Forbidden Kingdom

AHSI.....I have been waiting for a Kung Fu movie starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan for a long time. The only downfall with the movie is that Li and Chan did not fight long enough. The storyline could have been better, but overall, the graphics and fight scenes allow me to give the movie 3.5 eyeballs. The action - feature starts off with the young hero being forced by local thugs to participate in breaking the law. He later tries to correct the evil act in which he participated in by finding the Forbidden Kingdom.

Sex In The City : The Movie

ASSI - I was pleasantly surprised that I liked Sex in the City the Movie. I did not watch the series and had not planned to go see the movie; however, I laughed, cried, sheered, and sneered during this film. The script was well written and if you are like me and had never seen or seen an episode here and there you can watch this film and feel like you were a part of the Sex in the City phenomenon. The cast did an excellent job portraying characters they played for years actually came full circle with their lives. The fashion was top of the line couture that most viewers are unable to afford but surely was able to admire. Love is the main ingredient of the movie how to stay in love, how to forgive in the name of love, how to conquer love and how to love yourself while loving someone else. There was realism through-out the film it demonstrated how most women get caught up in the ceremony: the dress, the guess, the food, the cake, the rehearsal dinner, the bridal party and forget that marriage is about the two individuals who decided that marriage is the next step in their relationship. Some men want to love and be with the woman minus the celebration, especially if it becomes bigger than the I Do! AS I see it Sex in the City is an entertaining eye opening movie that may cause you to reflect on a past or present relationship but most of all you will have a good time at the movies. I give Sex in the City 4 blinks.

The Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC (The National Mall)

National Treasure 2 Book of Secrets

AHSI......If you like movies that are full of riddles, puzzles and clues, then National Treasure: Book of Secrets is the perfect movie for you. John Voit and Nicholas Cage star as the father and son duo related to the man accused of plotting the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. They try to clear up their relative's name by trying to figure out what really happened. This causes them to travel around the globe looking, finding and solving the clues that can lead them to the truth. AHSI gives this movie eyeballs.

Don't Mind your Manners at Madam's Organ

ASSI - The Adam's Morgan area in Washington, DC is a great place for club hopping and one of my favorite hang-out-spots is Madam's Organ Blues Bar & Soul Food Restaurant located at 2461 18th Street, N.W., in Washington, DC. The cover charge after nine is $7.00, and a Long Island Ice Tea and a Patron Margarita cost us $18.50 the Margarita had too much mix it over shadowed the patron; however, I heard the Long Island Ice tea was made well. Madam's has four floors and a balcony that is great for people watching most folks who are passing seldom look-up, which makes for interesting conversation. I have yet to have the pleasure of eating any of the specialized soul food; therefore, I am unable to comment. However, the featured band is generally really good and Madam's draw a nice crowd of friendly folk looking to hear good music, dance and just have a good time. If you can find a seat near the band you are in for a good-time the bartender at the main bar is always a much fun and makes a good drink, and there is always someone standing near-by who wants to dance. I generally by-pass establishments that charger a cover bars make enough money off the bar and the person collecting the money at the door has a tendency to pocket some-of-the-money, but I am willing to pay to entire Madam's Organ because I always have an enjoyable experience. It is a dark non smokey atmosphere. Make sure you watch your step while maneuvering around the club, especially after a couple of drinks the stairs are tricky some curve, some are short, and some stair wells are long and narrow. As I see it if you are looking to have an experience, hear good music, and feel safe stop into Madam's Organ. I am sorry but they are always open. I give Madam's Organ 4.5 blinks.

A Day at Trendz

ASSI - One of my girlfriends recently loss her brother. I was unable to attend the funeral and did not send flowers or a card to the family. I did offer my condolesence but I really wanted to do something special for her. Therefore, I asked if she would be interested in going to the Spa, I was going to purchase a gift certificate when she suggested that we go together, which was a great idea. I phoned Soul Day Spa in Washington, DC and scheduled appointments and had to cancel the reservations because my friend wanted to actually make it girls day and go together, and Soul Day Spa was unable to accommodate the request. The search continued until I located a Day Spa that could accommodate her request. Google to the rescue. Trendz Day Spa lis a four-year-old establishment located in Silver Spring, MD that offers several Spa packages. I selected the Pamper for the day package that includes a thirty minute facial and message, manicure and padicure plus lunch. The atmosphere in Trendz is welcoming and inviting it is quant with candles, soothing colors, mirrors, and just enough room in the waiting area for four. There are three message rooms two singles and one double room for couples or friends. My friend and I were placed in a double room where she recieved a message while Giesel the Asthecian applied soothing facial creams, warm towels, steam, covered my eyes, and messaged my neck and shoulders when she was done I knew my skin looked better because it definitely felt better. Then it was Maku's turn to give me a message within two minutes I was softly moaning and groaning her hands and arms were stretching, pulling, and working all the kinks out of my back it was the quickest thirty minutes of my morning. I really could have used an entire hour; however, it was worth the thirty minutes that was more like a tease, but just enough to relax my entire body. Before Maku was done with me my friend was asleep on the next table while receiving her facial. Then it was time for the manicure and pedicure and April the technician did an outstanding job as well; however, she was the only technician who worked on both of us, one-at-a-time that took more time. After the manicure and pedicure we were escorted into a back room that was set-up for lunch it was intimate and tranquil just for two. Lunch was Chicken Caesar salad with garlic bread and a glass of water that was actually very appetizing we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and my girlfriend could not stop thanking me for the experience. The experience was worth having each month, I will definitely visit Trendz again, will give gift certificates, and I looking forward to have a couples message. Trendz offer Spa packages for men also. As I see it Trendz Day Spa receives 4.5 blinks.

Friday Nights at the Fish Market

ASSI - I have a couple of coworkers who reside in Maryland and from time-to-time I meet up with them on their turf for Happy Hour. The Fish Market is restaurant located in Clinton, MD off of Route 5 that has a separate bar and restaurant section, and a live band starts playing at 9:00 p.m. over in the restaurant section. We generally have a table in the back of the restaurant near the band. The Fish Market has a speciality Margarita made with Grand Manier called Cadillac that is a good social cocktail. The last time we were there I ordered broiled seafood that came with a choice of two different seafoods I selected crab cakes, oysters, and sauteed spinach. The crab cakes had too many shells with every bite I was spitting out shells that made the cakes distasteful. The owners wife walks around greeting the patrons she makes an attempt to stop at each table to chat to ensure we are having a pleasant evening; however, if you share with her your dislikes she apologizes and justifies the why the food or drink is not up to standard, but fails at making it right. The band is really good they play old school music and the singer always performers for the audience. As I see it if you are willing to commute from the city for a good time check out the Fish Market and if you live in the area you already know and if you are unaware stop by for dinner or drinks the atmosphere is ideal for both. I give the Fish Market 3 blinks.

Kristi Yamaguchi the Favorite Wins

ASSI- From the start of Dancing with the Stars Kristi Yamaguchi was slated to win the Disco Ball Trophy. The former Olympic winning Ice Skater who was born with a club foot and her partner Mark Ballas danced their way back into the hearts of Americans. Yamaguchi is accustomed to performing in front of an live audience, her fans had another opportunity to marvel at her amazing foot work, admire her wardrobe choices that were reminiscent of the costumes she wore during her Olympic days, and performing dance and skating routines on ice skates was surely more difficult, which I believe gave her an advantage. However, she claims dancing without the skates was more difficult than doing a triple-sau-cow. Kristie is the second woman to win the Trophy since Kelly Monaco won series one. The other contestants Penn Jillette, Monica Seles, Steve Guttenberg, Adam Carolla Priscilla Presley, Marlee Matlin, Shannon Elizabeth, Mario, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Cristian de la Fuente was without a chance, except for runner up Jason Taylor who plays football for the Miami Dolphins. Hopefully next season will have dancers without any formal training like Emitt Smith who won last season.

Stay Fit with Wii Fitness

ASSI - The master minds behind Nintendo Wii have manage to create a fitness balance board that is appropriate for all ages. Most people dislike working-out but the end results: a nice tight body makes it worth the sweat, pain, and effort. The Wii fitness might seem like an amateur fitness work-out for full throttle enthusiast who are serious about their regimen and push themselves until the end with the Wii you pause between routines. If you enjoy Yoga, Strength building, and Aerobics you can tailor a work-out that is ideal for you without over exerting yourself the exercises are comprised of 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 minute drills depending on the activity. The down side to the Wii fitness is the constant need to press the A button on the remote to continue from one exercise to the other and it walks you through a series of questions before starting, which can be rather nerve racking when you are anxious about starting your work-out, or when a child wants to do the balance exercises. There is no direct method of just getting to it so that you can do it without falling all the prompted questions. Patience is required, you must gather your emotions, and focus on the task at hand other wise frustration can set-in. The fitness balance board also seems to have a mind of its own and is linked to the television screen. I have noticed during the challenges that the board is unable to count the number of moves you make unless you are following the whistle prompts that are synced to a timer, which can through you off after all what's the point of challenging the trainer who comes with software if you must keep up with the trainer. However, you will manage to sweat and tone your body while doing the various yoga possess, strength training positions, jogging, hula-hoop, step aerobics, boxing, dodging soccer balls, skiing down slops and a number of other fun activities. I have been using the Wii fitness for 21 days and have yet to loose any weight but I do feel toner and stronger. I enjoy when new activities are revealed and it allows me to challenge myself to perform better than my last performance. There is also a rating system for each activity depending on your skill level you can receive a couch potato, novice, amateur and outstanding great job and rank you 1st to 10th place; therefore, if the entire family can compete against each other making the task more challenging within itself. As I see it the Wii fbalance board is a beneficial and entertaining exercise tool that is available for $80.00. I give it 3.5 blinks.

Cover - On the DL

ASSI - Many conversations have been centered around the topic of brothers on the Down Low, married or involved with women but engage in sexual relations with another male on the DL. Cover takes you down the path of a married man who appears to have the perfect life, a successful business man who seems to have everything from the right woman and the life style to match his wealth, and the charming seductive single man who has more woman than he can handle until dust gets into their eyes and they need someone to blow it out. Bill Duke did an excellent job of directing this wicked tale of who is into whom, and the script is written to lure you into one direction while the director takes you the other way. Leon, Vivica A. Fox, Paula Jai Parker and Lou Gossett, Jr. are a few actors who lend their talents to deliver the innocent and scandalous characters in Cover. Duke captures and reveals the concerns of woman who suspect they are or have dated a bisexual man; however, he is too convincing and like E. Lynn Harris paints a picture in his novels that most men are suspect Covers may cause you to look at some men differently. As I see it if you are unable to separate the fictional tale from reality this movie is not for you because it puts the spot light on male sexual behaviour and will make you cringe. I give Cover 3.5 blinks.

Perry's Drag Queen Brunch

ASSI - If you are looking for an exciting and entertaining time while enjoying good food you must visit Perry's Drag Queen Restaurant for Brunch. It is absolutely one of the best dining experiences that I have had the pleasure of experiencing in a long time. On the day we were at Perry's the Travel Channel with Samantha Brown was there taping the performances. Ms. Brown is just as adorable in person as seen on television. Perry's indoor seating is limited, so arrive early otherwise you will wait for 20 to 45 minutes; however, the also offer roof top dining that was unavailable on the day we were there. We had a seat at the bar while waiting, which was an excellent location to wait because the show starts and end at the end of the bar, but it becomes rather crowded because the buffet line also starts at the end of the bar. I truly believe we picked the best day to visit Perry's. The Drag Queens were excellent although they had limited space to perform their routines they did their best to work the crowd for worthy tips. J'Lo, Shakira, Lisa Stiensfield, Eyrkah Badu, Amy Winehouse, and Earth Kitt are just a few artist who were impersonated. As I see it Perry's is an absolute must experience rather you live in Washington, DC or visiting you must visit Perry's for brunch. I give Perry's Drag Queen Brunch 5 blinks.

Hooters for Wings

ASSI - I had the displeasure of dining at Hooters. I was under the impression that Hooters serve really good large wings; much to the contratry, the wings were the same size as the wings that I purchase from my local Whole Foods Market minus the special sauce and badder. We were there on what appeared to be a slow day the waitress were standing around hoping customers would come through the door. Our waitress who I will refrain from naming was new. She was a week into working as a Hooter girl still learning how to turn those orange short shorts and tight tank top into lucrative tips for a moment I thought she came with the meal. After serving us she sat down and started conversing with us. We were somewhat interested in her life experiences. We learned more than we needed to know like: she is from Upper Marlboro, MD, attended Vermont University last fall, majored in International studies, and is an aspiring entrepreneur. However, ten minutes into the conversation, I made it known that we were good and wanted to enjoy each others company. She politely excused herself and rejoined the other standing waitress. Our drink order consisted of a Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri that were so weak meaning limited alcohol that we ordered a shot of Patron. I could not believe Hooters charged us for Blue Cheese. As I see it Hooters was a waist of our time, energy, and money there was nothing special about the wings, the service or atmosphere it was okay, and as far as I am concerned Hooters receives 2.5 blinks.

Ruff and Ready Crabs

ASSI - The best steamed crabs are in Hyattsville, Maryland at Ruff -n-Ready Crab House located on the corners of Riggs Rd and Chillum Road. The best time to purchase crabs from Ruff-N-Ready is at the beginning of Spring and after right before Fall the prices are more affordable. Expect to pay top dollar during the summer and holidays when most crab lovers are purchasing crabs by the dozens and bushels. Mother's Day large male crabs were $42.00 a dozen and regular females sold $32.00 or $36.00. Honestly the large looked more like mediums but were a good size and worth the money. The aroma in Ruff-N-Ready makes your mouth salivate and you will spend more than anticipated but if you are going to splurge do so during non peak periods. You can purchase 30 large shrimp for $15.00. As I see it Ruff-N-Ready is the place to go for steamed crabs and I give them 4 blinks.

Erykah's Vortex Tour

ASSI- Erykah Badu performed last night at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., she graced the stage at 9:30 p.m. and performed until Midnight, she took one small break, and came back to wow her audience. The concert started off lukewarm, midway through became warmer, and by the end it was on and popping hot. This was my first live Erykah experience, I was unfamiliar with her drum machine, and the potion she sipped until it was gone. She removed her hair piece a third of the way and performed the remaining of the show in her stocking cap, body suit, and high heels. She even performed with exercise balls that were used as a metaphor to her song: In Love With You. True Erykah fans new every song even the new stuff which was about four songs; however, she did not sing "Honey" a song that the entire audience wanted to hear, but for the most part folks were not feeling her vibe until she started singing songs from Mama's Gun and Baduizm. Badu made sure to express that she was doing her own thing and felt bad for the people who were not free enough to feel the groove and get with the program. She asked one couple where were they going as they attempted to leave the show a few minutes early, she said, "Oh no where yall going, I rolled on floor and everything for yall, come back here." The couple returned to their seats and she literally performed. As I see it if you can or cannot get with Erykah's vibe it really does not matter. She is going to do her own thing anyway, so take the time to have a musical experience that is worth the ticket price. I give Erykah's Vortex Concert 3.5 blinks.

Mariah Marries Nick

ASSI - when the love bug bites you better be ready for someone to touch more than your body. According to Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon love touched their hearts in spite of knowing each other all of six to eight weeks but what does a broken heart do? It finds another Soul Mate to mend the crack in the heart after all what does love have to do with it? Nick Cannon who is eleven years younger than Mariah proposed to Model Selita Ebanks in Time Square with a camera crew to capture her response that was May 2007, and less than a year later he is handing out more hand jewelry some say it is the same 12 carat diamond ring; however, others say he upgraded and gave Mariah a 17 carat diamond that looks the same but with more bling.

I am hopeful the rumors are incorrect when reported that Mariah and Nick married without a prenup. Although prenups signify that an end is inevitable, but when you have millions at stake, and I know it is not about the money but let's be real he was engaged 11 months ago to someone else and supposedly Mariah did not come between the two it was a Giant football player who tackled that relationship. Yes Nick is a young tender roni with hopefully healthy sperm to produce children but lets be for real even if he did spend 2.5 million for her ring at the end of the day it should not entitle him to half of her fortune and child support if they should become inseperable.

It has been too long since Mariah has been linked to a steady beau, her eggs are aging, and she learned from first hand experience. Her first marriage to Tommy Mottola taught her how not to treat your younger mate. As I see it the two will be riding roller coasters, eating cotton and candy, marking their territory with tattoos, and jetting off to foreign lands as long as their hearts desire or until Mariah sends Nick back to work.

Is A Good Man Hard to Find?

ASSI - A number of Black Film makers are producing straight to video films that feature an all Black Cast. Film maker Leslie Small is the director and screen writer of A Good Man is Hard to Find featuring Darrin Dewitt Hanson, Golden Brooks, Hill Harper, Deborah Cox, Darius McCray, Mel Jackson, and Rachael Nicks. The film is based on the musical stage play written by David Payton of the same name that follow the lives of three women who are faced with personal and spiritual challenges while trying to manage romantic relationships. Clarence played by Darrin Dewitt Hanson is married to Rachel played by Golden Brooks a successful business woman who makes more financially than Clarence a mechanic and Deacon who is more married to the Church than his wife, which is a twist because most women dedicate most of their time and energy to the Church and neglect the family. Charlene played by Deborah Cox is married to Bruce played by Darius McCray who is a womanizer, abuse alcohol and his woman, who is dedicated and loyal to her marriage but struggling with staying with Bruce. Mr. Hill Harper plays Damion Marshall a charismatic business man who flaunts is wealth to attract women until his advances toward Rachel and Chantel played by Rachel Nicks cause problems. A Good Man Is Hard to Find is a realistic film that deals with the daily struggles that most relationships endure. I will watch this film again it is an exciting dramedy that is more than a chick flick it is a film for young adults, adults, males, females and all races. I am unfamiliar with the play but the movie was well written, directed, and the actors who are all attractive delivered their parts. As I see it A Good Man is Hard to Find is a good film that is worth viewing and I give it 4.5 blinks.

Thunder Grill for Happy Hour

ASSI - Thunder Grill in Union Station located in Washington DC is an ideal spot for happy hour you can have a beer for $2.00 or $2.75, rail drinks for $3.75, and frozen margaritas for $4.75. The appetizers are $4.00 for cheese nachos, cheese quessadillas, and hot wings that are rather tasty but sometimes too salty. The bartenders are all men except for Joanna who is the only woman and Ross is the only heterosexual Black male behind the bar. Despite of sexual orientation the bartenders are extremely good looking, are on first name bases with most customers, and make really good drinks. I prefer sitting at the bar where the atmosphere is friendly, the patrons seated at the bar are generally down-to-earth, and often have spirited conversations with people who are traveling via Metro train, Amtrak, Marc train, and the VRE commuter train stop in and have a drink prior to catching the train. There is also a number of locals who simply stop in because of the friendly environment and the drink specials. I am there more than I should be at least twice a month on a Friday for about two hours. As I see it Thunder Grill receives 4.0 blinks. If and when you are in Union Station stop by Thunder Grill for a drink or two but make sure you allow someone else to do the driving.

iphone cash cow

ASSI - The iphone is a cash cow in more ways its expensive, insurance is unavailable through at&t but you can purchase coverage from http://www.safeware.com/, downloads from itune cost unless you download free items only, and if you travel abroad expect roaming charges. You need a computer to download music, audiobooks, videos, movies, and shows or you can connect to You tube search for your favorite artist, download the video, and book mark it for safe keeping to avoid itune fees. at&t rate plans are more costly then the others and the activation fee is $72.00 dollars; however, your minutes roll-over but you have to agree to a plan with adequate minutes, which is costly especially if you want the family or business plan. I received the iphone a week ago for Mother's Day, I am still a novice, and without a manual that I can read it is going to take me weeks to learn how to properly navigate the phone.

The phone comes with limited instructions enough to get you started. The manual is available on-line at www.apple.com/iphone for further instructions and frequently asked questions. I like the touch feature but it is extremely sensitive, I find myself touching it several times just to return a call, send a text message, or to simply save contact information it requires skills that I have yet mastered. As I see it more time is needed before I can properly rate the iphone. However, if you own an iphone and would like to share your comments. Please take a moment to add a comment or two to this posting.

Satisfying Organic Juice

ASSI - There are a variety of juices available for consumers. Supposedly 100% juice is better for us, especially if made from organic fruits. R.W. Knudsen is a brand that I purchase at the local Whole Foods Market that specialize in organic foods. I tried several different brands of organic juice but prefer the flavors offered by R.W. Knudsen, especially the Blueberry Pomegranate , Blueberry Nectar, and Pineapple. Blueberries, Black Cherry, and Pomegranate makes for really good juice. I was surprised how quickly a 32 oz bottle of Blueberry Pomegranate juice can be consumed. I really have to monitor my intake because it was an ease to drink all 32 oz in a day, it is that good. Although the label claims the juice is made from 100% juice, the nutritional facts are as follow: Calories 130 per 8 FL OZ and there is 4 servings per container. ) grams of fat, 10 mg of sodium, 250 mg of potassium, 33 g of total carbohydrates, 28g of sugar and zero grams of protein all from organic fruit.

Nutritionist claims that we should drink juice made from 100% juice and non concentrate, but I have found that even the juices that claim they are made from 100% juice are made from concentrate blends. I am without a juicer. Therefore, I am at the mercy of purchasing juice from the Whole Food Market where I shop for grocery, and on occasion I treat myself to an all natural juice, but locating a Kiosk stand or store that serves all natural juice is problematic for me. However, I am on a quest to find juice sold in grocery stores that is actually made from actual fruit. As I see it the body deserves the good stuff, but until I find what I am looking for I will continue to purchase R. W. Knudsen's juices that are reasonable and generally on sale for $3.89 for a 32 oz bottle.

Paula Abdul Idol Mistake

ASSI - Judge Paula Abdul made a huge mistake on American Idol when she critiqued a contestant's performance that was forthcoming. Was it merely a mistake or is Paula addicted to pain medication that affected her faculties causing her to make such an egregious error? Paula's untimely remarks, somewhat bubbly personality, and need to please provides viewers with a different judgement of the contestants. Regardless if Simon Cowell is being curt, Randy belting out Yo Yo Dog that was Dope, it provides water cooler conversation that has us all talking. Fans will continue to watch and vote for their favorite contestants, and the beauty of scripted reality t.v. is you witness the good, bad, and in different. As I see it Paula's mistake is a plus for Idol a show that thrives on publicity.