Telling you straight .... outta Compton

Granted, I'm Canadian, as many of you know.  What you may not recognize is that we do tend to pay attention to controversies, news and politics south of our borders.

My first reaction to the blasphemy gone amok everywhere would be the fuss over the white out of the Oscars this year.    I thought:

• let the best man or woman win.
• it is the academy, peers, who votes on the nominees
• color or gender should not sway nominees
• the best performances are recognized
• being nominated raises your value 
• movies you may not have heard of inspire you to watch 
• the big studios, i.e. most capital, gain the most attention
• above, except if you're Oprah Winphrey

I was wrong.  I watched "Straight out of Compton" last night and was really impressed for many reasons:

• I didn't know how RAP or HIP-HOP or GANSTA evolved until now
• While I was in my 20s in the 1980s, this phenomena was emerging
• The story itself is worth recognizing
• The evolving characters transformed into big names in the music business
• What they did for music was profound
• We need this kind of music in our world, as musical journalism per se
• There was a lot of racism, bias experienced these gifted musicians 
• They had to be dedicated and passionate to keep on no matter the struggles
• I like the music now (in the 80s I was probably tuned into David Bowie)

IMAGE COURTESY of http://www.hitfix.com

There was a grave oversight by the Oscar community to ignore this poignant film that is both historical and inspirational.  Although, I may not agree with the stand that black (that's what we call them in Canada since Afrocanadian hasn't been given as an option to African American) artists like Will Smith have taken by boycotting the Oscars.  By being there in person they ARE making a stand for artists of any color contribute to our entertainment.  Come on, we all have gone through days when we didn't want to go to school or work because we didn't agree with something, but we were forced to by our parents.  

You have got to be stronger than the issue at hand.  Don't align yourself with a statement that takes a side that you don't want forever to be associated with.  I vaguely recall Marlon Brando using his Oscar nod for creating sympathy for the cause of Native North Americans.  

Think about Leonardo Dicaprio's statements on Canada's oil just because he filmed at a location close to here.  All of a sudden, he is an expert.  Why not take a stand with class like Clint Eastwood did when filming his Oscar film "Forgiven" filmed close to my home in Calgary.  He captured the beauty and magnificence.  We aren't all roughnecks drilling for oil.  Some of us love where we are from and what that means.  We don't need a brief visitor like Dicaprio to insult the citizens of his host.

"Straight outta Compton" SHOULD have had some nominees for the Oscars.  It was breathtaking in its honesty and historical significance to how black lives mattered in bringing a whole new genre to our musical ears.  The cast transformed themselves into the heroes unfolded during the 80s, making a significant impact by its honest lyrics and reflection of the times.  Personally, the upheaval that groups like Led Zepplin and The Rolling Stones had on our older siblings, were lost until many years later.  We rode the short-lived disco wave but started the dance movement that allowed ABBA, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac to be  forever iconic in our minds.  While many of us were watching those artist, there was a musical revolution going on that we were just too self-absorbed to have noticed.  Have a look at this brief trailer:

I'm really glad I watched this movie.  It brought so much reality to the bias, racism that these wonderKIDS plowed through and brought the gift of musical journalism:  a voice of what was REALLY going on around us.  I agree, it shouldn't have been acceptable.  While it is easy to glance back shamefully noting that we may have been more than ignorant to the plight of these citizens.

I  stand behind Paul Giamatti's portrayal of a sleezy white manager who filled his own pockets long before his clients ever did:  I can just imagine how widespread this was.  I like how the film brought into the fold how wrong it was.  Some of us may have been aware, but not at the same capacity that black musicians and artists were ripped off.  For that fact alone, this film should have more widespread recognition for its statement alone.

"Straight outta Compton" is definitely worth a watch.

Slumber, or sleep, or nap

Yayyyyyyyyyyy I did get to write again:  the "Lil bit of Attitude" as an ode to my daughter's BDay and to release my brain of all these ideas, so I can slumber.

  It is snowing outside a bit.  (that is why we reference slumber, you nap during the day, or sleep during summer).  Nothing anywhere near the East coast of the US, we would be just as shocked with this sort of storm:  it would be unusual for Canada, except the very far oceanic east coast.  They share the Atlantic:  blame her!

I truly would like to thank Mark  Zuckerberg ..........

Thanks https://www.facebook.com/zuck and Facebook ... I haven't quite figured out why or how you blessed me? But 100 or more followers a day is quite outstanding. One could wonder if you are merely showcasing how greater the power of Facebook + Commerce is over Twitter? Whatever the reason, big THANK YOU. Although, I have no idea how to respond to the imploding direct messages: I can't possibly answer you all. Although, I will continue to manage and respond under "NOTIFICATIONS" to those that include me in public communications. That will keep the integrity of social media: it isn't a gi-HUGE dating meat market or chat room. I am not looking for anyone nor trying to solve anyone's problems in love. I'm taken. Simply, nuff said. Thanks again Mark ~ what a ride! Thank YOU.

Lil bit of attitude

"Oh, my, this one has attitude!" exclamed the delivery nurse.  Who may have been saying "here's another one" to the tired, adrenaline-rushed parents of this newborn creation ..... of theirs.

 A mixture of disbelief and amazement as this gaze upon this near perfect little human girl.  Minutes from being in a warm, comfortable womb.  Indignant at the harsh introduction she hadn't anticipated she let out a howl.

This little beauty grew and grew:  and sang "take me out to the Ball Game" at a mere 16 months.  As a party favor, she blasted through the adults polite conversation, as their jaws dropped and gaped open at a special experience unfolded.  Discussion began.  How amazing is it that a little burst of energy could sing to the rafters, in such abandon, glorying in the musical flutes her own tonsils gave. Oblivious to the expressions of anyone around her.  She liked bursting out and singing.  Her abandon to anything akin to self-conscious expression.  The audience crossed between envy and awe.  How could such a little thing stand up, be so proud, and sing with such abandon?  At ONLY 16 months.

The parents who were always ready with a video camera were stunned into inaction.  The musical notes combined with gusto and self-exuberance.  How could they have created such a ... umm... creature?  Alas, it was a daughter.  They should have had their seat belts tightened.  Yet they didn't do anything. Why should they?  They weren't puppeteers, merely creators.  

They wondered, however, how can they take credit for such a beauty with such a powerful voice? 

As the little girl developed and continued to grow became as ever a sight to behold.  At 2, this confident, clever,  creation would insist that she was a princess.  Her hard-working mother and father fascinated, would wonder:  how could a princess be born and insist she was one.  They  were, although not average folk, wondered how they could be responsible for this envisioned little lady?  

Then, one day, when the father was away at work, slagging dragons called life and career, the mother bent over a captive keyboard for job.  A nanny, on call, living out, ever present, vacuuming the castle always to shine, was focussed on leaving a tread in the carpet, hadn't noticed her charge, who had transformed into an escapee to her mother's home office.  Sneaking in, quietly, taking and absorbing every last detail.  Alas, the mother noticed the scamp in her midst.  The little joy did ask: "Mommy, what are you doing?"

Lest the mother cause disillusionment of the responsibility of working and career, she tenderly said:  "I am working.  When you grown up, you will likely work too.  What is it that you think you'll do too?

The predictable reply did unfold "why, when I am grown up, I will be a princess!" Said with such convincement, less mortal men or mothers would never argue.  However, the mother did sigh.  She then glanced around, realizing that the King was not home nor was the princess' guard on command.

She did try to dispell the disillusionment which chance had burst, said to her darling daughter with such thirst, for life, for dreams, goals and confidence:  "why Sweetie, you will be princess when I am a queen!"  Rationalizing that being realistic of drastic importance.

Then to her utter dismay her daughter did respond:  "Why mommy, I didn't know that you were a queen!!"

The days grew onwards and upward the girl grew, when tragedy did brew.  The media, the news, the television, no matter how one flew, protested the death of a princess many thought they knew.

When dinner one day, was being prepared by her mother.  As the news and the television broadcast the cover:  A princess died while so many fed .. on the photos, paparazzi with the princess photos they led.  How sad to have such a wonderful soul cut short, would end up causing this young four-year-old lady to retort:  "That is so sad to hear about the princess."

The mother, astonished, that this little girl wisdom, attuned to the news and the stories that bloomed.  She asked her daughter, in parenting skills on high alert, how do you feel about this story?  The daughter said "Sad".  The mother now curious, nowhere near mad.  Asked her little one why would she say so.  When the gem said "well, I am a princess, so this one I should know".

This is a reflection of a mother, rediscovering the journey she started with her daughter.  She has just turned 23, in second year of university, dedicated to  fine arts, art history and philanthropy.  

A mother's pride never diminishes with age.  If anything, it flourishes as cheerleading captain of her daughter's journey.  

Happy Birthday sweet, beautiful daughter O mine.

Getters and Go-Getters #bestofeverything

IMAGE:  is my face saying "oh crap, caught on camera!" like this gem, or catching your attention to established true #klout as the author/initiator of #bestofeverything hashtag for the populace.  

The early adopters will be the #socialmedia #influencers:  who really know that networking in the www.sphere is truly the most amazing experience, very few grow inner awareness that channels.  Those people who become authorities on relationships: networking, friendship, talent pool, think tank who rise above the rafters from the very big, crowded, noisy environment. 

 Almost to the heavens in the proud connection that would blow the mind anyone not a member of this very unique club.  A lot of the offshoots of superstardom stemmed from the use of #hashtag on Twitter.  These very clever folk traded ideas around and formed this very safe, secure web of trusted peeps, tweeps or simply said friends. 

 Some of us emerged as visionistic visionaries:  purveying information, usually connected, fueled and powered by their passion.   Others became notable names in the traditional media via their writing for big brand media names or dominance in print ::: to allow them to emerge as a bigger, stronger, collaborative, connected to mindset:  

BIG example being MASHABLE.  

Now that I've been a Blogger for only five years, I am humbled by the visionary risk they took, expelling the most compelling sources of news via media.  They are so "finger on the pulse" that what we are thinking, buying, considering or evaluate partaking in.  To whom they have extended to the Millennials attitude, capturing that audience as well.  

/http://mashable.com/

MASHABLE's unique perspective:

Appeals to such a wide, ginormous mass audience.  As any over-achiever usually does, I evaluate:

•  what I am doing, 
• wonder what I should be doing, 
• am I doing what I should.  

That inner reflection implodes a mass of stronger goals, beliefs, values that become deal makers or deal breakers.  Only the very elite will really GET this.  They can relate.  They may be a champion, a leader, a successor of a train of this powerful voice.  As mentioned, as some have already re-immersed themselves back  into the mainstream fold, to observe, take in, understand, humanize, intellectualize so that they can bring it back to the very few (in comparison) crowd of GETTers and GO-GETTERS.  

Which one will you be?  Have you decided?  Well, you will if your inner quest sent out to the universe or God or Allah to send back your path. (your cheat sheet, Coles Notes, memory bank).

 I hope you will stay for the ride with me, laugh over our journey of understanding our true purpose, so that others can eventually celebrate this as one of your accomplishments.  The further upward mobile you become, the far-reaching and widespread you will be recognized for.  

Two amazing people from forever ago:  Helen Keller and Charlie Chaplin

Some of you already of you have.  Others unsettled looking for a new reinforcement of staying firm with your goals, your antennas on high alert on something that resonates with you, and have discovered a club of and for the gifted, enlightened, creative force.  

The catch being, you cannot join the force, unless you recognize it within you.  There will be mentors, chaperones , winers and emoters standing on the sidelines cheering you on and push you to strive higher and better.  

Each individual having a unique goal that can almost be linked to DNA. 

" #bethebest of #bestofeverything "                                  

Please follow me on #Twitter :::                                                                                                                               @optioneerJM

  

What I liked (and wasn't charmed by) on the Critics Choice Awards January 2016:::

It's the awards season, so let er rip ::: good heavens not a rip!  There were some stunning, fun, and faux pas to be had tonight, for those who took in the Critics Choice Awards on A&E Arts and Entertainment Network.  

Crisp, clear graphics worth noticing.

::: the sets and design aspects were spectacular; whoever did it should get lots of credit because we'll want to see more of them.  The graphics were crisp and superb.  The portporri of guests, presenters, losers, winners was extraordinary.

::: loved the social media spin that was fun:  #tweetTHIStoDRINK to the +Critics' Choice Movie Awards and marketing genius to have a tablet on every table for the famous and now-just-famous to click and clack to post live.

::: the faux pas of the night (I couldn't find a picture of Constance Wu's presenting image) but the glaring stain on her dress bespoke of foodie accidentress.  We sometimes forget how intimidating and nerve-wracking it must be to emerge onto the world stage of entertainment seemingly overnight.  It was an average dress that acsentuated her lack of breasts.  That was a recurring scene it seemed tonight.  

To give Constance props, I would on the other hand, give her the best hairdo or braids of the night:

::: the most gracious of acceptance speech that resembled an amazing turnaround and humility was by Sylvester Stalone:

::: we often forget that the accessories make the look or set the mood.  Done by none other than the pretty Jennifer Anniston for the best pair of eyeglasses:

Even EOnline agreed with me, that the specticle by Jennifer was worth noticing.

::: the most unoriginal or uninspired fashion tone were set by MAD MAXX FURY even though it grabbed a fistful of awards.  As if the awards were an afterthought for the film execs, directors, financiers to grace with their presence, it was underscored by the lack of imagination by these two gals who looked ready for clubbing, not an awards ceremony of distinction.  Gasp or gag me with a spoon:

::: it was well worth, watching until the very end, if only to be enraptured by Sharon Stone's classy ensemble and engaging presentation:

::: double winner in my books:  again Sharon Stone for her age-appropriate look that bespoke class and sophistication:

Loved the DO Sharon!  Applaud the air of class and poise:::

::: and who can forget the cutest speech ever by Jacob Tremblay who held those much greater in age captive by his graceful and mature maneuvers ... you couldn't but help think "adorable" when they put a block for him to stand on to reach the microphone, and even then needed help.

::: and the overall vibe of the show was excellent.  The host, TJ Miller, showed some good humour with The Captain as sidekick to add zest and a nod to the elders in a room full of Millennial mayhem, GenX inclusion, and make up for the Oscars color representation with multinational flare.  The gig by TJ was done superbly, even if some of us *sniff* remember the original engenuity of its creator:

::: the tracks will be memorable even with Amy Schumar's MVP speech stunted and stilted.  Perhaps she gets less funny, when she gets plastered, contrary to popular belief.  

::: the most I got out of the CriticsChoice awards was the plethera of new worth binge-watching candidates.  You know I'll be raving about the ones that are the #bestofeverything :::

I'm not a BLOGGER, I'm a BIG THINKER

The most disturbing thing that happened to me.  I am more than a Blogger.  I'm a bbbiiiiiiigggggg thinker.  How else would you explain the phenomenon of having more than one blog now?

WEAK? WRECKS? A little arrogant wouldn'tchasay? 

I started @optioneerJM more as an experiment.  I was at a phase in my life where meaningful career seemed more important than just about anything.  I was intimidated by social media.  I was fascinated.  Talk about the BIGGEST chat outlet in the world eh?  With offshoots who climb the ladder like #Twitter and  Facebook's Mark or a big engine that is driving information to the cloud ahead of Apple by a long moon shot, Google.

The latest phenomenon I had was this unrelenting addition of followers on Facebook.  Now Twitter has been a steady climb to 16,000 followers.  Yet this influx by Facebook is simply amazing.  I do think we cross paths with the same quality of person you represent:  ethical, honest, integrity, intelligent, creative, artistic, caring, smart, savvy, quick thinking, think tank establishment member, influencer, klout, KRED, in your city, country or area of interest.  

Let's be clear::: there are 90% male and 10% female adding me at an alarming rate.  I wouldn't think that a 54 year old gal from Calgary, Canada could generate this much interest.  Perhaps all looped under my real name::: Jeannette Marshall.  I want my karma under check because what I'm sending out to the world is a rich benefactor, not a rich husband looking for a blonde-haired, green-eyed dynamo.  

OK, granted I am a little feisty.  I have closeted that in focused avoided negativity persona.  And there are days when I think::: life sucks.  Or other days when someone pisses me off and all I want to do is rant about it.  

That is why the #bestofeverything people think outside the box!

Maybe there is an untapped side to me in social media::: the ranting side.  Don't worry, that doesn't impact my image of fashionista and unofficial Ambassador of Menopausal women everywhere. 

 Nor the status of upstanding citizenship and classy demeanor. 

 Stay tuned for what I liked from tonight's #criticsaward #bestofeverything with pinash and pizazz in my Blog to follow::: I'll wait a little bit and hold off on the new ranting side ::: but then again, I think I sorted did::: ranting where I had no audience basically and as likely as this and my other blogs, or I should say least likely to read.

Wishing you a fantastic, successful, fashionista sensation in 2016!

The more inner side of +Jeannette Marshall of the soon-to-be ranting #FAME 

How Sean Penn is re-inventing himself

One can't help the past couple of days two headlines featuring Sean Penn, as an interview:  first with kingpin druglord and then squashed interview with ISIS Chief (as reported by The New Yorker):

ISIS Chief Abruptly Cancels Meeting 

with Sean Penn

BY ANDY BOROWITZ

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CREDITPHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHANE MAHE / REUTERS

HOLLYWOOD (The Borowitz Report)—Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the terror group known as ISIS, has cancelled a long awaited meeting with the actor Sean Penn, a spokesman for the group announced on Sunday.

The spokesman gave no reason for the abrupt cancellation, but said that al-Baghdadi no longer felt that meeting with Penn would be “prudent.”

A publicist for the film actor said that he was “disappointed” by the sudden termination of his appointment with the ISIS chief, and noted that Penn had gotten himself outfitted in brand new desert-camo attire in preparation for the meeting.

For his part, the ISIS spokesman said that al-Baghdadi hoped that Penn would harbor “no hard feelings” toward him, and emphasized that he remained an “enormous fan” of the actor.

“Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi loves all of Sean’s films, even that one he did with Madonna,” the spokesman said.

Sean Penn Under Fire for ‘Crazy’ El Chapo Interview

Sean Penn Interviews Mexican Drug Lord ‘El Chapo’ While Fugitive

“Why didn’t Sean Penn ask El Chapo how many real journalists his organization has killed?” a New Yorker reporter writes on Twitter

Sean Penn is taking heat on multiple fronts for his bombshell interview with Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

Rolling Stone published Penn’s interview on Saturday night, one day after Mexican authorities recaptured the Sinaloa cartel boss. In his article, Penn detailed traveling to Mexico with actress Kate del Castillo to sit-down with El Chapo, but not everyone was impressed.

“If one of these American actors who have benefited from the greatness of this country, who have made money from our free enterprise system, want to go fawn all over a criminal and a drug trafficker in their interviews, they have a Constitutional right to do it,” Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “I find it grotesque.”

Also Read: 7 Takeaways From Sean Penn's Rolling Stone Interview With El Chapo

During Penn’s interview, El Chapo talked about GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, who has described Mexican immigrants in the U.S. as “rapists” and “criminals.”

Trump appeared on NBC and Fox News on Sunday, but the conversations were taped and did not include his reaction to the article. However, White House chief of staff Denis McDonough did weigh in on the story.

“It poses a lot of very interesting questions both for him and for others involved in this-so-called interview, so we’ll see what happens on that – I’m not going to get ahead of it,” McDonough told CNN.

Also Read: Sean Penn, Kate del Castillo Sought for Questioning After 'El Chapo' Interview

The journalism world was much more critical of Penn and Rolling Stone.

Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron took aim at the Hollywood actor, by tweeting a link to an article that said real journalists who cover Mexican drug traffickers often end up dead.

New Yorker writer Ben Taub tweeted a similar response: “Why didn’t Sean Penn ask El Chapo how many real journalists his organization has killed?””

Also Read: El Chapo's Favorite Sean Penn Movies? Hollywood Weighs In

Meanwhile, New Yorker editor Nicholas Thompson called Penn’s story “crazy.”

“Every single sentence here is crazy in one way or another,” he tweeted.

Read below for a compilation of tweets.

Is Sean Penn's interview with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the next issue? https://t.co/zIJQo77ac3

— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) January 10, 2016

I still don't understand how Sean Penn, of all the possible writers, is who secured the only interview ever with El Chapo.

— deray mckesson (@deray) January 10, 2016

Every single sentence here is crazy in one way or another. https://t.co/hJdnrWZhIA pic.twitter.com/mjouhCX5e0

— Nicholas Thompson (@nxthompson) January 10, 2016

El Chapo contacts Sean Penn thru @katedelcastillo because he wants to make a movie????? Resulting in his subsequent arrest. #hollywooddreams

— Gabriel Salvador (@RealGSalvador) January 10, 2016

The pen is mightier than the sword. Unless it is Sean Penn's pen.

— John Lurie (@lurie_john) January 10, 2016

Sean Penn can’t write.

— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) January 10, 2016

I don’t think it was worth @RollingStone giving up editorial control to a murderer for Sean Penn’s diary entry and a short Q&A at the end.

— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) January 10, 2016

Why didn't Sean Penn ask El Chapo how many real journalists his organization has killed?

— Ben Taub (@bentaub91) January 10, 2016

Good moment to remember what happens to real journalists who cover Mexican drug traffickers https://t.co/xb7OASMTNe

— Marty Baron (@PostBaron) January 10, 2016

_________________________________________________________

Personally, I like how Sean is stepping out and recreating himself.  That is a healthy mode for survival in this topsy turvy world we live in where what matters can spin on a dime.  

I've enjoyed his ground breaking roles that have made us all go "WOW" at some point.  He appears to be anti-establishment.  He plays by his own rules, and makes them up as he goes along.

It takes courage to be true to oneself.  You have to develop a thick skin when you put yourself out there.  Controversy definitely sells.  However, my first reaction when I read about his meeting with El Chapo:  he's preparing for a role.  Why not?  Villains have been made into film since the beginning of the industry.

Now, I think Sean Penn is shedding Hollywood's skin and getting really comfortable in his own.  It is a great example for those trying to sort out their greater purpose.

If you're curious about something or someone, why not try to interview them?  If your career isn't going in the direction (or no direction) you want it to be, take a risk and just go for it.  It worked for Dennis Rodham meeting with basketball fan Kim Jong Un didn't it?  

Granted it was short lived.  Who are we to judge when so many would love a chance to have a chat with these unique villains of our day?  It sells ads, newspapers, magazines and television ratings.  So why not take a chapter out of media and make your own mark.  

Have a listen to this great Canadian group:  The Sheepdogs from Saskatchewan, an emerging favorite of mine: