60th Anniversary of iconic film "Carmen Jones"

The film debuted and hit theaters worldwide on October 28, 1954

60 years ago this film came to the theaters across the world, Carmen Jones based on a saucy, spicy, laundress/seamstress worker who falls in love with an aspiring flight pilot, Joe. I love this film, it took place in the 1950s but it has been redone again in the new millennium but only a small television version of it ever made it to the screen.  MTV produced and

Does she look familiar lol!??!!! That's Queen B (Beyonce)  as "Carmen Jones"

 debuted Carmen the Hip Hopera back in 2001 starring Beyonce as "Carmen" and Mekhi Phifer as "Joe". I always would love to see a modern day adaptation of the film, because there’s something you can do with rich, wonderful, unique characters. The film made its way on October 28, 1954 and debuted all around the world starring an all-African- American cast.



 The movie evolved, many up and coming stars were in the film and it opened as well as blossomed some very large careers. 

An intimate moment between the characters, Carmen Jones and Joe  from the film 

An iconic cover of Life magazine, Dorothy graces the cover for the November issue on November 1, 1954 

A glamour shot of Dorothy Dandridge

Fashion trends inspired by the film worn by "Carmen" (Dorothy Dandridge) from the film "Carmen Jones" 

The movie was actually taken away from the opera titled “Carmen” written by George Bizet.  The opera and the film both follow the same synopsis but the film and the play have different versions of how the characters all join and form together. Carmen Jones is more modern and it also takes you in the world of the characters, where they come from, and introduces you to them right away. I love the music, the dancing, costumes within the film. The songs for example “Dats Love”, “Beat that Rhythm with a drum” sung by the late Pearl Bailey. There’s an all -star cast in the movie of superstars who are still around and are incredibly relevant still.  The movie starred of course the beautiful and incredibly talented, late, great Dorothy Dandridge, the handsome Harry Belafonte, the always evolving, Diahann Carroll, Pearl Bailey, Joe Adams, and Brock Peters.  

Carmen Jones was directed by Dorothy’s then husband, Otto Preminger.  Oscar Hammerstein the second, he wrote the movie and assisted with the song lyrics.   The movie also gave Dorothy the very first opportunity to be nominated by the Academy of Motion Pictures for her Best Actress Oscar in a Musical in a film in 1954. Unfortunately she was unable to receive the award at the time and another woman took the award.  However, this gave and was one of the opportunities that gave many African American actors and actresses many opportunities and opened doors for those at that time and there after today.

            This movie of course opened many doors on different levels when it came to the African American roles for women and men.  Showcasing Dorothy and Harry’s incredible talents along with the cast as well who all went on to star in some incredible films after they made the movie as well.  The film inspired fashion trends, trends that are still shown in many other movies as well.  Many women love the fashion trends, and the sassy, feisty, beautiful “Carmen Jones” as well.

So in honor of the whole cast, the director, and the opera itself I dedicate this to you all and wanted to show my support and love for this film.  I would love one day to dress as Carmen Jones and have my future boyfriend dress as “Joe” for a costume party or Halloween party too. Love the chemistry between the two of them. Love the film. I hope one day a film will be made with a new generation, a new cast, to be made.   I am sure for more information if you ever want to see the film you can always rent the dvd, watch on You Tube as well. Nothing wrong with learning about something that is classic it inspires people all the time. =) All right my readers I know I am taking you guys way back some of you were not born (neither was I) when the film came out but there's more of course for me to share with you all in the future. 

Love this photo you can tell the two of them had great on screen chemistry in the film. 

Alas! "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B" gets a film date

The first Princess of R&B of the 1990s Aaliyah (promotional photo from "We Need A Resolution" (2001) 

Whew! thank you Lifetime Networks, The Wendy Williams Production team finally set a date after the battle this summer for trying to find the right person to play the stunning beauty and multitalented Aaliyah Dana Haughton.  After the great debate whether if the film would get made due to song copyright issues, using them in the film, debate over the complexion of the actresses who would play her would be light or dark-skinned enough to have the role. In the end it finally gets made, Thank God Wendy Williams, Deborah Martin-Chase, and the cast who are apart of this project. I cannot wait to finally see the film I am hoping to watch it along with you all on November 15, 2014 the film airs on Lifetime Networks. I am relieved and happy everything in a way worked out.

Alexandra Shipp as Aaliyah 

The Haughton family can always have someone play Aaliyah in a full featured major film in the future and can have complete control over the story. I just hope that this time  with “Princess of R&B” it will also include the truth and include more detail on her life as well.  I hope in the future the full -length feature film will also include more input from the people who were very close and dear to her as well.  I am looking forward to finally seeing this made it means a lot to me and all of her fans that in the end people pushed to get the film still made to honor her memory and the legend she would have become as well.  So after the film airs I will definitely do a review of it in the future and tell you my opinions. As I told you I was a big fan of her work since I was a little girl about 8–years-old I was growing up  with her listening to her music and watching her videos.  It was 1994 and I saw her come on the television screen, as time progressed, I have watched her dance, act, and so much more. I tried to emulate her clothing style and dance moves as well. She really was and she would continue to be an impeccable shooting star today. I am sure she would have remained “the classy one” she always was as well. Today she probably would have her own clothing line, more movies, put out more music, and so much more.  I am glad in the end everything fell into place for them all.

Congratulations to the beautiful, Alexandra Shipp, the cast, and everyone who was apart of the project as well as to Lifetime Networks and everyone in production who finally put this together a lot of people have been waiting to see her story told in a feature film story. Also her family happy they did not pull out of this project too.  The wait will finally be over. Cannot wait to see the final project.  Now as I said before a new generation of fans will know about her those who were too young to know Aaliyah and those born after she passed will know her now as well which is what I believe the goal was for people to accomplish with the film. For her story and legacy to continue on for Pop and R&B music lovers all over.  Now I have to include one of my favorite Aaliyah songs. This song actually inspired me to write a letter to a crush of mine back in junior high school. One of my oldest friends she would remember this story if I refresh her memory. I wrote him a "Four-Page Letter" inspired by Aaliyah's song,titled, "Four Page Letter". The video is below.  

Visit for more information http://www.lifetime.com or http://www.aaliyah.com 

Stock up on batteries for remotes for fall there's brand new television shows for Fall 2014/Spring 2015 season

"The Selfie" Trailer 

"How to Get Away with Murder"

"GOTHAM trailer"

Eight hit new shows are coming to the airwaves and television this fall of 2014 (the 2014-2015 season). The first show is one I will definitely be watching to tell you the truth all eight of these shows I am going to watch. So I will need an extra supply of Triple A batteries for my little remote because I will be watching for sure. One show  I all ready know I am going to become addicted to the show is starring Karen Gillan as Eliza Dooley a young lady who is trying to find her way in society to fit in and make some changes to her behavior, appearance, and mannerisms is “Selfie”. The show also stars John Cho ( American Pie Series (1999-present), “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle series”, and a host of many other movies. Also Tim Peper, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Allyn Rachel, David Harewood, Amber Rose, Giacomo Gianniotti, Brian Huskey, Natasha Henstridge, and Samm Levine.

 Of course the television series is named after the moniker “Selfie” to a photograph of one-self and post on social media or anywhere else. This show is definitely one for this generation, this time and will be talked about for sure. This is one of those shows you don’t want to miss at all because it definitely it will reflectqs a positive message about social interaction, how we have had a lack of graces and a bit of amnesia when it comes to social interaction because of our overdrive to technology. I love the idea of the show and I can all ready tell this young lady will be setting many trends too. 

The next show is starring  the beautiful, amazing actress, Viola Davis. I saw who was producing the show “The Powerful Visionary”, Shonda Rhimes is coming back this fall with an amazing hit. “How to Get Away with Murder”. Davis stars as college law professor, Annaliese Keating. This is one of those classes personally I would have loved to take this class myself during my college days and probe the minds of  criminals and get to find how they simply get away with committing serious crimes. It’s pretty amazing  how often celebrities and non celebrities get into situations like that often and I know for a fact with her in the lead we are in to learn some pretty powerful things from the show with this cast.

The next show is Manhattan Love Story it’s like they wrote a story about my love affair with Manhattan (lol! I kid and joke). Manhattan Love Story takes place in the heart of New York City. Between two twenty-somethings at the beginning of their  love affair about to bloom and take place. The relationship basically focuses on the inner thought process and what they really think and feel about each other as well. It is a pure romantic comedy and should be adorable, sweet, endearing as well. The cast stars Analeigh Tipton as Dana, Jake McDorman as Peter, Nicolas Wright as David, Jade Catta-Preta as Amy, Chloe Wepper as “Chloe”, and Kurt Fuller as William.  

The next television show , “A TO Z” is also another romantic comedy but will air on NBC it focuses on the blossom and beginning of a young guy and young woman who keep passing each other as ships in the night so to speak and keep missing out on their destiny for each other. The show is being produced by producer, actress, Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. The star shows, Ben Feldman as Andrew Lofland , Cristin Milioti as Zelda Vasco, (broadway actress from Once and also appeared on “How I Met Your Mother”, The Wolf of Wall Street and  also Henry Zebrowski, Lenora Crichlow, Christina Kirk, and Hong Chau.

The last show is another romantic comedy called “Marry Me” which focuses on a young couple who are just starting out and recently engaged from David Caspe it based around their adventures together as a couple as they prepare and take the next step into marriage. The show stars Casey Wilson as Annie and Ken Marino as Jake. The show is from the producer who made “Happy Endings”. Really loved that show had some great moments on it. I hope Marry Me will be hilarious, entertaining, and definitely provide some good moments to the show. 

Now from FOX there is GOTHAM the series will star the following the show it basically is a prequel to the whole Batman series. The show will basically focus on the characters of the show. and it includes a full list of characters on the show but I am only going to list the main characters for now because you will see a ton of people coming in and out of the show during that time. The show includes Jada Pinkett Smith (Hawthorne, Set it Off, Woo, The Matrix: Revolutions, etc.)  as Fish Mooney, Donal Logue, Benjamin McKenzie, David Mazouz, and Camren Bindicova.  

The next couple of shows are featured on ABC Network and focus on two separate themes. The show Forever focuses on a 200-year old (but biologically a thirty-year old man) who basically never ceases to exist. He continues to expand and evolve as a 30 year old man. His life continues to expand and he keeps growing basically, he keeps living his life over and over but in a form. Forever stars Ioan Gruffudd he plays Dr. Henry Morgan, Alana De la Garza as Detective Jo Martinez, Lorraine Toussaint as Lieutenant Joanna Reece, Joeal David Moore as Lucas Wan, Donnie Keshawarz as Detective Hanson. 

The next television show will create more awareness of how much our culture really has embraced each other actually. I heard Laurence Fishburne say earlier today (Sept. 17) he was on "The Real" brand new talk show and he was discussing how people in our society really have embraced African-American culture: the music, food, the brands we have created, and how much we have built as a people over the last century or so not only in America but across the world as well. I believe it is true you have to hand it to all of the people who have paved the way. The people who have actually opened doors for so many people. It made perfect sense, now we haven't had a really good African-American family-oriented comedy within the last 15 years probably not since "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" ended or even "House of Paynes" which ended in 2012. There has been a huge void missing in the industry for African Americans. The show I am talking about is "Blackish" and you can take "Blackish" in three different ways as people who are part "Blackish", embracing "Blackish, or you're just talking "Black-ish". I didn't realize it until he actually said it. I think this is going to be educational and entertaining this is something we really do need. More positive and uplifting shows reflecting good messages. Our country has evolved within the last 30 years since "The Cosbys" were on too. So going in this direction is actually perfect for people. The show is produced by executive produced by Laurence Fishburne, Anthony Anderson and it also stars them as well as Andre "Dre" Johnson, Rainbow Johnson played by  Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends, Reed Between the Lines, Daddy's Little Girls ), Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson (The First Family,) , Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., and Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson. 

Now we all are in for a great time enjoy!!!!!! There is literally something for everyone this fall cannot wait to watch and I hope all of my readers will be watching too. Now you need to visit http://www.abc.com and http://www.fox.com, and http://www.nbc.com . To get the full list of all of the air dates because everyone's show is debuting in September and October keep your calendars and cell phones ready for the show. 

“Smooth Operators Sugar Daddies on the Prowl for Freshmen and Freshmeat”.

A young lady in a black slinky dress walks into a room the room is full of women and men in a dim lit lounge. The majority of people are nervous biting their nails, lips, sweaty palms, they anxiously check their cell phones. Ladies observing themselves in their compact mirrors and waiting anxiously to meet the man of their dreams.  These women are not only here to meet the man of their dreams though, they want to have them accomplished and to escape from their realities.  They want to leave the real world of struggling in their late teens, twenties, thirties, and to enter a lavish world of luxury, opportunity, happiness, they want to feel secure, feel a sense of affection of a man, they want to feel the passion between the man and themselves. They also want to feel that the man can provide them with a better life to be in a world of plush rugs, champagne glasses, and fine dining. These young   well established, wealthy  and some not so wealthy men and women know exactly what each other wants. They are both in the same environment because they need to both know they have their exchange of accomplishing their ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is for the woman to feel she can have this luxurious life, if she’s college age, she can spend time with the man in exchange for her college tuition being paid. Is that fair for a young woman to take the easy way out and not really learn how develop survival skills and business tactics in the corporate world.  The ultimate goal of the “sugar daddy” is to be with a woman who will give him companionship and he can feel empowerment.  Call it stealing from the fountain of youth for sugar daddies not only gaining the pleasure of a young woman but gaining a bit of insight into the youth and generation of that time. The young woman she gains more wisdom and knowledge, but she can also gain more of responsibility and a burden too.

I don't mean these kind of sugar babies 

Well he's not exactly the sugar daddy I am talking about but I will take it. 

women are all on the prowl like a sneaky slick dark cat at night. These

Are young ladies so blinded going into this extravagant, glamorous lifestyle dating a powerful man don’t realize at all they are going to miss out on the best times of their lives.  At the tender age of 19 or 20 you are escaping and excluding yourself from some of the best years to mature, grow, learn how to be content within yourself, and find the person you will be as a grown adult. These ladies forget that you need that time to grow, experience real life, the struggles, learning how to use proper judgment, not just in college universities but in the real world and conducting yourself. There is so much more you need to experience and to have a chance to even deal with a variety of men. Ladies don’t be obligated and only exclude yourself to being with one age category particularly someone older than you. Try to expose yourself to all different people  of all different ages and backgrounds. These ladies do not realize you need to be with someone who is more mature, who you can enjoy your time with as well as expose you to new opportunities as well. You need to learn how to develop, grow and have all different experiences before you have a chance to be with someone of this caliber and background. These sugar daddies not only can make these women feel sophisticated or well-treated being wined and dined by these men. Yet there is something unsafe, dirty, dangerous as well, the older man/young women complex, they can make these women feel uncomfortable in their own skin too. I have a friend, “Mia Franklin”  of Queens, New York,  34 she is looking to find a man who is more empowered, confident, he has is life established as well. She wants someone to spoil, lavish her, to give her the love, attention, and affection in a relationship as well. Yet at the same time she’s older, she’s more mature and wants to find what she wants. She has attended the “Sugar Daddy” parties and she gets plenty of insight into the dark world of older men with younger women. She has seen escorts, call girls, and women of all backgrounds walk in the rooms and they are getting groped and often felt up by these eager and willing older men.

   Yet at the same time these college- aged ladies have more to worry about because they are escaping their world to jump into another person’s world. They have other options if it’s about money and stability. They aren’t really investing the time to get to know the woman. You have to really get to know the person on both ends. These young ladies have an option for really  living with some class, respect, and honor for oneself too.  Mia Franklin she raised many questions when we discussed the topic. She makes me wonder do they forget their dreams, choices, their real goals and aspirations. Are you really that desperate and willing to invest your time with a man giving you money only for companionship? It devalues the words friendship, relationship, commitment, loyalty, and building a foundation. It also raises many questions should relationships in a post-technology, fast paced instant gratified society where we all need it right now. Are we willing to invest all of this time? All of this money spending the money on these websites? Are we all becoming desperate and money hungry. Ladies did you forget about the movement, equal rights, and being able to provide for yourself and your families too. Don’t forget you have millions of opportunities and options for a job and career in life.  Remember a job you can leave anytime, a career is what establishes you as a professional and for the duration of your life. Young women need to remember you deserve more to have a bond with yourself first, to have real genuine love, trust for yourself, being honest with yourself, and not building a relationship for the sake of finances, wealth, and pleasure.  There must be a way for women to realize you can earn money with your brain, legs, arms, and stick to your morals, and values too. Thou should respect and love thyself the eleventh commandment.  The twelfth commandment should be Thou shall provide for thyself to stay fly for life.

            It’s more important for women to remember there is a slight scam to these opportunities, you need something real, not something that will have a fee. What happened to building love and commitment without the cost of an online membership or paying at a party. There should be no fee in relationships, if you build something then consider buying gifts later. There are too many repercussions at these sugar daddy events. Ladies rethink your priorities. Now as for "Mia" she is still on the look to find her ideal partner, Good luck " Mia"hope you find what you deserve, love, and happiness you should have as well.  Now for the other ladies striving and working hard to find your sugar daddies you should keep your options and opportunities open. There is a lot more for you to learn when it comes to building something that will sustain and be worth an investment in a relationship too. Just found a great website too for you ladies looking to find your next mate. http://www.thesugardaddyformula.com 

           

            

"Aha! You're Jealous"

Now I know better of course to never feel any type of jealousy upon any fellow man or woman right? It's not cute....Well lately I kind of have been feeling that way and it's against someone actually two people who I was actually was in love with at one point.  The first person....It's not his fault or anyone's fault. Cause everything is a blessing usually especially when it's something good. I realized it earlier this summer, I found out that he was expecting his first child. I found out in a way that really kind of wasn't the right time because I was all ready feeling kind of upset about something else this was around the time my relatives passed away. I found out from a relative he was going to have his first child soon. I am nothing but proud because I know he will be a wonderful and great father to his child(ren) actually. He's a big kid himself. It was so funny just the other day I am listening to the lyrics as I often do sometimes on the subway riding along listening to my ipod. I am listening to this one song, "Jealous" by Beyonce off of her last album and as I intently listen to the song.  It hit me last night I see the picture of his first child posted online  and I often think back to actually there was a time when I thought of that idea. When I thought of being that girl. The girl who he would have his first child with too.  I have moved on especially since we last dated it's been 5 years since we actually seen each other in person and had a decent conversation.  It's funny how old feelings can spark up something and make you realize that the dream you actually had in your heart was true, that maybe I wasn't imagining things back then. That what I felt back then was actually real.

So my dear readers please tell me has there ever been a time in your life when you felt lost, you felt jealous, but it was of someone you care for deeply and want nothing but the best for them. I feel that way and I cannot believe it because I know jealousy is one of the deadliest of sins. You shouldn't ever feel that way. Yet you are human though and you cannot help but feel that way. I realized it this summer but I covered it up. I kept busy, I stayed busy, and I was distracted trying to intentionally forget everything that happened over the course of my whole year. I can't do that though. You cannot forget something you know really happened right? No especially when there's too much evidence and proof.

Now I need to know does this mean I still care for this person? Do I still have feelings for this person? Or do I just go on about my business and moving forward. I constantly keep wondering about that though. I constantly wonder to myself that maybe I was supposed to see that on purpose. I know I was right. Of course because I wouldn't be sharing this with you. One thing I will say to "Someone #1" is this your daughter she's beautiful, take care of her and treat her the same way you did treat me  (with the good things) but double that. I wish you nothing but the best and I hope that one day I will be fortunate to have the same. I still cannot believe I felt that way cause you think you let go of something right? I thought so. 

Apparently not when I saw that but I wish him and his new family well. One thing I will say to "Someone #2" will be said to him when I see him... stay tuned readers....cause we may just see each other one day in person very very soon. 

So what do we do with jealous feelings I guess move forward especially if it's blood (a relative) you want them to have the best. You never want to see anyone struggling intentionally at all. You want them to be happy, prospering in everything that they do, and wish them the best as well. It's hard it's like a double edged sword actually. You don't know which way to handle it without getting hurt. Or you being hurt. The best thing is to focus on the positive part, be happy for them, and realize that your future is still bright, maybe not everything is the way it should be, but perhaps one day it will be.
Now I want all of you to listen to "Jealous" and tell me what you think as well. Cause believe me there's something about those lyrics that sting my heart but made me feel that it was so damn true.