Gift and The Curse: The Center of Attention: Part I (Obsession with Celebrity)

If you're a Hip Hop fan, particularly meaningful hip hop, the title of this post would have immediately proved your thought process.

Wale, an up and coming rapper ( that I am slightly in love with), recently released his Debut Album, Attention Deficit. However, that is not the focus of this post, I'll give my views on the album at a later date.

In one of the bonus tracks on Attention Deficit, "Center of Attention", Wale brings forth some very riveting and moving arguments in regards to the concept of fame. Each time I listen to the song, it makes me think of the great deal of responsibility that a "celebrity"inherits. It also begs the question, "Why are we so obsessed?"

"Everybody finger, pointing your direction, everybody seem(s) to misread every sentence..."- Wale "Center of Attention"

I'll address this concept from a woman's point of view. "Celebrities" like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and Beyonce' are admired and glorified by youth all around the world. I've heard of many 4 year olds who would stand in front of the TV and dance when Beyonce's Single Ladies' video graced the screen. These women and many others are famous, rich and seem to have it all, especially through an adolescents eyes. They are constantly under a microscope, every single move critiqued and interpreted in numerous ways. Miley Cyrus, for instance, is a Disney Channel actress, top selling pop-star as well as a 17-year old teenager. She is constantly being critiqued for her choice in clothing, and her behavior in everyday life. Many say that her attire is much to risque for the age group that she attracts. She even caught flack in one incident in which her "sexy"camera phone photos were released. I'm sure when Miley signed up for the show on Disney, she did not anticipate such controversy, and didn't know what life would be like while living under a microscope. Other celebrities such as Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga have also been labeled as Devil Worshipers lately, due to their lyrics, performances and behavior.

"We all make mistakes, why you wanna make a(n) issue?"- Wale "Center of Attention"

One of the most monumental cases of fame gone wrong would be the over-sensationalized story of the abuse between Chris Brown and Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty. Both parties have been finding a way to adjust to the increase in attention and gossip site posts regarding their incident. Both Chris and Rihanna were released from endorsements when the incident occurred and many speculated as to what caused the altercation. On the gossip sites, I read everything from "Rihanna gave Chris Herpes" to "Chris was cheating with (Insert name here)". The photo of Rihanna's injuries was released shortly after the spat, which was incredibly embarrassing and saddening for the 20-year old star. People chose sides and now Chris Brown and Rihanna's careers and lives have been changed indefinitely.

America's obsession with "Celebrity" is at an all time high. I will admit, I check 4-5 gossip sites each time I log into a computer. Many magazines have folded due to the economy, however tabloids and gossip magazines are still going strong. Why is it that we are so concerned with the "famous". Why is it that Britney Spears gossip pulls in more viewers on CNN than news on the War in Iraq ( or whatever it's called). Why is it that we'll sit on our bottoms to read an entire blog about scandal but many people can't remember one proposed change in the Health Care Bill. It's just something to think about.

Anyway, check out wale's "Center of Attention". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRz44bwk04I

Part II Coming Soon: Are Celebrities to blame for our youths' demise?

ReEMERGE = ReFOCUS

So, Although I have ZERO followers as of now, I know it is my own fault, and I'm working hard to change that.

Since July 12, 2009, I've been through 2 break-ups, earned my Bachelor's Degree, Obtained a part time job, and decided on Graduate programs to apply to. In other words, Things are STILL crazy :-).

From here until acceptance into my school of choice ::cough:: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY- NEWHOUSE SCHOOL ::cough:: I will blog about applying, preparing for the GRE, writing this dang Pers. statement, and balancing it all while trying to maintain a social life.

As of right now, Social life is pretty much non-existent. Guys= headache, and I have like 2 female friends. So what's a girl like me to do? Stare at the notebook, and dream of my personal statement being finished.

Figuring out this graduate school stuff isn't easy at all, considering I am the 1st College graduate of my family, and in my community, There aren't many graduate degrees floating around. It'll be interesting to see my results come March- or whenever the results come back.

So, to end this little piece off, I titled this entry ReEmerge =ReFocus because I am hoping to establish a base of people who care about my opinions, and what I have to say. After all, that is what a journalist does, right? After this long Hiatus, I hope that you all find my random thoughts, beliefs, questions and proposed answers as a source of knowledge, or even entertainment. During the process of ReFocusing myself, I hope that I can enlighten you as well.

Good night.

...

So... I've decided that other than my Artist posts and anything else I come up with down the line... THIS BLOG WILL HAVE NO STRUCTURE!!!

Lol just kidding. But really, structure limits activity, and I think that's why I don't post as often, because I was thinking that it's certain things people wouldn't wanna read... but Someone will be interested... anyway...

Yesterday... What a FATEFUL DAY... The picture below is a pic of my Leg... Mosquitos went to work on me... Apparently I'm allergic and they had swollen up pretty bad. This is actually a picture of them looking a little better...

I have shown this to warn you... BE CAREFUL

THE FREAKS COME OUT AT NIGHT!!!!!! HAHAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

(SEND HOME REMEDIES TO HEAL ME!!!, LOL)

Oh, to be an ARTIST... Entry #1

I decided on an Idea, of showcasing ARTISTS that I've fallen in love with. I love ALL kinds of music and self expression.So this Section will contain various different kinds of Artists: dancers, musicians, filmmakers, etc.Just stay tuned ;-)

John Mayer is a LIBRA 1st of all- just like myself, so of course that gives off positive energy. The very first time I had heard of John Mayer was in my 11th grade english course in 2004. We were analyzing his song "Daughters" for our poetry unit, and I decided that he'd forever be my love.

John has this way of calming me down when the world is in a whirlwind around me. One of my favorite songs is "Waiting on the World to Change". It's so honest and real, and makes me reflect on life from time to time. Another is "Dreaming with a Broken Heart". My favorite performance other than the recent set at Michael Jackson's Memorial is when he performed with John legend, Corinne Bailey Rae at the 2007 Grammy Awards.

His sultry guitar licks and innocent boy charm could make any girl go crazy, and make any boy wish they were as clever and "sensitive" as he is (or seems to be through his music). Click the links to fall in Love!

Michael Jackson Memorial

This week has been pretty crazy. Started my last 2 classes of my Undergraduate career: Race and Diversity in America, and History of Sports. Pretty good classes so far...

Anyway, The memorial Tuesday= a COMPLETE TEARJERKER!!!

The Procession in the Beginning of the memorial was MOST unexpected. It was said that MJ's body would not be at the staples Center, but the entrance was beautiful, and the perfect song was used. "No more crying now, we are going to see the KING". Of course the meaning could have been processed in two ways. Also, The pallbearers wearing the white glove: JUST PERFECT!

Next was Mariah and Trey Lorenz: I think they did just fine despite what media had to say of their selection. Yes, Mariah's voice was not as strong as usual, but be put on the spot in front how HOW MANY PEOPLE to sing for your Inspiration's memorial, I bet you'd be nervous too. Great Job Mariah!

Most of the speakers were on point, Particularly Al Sharpton (surprisingly), Shiela Jackson-Lee and Brooke Shields made my eyes well up with tears also. Al Sharpton made a very memorable quote: "Ain't nothin strange about your daddy, what was strange was what he had to deal with". I COMPLETELY agree with what he said for many reasons.

Usher's selection was very touching, you could tell that he was very hurt to see that his idol had gone on. His selection was beautiful though and when he went down and reached for Michael, it grabbed my heart.

I think my absolute favorite was JOHN MAYER. The ONLY thing that I didnt like from his set was that The background singers began to sing toward the end. I think everyone enjoyed the set pre-background singers... Just sayin ;-).

Watching the family stand up at the end and remember their Son, Brother, Uncle, Father and Friend was extremely heart-wrenching. Just like everyone else, when young Paris spoke about her father my waterfalls began. Both of my parents are still living and I could not imagine what that baby is feeling on the inside. She has to deal with her loss along with the rest of the world, and I'm not sure how that would feel. Also factor in the constant negative media coverage regarding his death. These children are old enough to understand words, so the situation is all together sad.

MJ was a wonderful artist and had a beautiful heart. Those who understand that are blessed to realize what a gift he was. A Humanitarian. A True Artist. A Legend. R.I.P Michael Jackson <3

Watch John Mayer's Beautiful Selection.

Continuation of my Reflection... It'll be a while

So, as we know, many iconic figures have passed on this month, specifically within the past week. An acquaintance of mine also passed recently. Of course I want to take this time and say cherish those you love and care about, never go to sleep angry, and live your life to the fullest for those who can't.

** R.I.P Ed McMahon

R.I.P Farrah Fawcett

R.I.P Michael Jackson

R.I.P Alivia Peterson

Alivia, you were such a beautiful and Lovely girl. Very outgoing and the time that I did have to get to know you, you were very sweet. I know that you're doing much better now so I'm not worried.

June Has been a VERY sad month... Reflection I suppose

Well, a while ago, before the pressure of Classes began again, I said that I was going to dedicate a post to Nevaeh Buchanan. For those who don't know, Nevaeh Buchanan was a 5-year old girl in Michigan who went missing some time ago, and was eventually found dead. I will not point fingers because obviously I only know what the media tells me, however, Nevaeh's mother had her baby around convicted sex offenders, which is a violation of their parole as well as negligent on her behalf.

With that being said, I just wanted to say, how can people do such horrible things to such an innocent child. Not only Nevaeh but any other children who have been murdered by a senseless and heartless person. A child has no defense against you and can do no wrong, so why?

This post is for our angel Nevaeh, up in heaven having a beautiful time. God Bless her and the grieving family and I hope that justice is served in the matters of this tragedy.

I JuSt WaNt My OwN Sh*T :-)

Sooooooo, This after college thing is getting pretty annoying, I'm pretty much pulling my hair out!!

After graduation, I moved back home, to finish up a few things and look into graduate schools while looking for a job. Honestly, it hasn't been THAT bad, but going from living on your own to you mom saying CLEAN YOUR ROOM is a dream killer, certainly... but on the same token it motivates me.

I just started thinking about how my success in life right now is depending on other people... and that's really frustrating. Really, anybody's success is dependent upon that, but I'm a free spirit, I don't like regulations! Everything I'm trying to do right now is dependent upon someone else, check this out:

* I'm applying to grad schools HOPING AND WISHING they'll let me in to get this hot Masters degree!

*I'm planning a vacation to Chicago in July- ONLY IF PEOPLE ACTUALLY GIVE ME MONEY AT MY GRAD PARTY/OPEN HOUSE.

* I've been applying to jobs, and i'll probably get one if-- THE EMPLOYER LIKES MY HANDWRITING, MY MADE UP G.P.A, OR LOOKS BEYOND MY "UNIQUE" NAME. 

*I'll be heading on a mini-vacay tomorrow... IF MY DAD FILLS UP MY GAS TANK-- SINCE I DON'T HAVE A JOB...

*I hope to be moving to NY/LA by this time next year-- DEPENDING ON IF I GET A JOB OR A MASTERS PROGRAM IN EITHER PLACE... 

All this variables.... Goodness... Will drive a chick crazy! And let's not even entertain a THOUGHT about a lovelife... because last time I checked, LOVE wasn't present... and LIFE... it's kinda on LIFE support at this moment, LOL...

Summary and Moral of the story: PLEASE GET YOUR OWN ISH- YOUR OWN DREAMS, YOUR OWN CRIB, YOUR OWN IDEAS, EVEN YOUR OWN HATERS, it'll save you many headaches, LOL... 

*** P.S. I chose this pic because somehow, It motivated me... TO GET MY OWN ISH! :-) LOL...

~* LaLa *~

A look inside... Sort of ;-)

Alright, So Here's a little about me:

My name is Lala, originally from Detroit, however, I feel like I have an NY/LA soul... I graduated on May 8, 2009 from Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Mass Media Communication... Which makes me a media junkie. I LOOOOOOOOVE magazines, TV, Newspapers, Blogs, Music, etc. Anything to do with media basically...

Since my younger days, people have always thought I was a bit.... weird for lack of better words... I hesitate to say weird because it has a negative connotation. The people who thought that I was weird were actually intrigued by it, and really loved me for it. I grew up on the East Side of Detroit, listening to the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys, while wearing my platformed sketcher shoes and twist ponytails like Da' Brat. 

Fast Forward... Here I am, a recent graduate from MSU, ready to put my "weirdness" to good use. I hope to attend graduate school soon studying television production and screen writing. And then create Television for Adolescents both educational and entertaining, as well as a few sitcoms and movies here and there. 

That's it... I'm a cool girl, LOOOOVVVVEEEEE to have fun and meet new people. I come equipped with a serious side too, which is pretty cool sometimes... haha! Peace!!

~* LaLa *~ <3

My Delay Explained... SOMEWHAT :)

So, In April I promised that I'd be back... Obviously it's taken longer than expected, but nevertheless... I'M BACK. 

Recently, I "graduated" from Michigan State University, and ever since that Beautiful day, My mind has been tormented with life's questions... the most important one being... WHAT'S NEXT?

Thing is, I don't know, I really don't know very much of anything right now, which is why it took me so long to actually get this blog up and running. 

I am a very opinionated person and I think that I'll use this blog to express these opinions, to complain about injustice and at times reveal a little about my life and goals as they come to be. I hope that it is an enjoyable experience for anyone who comes across this page, whether they agree with my statements or not, It won't be a waste of time. 

So, for the first few posts, I'll just tell a little bit of what I know about myself (:-)) and we'll wing it from there. 

Thankxx for visiting!!!

~* LaLa *~

Sorryyyyyy!!!!!!

TO ANYBODY WHO ACTUALLY CARES ABOUT MY BLOG:

I PROMISE I HAVE NOT NEGLECTED YOU!!!! THINGS ARE VERY INTENSE RIGHT NOW... I HAVE 18 DAYS UNTIL MY GRADUATION FROM COLLEGE!!! SOON AFTER, I WILL BE IN FULL EFFECT... I HAVE SOOOOO MUCH TO SAY!!!

~* LaLa <3