It's a Natural Thang. Hair Products I love?

Hey guys, This is just a quick review of the Hair products that I really like

Sulfate Free Shampoo: Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Shampoo



It's a great sulfate free shampoo. It cleases my hair while still leaving it soft and my hair actually has a shine to it after i use it. I actually impressed since I didn't think I would use anything from Shea Moisture after using the raw shea butter and sea keep deep conditioner. I will continue to use it.

Conditioner : Giovanni's Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner


I really like this conditioner. I live how it leaves my hair feeling very moisturized and the peppermint, rosmary and tea tree oil leaves a nice tingle on my scalp. It' a natural product that leaves my hair feeling moisturized

Darcy Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner


                               

This conditioner smells just like pumpkin seed. I use this along with the tea tree triple treat and banana hibiscus conditioner. On it's own I still havn't made up my mind. I want to like it a lot so bad but I'm still unsure.



Deep Conditioner: Curl Junkie Banana and Hibiscus conditioner




                                


This conditioner is the bomb. I used it under my Huetiful hair steamer. Has my hair feeling so soft.


Styling: Kinky Curly Curling Custard





This product does what it says it does. when used it gives great curl definition. I hate that it takes so long to dry so i go underneath a hooded dryer and keep it on the cool air setting. I hate that white flakes show up after a while though.

All about Bebop

Hey, Guys As many of you know, I am a huge fan of anime.So of  course I wanted to profile one of my favouite animes ever Created: Cowboy Bebop. Cowboy Bebop is a Si-fi Masterpiece. It's beautifully crafted plot and three dimenstional characters all set to a powerful Jazz score by composer Yoko Kanno as well as anachroncistic concepts helpt to make this anime a classic.




        The show is set in the year of 2071. An explosion of an experimental hyperspace gate in the year 2022 severly damages the moon resulting in bombardments damaging the earth and most of the population leaving the planet inhabitable. As a result the reamaining human population decides to colonize the inner planets as well as the asteroid belt and the moons of Jupiter. People are able tos ravel from planet to planet through hyperspace gates. Crime syndicates also operate throughout the solar system. The ISSP (Inter Solar System Police) due to the broad range of the solar system and internal corruption are unable to capture criminals effectively so a bounty system similar to that of the old west is set up to help capture them (thus the name cowboy in the title, cowboy is another name for a bounty hunter). This is how we enter this motley crew of Bounty hunters.

Jet Black



 Jet Black used to work for the ISSP, but left due to the corruption that surrounded hiheHe owns the ship that they live in called "The Bebop" (Thus the completion of the title). He's a macho guy, that pilots his own smaller shit called the hammerhead. One of his arms is cybernetic due to an incident as a cop where he didn't look before he leapt. He is the main leader and somewhat of a father figure for the rest of the group to his dismay. He are the first two bounty hunters in the show and have a good friend type of relationship with each other. Despite his rugged and macho exterior he cooks,maintains the ship as a mechanic and looks after bonzai trees. He is reminiscent of those old school detectives that see in film noir type movies and his detective prowess is what aids both him and the rest of the crew in capturing bounty heads.

Spike Spiegel



 

    First off, let me say that Spike Spiegel is the Hottest anime character ever. If you were to look up badass in the urban dictionary, you would see his picture. That's just how awesome he is. He is the chain smoking main character of the show and many of the episodes events revolve around his shady past.  He used to belong the the Red Dragon crime syndicate but left and took up bounty hunting. He's tall with green descheveled hair and is efficient with firearms and the martial art of Jeet Kun Do ( created by Bruce Lee). He has a carefree, laissez faire, I don't give a fuck type of attitude about him and though it may make him seem calous his past catches up to him revealing many things about his character. He is very complex and it's hard to decipher his emotion at times which is what helps to make him such an interesting character. He always leaves you guessing. Flashbacks of his times with the Red Dragon syndicate reveal that he was ones close friends with his nemesis Vicious and was in love with a mysterious woman named Julia. One of his eyes in cybernetic dueto an accident.

Ein



 Ein is a  Pembrock Welsh corgi that enters the Cowboy Bebop Ship when the fail to catch a bounty and end up taking him home.Ein was once called the "Data Dog" because he was experimented on thus leading to his excelled intelligence. He exibits a high IQ though the rest of the C rew Members Do not know it or acknoledge it and treat him like an average pet,except for fellow genius Edward. He can ck into a computer, steer a car and do other things that a normal dog can not do.

 Faye Valentine

 

 Faye Valentine is the Fourth Memeber of the Group. She joins the group when aaounty is put on her head and she is captured. She finds a way to flea but returns in the following episode when she realized that she has no place to go. She pilots a ship as well called the Red Tail. She has a gambling addiction is in a huge amount of death. She in 2021 a near death accident leat  her being cryogeniccally frozen until a cure can be found. When she awakens in the year 2071 not only has she lost her memory but she also comes to find out that she must pay for the medical treatments making her millions of dollars in debt. Though she is a novice bounty hunter she uses her sultry voice and maniupulative nature to aid her in bounty hunting.

Edward


Edward is a prepubescent genius hacker from Earth. Despite her name and androgynous appearance she is a girl and the confusion regarding her sexso brings humour to the show. Her like to the other characters of the show come frof very mysterious past. Edward was abandoned by her parents on earth. She comes abord the ship in exchange for helping the crew find a bounty head. For the rest of the show she aids the bounty hunters in finding bounty heads by hacking into highly secured and restricted databases. She is a very happy and eccentric character, but her precence compliments the rest of the characters.

This anime explores different themes such as lonliness and phil ophical conacpts like existentialism. There are 26 episodes or "sesssions" that act independently of each other meaning that the episodes arn't successively connected. Each episodes explores different concepts and go in depth into the complicated pasts of the characters. Though they are bounty hunters, bounty hunting is notnecessarily the focal point of the show. Though bounty hunting may seem some what glamourous the crew spend most of their time within the span of the show broke or holding on the last amount of dolliind rom their previous bounty reward. Bountly hunting merely used to provide a way through which these tragic and highly complex characters can finr and find refuge in one another nd tell their stories. This anime also powerfully blends anachronistic concepts beautifully together. Director Shinichiro Watanabe is especially good at this. I saw Samurai Champloo before Iw Bebop and Samurai Champloo juxtaposes the Edo Japan era with Hip-Hop music and culture. The same rings true for Bebop. It meshes together Jazz, Blues, Film Noir, hipster and beat culture as well as western influences all together. This is probably another reason why it was so well received by westeren audiences. There is a strong sense of relateablility that comes along with the fimiliar concepts in this anime that you won't always get with other animes that usually rely on a familiarity with japanese culture and customes to understand. This anime is also very multiculture when it comes to the supporting cast and minor characters. References to blaxploitation films are also shown in the show. It was Watanabe was influence by a plethora of different music and film genres and the brilliant Yoko Kanno filled the show with an orgasmic score that would make any Jazz fiend fall in love. The music compliments the characters and plot so well that the show is seen to have one of the best scores for an anime. A film based off of the series was also created titled Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heavens Door. The film acts independently of the show but with the same exact characters doing what they like to do best. According to Wanatabe there will be no more development of the show saying that it is in the "spirit" of the show to not prolongue the show just for the sake of making a sequel. However there is word that a live version of Cowboy bebop will be created. I won't hold my breath on this, Hollywood has a bad habit of turning beloved anime shows into piss poor movies ( Dragon Ball Z, Avatar the Last Airbender, just to name a few) and filling them with caucasion actors. For now let's just be greatfull that  this masterpiece of a show waiought out of the minds of a creative team for our enjoyment. Until next time. See you Space Cowboy.

Death of the CD? A look at File sharing and the state of mus

Hello Guys,  So I came across an interesting topic while on noisey.com, the decline of album sales. This really isn't news. We all know (well most of us, I don't want to assume) that CD sales have been declining for quite some time now. The advancements of the internet and other technologies, especially the availability of digital downloads has made it so much easier for us to access music without have to buy the whole CD. These new advancements have forced stores like HMV to expand their brand from just CD's to including other types of media such as games (video games), books, movies, television and even clothing. Many blame the decline on CD sales on of course music downloading and peer to peer file sharing, but can this really be the sole reason in declining sales. I mean the invention of the CD is what made cassette tapes no longer needed right? the walkman made it no longer neccessary to carry around a boombox just so you can take your music "to go" right? So why should CD's be immune to the inevitable evolution of technology? As technology advances and new devices take over it's obvious that people arn't going to continue using the old device. As for file downloading and peer to peer sharing, I am all for up and coming artists getting their cut and making money. Let's face it, it's hard enough for artists' especially with  that looming stereotype of the poor artist that can barely afford a pot to piss in and is living in their car but won't give up on their dreams and find a  "Real job". The world needs art and the world needs music. Musicians make music and it seems fair that these up and coming artists get what they deserve by doing what they love to do. Then you have artists that are so rich that they one bootleg CD here and one file download there is virtually meaningless to the point where it won't even register on their radar. Did downloading and file sharing stop Watch the Thrown from going platinum or their tour being the best selling Hip-Hop tour in History? No. maybe it's not about not making money, but not making enough money. We all know that as the music business is exactly that, a Business. Which means that of course they want to make as much money as possible in any given quarter making them no different then the likes of other power and money hungry corporation. Art and business always did have a cut throat relationship. As a matter of fact, the thing that makes unsigned or independent artists so appealing is the rebel like persona that can come along with not being signed. The unwillingness to "conform" to what music executives want you to be. To know that your music got by off of word of mouth more than powerful in your face advertising. You have artists like The Weeknd who have released 3 albums for free (yes for free) off of his website, and through that generated enough buzz and fandom to the point where he's playing festivals like coachella and having his songs heard on shows like Entourage. No advertising gimicks, just word of mouth and a couple trending topics on twitter here and there.

 

    Now, if artists want to make money they have to tour like their lives depended on it. If you can't sell CD's sell concert seats. The live in your face so close you can touch experience of a live show is something that I doubt technology will be able to put in an early grave ( lol let me knock on wood, I know you guys saw 2pac being "resurrected" via hologram at Coachella). Music has become so much more apart of our mainstream culture now that ever before. The invention of the ipod and and the fact that every phone has an mp3 player shows it's influence and appeal more now that ever in todays times. So in conclusion, is the CD really dead. Lol , not right now it least, yes sales are declining but they havn't stopped. People are still buying CD's, maybe not in mass the way they used to but they're still selling. Maybe it's the vintage appeal that comes with CD's. A nostalgia that comes along with sticking to the past. I mean, polaroids are coming back in style. Maybe CD's will be along a lot longer than we think.

If you guys want to see the piece from noisey.com here's the link:
http://noisey.vice.com/blog/if-rihanna-cant-sell-albums-how-the-hell-is-anyone-else-supposed-to

Shutterbuggin'

These are Pics I took yersterday. My friend Darren agreed to allow me to take pics of him. I think he can model :). He was my muse for the day

                                                        Stopped @ a Pho place Downtown. Yummmm

                                                      Happy Darren

                                                     LOL!

                         
                                                                What You looking at???

Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

I am in absolutly in love with shoes made by Jeffrey Campbell. I want a pair soooo badly. Hopefully soon I will own at least one pair. 

                                      

                       


                                      
                                    

                                                

                                       

                                     

                                                      

                                                         Love These!!!!! Tried them On in Little Burgundy, but the 9 fit way to tightly, so I'm going to have to get them in a size 10.

Music Profile : Nujabes

Heyy Guys. I haven't done a music profile on an Artist in a While. This week I am going to do a profile on an artists that i've heard before but didn't really get into until recently. The artist I'm profiling is Nujabes, a Japanese hip-hop DJ that has been cause an underground fire-storm for his sick beats. I really got into him while watching the anime Samurai Champloo. I was so captivated by the soundtrack and background music which Nujabes along with other prominent Hip-hop producers Fat Jon, Tsutchie and Force of Nature worked on. The anime itself is an amazing in the way that it blends hip-hop culture with the Edo Japan Era setting of the show.

                                                                         



Nujabes ( Born Jun Seba, it's his first name and last name spelt backwards) was born February 7th 1974 in Tokyo Japan. He is best known for mixing jazz influences in his songs and sampling jazz songs for his music creating a very mellow and chill type of atmosphere. His albums include Metaphorical Music, Modul Soul and Spiritual State which was released post-humously.

 Unfortunately Jun Seba died in a car crash on February 26th 2010 and his death was announced by collaborator Shing02 (He can be heard rapping in the opening song "Battlecry" of the Samurai Champloo Series). Even though he has left this earth, his music still lives on and continues to captivate.  Be sure to check him out. My personal favourites are "Counting Stars""Silver Morning" and "Aruarian Dance". Also Check out the Samurai Champloo Soundtrack which he worked on. A lot of great music on that Soundtrack.

                                                              Nujabes - Counting Stars

                                                        Nujabes - Aruarian Dance

     
                                                                Nujabes - Fly by night

Sh*t People Say to Girls with Natural Hair

Hey, Guys. So I came across a funny video on Youtube by CharyJay, a prominent hair and make-up vlogger. She is famous for her amazing hair as well as her cool style videos for natural hair. Her video was called Sh*t relaxed girls say to natural girls, modeled after the Sh*t white girls say to black girls fame. The video called out probably in my opinion the most popular things that people say to natural girls like the OOOoo so famous "You are so Brave to go Natural"  and "When Are You going to get Your hair 'Done'". This video made me reminisce on the Sh*t not only relaxed girls but people in general say to me in regards to my natural hair. Though I didn't get such harsh comments like the ones stated in the video (all of my closest friends and family are supportive of me going natural and some have been natural way before me and wouldn't push perm down my throat like the cure for AIDs). I can go on and on about the things that people have said to me about my natural hair, but I will only name the top 5 that have stood out to me. Here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5ha8lafbi0&list=UU_ntSr05CDWC6bLOoqgMGPQ&index=0&feature=plcp

1.  You are Soooooo Brave!
No, I'm really not. What makes me anymore brave than a girl with straight hair that has been wearing her hair naturally as it grows out of her own scalp. Oooo I get it. It's because straight hair in our society is the norm and the standard. People with naturally straight hair don't even take two seconds to think about their priveledge that our society awards them. Kinky haired girls like me on the other hand, are reminded everyday why our hair is the scum of the earth. You don't see it in hair and beauty commericals of any kind, you don't see it in the magazines, billboards or any other type of medium for that matter. Why? because we are taught that our hair isn't beautiful or appealing. We are taught that are hair will hold you back in life, not help to propel you forward. So yes, in that context it would seem extremely brave to wear that exact hair texture and type unapologetically but it shouldn't be. At the end of the day hair is hair. How we feel about it and view it is based on the society in which we live as well as even family values (depending on how your family feels about natural hair). So in truth Soldiers putting their lives on the line for their country or their beliefs in general to me is brave, not wearing my hair as it grows out of my head.

2. When Are you getting your hair done?
Loord! If i have a dime for everytime I heard that my ass would be rich. I spent an Hour and a half last night twisting my hair last night. It seems pretty freakin "Done" to me. But no, what people really mean when they ask that question is when are you going to "really" do something with that mop top of yours. When are you going to get it out of our sight. Put it in Braids, Hide it under a Weave! Do SOMETHING! Cause it's ok to go natural, but you just can't have it "Out" for all to see. Have some DECENCY! This is the vibe i get from people when I get asked that question. It's like a bite from a mosquito. Annoying as hell, but something that you just have to deal with. Is it a crime if I don't feel like having my hair in braids all the time. Sometimes I really don't mind having my hair out in a natural style.

3. How you gonna get a Man with that hair?
I havn't had this question put towards me specifically but people have made the connection to natural hair and being "single" visible to me. My opinion, I'll get the right man that won't be a waste of my time. I am fully aware that we live in a society that praises straight hair as the main standard. We are raised to belive this since childhood. I remember back in the days when me and my sister would pretend that we had straight hair by lifting our T-shirts up halfway, so the neck part would be our hairline and the rest of the shirt would fall on our backs and we would pretend we had long straight hair ( I know I'm not the only one). It's seen as a social norm that men would be attracted to long hair, but I still believe that beauty is something that is subjective and just depends from person to person. I'll admit that even with natural hair I've managed to turn a head or two, which proves my point. This myth that natural kinky hair will have you ending up single and alone is nonsense. There are men out there that even prefer a girl with natural hair.

4. Who You Tryna be ? Erykah Badu?
Or Jill Scott, or Lauryn Hill, Or India Arie. People will pull out every natural haired celebrity or singer out the book to describe your hair. I've personally gotten Erykah Badu and a guy said a had a "Lauryn Hill" vibe going on. There are by no means insults. Anyone that knows me knows that Erykah Badu is a musical genius and Lauryn Hill is a Legend in my eyes (The Miseducation of Lauryn hill is one of the best albums of all time *Kanye Voice*) but why can't I just be me. When a girl has her hair straight she doesn't give off any vibe or isn't trying to be anyone. Why do I have to be someone else or give off a natural vibe just because I am wearing my hair naturally?

                                                             

5. You can go natural, I can't , I don't have the hair for it?
 I HATE IT when people say this. Anyone can go natural regardless of hair texture and curl pattern. This belief that only individuals with biracial or multiracial hair types can "pull off" the natural look and still look nice and acceptable in the eyes of the Eurocentric beauty standards of our society,  is another idea that further demonizes anything potently black or relating to "full black" DNA. If you take care of your hair and make sure to give it all that it needs to thrive it will reflect that regardless of your heritage. Kinky Curly hair isn't something that is meant to be full on contempt and scorn and we don't need to do that to ourselves.