I'm Kinda Like A Big Deal..

This is one of my top 5 groups. The Clipse Rocks! Kanye ain't to bad, but he ain't the best.

The History of SoulTrain

For those of you who didn’t know, you may find it interesting to learn the history of the TV show SOULTRAIN. (Portions copied from Wikipedia)

The origins of Soul Train can be traced to Chicago in 1965 when WCIU-TV began airing two youth-oriented dance programs: Kiddie-a-Go-Go and Red Hot and Blues. These two programs would set the stage for what was to come several years later.

Don Cornelius, a news reader and backup disc jockey at Chicago radio station WVON, was hired in 1967 as a news and sports reporter. Cornelius also was emceeing a touring series of concerts featuring local talent, calling his travelling caravan of shows "The Soul Train". WCIU-TV took notice of Cornelius's outside work, and in 1970 allowed him the opportunity to bring his road show to television.

After securing a sponsorship deal with the Chicago-based retailer Sears, Roebuck and Co., Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV on August 17, 1970 as a live show airing weekday afternoons. The first episode of the program featured Jerry Butler, the Chi-Lites, and the Emotions as guests. Its immediate success attracted the attention of another locally-based firm—the Johnson Products Company (manufacturers of the Afro Sheen line of hair-care products) -- and they later agreed to co-sponsor the program's expansion into syndication. Soul Train began airing in selected cities across the United States, on a weekly basis, on October 2, 1971. When it moved into syndication, the program's home base was also shifted to Los Angeles, where it remained for the duration of its run.

Though Don Cornelius moved his operations west, Soul Train continued in Chicago. Cornelius hosted the local Chicago and Los Angeles-based national programs simultaneously, but soon focused his attention solely on the national edition. He continued to oversee production in Chicago, where WCIU-TV aired episodes until 1976, followed by three years of once-weekly reruns.

During the heyday of Soul Train in the 1970s and 1980s, the program was widely influential among younger African Americans, many of whom turned to it not only to hear the latest songs by well-known black artists but also for clues about the latest fashions and dance trends. These dancers were average young people between the ages of 16 and 20 who auditioned for a coveted spot on the show. The auditions were held at various park gymnasiums around the inner city. The early years were wholesome times. Dancing on the show afforded many of the dancers opportunities they would possibly not been afforded if not for Soul Train. Moreover, for many white Americans in that era who were not living in areas that were racially diverse, Soul Train provided a unique window into black culture.

I Found Soul on YouTube #6

One of my favorite female groups of all time. They had so much energy when performing. You have to give the credit and one of the best if not the best female acts. LaBelle!

Single Malt Scotch Candy Bar

I need this in my life. And so do you. That is if you drink scotch.

"The combination of Single Malt Scotch and Dark Chocolate is one of the more special sensations in the confectionery world. From the first taste to the seductive aftertaste, new and complex flavors emerge that seem to enhance both the Scotch and the chocolate. Our Scotch Bar rounds out the experience with chewy caramel and delicate flakes of Maldon Sea Salt."

I Found Soul on YouTube #5

I was born in September and apparently Earth, Wind and Fire was so happy about it that they wrote a song. Wanna hear it? Here it go...

Drop Beats Not Bombs

The weekend was off the hook, but I can't even begin to write about that yet. I will have to gather my thoughts and post something soon. But to I will share with you three shirt that I made this weekend which I will be rocking as soon as they are shipped. I like them. Hope you do too.

Emory Douglas:Minister of Culture

I have always liked this artists work, but I've never seen him shown in NYC. If you aren't familiar with hm you should look him up. He is Emory Douglas former Minister of Culture for the Revolutionary Black Panther Party. His work was featured in just about every Panther Party newspaper. As Minister of Culture, was able to use his work to challenge the injustice that Blacks and the underclass were dealing with in the 1960's. His images are strong and eye catching detailing the plight of the underclass while maintaining their dignity and giving them a national voice through the use of the Black Panther new paper. As a painter I find his work inspirational because of his use of thick black outlines which is a technique I use in my own work as well, although not as masterfully.