Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

ASSI - The Cherry Blossoms Festival in Washington, DC began on March 29, 2008 and ends on April 13, 2008. The City of Tokyo gifted 3000 cherry blossoms trees to the District of Columbia in 1912, and in honor of Lady Bird Johnson an additional 3800 trees were given to Washington in 1965. The Tidal Basin is a splender of beauty when the trees are in full bloom. I had the pleasure of walking around the Tidal Basin today, and it was absolutely beautiful. There were hundreds of people who decided to come-out on Sunday and part-take in the festivities. Parking at Haynes Point was available, but walking space was limited. Although
some pet-owners have very attractive dogs, there was bearly enough room for the people and strollers, and when you factor in all of the four legged friends, it was a bit much. What a great day for a photo opt and most people seem to want the same pictorial shot, and what a great day for a photographer and artist to capture images of the cherry and magnolia trees. There were limited food options available. There were three food vendors, one sold hamburgers, pull pork sandwiches, and french fries. The other served Teriyaki chicken with rice or noodles there were also two other chicken choices served with rice or noodles, a variety of egg rolls, and sushi could be purchased along with water and green tea. Many people were eating ice cream on 41 degree day, but it was a non issue for most folks. Too my surprise a lot of ice cream was sold on Sunday. I was really blown-away with the number of people who were under dressed. I had on a sweat suit with cuddle duds underneath, a scarf, coat, and I borrowed gloves from my friend in an attempt to stay warm. As I see it the Cherry Blossoms are worth the time and effort for the experience; however, if can approach the tidal basin from any streets East of 14th Street, N.W., and park at Haynes Point your time will be better spent instead of approaching from any streets west of 14th Street.

Have a Blast with The Wii

ASSI - I had a blast today while testing the Wii. I managed to play around of tennis, bowling, and boxing. I was literally tired from boxing, I struggled a little with tennis until I was able to handle my hand movement, and was good with bowling. I really liked creating my character who I named Coco Brown. The Wii is capable of producing characters who resemble you or you can create a far out bizarre looking alter ego. I had so much fun playing with the Wii that I must have one, but due to the demand my desire to have one soon will have to wait. I actually broke a sweat while boxing, and had to take a water break from all the hard work. The down side to the Wii is all of the accessories that must be purchased in order to have optimum enjoyment. The console comes with one Wii remote that operates as a handheld pointing device, Nunchuck controller, five standard sport games, and system accessories. However, you can purchase an assortment of accessories from Dance Dance Revolution to Wii fitness. The Wii is so popular that over 17 plus billion have been sold since December 2007. The product was introduced to the world in 2001, and since then has become the number one selling electronic game available. As I see it if you are one of the billions who have a Wii you know exactly what I am talking about, if you are like me you are hoping to purchase one soon, and if you have yet to experience the Wii what are you waiting on? I give the Wii 4 blinks based on my brief moment of use.

Pringles more than a Chip

ASSI - Pringles is my chip of choice. I like the traditional flavor, but am I also pleased with the various flavors that are offered, and I am extremely pleased that I can purchase all flavors for $1.00 a can. Pringles was introduced to the states in 1968, the name was picked out of Cincinnati , Ohio telephone book, and went global in 1970. The name was changed from "Pringles Newfangled Potato Chips" to "Pringles" when they went national. I know there is minimal air space in the can unlike a bag of chips that are mostly air and greasy chips. I like the texture of the chips when I place them in my mouth, I also like the shape, and crunch of the chip. Pringles even offers a low fat can of chips. I the packaging and logo is eye catching. The art work on the cans are attractive, the colors are vibrant, and the image is inviting enough to make you want to pick-up a can and pop a few in your mouth. I like to make the duck beak using the chips, I place one up and the other down, and move my mouth like a duck. Kids and adults are amused each time a perform my little trick. When I get to the last Ten or so pringles, I crunch them up and slide the remaining chips into my mouth. As I see it Alexandria Liepa who invented the chip and Gene Wolfe, a Science Fiction and Fantasy author who developed the machine that cooked the chips are snack geniuses, and I am one consumer who is appreciative of the product.

Dine In Only Wings

ASSI - We drove past our exit while driving west on Interstate 84. We were beyond hunger by the time we learned an alternative route home. We stumbled upon a family eatery and sports bar off of the highway, take-out was unavailable for wings that were $6.00 for twelve, and a variety of flavors from Garlic to Honey Mustard. Although I am no finger licker, I wanted to lick my fingers after eating the wings, and the wings were so good that I placed another order prior to leaving. Just so that I could take some home with me.

The Grill also offered $8.00 three course entrees that was too much food to consume in one serving. You have a choice of soup or salad, we ordered salad, Sunset Chicken Parmesan with fettuccine pasta, and apple pie for dessert. For a sports bar the restaurant was a nice surprise, and as I see it, if you are in Matamoras, PA be sure to stop into The Grill located at 1012 Pennsylvania Avenue. Sarah provided great service and we both ate a hot meal for under $25.00. I give The Grill 4.5 blinks.

Meet The Browns

ASSI - Tyler Perry who is an phenomenal writer, producer, and director, who has is riding the film wave. Meet the Browns is an adaptation of his stage play "Meet the Browns" a formula that has worked for Perry. He has turned all his plays into blockbuster movies for the masses, if you enjoy his plays, you probably will enjoy the movies too. I laughed so much during the movie that I was gasping for air. My natural instinct was to hoot and holler out loud, but I would have embarrassed myself had I fully enjoyed myself in the theater. David Mann who plays Leroy Brown is an outstanding actor and I am pleased that more people will have an opportunity to see his work. His wife Tamela Mann plays his daughter Cora Brown, and the Mann's seem to have a friendship and working relationship with Perry. I appreciate the realism of his films that are relevant to America's stories. Meet the Brown's is comedy that delivers the laughs and will have you shedding joyful and sad tears. Jennifer Lewis who is a wonderful actress delivered her lines and played her character's as Vera Pop Brown's oldest daughter. Angela Bassett is the illegitimate daughter of Pop Brown, a pimp who loved his hoes, and as a result of sleeping with girls produced Angela who inherits a house from her late father and gains a colorful family and a new surrounding for her three children. As I see it "Meet the Browns" is a delightful comedy and I give it 4 blinks.

Is The Elephant In The Room?

AHSI.....Fat Joe is still hanging in their with The Elephant In the
Room. Although he came in third place next to Rick Ross and Snoop Dogg he has the better album of the three to me. I am impressed with Joey Crack because he consistently gets better with each album. Big Pun definitely helped Joe through the years grow as an artist and after Big Pun passed away it seems as if Fat Joe got a lot better. The song he has with the best rapper ever KRS-1 shows the 1988 rhyme flow that was the best in its class. He has a wide range of songs on his album such as 300, a gritty NY song letting you know he is ready for war, The song that is getting a lot of play on the radio is his duet with J-Holiday (I Won't Tell). I give The Elephant In The Room 4 eyeballs.

ASSI - Ten to Twelve great tracks is all an artist really need on an album, and "The Elephant in The Room" delivers twelve radio friendly tracks. Big Joe and his signature Crack, Coca Crack is referenced through out the album. Joe leaned back and snatched the Great One KRS - One for "My Conscience", he is talking to his conscience or is it his mentor regardless Kris is pounds it out. Lil' Wayne is popping up on everybodies' album, but Joe really could have used the money he paid Lil' Wayne for future beats. The drum beats on Cocoababy make the track. It is apparent that Joe is no longer literally slanging Crack Cocaine on the streets or is he? His lyrics are laced with crack and folks on the street are buying it up, and according to Joe he is going to, "Get It for Life". If he continues to work on his craft and draw inspiration from Big Pun. The rats in the game will be eliminated, and he tells us all how to get rid of the rats in the ghetto. Check out K.A. R. I believe he is talking to Curtis the biggest rat. "300 Brolic" has a dark phantom feel to it that makes it kind a mysterious. This is the first time that I have listened to an entire Fat Joe album, I generally like the commercial stuff, but not enough to purchase. However, I heard a radio announcer ask who will have the number one album out of Snoop, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross. I decided to purchase all three just to take a listen. Honestly, I prefer Snoop, Fat Joe and then Rick Ross. As I see it Fat Joe was the smartest he only has twelve tracks that can garner six commercial hits unlike Snoop who has 21 tracks and Ross with 15. I give "The Elephant in The Room 3.5 blinks.

Ms. Jackson is Discipline

ASSI – It takes real discipline to overcome two mediocre albums and a new team of producers to resurrect a Janet’s musical career. I am a fan of Janet, however, I was displeased with her last two efforts and really felt that she should have shelved producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis years ago, but loyalty is on of Ms. Jackson’s disciplines. Ten slamming hot tracks are all Janet needed on this album like: Feedback, Rock With You, Can’t Be U, The 1 featuring Missy Elliott, So much better, What’s Ur Name, Discipline, and Curtains are my choices and a few others for good measure. I will split this album with Janet, she can keep eleven to thirteen tracks and I will take the above mentioned tracks, and with the intros is enough to produce a quality album. The other tracks could have been saved for the next album, but I guess the beats are not worth saving since music is constantly changing. Discipline sounds much better on the computer, Janet’s vocals are stronger, and can be clearly heard; however, when I listen in the car her vocals are under the music track, which makes it difficult to appreciate. As I see Janet's Discipline receives 3.5 blinks.

AHSI.... Besides looking at Janet Jackson's album cover, I was disappointed listening to Discipline. Janet is still whispering in all of her songs and to me the songs are immature for a women in her 40's. I know everyone wants to stay young forever but its time for Ms Jackson to grow up and give us some adult material to listen to. You do not hear any soul in her voice and her beats are to poppish for lack of better words. I give her album 1 eyeball.

Rick Ross Debuts at #1 On The Billboard Chart

AHSI.......Rick Ross beat out Snoop's "Ego Trippin" and Fat Joe's "Elephant In The Sand" the week ending March 22, 2008. "Trilla" features a lot of collaborations and I think that played a factor with him beating out the other two artists. Maybach Music featuring Jay-Z, The Boss featuring T-Pain are my two favorites. Rick has something for everybody, a unique voice, a down south flow with the wit of a Northerner. The mixture of slow beats, hard beats and mellow beats gives listeners a variety of something to listen to. I give Trilla 3.5 eyeballs.

ASSI – Rick Ross solicited Mannie Fresh, T-Pain, R. Kelly, Eboni Love, Trey Songz, Nelly, Avery Storm, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy, Triple C, Brisco, and Rodney to join forces on his Sophomore album “Trilla.” Ross seems to lack the poetic lyrical content of header hitters like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ludacris who are able to paint pictures that match the beat. Rick has hot beats but he is without lyrical content. If you want to get your dance on “Trilla” is the album for you. “Speedin” featuring R. Kelly sounds like a lot of noise with lyrics shouted at you, but I have to give him credit for securing bomb beats. Even the commercial bubble gum song “Money Make Me Come” that could serve as a female anthem is just to raunchy for Eboni Love for this record to have appeal, he should have solicited Lil’ Kim to give it street creditability.

Lil’ Kim would have spit some super freaky lyrics for this beat that is really hot. The intros are even whack. “Here I Am” caught my attention from the onset, the hook is off the chain, and Nelly and Avery Storm make this track. If you title a song “Maybach Music” you must call in the King of the Maybach, Jay-Z, and even with Jay the track is weak. When Jay spits, the Maybach is bananas peel back is the best line on the track. “Luxury Tax” is radio friendly track that will receive air play just because it features Lil’ Wayne, Jeezy, and Trick Daddy. The last track Ross “I’m Only Human” sounds like Fat Joe but the lack of meaningful lyrics made me pause, but again the hook is appealing enough for radio. As I see it “Trilla” is laced with heavy hitters, catchy hooks, and hot-ass-beats but lyrically missed the boat. I give “Trilla” 2.5 blinks.

Snoop's Ego is Trippin

AHSI - Although Snoop's new album, came in second to Rick Ross' album it is a mature, laid back, and definitely for the grown and sexy. Snoop did a remake of Morris Day and the Time's (I 'm So Cool) that demonstrates that Snoop has taken control of his music. He has a new video featuring Too Short, his OG LA boy and you can see how well they flow with one another. His first single Sexual Eruption/Seduction grew on me, but Snoop is definitely talking more to the ladies on this LP. I give Ego Trippin 3.5 eyeballs.

ASSI – Snoop’s “Ego Trippin” is laid back and mature music for an adult audience. The lyrics are suggestive, racy, and real to Snoop’s life experiences. “Ego Trippin” has twenty-one tracks with similar up-tempo beats that are great for back ground music at a mixer. The synthesizer used is a nice touch but artist are relying on it too much too make a hit song. By no means is Snoop a singer. I believe an artist should have creative license to improve on his/her craft, but Snoop pushed the envelope with “My Medicine” his owed to Country music legend Johnny Cash. “My Medicine” is a hoot and sounds like a Snoop and the Dog pound were having some fun and put “My Medicine” on the album just for the hell-of-it. Charlie Wilson who is Snoop’s segregate uncle and former member of the GAP Band sing back-up on “SD – Is out” and sings the hook on “Can’t Say Goodbye”. “SD – Is out” is a song that reflects the type of activities that Snoop engages in while is out on the town for the evening.

Snoop comes a little harder on “Sets Up” his vocals are more deliberate and harder; however, soften things up a little in “Been Around tha World” his dedication track to his wife Boss Lady – Shante. “Life of Da Party” is collaborative effort with Mistah F.A.B. and Too Short is a nice club banging song that will make club goers walk with swagger while bouncing to this song.

I can imagine that Hollywood nights could drive a financial secure man crazy. I believe Snoop has done everything mentioned in “Deez Hollywood Nights.” He makes reference to Leonardo Dicaprio having bad-as-Hoes and sliding him some Hoes. Raphael Saadiq is featured on “Waste of Time” a track for everyone who has reached their breaking point in a relationship and you want the other person to go their way and you go yours.

I like “Whateva U Do” because Snoop is having a blast…Snoop will not do anything for a piece of ass regardless how fine of-an-ass it is, he even mentions that he skipped out on a bill while in Brazil. . Snoop is right on the money with “One Chance (Make it Good)” you only have one chance to make the relationship right or as Snoops says make it good because there’re are one hundred other brothers standing in line waiting to take your place; therefore, if you don’t get is drift you need to listen with a keen ear.

Snoop also samples and remix The Time’s “Cool” that he also attempts to sing on but without the synthesizer and does a decent job. I am overall pleased with “Ego Trippin,” and I am predicting that it will go double platinum, and is worth a listen. I give “Ego Trippin” 4.0 blinks.

Gas Prices Nearly $4 In California and Hawaii

AHSI...Every time I drive around the DC Metro Area I notice that the gas prices have gone up between a nickle and a dime each day. When it is all broken down gas fluctuates between 10 and 20 cents a week depending on your location.

While traveling up and down the East coast we notice that gas is the cheapest and most stable in the state of New Jersey, and in Delaware the prices are about the same as the Washington Metropolitan Area. When you enter New York the prices increase and even higher in Connecticut. I usually fill up in Maryland where the gas is currently $3.19 a gallon for 87 Octane (Regular) up from $3.08. I have a Nissan Altima 2.5S and the last time I went to the pump, I dropped $62.00. I can make it to Connecticut on one tank of gas but what I usually do is put $20 in the tank and fill up in New Jersey.

While the price of oil climbs above $110 a barrel, most Americans dread the day they will have to pay $4. On tropical islands and a few stations in California, $4 gas has already arrived, straining the pocketbooks of residents and businesses. Maui is on the verge of becoming the first area in the nation to average $4 for a gallon of regular. The average price in Wailuku reached $3.934 on Thursday, the highest price in AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. At several stations, it was a penny shy of $4. In the remote coastal town of Hana, it was around $4.40 a gallon.

What is your toothbrush present

ASSI - I like the feel of my teeth after brushed with an electric toothbrush; however, the toothbrush feels better when brushing my tongue. The vibration circular or back and forth does a great job of removing plaque and the food stuck between teeth. I find that when I use a traditional toothbrush I brush much longer than I normally do when using my electric toothbrush. The disadvantage of an electric toothbrush is leaving it uncharged. Have you used an uncharged electric toothbrush before manually? Felt like I was brushing my teeth with a paint brush, not that I have brushed my teeth with one, but imagine the bristles flapping back and forth against your teeth. The choice of toothpaste is also important, I prefer the all natural toothpaste. I have a battery operated electric toothbrush for traveling. It is also a great product for children who love to push buttons, watch movement, and feel the vibrations on their teeth. As I see it if you are without an electric toothbrush treat your teeth to a cleaning that will have them dancing.

Ruby Tuesday on a Wednesday

ASSI - Ruby Tuesday's is a great neighborhood restaurant to stop in for a quick bite and a cocktail. We had the pleasure of dinning at the 14th Street, N.W. location while out for an evening stroll. Due to the honor we had the grand sampler that includes: Spring Rolls, Buffalo Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, and Chicken Fingers that were tasty and just enough food for us. We watched all that down with a glass of water with a lemon wedge, and a Sake Pomegranate Martini that seemed to be made with chilled ingredients. As I see it, if you are in the vicinity of the Ruby Tuesday's on 14th Street, N.W. in Washington DC stop in and try the mini turkey burgers with fries and a salad. The service was okay, the martini great, and the food arrived just as we were about to wonder. Ruby Tuesday's located on 14th Street, N.W. receives 3.5 blinks.

Stop Razor Bumps with Bump Patrol

AHSI....I have used Bump Patrol for over the last five years, and it solved my ingrown hairs caused by shaving. I usually shave with barber clippers because a straight razor makes me break out. Although a straight razor provides a closer shave for the first two or three days, but when your hair starts to grow back it causes an irritation that becomes very annoying. A friend of mine suggested that I try this product and I highly recommend this to all of the men out their with this type of shaving problem. AHSI gives this product 4 eyeballs.

Bump Stopper Works to Keep the Hair Exposed and the Bumps Away. Positive Results in 7 days Guaranteed Effective!

Outback in Time for Dinner

ASSI - One of the reasons that I enjoy dining out at Outback Steakhouse is the hours. Outback opens at 4 p.m., which is ideal for a 6 p.m. dining, the local Outback in Hyattsville, MD is convenient for us, and the bartenders know how to serve a drink. I am disappointed that the Kookaburra Wings are smaller and smaller with each visit; however, I am always please with the Atlantic Salmon. The atmosphere at Outback seems to spawn good conversation during and after our visit. Was it the well made top shelf Patron Margarita and the famous Australian Peach Billini, a frosty mixture of peaches, champagne, Smirnoff Vodka, DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps? Outback offers warm wheat bread as a starter that is available within minutes after you are seated. As I see the local Outback in Hyattsville, MD is most ideal when we arrive within the first two hours after the doors open. I give the Hyattsville, MD location 3.5 blinks.

Playstation 2 The Other Alternative To PS3

AHSI-PlayStation is still a great option for those of us that have not purchased a PlayStation 3. I have owned a PS1, I own a PS2 and I have been procrastinating on buying a PS3. The main difference between each of the PlayStation's are the games, the graphics and the special features that the newer models offer. The PS2 offers internet capability, memory cards to save and store games, and wireless controllers. You still have the great selection of games and most games for the PS1 can be played in the PS2. The games that are a must have for PS2 are John Madden Football, Soul Caliber, Mortal Kombat, NBA Live, Tiger Woods Golf and Fight Night. AHSI gives PS2 4 eyeballs.

The Fluctuation in Gas Prices Are Effecting Everyone's Pocket

Oil prices slipped Tuesday after climbing to a new record of almost $104 a barrel a day earlier and then falling back as traders booked profits.
The decline came as it appears OPEC ministers, gathering for a meeting Wednesday, have all but ruled out pumping more oil to ease record-high prices.
Chakib Khelil, president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, said the 13-nation cartel is shying away from boosting production because of the U.S. economic slowdown, political turmoil in the Middle East and expectations of slackening global demand for crude.
Light, sweet crude for April delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell 45 cents to $102.00 a barrel in electronic trading by midday in Europe. The contract traded as high as $103.95 a barrel Monday before retreating to settle at $102.45, up 61 cents from the end of last week.
Oil futures — propelled by the weak U.S. dollar — climbed past $103.76 a barrel Monday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, breaking what many analysts consider to be the true record high for oil after the $38 per barrel price from 1980 is adjusted for inflation.
Oil's most recent run into record territory has been driven by the dollar's slump against other world currencies.
The dollar's decline to historic levels Monday was spurred by news that construction spending in the U.S. took its biggest nosedive in 14 years.
Crude futures offer a hedge against a falling dollar, and oil futures bought and sold in dollars are more attractive to foreign investors when the dollar is falling. Gold, copper and wheat are among the other commodities that have rallied as the dollar has fallen.
Investors are also keeping an eye on Wednesday's OPEC meeting. Most expect the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to hold output steady.