed...I wonder how many people @ family bbqs that sista has already misled

Saving Hip hop souls, one person @ a time,

B. Holcomb

The Apple Bus

2007-10-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

First and foremost I'm a hater! In most instances I'm an educated

hater. I've never been one to do what everyone else is doing, never been one to be a part of the crowd...can't give you a legit rhyme or reason as to why, other than there's something written in my DNA to hate.

In November of 1999, I was one of the first people to discover the great concept of Napster. Initially I only shared this great discovery with people I knew who had discriminating taste for music. Then one day in December of 1999, in an effort to date this one random chick, I was telling her about the concept of Napster; 2 years later Napster is served notice from "Too many people downloading non RIAA approved music". I blame myself b/c obviously that chick ran her mowf...needless to say i have no idea where she is, but I digress...

So in 2002, when Apple announced its service to download music for $.99/pop...I was instantly hating.

"Aw man that'll NEVER TAKE OFF"
"What the hell is Apple doing??"
"Why would you need a device to play your mp3s?"

5 years later the name iPod is synonymous with MP3 player as "Kleenex" is to tissue paper and "Tivo" is to recording television. Many of my friends praised how easy the whole process is (Peace to my man Bradley Logan in Chicago, my homegirl Crystal Johnson in Beantown for constantly being in my ear about the reasons I need an iPod).

While everyone was riding the apple bus, I was still storing my mp3s on Flash drives, and boasting about the greatness of Sirius Satellite Radio

(Editor's Note: I still love satellite radio, and for those of you who still listen to commercial radio, you honestly don't know what you're missing).

Fast forward to early October 2007. I went to an after-work event conference event w/ my wife in San Antonio, TX. The sponsoring group took us WAY OUT in the sticks to this place called Knibee (pronounced: Kah-Ni-bee) Ranch.

Editor's Note: All BS aside, this place was actually kinda fun...but back to the story

After dinner @ the ranch, they had a dance instructor teach us how to country line dancing. Needless to say your guy B. Holcomb was all over this like stank on doo doo!! After learning how to "Boot Scoot Boogie" and 3 other dances...they announce that they're going to have a country line dancing contest..and the winner gets an iPod Nano...

...so after I get back to our hotel room, I'm looking @ my brand new iPod Nano (Y'all i tore it up!), I began to get curious about the world of iTunes. I remember cracking the box open and thinking "Wow, this instruction manual is no bigger than a regular flyer to a party...man, maybe it is easy to jump on board. BTW, I wonder how that iPhone is doing...?"

2 weeks from that original thought, after much research and an actual demonstration from one of my co-workers; I am now the proud owner of iPhone, and i gave my iPod to The Court (who was also hating on the Apple experience).

Let me just say that after she actually sat down and understood the capabilities of the iPod, she spent the majority of Monday night uploading her CDs into her newly created iTunes account. Took a 3 hour break to go to a breast feeding class, came back from the class, and continued uploading her CDs. Then she got upset w/ me today b/c I took her car into work (Hey, my whip needed gas, and I was running late) where the majority of the music she listens to resides...so now she has to wait until I get back home tonight to finsh her uploading!

The iPhone

I've been in the market for a new cell phone since about Labor Day, when my phone began to shut off for no apparent reason. This glitch didn't happen too much, but often enough for me to grow concerned. The need for a new cell phone was futher fueled after Courtney came back home w/ a blackberrry curve (That mug is pretty dope BTW)...so I had to step my game up, and I was going back & fourth b/w the Tilt and the iPhone.

Honestly I read so much stuff on the net that had me going back & 4th that I was sharing my confusion w/ a co-worker, who then mentions "Oh I have an iPhone you wanna see it?" From that moment I was sold!

Let me say first and foremost, of all the phones I've ever owned...this is far and away the easiest phone I've ever set up, and I've experenced the least gradual learning curve ever with regards to understanding all this phone can do! (Kinda in line w/ the whole "Apple products are easy to use" tag line. Allow me to continue w/ a brief overview:

Editor's Note: There's a huge chance that I probably won't cover a question you had about the iPhone. For those of you who have my contact information, hit me up and I'll be happy to answer any ?s, or I'll give you a demonstration @ the next HH on demand only...

When I went to purchase the iPhone, a gentleman in the store (who was also interested in the iPhone)who was dissapointed that the iPhone is not a 3G phone. Initially this didn't bother me...but now I can see why that would bother some people. For those who aren't familiar, the term "3G" is equivalent to broadband speeds on your mobile phone. For those of you who use ur phone to email, surf the net, or text message this is an optimal requirement.

The iPhone relys on the AT&T Edge Network, which truth be told is "okay". Fortunately, the feature that allows you to add Wi-Fi is a big help to allow your phone to obtain optimal data transfer speeds. The bad part is, if you're in a non Wi-Fi area, OR you're @ a friends house who has Wi-Fi, but you have to ask him/her for their "passcode" so your phone can share their network. Depending who you are this may not be a bad thing...but you can certainly appreciate how that can be a small bother.

My buddy AG described the function of the phone back in July the best. He said "It's similar to the technology that the Pre-Crime Unit used in the Tom Cruise joint Minority Report (Great movie btw). For those of who I just lost, just picture know this: The whole touch screen functionality of the iPhone is incredible! Everything is operated by "touch". To surf the net...you touch a button, to change pages in the Internet, you touch. To search for music in your iPod...you touch. To call up the phone functionality...you touch. It's pretty nice!

The iPod interface of the iPhone is great also! I've read that this is the best iPod Apple has ever made...and based on what I've seen from other iPods, I can agree. Again the "touch" functionality coupled w/ the visual experience of searching for music...unprecedented.

Let me talk about the Visual Voicemail! Simply put, when you have voicemail, the interface displays like eMail! You're given a display of who called (and if they aren't in your contacts list, the # from where they called displayed), and you can pick and choose which Voicemails that you want to hear first (similar to choosing which email you want to read first). I love it!

Okay, last things I'll say about the iPhone, and those are the things I hate

The inability to support stereo Bluetooth.-The iPhone has a special pair of headphones that comes w/ the device in order for you to maximize your iPod functionality. If you rcv a call, there's a button you click on the headset to pause the music and accept the call. Clicking the same button will return you to your music. Because I find these headphones cumbersome, I would prefer using my bluetooth headset...but @ least I can still use my bluetooth headset as a wireless phone device still.
The inability to receive MMS -MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. IN other words, I cannot send pictures or video; nor can I rcv pictures & video. However I did find a "work around" to sending pictures to friends...but still, why do I need a "work around"? This is supposed to be the phone of phones?? My man seems confident that once Apple allows 3rd party software developers to come on board to the iPhone in Feb 08, this will be one of the upgrades...one can only hope. The good news is on my old phone, I can count how many times I used the video camera (the iPHone lax a video camera...no big deal for me), and how many times I've sent pictures on two hands. I just would hate to miss out on that ONE funny picture that is shared amongst friends, that my iPhone won't be able to receive.

Well, I've talked your ear off about the Apple experience, and the iPhone...needless to say Courtney and I are officially on the Apple bus, and we've probably bought our last big ticket item for the next 5-7 years...in the meantime little mama would be taking ALL of our dough!!!

The guy who'll do better updating his blog,
B. Holcomb

"I still remember the first time i saw that dance It was @ the Yucatan*, and it reminded me of the Peanuts dancing...i think it was the 'and kick' part"---My friend Quia on her initial reaction to the Cupid Shuffle

*-The Yucatan is a bar located in Dallas, TX...she's not referencing the Penisula (sp?)

P.S. Welcome to the blog space 3 of my favorite girls I like to party with (although 1 of them falls asleep b4 midnight on cue) right here

Raw Footage: The original BRAND NEW FUNK

2007-09-19T07:25:00.003-07:00

For my "walk it out" generation. Before Will Smith was an A-list actor, he was doing this:

Raw Footage: Brand New Funk 2k7

2007-09-19T07:25:00.001-07:00

This is the updated Brand New Funk f/ Peddi Peedi (pronoucned Petey Petey)

Raw Footage: Zack of All Trades

2007-08-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

M ost people who know me are surprised @ how sharp my memory

is; especially with matters of the fictional sense.

In reminiscing over the great Luther Vandross (R.I.P. Luther, there will never be another like you) I was reminded of these annimated PSAs (Public Service announcements)that would come on ABC in between cartoons, in place of "School House Rock"

It was called "Zack of all Trades". The premise was simple. This dude named Zack would sing songs (Played by the great Luther Vandross) would appear in people's lives and encourage them to get out and get a job! What a novel concept! Anyway check out this link below to see what I'm talkin' about

Check out Zack!

I told y'all I'm not crazy!!!

B. Holcomb

Raw Footage: My favorite commercial as of now

2007-08-15T10:59:00.001-07:00

Peace to my man Vince Gaines for sharing a similar passion in identfying great commercials.

This commercial was shot prior to Tiger winning the 2007 PGA Championship on August 12th, 2007

"The man from Switzerland" by Tiger Woods

Maddenoliday

2007-08-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

T he day Madden comes out is always a beautiful day.

For one it usually is a bright sunny day
Secondly it's a good opportunity for people who haven't been on their video game program, suddenly resurface when Madden comes out
Most importantly it means football season will arrive shortly!

I just came from the Best Buy closest to my job during lunch today, and I here's what I was able to observe:

(I preface this by saying I was @ a best buy in a rather nice area of Dallas, TX)

Watching both the 360 & PS3 display Madden 08 side by side...there isn't too much difference;
I hate to type this, but I have to give the nod to 360...and that's b/c the presentation looked better; the 360 version also ran a lot smoother (That 60 FPS (frames per second) does make a difference)
When it's raining on the game, the picture is a little fuzzy, and there are some angles, (primarily during instant replay) where you can see the raindrops fall on the camera
There was this one cat there, who was employed by Best Buy, who was the Madden guru. This guy's responsibility was to answer all possible questions about Madden. I'm talkin about the differences in each platforms, the ever popular "What's different about it this year?" question.
BTW, your guy I mentioned in the above bullet point...all he did was play madden the entire time I was there...and he was on the clock!!!

The Low point

While it was great to see so many brothas from various socio-economical classes gathered around the Madden consoles offering up their respective commentary about the game; it was unfortuante that I counted 12 "N" bombs being dropped after a good tackle, a big play or a turnover was made.

Normally I wouldn't be bothered by this, but the fact that we were in a Best Buy in one of more the nice areas of Dallas, TX I was slightly embarassed @ the choice of words used by my brothas to express themselves.

My Retirement ...well sort of

I'm sad to announce that I'm partially retiring from the Madden game as of August 14th 2007.

I pride myself on giving my all in everything I do. I accept the fact that I may not win @ everything I do, but at least people can say "B you put up one hell of a fight"

Madden 03 changed the game completely when they allowed you to play online. Because this was a moment where my friends in San Antonio didn't play video games. So I was still able to connect w/ my friends I went to school with and we got it on.

What was also cool, was the fact that they kept a running total of your W-L record on line. So when others attempted to challenge you, they could view all of your stats, just to get a feel for what kind of player you are.

That being said, year and and year out my winning percentage has been equivalent to a decent batting average in the Major leagues (Read: .250-.300) And while that's good for the majors...that SUX in real life!!!

You mean to tell me, you only win 25 to 30% of your games B????

And I'm a much better player than my record shows (Famous words said by the Detroit Lions).

So as of 8/14/07, I'm partially retired from the game. I won't be as active as I have been in years past, but I'll be down for a game or two (as long as I can still rent the game from Blockbuster)

Sincerely Yours,
The Kid that's everything you wanna be, but have yet to become,

B. Holcomb

Racing maturely

2007-06-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

O kay, I know this isn't "the 100" list...I"m hoping to launch that

by the end of this weekend. However, I have the urge to blog about two specifc items...first off, NASCAR

The first week of May 2007 was rather Earth shattering for me. The Dallas Mavericks got eliminated out of the Association's playoffs & I came to the realization that the St. Louis Cardinals are going to have an uphill climb for the 2007 Major League Baseball season. Coupled with the St. Louis Rams being in training camp, and no decent games being released for the Playstation 3, all I had was my golf game to rely on and various scrubby highlights on Sportscenter to maintain my sports fix. During this lull, I suddenly found myself becomming more knowledgeable about NASCAR

Before you ask, the only really thing I know about NASCAR is that their participants get in a car, drive, and make 3 left turns for at least 150 laps depending on the race, and it's a wrap. (Oh yea, I know that NEXTEL is the title sponsor for the major races and that BUSCH is the title sponsor for the minor leagues).

But recently, Jeff Gordon and last year's Nextel champion Jimmy Johnson have been docked 100 points each in the standings, and their respective crew chiefs have been fined 100 stacks and suspended for six races. This news had me shouting "Man that's unfair!" Again, let me remind you that I also know the following about NASCAR:

Jeff Gordon is one of the most hated drivers by fans of NASCAR because he grew up in California. And b/c Jeff Gordon isn't well liked, he's my favorite driver.
Jeff is #24 and drives the DuPont Car
Dale Earnhardt Jr (or Little E) seems like a really cool guy to party with. He got caught up in some drama involving changing teams, when he went into his press conference announcing this, he looked like he was on his way to a party...collard shirt, w/ the top 3 buttons undone, halfway combed hair, just a cool cat
Dale currently drives The Budweiser car and is #8. However next year his # is TBA but he'll be driving the Sony car
Somebody used to drive a Crown Royal Car. I only know this b/c I almost bought this guy's coat out of Wilson's Leather the other day. And Crown Royal is one of my favorite drinks
In the Busch series, there's a cat nammed Matt Kenseth (?). He drives The Arby's car. I know this, because the last time he won a race, all of the Arby's restaraunts gave away free french fries! And Arby's makes some pretty good french fries
Tony Stewart appears to be the Tom Brady of NASCAR; let's make that the Steve Nash of NASCAR from the perspective of it seems like NASCAR wants Tony to do well. Plus Tony isn't dating any hot models, nor do I believe his baby mamma is as hot as Tom Brady's LOL
Tony drives the Home Depot Car...they bring his car by my local Home Depot when NASCAR comes to Dallas. Tony also has his own radio show on NASCAR radio on Sirius
When Tony wins a race, he climbs fences
Little E doesn't win many races
There are 3 cats in the Busch series who drive cars owned by Wrigley's..I believe there's a Trident, Big Red & Juicy Fruit car
Lastly, the brand name of the car you drive (i.e. Chevy, Dodge) is important.

Okay, so back to Jeff & Jimmy. Apparently they cheated. I don't understand how they cheated, but they cheated according to NASCAR. All that aside. Props to Brian France. He has taken NASCAR to the 2nd highest rated television sport in the US behind the NFL. I need to learn more about NASCAR, but already they have me wanting to add to my monopoly collection by obtaining the NASCAR edition...that's the business!!!

Rated "M" for Mature

I was speaking with my mother shortly before my 30th birthday and she asked me what I wanted. After some thought I decided that I wanted the latest video game in the Hitman franchise (peace to "FP" for hipping me to this franchise).

Days later my phone rings, and its mom. I already know what this is about...because the last time my mom bought me a video game Mario didn't have a brother, and his only purpose was not to get hit by wayward barrels thrown by a big monkey named Donkey Kong.

"Benj, I need to talk to you about this Hitman game.."
"Okay" I reply; getting ready for my counter point about the price of the video game.
"...the man @ the store said it was rated M for mature, and it shouldn't be played by most people"
"Woman, I am a grown ass man!!!! How dare you try to impose your morals on to me"
Now if you think that statement manifested itself into the three-demensional world to be directed @ my mother, then I would be composing this blog in the afterlife

What I did say was:

"Um, mom...I am about to be 30...I've been attending rated "R" movies since I was 12, conincedntally that's the same age I was introduced to NWA, and *learned how to curse like a pro*..And you and I went to go see Coming to America in the movies (another great thing to happen in 1988)

*did not really say that either, but did think it*

My mom is a blessing. I will always be her little baby, no matter how old I get...but man that was a quick chuckle

Rated M for "mature" part II

A couple of weeks ago I was in gamestop, about to purchase another controller for our NIntnedo Wii (YO, if you haven't experienced the Wii...get on the bus son!) In front of me was this Hispanic kid, and his father. The kid (who couldn't have been more than 10 yrs old) was about to purchase Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for his PSP.

The man @ the register then says to the adult "Are you sure you want to buy this for your child? It's rated M for mature which stands for graphic violence, foul language, some nudity, and lots and lots of killing...in other words Muy, Muy Mal*"

Suddenly the father turns to the son, and fury of spanish begins to be exchanged between son & father. All I could make out were the following:

-Que? (What?)
-Pourque? (Why?)
-Muy Muy Mal (Very Very Bad)?
-Nooooo
-juego amistoso (Friendly game)

Then...with the same amount of sadness I had when Dan Deckinger called Jorge Orta Safe in the top of the 9th inning of game 6 of the 1985 World Series, (yes I"m still scorned)

The kid says "Um...I'm going to purchase another game"

Me and Dave (the man @ the register) had a good laugh about that!!

He dropped the game
and so went the glory
and this is the way I have to end this story...
(Interpolation of the last bars of "A Children's Story" by Slick Rick)

GOOD NIGHT NEW YORK!!!!!!

From the kid who still wants an iPhone,

B. Holcomb

Raw Footage: Bob Barker's Sportscenter Audition

2007-06-24T21:49:00.001-07:00

On June 15th, 2007, CBS aired the final show of The Price is Right with Bob Barker as the host. In an attempt to figure out what Bob will be doing during his retirmenet, I was able to find this clip of his sportscenter audition:

Bob Barker ESPN audition

News & Updates

2007-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I realize I've neglected the blog. Matter of fact, as I was coming up w/ a topic to blog about, it dawned on me how much has passed by since I last updated the blog:

Isaiah Washington will no longer be returning to Grey's Anatomy
The Sopranos ended. Forreal.
Season 2 of the Cathouse has begun!
The city of Dallas has elected a new mayor
The San Antonio Spurs won the 2007 NBA finals
Jason Giambi willing participated in the questioning of Major League Baseball witch hunt for illegal banned substances
The Portland Trailblazers won the #1 draft pick in the NBA lottery
Tom Delay has been sentenced to jail
President Bush has questioned the recent free elections within the Afghanistan government
Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican Party
Paris Hilton went, left and went back to jail
Lindsey Lohan went back to rehab, and left in 3 days
Britney Spears got booed off the stage at an Orlando House of Blues because she was lip syncing "Oops I did it again" (I'm sorry, that one made me chuckle)
A House of Blues opened up in Dallas, TX
Erykah Badu gave a free outdoor concert in Dallas, TX
I bought the entire season of Arrested Development on DVD
Blockbuster decided that they were going to sell/rent Blue Ray DVDs instead of HD DVDs
We bought a Nintentdo Wii
and most importantly
We're expecting a baby by mid December!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right ladies and gentlemen. The prophecy of the one to bring balance to the force will arrive in mid December (peace to my Star Wars fans). Courtney and I are extremely excited about the arrival of our brand new child. We're especially greatful to God because the doctors told us we had a slim to none chance to even conceive...as my friend "The Diva" says "Sometimes...those doctors just don't know what they're talkin' about"

Right now the Court is 3 months and a little over 2 weeks preggos, and we're hoping to find out the sex of our child shortly, and I'll definately keep you updated as the journey to create our child continues...

Enterprise Rental Car

On a much lighter note, I am officially convinced that one of the worse jobs in America is to be a rental agent for Enterprise rental car on a Friday evening.

I give props to those agents who still have on business attire a 7pm on a Friday evening, while having to apologetically and politely tell 22 year old customers "Sorry, but we do not carry Phatoms, but we do have G6s and Grand Prixs available..."

The business that these agents have to put up with is ridiculous...I know, because I used to be one of those 22-24 yr olds who took advantage of Enterprise's gracious hosiptality, as they would rent to me w/o charging me the "under 25 hidden tax" in which there competitors would happily charge me. I also don't understand why Enterprise continues to pick people up in the cars that they've rented. That's another verbal onslaught ready to happen...not a good look.

I rambled on continuously about this to say Props & Stunts to all the employees at Enterprise Rental Car. Your tolerance level is on another level that I'll never comprehend...

Lastly, this week marks my 3 year anniversary of blogging...so later this week I will be posting my top 100 things I learned in the past year...

The kid that hopes Transformers the movie won't be a bust,

B. Holcomb

Put some money on your ball

2007-04-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

I believe strongly in 5 philosophies/spiritual governing principles:

Always be cognizant of your surroundings
Live life with no regrets
Show love to everybody, and carry no grudges
Karma
and most importantly GOD and the resurrection of Jesus Christ

On one Sunday morning in March 2007, after a strong night of partying I decided to become a matress Christian, and miss church...besides I had a tee time w/ my fellas, so I figured God would give me a pass

(Editor's note: The last time I skipped church to play golf, it rained like cats and dogs that afternoon)

Our tee time was set for 11:57am, and we were playing at one of my favorite courses in Dallas (although the greens were in lousy condition, but that's neither here nor there). Upon my arrival to the golf course I hooked up w/ one of my boys Walter, and Walter proceeds to introduce me to this older cat named Anthony.

Anthony was extremely polite, very well dressed, and gave the overall impression that he was just happy to be out on the course. After pulling Walter to the side, I asked

"How do you know this guy?"
"I just met him a couple of minutes ago...he said he was looking for a threesome to play with" Walter said
This was a trouble alert already (peace to my Superfriends fans)...but I replied with "cool"

I met up with Theo on the driving range, and I explained that Anthony would be playing with us. Theo just gruntled and replied with "That damn Walter is always picking up strays..."

So we arrive on the first tee, and I got to go first. My drive goes down the left side of the fairway into the near rough. Theo goes next and his drive goes into the deep rough on the right (but it's still playable). Anthony goes next, and his drive proceeds to land in the middle of the fairway...of the 18th hole. Walter goes last and his drive goes into the street. We proceed to hole out w/ me & Theo shooting a bogey, Anthony shooting a double bogey and Walter shooting a triple bogey.

( Editor's Note: I don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence, but in case those of you reading this aren't familiar w/ golf let me break it down:

Par= the amount of strokes you're expected to finish the hole
Bogey= one more than the amount of strokes you're expected to finish the hole
double bogey=two more.....etc etc etc

Hole out= finish the hole )

Now normally a round of golf will take four to five hours (sorry fellas). So in theory, one hour into your round of golf you should be halfway on hole 4 if you're playing at a decent pace.

Okay, playing with Walter and Anthony, it took us 40 minutes to play 2 holes. Theo is upset @ this point and proceeds to just hole out and leave them as necessary. In an effort to pick up the pace.

Let me take time out of this story to tell you more about what I observed about Anthony. This guy had

Custom Nike Cleets
Taylor Made Irons (READ: Top of the line golf clubs)
a belt w/ emblems shaped like golf balls around it
a Green golf shirt w/ the "TW" (Tiger Woods) logo
a white hat w/ the "TW" logo
hitting worse shots than my unborn child
and his name "Anthony Williams" engraved on his golf bag

Now i'm thinking to myself "This dude spends too much money on this golf stuff to be this sorry"

By the time we holed out of hole #4 I rcvd a call from The Court

"Baby, I just called to tell you that Pastor rebuked you"

"Me personally!?!?!" I answered in shock

"Kinda sorta...he basically took an opportunity to call out brothas who had the audacity to make a tee time on Sunday and skip out on church. He went on to say brothas get to a certain level of success, and can't come in and worship God...i rebuke those brothas out there on the golf course instead of the church house"

With a big gulp, I hung up the phone...Theo, still frustrated by the slow play suggests that we leave Walter and Anthony and skip the next hole entirely.

So we skipped hole #5 and proceeded to play hole #6...as we hole out of 6, Anthony and Walter roll up and Anthony suddenly says

"Say brothas, let me have a word with you...now my man (Walter) tells me that y'all are upset w/ us because we play to slow."

"Anthony is not you...it's Walter...the man always plays too slow" I said

"Well look on the second hole, he (Walter) hit my $#!$#!$ golf ball; that ain't my damn fault!" Anthony shouts

Editor's note: in case you're wondering...Walter isn't saying anything @ this point. Walter never does, he's the type of dude that don't really get phased by too much of anything. That being said I continue to play the role of David Banner (the television character, not the rapper; peace to my Incredible Hulk fans (the comic book character, not the drink)) and I don't wanna see Walter when he's angry

Frustrated Theo adds "We just need y'all to play faster, Walter plays this slow all the time and it really frustrates me"

"Well, then I have a suggestion... do you want to put some money on your ball? Anthony suggested

"WHAT!?!!?!?!" Theo and I say

" Do you want to put some money on your ball? Anthony suggested again...because I'll tell you what homeboy...y'all ain't exacty been playing scratch (READ: Really damn good) golf yourselves"

"Anthony, we ain't bettin' nothin" I said

"...because I ain't gonna lie. When I came to the clubhouse, I looked @ y'all and thought to myself 'they look like some high handicappers'(READ: Sorry golfers), so I thought I could hustle y'all out of some money..."

"..but Anthony, how is gambling going to speed up the play of the game?" I asked

"...because if we put some money on our balls, I'll show you what I can do (insert your favorite explicative here)"

Now remember, wifey just phoned me and said that pastor rebuked me for skipping out on church

So we proceed on to hole #7. Anthony steps up to the tee box, and proceeds to hit the perfect tee shot. Anthony's approach shot was beautiful. And he proceeds to bridie the hole (Again for my non golfers, it took him 1 less stroke than required to finish the hole). Suddenly the:

Custom Nike Cleets
Taylor Made Irons (READ: Top of the line golf clubs)
a belt w/ emblems shaped like golf balls around it
a Green golf shirt w/ the "TW" (Tiger Woods) logo
a white hat w/ the "TW" logo
hitting shots like a scratch golfer (as opposed to my unborn child)
and his name "Anthony Williams" engraved on his golf bag

all made sense to me. This dude was trying to hustle us! And I'm sorry, my game isn't good enough where I'm ready to gamble...Anthony proceeds to play perfect golf from here on out while mumbling "y'all sure y'all don't wanna put some money on the ball???"

Theo and I played our regular games...finishing in the high 90s...and Walter, well I think he was just happy to be outside.

We wound up finishing our round of golf in just under 3 hours (remember, I mentioned earlier an average round takes four hours).

So, going forward, if you're ever out w/ me and you hear me say "Put some money on your ball"...that means Hurry up!

Television

For those of you keeping score the following shows I thought were hot did not make it

Daybreak
Survivor w/ the blacks, Asians & Latins (I don't even know who won)
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
and now...the Black Donnelly's are on it's last leg

In this Tivo/DVR/HD channel era, I'm not very good @ recommending shows...and I'm okay w/ that...I know what I like, and a middle finger goes to all of you who don't appreciate my taste!

IMUS

I'm very indifferent about this situation. For those of you who have

been living in a hole, Don IMUS is a liberal political radio talk show host who has been in the game before most us knew what "talk radio" was. Imus can be seen on MSNBC and heard on syndicated radio, and recently he made a huge faux pas that can be read here

In speaking w/ various friends, I was shocked to realize that few ppl knew who he was prior to this comment. (I won't lie, if Keith Olbermann's show "Countdown" wasn't the last thing I normally watched before I went to bed, I wouldn't know who he was either...as MSNBC is usually the first channel on when I wake up).

All that to say, when I first learned about his comment, I was very indifferent. Not from the standpoint of "I can't believe he said that", but moreso "What's the big fuss?? This guy has said crazier stuff in the past."

And quite honestly while I understand the African-American community is outraged (as well we should be), I often pose the question why don't we hold our comedians and entertainers accountable for using similar language? In one of Imus' apology statements he did say (to paraphrase) "I've heard other cultures (Afro-Americans) use the phrase too"

Imuhs has been suspended for two weeks as of 4/16, and now as I type this, I know that MSNBC has announced that they will no longer simulcast his show (this in lieu that Staples, Proctor & Gamble & General Motors amongst others, have pulled their advertising dollars from the IMUS show).

Was justice served? Well, the short answer is no. I'm basing this simply on the comparison of Tim Hardaway's recent comments about the GLB community (more specifically John Amaechi's annoucnement that he is gay; which resulted in Tim no longer working with the NBA CARES organization (an organization that serves as an ambassador, good will program, and community service platform for former NBA players and those closley associated w/ the NBA) within one hour of his making that statement...

So while we continue to wait and see what further fall out is produced from Imus' statements, I'm hoping we as an African-American culture can use this (and the Michael Richards episode) as a good dialogue for the usage of particular words that are used for mainstream America...

( Editor's Note: I just learned as of 4:05pm CST on April 12th that CBS has fired Don IMUS...wow. Was justice served now? )

a light funny

On a much softer note...I have to leave you guys w/ this joke my man emailed me a couple of weeks ago...peace to Warren D for sending!

ELEVEN MINUTES

A cop was patrolling late at night in a well-known spot.

He sees a couple in a car, with the interior light brightly glowing.
The cop carefully approaches the car to get a closer look.

Then he sees a young man behind the wheel, reading a computer magazine.
He immediately notices a young woman in the rear seat,knitting.
Puzzled by this surprising situation, the cop walks to the car and gently raps on the driver's window.

The young man lowers his window. "Uh, yes, officer?"

The cop says: "What are you doing?"

The young man says: "Well Officer, I'm reading a magazine."

Pointing towards the young woman in the back seat the cop says: "And her,
what is she doing?"

The young man shrugs: "Sir, I believe she's knitting a pullover sweater."

Now, the cop is totally confused. A young couple, alone, in a car, at night in a Lover's lane...and nothing obscene is happening!

The cop asks: "What's your age, young man?" The young man says "I'm 22, sir."
The cop asks: "And her...what's her age?"
The young man looks at his watch and replies: "She'll be 18 in 11 minutes.

From the kid who wonders if Betty Wright actually recorded a studio version of "Tonight is the Night"

B. Holcomb

P.S. Peace to my man D. Brown for getting into the blogging game (and sparring us from your essays that your refer to as "emails".) You can check him out right here

You S.O.B. it's wedding season!!!

2007-04-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Many ppl who ride w/ me; know me for being "The Electric Slide King". Yes it's a corny dance, but i love the hell out of it. And I usually set it off during wedding season... The Court and I will be attending 4 weddings this year (pending no shotgun weddings this year), and below is are some new dances I would like to practice before I attend...

First up....the Karl Rove shuffle!

( BTW, I don't know what's worse...the dance Karl is doing, or the brotha in the background keeping up w/ Karl )

MC Rove

and next......

2007-04-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

My next dance I wanna try out for wedding season, is the Joakim Noah

Another dance I wanna learn

P.S. Please note the past two videos you just saw do no way shape or form reflect B. Holcomb's true dance moves

PPS Peace to my cousin Chris Bates. We won't be able to attend your wedding this year due to conflict (so you probably won't get to see the JOakim Noah) but congrats and God bless your marriage my brotha!

Rain

2007-01-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

This past Martin Luther King Jr weekend, Dallas experienced freezing rain & ice on the major roadways. Rain alone will keep a lot of people in the house if you live in Texas period. So you can imagine how freezing rain and ice can cripple a city. I had resolved myself to spending my Friday night getting my game tight in Tiger Woods 07 and Resistance: Fall of Man respectively.

Around 10:45pm I received a text message from my man Charles from St. Louis, who somehow managed to get stuck in Dallas. See Charles is currently studying to be some sort of doctor (I know I should know this Charles, but still know we're proud of you brotha). Lately he's been interviewing for internships, all over the country (I believe Charles has strategically picked spots where his friends are, and is currently on a US tour) to finally get his career going...b/c the guy has been in some sort of school since we first met Freshman year back in 95.

The week prior Charles was in Dallas interviewing for an internship; this time he was coming back from Miami and his flight out was going to be Saturday @ 2pm. Charles proceeds to tell me in this text message that he, my man Jason and our other mutual friend Keith, were going to be at one of my favorite gentlemen's club in Dallas, and asked if I could join...Did Michael Strahan sign a bad prenup?? OF COURSE!!!

So after 30-35 minutes of braving the freezing rain, I arrive at the gentlemen's club, and to my surprise this place is PACKED!!! I pay my admission, and grab a quick Heineken, walk through the doors and am quickly greeted by the voice of Young Jeezy telling everybody about his life and how he "Loves It" (SIDEBAR: I used to not be able to tolerate Young Jeezy b/c I got tired of him saying "YEEEEEEEAAA" or "DIYYYYYYAMN" when he needed to take a breath between rhymes, but like most of things...if you hear it for long enough, you'll begin to like it...which is why Metallica's ...and Justice For All is one of my all time favorite CDs...but I digress)

After exchanging non verbal pleasantries with the shoe models who worked the late shift, I was pleased to find Keith, Jason & Charles enjoying some brew ha-has and diluted spirits. Also, being that these dudes are all from St. Louis, I have to applaud them on securing a prime position in the club...right next to one of the side stages so we can get a good view of the various shoe models doing their routines.

So after catching up with Charles (b/c really, how do you go from Miami to the freezing rain in Dallas), we're starting to let the spirits grab a hold of us and continue to enjoy the scenerey. Again, I'm encouraged b/c we have a prime location in the club, but the shoe models were barely showing us love...and how could they when it was raining inside? Yes, raining inside. Now for my readers who are not familiar with gentlemen's club ettiquette, fear not, because we were not in a location where there were holes in the roof. I'm talkin' about we (priamrily the shoe models) were next to "forecasters" or cats who were making it rain.

"Making it rain" is a term that recently became popular I would say late 2005. Basically describes patrons who throw money (yes money) up in the air, and the money falls to the ground (similar like rain) around the shoe model who is performing. Back to my story:

Now, I've heard various mainstream rap artists/R&B thugs (Snoop, Jeezy, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne/R. Kelly) talk about this concept, but Friday night was my first time witnessing this first hand. This happened ALL NIGHT When I tell you that it rained so much, the wait staff had to get the shoe models extra zip lock bags for storage (no pun intended) it was ridiculous. Eventually Charles asked me "Did they just receive their tax returns?" To which I answered "No, but the 15th of the month is Monday...and that's a holiday; therefore today was payday"

Charles, Keith Jason and I were in awe. Ultimately we conceeded that the only question we'd get asked by people who worked @ the club was going to be "Do you need another drink baby?"

By 1:30am, I decided to call it a night. But all in all it was to catch up with Charles and hang out w/ the fellas. As I was driving home in the freezing rain, and I couldn't help but smile how I was surrounded by rain the entire night...a good time had by all!

Still wondering who advised Michael Strahan to sign this pre-nup

B. Holcomb

The Rams & The Flintstones

2006-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

On Monday December 11th, 2006, my St. Louis Rams got destroyed on national TV by Devin Hester and the Chicago Bears. Now we're sitting @ 5-8 and just hoping for a good draft pick. Below are interesting items to note:

-Detroit Lions wide out Mike Furry was the top Fantasy Football Free Agent after recording a season high of 8 catches for 82 yards and two TDs...Our defense made him a Fantasy Football household name

-Edgerin James whose offensive line was being dogged out the entire season, finally broke 100 yards rushing against our defense last Sunday December 4th 2006

-In watching the NFL network last night, they compiled a clip of all of LaDanian Tomlinson's TDs (he currently holds the single season TD record @ 29 with 3 games to go). LT was scoring @ most 2 TDs, until they played us on October 29th and he scored 4 TDs, and needless to say he was on his way...thank us for getting his swagger back

-I like Marc Bulger..matter of fact he's my Fantasy QB in both of my leagues (currently #1 and #5; both playoff squads respectively). But why is this cat slangin' the rock like he is the 1996 model of Drew Bledsoe!?!?!? We have a decent running back in Stephen Jackson...oh yea our Offensive line

-Best quote of MNF "That could affect the sales of his basic skills video"---Tony Kornheiser after Torry Holt dropped his 4th ball of the night on Monday Night Football 12/11/06

-Rex Grossman who was dominating the NFL headlines with "Can the Bears win with Rex Grossman?", plays our defense and suddenly feels like he's back @ the University of Florida.

-Deven Hester sets an NFL record against us for most Kick returns for TDs in a single season.

-Let's just say in 2007 we won't see the Rams in primetime unless we play our way onto the flex schedule.

The good news in all of this is, I shouldn't have a problem scoring tickets for the Christmas Eve matchup against the Washington Redskins...

***END TRANSMISSION***

The Flintstones

Earlier in the year, wifey and I were @

the house watchin' tv. While channel surfing, she passes the Flintstones, let's it ride for 2 minutes, then changes the channel.

Because Courtney knows how much I love Fred, Barney and the gang, she was surprised that I didn't say anything.

"You don't wanna watch the Flintstones?"

"Naw, I know what's going to happen?"

"How do you know?? You only saw maybe two minutes"

I proceed to explain to Courtney that said episode she skipped over was the one where Wilma wished Fred was more polite, and Fred wasn't havin' that polite stuff. So while he and Barney go bowling, a bowling ball falls on Fred's head, and suffers a case of amnesia. When Fred comes to consciousness, he becomes this well mannered cassanova and prefers to be called "Frederick"

Courtney's jaw was wide open, and she turned back, and sure enough the plot develops

"This isn't a very good episode" I respond back.

At which she and I both discovered:

1) I watch too many cartoons
2) I've seen so many episodes of the Flintstones (the originals before Pebbles and Bam Bam grew up...however I can recap a couple of those episodes also) that I can recap an episode by watching 1-3 minutes of the show.

So if any of you go on a game show and need a Flintstone lifeline, I'm your man. I can tell you everything from the name of the song Stoney Carmichael (The Flintstone parody of Hoagey Carmichael) sang to the maiden of name of Betty Rubble.

..and that's your random B. Holcomb fact of the day

1-love

B. Holcomb

PS Be on the look out for my "Best of music blog for 2006" soon!!

Raw Footage: En Vogue---Don't Let Go

2006-12-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Don't Let Go

Okay here's the deal. This past Sunday i was in this 90's nostalgia...and there were some songs I just couldn't get out of my head...this being one of them. Str8 outta 1996, here's the lovely ladies of En Vogue (probably their last video they shot together as the original Funky Divas) from the OST of Set It Off here's "Don't Let Go"

Raw Footage: Ghostface Killah f/ Raekwon & Capadonna---Camay

2006-12-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

GHOSTFACE KILLAH - Camay

1996 was just a great year!! And I gotta break y'all off w/ my fav member of the mighty Wu Tang clan...here's Ghostface with help from Raekwon & Capadonna...Camay

Raw Footage: Above The law f/ 2Pac & Money B---Call it What You Want

2006-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Above The Law feat 2Pac & Money B-Call It What You Want

Staying in my 90s nostalgia, this song was (to paraphrase EPMD & my man J. Moore) Rough, Rugged & Raw

R.I.P. 2Pac and Eazy-E

Raw Footage: The Weatherman

2006-12-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

The Weatherman

Okay this is the last one. But I had to leave y'all with one of my favorite clips I've seen all year! This is a weatherman based somewhere in Florida. In the middle of his report, a roach crawls on the set...Peace to The Court for introducing this to me!

Raw Footage: De La Soul (and the Native tongues) Buddy

2006-11-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

This track really needs no introduction...just crank up your speakers!

Walk It Out...a brief observation

2006-11-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile...but I just need to jot this down before I forget...

The latest "hot song" on Urban Radio is a joint called "Walk It Out" by UNK (pronounced like it sounds and no it's not an acronym). And one of my all time favorite emcees Andre 3000 of Outkast appears on the track.

I can share with you all that it is with great dissapointment that Andre appears on this track...however, his verse speaks VOLUMES to where he is as an emcee.

His verse speaks directly to what me and J. Moore refer to as "The Laffy Taffy" generation talking about how they wear their long white tees and their infinite love for expensive cars Sidebar: I think we all go through wanting the "expensive cars" phase sometime in our lives but I digress .

However, Andre's flow is so basic that it's slow (like the Laffy Taffy Generation likes it) but it's distinct so that the golden and silver age eras of Hip Hop fans (like myself) can appreciate what he's talking about. Then he finishes out going very basic by saying "I walk it out; I walk it out; I walk it out; I walk it out; I walk it out...."

My serrogate brother Kendall (if you remember him from eariler blogs) loves this verse...but doesn't realize he's being talked about in the verse. gotta love it!

I know, sorry this was so short...but I gotta get out of this writer's block funk (that's what football & golf do the right side of my brain LOL)

Still wondering why Kid Rock & Pam Anderson even got married,

B. Holcomb

P.S. If you haven't done so already, check out Andre 3000's new cartoon "Class of 3000" on Cartoon Network. It's apparent Andre has 100% creative control, and the show is very well written

Happy Holidays Everybody!

2006-09-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

My wife Courtney explained it best to me the

other day when the following dialogue took place last week:

B (in his worse Hank Williams Jr impression) Are you ready for some football?!?!?!?

Courtney: No. Because during this time I become a football widow.

B: What's a football widow?

Courtney: A football widow is me from September through the Super Bowl.

B: huh?

Courtney: Basically once it's football season, I lose you beginning day 1 of college football season. You wake up around 8am on Saturday to get all of your errands done. You hope to get back by 10:45am, so that you can catch Lee Corso's (editor's note, the fact that she even knew who Lee Corso was; was hella impressive ) and that other guy's picks for the day. Then you sit around and watch college football ALL DAY; oh, but you will take time out to do some of your chores/errands around the house if you can't find a good game. Not to mention that now that your golf game is "respectable" (editor's note: all respectable means is that B. Holcomb doesn't get laffed at as much due to effed up shots...hell i finally broke 100 the other day )this is the day you're gauranteed to be on the course, if the day is filled with horrible games...)

Then there's Sunday...where we must go to the 8 o'clock service

(editor's note: While I respect the fact that you can't rush the Holly Spirit...it's amazing how spiritually fulfilled you can be if service must finish by xxxx time because there's another service to follow...anyway back to the Court )

Courtney: You rush home in time to gather info about your fantasy football lineups and the various other pools you're in ( editor's note I am addicted ) then you decide if there's a watch party worth your time, or if you'll stay home and invite ppl over and take advantage of the ticket

(editor's note: PEACE TO MY FRIEND FP...WHO GOES "DARK" ON SUNDAYS (with the exception of an occasional email/text message asking if I agreed w/ the most recent Rams play call) IN ORDER TO GET EVERY PENNY'S WORTH OF THE NFL DIRECT TICKET )

Then you watch all the highlights on Sunday night; you wake up Monday am to listen to "Monday am QB" ( Editor's note: Again, she's impressive ) you spend most of Monday talking to AG, CJ and the rest of your boys about the weekend...

Then you have the Monday night game...and from Tuesday-Thursday thanks to that damn NFL Network, you're busy catching replays/highlights via sportscenter in the event that you feel you may have missed something...i believe you call that scouting

AND NOW that we live in Texas, you feel you have to catch these damn high school games

B: (laffing out of control) But baby I don't always go to the high school games

Courtney: You're right, because if you don't go, then you're either at a happy hour, or trying to figure out the contingency plan w/ your boys if there's a lousy college football schedule the following Saturday

I'm just sayin' dude...I'm a football widow!

Sadly, after she broke it down...I can't deny her. She also forgot to mention that I spend my Friday nights catching up on Tivoed programs and playing PS2

Editor's Note: This season my Tivo will be on overdrive! Not to mention that I'm trying to watch the new shows "The 9", "Ugly Betty", those two new NBC shows about "being behind the scenes of a tv show" one stars Tina Fey, the other stars Chandler from friends, & "20 good years". (***Warning, I do not have a good track record for recommending tv shows...so while these may appeal to me...they may be cancelled by sweeps week...view at your own risk***)

Not to mention: The Wire, Smallville, Lost, What About Brian, Grey's Anatomy, Everybody Hates Chris ("Chris" will be cancelled after this season due to it's new time slot), The New Adventures of Old Christine, My Name is Earl, The Office, & Las Vegas, & The Amazing Race. Praise HIS NAME that 24 (affectionately referred to as "The Jack Bauer Power Hour" b/k/a the greatest show on tv right now) comes on during playoff season of the NFL!!!

Also, feel free to stone me, but I will be watching "Survivor" for the first time ever this season. Yea, I usually don't eff w/ Survivor... but the idea that a racially divided Survivor even got green lit by CBS is worth watching by itself

Lastly, I'd like to leave you all with a link to the Septebmer 6th, posting by Bill Simmons The Sports Guy. Usually I look this kid up for his NBA articles...but this NFL preview article that he just penned is certified 5 mic material to me. Hope you enjoy (click the link...it's pretty long, but a great read if you're into the NFL...peace to CJ Spencer for letting me know about this)

The kid that wonders how the hell Notre Dame gets Network TV rotation every Saturday (and please don't write back and say "Because it's God's school..."

B. Holcomb

Idlewild Soundtrack: My Review

2006-08-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

my apologies that I couldn't get the entire pic of the Rooster on top of the mic

Yessuh
Let me dig into your brain, folks fallin like rain
Property got me sellin thangs, guess I'm gon' explain
Jane is rolled up, no gangs be throwed up
But still Andre got action, they Sweat like Keith, all on my teeth
---Andre Benjamin

The above is the beginning to my fav song on the 1994 classicSouthernplayalisticadillacmuzik album entitled "Crumblin' Erb". ( Editor's Note: I really wanted to give you the verse to "Git up Get Out Get Somethin'" but I don't want to lose you...after all this is an album review for Idlewild right? But man I miss the 93 thru 98 models of Andre Benjamin)

Progressively through the years Outkast became more

strange yet more better...until Stankonia that's at least when they officially lost me. Little did I know they were setting me (us) up for the ultimate change in direction, at the same time a pure stroke of genius...SPEAKERBOXX/The Love Below a double album where 1 album is a balance of funk/and new age hip hop. The other is a result when you combine the DNA of Prince, 1973 Stevie Wonder, Elton John, John Coltrane and Andre 3000 himself (remember when he was just simply "Dre") similar to that of how Cobra created Serpentor (peace to my 1980s G.I. Joe fans) and made an album...to quote the tagline of my wife's favorite commercial "BRILLIANT"

Being a career-long OutKast fan ( Editor's Note: peace to the 1993 Youth Group at First Baptist Chesterfield (then Pastor Robert F. Loggins) when we tried to get the "Youth ministers" to let us sing "Player's Ball" for our Christmas Play), I enjoyed their previous albums but like many other longtime fans felt slightly alienated by crossover attempts like "Hey Ya!", "Roses", and "The Way You Move". By now though, I have kind of accepted that my 2nd favorite hip hop group (next to The Roots...BTW The Roots' 8th studio album entitled Game Theory is coming out 8/29...at least give it an ear check) will never again produce Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens or Aquemini type of music. I have also learned to only expect the unexpected from an OutKast album

Many would say that Idlewild is the most anticipated music album, probably since Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. . Idlewild is really not the logical next step following their breakthrough double album. It really is simply the soundtrack to their movie of the same name. I have not yet seen the movie, so I'm sure the album will be much more enjoyable once I have seen it. The movie takes place in the depression era, so the Idlewild soundtrack contains music influenced by ragtime, blues, and big band styles. Lyrically, it's closer to The Love Below than anything else, a lot of random and headscratching verses, so some longtime fans will be disappointed. However, a lot of it (from what I imagine) narrates the movie. From this soundtrack I take away that the movie contains a high profile divorce, a contemplative period, and characters named Percival and Rooster.

The only issue with it I really have is that Dre and Big Boi only appear together on three tracks. Dre still is trying to do his singing thing, and Big Boi instead brings in his Purple Ribbon All Stars to fill the guest spots. At times it seems like Idlewild picks up right where Speakerboxxx/The Love Below left off, but make no mistake. Idlewild is not Stankonia, it is not Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, and it is certainly not ATLiens or "Aquemini" and definately not Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik . Idlewild is a soundtrack that I believe would supplement the movie, not an album supplemented by a movie.

The Songs
Following the intro, the soundtrack begins with the single "Mighty O". This track is a very strong song, it would not have sounded out of place on Stankonia. In between Dre's inescapable choruses and an excellent backing, Dre and Big Boi drop excellent verses, representing their duo and all they have been through, it's a definite highlight. Big Boi's talented singing protégés Scar and Sleepy Brown appear on "Peaches", a song about a decaying relationship and baggage along with it. It's got a smooth guitar backing and a good chorus. Andre sings "Idlewild Blue (Don'tchu Worry `Bout Me)" ( Editor's Note: I love this video! ), a genuine sounding blues track. It has a blues guitar and wailing harmonica, and he sings simple and happy lyrics. It's kind of catchy "..and it has a nice beat...and I can dance to it". I was happy to see Khujo Goodie in a guest spot on "N2U"; he and Big Boi make a pimp anthem, I liked it.

"Morris Brown" is an obvious single, beginning with a marching band cadence and continuing with strong horns throughout the song. Sleepy Brown sings a nice chorus, but Scar is the real star on this song, singing a memorable verse multiple times through about music. Andre sings a plain weird song on "Chronomentrophobia". I wasn't really diggin' it but if you really loved "The Love Below" chances are you would like this a lot too. I thought it was just okay, his rap verse is actually pretty damn good. "The Train" is the next big highlight for me. The opening reminded me of "Humble Mumble" from the Stankonia album, with the train theme. Big Boi chronicles his life, Scar and Sleepy deliver nice vocals and the horns and bass make a nice instrumental. It's a great song, encouraging and enjoyable. I also really liked "Life is Like a Musical". Andre sings to a partner, telling him "Don't let `em change us!" This theme carries over to the next song, "Hollywood Divorce" (probably the best song on the album as of 8/25/06). The song is about a high profile relationship gone sour, it has familiar seeming production, but Dre sings very well and both Dre and Antwan have great verses, along with a very surprisingly good guest spot by Lil Wayne (Yes I still believe he is benefiting from a ghost writer) Snoop could've came stronger...but by the time you hear Snoop you almost forgive him; as the track is that nice.

Purple Ribbon All Star Janelle Monae sings well on "Call the Law", but she basically anchors the whole song. She's a great singer but I guess I'd rather hear Dre or Big Boi on an OutKast album. Big Boi makes a nice solo cut out of "Buggface", it kind of reminds me of "The Rooster" from his previous album. I found "Makes No Sense At All" unnecessary, but maybe it makes sense in the context of the movie.(Editor's note: as B. Holcomb just typed that, he realizes the comical irony in his last statement and begins to give the OutKast duo even more props ). The Purple Ribbon cut "In Your Dreams" is nice, The Kid named Killer Mike is slowly growing on me, and brings heat on this one! Sleepy and Janelle sing well, it's more of the ragtime influenced stuff. "PJ & Rooster" is a well produced, upbeat swing song. "Mutron Angel" feels kind of sluggish, and "The Greatest Show on Earth" is strange unlike anything they've done before. Macy Gray ( RED FLAG ) sings about leaving to join the circus. "When I Look In Your Eyes" executes the ragtime vibe better than any other song on the disc, very well done. "Dyin' to Live" is a very heartfelt song, it makes me want to see the movie on its own. The album ends with "A Bad Note", a lethargic 9 minute outro that's not worth listening to more than once. (damn, placement of this track was pretty genius also)

Similar to Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Idlewild contains original, mainstream-friendly quirky music devoid of a definable genre. There are not really any jaw dropping, relevant and conscious rap verses here, but there is catchy music, great production, and simply some good songs. Like any other longtime fan, I long for the days of their first three albums, but I see that the duo is on to different styles and I guess I have to respect that. Idlewild is certainly an enjoyable album. The ragtime theme is very original and executed well, it's unlike anything I've ever heard. Once again, Big Boi and Andre seem more like a syndicate than a duo, making albums together without necessarily making music together. Once again though, the focus seems to be movie first, album second as far as I can see. I recommend it to OutKast fans, because part of what we have always loved about OutKast is their blazing creativity, and fans that jumped aboard the bandwagon in 2000 will certainly like this too. I just hope that before bashing it or saying it's bad, people accept and enjoy Idlewild for what it is: good music to a movie, not an album with a movie.

Overall grade: 3 1/2 Mics

B. Holcomb

P.S. Ever notice how since 94, Outkast dropped an album every 2 years until Stankonia ....then the gap became every 3 years?? I"m just sayin

PPS Peace 2 AG...While I plan on viewing Idlewild this upcoming weekend, I promise I'm gonna view Syrianna within the next week and give you my take!

Last Post Script Peace to Quia Querisma and "The Court" for providing me the lyrics to the hook of the 1992 EPMD classic "The Crossover":

Whatever you want (oh-oh)
Whatever you need (yea-yeah)
I'll do it for you!!!! (THE CROSSOVER!)

Next Blog Entry: Superheroes RETREAT!!! Peace to: Tim Dennard, Dawn Davis and J. Moore for the inspiration of this upcoming blog entry

Raw Footage: LET'S TAKE'EM BACK!!!

2006-08-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Remember when Hip Hop was great? I do everyday...check out one of my fav videos from the 92 era...HERE'S Gangstarr with "Dwyck" f/ (Greg) Nice & Smooth (B)

B. Holcomb: Year One

2006-07-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, it's my one year anniversary of blogging. And as promised the top 100 things I've learned in the past year

1 Year into the game
By: B. Holcomb

1. I've learned that more people remember what happened during the 1980s than any other decade during the 20th century.
2. I've learned that damn near everybody I know over the age of 50 had a good time during the 1970s
3. I've learned that nobody really sits down during a game at Kyle Field (Texas A&M Home game)
4. I've learned that outside of the LA Lakers, nobody in LA gives a damn about sports
5. I've learned that more people visit Dodger stadium to eat a Dodger dog than to watch the Dodgers play
6. I've learned that Cub fans secretly concede their baseball team's season by Memorial Day each and every year barring a miracle (i.e. the 2003 season)
7. I've learned that Barry Bonds' voice is really annoying to me
8. I've learned that when T.O. gets defensive, he rolls his neck very similar to that of a woman.
9. I've learned that the "Hyphee movement" has been around longer than we may think
10. I've learned that some women believe Kelis' song "Bossy" is the new anthem for women.
11. I've learned dancing in Atlanta, GA in 2006 consists of snapping your fingers and doing the Young Joc motorcycle dance.
12. I've learned that dancing in American clubs in 2006 consists of everything mentioned in point #11 with the addition of swinging your body from side to side w/ your arms folded.
13. I've learned that a really good mojito has the ability to transform the most timid human being into the life of the party.
14. I've learned that you truly haven't had a Philly Cheesteak unless you've been in the city of Philadelphia
15. I've learned on the West Coast of the continental US, you'll find more tolerance towards interacial dating.
16. I've learned that there are still some high schools that still have segregated proms in 2006
17. I've learned that I've never seen a commercial for Audi in quite some time
18. I've learned that people advertise for Bentley by saying "Man that new Chrysler 300 is a poor mans Bentley"
19. I've learned that an African-American man designed the new body style of the Chrysler 300
20. I've learned that an African-American man invented the golf tee.
21. I've learned that the game of golf is similar to an addiction
22. I've learned that there's a lot of people who don't like Phil Mickelson.
23. I've learned that people never tell you to your face that you suck at golf; rather they just don't invite you to play with them anymore.
24. I've learned in the span of ten years Stuart Scott has went from "That brotha with the lazy eye that hosts NBA 2nite" to "The face of ESPN."
25. I've learned that I have a friend who would prefer to use his XBOX as a "conversation piece that will never be played" rather than sell it to me.
26. I've learned that game stop.com and Electronics Boutique are really the same store.
27. I've learned that mastering the Madden football game is really not my forte' in life
28. I've learned that nobody misses T.O. like the media
29. I've learned that fantasy football is only as fun as the people in the league you participate with.
30 I've learned regardless of the venue, a good time is determined by how fun (and flexible) the person/people you are hanging out with are.
31. I've learned that I love fondue restaraunts
32. I've learned that I love Sushi
33. I've learned that EEL is my favorite piece of sushi/sashimi.
34. I've learned that including myself, I know 5 people in my generation who understand and can play the game "Bid Whist"
35. I've learned that "Bid Whist" (while spelled with a "t" on the end) is pronounced "Bid whiss"
36. I've learned that people really get excited over the national spelling bee
37. I've learned that Jennifer Wilbanks (The Runaway Bride) has encouraged a lot of women to just tell their fiance' they aren't ready to get married; as opposed to just leaving.
38. I've learned that Jennifer Wilbanks' finace' was really in love with Jennifer
39. I've learned that there maybe a correlation b/w when Bush 43 goes on vacation and when a disaster occurs.
40. I've learned what the differences are between CAT 1,2,3,4 and 5 hurricanes
41. I've learned that FEMA isn't exactly your best emergency response team
42. I've learned the Louisana Superdome isn't as indestructible as it was once touted
43. I've learned in a crisis, the American public as a whole will help out when and wherever possible.
44. I've learned that before you donate to any relief fund, you should validate where your donation is headed.
45. I've learned that being married or in a relationship gives men a pass for watching shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "What About Brian"
46. I've learned that the The Dahrma Initiative is a beast within itself.
47. I've learned that me and only 7 other people viewed the television show "Heist"
48. I've learned that more people watched the telvision show "Thief"...(Hell "Thief" actually finished it's season, and earned Andre Brauher an emmy nod)
49. I've learned that I'm not very good at recommending tv shows (Reference: "Commander in Chief","E-ring" and "Heist")
50. I've learned that since 2000, only one team I've ever rooted for has won a championship (1999 ST. Louis Rams)
51. I've learned that I really enjoy Crown Royal mixed with Red Bull.
52. I've learned there's an abundance of women who don't enjoy the smell of cigars
53. I've learned Warren Buffett is a very very generous man
54. I've learned that no one cares about Donald Trump's last two apprenti.
55. I've learned that no one gave a damn about who Martha Stewart's apprentice was.
56. I've learned that Isreal has an army
57. I've learned that the conflict over Isreal dates back to the days of the crusades
58. I've learned more of my friends view the History channel than I even thought
59. I've learned that I'm part of the VH-1 generation
60. I've learned that VH-1 gets more rotation in my household than ESPN or Lifetime
61. I've learned that it's okay to plead ignorance at my job
62. I've learned that it's not okay to plead ignorance too often at my job.
63. I've learned that anyone who says "marriage is easy" has never had a successful marriage.
64. I've learned that men will bond over five things: beer, football, basketball, golf and a gentlemen's club (oh yea, AND video games)
65. I've learned that "A day w/ the fellas" at the golf course is the male equivalent to "Ladies Day" at the day spa.
66. I've learned that many hotel resorts have capitalized on the idea shared in item # 65 and offer "Golf-Spa packages".
67. I've learned that a lot of people still question Britney Spears being a mother
68. I've learned that the term "freeloader" has been renamed to simply "K-Fed"
69. I've learned that most of my closest friends are super-nerds in one subject matter or another.
70. I've learned that some of my closest friends are intraverted.
71. I've learned that wikipedia is better than a google search
72. I've learned that there are some musicians who make playing a xylophone look cool.
73. I've learned whenever you visit a watering hole w/ a live jazz or blues band; the band members are African-American and the lead singer is white, just know that the white singer can SANG
74. I've learned I prefer white wines to red wines.
75. I've learned that I hate dry wine.
76. I've learned that I become worried when I witness events that "Let America decide the winner".
77. I've learned if all things were equal, there would be higher voter turnout for "American Idol" as opposed to a United States Presidential election.
78. I've learned that when famous people do bad things (i.e. Dick Cheney, Marv Albert, R. Kelly, Marion Berry, Eric Benet, Robert Downey Jr.) the American public will ultimately (and unconsciously) forgive them.
79. I've learned that Mike Brown (former head of FEMA) is really upset.
80. I've learned that as long as Nancy Grace still has a television show, Laci Peterson's, Natalie Hollaway's and Michael Jackson's respective trials or murder cases will never really go away.
81. I've learned what a podcast is.
82. I've learned that I need to get a podcast going in the next couple of months.
83. I've learned that most hip hop artists want to be actors.
84. I've learned that Fredro Starr is a better actor than Sticky Fingaz (reference: Blade)
85. I've learned that Curtis "50 cent" Jackson can market whatever he wants to America and exprience great success.
86. I've learned that Oprah has "In the Club" in her iPod
87. I've learned that the Holcomb household maybe one of 31 households in America that do not own an iPod.
88. I've learned many people don't believe Kenneth Lay has passed away
89. I've learned that the term "Reasonable Doubt" is very subjective (unless you're talking about a Jay-Z album).
90. I've learned that eventually "you will pay what you owe" (peace to my fellow Boondocks fans)
91. I've learned "A Huey Freeman Christmas" is now my favorite animated Christams themed special.
91. I've learned that Aaron McGruder puts down on paper 35% of what I'm thinking but afraid to say.
92. I've learned that there were lot babies made from listening to Luther, The Isley Brothers, Earth Wind & Fire, The Tempations, Chaka Kahn, Teddy P, and Jodeci)
93. I've learned that a lot of people in "Gen-Y" have no appreciation for music pre 1988.
94. I've learned that myspace dot com is a beast of the Internet
95. I've learned that bongo dot com is the new myspace dot com
96. I've learned that a lot of people who "Dateline NBC" catch in their child-predator stories, drink "Mike's Hard Lemonade"
97. I've learned that you can draw a virtual chain via "6 degrees of separation" b/w Star Jones being fired from the view and Dan Rather "resigning" from the CBS evening news.
98. I've learned that "The Colbert Report" is my favorite news show
99. I've learned that I wouldn't be the man I am today w/o the love of God, my wife, family and TRUE friends.
100. I've learned that this list was MUCH harder to compile than I thought...but I will make an attempt to make it happen ever year.

Thanks to everyone who continue to encourage me to blog,

1-Luv

B. Holcomb

P.S. Rest in peace Mr. Luther Vandross ("Never too Much" will still rock a party in the 21st century).

Superman come back!!!

2006-07-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Superman Returns
Starring: Brand Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden & Parker Posey
Directed by: Brian Singer

October 2000 B. Holcomb learns that they are going to bring Superman back to the big screen...don't even try it he says

September 2001 The TV series "Smallville" which chronicles the life of Clark Kent as a young teenager in Smallville, KS debuts on the WB Network. B. Holcomb enjoys this series and has told many of his friends to this series (probably 2 of those ppl he told about the show still are faithful watchers.) Meanwhile Superman is being stalled because they can't settle on a "Superman" nor a director.

Fall 2004 After names such as Ashton Kutcher, Nicolas Cage (who BTW will be playing Johnny Blaze a/k/a Ghost Rider in Feb 07) and others turned down the role of Clark Kent. They cast an unheard of actor from Iowa (coincidence?) named Brandon Routh...in addition, Brian Singer of X-Men fame left the X-Men franchise (that's why X3 was such a let down) to direct Superman.

I'm still skeptical...do we really need to bring back Superman? But I asked the same question about Batman Begins and was pleasnatly surprised

May 2nd 2006 I finally viewed the first full preview of Superman and Kevin Spacey is killing it!!! This may be the best movie of the summer!

Okay, so here's the situation, so you know what to expect. Sometime after Superman defeated General Zod and his minions (Superman II) and before Superman III, astronomers reported that there may be some remains of Krypton still floating in space...so Superman leaves sidebar issue #1: How was Superman able to travel that far in space, even in the comics and the cartoons your guy needed a space suit! He returns back to planet Earth 5 years later to resume his life as mild mannered reporter Clark Kent

During this same time, Lex Luthor has been in jail and released; has married a rich old woman, and took over her fortune as she passes away in the bed. Lex as normal, is up to something, and you're waiting w/ baited breath to figure out what it is.

Back in Metropolis, the Daily Planet (which BTW, why is that the tallest structure in the city?) seems to going on as normal. Lois Lane has earned a Pulitzer prize for an article she's written a couple of years ago entitled "Why The World Doesn't Need Superman". Lois is dating Perry White's nephew, has a 5 year old son, and seems to be doing fine.

Okay, I'm only like 25 minutes into the movie now...In an effort to sumise

Clark Kent finds his way back to Metropolis, sees that Lois Lane has moved on, goes of to a local pub to grab a drink with Jimmy Olsen. While watching television, there's a report about a special space shuttle that will be launched via airplane...things go wrong, and suddenly Clark Kent dissapears; Superman reappears and in an awesome action packed sequence saves the day!

This is the world's first visual of Superman in five years and everyone celebrates! Everyone except Lex Luthor...who isn't too bothered because he moves forward w/ his ultimate plan...to create a new piece of land just off the East coast of the United States by means of the crystals from the fortress of solitude (don't be surprised if this sounds familiar...you've seen a similar plot in Superman I) and thus begins the story.

Alright, aside from the movie being 2H 38m, a big inconsistency with the Superman I know and love, and the Superman displayed in this movie, coulped w/ another storyline involving Lois' kid that I didn't really care for, the movie was good...just not "THE MOVIE OF THE SUMMER" that I had hoped it would become

The beginning of the movie feels like the first two superman movies with the opening credits and everything...matter of fact that are periods through the movie where I believe Singer purposely used an older camera lens to give the old school of a 1970s movie.

I just think had they changed the premise of what Lex Luthor was trying to do coupled with some more special effects (or hell maybe even add a new villian from the Superman universe) it could've been better. As I mentioned above, there is a storyline involving Lois' child, so there's probably going to be a sequel...maybe they should introduce Brainiac perhaps??

I also wouldn't recommend taking any young children to see this movie...b/c the movie has so much plot development that child's attention span may not be able to sustain the 2 hour 30 minute movie.

Shine award (or actor who did the best job) was w/o a doubt Kevin Spacey...he NAILED the role of Lex Luthor...although my buddy pointed out that it's a shame he had less lines than Lois Lane...

Overall grade: B-

Next posting...WHAT I'VE LEARNED!!!!!

Raw Footage: Jay-Z HP Commercial

2006-06-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Okay yes...I'm havin' fun w/ this blogging technology...but I had to post this joint also...follow me:

This weekend (June 23rd) marks the 10th anniversay of Jay-Z's first ever album Reasonable Doubt (classic matieral by the way).

@ any rate, I'm surfing the various Hip Hop sites getting feedback on Jay-Z, when talk about the HP Commercial (see above) came up.

The Jay-Z homers (or stans as the American youth say today) have said that during the "chess scene" of this commerical is a subliminal diss to Cam'Ron the whole "This game is over...I wonder if he knows"

Me, I just took it at face value and had made no connection to the Cam'Ron; but it was fun to read. But at any rate, for your viewing pleasure is the Jay-Z HP commercial. (BTW, my own personal conspiracy was that HP couldn't get the permission of Camel cigerettes for use of their brand image; hence why you never saw Jay's face...until I saw a similar HP commercial for Shaun White and they didn't use his face either)

PS. "what I've learned" will be the next posting...pending I don't feel like giving the lovely and talented Allison Stewart some more shine for getting her own show on MSBNC

Raw Footage: Williams & West

2006-06-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

I KNOW I KNOW!!! I said the next edition of "What More Can I Say" will involve what I learned...trust me it's coming...I have the list narrowed down to 161...but I digress;

I first learned about a Pharrell and Kanye collab around Christmas 05, and I was very skeptical...I mean it could be either really bad or really good...well, it's finally here for you, and it's really good! Here for your viewing pleasure (courtesey of YouTube dot com)is the latest single from PHarrell's upcoming album In My Mind entitled "Number 1". The only obvious question is: Who produced this? (My guess: Pharrell w/ Kanye having a co-production credit..similar to how D-Dot Angellettie would produce a bad boy record, and Puffy would add a high hat in one bar and get a production credit...(I know Kanye you're hotter than that!)

R.I.P. CJ Spencer dot com

2006-06-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, one of my good friends had this great idea to start a website that not only will focus as a social calendar for young urban professionals, but also give CJ's friends a chance to display their creative writing skills.

Truthfully I saw this ending before it started, but when CJ offered me the opportunity to display my movie critique skills on this site, I couldn't refuse.

So my review of "The Break-Up" in my posting below is my chance to get back that hot fire (check out my archives) I used to spit on CJ spencer dot com (under my alter-ego of Wilson Fisk.)

Oh, and in case you're wondering, CJ Spencer dot com has not been updated since The Chicago White Sox won the American League Pennant. Hence the title of this brief PSA.

I will also dedicate some of the What More Can I Say blog to my movie reviews...

B. Holcomb

50 GRAND I GET THIS IN ONE TAKE---the freestyle edition

2006-06-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

This edition of "What More Can I Say" will be straight off the the top of the head. One take, one publish, one post (minus all the pretty pictures that will accompany my posts). So please keep up as my train of thought is getting ready to leave the station!

Dave Chappelle

According to Entertainment Weekly (EW), Comedy Central will begin airing the 3 lost episodes of Season 3 starting on Monday July 9th. The whole news is truly bittersweet to me. As a fan of Dave Chappelle I'm hungry to see this new material; specifically the MTV cribs sketch where he makes an omlet with what appears to be a Pterodactyl egg and diamonds (Or as the young people call it in 2006..."ice"). But I also can't help to feel some hatred towards Comedy Central to go forward and play these episodes against Dave's wishes...but after all, these episodes are the property of Comedy Central and not Dave Chappelle...the whole idea is really wack to me; similar to when the show In Living Color began to fade away...

What's even worse is that Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rowlings (Ashy Larry for those who just asked "who?") will be hosting the show. EW goes on to explain that Neal (the co-creator of Chappelle's Show and former good friend of Dave's) will be the Executive Producer of a show starring Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rowlings to air on Comedy Central...what people will do for money.

On a more upbeat note, Dave Chappelle's Block party will be available on DVD beginning Tuesday June 13th 2006. I saw this in the theaters and thoroughly enjoyed it. WARNING: This is literally more of a musical concert film. And the music (and live performances) featured in the film are very similar to the acts that served as musical guests on Chappelle's show. So if you're not into any of their type of music, chances are you will be let down w/ this DVD. Dave tells some jokes throughout the movie, and also "the journey" of putting the block party together will hold your interest...

Having said that, I still recommend that you at least check it out.

The Boondocks

Speaking of DVD releases, season one of The Boondocks Cartoon, which was originally scheduled for availability on Tuesday June 13th, 2006, has been pushed back to Tuesday July 25th, 2006. Season 2 of The Boondocks cartoon is scheduled to debut during the Adult Swim portion of Cartoon Network later this November.

Michelle Wie

While I have mad respect for Michelle Wie's game on the links; nor do I have a problem with her attempts to qualify for the US Open. I just would like to see Michelle win something and establish herself on the LPGA tour before she attempts to stretch her game out.

The Break-Up

One of the more anticipated movies of the summer of 2006 was the Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Anniston comedy entitled "The Break-Up". My lady and I went to check this movie out during opening weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised with the whole show.

Pushed to the breaking-point after their latest, "why can't you do this one little thing for me?" argument, art dealer Brooke calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary, who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and underminings suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves. But somewhere between protesting the pool table in the living room, the dirty clothes stacked in the kitchen cupboards and the sports played at sleep-killing volume in the middle of the night, Brooke begins to realize that what she may be really fighting for isn't so much the place but the person. Courtesy: Yahoo! movies

What I really appreciated about this movie was the realism involved. When I say realism, I think Vince Vaughn (wrote the script) and Peyton Reed (director) did a good job of giving an overview of the physical and emotional strain over what is included in a "break-up" situation, as both Gary (Vaughn) and Brooke (Anniston) now are forced to live together during this awkward phase in a relationship.

Unfortunately I can't go into to much more detail w/o spoiling the movie. I will tell you these four things

a) Yes most of the funny scenes were shown in the trailer
b) Don't expect to see Jeremy from the Wedding Crashers or Raji from "Be Cool" (Yes I did see that movie...and it was bad). But Vince Vaughn brings a different (more tame) type of funny to this movie. Basically that frat humor that existed in Dodgeball and Old School is not in this movie
c) If you and your significant are going through a rocky period...tread lightly if the suggestion comes up to view "The Break-up". You will definately walk away w/ a stronger appreciation for each other after the movie...which will either you bring you both closer together, or in fact break you up (which in some cases can be viewed as a very positive thing...)
d) Despite my 3 statements above, I did enjoy this movie

Grade for The Break-Up: B

Are you serious?

On the first weekend of June, Courtney and I took a flight down to Miami for the weekend. As we were approaching our final decent into the Miami area, the captain comes on the speaker and says "Folks we will be arriving into the Miami/Ft Lauderdale area 20 minutes earlier than expected due to some short cuts we were able to take..."

Dude, are there really shortcuts in the sky? Like do pilots huddle around each other and say "Yo man, next time you go to Santa Fe, if you hook a left @ that cloud that's shaped like Gorbachev's forehead, that will save you like 15 minutes off your flight plan son! That's my word!"

#21

I'd like to take this time out to give props to Tim Duncan from the San Antonio Spurs. I've hated your game ever since your days @ Wake Forest. But this recent series in which your San Antonio Spurs came up short against the Mavs in game 7 of the 2006 Western Conference Semis...you showed me something man. Once you catch the ball in the low post you can literally do whatever the hell you want w/ the rock, from your fade away, to going directly to the hole, to finding the open slasher...Tim Duncan you are a solid player.

Well kids, that's all I have for now...my next edition will be my 1 year anniversay into the blog game. And following the lead that Scoop Jackson took on his 1 year anniversary of ESPN dot com, the top 100 items that "I've learned" in the past year will be published.

Still looking for people who actually follow the NBA from November-June,

B. Holcomb

The Top Five Emcees You Hear Everyday

2006-05-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

"B! B!! I finally understand it" said my serrogate younger brother Kendall. "I finally understand why you hate on our rappers today...I heard someone use a sample and I was able to identify it"

A smile came across my face coupled with a feeling of jubiliation that I finally reached this 19 year old's mind as to how wack radio hip hop is in 2006.

"So what happened K?"

"Dude...I was listening to Sirius Radio this evening, and on Shade 45 (Eminem's radio station for those Siruis Radio impaired)" And then he said it...

"Sampled Diddy's song!"

Okay, except for Irv Gotti who the hell would be in their right mind to sample a Puffy beat? But I took the bait

"Who sampled Puff's song?"
"Some guy named Public Enemy...he even stole the name of Diddy's song...Public Enemy #1..had the beat and everything"

If I had the powers of the son of Jor-El combined with he who is known for having the greatest crinimal mind in the world, my heat vision would've instantly labotomized this individual as I would've said under my breath "what a mornoic statement"...I had so much rage within me.

Kendall's statement above is an exampe of how commerical radio is contributing to the lack of balance currently expereinced within Hip Hop. LL Cool J himself could not have imagined how many people in my age group (roughly 25-34...Sean Carter and other party promoters would call this demographic "grown & sexy" but that's another blog) would frown at the phrase "I can't live without my radio" in 2006. Because most of these cats are flat out garbage

However, before I just articulate my overal disdain for the game as it stands now. Being a student of the Hip Hop culture I am willing to give props to at least 5 players in the game who have caught my ear, and I have even gone as far to verbally (and financially) support some of these dudes. So without futher adue here are my top five emcees that you I appreciate on commercial radio

Honorable Mention #3: Kanye West

My favorite girl wanna leave me just because I got a girlfriend
my freak girl told me "now, she a christian"
my white girl wanna move back to Michigan
I'm pullin girls off the bench like a sixth man

----Kanye West "This Way" Dialated Peoples f/ Kanye West

When I first heard this cat, I thought he was an intelligent Mason Betha. But since 2003, I've grown to appreciate "Kanye to the..." for his beats, wit, rhymestyle, fashion sense and overall arrogance. (BTW, those of you that say Kanye is way too arrogant, explain to me why it is you like the Jigga man again?). Kanye is a breath of fresh air to commercial radio, as he is currently accomplishing what Marley Marl and Pete Rock have tried to accomplish during their prime (create dope beats, get optimal radio play, and not have people frown when you come on the mic trying to rhyme). Bravo Kanye! He's definately here to say.

Honorable Mention #2 Bubba Sparxx I was just telling some friends of mine that Bubba Sparxx may have to call it a career after his latest effort Charm has only moved 120k copies after being out for 2 months. The guy is hella creative with his rhyme style; and transitions very well from crunk music to true lyrical essence. Unfortunately he spent most of his career being compared to Em, went dark after he and Timbaland parted ways and came back on the scene too soon after Paul Wall experienced success

Honorable Mention #1: Lil' Wayne I will confess that it took me a long time to get on the Lil Wayne bandwagon. Wayne was constantly being overshadowed by Juve when the Cash Money Millionares first debuted in 1999. Believe it or not it wasn't until I heard (what I thought at the time was) an a-capella freestyle on Rap City in early January which ultimately turned into his verse for the remix of T.I's "What You Know?" Where I actually paid attention to him. In 4 words: The guy flips it! Next to the guy who I have in slot 4 Weezy Wee's strength is in riding a track

#5: Busta Rhymes I've been a fan of Bussa Buss since another case of that ol PTA (or did the Scenario by ATCQ come out first)? At any rate this guy has proven overtime that when you do a remix, you gotta put Buss on the track! From his animated movements to his Puffy coached quiet delivery, Buss will pump out a hit for you. My concern w/ Buss is that he's now w/ Aftermath records, and let's be honest...my unborn seed will probably be graduating Junior High school by the time Buss' album comes out. Buss is also becoming what I like to refer to as "A Hip hop Accessory". That is being featured on other people's work and shining, yet having issues carrying his own projects by himself (see Nate Dogg)

#4: T.I. The personification of "He has a purpose in this game" Honestly there isn't too much I can say about the founder of Trap Muzik and the Grand Hustle Organization. It's not that I've ever been impressed w/ this guy's lyrical ability...but man CAN HE RIDE A BEAT! And his delivery is awesome. Let me give you an example:

Fresh off the jet to the block
Burning rubber with the top popped
My partners busting shots, I'll tell them stop it make the block hot
Yo label got got
Cuz you are not hot
I got the top spot
And it will not stop
----T.I. "What You Know?"

Reading those lyrics you're like so what? But timed w/ the delivery and the beat of the song, will have you at least wondering "Damn did I just hear a tight lyric? Or am I just hypnotized by the beat and delivery of those lyrics?"

#3: Fabolous If I were from Brooklyn this would easily be described as a homer call. Real talk, I've been diggin' this guys flow since the "Where My Girls at?" remix by 702. And he sealed the deal for me after his part in DJ Clue's Fantastic Four Pt 2 (coming after Jadakiss on a posse track...that's not an easy task). Coming into the game using the Puffy marketing formula; that is being featured on everyone else's track before you even come out (See Mary J Blige, Ma$e and Akon)

In my hood the slower you move, the quicker they get you
Sometimes it's somebody in your click that be with you
That's why my vest is thicker to get thru
And I keep 2 nines on my shirt like Dickersons shit do
Why waste my breath when I'm bickering with you
I'd rather waste my techs till they flicker and hit you
You sick cause my shit blew
And you ain't goin' nowhere for a while
A commercial where Snickers will fit you, fucka!
---Fabolous "Jackin' For Beats" The Game f/ Fabolous

I'm very happy that he no longer spells his name everytime he flows and the joint "Breathe" that dropped in 2004 is still favorite of mine! He could tone down on the "totin' gats" persona, but other than that The guy is F-A; B-O; L-O; U-S

#2: 50 cent HATE HIM OR LOVE HIM, THIS GUY IS STILL ON TOP. Whenever you mention the words "Hip hop" to the mainstream 50 cent is what comes up. Let's admit it, the guy can not only flow, but to paraphrase Jay-Z "He is a hustler baby, he'll sell water to a well". My main critiques with 50 are that he'll drop more corny ish than bangin' ish; and he sings on all his hooks (which is what he dogged Jeffrey Atkins out for (Ja Rule for my hip hop impaired). 50 definately understands "The Game" (no pun intended to Jaycen Taylor) and he'll be here to stay for a long time.
Editor's Note: This spot was reserved for this cat right here ----->

However due to 50's financial strong hold he has on Jaycen Taylor (b/k/a The Game) Game has been forced to make a temporary living on the mixtape circuit, until he drops his second album. But don't hold your breath...he also is on the Aftermath Record label (Reference my dissapoint for Busta Rhymes earlier above)

#1: Ludacris

Damn! What's with all the long faces?
You're wookin pa nub in all the wong places
Let's hit clubs and girls will take a shirt off
If not for me for the raspberry Smirnoff
Then me and Ursher can knock 'em all
Then we up and disappear like socks and drawers
A-Town!! Hit the block and get rowdy
We puttin up A's like Summa Cum Laude's
Yeah I graduated at the top of the class
And yeah I'll strap a harness to the top of yo' ass
And I, told 'em befo' the parties don't stop
So like Ripley's, you "Believe It Or Not"
And when you don't realize I'm the best ya had
Now you sittin at home and you got it bad
OHH! I'ma get nice and move slow
So drink some prune juice and let the shit go
---Ludacris "You don't have to call" (remix) Usher f/ Ludacris

Other quotables include:

The entire song of "Area Codes" His 2nd verse in "The potion" His verse in "Unpredictable" by Jaimie Foxx...the list goes on. If only his lead singles for his albums: "My Fantasy", "Roll Out" "Stand Up" & "Get Back" are too corny for me, but they are radio friendly thus serving the purpose.

I know I really haven't said much about Luda...but I feel I don't need to. Wait, let me also add the fact that I love how this dude makes his voice flucuate with the flow. Nobody on radio is touching this kid right now, and he's not only the best on the radio, but he's amongst the best in the game!

Not only do a lot of artists (term used loosely) in 2006 suck, but they are mainly gimmicks. Sadly though most of these beats that these artists rhyme along to are out of this world and it seems as though the Bandstand formula will never die

"I like the song"
"It has a good beat"
"And I can dance to it" (although I still argue that the noun dancing is widely left up to interpretation these days

Big ups to Luda, 50, Fab, T.I. & Bussa Buss for at least making me tune into the radio just to see what's the latest thing you all have going...

I'm out

The kid who wonders when exactly did Laura croft begin to look like Angelia Jolie,

B. Holcomb

P.S. Peace to MTV and your greatest emcees of all time list. Although I don't 100% agree, I was actually impressed w/ your list nonetheless

This guy is pretty gangsta

2006-04-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

1992-present day:

In High School and/or college I respected this man's game. The guy is a field general. I've seen him convert many-a-4th down chances...& if there was 1:42 left in the game, and I need a chance to score to win the game; hate it or love it, I probably want Brett Favre w/ the ball. In 3 maybe 4 words: he was/is clutch. But I never really cheered for him; w/ the exception of Super 32 where the Pack lost to Broncos (you know this is the game that contained the play of John Elways putting his helmet down and going for those extra 3 yards...you know the last clip they always show when they run Elway's career?). Oh, I also rooted for this guy during his role in "Something About Mary" (BTW, I still crack up everytime Dom (played by Chris Elliot) says "Mary! You didn't tell me Brett was Bre..tt...Fav--ahhvarah)

August-December 2005:

Okay, so in 2005, the Pack had arguably one of their worse seasons in sometime. Hurricane Katrina hit around labor day, and ravaged some parts of Brett Favre's homeland, Their star wideout Javon Walker got hurt in the first game, they were losing running backs like the Yankees lose games to the Devil Rays (btw, PEACE TO SAMKON GADO...you helped my fantasy team win another superbowl this past season!), lastly Mike Sherman got fired...I mean it was just all bad for the Pack. After the season, Brett Favre made a comment to "a close source" indicating that the 2005 season maybe his last season as an NFL player...but will make an annoucement sometime during the offseason

The week of March 31st 2006:

During the week of March 31st, 2006, we still haven't heard any confirmation from Favre whether or not he's coming back. In an offseason that was full of moves such as Aaron Brooks going to the Raiders, Joey Harrington being cut, La'Roi Glover and Corey Chaveous going to the Rams, T.O. to the Cowboys...the Pack hasn't been able to make any significant moves, b/c they still don't know if Brett is coming back or not. When asked about it, this dude says

"I still haven't made a decision...I have a lot on mind to consider."

When countered w/ the question "Well Brett, you're expected to make a decision this coming Saturday (which btw was April Fools day) Brett replies

"It's not gonna come tomorrow...I won't have a decision...what are they gonna do..CUT ME!?!?"

COME ON MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now let me just say had T.O., Ray Lewis, or Warren Sapp said something to that effect, their names would be WORSE than mud!! But this is the media darling Brett Favre...who just told the Packernation "Will you stay off my back please? I will continue to hold you by the nutsack, and you'll get an answer when I'm ready"

Saturday am April 8th 7:50am CST: (Peace to my man CJ Spencer, turning 30 today)

As I wake up and prepare to cut my grass, I tune into NFL network and I see that "Brett Favre who was schedule to make a decision about his future w/ the NFL @ 8:30am EST, has pushed back the start time to 8am" COME ON MAN.

I'm starting to like this guy more and more...he not only has the Pack, but now the media by the nuts! I need to tune in

April 8th, 8:15am CST

Adam Schefter (of NFL Network) is doing his best job ad libbing as Brett Favre has STILL not came to the podium to announce his decision. At this point, I'm getting happy b/c it's unusually cold this am in Dallas (46 degrees...it was 92 degrees on April 7th). Brett, I can wait for you...let me fix me a bowl of Coco Krispies...DAMN we're out of milk!

8:22am CST

"...and here we are live in Tunsia, MS where Brett Favre is expected to make his decision" (as Adam Schefter leads into the live broadcast)

Some exec from Harrah's Casino says a couple of words, and then turns it over to Brett

"I don't wanna say nuthin'" Says Favre...as he puts his head down. OH SH** I think he's about to retire (I think to myself). Immediately you faintly hear a reporter's voice in the background

"Brett, today is the day where you are to make a decision as to whether or not you'll continue as the Green Bay Packers quarterback. Where are you on that decision?"

"NO CHANGE." says Favre. "I haven't made up my mind yet...and I don't know why all you guys came down here and wasted a trip." COME ON MAN!!!!!

(The remainder of the press conference has Favre repeating phrases such as:

"I want to be sure we have a better team"
"I enjoy spending time w/ my family"
"The media is a trip" (B. Holcomb paraphrase)
"and oh yea...let me explain what exactly the purpose of my foundation is" ).

Regardless of the fact that he has a point about the wasted trip (I mean really, I've never been there, but outside of Steve McNair, Trent Lott, George W. Bush a couple of ex-students from Jackson State University, and that chick that played Denzell's love interest in the movie "Mississippi Masala" , I've never heard anything positive about Mississippi).

But dude...does this guy realize his team can't move forward until they know if their franchise kid is coming back?? COME ON MAN!!!!

Brett, as I stated before: You are clutch. The Packernation needs you (believe me, one of my good friends at work is a true fan of the Pack, and your indeciveness is negatively impacting his productivity). Just make your mind Brett! Don't hold the Packernation hostage anymore!

All that aside Brett, your recent actions have slotted you as my #3 favorite NFL personality now:

5b. Marc Bulger- only b/c he never has anything to say in the post game interviews. It's borderline hillarious
5a. Herman Edwards- Great coach. But easily the king of the soundbite...I tell people that Herm is the reason ESPNnews televises the post game interview...LIVE. While damn near everyone quotes: "YOU PLAY...THE GAME...TO WIN...HELLO!?!?!!?" My fav was Herm's response to this:

Coach Edwards, what is your response in lieu of the recent attacks that took place on September 11th, being in New York city...what would you say?"
Herm: GO TO CHURCH!!! BE W/ YOUR FAMILY, BE WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL LEADER!!! DON'T ASK ME...JUST PRAY ABOUT IT!" *AHEM* i continue w my list:

4. Randy Moss- easily the most country cat in the NFL
3. Brett Favre- for reasons stated above
2. Ray Lewis- Have you really listened to this guy? He drops some gems (knowledge for my non hip hop compliant readers)
1. Chad Johnson- He's on the NFL network right now (as they are resuming their regularly scheduled program). The guy is hillarious! In addition to his TD celebrations, he had me last year when he had the lamentated sheet of "Who can stop #85?"

oh damn...Chad just made the following statement "How is it that me & D'Angelo Hall cannot be on MNF together this year? We are what America wants to see...because we're going to give it our all. My entire workout in the offseason is dedicated to D'Angelo Hall, D, if you're listening...I love you but I got to have you...check this out: if me and D'Angelo Hall were in a phone booth...he couldn't touch me!"

COME ON MAN!!!!!!!!!!!

okay, i'm off to mow the lawn now

Still trying to understand the entire hook to the 1992 classic entitled "The Crossover" by EPMD,

B. Holcomb

P.S. As I'm still laughing to myself about Herm Edwards & Chad Johnson, I may have to compile a list of all time greatest soundbites (that I can remember)

WANTED FOR INTERROGATION PURPOSES

2006-02-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN!?!?!?!?

His name is Ang Lee.

You haven't???

Maybe you've heard of his work Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Oh yea, I loved it also...

Did you also know he won a 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Director for the movie "Brokeback Mountain" ??

And did you know that he was the one who put that TOMFOOLERY together known as "The Incredible Hulk movie" ?

WHY YOU DO THAT TO US ANG????

How do you do a great Kung Fu flick, eff up the Hulk, & then win critical appraise for cowboys who are of an alternative lifestyle!?!?!?!

WHAT'S REALLY GOOD WITH YOU SON!?!!?!?!?!?!?

If you see this guy in the street, tell him b.holcomb is looking for him son...He will pay what he owe!

The Cheaters, The Tics, The Mail and random other stuff

2006-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Cheaters & Star Wars

***THE FOLLOWING ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO US DURING THE NIGHT OF FEBURARY 8TH, 2006****

So the night of February 8th, The Court and I met up with this other couple and we attended the Dallas Symphony performance of the Star Wars Score last night. Anthony Daniels (the cat who played C-3PO) narrated (sp?) the score if you will, as he started with Episode I, and would describe various scenes, and the orchestra would then accompany him with the corresponding music to the scene.

One of my favorite parts was when they arrived to planet Hoth (the beginning of Empire Strikes Back), and they played the Imperial March. During this time, they had Stormtroopers marching up and down the aisles, and Darth Vader was up on a balcony shaking his fist at the audience. Very cool.

At the end of the concert, the Court, myself and the other couple were gathered in the library, taking pictures (well I was taking pictures) of the various stormtroopers and R2-D2. When suddenly, in through the lobby comes this camera crew, and in the middle is the average height woman, with short red hair and layers. She makes a b-line to this one cat in particular, says a few words, and then leaves the building.

Instantly we're like "Who the eff is this chick?" So then the jokes proceed

"Man that's probably one of Ashton Kutcher's flunkees, and that dude got punked"

"It definitely wasn't a news crew...because there weren't any call letters on the side of the camera"

"Maybe that dude won some sweepstakes"

"Y'all, while you BS'n it's probably cheaters!"

"You mean you took this b**** to the Star Wars show, and you couldn't rent Episode III with me?"

After more trippin', and finally about to make the move to our respective cars, we looked outside and the camera crew is still there...this time there are 3 people in the middle of the crew. So we roll up, and I go to one of the onlookers "Say man, what's going on?" To which the onlooker replies "Dude...that's CHEATERS!!!"

"CHEATERS!!?!?!?!? To what we reply

Instantly I look to my left, and sho nuff I see the two white vans that they roll in, and then I hear the Court yell "THERE GOES JOEY!!!"

Y'all, we are now witnessing an episode of Cheaters being filmed. And I'm like "damn, this n***** got busted @ the STAR WARS SYMPHONY!!!"

The remainder of the night we just hung back, and watched the "trio" argue back and 4th. I would provide more details, but honestly it was real subtle (We came to the conclusion that they couldn't get real buck wild in the Arts District of Downtown Dallas). And due to the subtlety (sp?) I don't think this episode will make the air.

We did wind up seeing "the victim (the red head)" escorted back into one of the white vans, Joey (the host) was playing his normal yet monotone role of "Why did you this?" "How do you feel?" "do you know what she is going through?" The dude who got busted is banging on the van (very quietly might I add) talkin' about "Let me in..." "Let me in...I want to talk", and the cheatee (this skinny blond chick) left the scene as if she was the tv show that followed CSI: Vegas "Without a Trace".

One of the crew persons turned to me, and the other dude I was with and asked "Do y'all watch the show?" To which I replied "Whenever I can maing...Say, we was just in there trippin' like YO, what if that's cheaters?!?! and sho nuff" To which the crew person replied "Man, you'll NEVER know where we'll show up!"

Finally the vans left, and we all said good night to each other. We jumped in the ride and The Court kept marveling at how short Joey Greco is the entire ride back (and for your own reference, at 5'8", I had a height advantage on Greco)

The Tics

Around Spring of last year, I received an email from my man Glen out in the Bay area. Glen knowing that I'm an avid cartoon fan, felt I would appreciate the information contained within his embedded link of the email he sent me.

The link took me to this story about this 9 year old kid in Indiana who is organizing a protest(via online petition) in lieu of news that Warner Brothers is changing the look of our beloved old school Looney Toones. Specifically: Bugs, Daffy, Taz, Wilie E. Coyote, and the Road Runner. See below

The petition goes on to state tha these new Looney Toones look pretty frightining and don't deserve to be put on air. "Please perserve our memories of our precious Bugs, Daffy & the gang etc..." and sign this petition.

Me being a cartoon purist, and noticing the fact that there were already 1123 signatures on this petition, I had to oblige...because I too wanted to perserve the image of Bugs and the gang, and not those futuristic things to the left.

Randomly I would visit this "petition site" and see that the signature were increasing, and thinking "wow, this little kid (who obviously had help from his mother) is actually trying to make a difference. The last I checked the petion reached 5118 signatures and I saw no sign of these future Looney Toones...mission accomplished

Then cold November morning (Yes it does get cold in Texas), I was flipping the channels and saw images on the WB similar to images I posted above. Man, the little kid lost his fight! They are actually going to change the face of the Looney Toones as we know it! Well, the least I can do at this point is to tune and watch the show...i think it's called "Loonatics Unleashed"

Let me tell you all something...after watching this show, I don't what kinda information that little kid and his mamma were fed. This show isn't a must see, but it's not bad (if you can get pass all the corny one lines thru the show)

Essentially, the premise of the show takes place in the year 2772...

Basically picture the Justice League (or the X-men for you marvel buffs) meets the Looney Toones. Yup, all of your favorite looney toones characters now have super powers. Which break down like this

Ace Bunny--- The Leader, shoots lazer beams out of his eyes, and is gifted in martial arts (Reference: Cyclops from the X-men meets Bugs Bunny minus the inner bitch that's in Cyclops)

Lexi Bunny---The girl, has super hearing, and shoots projectiles from her brain (Reference: Jean Gray meets Lola Bunny, minus the telekenesis and psychic ability of Jean Gray...not to be confused w/ the rapper Jean Grae)

Danger Duck--The Smart alec, Can Teleport (a/k/a "Quaking") and can throw flames out of his hands (picture Nightcrawler, meets Firestar, meets Daffy Duck...and this dude even has Daffy's ego)

Slam Devil--The Muscle, Is super strong, like the original Taz, moves by turning into a tornado, only communicates through grumbles and growling, and yet everyone can still understand him (Reference: The Thing meets the Tazmanian Devil)

Tech E. Coyote---The Engineer, Invents everything at will. Understands everything on a scientific level...can also heal instantly from any wound suffered in battle (Reference Wolverine meets Wile. E. Coyote, minus Logan's temper)

Rev Runner---Ultra fast, can fly, and has a GPS system in his mind, which allows him to track down any and everything. (Reference: The Flash meets The Road Runner)

As I said earlier, the show isn't bad...matter of fact from a "plot by plot" standpoint, the show is very well written, it's just the corny one liners throughout the show will kill you.

Just another example of making sure you have all your information straight before you protest...

The Mail

This last item needs to be addressed and targeted towards all my friends and family who call me, yes including my wife! Please understand that when you call my home or cell phone #, and I can't get to your call...please feel free to leave a message (as I state in my outgoing message).

This is my own personal rule when it comes to voice mail. If you call me, and don't leave a message, I'm gonna interpret that as you really didn't want anything. Yes, I have Caller ID, and sometimes "I see that you called". And I won't lie to you and say that "my time is valuable"...because frankly it really isn't. There are days where I just don't feel like talking on the phone. So if you don't leave a message, don't approach me the next day asking "Did you see that I called? Why didn't you call me back?"

This next scenario always happens to me:

I'll call my wife or a friend...it'll ring 4 or 5 times. Then their voice mail greeting comes on, I wait for the tone and proceed to leave my message. Halfway through leaving my message, I'll receive a "call waiting tone", and it'll be the person who I'm leaving a message for.

Again, to all my friends and family...I probably don't want anything important, so I'm not about to "click over" only to repeat exactly what I left on your voice mail. But I'm a flexible cat. I've learned to play your game. If I call, and get your voice mail, I just won't leave a message...I'll anticipate that you "saw that I called", and will call me back. But riddle me this people...why do you even pay for voice mail in the first place, if you're so heavily dependent on caller ID???

Okay, I'm done...just had to get that one off my chest

VP Richard Cheney

This is actually too easy. I'll just recommend that you tune into late night talk shows, as Jay Leno, Connan O'Brian, Jimmy Kimmel and David Letterman are having a field day (no pun intended) w/ this incident. I can't wait to see what Chris Matthews has to say about all of this

The Crossover

Lastly, if anyone can email me or leave in the comments section the answer to the following question you'll be forever remembered as a good person! And that question is:

What exactly is the entire hook for the 1992 classic EPMD song "The Cross over". Here's how much I've been able to ascertain

"Whatever you want....
...whatever you need....

???????????????????????????

THE CROSSOVER!"

So if you can fill in the appropriate blanks...shout @ me please!

The kid that's everything you wanna be but have yet to become,

B. Holcomb

P.S. If you missed it, check out my Holla At ya boys fam for the Kanye West 2006 Grammy performance! It was nice!

Back Again (but only for brief)

2006-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Nintendo

Sunday we had a guest preacher at our church who delivered some heat. (Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson from Eastern Star Baptist church in Indianapolis, IN...if you ever get a chance, check this brotha out). In part of his sermon he posed the question "Do you ever find yourself doing the right thing over and over again, and yet and still bad things occur in your life?" He goes on to give an example of his younger sons playing a Nintendo game, and on occasion the game will suddenly freeze up. But the boys continue to press the buttons. Pastor Johnson then asks his sons "Well what did you do? Did you quit?" To which the boys say "No daddy, we just take the game out, blow on the cartridge, stick the game back in and suddenly the game will start working again." Moral of that particular story: when things go bad, sometimes you need "The breath (of God)" to make your situation better...

At which point I had to mentally leave the sermon and flashback to 1989 when this new pheonomenon of breathing on video games was introduced to me. At this pont the Nintendo Entertainment System had been in households across America for about 3 years; more people than not had the system. In my particular instance I was playing a game of Tecmo Bowl against my man Kaz (yes that is his God given name). At any rate, I was playing as the LA Raiders (for those of you under the age 17...the Oakland Raiders had moved to LA due to some BS...but that's another blog), and he was playing as the Chicago Bears.

Kaz called "Pass 2" (or down & A for those of you true to the game), which involves the TE Cap Boso running a slant. Now for those that don't know, in the first Tecmo Bowl game, if you happened to call the same play as your opponent, and you're the defense, the play will get stopped (i.e. an all blitz will come, and the pass (if thrown) will be sure to bet intercepted). that being said I also called "Pass 2", knowing I would demolish Kaz. Kaz somehow got his pass off, but the game froze. Instantly I panicked. Kaz said "oh don't worry, my cousin showed me this trick the other day.

Kaz proceeds to pop the game out, turn it around and blow on the cartridge while sliding it up and down from his lip. Now as 12 yr old kid, I'm more concerned about why my game froze up vs. the germs and spit Kaz has put on my game and into now my Ninentdo. Kaz turns the game back on, and suddenly we're at the same play as if we hit the pause button (BTW, Nintnedo, GREAT invention w/ the pause button). And Kaz completed the pass!!! If I knew then what I knew now I would say "WTF??" But instead I said "WOW THAT WAS REALLY COOL!" Ironically though, that was the turning point in the game as Kaz procceeded to burn me on that Cap Baso Slant time and time again...only later to find out through conversations w/ my cousins and other fellow ex Tecmo Bowlers...that the Cap Boso slant of "Pass 2" was just unstoppable...but I digress.

But who was the kid that said "Yo, if you blow on the game, it'll be all good?" And how did that phenomeon sweep the county (as Pastor Johnson from Indianapolis referenced it)?

Bambi II

On my way to lunch today I saw a billboard for the sequel to Bambi II and the tagline "A sons' courage and a father's love" at which I proceeded to laugh out loud.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Bambi's mamma die in the original movie? And I don't remember any mention of his father....is he just gonna show up on the scene like Shaquille O'Neal's birth father talkin' about "Is there a Heaven for a G? Remember me?" And is Bambi gonna buck up (pun intended) and say (in Shaq's voice) "Thumper is my father!" ? And why (w/ the exception of Winnie the Pooh movies) does Disney always release their sequels straight to video? Does Disney themselves understand that their sequels won't make money in the cinema!?!? Hell I might just rent this for my own curiosity to see how this story will end

"The rise and fall and rise again of M.C."

the 2006 grammys are coming up and I believe Mariah has 8 nominations?? But man I am seriously diggin' that joint "Don't Forget Us". Which was written by Jermaine "JD" Dupri. Did you know he damn near wrote the enitre Emancipation of Mimi album which included the hits:

"It's Like That"
"We Belong Together" and
"Shake It Off"

if you listen to the lyrics of those songs (w/ the exception of "It's Like That") , it makes a little more sense to me how JD pulled Janet Jackson...kind of. (Insert Chris Rock "finding out about a sale too late" joke here)

I'm proud of Mariah personally. It seems like recently that America was sh***tin' on her and calling her schizo...now America can't get enough of her. My personal take? I think Mariah is using the formula today (in addition the way she dresses) for what makes Pop/R&B songs sell, and giving it her own little twist.

For example, the song "We Belong Together", clearly doesn't sound like '93 or even '02 Mariah. But she flipped it! And the album is movin' units like Microsoft and Xbox 360s (well maybe that's a bad analogy considering the amount of Xbox 360's that have been returned).

Bravo Mariah...and good luck @ the Grammy's this February...I'm just glad you're out of the habit of recording one version for the Pop Charts, and another version for "Urban". (Please reference:

"Honey"
"My all"
"The Roof"
"Emotions"
"Fantasy", and
"Always Be My Baby"

Okay...so that's my take on Mariah Carey...I'll think of something to write about later on...until then,

Still wondering why the Coca-Cola Company came out with Black-Vanilla-Cherry-Coke

B. Holcomb

The Return of B. Holcomb

2006-01-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

What's happenin' everybody!?!

I sincerely apologize for my long hiatus, but but between me gettin' my ass kicked, yet servin' fools in Madden, SOCOM & Star Wars Battlefront, working and just doing me, I have been uninspired to blog. Fortunately, I surround myself around characters across the nation. And through various conversations, watching the news, receiving email (and the blessing known as Thanksgiving and Christmas break) I now have some subject matter...so let's get into this

(Editor's Note: I apologize for the spelling mistakes that you may encounter...I'm going from the top of the dome)

1) DAMNIT QUIT WRITING ME!

Shortly after 9/11, I received an email from an attorney who claims to represent a distant relative of mine by the name of Eric Holcomb. Eric originally passed away for fighting "the good fight" by suffering casualties in a recent civil war in Nigeria. Due to his passing, all of his assets are frozen, and an immediate member of his family is the only one that can gain access to this loot through proof of relation.

At the attorney's request, apparently I'm the apparent heir (btw, he skips my own father, my uncle, and aunties, their aunts and uncles etc...but you know I charged that to the fact that I'm the one that's profiecient in email....). Now the attorney wants me to wire funds to some account in the United Kingdom, in addition meet him over on some block close to 22 Baker Street, make the exchange and all will be good.

Come on dude.

So when I first received this email, I forwarded it to a friend of mine who at the time was working for the CIA (thus their name will reamin anonymous). This person proceeds to mention to me, how interesting this email is, but not to worry about it. I was like "cool", and we began to enter our normal dialogue as to why Michael Jordan is still playing basketball...

Several months later, I receive an email from the same attorney. This time my distant relative Brian Holcomb died in a car crash on his way to the capital city of Rwanda. Brian now has some sort of royalty in his blood as the title "Prince" proceeds his name. And once again I'm the royal heir to their family...forgoing the other older members of my family...you know how this story will end.

Come on dude.

This time I just deleted the joint.

Unbeknownst to me, for the next 4 odd years (and counting) I would randomly receive these notices from these attorneys, and my distant relatives would range from freedom fighters, to princes to the person who's about to drop the next platinum hit. All of these cats whom I'm the heir apparent or the closest relative.

Can I please get off of someone's spam list. And if these cats was doin' it so big in "Mother Africa", why haven't they reached out to me?

Come on dude.

2) Halloween 05

I acutally meant to tell this story earlier, but I got sidetracked, so I make it quick. This was the Holcomb household's inagural year for passing out candy. As one who was deep in the trick-or-treat game as a child, I made it a point to make sure we wouldn't be labeled as "The Wack house" (not to be confused with "crack house") But basically the house that gives wack candy...or even worse, the house that gives you that candy wrapped in the solid black or solid orange candy wrappers. So I decided to play it safe and get Starburst and Skittles. As the night proceeded here are some quick anecdotes from the night

---Man after seeing so many Power Ranger costumes, It just then occurred to me that the Power Rangers have been in the game for 13 years. And for those of you keeping score @ home, Bobbi Kris (of Whitney & Bobby Brown fame) is 12 years old.

---This one cat showed up to our door with no costume...no bag. Just stuck his hands out and said "Trick or Treat"? When answering the question "Who are you supposed to be? And where is your bag" My man answers "Dude, my bag got stolen from me." Gotta admire his stick-to-it-tiveness

---Lastly this cute little kid dressed up as Batman. Had the Cowl and everything. His cowl was too big for him and he could barely see above it. As I mentioned earlier I had supplied the crib with Skittles and Starburst. "Batman" proceeds to say to me "I don't like Skittles", then proceeds to point at the starburst. COME ON DUDE. You're six years old, you haven't ascertained that Starburst and Skittles are the same candy? And MF when did you get the authrotiry to dictate what you do or don't like when going trick or treating? I should've done him like Charlie brown and gave him a rock, and called it a wrap!!

3) The Supreme Court

Quick point here. But does anyone truly believe that Alito won't get into the supereme court? Like one of my homeboys in college used to say all the time: America "gaurd your grill"

4) The Holiday Movie Season.

During the Holidays I saw King Kong, DeRailed, Fun with Dick & Jane and the Christian Movie (a/k/a The Chronicles of Narnia).

King Kong was pretty good. Didn't need to be 3 hours, but I understood why Peter Jackson wanted it that way. The first hour of the movie is based on character development...you don't see King Kong until the 64th minute of the movie. But pretty much, if you've seen King Kong before, you're not missing anything. Although the T-rex fight, and the scene w/ the sloths were impressive.

DeRailed was decent. My favorite actor right now is Clive Owen, and my wife is a Jennifer Anniston fan, so it was a no brainer that we saw this flick. Because it's a suspense thriller I won't go into to much detail. But I will disagree with people in saying that Jennifer Anniston was miscast...she was perfect for that role! The Rza (from Wu Tang Clan) did well also!

Fun with Dick and Jane is a movie that is very much overdue. It wasn't a great movie, but it's a must see (if that makes sense). It basically a comdeic tale about an upwardly mobile employee (and his co-workers) who gets done dirty by their fortune 500 company. And the remaining of the movie details how they survive and attempt the lifestyle they had with no employment. I felt the movie did a great job of poking fun of "Today's corporate America". To my fellow Kelly Business School alumni, you ALL must see this!

I was probably the only kid who admits to never reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. See all of my friends in 2006, rave about how awesome that book was etc. etc. But when I asked them about it, nobody could tell me what it was about. Allow me to borrow one of the more overused phrases in the African-American community but "YOU AIN'T GOT TO LIIIIIIE CRAIG!!!!"

That being said, this movie was pretty damn good. Had Star Wars not came out earlier in the year, I would think this was the best movie of 2005. And the animation of the animals was simply breathtaking (to me at least...I mean I'm the same person that thought "New Coke" would be here to stay back in 1986).

5) This bullet was reserved for Marcus Vick, but is there anything really left to say? Well two things:

a) I still feel the Gator Bowl incident was exaggerated. Next time you see the replay, watch it in normal speed, then notice how "The Media" intentionally slows it down...yea it looked malicious then, but in normal speed, nothing was said. Whatever man!

b) Shout out to the brotha known as "Jamiz"...but if your squad could draft Maurice Clarrett in the 3rd round (LOL!!), I'm pretty sure Marcus Vick will get drafted also.

6) The Boondocks.

If you don't know...you just don't know

7) Grey's Anatomy

The show is greatness! Bottom line people, it's like throwback ER. And the show's developer is a sista! Check it out when you get a moment

8) The Game

The Game has removed himself from Black Wall Street because his friends and family have been abusing his name and talking bad about him behind his back. He's now severed ties with these people and will be coming up with a new monkier for his crew.

Um..Game...didn't Andre Young tell you this will happen? Don't get it twisted, I still support you (BTW, Game IMO dropped the 2nd best album of 2005...please reference New Coke analogy above) But this isn't anything that should be expected. Biz wrote a song in 1987 called "The Vapors". This too will pass. Also Game, I read an article how you were boasting about ending the careers of Memphis Bleek and the Young Gunnaz.
Um, that's not exactly a resume bullet. (Please reference Jay-Z's verse in the song "Diamonds are Forever" by Kanye West). Even Jay knows Bleek is garbage LOL!! And the Young Gunnaz (even though I love that song "Can't Stop Won't Stop") Chris & Neef were just something to pass the time by. Notice they only drop music during February and March (some of the non busiest times of the music calendar)

9) My Top 5

One of my blog postings for the end of 2006 will be a top 5 albums of the year (all genres). Although we're a dying breed, there's still a "Collect" (Isn't that the plural of "The Borg")? @ any rate I will compile all of the responses from "The Collect" and hope to present you all with a top 5 list. But since I already made the statement about the Game, here are my remaining 4 albums

5) Get Lifted- John Legend
4) Be- Common
3) Late Registration- Kanye West
2) The Documentary- The Game
1) The Misntrel Show- Little Brother

Honorable Mentions: Grown & Sexy- Babyface; The Enancipation of Mimi-Mariah Carey

10) Lastly just wanna send a shout out to family and friends for the 2006 season. May this year be prosperous and filled with life long lessons you can grow from

The Man who wonders if Professor Griff says to himself "They fired me, but they got Flav acting a fool??"

B. Holcomb

P.S. Holla At ya boys, I will return from the Phoenix shortly!

My life, my life, my life, my life...IN THE SUNSHINE

2005-10-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've neglected the blog...I'm sorry. Man, it's been a month and a half and a (please choose based on your region: BUNCHA, BUTTLOAD, HELLA, HEAPA, TALL ORDER) of titmes have went down...so I'll surmise the best I can with ten topics going on in my life...well okay ten topics that i MUST comment on

Major League Baseball Post Season

If I told you once, I'll tell you again...Cardinalnation, this is OUR year. Our batting lineup isn't as strong as last years, but we are definitely guaranteed to get on base and bring in some runs. Our starting rotation is good. Carpenter, Mulder, Morris & Supan. Our defense is the best in the league...our bullpen is and will remain suspect. As long as our pitchers can go 7+ innings, I love our chances.

This time of year is also fun if you live in Texas. As you know, Texas breathes football (since their professional baseball squads range from "suck to decent". So in mid October ppl in TX suddenly get behind the Astros. The funny thing is, they can't name 2 ppl who don't pitch for the Astros...because EVERYBODY KNOWNS ROGER CLEMMENS. wtf??

Like being a Red Sox fan, cheering for the Astros in October is also a seasonal fad.

Lastly, Jose' Molina did in fact trap that ball in game 2 of the ALCS. The question is, why did the home plate umpire allow Prizeinski (sp?) to take first base, if the umpire rung him out...

"Hustler"

Some comedian a couple of years ago told a joke regarding the digression of HipHop music. Primarily "we've gone from wanting to bang, to pimps to huslters." Last time I checked, the person who was successful at all 3 of these challenged the Nation of Islam regarding their beliefs as "Muslims", this same cat got shot point blank in the chest after someone kindly asked his neighbor to remove "...your hands out of my pocket".

Speaking of hustlers, I got duped by the cute kid scheme on Thursday. I was going grocery shopping in my neighborhood Albertson's. At both of the doors there was an adult and a two little snotty nosed kids. Of course the kids were doing all of the talking trying to move what appeared to be those expensive ass $3 candy bars for something. I saw them, and quickly got behind a mom with some bad kids and rushed into the store. Safe right? Wrong.

Leaving the store, one of the snotty nosed kids ran up on this chick and offered his sob story. (Mental note: snotty nosed kids who don't look you directly in the face and barely speak above a whisper is NICE strategy...but I digress). The chick didn't have any money and walked off. Don't ask me why, but I felt bad for these kids...and was like "eff it I'll give you my $2 and help your "cause" "

"I got you little man" I said... "How much?"

"EIGHT DOLLARS". At this point, I"m like WTF? I already committed to this kid, and his pops looks like he just got cut from the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys. Fortunately, I had 7 singles on me, and paid the kid. what made matters worse, is he had peanut brittle (a personal favorite of fat Albert) and some taffy (Not to be confused w/ that wack song that's dominating urban radio these days). I chose to stick w/ my allegiance to Dr. William H. Cosby (we share the same bday afterall) and got the Peanut Brittle.

Madden 06

My buddy just started up a double elimination Madden tournament this week. After the first round, I'm already in the loser's bracket. I run w/ the Panthers, and I played against the Ravens. I have to credit EA Sports more and more every day...because "if it's in the game, it's in the game" The Ravens defense was EXCELLENT, Jamal Lewis carries that team, and the passing game is effective enough to sustain their drives. If anyone has any tips for me as to how to beat the Ravens...holla @ me

I was upset that I lost, so I jumped back on line and played this "kid" in a late night game of Madden. I was confused b/c it took the kid 5 minutes from accepting my invitation to actually start the game (avg wait time 48 seconds). After the first quarter was over (he was up 10-7). I realized how noticeably fast Deon Branch, Bethel Johnson, Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk had become. Also, Tom Brady could literally see the whole field (those of you who have played Madden this year can appreciate the ridiculousness of that attribute). I wound up winning 35-31, and was like "dude you suck...you had to use a code, and you STILL lost??" ahh redepmption...it's sweet!!

Diddy

Sean, I just find it interesting that the two members you picked from the season 2 (Babs & Ness) are on the mixtape circuit; yet Choppa has a video? And your "underground down south super group" is ready to disban to the rising success of Jeezy! Now, you have another season of Making the Band on MTV....Sean, QUIT MAKING BANDS

Harriet Miers

Bush 43's latest choice of supreme court justice nominee has an impressive resume:

Hillcrest high School graduate 1963 (think elite high school district)
BS SMU 1967
JD SMU, School of Law (1970)

Experience:

Feb 05-present White House Counsel
2003-2004: White House deputy chief of staff for policy
2001-2003: White House staff secretary
1995-2000: Texas lottery Commission-chairwoman
1972-2000: private law practice
1992-1993: State Bar of Texas- President
1989-1991: Dallas City council City member-member;
1985: Dallas Bar Association- President

But she's never been a judge???

Wow, well on one hand you gotta be happy that Bush 43 picked a woman. But she's never been a judge?? It is reported that she was a strong contributor to Al Sharpton's campaign. But she's never been a judge?

This in addition to the fact that conservatives aren't sure if she's conservative enough, and liberals aren't sure if she's liberal enough

Insert the phrase "Compassionate Consevative"...

Stay tuned boys and girls, this will get even better!!

Subway bombings?

last weekend (Oct 8-11) the United States was under high alert in the NYC due to an Al Queda posting of a possible subway attack. Only later to find out that the whole thing was a hoax?? My man had this theory (and I agreed) that the bomb scare was so that the news networks could take focus off of Katrina/Rita victims...

The Wizard of Wooden
Wow, John Wooden is 95??? damn

Dave Chappelle as Prince

The Chapelle Show skit where Charlie Murphy told the true hollywood story of him hangin' w/ Prince is easily one of my favorites! Don't get it twisted, I loved the Rick James skit also, it's just that when you hear everyday people who are not funny say "I'm Rick James Bitch", it's just no longer funny. PLUS fewer ppl can quote the Prince skit, so in my opinion (IMO in case you see this acronym again) makes it more classic....I digress. Well, cleary some members of the Minnesota football Vikings also

For those of you not in the know, the Vikings suck! I should know, I have Daunte Culpepper as one of my QBs in one of my 3 fantasy leagues (don't ask, every year I always say I'm only going to do one). But last week, someone leaked a story that said some members of the Vikings rented some "party boats" and took a cruise on the Lake Minnetonka. Nothing wrong w/ that right? Well, allegedley all throughout this boats there were various acts of oral sex being performed on the boat (yes, there were women on this boat also...slow down).

Now, I'll be honest...I don't have a big problem w/ this...as I'm sure this is in no way an "original idea". But it's unfortunate that it had to happen to team that went into the 2005 NFL season with the label "Team that made the dumbest trade in the off season", and the fact that they suck...now they gotta deal with this. What does this have to w/ Dave Chappelle?

Well one of my favorite lines in the Prince skit was a response to Donnell Rollilngs (b/k/a Ashy Larry) when Donnell asked "Hey Prince, ca..can I have something to drink?" Prince's response:

"Why don't you purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka" (as he proceeds to drive past Donnell for a hoop).

Okay, when you first hear it it's not that funny...but think about it...you'll find yourself leading a conference call and just laughing hysterically after that line...or as James Earl Jones as King Jahari-Jofur (from Coming To America) once said "I know I do!"

The Negro Leagues

Man, why is it everytime I hear Buck O'Neil (Legendary Negro League baseball figure, and chairman of the Negro League museum in Kansas City, MO) I have to stop and listen? This man is probably the greatest story teller alive...oh yea, he's also 93.

Fall TV Season

Off to a great start. If you haven't doneso already check for the following shows

Commander-In-Chief
Everybody Hates Chris
E-Ring

Sorry, I can't think of anything "new" that held my attention on WB or CBS..however, I LOVE Neil Patrick Harris' (a/k/a Doogie Houser) character on the show "How I met your mother?" The show won't be around too long...but Neil as "Barney" is a scene stealer!!

Lastly, for those of you checkin' for THE TRUE HIPHOP...please pick up "The Minstrel Show" by Little Brother...it's a cult classic people!!!

The man who just learned what "grout" was 1 year ago today...

B. Holcomb

Raw Footage (the multimedia posting)

2005-09-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

I love my friends.

My friends are the people who will search the net and find the illest (by illest meaning crazy, hillarious or thought provoking) articles, media files etc...

That being said, please enjoy the below clips:

Kanye West

"Hate him or love him, the underdog's on top..." Kanye has had a great 2004, and an even promising 2005. Those who are familiar w/ this man can equate his name to "gauranteed nice beat" (although I'm beginning to have this theory that Kanye holds his best beats for his friends and artitsts on his label GOOD music, but that's another blog entry)

Okay, so below I have the clip that was the talk of the American public over labor day weekend 2005. NBC had a celebrity telethon to raise efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. One segment featured Mike Myers and Kanye West...and why I'm giving this clip an introduction is beyond me. Please click below the picture and enjoy!

The best Kanye Freestyle

Trapped In The Closet Spoof

I've always believed R. Kelly was "a musical genius". But his latest album, coupled w/ the lead soap opera of Trapped in the Closet, kinda lost me..

That being said, please enjoy the Jimmy Kimmel Spoof on "Trapped in the Closet" entitled "Pizza"

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

...Man, just imagine if Dave Chappelle got a hold of that! Nonetheless, I was entertained by it also.

I thought I had some more...but they are actual files instead of links. So once I figure out how to post actual files, I will present you with Raw Footage Vol 2.

Starting a petition to not allow footage of Bobbi Kris eating on television,

B. Holcomb

P.S. Eric B. and Christopher Williams are both very much alive

An evening with the heads

2005-08-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Some of my complaints about the Dallas- Ft Worth area include:

a) No real appreciation for TRUE Hip Hop music here
b) The lack of support the African-American community here shows for concert attendance
c) The blind loyalty of the average Cowboy fan

That being said, last night my favorite rapper alive: Mr. Lonnie R. Lynn (b/k/a Common) came into town, along with De La Soul, Rhazel (from the Legendary Roots crew) & John Legend, so I HAD to check them out (as I said, there's small appreciation for the TRUE Hip Hop here in Dallas). Below are some observations I made while in attendance:

*OKAY!! My people came out to party tonight...on a school night (Monday) nonetheless!

*Why are they making us stand and wait in line if we have tickets?

*Man there's a lot of black folx here

*Why are they making us show ID if we have tickets?

*Damn you mean after all those truth.com ads, KOOL cigarettes are STILL targeting young people??

*What do you mean you don't know who "Rhazel" is?

*I can't believe AG (One of my partner's in crime) and I are the only ones here who know the words to "Lodi Dodi"

*I can't believe AG & I are the only ones here who know the words to "Top Billin'"

*I can't believe AG & I are the only ones here who have somewhere to be at 8 o'clock in the am

*"Yea kid, when Snoop did "Lodi Dodi", he REMADE it"

*I really hope Rhazel doesn't get frustrated b/c these Thundercats don't appreciate his talent...

*WAIT!! RHAZEL!! COME BACK!!!

*"Yes Danny, I'd like to open a tab...please keep the Heineken's flowin' "

*Okay, here comes De La Soul...

*Wow, I never thought these cats could pull of the "Buddy" remix without the Native Tongue family...

*Man there's a lot of black people here...

*I forgot how cold of a beat "Potholes In My Lawn" was

*De La is doing an excellent job of getting the crowd involved with this "Love Ballad" sample by L.T.D...I don't think they're ready for "Much More"

*Good lookin' out on the Heineken Danny

*Here it comes......"and WHAT WE HAVE IS MUCH MORE THAN THEYYYYYY CAN SEE!!!"

*"I play the XBOX while you fuckin' with dykes" LOVE THAT LINE!!

*They have the crowd now...it's time for "Ring Ring Ring"

*Hakim, (another friend of mine) don't worry about what kinda vodka is in your Cape Cod...it's a free drink man!

* "Of the Soul" is definately doin' they thing!

* Why is Maseo constantly looping "Flavor of the month" by Black Sheep?

* Aww damn THAT'S DRES!!!!

*Man did Dres audition for a role as a Hobbit in "Lord of the Rings"?

* Hakim, we may actually get "The Choice is Yours"...LIVE

*What do you mean we aren't ready for it

* uh oh...uh oh... "ENGINE, ENGINE NUMBER 9, ON THE New York...."

* ...BACK ON THE SCENE, CRISPY & CLEAN...YOU CAN TRY ALL YOU WANT BUT YOU CAN'T INTERVENE!!!"

*THAT WAS A GOOD SHOW!!! Thank you Danny

*Man, they didn't do "Ooooh" or "Da Bizness". Maybe Com will come out later w/ "Da Bizness"

*"What up Snook?? (another friend of mine)"

*Rhazel is back on stage, I guess he's the host. But nobody is really paying attention to him now..

* "Yea man, holla at "Danny" at the bar, and tell him you're on my tab

* UH-OH...here comes the string Bass to the intro of the BE album..

*Man, there's a lot of black folx here

*Here's Common, and he's commin' in all out sprint

* "...the present is a gift...and I just wanna BE.BE.BE.BE.BE.BE.BE.BE.BE.BE"

*......AND ON THE COUNT OF THREEE GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Mad love to Com to shoutin' out our Lord who makes ALL things possible...yes I'd like another Heinken, D Massey (another friend of mine)

*Dang, I didn't know this many ppl was diggin' "Faithful"

*Once "Faithful" ends, Com gets to talkin' about this chick that did him wrong...I think Badu is about to come out

*Oh SHEEYT he broke into "Testify"...you know, now the placement of this song on the album makes sense...

*AG, is he about to go thru the BE album track by track??

*AG, it's the beat son! This is your cut! That "Thelonious" fool!!

*"...still doin' this shit like dude from Wild Style...." THAT'S A HOT LINE

*wait they are looping that line...hold up Com is now in a T-shirt...OH SHEEYT HE'S BREAKIN'!!!

*...and then ends up in the B-Boy stance..."still doin' this shit like dude from Wild Style"

*Yes danny, I'd like another Heineken please.

*Com wont' stop!! Now's he comin' with his verse from "Respiration" off the Black Star album

*"...asked my guy how he thought travelin' the world sound? Found it hard to imagine he hadn't been past downtown" I personally feel that line speaks for 91% of the American public.

*Man, Com Sense has A BUNCHA energy! This man's "Cardio" program must be similar to Jerry Rice's fool

*Com keeps pumpin' out the hits "I used to Love H.E.R." "Love of My Life", "Come Close" I wonder if he's going to do "Watermelon"?

*Better yet, maybe he'll bring out De La and they'll rock "Da Bizness"

*So wait, did Common just do a 6 minute freestlye off the dome and shouted out "Deep Ellum", "I-35", "Central Expressway", "Michael Finnley & Dirk Nowitski", "Jerry Jones" & the "West End Plaza?"

*Okay "The Corner"...very hot song!

*"...yes Danny, and this time w/ the Heinken let's you and I do a shot bruh...you are on your job!"

*Man, is Com now going thru the crowd??, oh ish here he comes!!!

*Man lookin' @ everybody's energy & vibe, I'm reminded of that deodorant commercial: "When she sweats, it's sexy...when you sweat...YOU STINK"

*DJ Dummy is nice on the 1s & 2s...but he should've got more time

*"Wow what a show! But he didn't do "Da Bizness" nor did he do "Food".

*Jamiz, (another friend) what you drinkin' man??

*Say FP, (yet another friend) why did Common sign your T-shirt "Love, Common"?? He could've at least put a "1" in front of the word love.

*John Legend??? Man, I dig the cat's music and all, but there's no way he's topping what we just saw

*...matter of fact, why do you put a soul cat as the top billing of an hip hop show? The promoter needs a foot in his rectum for that idea

*Man, John Legend could've played Frodo Baggins & Dres could've played Sam Weiss...those cats are small

*"Danny close my tab...RIGHT NOW!"

*"Alright fellas, I can't do too much more...John Legend is getting ready to slow it down, and I'm still high! I'll shout @ you for the next episode...

Shouts out to AG, Hakim, FP, Malcolm J, Malcolm M., Stacey, Ashleigh, AT, Turo, Snook, Jamiz, D, Craig & Lisa...good to see you all out last night reppin' the Dee Eff Dub

Extra shout out to Common & De La Soul. With the exception of not performing "oooh", "Da Bizness" & "The Food"...y'all did not dissapoint

Still curious as to why Mickey D's charges you extra on the "OJ" for the breakfast value meal,
B. Holcomb

The Gift of Gab

2005-08-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a great conversation! Without conversation I could never appreciate how much my lady loved the sitcom Night Court , or how much my man "Peoples" loves the continent of Europe. Or how my man J-Quinn (not to be confused with J-Kwon, but he CAN "Chickenhead" ("Monestary" for my STL brethren) like no other!) went to Atlanta and got mad because there really wasn't such a ride called "The Michael Vick Experience".

Conversating (as my friends like to put it) is a beautiful thing, but not all of us are blessed with the gift of gab. Ladies have you ever wondered why that handsome fellow never stepped to you? It's b/c he can't work the mouthpiece (or maybe he's just not into you...i have been wrong before). And there's my personal favorite:

Have you ever been in an educational setting with someone who handled their biz in the classroom?? But when you take them as a first round draft selection to be in your group project they just dissapoint like a fat stripper at a bachelor/bacheloerette party?? It's because they can't carry a conversation.

But fear not boys and girls. Your guy B. Holcomb is here to provide some quick sure fire tips

But I don't know what to say?
It's not difficult to at all. The first thing you need to do is smile. Ladies, I can't tell you how many of y'all fumble the ball with this advice. Nobody like to talk to somebody who looks grumpy (or as B. Holcomb likes to put it "Wears the ice grill"). Look interested, and listen for your opportunity to jump into the conversation. Note to my fellas: when in a group setting w/ a bunch of men, don't smile too too much b/c in our homophobic society, that can be perceived as "batting from the other side"

If your friends still tell you that you "Look like you're ready to go", think of one of the following thoughts:

A REALLY good joke you heard the other day (and to make this even easier, think of one of the better Dave Chappelle skits you know of)
A REALLY good song, I mean YOUR JAM!
A REALLY funny line in a movie or television show. And if this still doesn't work
Think of the best sex you've ever had! If that doesn't bring a smile to your face, you're officially "doomed". Not even Dr. Phill can fuck w/ you at this point! (no pun intended)

Okay, I look interested now what?
Introduce yourself. You'll be surprised how many conversations can begin after introducing yourself. Examples include ("Oh that's a nice name (insert relative here) has that same name." Oh yea keep smiling.

Ok B, quit messin' around I want to actively participate in the conversation.

I'm gonna give you a real good hint. Ladies if you're talking to a man, an easy segway into conversation is "So what do you think about (Choose from The Yankees, The Cowboys or The Lakers)?" Unless you're part of "The 4400" this question is a SLAM DUNK! Everybody has an opinon about the 3 most loved/hated franchises in all of pro sports. This will surely keep the conversation movin'.

I haven't forgot about the flipside either. Fellas, when in conversation w/ a woman/women; ask her what her favorite types of food are. Yo, WHO DON'T LIKE TO EAT?? But the key here is timing; don't jump into a conversation about "Dr. Scholls creams that work well with your feet" and say "What kinda food goes great with that?" (for those of you laffing, I've seen this done...)

Food can spin off into a plethora of topics from diets that failed, to food allergies, to who's the best cook in your family. (Just a caution to fellas: Men who cook are an endangered species. So during this "food conversation" if you have skills (and you're trying to "win") bring this factoid up early and often. And ladies I'm all about setting expectations. If you can't cook, let the man know up front. ..but keep conversating there may be some other qualities that can keep your friendship rolling!)

Okay, those are some basic conversation starters for those gregarious-impaired. Once you get it started, the rest is active listening, and sharing your experiences. Trust me it's easier than I said it is...you'll thank me afterwards ;-) Before I leave I gotta hit you with 2 "conversation stoppers to surely avoid."

1. "How was your weekend?"
Now before I get bombarded with hate e-mail; I put this here to show how we as human beings are not creative in getting a conversation started. From a personal perspective, unless I know you went to some place that I love or plan on visiting...expect not to hear this question from me to often. Matter of fact, if you ever hear this question going forward, this is a true indicator that this person isn't a great conversationalist because they damn sure aren't since w/ this question.

2. "How's the weather?"
This question is how you know you've officially run out of things to say. Unless you plan on visiting the location of the person you're speaking with in the near future...do you really give a damn about how hot it is, and how comfortable you presently are (and vice-versa)? I mean what happens next "Man how do you survive in that??" Oh, and for those of you wonrdering, I feel the same way about ppl who send me postcards talkin' about "Wish you were here." No you don't! Because I'm probably the reason you're on vacation in the first place!!

Going back to "the weather", just understand that there's a reason you hear "soft jazz" or "muzak" while watching the weather channel okay? Alright I'm done...

Still curious as to why McDonalds charges you extra for an Orange Juice for your breakfast extra value meal,

B. Holcomb

MAIL TIME!!!!

2005-07-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today's edition of "What More Can I Say?" is brought to you in part by the letters "W", "T" & "F" and by the letter "Y"

I've received some interesting feedback via email; BTW, why can't y'all use the comments section below? Matter of fact, I had one friend write me back and say "I couldn't come up w/ a nickname cool enuff to register, so I just decided to write you..." (yes I still laff @ that myself...but I digress).

Back to my email...basically instead of answering these clowns individually, I decided to publish their notes and my responses to you all via the blog. Let's get into this!

B,

Loved your blog! You are a funny cat! Listen, I understand that you're one of the few
baseball fans who are left in the United States (I mean hell, even the IOC (International Olympic Committee) canceled baseball & softball for the upcoming olympics). But see I know your folks...your favorite sport is football...yea, I know dog! And I know you can't wait for Madden 2006 w/ MY QUARTERBACK on the cover!!!

But all that aside B, I understand that you don't too much care for "training camp". Hell even I hate training camp, that's why you see ME and MY AGENT on every Sports outlet talkin' about MY HOLDOUT!! You know I love me some me! But yea I decided to bite the bullet and show up to camp. But you gotta admit I'm the biggest story of the training camp season!! I mean w/o me, (and maybe Larry Brown) sports talk radio would be nothing but Entertainment Weekly right now! Get @ me when you get a second

Curious,
T.O.

Dear Terrell Owens,

First off let me say, that I enjoyed your performance in Super Bowl ex ex ex eye ex! OUSTANDING YOU WERE as master Yoda would say. Secondly, T.O. I'm split on your stance man. The B. Holcomb side of me feels the Philadelphia Eagles organization need to maintain their hard stance against you. For I fear if they give in, you may set a precedent for others who are trying to seek more of that gauranteed money.

However, my alter ego feels you have a legitimate case! I mean who really were Donovan's go to people before you? Stinkston? Freddie Mitchell? Sal Palentonio??? You caught more TDs than any other Eagles rcvr last season, out of the entire Eagles receivng core last year, they only out-gained you in total yardage by 60 yards (Yes, 3 cats combined for 60 more yards than you produced by yourself) AND you were the reason that Brian Westbrook became one of the "sleeper RBs" in Fantasy Football last year!! Yea, they should pay you more says Wilson!

But no man, I can't give you the title of best story in this presason camp yet. And no it doesn't go to Shawn nor Edge. But it's DEFINATELY not you.
...Why??
....Why??
I DON'T KNOW???????

Still wondering what Regine from "Living Single" did for a living,
B. Holcomb

B,

Hey man, LOVED YOUR BLOG! You know in speaking with Jenna and Barbara the other day, they said I need to take my mind off things. So they recommended i get educated right here , and I was diggin' your talent my man...but I am absolutley outraged that you think I'm a snitch!!! As the twins say, "What really good w/ that??"

EMPHATICALLY OUTRAGED,

TURD BLOSSOM

Dear Mr. Karl Rove,

I'm not calling you a snitch, you're just "snitch-ish". But allow me to share w/ you what I know thus far:

Jan 2003- In his State of the Union address, Bush cites British intelligence about Iraq trying to buy Uranium in Africa.

July 2003- Former diplomat Joe Wilson writes in the NY Times that he told the CIA long before Bush's address that the intelligence was suspect

(Later that same month)- Bob Novak quotes "anonymous govrenment sources" that Mr. Wilson's wife (Not be confused with George and Martha Wilson from "Dennis the Menace") is a covert CIA agent. Oh yea, her name is Valerie Plame

(Coincedentally later that SAME month)- Matthew Cooper of Time magazine uses Ms. Plame's name in a cover story

September of that same year-The White house says it's proposterous (My new word) that you were involved in the disclosure of Plame's identity

June of 2004- Bush now pledges to fire anyone in his administration that is a snitch

October of 2004- You testify before a grand jury that's investigating a leak...and your attorney says you're not the target of a criminal probe

July of this year- Newsweek says that you spoke w/ Matt Cooper of Time magazine about Plame in 2003, but did not identify her by name.

Later that same month- Bush comes on the mic and says "anyone who has been dishonest will be dealt with".

Now, the B. Holcomb jury is still out, but given all that above, coupled w/ the fact that the President recently changed his stance from "fired" to "dealt with" (although you can argue that dealt with also means fired), I'm leaning towards "snitch" Mr. Rove...

Still convinced Sivi Afi didn't get his true props during the WWF,

B. Holcomb

...now just as I was about to do some digging I receive this email:

Gotta admit son, YOU have MAD creativty man! I guess even you yourself would even say that your midi-chlorian count was astronomical (LOL).

Say playboy, I don't appreciate you saying that I need to stop makin' bands playboy . Have you seen B5 and Boyz and the Hood???? And on top of that I got the Sean Jean line going strong!!! It's like I told you back in '94 "We don't stop and we don't quit"

Take that-take that-take that,

Diddy

Dear P. Did...I mean Puf...I mean DAMNIT!

Dear Sean,

Look man. I was probably your biggest fan in the Midwest region during the years 1994-1998 while I attended Indiana University at Bloomington. As your own guy Dylan would say, you gave that "Hot Fire" son. (BTW Sean, you had to love that Dave Chappelle skit about your show).

But man I'm watching "Countdown" on MSNBC (and paying extra special attention this eve, b/c Alison Stewart was pinch hitting for Keith this evening. And in watching this w/ my wife, you happened to appear. And then my wife brought it to my attention that you lack creativty dog. Allow me to break this down so it can forever and consistantly be broken down:

a) "Big Poppa"

PRO: Clearly the biggest cross over single for your most famed artist on the Bad Boy Label.

CON: Sampled one of the classic love songs "In Between the Sheets" by The Isley Brothers

b) "Been Around the World"

PRO: Your first breakout single

CON: Sampled "Let's Dance" by David Bowie AND the hook was sampled from "Been around the World" by Lisa Stansfield

c) "Missing You"

PRO: The beginning of you over publicizing B.I.G's passing away, the rise of your "independence as an artist

CON: Sampled "Every Breath I take" by the Police and the Gospel song "I'll Fly Away"

Call it what you want: Oh yea, the dance you did to this song during the 1997 VMAs is the same dance many people do to imitate you when your name comes up.

d) Making the Band 2

PRO: The reality TV precursor to "Being Bobby Brown". Making the Band season 2 was a classic!

CON: Would you really have come up w/ this idea had Making the Band season 1 been a success?

e) Bad Boys of Comedy

PRO: Resurfacing a raw comedy format and nice pre game vehicle for those going out on Friday nights

CON: Would you really have come up w/ this idea had Def Comedy Jam never came out?

f) Carlito's Way: Rise To Power- Fall 2005, supporting actor

PRO: a Prequel to a classic film! Plus this role could give you a more memorable movie part aside from the one you played in Monster's Ball

CON: Still looking for something original

g) LAST ONE...YOUR ENTRANCE TO THE 2005 MTV VMA NOMINATIONS VIA JET PACK!?!?!?!?! (I tried to find the link you guys, but I couldn't...but trust me, it made the news! Just imagine a real life George Jetson going for a "stroll in the sky".)

PRO: WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?

CON: Didn't we see that before in the movie Mary Poppins?

Still givin' you props for the song "Bad Boy 4 Life"

B. Holcomb

Okay everyone...that's enuff for now. My sincere apologies to:

Karrine Steffens & Ma Barker,Jude Law, Stephen A. Smith, John G. Roberts, NASA, Paris Hilton, the CAFTA act, Venus & Serena Williams and Southern Rap Music...I read your emails, but just didn't have time to respond to you all...
Until we speak again,
B. Holcomb

The Evolution of the Love Lyric

2005-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm very concerned as to where we're going in the way we:

(choose appropriate word or phrase to fit your generation)
flirt...
rap...
holla...
game...
talk...
spit...
mack...
scream...
kick it ...

...with the opposite sex. And I blame it ALL on the music industry. Instead of giving you a classic B. Holcomb dissertation, let me share with you some of my favorite song lyrics as we journey through time from the late 50s to the present day:

Song: To Be Loved
Artist: Jackie Wislon
Time: Approx late 50s

"Some wish to be a king or a queen,
Some wish for fortune and fame,
But to be truly, truly, truly loved
Is more than all of these things!"

Observation: See how simple things were back when the older generation was at the top of their game?? Love was special, love meant something. Being a playa (although seen but not spoken about) was not embraced as much as it is today.

But then it got fun

Song: Do you Love Me?
Artist: The Contours
Time: Approx early 1960s

"You broke my heart
'Cause I couldn't dance
You didn't even want me around
And now I'm back, to let you know I can really shake 'em down

Do you love me? (I can really move)
Do you love me? (I'm in the groove)
Ah do you love? (Do you love me) Now that I can dance (dance) "

Observation: In this song a man wanted the attention of a woman, but received the cold shoulder because he couldn't dance. Now he's worked on his dancing and he's ready! See back in the Motown golden age, it didn't take much...a good rap, and/or good dance moves, and it's a wrap! However, I still can't fathom that one doing the Mash Potato helped them get a date, but I also thought New Coke tasted good back in 1985, so what do I Know?

So then the trend continues to mix fun and love, but how do you really feel?

Song: Reasons
Aritst: Per Steve Harvey, "the baddest band God has ever assembled", Earth Wind & Fire
Time: Early 70s

"Now, I'm craving your body,
Is this for real?
Temperature rising, don't wanna feel
I'm in the wrong, place to be real
I'm longing to love you. If just for a night..."

Observation: "I can't explain the reasons that I'm feeling this way, but I don't want this feeling to ever dissapear now that I'm here with you." If said with sincerity, fellas this should be a done deal!"

Song: Maybe Tomorrow
Aritst: The Jackson 5
Time: mid 70s

"You are the book that I read each day
You are the song that I sing Gonna sing it to you
You are the four seasons of my life
But maybe tomorrow, you'll change your mind girl
But Maybe tomorrow, you'll come back to my arms girl "

Observation: "I'm so into you girl, that this is how much I think about you. I'm sorry for what I've done, but maybe tomorrow or the next day, or next week, you'll realize what we had." I don't know who exactly wrote this song, but they are making little Michael Jackson excercise a lot of patience (Insert favorite MJ joke here.)

But then, true love coupled with emotions are captured

Song: Here & Now
Aritst: Luther Vandross (You know I had to use a Luther example)
Time: approx early 80s

"I look in your eyes and there I see
What happiness really means
The love that we share makes life so sweet
Together we'll always be
This pledge of love feels so right
And, ooh, I need you"

Observation: This is what every Groom should be saying to their Bride. This is a no brainer in terms of "Wedding songs"

Song: Tender Love (a/k/a The Krush Groove love theme)
Aritst: Force MDs
Time mid 80s

"Here I lay all alone (Tossin turning)
Longing for some of your, (Tender Love)
I'm waitin for the right moment (to come So I)
can thank you for, All the tender love you've given to me

Observation: "I miss your (love, presence, everything about you). I long for you. "

(Big ups to all of you that just did the "Tender Love Shuffle" while singing those lyrics to yourself)

Song: Make It Last Forever
Artist: Keith Sweat (Or Mariah Carey & Joe depending on who you speak with)
Time: approx late 80s (or early millennium depending on your reference)

"Let me hear you tell me you love me
Let me hear you say you'll never leave me
Ooh, girl, that would make me feel so right
Let me hear you tell me you want me
Let me hear you say you'll never leave me, baby
Until the morning light"

Observation: "I want to endure your love. Tell me how much you love me, let's make it last forever." Nice foreplay song. Fellas, if this is still on your "booty tape" and you are unsuccesful:

a) Change the game.
b) You simply have no one to blame but yourself. and
c) You suck.

Then it started becoming "real smooth on the R&B tip"

Song: Comforter
Aritst: Shai
Time: Approx early 90s

"(Come in)...I see he's hurt you again,
When you're in pain (I'm in pain)
That's part of bein' a friend.But this is a special case.I
held my feelings back because of him
And now I can see more than ever
I made a very, big, mistake."

Observation: This man has feelings for you, but he held them back because you were in love with someone who isn't right for you (Nice Guys anthem). This is also a personal favorite b/c I have MANY friends across the country who have used "The Comforter routine" to be with their chosen loves today....(names will be witheld)

Song: Femininity
Artist: Eric Benet
Time: Approx Mid 90s:

A child of innocence is how you look at me
But it's the woman's touch that makes it feel so right (so right)
Your lips consume my deepest sensitivity
It feels so good it makes me wanna cry (makes me cry)

Observation: Next to Lauryn Hill, this is one of the better ways I've heard the feeling of a kiss described.
And for those that really wanna go there, not since Janet Jackson has this feeling been so subtley described...if ya don't know now ya know...

But also bare in mind, your guy Eric likes to perform barefoot and ashy lipped (at least that was his uniform @ Essence Festival 2001).
Eric, if you ever read this, I just want you to know that (all jokes aside) I have your back, and there's no such thing as a sex addict!!! How you gon' have Hallie's mom and Oprah diagnose YOU?

Okay here's where it falls apart

Song: Let's Get Married
Artist: Jagged Edge
Approx: 2000

"Meet me at the altar in your white dress
We ain't getting no younger, we might as well do it
Been feeling all the while girl I must confess
Girl let's just get marriedI just wanna get married"

Observation: Do you really?? Sad thing is if you don't listen to the lyrics (like most ppl today), you'll transform into a regular of the show "Bandstand"...it sounds good, I like the beat, and I can dance to it. But I digress...To me, it seems like Jermaine Dupri (who wrote the song) was tasked w/ creating a love song about futility...Thank GOD for the remix.

Song: My Place
Artist: Nelly f/ Jaheim
Approx: 2004

"I heard your friend told a friend that told a friend of mine
That you was thinking that we should do it one more time
If this aint the truth then hopefully it's not a lie
Cause I aint got no issue's with hitting at another time"

Observation: I actually heard this Thundercat* use this line to this girl at the mall, and she giggled and walked off w/ him. This is a SAD state of affairs people! If you know of any other ppl who this line has worked on, please let me know. I'd be interested in hearing your stories

*Thundercat= young male

Lastly, the lyric that inspired this blog entry:

Song: ?????? But it gets mad rotation everytime I tune on the radio just to get a traffic report
Artist: See above
Time: Present day.

"And even when those 20s stop spinnin'
And all dem gold diggin' women dissapear
We'll still be here!!!"

Observation: You've got to be kidding me.

OK, so this turned into a B. Holcmb dissertation. Sometimes my mind gets to wandering and suddenly you have what is before you. Before I go shout outs to the The Holla @ Ya Boys Famand to cjspencer.com . Thanks for lettin' me be part of the family

Still chasing the back of the wagon as if I'm ReRun from What's Happenin'???
B. Holcomb

MYINTROTOLETUKNOW

2005-06-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

As far as my first entry will go, I'm going to steal a page from espn.com's page 2 writer Scoop Jackson (and my man "Jamiz"). When Scoop first came on the scene at espn.com, he gave a 100 pt list of his beliefs. I LOVED IT! So I'm keepin' the party movin' with the same formula. Shout out to my man "Jamiz" for allowing me to come on the scene with this same idea...

My beliefs
by: B. Holcomb

1. I believe Bjorn Bjorg vs. John McEnroe was one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
2. I believe John McEnroe should still have a talk show.
3. I believe Donnie Deutch doesn't deserve a talk show.
4. I believe Bob Costas' show should come on prime time.
5. I believe Aaron McGruder deserves a radio talk show.
6. I believe Hulk Hogan doesn't deserve a reality show.
7. I believe The Amazing Race is the best reality show on television.
8. I believe Bobby Brown's reality show is long overdue.
9. I believe George Stephanopoulos has a cool job .
10. I believe after reading that last statement some of you will think I’m referencing Webster’s dad on tv.
11. I believe Ari Fleischer never liked his job.
12. I believe from a career standpoint, I'll never experience true happiness until I work for myself.
13. I believe with the exception of "Girlfriends" UPN knows it's on some bullshit.
14. I believe DMX is the founding father of crunk music.
15. I believe Lil' Jon is making of up for years of getting his ass beat down through expression of music.
16. I believe Gary Condit was the happiest person in America on Sept 11, 2001.
17. I believe Jessica Lynch doesn't completely understand what exactly she did.
18. I believe Donald Rumsfield when he said that he's “tried to resign twice but the President wouldn't accept his resignation.”
19. I believe Craig Ehlo never got his props.
20. I believe Michael Jordan fouled Byron Russell in order to get his "final shot" in game 6 of the 1998 NBA finals.
21. I believe Magic Johnson never had HIV.
22. I believe Wilt Chamberlin slept with all those women.
23. I believe William "Smokey" Robinson and Dr. William H. Cosby are the biggest pimps whose true stories will never be told.
24. I believe Brad Pitt when he says he and Angelina Jolie are friends.
25. I believe Angelina Jolie when she says she sleeps w/ all her friends on a rotational basis.
26. I believe Billy Bob Thornton and Hallie Berry weren’t acting in that scene in Monster's Ball.
27. I believe Hallie Berry isn't that great of an actress.
28. I believe Morgan Freeman's academy award was long overdue.
29. I believe Don Cheadle deserved the 2005 Best actor Oscar.
30. I believe Jaimie Foxx’s best role was “Crazy George” on the tv show Roc.
31. I believe Roc was one of the best shows to ever appear on television.
32. I believe Phylisha Rashad deserved an Emmy for her role as Claire Huxtable.
33. I believe Lonnie Rasheed Lynn is the greatest rapper alive.
34. I believe Christopher Wallace is the greatest rapper of all time.
35. I believe Erykah Badu and I have the same "top 5 greatest rappers of all time" list.
36. I believe Jay-Z got out the game at the right time.
37. I believe Jay-Z will give us another album.
38. I believe Woody Boyd from "Cheers" and Dee Thomas from "What's Happenin'" are the two greatest characters created in Sitcom history.
39. I believe "Thelma Evans" is the finest person on a tv show.
40. I believe as a culture Black America slept on the show "Friends".
41. I believe as a culture White America slept on the show "Living Single".
42. I believe America slept on the show "City of Angels".
43. I believe the Star Wars saga is the blueprint used for all good movies that come out of Hollywood.
44. I believe without the Joker there's no Batman, without Lex Luthor there's no Superman, and without Osama Bin Laden there's no George W. Bush.
45. I believe North Korea doesn't want to go to war.
46. I believe George W. Bush doesn't call all the shots.
47. I believe John Edwards would make a decent president.
48. I believe John McCain would make a great president.
49. I believe Presidents Gerald Ford & Jimmy Carter were set up for failure.
50. I believe in GOD.
51. I believe in the Reseurrection.
52. I believe Tim Duncan is probably one of the funniest people we'll never know about.
53. I believe ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" is the best damn sports show on television.
54. I believe OJ did it.
55. I believe Michael Jackson did it.
56. I believe Michael Jackson received the same justice as the modern day catholic priest.
57. I believe before I was married, the best advice I received about marriage is "Life is 20% cause, 80% effect".
58. I believe men and women weren’t meant to get along by design.
59. I believe women and women weren't meant to get along by design.
60. I believe Barry Bonds when he says "I didn't know at the time that I was taking steroids."
61. I believe Mark McGuire would not have broken Roger Maris' record without Sammy Sosa and performance enhancing drugs.
62. I believe people need to question whether or not Babe Ruth used performance enhancing drugs.
63. I believe Bud Selig never swung a baseball bat in his life.
64. I believe David Stern never took a jump shot in his life.
65. I believe Paul Tagliabeau has an easy job.
66. I believe Gary Bettman just wants to go away.
67. I believe Jim Carey should always acknowledge the Wayans family whenever he receives accolades for his career.
68. I believe Gateway computers used to have a great business model, until Michael Dell came on the scene.
69. I believe with the exception of Star Wars, Samuel L. Jackson writes all his dialogue in the movies he stars in.
70. I believe (to paraphrase Leon as David Ruffin) "Nobody really came to see Otis." in real life.
71. I believe Clive Owen is Hollywood's next great actor.
72. I believe there are many rappers that should be regulated to mixtape performances only
73. I believe William Hung and Tyler Perry are hustlers on a level that Cassidy could never imagine.
74. I believe Beyonce' has an excellent media relations coach
75. I believe Michelle can't wait until the end of Destiny's Child
76. I believe Shyne regrets the day someone first said "Yo kid, you sound JUST LIKE BIGGIE!"
77. I believe Puffy should stop making bands.
78. I believe R. Kelly is a genius.
79. I believe jazz music will never get its true props.
80. I believe whoever at Budweiser came up with the concept of "Leon" is a genius.
81. I believe the St. Louis Cardinals do not need a new stadium.
82. I believe the Dallas Cowboys do need a new stadium.
83. I believe corporations should stop having stadiums named after them
84. I believe there will never be a color commentator greater than Al McGuire.
85. I believe Jim Lampley wants to tell Larry Merchant to "shut the eff up!"
86. I believe every true fan of Muhammad Ali should view "When We Were Kings"
87. I believe everybody should see a Frankie Beverly and Maze concert before they pass away
88. I believe everybody should see a U2 concert before they pass away.
89. I believe if your mate ever looks at you like an 8 yr old looks at Santa Claus; then your mate is in love with you.
90. I believe if you never thought about killing your mate, you've never been in love.
91. I believe come judgment day, the amount of "Jesus loves me" emails that I chose not to forward will not come in question.
92. I believe a black man invented starch.
93. I believe every black person in St. Louis, Chicago & Detroit should send that man’s family a gift basket.
94. I believe if I could have a super power, without a doubt it'd be "The Force."
95. I believe the X-men storylines are a parallel of the 1960s Civil Rights movement
96. I believe Spider-Man is my favorite super hero.
97. I believe my life would make a great sitcom.
98. I believe my friends are some of the most talented individuals on the planet.
99. I believe some of my best friends are the ones I don’t speak with on a regular basis.
100. I believe my wife loves me like no one else will.
101. I believe my mom loves me like no one else will.
102. I believe my dad is an untapped resource of great wisdom.
103. I believe my sister is the most well rounded individual I know…because she’s not afraid to ask “Why?”
104. I believe ESPNnews is the greatest thing since the Internet
105. I believe K&G Men’s Warehouse is the greatest thing since ESPNnews
106. I believe we've only seen a fraction of Dave Chapelle's talent
107. I believe I’m done...for now