Column: Why the American Mindset of Design should make room for Asian Innovation

Classic American design is often proudly unmistakable; though cleverly composed and sometimes, reminiscent. We have collected, revolutionized, and surely Americanized worldly ideas and stamped them with our ingenuity and innovative seal of approval. Though we don't always get it right we strive for the best in everything from automobiles to architecture. Our usual M.O to design: big, bigger and biggest.
Escalades, mansions, 50" LCD televisions...even your venti morning coffee - all enormously huge and quintessentially American. Excess. Its a cultural thing, not only limited to design, but ever so encompassing of our ideology and sense of self; it speaks to our inherent mindset that happiness can and is measured...literally. So it's natural to think that, during a recession and a theme of less is more and 'cutting back' echoed internationally, that this blueprint to success would, well, perhaps not be so successful. Insert Asian innovation.
Whether it be from Japan, China or anything in between, Asian engineering and imagination of designs endless possibilities and overlooked abilities have naturally flourished in times such as these. Their ideas are conceived outside the box and instead of vying only for substantial, they instead aim sustainable as well, and more so it seems, size. In a polar culture and point of view from our own, Asian ideology often, if not always, veers for small, rather than seismic. To fit within conformity while still out thinking it. To make space and structure where others would swear there is none.
Modern times have rendered this highly necessary: China, for example, is the worlds most populated county with a million people and then some. The daily realization for a need for space has afforded the Chinese to not only recreate a modern and highly effective new China, but to branch out and reach others....all the way to the West in countless cases. While cities like Los Angeles struggles with daunting traffic and time-wrenching freeways, China has come to the aid of their people, in cities where the traffic of a half-a-million drivers can surely seem paralysing. Introducing the 3D Fast Bus, from the Chinese Shenzhen Hashi Future Parking Company. It has all the components of a triumphant invention suited for the masses, equipped to be effective and slated for a nod to an ingenious imagination. Perhaps its only qualm may lie, not with the bus itself, but with drivers unsuited to glide along with a high-speed Disneyland-esque tram above them. And really, bad drivers seem to be an issue none of us have yet to solve.
If driving seems like too much of a hassle, paddle over to Japan, where anyone can live the high life under a modest roof. With less and less space available for living, Japanese architects have come to commercialize the concept of ultra small homes, or entire homes equivalent to a 2 bed apartment or smaller. Though off the cuff, this seems unbearable, and certainly anything but luxurious, these undersized abodes encompass glamour, functionality and most importantly, living ability. Yasuhiro Yamashita, a lead architect from Tokyo, is among the many who make these houses, homes...while subsequently reimagining the status quo of design, and all the while creating art of minuscule, yet unimaginable proportions.
Perhaps we could take a subtle cue...I mean, were all in a recession, right?

Column: Ring My Bell - The Scientific Synopsis of the Real World Phenomenon knows as the Booty Call

I ran across an article today, during my hourly news updates at work, which caught me by surprise and titillated my interest. And memory. An article that I can proudly say was on a reputable news site, msnbc.com, but that could have easily been posted on theonion.com as a faux find or even mixed in with tmz's sultry nonsense. Yet, it is based on actual scientific research, from experts in the subject: college students, who else?! The nature vs. nurture ideas about the infamous 'booty call' were up for debate at the University of West Florida, in which psychologist Peter Jonason (clever name in such a study) led a team in researching the late-night invites. Were they strictly sexual in nature, or was there some sort of intimacy inherently involved? And where on the spectrum of human relationships do booty calls lie, with monogamy at one end absolute sexual prowling on the other. I would agree with most of the initial findings of this less-than-diligent online surveys of merely 289 relationship-pendulum students: requests are made by calling or text, it is a convenient hybrid of long-term and one-night stand relationships yet is purely on the side seeking sexual pleasure. As well, it is brief, to the point and steers away from lingering emotion. Sounds about right - but any Hollywood movie could have told you that. In fact, Netflix Booty Call and report back your findings asap. And in particular, one wouldn't need to limit their consulting to college students: booty calls and random acts of sexual satisfaction maintain a scared place within most sexually active people, either currently or from their past. Take a moment and recall Psychology 101: Freud details the animalistic tendencies innate to human existence and relationships. However, I would be interested to know, instead, how the nature of booty calls has changed over time; hopefully evolving, but nonetheless steadfast in getting the craving quenched. Have men and women grown seedier and more desperate? Or have we past a long ago era where men would at least pretend to get to know you, out of respect and decency, before the forthcoming wham-bam? I would venture to say that the only thing that surprised me about the supposed research into this complex, yet sex-savvy field, would be it's position in relation to the other extremes: monogamy and one-night stands. According to Jonason, while all aspects incorporate sex, one-night stands typically have the least amount of sex acts as opposed to booty calls - the idea being that booty calls have consistency and trial-&-error on their side, much like a relationship. On the other hand, one-night stands tend to be more emotional; holding hands, kissing and cuddling, probably because the expectation of impending intimacy allows for a heightened acceptance of outward affection. Lets face it - your only going to be together for a few hours anyway, so the speed of getting to know each other and feeling comfortable makes sense. Then again, repeatedly seeing someone for the utmost of intimate acts, sex, should always abide by that same logic, right? Perhaps, but in reality and science, the fact is that what breaks up most consensual booty calls is the expectation for more; more emotion, time, and heart. In the meantime and between time, before tonight's possible tripe onto the nearest bed, couch or kitchen floor, scientists have decided to invest more "longitudinal work" for the horizontal mambo, and I personally, couldn't be more thrilled with the idea. The only question remains: do they need any extra research done?

Stuck on Solo

So many months and some change, here I remain stuck on solo. Not always alone though, it sometimes feels that way. I must say I've been in neutral gear for some time, not rushing mines just avoiding grime, thinking through my boxed wine, it was just time for me to unwind. Reassess myself and my love life's grind... into the ground. I look around and all I see is..me. Hustle, hustle, rarely pause to breath, let alone allow another emotion to tie down my ease. Doing me in all facades and degrees, albeit soulfully fulfilling, my left hand still lingers free and I think I may finally want someone whos willing... to hold it. With his hands join my future and help me mold it. Be my everything when nothing is enough. Never coddling me too much - see, he knows I like it rough. Console my soul with his relentless heart- he is and always will be a great man, with me right by his side as his number 1 fan. Believe in me when Im my biggest hater -push me toward 'greatness' and I'll escort you to 'greater'.  Collect my tears when the grind is too much, dust off my shoulders, tell me to fuck the small stuff and all the while hold my heart in his cuff. He is solely meant for me and no one else; Lord knows I've never been one to share. Still, he cares like I care. Giving of himself when there is little left to spare; he is epic and boundless in all that he desires and as exhausting as this may be when I need anything, he is my supplier. Kisses and hugs, embraces and love...Im waiting for him with my breath held, bottled up. He is sure to leave me breathless. He who is him is unknown at this minute, but being stuck on solo, perhaps I should make room in my present for him it it.

Column: Another Dream Deferred...& A Mili-an Just like It

A 10-month marriage has come to an end with the somewhat predicted demise between 32-year old mega-producer/singer/song writer The Dream (a.k.a Terius Nash) and singer/actress Christina Milian.
Famous for her younger days as a Disney star and her pop career dippin it low from a.m to p.m, Christina and The Dream, Mr. Yeah if you will, met and quickly fell in 'love', eloping in Las Vegas on September 4th 2009. The two were already expecting their 1st child by then. Shocker. In Violet, who is almost 6 months old and is beautiful "with a definite personality" according to Dream; though she is the 1st for Christina, it is The Dreams 4th child. Yes, 4th - hes has 3 little-dreams from his previous marriage with R&B crooner Nivea (from Dont Mess With My Man fame).
While Im not surprised, I am a tad disheartened by the breakup. Whenever discussing her future with Dream, Christina frequently gushed of their loving life and her role in music and as Mrs. Nash: "I enjoy being happy every day, and hopefully you can hear my happiness in my music. Life is beautiful". Yet here they are separating, apparently since late 2009, even though it wasn't disclosed to the public then to protect their impending daugther (who was born in Feb 2010). Hmmm.
I suppose the signs toward Dooms-ville were all too obvious; frequent trips away, rare coupled sightings, groupies all around ATL. It is all too apparent from a very recent interview The Dream gave to Essence, in which his caviler attitude toward Christina (still his 'wife' as of this interviews date) and his young newborn resonate the polar opposite of the man we swoon to onstage. One would think a supposed veteran father of 3 children would be quite 'the dream' partner to raise a child with, however, it looks like Christina may have simply been dreaming. When asked about his involvement with his new daugther, Mr. Nash bluntly responded,

I don't [get involved] because my "helping out" turns into expectations. I'll get Violet on a late night maybe one or two times, but after that, no. If Christina's tired, call the nanny, call Violet's granny. We got people.

What? You have people? So, I can only assume Dream assumes that because he is an active musician that excludes him from being an active father? He should probably expect to be sterile after a comment like that. The interview proceeds with questions regarding the then-alleged rumors surrounding he and wife Christina with reports they were (gasp) separating:

Whoever thought that blogs would dictate our conversations, [the writers] must be in their bedroom saying "Look what I can do." It's actually sad to have to entertain it. The rumors are not true and it really boils my blood. Christina and I are cool. People keep asking, "Why haven't we seen you guys out together?" I'm working, that's why you haven't seen us. She's at work too in Los Angeles. The women in the pictures are actually legitimate friends of mine. The photo with me in the car with another woman, she's a good friend who's at my house all the time. It's sad, because [the blogs] have humiliated her. She feels bad, I feel bad and you don't know what that [judgement] does to that person. Who takes responsibility for that? I understand freedom of speech but if I made my living spreading rumors about people, my family wouldnt claim me.

Ok so, let me make sure I have this straight: just 2 weeks ago, you and Christina were cool, yet there are pictures of you and your assistant hamming it up in the Caribbean, doin who-knows-what while the cameras flash to capture the infidelious event.Coincidental timing? Nah. Spiteful. Yep. Typical cheater? Yep. Ah, what a nightmare.
I have to ask though, depite how balse he seems about the situation and his public statement of his marriage simply being "unsuccessful", has it occured to Dream that maybe, just maybe, if he didnt flaunt around with other women he might be a successful somewhere other than the music charts? Somewhere like with his family; wife, kids...the whole deal. Talking about family not claiming you! And you lie! Ugh.

In the meantime, we all know how the story goes: she may or may not leave him, he most certainly will sleep his way past her, theres an innocent child he can now add to his payroll rooster to support, another ex-wife to maintain and another statistic to add, multiply and divide by.

When will people learn...

Column: Lions & Tigers & Big Checks, oh my!

You may not remember what you did last month, last week, or even yesterday.I'm the same way so it’s understandable. But I think its safe to say most of us can selectively remember this past November of 2009: Thanksgiving, Black Friday, the stock markets slight optimistic recovery and, oh yeah, Tiger Woods epic infidelity buffet sprawled out before our eyes. While it was an familiar sight to see, a celebrity marriage dissolving over a matter of days, it was also unbearably salacious and better than any penned reality garbage. Here's a man, a Nike, Gatorade, Tag Huger, Schick man, at yet anther fantastic pinnacle in his career, seemingly unstoppable as the best and dearest golf player ever to grace the game. He's on Wheaties, he's given speeches encouraging the youth and due to his amazing skills and inherent diversity, subsequently changed the color and face of golf forever. There will never be another Tiger Woods. Still his greatness has yet to keep him from being an average typical cheater. Or has it? Admittedly, most don't cheat with upwards of 17 partners during the course of a 5-year marriage. That's impressive Tiger. And most don't diversify their conquests like Tiger; waitress, porn star, overseas and domestically here at home. Though most do get caught (yep, that includes you Mr.Woods), most do not face the consequences and financial heist like Tiger Woods. In 2010, cheating like Tiger will cost you around $100 million and monthly child support in the tens of thousands.
Though the two had a prenup, which destined Ellen Nordegren to at least $20 million if they remain married for a decade, news of the golf greats adultery prompted a slight renegotiation to the initial contract. Still, nothing in the new prenup settles her with an amount like the one she will now be receiving. While it is in exchange for her undying silence on the marriage and his cheating, truly, it is so obvious Tiger is the one getting screwed by his own selfishness. And his wallet will be taking the brunt of the pain.
It's no coincidence that Tiger Woods has quite possibly discovered some the most expensive mistresses ever. Even Heidi Fleiss would be amazed at the tab 17 separate yet countless transgressions can rack up. But like the #1 champion he is, Tiger managed one of the most expensive divorce settlement. Ever. Yes, he's up their with Michael Jordans $157M.
Yet I think, beyond the money and the affairs, is the out come for their two children. When there is a cheater in any relationship (especially one involving children) you cant help but question: While they were away cheating, what did they miss here at home? Maybe a recital, or a science fair display. Maybe a day at the beach, or dinner at home. Maybe even some tears that needed wiping. Who knows? Certainly they don't; its hard to think of the ones you love when your doing things that would break their heart. And for his indiscretions, he will have still less time with his young 1-and-3 year old children: Ellen will have complete custody, with Tiger inserting some input. While I don't blame this custody aspect on Ellen (he did cheat with 17 women for goodness sake) it does sadden me that she had to even do this at all. Kids who need and want their father can't be around him because he is incapable right now of making selfless decisions, in particular, involving his family. In particular, not hurting them or their trust anymore.
Who's to say what Ellen, or any other mistreated, beguiled and heartbroken woman should receive monetarily. For pain and suffering.For embarrassment and exposure. For lost trust and wasted time. With the adultery rate the way it is, it seems a lot of people should be receiving $20M payouts for failed relationships. Yet in reality that doesn't happen. And in reality cheaters still cheat, leaving spouses without their other half. And children are left with monthly paychecks, yet no papa. And in reality, not even $20M can fill that emotional bankruptcy.

Ah, A Great Pretender

Few people know, but I'm all too aware. So few know, but your secret wont be spared. Little do they know what we all had to live out; Ah, your a great pretender. A cowardly white-lie inventor, changing lives in your weak surrender to the greener grass and forbidden Apples, though you just cant take the blame so you hinder. Blending seamlessly, I'll confess; all the while spreading embers you transgress through lies, deceit and selfish obsesses. Ah, the regrets...but no one knew.
You seemed so...fresh and new. Full of virtues to wholesome to be untrue; family devoted, motive cleverly unbeholden, though lost in a supposed future never meant for you. Silly fool, don't you know your a pretender? A grown diminutive charlatan cloaked like a poor mans emperor with your 'New' clothes; yet everyone knows you cant teach an old dog new tricks. Continue to think you have fooled the masses - the man in the mirror is only fooling you.
Perk up, you are a great pretender, right? So little does anyone know who you really are. I must say, you look so normal but alas your so sub-par...A parental of three never hands-on, always afar, and you shudder to think your mini-me's want nothing to do with you? Cry me a river and drown in it too. Ah, great pretender I see right through you. Your naked without your lies and all anyone can do is pity you. The shell of a being you have become, your even less than a man you were bore from; its so late in this game you may never measure up.
Great pretender, I call your bluff. Your orphaned heart and rogue ways - you've won and finally gotten your way. Solo you are in a city so cold - a metro mecca with out a soul who really knows. But your a great pretender, right? Right. Now pretend your really not alone.

Column: The Lesbian Effect

Yo, Drizzy sayin' get her Imma get her
I get the kind of money that make a broke bitch bitter

Gon' ahead and deep-throat.
4-chick Foursomes,
Skin colors mocha.
Sally and Sonia put the pussies on my Totem.
Pole.

Cause I'm bout go have a ménage
With this lady and some freaks at the bar
who like fuckin' with a star…
If you fuckin' with me
Really fuckin' with me
Let her put her hands in your pants
Be my little freak

Excuse me little mama
But you could say I'm on duty
I'm lookin' for a cutie
A real big o' ghetto booty
I really like your kitty kat
And if you let me touch her
I know you're not a bluffer
I'll take you to go see Usher

Make a straight girl out of lezzie…
and this bitch I brought with me she be baggin bitches for me
I got a girl named Kima
and Kima like Christina
baby three dont make a crowd it make a sex scene meaner
I just wanna get between her
turn it over scream her
than its one, two, Im through, see ya

3 is the new 2
Baby, bring about your girlfriend when you come through?
A whole lot of freaky little things we gonna do
If that's your fantasy
Then girl im feeling you

If Pink is the new black, then gay is the new straight. Well, lezzie chic at least, and I don’t mean your bi-curious kiss after a kegger during your senior year of undergrad. Sex sells, and in both underground and mainstream music, the fascination with and sexual conquests of female-on-female possibilities has found a highly profitable male niche in a most un-female friendly genre: hip hop. While its true, hip hop circumvents the blase norm and instead delves into the more glamorous, rough, or intoxicated aspects of life, as of late it has taken an increasingly feminine twist, and caught onto a wave of trendy sexual orientation seeping into conventional pop culture. We shall call it, the Lesbian Effect. It has made its way into movies, magazines, award shows, sitcoms, and yes, now music. With the steady flow of introductions of aspiring female rappers; Diamond, Hedonis Da Amazon, Nola Darling and Tiye Phoenix ( to name a few), the game has formally welcomed outspoken lesbian Nicki Minaj to lead the forefront of a ‘Black Barbie’ revolution. And why not? Nicki is exactly what any mass producing hip hop generator would want: she’s unpredictable, confident, sassy, quick witted and sexually appealing to both men and women. Ok, probably mostly men. Unlike her contemporaries, relaying solely on their actual talent, Nicki and her team of Young Money are quick to point our her bark and her bite for both sides of the fence: “I'm lookin' for a cutie, A real big o' ghetto booty…And if you let me touch her I'll take you to go see Usher”. Her lyrics, whether self-professed or cleverly doctored, hint toward her sexuality yet never cross actually confirming it. Is she gay, bisexual, or simply smart for having us talk about it? Only she knows, yet her persona and appeal was created to dramatize a male-centered imagination come-to-life: a bodacious pit bull in a mini-skirt who spits game as well as a guy. But is into girls. Or maybe both? Listening to her lyrics I'm pressed to wonder, are these her own desires or those of a misogynistic society dictating her increasingly sexualized aura to obtain success? Nicki Minaj – 'Minaj' being a reference to “eating” females a la menage a trios – isnt the first or the last female to use her mystic femme fetal to get what they want. And she in particular isn't the source for this sudden Lesbian Effect. Furthermore, her being gay or not really isn't anyone business in the first place. Perhaps, the actual issue lies in the fact that yet again we have stooped creatively – are we actually to the point of commercializing homosexuality to sell rap albums? Its looking that way. We as a hyper sexualized culture have taken something inherently feminine, lesbianism, and turned it out; it has now become a venue for male conquest and profit based on the backbone of female sexuality. Realistically speaking, a large aspect of hip hop and its assumed lifestyle lies in the wealth and abundance of its females. Women are required to look, act and appeal to an ideal – to an ideology. And this appeal extends past the superficial to ones own sexuality. The Lesbian Effect trickling into hip hop, and oozing throughout pop cultural in general, has taken aspects of the increasing female sexual liberation stemming from the 60's and somewhat morphed it into a rather sense of exploitation. Being a lesbian is nothing, seemingly unless it involes a man in some sort; “I got a girl named Kima/ and Kima like Christina/ baby three dont make a crowd/it makes a sex scene meaner”. Or if a man cane profit from it; “My girl's got a girlfriend/ I just found out/but its alright/as long as I can be with her too”. Rarely, I would simplify to say, is the act and preference of being a lesbian solely a female occupation when glorified in today's society. Nicki and her male counterparts are embracing the idea of selling just another fantasy, and we are all to willing to buy it and play along. Hip hop music, it unfortunetly seems, is simply the latest pawn to the oldest game in the book.