Blackenstein is coming on Bounce TV tonight

 If you're tired of dealing with crazy holiday traffic and looking for something different to get into...the 1973 blaxploitation classic Blackenstein is here to the rescue.  In case you didn't know Bounce is now available on Spectrum/Time Warner.

Truth...I've never seen this one in its entirety but I think the trailer is pretty enticing.  Get yourself a bag of Chicago-style popcorn, a little something to drink or whatever will make you forget about Thanksgiving.  Enjoy!

Remember the Variety Show? GET tv Channel Digs Up Retro Gold

Growing up I remember those with a lot of singing and comedy bits.  Donny and Marie, Mac Davis, Sonny and Cherry were just a few that I liked but GET tv is taking things further by airing short run variety shows.

Like I kind of remember Captain and Tennille and Diana Ross's shows but I never knew about Clifton Davis and melba Moore, Smokey Robinson and others.  Tonight they're airing the Temptations variety show and I recommend adding this channel to your favorites if you like rare treats such as this.

L.A. Businessman/Philantropist Dies

E.J. Jackson, founder of Jackson Limousine, died Tuesday from a heart attack.  For more than 35 years, Jackson Limousine was a big part of L.A. culture.  Not because it was one of the few long-term businesses owned by a Black person but because of what E.J. gave back to the community.

Many people don't realize that life can get tough out here, even if you have the right connections or a decent job.  Communities change for the better and worse every day, and all some people have to look forward to having an abundant meal over the holidays.

This is not about celebrating a holiday that may glorify theft of an oppressed nation or promote gluttony.  Baby boomers and Gen-X intersections remember when family got together.  Good, bad or indifferent, there would be no moments like this.  While I'm not impoverished, I would donate a finger to bring back those moments.

Although some things can't be duplicated, E.J. thought of those  without the resources to enjoy this time of year.  For more than 20 years, feeding the needy was something WE got used to seeing on the A.M. news. 
However, it was less than a week ago that E.J. was on the KTLA morning news asking the public for a little help in fulfilling his annual mission.  I was touched because we all know that every bit counts but...he was no longer there to lead.

As a proud Angeleno, I will post updates on this because local heroes deserve as much recognition as those on the screen.

Wayback Wednesdaze

This was my jam back in grade school (West Athens ES Class of '80!).  Sadly, we heard little else from Pleasure after the release of this album.  According to allmusic.com, they broke up in 1981.

However, I liked this song a little better because the backing vocal sounds a lot like someone who was also becoming popular in the late 70s but would go on to be an icon times infinity.

Happy Fright Day Y'all

Who knew Mac from Night Court had it in him?
 In case you don't have Bounce TV...

Way Back Weds - Zoom

Truth.  I wasn't much into the Commodores back in the day but IMHO they had a few chill (as opposed to Top 40) tracks that were nice.  I've included the long play version so enjoy.

Oh yeah, I'm slowing things down because though I like uptempo music, the season calls for snuggling and all that other romantic shit.  Instead of play a bunch of things suited for the dance floor, I'm trying something new here, even though my love life is like meh, LOL.

Stop It Reelz Channel!

If you're even a somewhat regular reader, you know I took Prince's passing rather hard...so did a lot of people.  There are even some quietly protesting the latest release of new songs (or song) as well as the Paisley Park museum.  Some diehards (or his sister) say he would've wanted it this way but personally, I'm gonna pass 'cause I'm still digesting it.

Anyway, anyone with cable knows that the Reelz channel likes to do tell-alls on the deceased.  They have Elvis, Marilyn, MJ, and now they're on Prince because I guess he's more "important" than Natalie Cole, Scott Weiland, Pfife Dawg, and many others we've lost in the past year.  Like Whitney Houston and others mentioned, the more sensationalized the life, the more shows they manage to create...even if it sounds redundant after a while.

This is the pattern I've picked up on (mind you, I haven't seen every topic on every dead celebrity).  The first deals with the general facts.  It's pretty mild and talks about what most people know along with 1-2 surprises.  This was the first that aired shortly (and I mean really short) after his passing in April.  Stock photos were decent but I could tell, as this person was part of my life 36/48 years, they didn't do their homework.

Following Reelz programs deal with their intellectual property, love lives, or how they transitioned out of this planet.  That's fine I guess but the public needs to take some things into consideration besides getting facts straight.  Prince fans are a whole 'nother breed of folks.  I'm not diehard but I remember quite a bit, especially the early years so it wouldn't hurt to dig a little for people that don't know about Wax Poetics or never read Right On! back in the 70s or 80s.

So, this past Saturday Reelz debuted Purple Reign and it was less than stellar.  Though I never cared for wife #1, the mispronunciation of her name offended me, it seemed to breeze through and not say anything different than the first tribute this his life.  The worst was the few stock photos used didn't coincide with the time period...and they weren't the best!

Back to the feelings of the fans.  We did not expect this (4/21).  It's super sad to imagine it was planned but sometimes we don't know how bad our own friends or close family feels deep inside until its too late.  Moreso if this whole thing (pills) was about keeping up appearances.  I kind of felt he would live into advanced age because so many people do now, while dealing with the what comes with it.

Forgive the digression but this is to say that maybe it would be best to switch off to someone who may have been an open book about their addiction during their lifetime.  Another idea are living celebrities with money problems and lawsuits.  I know the Gladys Knight story is very interesting right now.