Great new show on TV

A few months ago, following the death of one of my favorite singers, Michael Jackson, I wrote a blog about how he inspired and affected me and my family throughout our lives. And with all the things we know and don't know about MJ, there is even less known about the four other members of the Jackson 5.

About a month before Michael's death Tito, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon, the four remaining members of J5, decided to get together and put together a 40 year anniversary album. They also decided to film their journey, for a documentary style show, which was not going to include Michael, but he was often spoken of. Unfortunately, only one episode was filmed before the tragic and unexpected death of Michael happened. So, naturally the tone and motif of the show changed from chronicling of an anniversary album, to recovering from the loss of a worldwide phenomenon and brother.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I first heard about this show, but I knew instantly, it was something special. For me, it's difficult to recognize that MJ was human. Because, as much as I love and respect his talents, he did a lot of weird stuff that I will probably never understand. And to see his brothers speak of him, the way I speak of my brothers was a new and enlightening experience.

The brothers speak a lot about how "normal" they are, and with the exception of Jermaine, I agree. On the other hand the three other brothers seem to be sweet, mature men, continuing to live their lives with the sweet memory of Michael and their time in the band together. They live in nice houses but nothing like Neverland Ranch. They have wives and kids, that if I ever saw them in the street, I would have no idea they were related to the world’s greatest family of entertainers. I exclude Jermaine, because he is a very unusual man, who I believe has ulterior motives for reuniting with his brothers; and being so outspoken in regards to MJ legacy. He seems like a phony trying to get his share of fame now that his super famous brother is out of the picture.

In one episode, at the request of their mother Katherine, Marlon and Tito return to the house on 2300 Jackson Avenue for inspiration for the new album. In following episodes they speak directly of the effect Michael's death had on their lives and where they were when they found out and such. For me, it's something different and extremely emotional, to watch grown men cry. In person or on TV, it's just something that gets me. And in this show, none of them hold back.

Out of 5 stars, I would give this show a 4.5. I really love its authenticity and introspective look at people I've always wondered about.

Happy Holidays and may 2010 be brighter and filled with love for everyone!

Out of 5 stars, I would give this show a 4.5. I really love it's authenticity and introspective look at people I've always wondered about.

Happy Holidays and may 2010 be brighter and filled with love for everyone!

All my love,
Nita

Currently Listening to:
"Stop the love you save"- The Jackson 5

http://www.aetv.com/the-jacksons-a-family-dynasty/video/?bcpid=51283313001&bclid=55831980001&bctid=58401345001&baseURL=/bcconfig/Player/3Tier/TheJacksons_3TWS/config-xml/&baseDIR=/bcplayers/Player/3Tier_ws/baseDIR/

Hey baby! You're funny!

Well, in the spirit of me being a new Aunt to a ridiculously adorable little girl named Anya, I've decided to dedicate this posting to a few videos that are absolutely hilarious and they star really cute kids.

Up till this point in my life I've always thought kids were cute, but I've never really been interested in having my own. Well, GOSH BE DARN, something has changed and a small piece of me is romancing the thought of one day pushing a watermelon through a hole the size of my nostril.

And now that I have surely grossed you out, here are the videos~



OHH and dont forget this kid!





And the greatest one of all!



But on a more serious note, one of my doubts about having kids is the fact that we live in such a screwed up world. I've always thought about how sad it would be to force a little person to endure the tragedies and heartbreak we do. But I'm starting to see that kids and their innocence is what keeps this world together and keeps us going in hopefully the right direction. It seems to me that every child is an opportunity to start over. Who knows if just the other day, I was holding the person who will finally cure AIDS, or be the first female President, or the next Lady GAGA or the person who makes WORLD PEACE a reality. It's impossible to ever predict- but accepted to always hope.


With love,
Tia Nita


Special thanks to Gio and Jenny

A modern television miracle

Modern Family-Without a doubt my favorite new show of the fall 2009 television season


Modern Family tells the story of three very different, small families that are somehow related to each other and are unique in their own way. This show is an authentic and hilarious representation of a modern American family. A brilliantly written and amazingly acted, light hearted, beautiful portrayal of family life and the differences and challenges every family overcomes.

The show is filmed as a mockumentary , with some of the same sly camera looks that made "The Office" so popular 6 seasons ago. Its main focus is the relationship and dynamic of the Pritchett-Dunphy family, with a single camera crew capturing intimate and hilarious moments alike. The show was conceived and brought to us by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan and is comprised of a series of well crafted and wonderfully casted, group of characters. Every person on this show has a reason to be there and makes an enormous contribution to the success and likeability of the show. Even the children matter; how often do you find that on Prime Time TV?

Gloria Delgado-Pritchett

"I don't want to be the spit in your face, but the wind in your back. It sounds much better in Spanish."

One of the most surprising parts of this show is its originality. Never before has the topic of the stereotypical "Gold Digger sexy Colombian wife" been explored on TV so openly and not to mention so accurately. I find it difficult to imagine any other person playing the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett then that of former Victoria's Secret Model and actual Colombian, Sophia Vergara.

I myself am Colombian and find her character a sad, yet accurate representation of many of the women I've met throughout my life. And yet instead of being offended, I celebrate in the fact that finally someone is making fun of the stereotype that only Colombian, and other Hispanic women, brought upon themselves. Everything about her character is solid and refreshing; from her relationship with her son, her accent, the things she says, the way she dresses and even her interaction with the other characters on the show.

Meet Cameron, Mitchell and Lily

"Look at that baby with those cream puffs"

Another aspect of this show that is original and deserves praise is its portrayal of gay couple Cameron and Mitchell and their journey as the proud new parents of an adopted Vietnamese baby, Lily. It's amazing how this show has been able to make this gay couple likeable to everyone that watches.

Just the other day, I watched the show with a group of 30 year old men-who I would generally regard as homophobic. I cringed as the episode started expecting to hear a slur of homophobic remarks and instead heard nothing but laughter, literal knee slaps and what seemed to be silences that showed understanding of the situations the couple found themselves in.

This show is single handedly ushering a gay couple, audiences can love, into our lives and into our homes, every week. And perhaps without saying it directly, these three characters and this show, are educating Americans. And they're doing it by making gay likeable and normal. Cameron and Mitchell, fall into a new category for television characters as normal, young, educated, gay men who share their differences from the past and future, with the cameras. I appreciate and respect the fact that they are not portrayed as horny and obnoxious gay guys like Jack from "Will and Grace" or confused and bewildered gay guys like Jack from "Dawson's Creek". This show is doing an amazing job at showing a partnership in respectable terms; they're showing parenting doubts and frustrations. They show all the same problems that every straight couple has, but the writing of this show is making it possible for straight people of all cultures and demographics to feel comfortable watching it. What an amazing accomplishment. This is something that not only straight people need to see, but also gay people. Gay people need to see themselves portrayed as normal on television, so that they can also grow and accept homosexuality outside of their lives and personal relationships. And seeing truly is believing. A couple like this is essential on a show called "Modern Family" because obviously our society is much more accepting today of our gay family members than ever before.

Phil Dunphy

"I'm the cool dad, that's my thang."

And then there's cool dad Phil, a real estate agent and father of three, who is as clueless about life and connecting with his kids as he looks. He is absolutely hysterical and is one of the main focuses of the shows comedic moments. Which usually involves him saying or doing something incredibly awkward and also incredibly funny. He is the patriarch of the Dunphy family who shares little to nothing in common with his family- including his wife's father, but yet the show is almost a diary of his efforts to be a part of his family and find that connection with them. He's a sweet and gentle man and father and his cluelessness leads into the majority of the shows sweetest moments; which is another element of surprise and a welcomed relief from all the other crap shows on TV at the moment.

Closing Moments

Each show ends with a closing statement from one of the characters on how they feel regarding family, sacrifices and understanding differences. The show always wraps with a feel-good moment that is truly touching, because what they say is truly relatable, unique and it sums up the episode in just a few short words. This show is not only a wonderful concept that has finally come to life, but it's a show that has the potential to shape our country and our societies views on a variety of subjects. In addition to the creators, writers, actors and crew, I believe praise is in line to the ABC network for taking a chance on a show that 10 years ago would have been canned immediately; especially following the aftermath of Ellen DeGeneres' coming out episode on her sitcom, her career and life's downfall, thereafter. Well done ABC and the American audience for showing that as a people we are becoming more comfortable with real Modern Families.

Cheers Always,
Nita Alexander

The Recession Kids

On December 13, 2008 I sat with several hundred other twenty something’s, in the Leon County Civic Center, surrounded by friends, loved ones and professors. We sat in our black cap and gowns, listening to words of advice, spat at us from our elders, who spent the morning making promises of a new life, new challenges, growth and prosperity.

What their speeches failed to touch on was the Wall Street melt down, the collapse of our financial infrastructure, the fact that there would be no jobs for us, the fact we would still be hustling for years to come, more than any other graduating class in recent American history. They failed to mention that our Student Loan providers could care less whether or not we could pay our monthly dues. Or maybe they did, I just didn’t hear it because I was listening to my IPOD throughout the entire commencement ceremony.

While I sat on my black metal folding chair, I imagined that I would not be serving tables six months from then. But flash forward 11 months, I’m still asking “How would you like you special sauce sir- mild, medium or hot?” Meanwhile the man, who is barking at his Bluetooth, flashes his hand at me and motions for me to go away. Awesome! THIS is what I went to college for! THIS is why I owe 40,000 in loans for!

While I’m at work I like to think that it’s all a dream. That life really isn’t like this. But, it is. And not just for me. Unlike my serving days in Tallahassee, Fl- where I worked with college kids in the same position as me, I work with mostly people in their mid twenties or early thirties. Most of them have college degrees, most of them barely make enough to pay their bills. At my one store alone, there are two unemployed architects, a couple graphic designers, and one kid with a degree in Biology, teachers, musicians, writers, actors, and dancers. All, still serving; some because they want to, others because they have to. But most frustrated with the outcome of the 2008 melt down and how 2009 brought the trickling effect to the tables we serve.

Three hours later and $33 richer, I walk out my workplace and walk three blocks west, where I find a cliff that overlooks the Pacific Coast Highway. This view saves me every time. This is what they should have told us about at my graduation ceremony; about finding something that will save you and help you deal with the unexpected obstacles in life. I look at the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu. The view is breathtaking and frankly unbelievable. But I find myself missing and longing for the simpler days, and college life. I miss the stickiness of Tallahassee. I miss the red necks and the ignorance of the natives. And I miss the safety and affordability I lived in for those short, sweet six years.

But the biggest challenge of this recession is to not let my life recess. We must move forward. As hard as it is, I moved out here to build a life for myself, and to build a career from the ground up; a metaphorical statement that has now become quite literal. To move back home would be giving into the greedy bastards that destroyed our economy. To move back home would allow those who laughed at my career choice to keep on laughing.

Well, with the salty taste of tears on my tongue let me say this once and I’ll say it loud and proud.

I’m sticking this out and I’m still California dreaming.

Sincerely,

Nita Alexander
One graduate of the Class of 2008
Florida State University

Where were you 8 years ago?

September 11, 2001

I was a 16 year old junior in high school. I believe we were transferring from second to third period, when this kid Mark (the class jack-ass)announced that Saddam Husein had bombed New York and Washington D.C. Naturally, everyone ignored him thinking he was just being stupid as usual. Then the announcement came over the school TV's from our pastor. It was unbelievable. Shocking. One of my older brothers was living and working at the time in Washington D.C, I was terrified for his life. Although there would be absolutely no reason for him to ever be in or near the Pentagon or White House, I still worried that for whatever reason he may have been there. Thankfully he wasn't, but he did watch it all from the roof of his office building that over looked the Potomac River.

My junior year of college I took a Mass Media Law class at Florida State University. We were given an assignment to watch this video of a 9/11 conspiracy theory and decide if there was at all a case of libel or slander in what they said about the U.S government. The next day in class, the debate between slander or libel was irrelevant. The more prominent discussion was the context of this video and how it made so much sense and how terrifying it was. Here is the link to the video.




Personally, I'm not sure if I believe this video and its facts, but it does raise many questions that I have wondered since that day. I think more than anything I don't believe this video because I don't want to. I think I would rather believe a group of hateful Muslims would do this, than our own government. I also don't believe that G.W.Bush would have been intelligent enough to pull this off or keep it a secret. But I pass this video on to you because at the very least it's still interesting.

More important than who is to blame, is who was lost. Lives were lost and those lives who survived were forever changed. Those who watched on TV were forever changed by watching thousands of human lives murdered at once. I pray we never experience anything like this again.


Respectfully,

Nita

Her Accomplice Presents

The top 10 albums according to me

Well, it's safe to say that at one point or another we've all come across a list of top songs or albums. Well, this is my version of it. Based on lyrics, music beats and rhythms, the artist and circumstances of times, personal issues, and contributions. This list isn't to say that these are the ultimate albums of all time. This list is only an offering of the music that I am most familiar with and bringing into your life. Enjoy!

10. John Mayer: "Where the light is live from L.A."- This is a recording of his live concert in L.A. while promoting his latest album "Continuum". The concert is broken down in to three sections. The first is an acoustic tour through a few of his songs including "Daughters" and Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'". The second part consists of John and two others; a drummer and a bassist, Join him to become the John Mayer Trio. Together they take the audience back 60-70 years and play a set of somewhat bluesy, never heard of, none nonetheless enjoyable, songs. The third and final set he's joined with the rest of the band and proceeds to play the greater majority of his "Continuum" tracks. The final part of this show I really think captures John Mayer's brilliance and yet to be seen potential. When he plays its as if his body is a guitar and his fingers are telling this magical tragedy that he's somehow lived through. Its been fascinating watch him transform from Popular music-frat house type artist to a true lyricist and musician.

9. Janet Jackson: "The Velvet Rope"- includes "Together Again", "Tonight's the night", "got til it's gone" and "Every time". This album was monumental at the time of its release in 1997. It touched on topics that even in the late years of the 20th century where still taboo. Topics like AIDS, all types of sexuality, bondage and love where covered on this album. At the time of its release I was only 12 so I didn't really hear this album till years later when I was introduced to it by a friend. This album is also in Rolling Stones "Top 500 albums of all times".

8. Adele: "19"- I came across this artist last year through pandora.com. I was immediately fascinated with the depths or her lyrics, the range of her soulful sound and brilliant musical arrangements. There are 12 tracks on this album and I honestly love 11 of them. This album was released in early 2008, that same year she was nominated for four Grammy's; taking home 2 of them for "Best new artist" and "Best Female pop vocal performance for Chasing Pavements"

7. Britney Spears: "Blackout" Perhaps one of the greatest albums to ever be made and sourly overlooked. Over Overshadowed by her downward spiraling personal life and failed comeback performance live on National TV. This album defines Britney's mental state and priority at the time this record was written and recorded. Songs include" Get Naked", "Freakshow"," Toy Soldier", "Hot as Ice" and of course "Gimmie More".The record is full of club bangin hip hop and dance beat tracks- In my personal opinion, I feel like this record should be re-released in a few years and given better press and media. This is a great album for working out, long drives or parties. This is the one album where Britney Spears actually showed artistic potential by hiring the right producers and musicians.

6. Dr. Dre: "The Chronic 2001"- This was a huge point in the music worlds when this album came out. Some believed it saved music from the horrible Pop-Mania boy band garbage that was flooding the radios across America. This album was refreshing, smart, and in a few ways relatable. Through tracks like "Forgot about Dre" with Eminem, and "The next episode" with Snoop Dogg, "Lets get high", "Fuck You","Still Dre" and a few others. Even my white-prep school homies where diggin' it. That's when you know it's good.

5. Christina Aguilera: "Stripped"- From the second "Stripped" takes off it's a powerhouse of a record. On this album she takes a new a direction, by actually going in every direction and genre. There are rock tracks, Spanish tracks, hip- hop, ballads and interludes. She touches on the sentiments of being a fighter and inadequacies. Out of the 20 tracks on the album I love 16, but each and everyone displays an enormous vocal and musical talent. This is a must listen CD!!

4.Celine Dion: "Falling into you"- 1996 was the year I became obsessed with Miss Celine Dion. She's amazing. Her songs although in no way reflect her intelligence and strength as an artist, are sexy and lovey-dovey. Everything that a 12 year old wants to hear and believe in. This album includes "It's all coming back", "Because you loved me", "Seduces me" and "All by myself" among others. I haven't met a girl my age who doesn't absolutely love the CD- so trust that you'll love it.

3. Maroon 5: "Songs About Jane"- This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Everything about this band and this album fascinates me. Songs about Jane is a collection of songs inspired by the lead singer, Adam Levine's, rocky relationship with muse Jane. Some songs evoke the sentiment of anger, frustration and love. Others are more focused on life after Jane, and what she will do without him. Maroon 5 does an unbelievable job creating catchy riffs and chorus, not to mention sexy and seductive lyrics. This album is a must have, classic album. Do it!

2. Elvis Presley: "Elvis Presley Greatest Hits"- Not a whole lot to be said here. I love Elvis Presley; I was practically raised on him, Bill Hailey, The Supreme's and other oldie music acts. This album is a collection of his biggest hits and a few remixes or new recordings found. One of the most interesting things about this era is the innovation of technology. Recording had yet to be a mastered art, the electric guitar was still relatively new and Elvis was a revolutionary performer.

1. Michael Jackson: "Thriller and HiStory"- On the note of revolutionary performer- nobody did it or will ever do it like Michael Jackson. Both of the albums hold enormous significance and value. First "Thriller", for being the album that finally separated Michael from his brothers and really any other artist at the time. "Thriller's" explosive song list included "Wanna be startin' something", "Beat it", "Billie Jean", "Human Nature", "PYT" and of course "Thriller".

"HiStory" is a "best of" compilation that combines his hits from "Thriller", "Bad" and "Dangerous" songs included "Bad", "Heal the World", "Man in the Mirror", "She's out of my life", and "They don't really care about us". This album was not even close to being as big as "Thriller" but I believe it's equally as important.

Well that's it! Hope you like, agree or disagree, become intrigued or something! Please leave comments and thanks for reading!