2016 Bold Predictions

Greetings and Salutations,



It's been a while since I did a regular...old run of the mill newsletter.  So as I sat here thinking about what I could edutain you on.  In case you didn't know...

Edutain- the portmanteau of educate and entertain 

but I'm sure you knew that

So why spell it out for you??? Well because I like the word portmanteau!!!  But I digress...



That's when it hit me.  Building on the success of my Back to the Future newsletter (in case you missed it click here), I am going to give you some bold predictions of what will happen in 2016.  Notice I said BOLD...no weak ass...anyone can predict this will happen predictions.  I'm bringing the heat.  So without any further ado...







It's Ladies Night at the White House

Last year we saw "the year of the woman" as Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holmes, and well...the WWE Divas' Revolution were at center stage.  So what will 2016 do for an encore? How about the new executive office dynamic duo...President Hilary Clinton and Vice President Nancy Pelosi.  Cue the Kool and the Gang music.







Hoverboard will become this generation's 'Pet Rock'



This might not be that bold.  I mean 12 days into the year and most are already over this phenomenon.  But for the few of you that are still jonesin' for an apparatus that doesn't technically hover...don't waste your time and money.  Unless you have a collection of useless nostalgic items like pet rocks or 'Vote or Die' t-shirts.














Usain Bolt...Not Fast Enough


Couldn't do predictions without including the Olympics.  So I predict will "The Fastest Man Alive" miss out on an Olympic Gold Medal this year.  As a matter of fact, Usain won't receive any medal...gold or otherwise.  

In the words of the late, great B.B. King...

The Thrill is Gone!!!

                     Listen to B.B. King's classic below

And Finally...







Taylor Swift Gets Hitched

Now most who follow pop culture are quite aware of Taylor Swift's uh...past love experiences.  Let's just say that her love life isn't as successful as her 1989 Tour last year.  But this year all that will change as Taylor Swift gets married.  Whether it is Calvin Harris or a mystery man someone is gonna put a ring on it.  





What do you think about my bold predictions? Love to hear your feedback.  Whether you think I'm crazy as hell or crazy like a fox, one thing is for sure...





These are just my thoughts...right or wrong...just what I was feeling at the time...

The Friday 5ive - Best 5 Obscure and Underrated Cartoons

TGIF People and that means two things...Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend and another Friday 5ive!




An office discussion earlier this week inspired today's top 5.  But before we get started let's lay out a few ground rules of what "obscure" is defined as for this post.  Obscure would be a show that had a run for 2 seasons or less.   Underrated is subjective but creativity places a factor.  Shows that were constructed to ride the wave of phenomenons (i.e. Denver the Last Dinosaur creation due to the Land Before Time craze) need not apply.  Now without any further ado...






5) The ProStars

Okay, granted with it's 1 season, 13 episode run...there are many that would not agree that this cartoon is top 5 worthy.  But what the show lacked in longevity and dedicated fans, it made up for in keeping the code of the Saturday Morning Cartoon.  

Action packed episodes...check!
A great message...check! ("ProStars, it's all about helping kids)
A insane marketing machine behind it...check!

Just think of what it could have been if Bo Jackson didn't have a NFL career ending hip injury.  Luckily a couple of guys and myself took on title of ProStars where Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Wayne Gretzky left off creating a new version of the ProStars. Even in this throwback photo...we knew it was the beginning of something special...

The ProStars

4) Mister T

Do you remember Mr. T having a cartoon? Yeah most don't.  Mr. T was basically the manager of some teenage gymnasts that solved crimes and foiled bad guys.  Yeah...awful premise, weird some circumstances, and his dog looked a lot like him but hey it was the 80's.  What do you expect???

3)  The Pirates of Dark Water

A young prince attempting to save his world from Dark Water (which for all intensive purposes looks an oil spill with a mind of its own) with "an unlikely but loyal crew of misfits".  Ren was kicking ass with a half broken sword...I mean kicking serious ass!!! Easily on the top 5...I would watch this right now if they remade it.  





2)  Space Ghost

Okay, I know it's a really old show...I'm talking circa 1967.  I know it only technically had 1 season.  But come on!!! Space Ghost is what you get when you take Superman, Batman, and a space ship that can go invisible like Wonder Woman's invisible jet and put them altogether.  3 Justice Leaguers in 1 people!!! Space Ghost is probably in my top 10 of all time best superheros...you know if I created something like that...hmm...perhaps another time.  

Not mention his cult following spawned a late night Cartoon Network/Adult Swim show, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, that lasted 10 seasons. 





1)  The Critic

I usually wouldn't lump a "prime-time" cartoon in the same category as the others on this list but this one is too good not be number one.  With all due respect to the institution that is Saturday Night Live...this is Jon Lovitz at his best.  This show had better writing than most shows today and is drop dead funny.  Just talking about this show makes me want to watch a marathon that can be found on Youtube.  If you have not seen it...you have done yourself a great disservice.  That wrong should be righted...IMMEDIATELY!!!!




Until Next Friday....

The Damn Newsletter: The 2015 Damn Awards

Can't Knock the Hustle Award - To contradict the great Matthew Berry's mantra "Nothing good comes from hustling", hustling is an art form.  Whether you start a business, have a side hustle, or make ends meet in the most creative of ways...it is a medium of imaginative self-expression.  This is to honor the Rembrants of the Hustle.

Nominees:

Pharrah J (Pharrah J Photography)

Jachon Charles (King Bishop Productions)

JaLeeda (Beauty by JaLeeda)

Marni Ortiz (We on a Mission)

Winner:

Marni Ortiz

102 lbs down and a health coach

I Ain't One of the Cosbys...I Didn't go to Hillman Award - Your family may not be as perfect as the Huxtables but as the matriarch/patriarch of your family, you're just as respected. All you're missing is your own half-hour show.

Nominees:

Brandi Sanders

Kea Austin

Cheryl Bennett

Nancy Gutherie

Winner:

Cheryl Bennett

This is for the Cool in You Award -  The award designated for the personification of Stefan Urquelle.  This is the adult equivalent of being the captain of the football team, class president, and voted most popular at the same damn time.  Basically everything that wasn't me in high school...

Nominees:

Gina Hall Torino

Toria Hall King

Nia Parker

Marc Godard

Winner:

Nia Parker

Autobots, Transform and Roll Out Award - The person who has made the biggest transformation in the last 365 days.  Whether the change has been physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, you are truly a Transformer...more than meets the eye!!!

Nominees:

Shani Howard

Pam Adkins-Smith

Kimberly Lewis

Maya Carroll

Winner:

Kimberly Lewis

Been Around the World...Ya, Ya, Ya Award - Doesn't matter if you travel for work, play, or both.  You have been everywhere this year. I salute the fact that your passport has more stamps than the post office.  

Nominees:

Aaja Butler

Lacy Durham

Winnette Richards

Janie Charlot

Winner:

Winnette Richards

Can't Have the Damn Awards without the Rap Up

The GOOD ASS Award - Stands for "Getting Out Our Dreams And Stimulating Service.  There is nothing worse than having a dream and doing little to nothing in order to accomplish it. This individual makes a difference in a charity, cause, or in a people.  However you make a difference, the impact is felt.  Now that's a Good Ass Award!

Nominees:

Tasha "Redd" Mims (Pink for Redd)

Lil D (You Go G.I.R.L)

Keisha Tilton (First Priority Management)

Candice Nicole (Women Who Hustle)

Winner: 

Candice Nicole

Don't Call it a Comeback Award - This year was filled with comebacks.  Now for me a comeback constitutes you you being off of the "Damn" radar for at least 6 months and have a comeback harder than Chinese Algebra.  Now that's a comeback!!!

Nominees:

Tesha Glover

Tawanna Bennett Winn

Da Circle (a collection of friends from college)

Tara Morgan

Winner:

Da Circle 

(Not pictured Brandy Harris Guillory)

No Pen Just Draw Inspiration Award - Who you gonna find doper than them? Inspires the masses from their speeches, from what they do, and from what they achieve.  You help me go farther, go further, go harder...

(is that not why we came, and if not then why bother???)

Nominees:

Stacy Henson-Williams

LaDetrah Muller

LaBrisha Barnes Conway

Tierra Taylor

Winner: 

Stacy Henson-Williams

The Professional Like DJ Clue Award - An award inspired by the DJ Clue mixtape series, this is for the good grade getting, 9 to 5 working, respectable career having individual who is simply the best in the world at what they do...

Nominees:

Erika Bonner

Lisa Walker

Ariane Butler

Tammi Green

Winner: 

Erika Bonner

Be by Myself and Enjoy the Company Award - A cultural icon once said, "With so much personality...what do you want from me, I could be by myself and enjoy the company."  So this character is just as polarizing, funny, charismatic, and brash as the author of this genius quotable.

Nominees:

Jamira Cheatham

Ry Hudson

Laurise Tate

Frankie Lane

Winner: 

Ry Hudson

Industry is Shady, It need to be Taken Over Award (formally The Impact Player Award) - You're not just an impact player...you're raising the status quo up.  You make dreams into goals and turn goals into reality. Your hard work speaks for itself.  And money talks...so talk more bucks!!!

Nominees:

Sonja Campbell (Siege Magazine)

Arkeedah McCormick (ItsArkeedah.com)

Riki (Suite 369)

Kristi Woodard (Mahogani Media)

Winner:

Kristi Woodard

Brr...What Happened to that Boy Award - You fell off, hiding under a rock, have gone dark, got your Amelia Earheart on, disappeared like Paris Hilton's rap career...basically

*sigh*  

You Used to Call Me on My Cell Phone...

Nominees/Winners:

There is a number of individuals that have not answered calls or texts, removed me from their social media, pretends to not see me when you walk by, and if you do speak...avoid eye contact and provide a halfhearted greeting.  All of these phenomenons seemed to have started occurring after September 12, 2015.  I'm just gonna put that right here and leave it. 

 If it applies to you then the following is for you...

Mazel Tov

Courtesy of Big Bang Theory

The Fish Guts Displacement

Season 6 Episode 10

Rookie of the Year Award - Being a rookie doesn't necessarily communicate youth and inexperience.  Well at least not in this case.  You qualify if I've known you a year or less and you've made quite the impression...

Nominees:

Ja'Nay Lewis

Erika Boone

Tanisha Cherry

Tytianna "Cookie" Nichols

Winner:

Erika Boone

No More Drama Award - Now I can't speak for you all...but I've been known to have some Young and the Restless type drama in my life from time to time.  I've always been envious of people that has battled the storm and seen the sunshine again.  I commend you.  

Nominees:

Kirk D. Lee

Tammy Taylor

Carlanda Leavell

Sharisse Brewster

Winner:

Kirk Lee

Voice of the Voiceless Award - You see injustice and you react.  Your social conscience speaks through your words and comes to life through your actions.  You are the voice of the voiceless and I am promoting that voice.  Hmm...

That makes me the Voice of the Voice of the Voiceless...just call me Paul Heyman!!!

Nominees:

Asha Gomez

Earl & Michael Benjamin-Robinson

Jamie Nesbitt Golden

Gervai Maeweather

Winner: 

Asha Gomez

That's the Anthem...Get Yo Damn Hands Up Award - The song that made you dance...made you think...made you happy...helped to get you through something.  Simply put, the song that will be forever associated with this year...

Nominees:

Here - Alessia Cara

Badd Blood - Taylor Swift

Hotline Bling - Drake

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

Winner:

Hotline Bling - Drake

(Song even made Mr. Bean Dance)

Put it in Your Mouth Award - The single best thing I've eaten this year.  So take a tip from Akinyele and put it in your mouth...and enjoy! 

Nominees:

Doughnut Bacon Cheeseburger at LA State Fair

Stuffed Peppers from Uncle Ray's Cajun Kitchen

Sweet Tea from Jameson's Catering

Sour Dough Loaf from Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe

Winner:

World's Greatest

Stuffed Peppers

Can't Nobody Hold Me Down Award -  If you have walked in the fires of hell this year and make it out with minor singes then can't nobody take your pride...can't nobody hold you down...

Nominees:

Kendrick Ray

Deshana Rucker

Aunt Rosalind & Tiyette Butler

Jordan Washington

Winner: 

Aunt Rosalind & Tiyette Butler

Disappointment of the Year 

Rochelle "Silk" Richardson

It's one thing to have views that are out there.  It's another to be famous for a hype person.  Hell, Flavor Flav had personality...she sounds like elderly lady "uh huhing" her sister's opinion.  

I'm an Artist and I'm Sensitive about my Sh!% Award - A quote made famous by Erykah Badu, this award is forged in the spirit of genuine artistry.   Whether you sing, rap, write, sculpt, paint or photograph; you make the world beautiful.  Consider this the independent art appreciation award.  

Nominees:

Carmen Beautay

Joya Bravo

Jasmine Benjamin

IDLE of the Peach

Winner

Joya Bravo

Check out her latest video below

an homage to the Last Dragon

Badda Dan Dem - Joya Bravo + Mr Lee

Flyer than a Piece of Paper Bearing My Name Award - Quite frankly I don't think you're beautiful, I think you're beyond it.  Seriously!  You're the hottest chick in the game...you should be wearing a chain!

Nominees:

Tiffany Walker

Ashley Wiggins

Roshawnda Holloway

Llauryn Hendrix

Winner:

Llauryn Hendrix

Lee Donnie Wright Legacy Award - This is the lifetime achievement award of the show.  This person has made such an influence on my life that they have become part of me.  Becoming a permanent part of people's lives is the very definition of the word, legacy.  This recipient embodies that definition.   

The Backbone Award - The backbone.  It lends support to the entire body.  Without a backbone, we cannot stand.  It's the foundation.  It's the strongest part of the body.  This award is given to the person that has supported me the most over the past year.  

Nominees:

Charmyca Lewis

Shonda Bowman Johnson

Garren Bunton

Tamekia Davis

Winner:

Garren Bunton

Photo courtesy of Foto Peligroso

And now for the final award

Shout Out of the Year - This is the prestigious and coveted award of the year.  It is quite frankly the person I have to give the highest form of props for the entire year.  It's the Granddaddy of 'em all...

Nominees:

Kim Godard Butler

Mercedes Ramcharan

Lara Temple

Adrienne White

Winner:

Adrienne White

Thank you all for reading and supporting my work. 

 Here's to 2016!!!