Dawson's Ink

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 »

Popularity: 33% [?]

Yesterday, on Twitter, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson’s name  became a trending topic soon after he made some controversial statements about President Barack Obama while appearing on MSNBC on the heels of Senator Harry Reid’s apologizing for mentioning President Obama’s “Negro dialect.” Dr. Dyson said that Obama runs from race issues” like a Black man runs from the cops.” Wow.  This, of course, got the party started, with many on the micro-blogging site chastising Dyson for attempting to call the President out. And with his track record for exploiting Black public figures and culture for his own gain, with books about Tupac, Black women and Bill Cosby as proof, we got to wondering what his next book would be. Thus, the trending topic #michaelericdysonbooktitles was born. I contributed, and below are my top ten suggested titles.

Behold, the TOP TEN SUGGESTED BOOK TITLES FOR MICHAEL ERIC DYSON’S NEXT BOOK.

10. Pick Up The Peaces: Two Fingers To Freedom

9. Du Bois In Da Hood: A Walk Through Philly’s Talented Tenth Street

8. The Case of Ocho Cinco: Spanish and The Black Man

7. Say You, Say Me, Say What?!?!: The Truth Behind Lionel Richie’s Baby Hair

6. Peas Porridge Hot: How Hopscotch Killed Hip Hop

5. Change Is Gonna Come: Why The Vending Machine Is The Black Man’s Worst Enemy

4. Four Score & 7-Eleven: What Lincoln Really Means To The ‘Hood

3. Mama Se Mama Sa Mamma Kusa: What Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk Means To Black People

2. Master Cleanse: The Secret Behind Ivory Soap and Slavery

And the #1 SUGGESTED BOOK TITLE FOR MICHAEL ERIC DYSON’S NEXT BOOK:

1. Holla If You Wear Me: The Long White Tee & Black Boys

Popularity: 38% [?]

To say that Sam Cooke died at the height of his career would be a gross understatement. Gunned down at 33 inside the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles on December 11, 1964, in what was determined to be a justifiable homicide, the man who once told Dick Clark that he transitioned from gospel to popular music because of his economic situation was gone too soon. After a glorious run of hits that spanned eight years and produced 29 Top 40 hits, including “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” and “Cupid,” Cooke was just reaching his apex.

He was just about to soar.

He came up during the Civil Rights era, which put that much more force behind his music. Gave it that much more societal weight. He was an entrepreneur, composing his own material while founding both a record label and publishing company.

Tonight, PBS and its American Masters series (Sam Cooke: Crossing Over, 10pm EST), takes an hour-long look at Cooke and his legacy, focusing on his contributions to the nation on the verge of change. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 27% [?]

So, I like to be creative. And to write. A few years ago, my friend Nia posted something called 50 Word Fiction. I was intrigued by the idea, since I’m always testing my limits with words. It’s a great exercise, and I thank her for putting me on to it. So, today being Friday, I’ve decided to give it another go. Oh, and just to be clear: THIS IS ALL FICTION! Comprende?

With that out of the way, here we go with 50 Word Fiction Friday. Enjoy.

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I remember that night in Bermuda, when you said you believed in me, it’s like the ocean’s waves gave their approval with their claps against the shore. Your smile, coupled with the night air, had me intoxicated. We’ll always have that night, and those waves. I still breathe you in.

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She stopped short in the doorway. Told me not to bother coming after her, although her eyes were begging me to. I was stuck in emotions, ready to chase, but not quite sure if it was wise. Indeed, our love was forbidden. Her husband found out. It had to end.

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The tears came, the way they did each time you did your thing. Your voice moved me in ways that should’ve been illegal. Each time you sang, you told a story that I wished would go on forever. I knew then you were a star. I loved you. Still do.

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Take a look at me. Tell me what you see. Am I better or worse off than you imagined? Do you regret leaving, and the way you left? The way you decided that it wasn’t worth your time and energy? Sometimes, I wonder about you. And then, I press on.

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You scare me. Always in my face, forcing me to move. To think. To act. There are times when I wish you would just leave me alone. And then you do something to excite me, and I look forward to you like there’s no tomorrow. Except, there is. Thank you.

Popularity: 11% [?]