Dawson's Ink

This year, I’m flowing with life, making things happen when I can and letting things slide when I must. Getting better at what I’m good at, and gradually pushing aside all the things that haven’t done me well.

Picking battles, choosing love (eventually…heh). Getting past and over myself. Getting to know the people in my life. Letting them in. Slowly, but surely. Thanking God for their patience, knowing I’m a piece of work.

This, I know.

Below are some other things ‘I KNOW’ during what I like to call my Invincible Summer. Let’s go…
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I know there are many months left in the year, but I can’t recall when there’s been a better year for music than this one.

I know that there’s no one in the music game killing it like Eric Roberson and the enTIRE Foreign Exchange camp are killing it right now. Get up on them. STAT.

I know I get grumpy when people ask about my job, but on the real, I’m very grateful to be able to do what I do for a living.

I know that Dr. Cornel West didn’t mean to “borrow” my notebook, and that Charles Rangel didn’t mean to yell at me for walking too slow, and that those older ladies at the Presidential forum didn’t mean to shoo me out of their way saying they couldn’t see even though there were HUGE screens on each side of the stage, but I tell you this with no remorse: I’m so glad the centennial conference is over and that we made it out alive.

I know there are many female singers out there (all genres) that have gorgeous voices, but I’ll take Lalah Hathaway over any of them… any day of the week.

I know we haven’t done it in a while (read: years!), but this week, in honor of #AugustWillSon2010, there will be KARAOKE!!! Come get some.

I know I have talented friends, but this one cat from Houston is in a class by himself, especially with things like this right here in his arsenal. Get up on that.

I know that his talent stands on its own, but let me just remind everyone that they need to look out for the young sir Isiah Hall, a poet on the rise.

I know one thing for sure: I need a real vacation. And SOON.

I know it’s a less-than-great show, but there’s something about Royal Pains on USA Network that keeps me coming back.

I know that I still ’stan’ for Psych and Burn Notice (on USA) and The Closer and Leverage (on TNT).

I know folks will give it a major side-eye, but I’m kinda feeling the new Erykah Badu/Rick Ross video.

I know I complain about my friends not being worth a damn (grrr!) since they never plan anything in my honor, but honestly, I don’t blame them since I’ve never outright asked them to do so.

I know there are only 31 days in the month, but I’m going to try my damndest to hang with everyone who wants to celebrate #AugustWillSon2010 with me. Let’s do it.

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Sometimes you have to know when to respond to someone or something, and when not to do so. Life is all about lessons. You will fail. But hopefully, you will learn while failing. And realize that there’s a time and place for responses.

I’ve learned that recently, so I’d like to dedicate this month’s batch of ‘I KNOW’s to that lesson.

Please, indulge me as I churn out this latest version, which is called ‘KNOW NEED TO RESPOND.’ We’ll see how this goes. Heh.
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I know it seems great that I travel so much, but I promise you, I leave a little bit more of me on those trips each time I deplane.

I know one thing about my travels: I’ve met some of the coolest people all the way; folks I will always cherish and am thankful to call friends (I see you, #teammiami).

I know that there’s no way this year will go by without me setting foot on Atlanta turf.

I know he’s banned me from the arena, but still, shout out to my boy Charles, whose Charlotte Bobcats made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

I know it’s often said that time heals all wounds, but sometimes seeing a photo that you totally forgot about can bring back the hurt and anger you were feeling at the time.

I know my city, so you’ll excuse me if I didn’t get all excited just because he had a few warm days in a row.

I know the video raised a lot of eyebrows and caused a bit of controversy, but if you haven’t checked out Erykah Badu’s new album New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, you’re doing yourself a major disservice.

I know it doesn’t matter what I think, but it still needs to be said: Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too was one of the worst-acted movies I’ve ever seen. In life (except you, Jill. You were solid. And Janet’s breasts, who made a startling yet welcome screen debut).

I know that there are a LOT of comedians in the new film Death At A Funeral, but I also know that that fact doesn’t guarantee it will be funny.

I know they have to take their time with the payoff, but really, when are we going to find out how these kids met their mother, CBS? Dammit.

I know I complain ad naseum about Cablevision not having TV One, but you won’t hear a peep out of me now that the carrier is saving me from having to watch LisaRaye’s reality show each week.

I know I said it on Twitter, but I’ll say it here as well: The five best sitcoms on the air right now, in my opinion, are Modern Family, Community, Parks & Recreation, 30 Rock and The Office.

I know that you probably know this already, but after what was an interesting two year run, I’m no longer writing with the ladies of , and am instead rolling with the fellas of . Check us out.

I know you’ve probably seen her videos by now, but the live clips of Nina Simone killing it on that piano while performing “Feelings” and “My Baby Just Cares For Me”, respectively, are and forever will be two of my favorites.

I know March Madness is over, but I’m still reveling in its success and smiling as I think back over the past month when I was able to see live performances by Bassey Ikpi, Melanie Fiona, Cassandra Wilson, Teena Marie, Mary J. Blige, Alice Smith and Ledisi (twice!).

*drops mic and walks away from blog*

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So, it’s 2010. And a gorgeous day in Los Angeles. So much going on this weekend. So much going on this year. And even with all of my sports teams winning titles in 2009 (Yankees, Lakers, Steelers), and August Will, Son being a tremendous success, I refuse to rest on my laurels. Nope. This year, with the relaunch of the Dawson’s Ink franchise, it’s time for bigger and better things. Time to make moves. Time to eliminate the waste, and head for success posthaste. Who’s down? And with that, how about some ‘I Know’s, the 2010 edition. Let’s go!

I KNOW it’s only been a year, people, but please, give the President a chance. Read the rest of this entry »

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