Young Jeezy the Recession

AHSI - Young Jeezy is definitely one of Def Jams heavy hitters. His new album debuted at #1 on the charts. The Recession has slipped down to #6 on the billboard chart, in its third week on chart. He collaborates with Nas, Anthony Hamilton, Kanye West and Trey Songs on this album contributing songs that relate to everyday hood life. Jeezy is definitely getting better with each album and he is emerging as one of the best rappers from DOWN SOUTH. It seems as if the hot rappers from the south are all affiliated with Jay-z. Rick Ross and Ludacris are the other rappers from the South that I am talking about. I give The Recession 4 eyeballs.

Chinese Parade In China Town, Washington DC

Sol Angel and the The Hadley St. Dreams

AHSI - Solange Knowles newest LP is showing us that she is her own star. She has a pretty voice and she can definitely hold a note. I was pleasantly surprised that she did not sound or try to sound like her famous sister Beyonce. In the song Bird, a soft ballad, displays her vocal skills as well as dealing with mature content. Decided I and II shows her up-tempo style as well as showing us a variety of styles through her album. I give her latest project 3 eyeballs.

ASSI – Solagne is an artist who is definitely out of the box, lyrically her songs are unusually different, the music is in sync with the lyrics or vice versa, and it seems that she found the right producers for this project. I actually like how she used her vocals to blend with the music instead of merely singing the songs. Her Sophomore Album “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams” was released on August 26, 2008 and was number one the first week. When I first listened to the CD I did not give it the proper attention it deserves, I knew it was different based on her video for “Sandcastle Disco” and live performance of the same song on Tyra; however, I decided to give it another listen yesterday. The drums are funky on “Sandcastle Disco.”

Surprisingly I began to appreciate her lyrical style and where she is coming from musically. There are no musical comparisons between her and Beyonce. Solange’s music is adult, yet bubbly, fun, and a mixture of Pop, Alternative, Rockish, and R & B. If you give “Sol-Angel” a chance, I promise you will add it the entire album to your iPod, “I Decided” is a relatable song that men, women, young, and mature adults understand. You know when you decide that a particular male or female should be yours regardless of what the other person thinks. Have you every fallen for someone and realized you could have been in love, if you had not wasted time lusting after the wrong person? Well “T.O.N.Y” is that song. It is an upbeat dance tempo that will have you nodding and moving in agreement. The slow melodrama “God Given Name” sounds autobiographical.

“Would’ve Been the One” has three different music genres wrapped into one song, when it starts her voice is reminiscence of En Vogue then it quickly changes to a Rock then Pop, and Soul. I am partial to “6 O’Clock Blues” it is slow, comforting, and appreciative of your love one song. Most artist try to put a little something something on the album to have universal mass appeal; however, Solange’s album is eclectic and is all over the place in a good way. It truly has crossover and urban appeal. As I see it “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams” offer listeners a different flavor that takes you on a “Cosmic Journey” a song that features Bilal to a “Champagnechroniknight-Cap” that will have you hitting replay for another listen. I give “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams” 4 blinks.

Sex Drive Rolling into Theaters

ASSI - "Sex Drive" is a hormonal coming of age story about an Eighteen year-old high school virgin, Ian Lafferty played by Josh Zuckerman who embarks on a journey with his best friends, Lance (Clark Duke) and Felicia (Amanda Crew) to jump start his sex drive and kick it into high gear. The Director, Sean Anders co-wrote "Sex Drive" with his writing partner John Morris, and together they took the liberty to include every obscenity known to man for a laugh, some of it is funny but most it is over-the-top and unnecessary. The story line is typical but the path used to achieve the outcome makes this film interesting. I am pleased that Ian discovers that sex is mental and emotional instead of physical. "Sex Drive" will be in theaters on October 17, 2008. As I see it, "Sex Drive" is a film for a younger audience 16 to 25; however, its a comedy that has humors moments that mature adults can appreciate, but not enough to justify purchasing a movie ticket. I give "Sex Drive" 2.5 blinks.

Football For Kids

Tortured out on DVD

AHSI...."Tortured" , starring Laurence Fishburne, James Cromwell
and Cole Hauser was a very interesting movie. Fishburne plays an accountant that is kidnapped by a madman that is giving Hauser, an undercover agent, instructions on what to do with Fishburne. Cromwell is the head of the agency that Cole works for and his father. He is sent on a special mission to lure out a madman that is wanted by the agency. You will need to pay close attention to the plot because it has many details that will be easy to miss the first time you watch this movie. It is also a very violent movie, so if you have a week stomach beware. I give this movie 4.0 eyeballs.

ASSI - I actually like movies with demented characters and "Torture" has a couple; however, it is a film that is more than entertaining you actually have to pay attention to the for shadowing otherwise you will become confused. The script is well written and the characters actually deliver believable scenes that are rather convincing. Hauser is caught between two worlds, he actually thinks that he has a firm grip on both worlds until collide and he is betrayed by the team who is placed his life in danger for, and Fishburne and Cromwell make "Tortured" an entertaining move that is worth seeing. "Tortured" is currently out on DVD and if it were not for the luxury of rewind I would not have understood all that took place in this film enough to understand the ending. As I see it, I give "Tortured" 3.5 blinks.

Evelyn Champagne King

ASSI - Evelyn Champagne King opened for the Commodores when they were the headliners at DC Grooves end of the summer concert series held through out the month of September. I thoroughly enjoyed Evelyn's performance. She also performed with her husband Freddie Fox who recorded a remake of Frankie Beverly and Maze's single "Happy Feeling" that is captured in the provided clip. She and Freddie have been married for 17 years. King also recorded a new album that was released on September 19, 2008. The music was piped in but she performed as if she was backed by a live band, she rocked, rolled, shook, and shimmed to the delight of the crowd. As soon as the announcer announced her, the crowd rearranged the seating, took the chairs placed to the right of the stage, and placed them directly in front of the stage six rows deep. Evelyn also performed one of her songs from her new album called "Open Book" that is a tribute to her child, mother, brother, and father who all passed away. She lost a child in 87 and the remaining family members in 1997. She performed "Shame", "Love Come Down", and "Betcha She Don't Love You". As I see it if it's a free concert its worth attending, especially if it is a recognizable artist from the past. However, if Evelyn Champagne King is on the ticket don't be late for the show, her performance is worth seeing.

Raheem DeVaughn Live At Ibiza Night Club In Washington DC

Pray for the Family that Preys

ASSI - The Family that Preys is currently in theaters and a must see movie. Tyler Perry is the producer, writer, director, and plays Ben a married, construction worker, who has finally achieved the American dream, but is constantly pressured by his brother-in-law to start their own construction company. Perry is equivalent to James Patterson, he puts out a new film once or twice a year. It is as if, Perry had movies written and were on the shelf waiting for his break, which has finally came to a much deserving writer and director; however, just like Spike Lee when he first started making films, feel a need to have an acting role in each film that he has written and directed. The Family that Preys also stars Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates as the matriarchs of their families, and in spite of their race and social status they formulate a friendship that endures the test of time. This film deals with issues that generally makes people uncomfortable, but how the issues are dealt with provides the realism of all the situations covered in the film. Some life lessons are hard to deal, especially if you are ashamed of your past and will do anything to escape it. The entire cast consist of everyone featured in this poster, all of the actors assumed the role of their characters, and brought them to life. You were in each scene with them and felt their joys and pain. As I see it, the Family that Preys is dramedy that is the best work that Perry has written and directed to date. I give The Family that Preys 4.5 blinks.

AHSI - Tyler Perry opened up this weekend at #2 according to the Top Box Office as of 9/14/08. This movie tells the story of two women Charlotte and Alice (Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard) with very different lifestyles. Charlotte and Alice have been best friends for years and their children have grown up knowing each other. William (Cole Hauser), Charlotte's son, and Andrea (Sanaan Lathan), Alice's daughter work together and are both married. Pam (Taraji Henson) works with her mother and her husband Ben (Tyler Perry) works with Chris (Rockmond Dunbar) who is also Andrea's husband. The Family That Preys paints a picture about everyday family life that we all can relate to. AHSI give the movie 4 eyeballs.

Belly 2 Starring Game

The Game stars as G, an ex-con that is trying to get a new start in life. He attempts to fit in with society by getting a job, but he finds his old life is a lot easier than his new life. He meets Alexis, (Shari Headley best known for her work in Coming To America) and this is when the trouble starts. I was disappointed with this movie because it did not connect with the original Belly starring DMX and Nas. AHSI gives Belly 2 (2 eyeballs).

A Commodores Night

ASSI - The Commodores performed this evening on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza part of the free September concerts presented by DC Grooves. The weather was nice for an outdoor concert in spite the light drizzles that came and went through out the show. The crowd was front and center, many of the folks in attendance rearranged the sitting plans to accommodate front row seating. Tables and chairs were placed to the right of the stage, the middle was reserved standing, and VIP seating was on the left; however, the seating arranged meant changed as the time approached 7 p.m. Evelyn Champagne King opened for the Commodores, the concert was from 7 - 9 p.m., next Friday, September 19th Jon Secada is performing. The commodores performed all the hits that I am familiar to from Sanctified, Too Hot to Trot, to Brick House, they performed for an hour and a half, everyone was literally grooving to every song, including the slow ones. I thoroughly enjoyed the show except when they diverted during Knight Shift and decided to sing a couple of Marvin Gaye tunes, but they made up for it by segueing into Brick House to close out the show. The Commodores arrived in Washington, DC four days ago, and have been busy making rounds at Howard University, Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit with the wounded soldiers, XM Satellite Radio for interviews, and Horse and Dickey for one of their notable fish sandwiches. Only two of the original founder members currently perform with the Commodores, the third member is a singer from London, England who has stepped into Lionel Richie's role. The three members managed to do a superb job performing all the Commodore hit songs. I arrived early enough to hear and capture the sound check, which provided a glimpse of what was yet to come. I managed to record snippets of each song on my Cannon Powershot SD900 camera so the sound is somewhat distorted, but you can make out the song.

$3 Bar Menu

ASSI - Phillip's Flagship Restaurant has more to offer than their signature Seafood Buffet. On my way home I phoned a friend to see what she up to and learned that she was sitting at Phillip's Flagship Restaurant at the bar with another friend. She convinced me to join them for a drink, the kicker was the $3 dollar drinks and appetizers. I made my way to Phillips and by the time I arrived, I was ready for a drink and a basket of offerings. I actually tried the house Red wine that wasn't too bad, but ended up consuming Strawberry Margaritas without salt. The glass is half the size of the regular drinks that cost $11.00 but when made without too much mix is worth every bit of $3.00. My one girlfriend is a beer connoisseur and will go anywhere for a cheap beer the other likes a well made Margarita with Grand Marnier and Patron, and is willing to pay top dollar for it. We also treated our stomachs to mini crab cakes, chicken strips, and french fries for $3 each. My stomach actually aches from downing three margaritas and an order of chicken strips and fries. The bartenders Sherlin and Tyrone were personable and attentive; however, Sherlin made the better drink. As I see it, if you work or live in the area Phillip's offers a good stop off place for a drink and a bite to eat for under $10.00. I give Happy Hour at Phillips 3 blinks.

An Evening at Oya's

ASSI - I shared with a friend that I really enjoyed dining at Kaz Sushi Bistro, how it was a nice experience and gave me a new perspective on Sushi; however, my friend stated she knew of a place much better than Kaz. She thought Kaz was just okay but raved about Oya, and vowed that we would go to Oya Restaurant and Lounge for Happy Hour someday, Happy Hour is from 5 - 8 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Oya is located on 9th Street, N.W. off of H Street near the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Well, tonight was the night that I was exposed to Oya's for Happy Hour and Sushi, I was without expectations just open to a new experience, I like the White decor, andthe Lounge area was layed back and a relaxed atmosphere, it didn't seem ideal for eating sushi. We spotted a table with two foot stools in a corner, and made ourselves comfortable. At first I was wondering how it was going to work out, but after a couple of sips of wine and a Sushi Roll it was all good.

We had the Happy Hour, Red Wine, Salmon Tempura Roll, California Rolls, and Spicy Crunchy Shrimp Rolls that were all absolutely delicious. I even managed to eat my meal without dropping any rolls or making a complete mess using the chopsticks. My friend managed to drink enough water until she was too full to finish her share of the Spicy Crunch Shrimp Rolls, which was alright with me. I believe the Happy Hour specials are $6 or $7 dollars for each item, our bill was $52.00 minus the tip. I thought the service was good, but according to my girlfriend there is another waitress, who generally serves her and another group of friends that is a little more on top of things than the waitress we had tonight. As I See it, Oya's Restaurant and Lounge is in a good location, the metro is in walking distance, the clientele is working class folk, the wine was good for the house wine, and the food was scrumptious; therefore, if and when you're in the area and you like Sushi give Oya Restaurant and Lounge a try. I give Oya's 4.0 blinks.

No Entry Without A Visa

ASSI – Many may already be aware but we were definitely caught off guard. We made it to Ronald Regan Airport, and the ticketing agent checked us in all the way to Brazil, meaning we had boarding passes for our flight to Atlanta and the connecting flight to Brazil. I approached the counter in Atlanta to inquire about upgrading our seats. The agent informed me that it would be $4,000.00 to upgrade, no thank you was my response, and she then asked to see our Visas. I am sure my facial expression summed up my thoughts, but somehow I managed to say, “Passports!” Although we are experienced travelers, avid users of the internet, we always do an exhaustive search of our destination; however, we did not see nor were we told that a Visa is required to enter Brazil.

“I have a passport but I do not have a Visa what do you mean?” I asked
“You must have a Visa to enter Brazil.”
“Why weren’t we told this, when and where can we get a Visa? Can we get a visa here in Atlanta” She rattled off a quick, “NO” I am sure also mentioned that never in my life have I needed a Visa. The agent simply rebooked us to Washington and said have a good day. Talking about disappointed I was extremely devastated, I wanted to be in Brazil for my birthday, at that moment I think I simply lacked any emotion. I simply told Will come on lets go, and he said, “Where are we going?”
“Back to DC!” was my response. His expression was enough for me to say, “We need a Visa.” Then I asked, “Did any of your friends who you have spoken with countless times about Brazil mention that we needed a Visa?”
“No” I had been asking him for weeks what are your friends telling you about Brazil, I wanted to know if I should take an empty suitcase to shop, I wanted to know about the night life, but all he could say was, “There is a Hallie Berry every where you look every other woman look like Halle Berry.” They provided information regarding sexual escapades but zero information on required documents. The response that Will received was, “I thought you knew.”
Longer story short, while we were standing in the Delta information line, a young man who over heard our conversation, shared with us that Brazil just opened a consulate office in Atlanta three weeks prior. What a blessing he was, it was meant for us to stand in that line, I merely got in the line to learn if there was anything that could be done besides returning to Washington.

After spending four hours in the Airport changing our tickets to fly out the next day, calling everyone we knew in Atlanta, hearing a number of people tell us that it will take three to four days to obtain a Visa, we checked into the Holiday Inn, and first thing the next morning we went to the consulate’s office for an expedited Visa that cost of $270.00 dollars. The visas were $130.00 each plus passport pictures for the visa. Supposedly America places costly restrictions on Brazil citizens entering the states; therefore, Brazil in turn requires American citizens to have a Visa to enter their country. If you are going to tax our citizens we will do the same to yours. If you main purpose for visiting Rio De Janeiro to engage in sexual activity, you are warned from the moment you arrive at the airport, there are signs that clearly that "you must reframe from approaching minors, or you will be prosecuted"; however, all the young and old girls are wearing thongs, which should be against the Brazilian law, but it is up to the person requesting sex to ask the young lady for identification to ensure she is of age. The consulates office in Atlanta is located at: 235 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 and can be reached at (404) 521 - 1079

A Taste of Brazil's Carnival

ASSI – In Rio De Janeiro there is a show that is primarily attended by tourist called “Plataforma” that is highly influenced by Bahia the Brazilian state with the most African culture. Its dance, music, rhythm, religion and cuisine have kept the African roots of the people during the time of slavery until today. Plataforma is advertised as The Greatest Folklore Show in Brazil. The natives actually experience Carnival yearly; therefore, they leave “Plataforma” to the tourists who are unable to make it to Carnival. It gives tourist a glimpse of Carnival complete with show girls who wear elaborate costumes made with rhinestones, feathers, and head pieces. There is little material used on many of the costumes, most are made to reveal lots of skin with emphasis placed on the breast and buttocks – thongs are worn to cover the lower half. Although the band members are dressed to the nines, they are generally fully dressed, the only time they are topless is during the acrobatic portion of the show.

According to the Plataforma brochure, the music is a mixture of Samba d’Angola, batuque and jongo in addition to hand claps created the “samba de roda” in Brazil. Along with Percussion instruments, the “samba de roda” turned out to be the samba which burst out into the joy of Carnival that is known today. The show starts at 10:00 p.m.; however, doors open at early for dinner, you can take a pictures of the costumes, purchase Carnival paraphernalia, take pictures with a female and male performer before the show, and pictures with the show girls during the show, and you are also permitted to use your cameras. Drinks are served but you are not obligated to purchase a drink. A number of pictures are taken before, at intermission, and during the show by staff photographers for a fee. The cost is $130.00 Reals for the show and the pictures are $20.00 Reals each, so come prepared to say no or spend lots of dough. The show is a high energy, entertaining, and the emcee acknowledges every country and state around the world to see which countries are best represented, in the native language, which was rather interesting. During intermission selected countries are asked on stage to sing their national anthem. The show is three hours long, and as I see it, if you are uninterested in attending Carnival, but looking for something to do while in Rio check out the show, it is entertaining. I give “Plataforma” 3.5 blinks.

Birds Eye View of Brazil

ASSI - I wanted to do something exciting for my birthday. When Umberto our cab driver in Brazil shared with us that we could Hang Glide, I jumped at the opportunity. Umberto made a phone call and off we were to do a Tandem Hang Gliding Flight over the National Park, Tijuca Forest and Sea, and landing on Sao Conrado "Pepino" Beach in Rio De Janeiro. When we arrived at Pepino Beach, and I saw the Hang Gliders coming in for landing, I was extremely excited, and couldn't wait for my turn. We had to wait about thirty minutes until our pilot landed, the glider was disassembled, packed up and placed on the pilot's truck. We had to pay $10.00 Reals to entire the National Park where we would descend from a cliff off a mountain, five hundred feet from the beach where we landed. Once on top of the mountain we had to wait for the glider to be assembled, do a test run with the pilot, and get a quick lesson of the do's and don'ts like: keep running off the cliff, don't place your weight on the pilot, don't touch the bar, keep your right hand on the pilot, and have a good time.

The cost to Hang Glide is $240.00 Reals, if you want to mark the occasion with pictures, it will cost you $60.00, and if you purchase a video that captures every sound and move of the experience the picture cost is waived, but the video is $160.00 Reals, the experience is costly but worth it. The view was magnificent, it was breath taking, and the aerial views are absolutely beautiful. I was nervous prior to running off the cliff, but once we were off and running, and my legs were expanded in the air, I felt like a bird, relaxed and enjoyed the ride. It was rather peaceful and serene and I look forward to doing it again. Due to the number of safety straps, I felt safe, and did not feel that I was in danger at any time during the flight. the pilot reassured me that I was safe as long as I followed his guidance. I am an adrenaline junky and what a high, as i see it, life is meant to be lived, and when it is your birthday or you are on vacation, you must do something that is life altering and most memorable. I encourage anyone with a strong heart to give it a try, especially if you like adventure. I give Hang Gliding 5 blinks, what a delightful and wonderful experience.

Espuma Restaurant in Brazil

ASSI - After checking into the J.W. Marriott located on the Avenue Atlantica in Copacabana, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil we grabbed us a bite to eat at Espuma that is to the left of the hotel. Similar to the restaurants on South Beach in Miami, Florida, the waiters and waitresses are standing at the entrance of the restaurants trying to entice you to dine at their establishment. The have menus in English and although some of the waiters speak little to no English, it does not prevent them from attempting to lure you in. Espuma's menu was more appealing than the other restaurants, at the time, plus they were without any customers, which made us feel like the food would arrive quicker. I ordered the Lasanha (Lasagna) and a Campari to drink. The drink was absolutely tasteless, it was down right awful, but the chicken Lasagna was different and good, it was full of shredded chicken and very was cheesey, the Lasagna was $14.30 Reals and the Campari $7.60. He ordered Frango Grelh that was a chicken dish with vegetables for $34.70, a Sex on the Beach $9.701 that did not resemble an American Sex on the Beach, except that it was a dirty brown color, it was too strong, and simply was not made correctly to an American drink.

We quickly learned the only drink good in Brazil is the Caipirinhas that consist of crushed limes, mint leaves and vodka, or you can have one made with fruit and other spices. We also had bread and Lula A Dore (Calamari) that was chewey and cost $17.94 our total bill was $93.98 Reals, since we were the only customer the service was good, and all the restaurants that we dined at on the Avenues Atlantica provided optimum customer service. Most American restaurants where the gratuity is included the service is lacking, especially in Miami and New York, but in Brazil the service was excellent. All the waiters transferred the food from the hot plate that the food came out on to our plates, they also replenished the food when needed, and simply were pleased to be serving us, they were always gracious and smiling, and wanted to ensure we were enjoying our meal. As I see it when you dine at a Brazilian restaurant its an experience one that makes you feel good about eating out. I give Espuma Restaurant 3.5 blinks.

Ashford and Simpson Performs on the Plaza

ASSI - DC Grooves is offering three free outdoor concerts that are hosted by the District of Columbia Comission on the Arts and Humanities. The kick-off for the Friday evening concert series started tonight with Ashford and Simpson, Evelyn Champagne King and the Commodares are performing next Friday, September 12th, and the last performance is September 19th with Jon Secada the concerts takes place on the grounds of the Woodrow Wilson Plaza outside the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

The concert started promptly at 7 p.m. and ended precisely at 9 p.m., and the rain started seconds before the show, but it did not prevent fans of Ashford and Simpson from leaving and taking a chance on missing their performance. I felt bad for the opening at Kiss My Jazz who tried to give the audience a good show but with the preoccupation of the rain, people in the audience were eager to see Ashford and Simpson, who were worth sitting and standing in the rain with umbrellas obstructing views. Shack-in-the-Pack from WPGC 95 was the emcee, he gave away tickets to Jokes on Us and DVDs to contestants who correctly answered trivia questions. I actually had to stand in a chair to capture this clip:

Chicken and Waffles

ASSI - We were in Atlanta waiting for our Visas to Brazil, and we decided to treat ourselves to a good meal, so we went to Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles. The service was excellent, Gladys sang Happy Birthday to me courtesy of a pipped in song, which was great, my birthday treat was peach cobbler, I ordered the Midnight Train Signature ($11.00) that consisgted of a waffle and wings, and I thoroughly enjoyed my chicken wings and waffle. I like deep fried chicken made with seasoned batter. My waffle was made with strawberry mix, which was good, but the traditional Belgian waffle is better. We also ordered a Veggie Soul ($10.25) that was complete with Black Eye Peas, Collard Greens, Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans, and Corn Muffin ($.50) that was extra that was consumed by the other half of as we see it with the exception of the black eye peas that we really good. We also ordered the famous Upton sweet tea ($2.50) that is a mixture of tea and lemon aide, which was too sweet for me. I prefer to dine at the Atlanta location instead of the our local Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles in Largo, MD., the service and food is better, the decor might be the same but the Atlanta location seems to have more space. As I see it, if and when you are in Atlanta, you must visit Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles, and trust me hands down it is much better than Roscoe's Chicken in Waffles in Los Angeles, CA. I give Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles 4 blinks.

What an Electrifying Election Year

ASSI - American politics at its finest, Barack Obama delivered an exciting speech at the Democratic Convention last week, and tonight it is Vice President elect Sarah Palin's turn to deliver her speech of a lifetime at the Republican Convention. All eyes and ears will be tuned in to hear what she has to say: will she talk about her family or her past experience as a Corporate Executive, time as a Mayor, or the less than two years she has served as Governor of Alaska? Inquiring mines what to know what she thinks about the war in Iraq, Iran, the economy, gas prices, and what's happening between Russia and Georgia. Tonight is her moment to share her views with the world. John McCain is seventy-two years old and in the event something shall happen to him, if he wins the Presidency. Is Sarah Palin ready to be the next Commander and Chief? This is the operative question along with many others such as...is it fair to thrust the father of Bristol's child into the spotlight, should women praise Palin for being a working mother of five, will her husband be a stay at home dad, if McCain is elected President?

I find it interesting that little is being said about Geraldine Ferraro who was the first woman selected to serve as Vice President, but Sarah Palin is supposedly making history, how is that?Is good looks, charm, and style enough? The speech writer assigned to Sarah Palin has his/her work cut out, he or she must make Sarah Palin sound impressive otherwise the Republican party will be faced with a berog of unpleasantness that will have McCain deferring to his team or he might even have a senior moment. Nonetheless many will be tuned in to see and hear. It all goes down tonight at 10:30 p.m. eastern standard time.

The End is A "Whisper" Away

ASSI - I am presented with a number of movies that I am unfamiliar with that I watch for entertainment purposes. The "Whisper" is a supernatural thriller film that is currently available on DVD. One of many films made over the years about a "Demonic Child", if you've seen and like the Bad Seed, Rosemary's Baby, or the Omen you just might enjoy "Whisper." Blake Woodruff plays David Sanborn, the son of a wealthy socialite who is kidnapped, but before the ransom is paid, David manipulates the three men and one woman to his advantage, so he thinks. The "Whisper" has predictable moments and the other casting members Jennifer Shirley, Michael Rooker, Josh Holloway, Sarah Wayne Callies, Julian Christopher, and Teryl Rothery rounds out the cast of adults who are unable to out wit the kid. As I see it if you stumble upon the Whisper or if its showing a family or friends home while your there take a look, but by no means is it worth renting. I give Whisper 2 blinks.

Food for the Soul

ASSI - We had a taste for Soul food, but wanted something different from Daddy Grace's, and we didn't want to dine-in, so when I thought of Carolina's Kitchen we made a bee line to the Hyattsville location on America Blvd. I ordered a 2 piece fried chicken, dark meat with green beans, and sweet potatoes that was $8.49, and he had a veggie platter that consisted of mash potatoes, cabbage, and collard greens for $8.99. The fried chicken was crunch, crispy, flavourably seasoned, and deep fried to perfection. The collard greens and green beans were cooked with smoke turkey parts that was an added plus. I was in the mood for some Mac and Cheese but it did not look appetizing, it was the only dish that did not resemble a home cooked meal.

At Carolina's Kitchen you can dine-in or take your food home with you, when you enter the carry-out line the server rings the bell announcing a take-out order, which is kinda cool, but can be nerve racking if the line is really long. Just imagine someone ringing the bell every time some places an order. The Hyattsville location is larger than the one at the Boulevard located in Largo, MD, and the atmosphere seemed more relaxed and friendlier at the new location. The food presentation of smothered chicken, fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, meat loaf, whiting, catfish, mashed potatoes, collard greens, potato salad, cakes and cobbler were enough to make your belly swell just by looking at the variety of choices available for consumption. As I see it there are a number of great places in the Washington Metropolitan area that offers good soul food, but Carolina's Kitchen is on our short list of restaurants to visit when we have a craving for soul food. I like the portions just as much as the food, anytime I can get two or three times off of the same meal is a plus. I give Carolina's Kitchen 3.8 blinks.