"If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done..."

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blogs:
Tavie
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template design based on Gina's webpage; done by Erin...

Thursday, September 26, 2002

Influenced by the 100 things list, I've decided to post my 100 music/movies list. This list consists of 50 of my favorite songs of all time, and 50 of my favorite movies of all time. This list encompasses all of my favorites; from the time I first listened to the radio, until this very day. R&B artists, Reggae artists, Pop Artists, Rock artists, you name it. The order may change as time goes on, but with a very few additions.

What's interesting about this list is that people who know me would've never thought that I listen to all this music. I wish I could do the full 100, but not even I think Blogger can handle so much music. Some of the mp3's are available upon request. So, without further ado...

From my "100 Music/Movies" list:
The Top 50 Favorite Songs of All Time

1) "Careless Whisper" - George Michael
2) "Rock With You" - Michael Jackson
3) "Holding Back The Years" - Simply Red
4) "Brothers In Arms" - Dire Straits
5) "Inner City Blues" - Marvin Gaye
6) "Waiting For A Girl Like You" - Foreigner
7) "If You Leave Me Now" - Chicago
8) "I Want To Know What Love Is" - Foreigner
9) "Against All Odds" - Phil Collins
10) "Miracle" - Whitney Houston
11) "Close To You" - Maxi Priest
12) "I Can't Dance" - Genesis
13) "Dancing In The Dark" - Bruce Springsteen
14) "Lady" - Lionel Richie
14) "Sun Goddess" - Ramsey Lewis
15) "Give Me The Night" - George Benson
16) "After The Dance" - Fourplay w. El Debarge
17) "I Want You" - Marvin Gaye
18) "Without You" - Mariah Carey
19) "I Wanna Be Your Lover" - Prince
20) "Anniversary" - Tony Toni Tone
21) "Angel" - Jon Secada
22) "I Could Fall In Love" - Selena
23) "I Coulnd't Love You More" - Sade
24) "Jammin" - Bob Marley
25) "Rise" - Herb Alpert
26) "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" - Michael Jackson
27) "Hypnotize" - Notorious B. I. G.
28) "Dear Mama" - Tupac Shakur
29) "Let's Wait Awhile" - Janet Jackson
30) "Will You Still Love Me" - Chicago
31) "Love Times Love" - George Benson
32) "The Sweetest Taboo" - Sade
33) "Words Get In The Way" - Gloria Estefan
34) "Crazy" - Seal
35) "Just Another Day" - Jon Secada
36) "Kiss From A Rose" - Seal
37) "Fragile" - Sting
38) "Strength, Courage & Wisdom" - India Arie
39) "Around The Way Girl" - LL Cool J
40) "Shattered Dreams" - Johnny Hates Jazz
41) "Monkey" - George Michael
42) "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - Aerosmith
43) "If You Asked Me To" - Celine Dion
44) "Save The Best For Last" - Vanessa Williams
45) "The Nightshift" - The Commodores
46) "She's All I Ever Had" - Ricky Martin
47) "Love Power" - Luther Vandross
48) "You Got It Bad" - Usher
49) "Juicy" - Notorious B. I. G.
50) "Creepin" - Luther Vandross

Saturday, September 21, 2002

I have been urged by good company to list 100 things about myself. I don't know why, but this sounds interesting. So, withouht further ado:



100 Things about Terrence


1) I "grew" in Brooklyn. I was born in Brookdale, raised in Park Slope, spent Junior High school in Fort Greene, and now live in Crown Heights. I venture that when I retire, I'll reside in Brooklyn Heights.
2) I have no New York accent whatsoever. Don't believe me, ask anybody that knows me.
3) My brother is now two inches taller than me. Interesting, because 2 years ago, I was two inches taller than him.
4) I live with both my parents. I have seen both their parents. And I have seen their parents' parents before they passed away. That's a true blessing.
5) I have been a Yankees fan since 1993. Sure I've been laughed at, but all that stopped. Real fast.
6) I love music. Arabic. Dancehall. Zouk. Soca. Calypso. Rock. Pop. R&B. Hip-Hop. Rap. Jazz. Classical. Even movie soundtracks. I'll try it once, and I might come back to you in several days.
7) I've been blogging since April. And I have found this way of venting very theraputic.
8) Star Trek rules. WWE rules. And long live Miami Vice!!
9) I've been writing poetry since September of 1991. That may not be entirely accurate, but it is the earliest written work that I have.
10) I have commuted in the same neighborhood as Aaliyah, Christopher Wallace, Foxy Brown, and Spike Lee. And those are just a few people who grew up in Brooklyn.
11) Bret Hart is the best there is, was, and ever will be. The only one I know who could top him would be the one and only, Bruno Sammartino.
12) I have been to Florida 5 times. I went to Disney World twice. And I still am not that crazy about it.
13) I've been on the Honor's Society all the way up to college.
14) Hunter College is a really cool place, in a very boring location.
15) Right now, my collection of friends, colleagues, and associates are as diverse as NYC. My only crime is not talking to a lot of females.
16) Reason: I am a shy guy. A shy, quiet guy who should go out more often.
17) I am a Christian. Not a Christian Scientist, Lutheran, Protestant, Baptist, Adventist, or Presbyterian. Just a Christian. Spiritually, not religiously.
18) Genesis, in the "I Can't Dance, Tonight Tonight Tonight, Long Way To Go" era, was my favourite group.
19) I couldn't dance myself, until recent years.
20) "Holding Back The Years" by Simply Red remains one of my favourite songs of all time.
21) "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson was my favourite song for 7 years.
22) "Careless Whisper" by George Michael now holds that rank.
23) I always catch on to crazes late. For example, I didn't get into Alicia Keys until "How Come You Don't Call Me" was released on the radio.
24) My love for Sade accounts for one of those reasons.
25) Mariah's good. Vanessa's okay. Aaliyah might have reached this point. J-Lo, well, may have the potential. But NOBODY beats Whitney.
26) Okay. I admit it. I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson. We are out there, and there is no shame in that.
27) On that note, I am also a fan of Eminem. And I never thought I'd hear myself say that. It took me four years to adapt to rap/hip-hop. It took me two weeks to get hooked on the Slim-Shady.
28) I will also admit my musical admiration for George Michael and Prince. They still remain very cool artists, no matter what sexual direction they're in.
29) I've acted in 4 big school productions. In "Really Rosie," I was a character with goggles on. I have played Steve Urkel twice on Family Matters recaps. And I've done an interesting impression of Bill Cosby in a Jello-ad. That got me popularity real fast.
30) My mother has been noted to care too much about what other people think. I think I care too much about what girls think.
31) But I still love my mom.
32) And I love my "pop" too. I take great effort on Father's Day to surprise him.
33) Kung-fu has always been my favorite thing to watch. Gimmie Jackie Chan anyday. I probably know more about him and his movies than most Asians. Seriously.
34) Jackie Chan vs. Bruce Lee??? Sorry Jack, Bruce takes this one.
35) Jackie Chan vs. Jet-Li? Give me two more movies, and I'll give you an answer.
36) The last time I threw up, I ate a steak and potatoes dinner at "For Goodness Steak" some years ago. That would be the last time I ate there as well.
37) Wrestling is not real. Neither are most soap operas. It is entertainment. I do not mock those that watch them. Don't mock me for watching wrestling.
38) I miss Stone Cold Steve Austin. WHAT?
39) What they say is true. Music is Life, and Life is Music. Some of the best words are said in song.
40) According to TheSpark.com I am 24% undateable. According to my friends, I have lived only 29% of my life. Based on my circumstances, I find both those statements hard to believe.
41) I actually know how to cook. This didn't come easy; several burns occured. But nothing serious.
42) I read magazines. Computer magazines, car magazines, wrestling magazines, video game magazines. Even most black magazines. I don't know. I fear things with more than 200 pages.
43) But, I've read several books. I have enjoyed "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "Hamlet." Don't ask me anything on Harry Potter... yet.
44) Macintosh rules. PC users only wish they could be like us cool guys.
45) My favorite Mac was my own computer, the PowerBook 540c. Now, it's the TiBook, for obvious reasons.
46) Most of my friends either love Mac's, or are Mac literate.
47) My hair is one of my favorite things about my body. It is also the one thing I really don't pay much attention to.
48) Trust me, when the Word says "Fear God," they mean it. Fear God. And if you don't believe, start. It pays.
49) Canada is my home away from home away from home. Florida is my home away from home, The problem is, I don't wanna leave home.
50) I've flown in the air 3, 476 miles. I've been in car rides for 10 times the amount of travel.
51) I have kept too many secrets in my adolescence. For about every 20 secrets I had, only 2 were mine.
52) I do not know the current Prime Minister of Canada. and that sucks.
53) My mom says I talk too much. Others have said I don't talk a lot. Who's right, I have no idea.
54) Bottom line: I'm big, I'm fat. But hey, I feel better about it and do more than most skinny people.
55) I do listen. Maybe at times, that's all I do. Because when I talk, nobody seems to hear me.
56) Aside from cold/flu medicine, I have never taken any drugs of any kind. That was until last month, when my head did not want to go to work.
57) I am Sagitarius. Sagitariuses are number 1!!
58) The number one British import is not the Beatles. It is Rowan Atkinson.
59) Pepsi or Coca-Cola?? Who cares? Let's call the whole thing off!
60) What is so absolutely fabulous about "Absolutely Fabulous"??
61) For that matter, what's so great about Ally, Buffy, or Friends??
62) The number one comedy... The Cosby Show. But Seinfeld came awfully close in some degrees.
63) I support Napster. And Kazaar. And any other file sharing service. Why?? Because I am sick of spending $12-$15 for CD with only three songs that I like. I have spent $2413.68 on CD's since I was a high school sophomore. And the total worth is only about $800. I intend on being paid in full, whether the music business likes it... or not.
64) I will also admit, my music spending has dropped 91% since Napster's birth. My mother is so proud of me.
65) No matter what happens though, I will always buy a Whitney Houston CD. Or a Sade CD. Or a Celine Dion CD. Or a Kenny G, Michael Jackson, or a George Michael CD.
66) Thriller and Coolhighharmony are the best music investments I ever made in life. The best of most artists would come second to them.
67) The only thing that would top those investments: iPod. 20GB. And nothing less.
68) I have no real explanation for my starting to blog. Nor my fascination in doing so. But I will credit Tavie for introducing the idea.
69) Kirk or Picard? What kinda question is that??
70) James Tiberius Kirk, by the way.
71) I play the piano, know Microsoft Office well, and major in Accounting. But all my jobs have either involved customer service, or data entry.
72) Let's get something straight: I love Hamlet, But I hate Shakespeare.
73) "Taxi Driver" is my favorite movie. "Star Trek II - The Wrath Of Khan" comes second. "Army of Darkness" third.
74) Though I love "Army of Darkness", I have never seen the previous two "Evil Dead" movies.
75) I must name one of my children either Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego. I'll probably lean on the first two choices.
76) My first born son just might be named Ocean. Think about it. Ocean Pierre. Sounds cool, at first.
77) I have roots in Trinidad and Barbados. But I love St. Lucia the most.
78) Reality TV rose with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. It died with Big Brother.
79) My life has altered long before 9/11. The real changes occured when I realized I couldn't be with my high school sweetheart anymore.
80) I may buy Poland Spring, but I prefer my NY Brita water.
81) I totally dislike that "Steve" guy from the Dell ads.
82) But I'll tolerate Steve Urkel. Now that's odd.
83) I have a habit of trying everything once. It pays off, about 49% of the time.
84) I so much want to graduate now, but doing so means leaving most of my "kliq" behind. And where would I be without my kliq??
85) I'd be on the internet, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
86) I'm so glad I haven't heard the "24/7" phrase as much as I used to.
87) I noticed the latin craze was just a craze. That's messed up. I was beginning to like it.
88) I am totally infatuated with Shakira.
89) I love Serena's face. I love Venus' attitude and disposition. It would have been a crime if they were not sisters.
90) Richard Williams in my view would make a great tennis promoter.
91) For a very short time, I liked Martina Hingis.
92) If I were stuck on a deserted island, with all due respect, I would rather be stranded with Rosario Dawson. No specific reason, I would just want to be with her.
93) Like most, Halle Berry would have topped the list. But that was before Light It Up.
94) In all my years, I never thought Patrick Ewing would retire without getting a ring. At least one.
95) Strange but true: I love the Lakers dynasty, but dislike the Bulls Dynasty.
96) Despite that: Michael Jordan is the world's greatest.
97) Diet Dr. Pepper may taste more like Dr. Pepper, but bring on the Cherry Coke!
98) I prefer winter than summer. Something about the chill that makes me active.
99) I dreamed one night that I was dancing on the beach with Tyra Banks while Dave Koz was on sax. Since that day, I've had that same dream. Every month it seems.
100) And last, but not least...
LONG LIVE THE NEW WORLD ORDER!!

Wednesday, September 11, 2002

Well, a year after the day no one will ever forget, it nice to know that in some shape fashion or form, America is back to normal. My wishes and respects will now go out to all that have lost someone dear that very day, or to all that have lost someone (or somethinng special) period. 9/11 victims are no more special than those we've lost beforehand, and afterwards. My thoughts go out the families that have to start anew, and thouse who have picked up the pieces and move on. You are the truly brave ones.

Furthermore, to the NYPD and FDNY, who risk their lives everyday and enjoy it, thank you. Even though you are just doing your job, it means a lot to those who really need your help. My prayers also go to the families of cops and firemen that did, and did not, make it that day. May God bless all of your hearts, and help you all pick up the pieces to move on.

I would write a freelance or poem of sorts to commend you. But it would just be in a sea of poems written by everyone, both young and old. The mere fact that it's my poem means nothing...

Friday, September 06, 2002

Well, someone had the nerve to send me 12 cents for my thoughts with Paypal yesterday. I dunno the nut that did it [even though I really shouldn't call him "nut"], but I guess my services are required. So here goes...

At the advice of my clique, the background color is now white. It makes things a little easier for the eye, and credits for the web page design are now visible beneath the blogspace. I now work on a new image to but on my page. But that will require time and patience. Because I won't do this again until sometime next year.
Which brings another interesting question: When do I take advantage of Verizon DSL's 10MB of webspace?? I guess the answer lies in when, and how, Tavie takes advantage of hers...

I finally bought the Rupee CD. Strange, because I need RAM for my computer. I need blank CD's for my backup files. I need a speakerphone attachment for my new Timeport. But with some of the saved dough I had, I spent $13.41 for a new Rupee CD. But... its long run value: priceless.

After being cell-free for two weeks, I finally realized what brought me into the 21st century in the first place: being the last to know everything. It feels weird calling friends at their house number now, with internet and other family uses. So the cellphone plays an intricate part in up-to-date and last-minute communications. For two weeks, I could have chilled with people I haven't seen in months. But, I was two weeks behind without my cell. So, at the behast of my mother (who absolutely adores Verizon), I paid $125 deposit and got a brand new, four year old, Motorola Timeport 8767 for Verizon Wireless.

What? Four years old, and brand new?

Well, the thought did cross my mind. It is kinda old, and the v60's are very hot and popular. But I don't give a damn: Startacs and I have had the best companionship since I can remember. And besides which, the only phone I've had that extends between my ear and mouth is a Startac or Timeport. Sprint phones may be cool, but according to sources, their service leaves much to be desired. At&t phones aren't as cool, and I know no one with any experience with At&T. Nextel wants $250 deposit, but the only reason I'd get it is so that I can go: "Alex come in..." with the walkie-talkie feature. I just got off of Voicestream, and to be honest, I have had no problems with Voicestream. My only hope is that T-Mobile, which is what it has become, is just as good. Cingular, well, is Cingular. While hot in California, is just starting in New York. And don't wanna end up like the World.com customers...
That leaves Verizon, and the option to consolidate DSL, local/long distance, and Wireless services into one bill. "How nifty," my mother thought. And so far, so good...

So how does it feel to be back in the game?
Good, I must say.

In four days, it will be Tuesday the 10th. This is important for several reasons:
1 - Hammerstein Ballroom. On the 8th, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Beenie Man will be there performing. And everything is set... except the ride back home!
2 - Wednesday will be the 11th. A very serious day of rememberance. I'll probably post a prayer of best wishes to all that have lost. My little way of saying "I feel your pain." And thanks to our FDNY and NYPD might be order as well.
3 - The 15th. Tuesday will leave me 5 days to figure out what to get my 51-year old father what to get him for his birthday. Apparel is out of the question. Maybe some nifty tools and a pineapple cake might do the trick...
4 - Tuesday the 10th. The day itself holds strange yet great value. Tuesday is the birthday of someone who's turning 20. It is the 20th birthday of someone I knew for 7 or 8, 9 years I think. It is the birthday of someone I used to be cool with like brothers; of someone I used to call friend. But it's been 2 months, 9 months if I got the hint earlier, since the bond was broken. And I feel real strange. The better part of me is saying I should call him up, wish him well. Maybe, patch things up with him. I'll never know, maybe it might turn out good. But after nine months, the other part of me is saying to forget it. It will be the best way to get over the situation. Not looking back is just one way to move on, and is usually one of the best ways. But it's hard. And to give up on someone that was really there for you makes you wonder about things. Well, knowing me, I'll probably give my best shot, just to be on the right.

In other interesting news, I was at Costco some hours ago, and a West-Indian woman (late 30's/early 40's) was moving awkwardly slow trying to put her groceries in the cart. Too slow for me apparently, as I assumed position to put my stuff in the cart. This apparently offended her, to the point where she calls me pushy. Dismissing the situation (because I did have someplace to go; class being one of them), she continued on to say I need to see help and went about her business, still talking as she moved away. To make matters even more interesting, I see her again outside the store while awaiting my cab. And yet again, she calls me pushy. A nearby woman asks her if she has registered to vote, the West-Indian dismisses her with some sort of creole, now focusing her attention to me. Ignoring her, I put my groceries in plastic bags (no, you don't get them from Costco. Cool cats bring their own bags...) Realizing she still hadn't gone about her business, I softly reply "I apologize." Unfazed, she finally got the message and did in fact go about her business, still saying "You should see help; you're to pushy..."

Why did I, in fact, just post this?

Am I saying to myself that I do need help? Or is this to say that screwed is I if this woman should turn out to be the mother of a woman I might be interested in? God forbid she be the reason for me to breakup with... anyone. For a small world, it sure as hell is a weird one...

To conclude, I have noticed something interesting. A guy I know happens to hustle a lot. Between bills and new acquisitions, he needs the dough. I used to have this guy drop me home from time to time. But as I got to know him, it was as if we becama family or something. So, he began dropping me off for less than usual; I even got a driving lesson. But as time flew, and bills got higher, the importance level I had with the guy dwindled. Not by a tad or some small amount, but tremendously. It offends me somehow, because I never asked for this. I just seemingly flowed with everything, and now, when I call for a pick-up, someone else has to get the upper hand. Why, because my level of importance is not high anymore. How all of this fits together, I don't know. But in a nutshell, I gained a compadre, and lost a hustling cabbie.

What a life!

Well guy, I hope you got your 12 cents worth.

Wednesday, September 04, 2002

What a weekend.

Why am I posting this blog a whole day afterwards? Because my feet are still sore. But now that I gained feeling back in my feet, I have to say that I enjoyed this Labor Day Parade, and weekend for that matter.

As far as the parade goes, what I really wanted to do was to acquire the new Rupee CD, as well as some music from cropover, some of which includes Krosfyah, Edwin Yearwood, Kevin Little, and others. But I failed in that task, so I just decided to have fun and go dancing for a while. The moment I step over those gates and into the Parkway was the moment that it was over for me. I just found myself flowing with the crowd, jumping up and dancing to almost every single float that went up to Flatbush Avenue. I would have been satisfied doing just that, had it not been for those guys wining up on the women every chance they got. Well, seeing that it wasn’t exactly a crime, I decided I was going to do a little wining myself, and by the time I gathered enough strength to walk home, I had already wined up on ten or twelve girls!

Not that it was all my fault, but through almost every float I was moving with, I was with one or two women, at two or three times a piece, age: young and mid-20’s, I was having so much fun. I might have gotten a phone number or two, if I wasn’t having so much fun dancing in the rain! My only regret…

…No pictures.

But it's been 48 hours since the parade, and my left ankle has started to return to normal. Just in time for my first class of the new semester. Oh, joy. The Genius of Modern Theater. I hope it is as interesting as it sounds.