Time To Freeze

 Filmmaker and comic book geek Kevin Smith recently commented that it’s time to bring the Mr. Freeze character back to the big screen. After thinking about it for a while damnit he is absolutely right. In my opinion Mr. Freeze is Batman’s number two nemesis behind The Joker. His tragic reasoning for being a villain is a stark contrast to The Jokers chaos at all cost character. The Joker is a fascinating character and will always be known as Batman’s arch-nemesis, his character has been portrayed in several incarnations throughout film. A origin movie is currently in development with Joaquin Phoenix portraying the clown prince, while Jared Leto is still primed to get another run with his portrayal of The Joker.

 Mr. Freeze on the other hand has only been portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the campy Batman and Robin movie. The character of Victor Fries however is worthy of another run and has a good story to tell. There’s no plans anytime soon for him to appear in Ben Afflecks Batman film, so a origin film as part of DC’s stories outside of the DCEU would be the best route.

  A good man who as a scientist just wanted to find a cure for her terminally ill wife, he’s gone mad after an accident and becomes Mr. Freeze. That slow burn from common man to villain would make for a interesting story outside of the caped crusader, think of Walter Whites slow burn in “Breaking Bad”. Of course with the payoff being his final transformation into the villain we know today.

  An Mr. Freeze origin movie has so much room for an interesting backstory set against real life backdrops. The common debate about new and unconventional methods to treat diseases and illnesses, cryogenics as a means to prolong life, the marriage between medicine and politics, and of course lost love. Include a criminal organization or corrupt businessman Dr. Fries runs foul of trying to save his wife. He could be the sad hero in his own film as well, throw in some cameos from other Batman characters to satisfy the Easter egg hunters. Keep the bad cold puns to a minimum and this could be a victory for DC.

  The 1998 animated film Batman and Mr. Freeze: Subzero was Mr. Freezes best incarnation. It displayed heart, action, and consequences in a children’s film. DC needs to green light this sooner than later and let everyone know it’s Time To Freeze.

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Yeah, I Work in IT

I often hear people tell me I’m a “computer wiz” when they ask me a computer question, and expect me to have a answer right away. Well sorry to tell you I’m not, yeah I work in IT but that doesn’t mean I can save all your worlds problems.

 When people hear you work in IT, the expectation is that I can fix your computer, develop your website, build your app that’s going to be the next big thing, hack into your bank account, program the computer chip in your car and so much more.

  Yeah I could probably learn to code and develop apps, but so much time is spent telling people what I don’t do in IT. I can’t find the time to learn the tricks of other trades.

   I work in PC and network repair/support, the lowly guys who are ignored until someone needs their computer fixed. The guys who don’t get any recognition on shows such as “Silicon Valley”. The backbone of organizations the network engineers, server admins, infrastructure admins, that allow the coders at Facebook, Google, and Apple to create exciting new products, apps, and features for your enjoyment.

   Yeah, I could fix your issue but sometimes after a long day or workweek I really don’t feel like taking apart your computer.
Yeah, I work in IT but I’m pretty sure you and I know that paper jam is the reason your report isn’t printing, and know the resolution.

    Yeah, you can call me but honestly you could google it yourself and find out why your phone isn’t streaming your playlist on Spotify.

    IT is a broad field that covers several subfields, so next time you come across someone who works in IT security don’t automatically assume they can tell you about crypto currency. Yeah, they probably could but sometimes they don’t feel like that shit.

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Essence Experience Part 2

  

  On to the concerts which everyone anticipates. Held at the Superdome the concerts consist of the main stage, and several smaller lounges spread out throughout the building with various artist performing. Since I'm lazy I stayed in the main stage area. Let's start with Friday Night, due to working on C.P. time I missed a good portion of Miguel's set. What I saw Miguel put on a great show and he deserved a little more stage time. Next up was uncle Snoop D-o-double G. He performed previous bangers such as “Nuthin’ but a ‘g’ thang”, “who am I”, “ Beautiful”, “Drop it like it's hot”, and “Next episode”. He then invited Fred Hammond and The Clark Sisters on stage and took the crowd to church.

   The headliners for the night were The Roots with special guest’s. I like the Roots but I'm not sure they have enough star power to headline a event of this magnitude. Their special guest were Erykah Badu,Jill Scott, and Anthony Hamilton. Each performed their own set of songs and performed well but the whole headlining act seemed flat. Kirk Franklin made a surprise performance at the end of the night performing “I am here" and another song which slips my mind, before sending everyone home two stepping to “Stomp".

   Saturday night things got better. Again due to my C.P. time and traffic I missed Xscape performing, managed to catch a song and a half. Next up was Queen Latifah after a fire intro video she came out performing several jazz melodies and put the majority of the crowd to sleep. Queen Latifah actually has a nice singing voice but umm it wasn't working. Her set was saved by several special guest she bought in the later end of her set. Brandy, MC Lyte, and YoYo all came on stage for a rendition of “I wanna be down” remix. Next up was Remy Ma who bought mountains of energy for “All the way up”.

    Queens next guest never disappoints with her energy during performances Missy Elliott. Performing hits such as “Get ur freak on”, “Work It”, “Pass That Dutch", and “Lose Control". The mantle was then passed to legends Salt N’ Pepa who bought high energy as well coming out the gate with early hits such as “mic sounds nice" and “I’ll take your man" following up with “Shoop", “Whatta man", and “Push It". Queen returned to rap “Ladies First" with Monie Love, then ending her set with the classic still relevant today “Unity".

    Saturday night belonged to the Queen of Hip Hop Mary J. Blige. She gave her all her  heartbreak and heartache to the crowd, gave the famous Mary dance, and much more. I enjoy Mary's music and this was my first time seeing her concert. She more than held her own on stage belting out songs like “Everything”, “My Life", “Not gon cry", and “No more drama". Hitting them over the head with classic “Real love”, letting the audience know everything will be “just fine" and that we’re a family so let's celebrate a “Family affair”. Mary J. Knows her audience and gives them her all.      

    Which leads us to my personal favorite Sunday Night. I made sure I was on time to see Teddy Riley and the new jack swing experience. The new jack swing era is one of my favorites in music, it paved the way for the r&b/hip hop fusion sound that is so prevalent today and is still underrated. Teddy Riley is surprisingly a good showman and has a stage presence. He bought out guest such as Hi-Five to perform “Like the way" and their rendition of Ella Mae “Boo’d up". That part was a waste Hi-Five has several songs of their own they could have performed. They were  followed by Kool Moe Dee. Next up was SWV who gave us “Weak", “So into you", and “Right here". My complaint against them was they didn't perform “Anything" that is my shit, but cant win them all.

      Next up was Tank performing a rendition of Bobby Browns “My Prerogative” followed by Ginuwine performing “Remember the Time". Next up was Wreckx n effect “Shake your rump" and “New Jack Swing”, MC Lyte came aboard for “Rough Neck" followed by performing Queen Pens “A party ain't a party" to support Queen Pen during a health battle. Sadly at multiple points during this set, the performers were hindered by microphone issues to the point Teddy and Co. hijacked the show until it was fixed.

     Blackstreet next came on stage with Dave Hollister belting out lead on “Don’t leave” and “Before I let you go". Partytime  kicked in when the beat for “No Diggity" dropped and kept going from there. Guy reunited to “Groove Me", “Let’s Chill” “Goodbye Love", and of course “I like".

      The originator Doug E. Fresh stopped by for a never gets old rendition of “The Show", some beatboxing only Doug E. Can do. And a little Doug E. freestyle to let the masses know who he is to “teach me how to dougie".

     The last surprise of the New Jack set was an original new jack star Keith Sweat. Singing “Make It Last Forever" and “I want her" he had all the forty and over woman bout to let loose. The New Jack Swing Experience was a highlight for me and all those artist still got it.

      Fantasia hit the stage next for "Without Me", “Free yourself" and “When I see you". I honestly didn't know the other Fantasia songs, but this was my second time seeing her and she gives 110% at every performance. She sings, she dances or twerks whatever her heart desires at that time, engages the crowd, cracks jokes she does it all. Her set was kind of short and I wasn't sure if that was by design or time constraints. Either way she deserved more stage time

    Sundays headliner the Icon, sister to my favorite artist MJ, Janet Jackson. Despite being in her early 50s Janet still moves flawlessly. Playing hits from Control to Velvet Rope and beyond. Janet let everyone know she still has it and don't sleep on her.

    She performed “Scream" intercutting portions of the video with MJ and they had me on my feet the whole time. Ending the night with “Rhythm Nation" Janet reminded us that times have changed but haven't, and it’s up to the people to really change it.

    Janet's act did not end until after midnight and several people left to either get ready for their flight in the morning or were just tired. While not anyone's fault it was kind of disrespectful to the show Janet was putting on to see so many people leaving at one time during her performance.

    All in all it was a great weekend of celebrating the culture and music. I saw so many legends perform I wouldn't have seen perform otherwise. Looking for some good music and an experience check out Essence.

    

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Essence Experience Part 1

For the past 20 plus years, every first weekend in July New Orleans becomes the epicenter of Black culture. The Essence Music Festival, and not only is it a festival it’s a experience and a celebration of our culture.

 I was privileged to attend Essence this year and it truly is a bucket list item. Let's start with how many black people you see over the weekend embracing positivity and love. Multiple generations come to this event, primarily woman attended by woman a single guy on his A game would be in heaven during Essence weekend. If he doesn't get at least one phone number he needs to adjust his game.

 The Essence convention held every day during the weekend is a overwhelming experience. Backed by some big name sponsors such as Coca Cola, Disney,  McDonalds, Ford, AT&T and Wal Mart among others. The convention contains screenings for new films and television shows, celebrity interviews, independent vendors, meet and greets, workshops on financial literacy, building brands, gaining business, overcoming hurdles in life and so much more.

  Be prepared to walk the expansive space and stand in line for all the FREE stuff being given out. Most the free items and sample sizes given away are items you need. I received 3 bars of deodorant, some soap, and other trinkets from a Dove giveaway bag.

   Most importantly though you saw Woman taking their daughters, granddaughters, or little sisters to Essence and get inspired and learn young just great and beautiful they are.

  Nothing's perfect no matter how well planned out it is, and the Essence convention was no exception. I waited in a ridiculous long line to meet Regina Hall and the cast of Power, only for them to take photos for 20 minutes and maybe meet 15 people. There wasn't much communication provided to folks about what was what. Of course if you asked a staff member a question, you received a different answer than the last staff member you asked. All the meet and greets were confined to one space which didn’t help matters. I'm not sure how meet and greets were handled the rest of the weekend or in previous years, but it was horrible this year.

   There's also small companies and vendors selling their products inside the convention. Paintings, workout gear, fish fry, bbq sauce, statues, and more all available from vendors. Outside the convention there's even more vendors selling t-shirts, hair care products, soap, cd’s and more. There were also promotional giveaways outside the convention. Walk a few blocks away all food trucks selling food you can eat while your on the go.

    Now Essence should really send Universal Studios and the cast and crew of “Girls Trip" a thank you gift. There were so many groups of woman who were clearly inspired by Girls Trip and The Flossy Posse down there. A newspaper article mentioned there were over 500,000 people in New Orleans and it clearly showed. After Monday Morning it looked like a completely different place.

  Along with the girls trip inspired crowd, there’s somebodies ol’ uncle who still think they cool and can dress. Hell going down I felt like I was on soul plane.

  Essence is definitely catered to woman, and they throw a guy a bone here and there. If you like good music the concert is definitely for you. Love Black culture you’ll appreciate the convention's. It truly is a celebration and a bucket list item and I highly recommend attending one year if you can.

  

  

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