Saturday, July 30, 2011

Can The Aftermath Of Sex Be A Pain In The Butt?


One night, after pleasuring myself to some decent pornography, I couldn't help but think about the two people that were in the video. Sure, it looks good in the moment. They are giving each other awesome pleasure. They are rocking each others world, whether they are top or bottom. But once the video ended, one question occurred in my mind.

How do they feel and what do they do afterwards?

Based on personal experiences, I found the aftermath of sex to be a horrific process. First, you can hardly walk. The mid section of your body is slightly hurting from all of that sex. But that's the least of your worries. You have now wondering how you are going to get this person out of your house. Even though the individual is sleeping on the other side of the bed, you personally don't want him/her to be staying in your house. That's why you let the sex happen sometime before midnight.

After you finally managed to get the individual out of your house, you begin to get this weird feeling in your stomach, and have to rush to the bathroom. If you were drinking alcohol, you throw up. In other cases, you are sitting on the toilet, releasing the remains of whatever it was that was completely wrecked on the inside. Then you grab a bar of soap, cover two of your fingers with it, and slightly wash your insides.

After flushing your toilet, you move over to the sink and start brushing your teeth. You had your tongue and lips around many different parts of the body. Whether it's kissing the stomach and nipples, or sucking their front door, you've had your tongue and mouth all over the person's body. So you brush your teeth for a long time. Then you compliment the brushing with not one but two cups of
Listerine.

Once you finish brushing your teeth you head over to the shower to turn the water on. You want to get rid of the smell of sex after your crazy session. You stay in the shower for quite a while and begin to reflect on that night. The good, the bad, and what fields you think you will be better at next time.

If you truly want to get rid of the smell, you remove the bed sheets, put it in the laundry, grab some new sheets, and then let out the
Febreeze.

The first day is truly a pain in the butt. Once the second day arrives, you begin to get extra worried. You don't know where this person has been. People don't truly tell each other about their status. You begin to get slightly worried about the things you feel in your body, it provokes you to go the doctor and get yourself checked. You are making sure that everything about you is clean while the aftermath of sex is still fresh.

In life, we are careful about everything. Now that the world has these new sexually transmitted diseases, you become extra protective. Life is starting to be crazy thing with the new things you got to watch out for. Even though sex is a wonderful activity whether it passionate or a just a Monday morning workout session, I can't help but wonder.

Can the aftermath of sex be a pain the butt?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The cover for my debut novel.

Hotshot reporter Courtney R. Knight lands the opportunity of a lifetime to head the social media division at a high-profile media firm. But, drama, mystery and murder unfold when he gets caught up between rival moguls, a jealous ex-lover and a host of colorful characters amidst the electrifying backdrop of New York City.



Interview w/ Grammy Nominiated, R&B Singer Emily King

By J9 of J9's MusicLife


July 22, 2011 - The Park at Fourteenth - Washington, DC


In 2007, singer/songwriter Emily King debuted her soulful inspired album East Side Story.  If her name doesn't ring a bell, maybe her song Walk in My Shoes might bring back a musical memory to your ear.  Her album is definitely one of those hidden gems that slipped under the radar to most mainstream listeners but was still recognized in the music industry and was received a Grammy nominee for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

After being gone for 3 years, Emily is back with a new album to introduce the world.  She recently performed as part of The Park Unplugged happy hour event hosted by Beny Blaq Entertainment, LLC.  I was able to sit down with Emily before her performance to find out what she's been doing since releasing her debut album, being dropped by J Records and becoming independent, and the new EP Seven.

J9 talks it up with EK

MusicLife:  In 2008 I saw you perform at the Black Cat when you were promoting East Side Story.  So what have you been doing since then?

Emily King:  I've been writing a lot.  I parted ways with my label and I just took a lot of time to find and create the kind of music I enjoy.  And you know, just living, ups and downs.


MusicLife:  So you said you parted ways with J Records?  What happened and what made you decide to go the independent route?

EK:  They [J Records] dropped me.  But it wasn't really working out with us anyway for some creative reasons.  A lot of people were losing their jobs at the time and it's hard to have a common goal when everybody's just trying to survive.  So it worked out for the better and since then I've kinda learned to do everything they used to do and I'm still learning but it's a good skill.


MusicLife:  How is it being independent?  Is this going to be a permanent thing for you like do this for a while and then go back on the market for another label?

EK:  It's interesting because most people I talk to are just like labels are dead and then I do have a couple of friends who are still on labels.  People like Adele they have label support.  But there's something to doing it yourself and having the experience.  And I think that makes sense for me right now.  I don't know what's going to happen.  If the right deal comes along . .


MusicLife:  Seven dropped last week.  It is such a great album.  It's definitely a different sound from East Side Story.  Explain the creative process in developing the album and how is it different from East Side Story?

EK:  East Side Story was recorded over a long period of time as well, 3 years but the difference is the people. I was with the incredible Chucky Thompson.  This time I collaborated with Jeremy Most.  We didn't have the fancy studios, we didn't have the engineers.  I mean we had to learn a lot of things against our own will, which now I'm so thankful for.  Most of it was recorded from our homes.  So that was completely a new experience for me. 



To read the full post, click here.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Featuring Tim'm T. West's lates music video..."




Tim'm T. West
A Real Man
featuring Quentin Adams


My fellow friend, mentor, performance comrade has blessed us again with some thought-provoking, head bopping, hip swaying, rhythmical and visually stimulating work. Check out Tim'm's latest video "A Real Man." Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.











Tune in next Wednesday for more
Arts.Advocacy+Wellness with Cornelius Jones Jr.
Stay connected with me:
FaceBook: Cornelius Jones Jr.
Twitter: CorneliusJonesJ
FaceBook Fan Page: FlagBoy Official Fan Page of the Actor




Tuesday, July 26, 2011

LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR - What do you think?


"Glee" meets "Paris Is Burning" in this groundbreaking film directed by Sheldon Larry ("Noah's Arc") and written by Glenn Gaylord ("Eating Out: All You Can Eat"). Jaw-dropping dance numbers are courtesy of Beyonce's choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. When Brad's mother kicks him out, he steals her car and heads to L.A. in search of shelter. There he meets Queen Latina and her House of Eminence. Brad falls for the fierce ball scene "and a cute new boy" but can he ever really escape his past?


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Does Friends With Benefits Truly Work?



I am one of those romantic comedy fans that can't wait to go see the romantic comedy "Friends With Benefits," starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. While others are going to see "Captain America: The First Avenger" I will be going to see this romantic comedy. I have seen too many superhero movies. It's time to take a break.

With the release of this movie and saying the title so many times, it brought up a big conversation in my head. I have met a couple of people that tried to be friends with benefits. I tried it at least twice in my life. I was having a conversation with an old friend about his recent break-up. He wasn't sad that he didn't have a boyfriend anymore. He was more upset that he temporarily had to say goodbye to sex.

"I need a beneficial friend," he said.

Me and him were the only two people walking together while on our way to Whole Foods. Knowing that I still cared for my friend and I hated to see him sad, I quickly volunteered my services. These were teenagers years people. I'm not the only one that did a bunch of insane things when I was a teenager.

Suddenly, I am getting a phone call the next day saying he doesn't want to be my beneficial friend. Of course, it was the obvious answer. He knew that if we decided to get intimate like that, he would get emotionally attached, and everything will be ruined.

Fast forward two years. I had a beneficial friend for two months. It ended just the way we ended. We had sex without getting emotionally attached. Whenever either of us are done with each other, we cut off our connections and move on with our lives. When it comes to being friends with benefits that worked out just as planned.

Now that "Friends With Benefits" is coming out I can't help but wonder. When it comes to friendships, does friends with benefits truly work?


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Analyze This: "Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyonce

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

Analyze This:  An in depth look at the lyrical content of a song to provide insight





Lyrics

What goes around comes back around (hey my baby)
What goes around comes back around (hey my baby)
What goes around comes back around (hey my baby)
What goes around comes back around (hey my baby)

There was a time
I thought, that you did everything right
No lies, no wrong
Boy I, must've been outta my mind
So when I think of the time that I almost loved you
You showed your ass and I saw the real you

Thank God you blew it
Thank God I dodged the bullet
I'm so over you
So baby good lookin' out

CHORUS:
I wanted you bad
I'm so through with it
Cuz honestly you turned out to be the best thing I never had
You turned out to be the best thing I never had
And I'm gon' always be the best thing you never had
I bet it sucks to be you right now

So sad, you're hurt
Boo hoo, oh, did you expect me to care?
You don't deserve my tears
I guess that's why they ain't there
When I think that there was a time that I almost loved you
You showed your ass and I saw the real you

CHORUS

I know you want me back
It's time to face the facts
That I'm the one that's got away
Lord knows that it would take another place, another time, another world, another life
Thank God I found the good in goodbye

CHORUS


J9's Analysis:  Drake sang about the best thing he ever had and now Bey sings about the best thing she never had.  At first listen, some may be a bit confused as to why Bey would sing about something she never had being the best.  How could that be you ask. . . well let me explain. . . sometimes it takes experiencing the worse to realize the best when it comes along.  In other words, sometimes it takes leaving someone to appreciate someone better when he/she comes along.  It's like you're telling your ex "had it not been for you showing your real colors I would have never let you go and left myself open to find a better person that treats me the way I deserve to be treated."

My favorite line in the song is "Thank God I found the good in goodbye."  This shows a sign of maturity when you can turn a negative situation into a positive and take it as a learning experience.


To read the full post, click here.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Patrik-Ian Polk's THE SKINNY- Official Teaser Trailer




THE SKINNY, the new feature film from writer/director Patrik-Ian Polk, tells the story of five Brown University classmates reuniting in the Big Apple for a weekend of sin and fun.


Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "I am LIVING My Truth"





Cornelius's
HIV PSA Feature - I AM LIVING MY TRUTH
on LOGO TV



Hello A.A+W fans! I've finally been able to secure on online stream of the campaign I AM LIVING MY TRUTH, which has been airing on Logo TV. The outpour of support I received has been overwhelmingly positive and I am grateful for the many people who have contacted me personally. This campaign was important for me and my walk in living my truth on a day to day basis. I hope it continues to inspire those still living and braving this fight (those that are HIV positive and those that are HIV negative). Let's continue to brave this journey together and erase the stigma associated with this condition. Embracing you all. And now enjoy the PSA:





Tune into LogoTV & RuPaul's Drag U, every Monday night, and you'll catch the on air version of Cornelius's
"I AM LIVING MY TRUTH"
PSA





Tune in next Wednesday for more
Arts.Advocacy+Wellness with Cornelius Jones Jr.
Stay connected with me:
FaceBook: Cornelius Jones Jr.
Twitter: CorneliusJonesJ
FaceBook Fan Page: FlagBoy Official Fan Page of the Actor

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The 5th Annual Harlem International Street Fair this Saturday

Faison Firehouse Theatre and APAC Present

The 5th Annual International Street Fair
Saturday July 23, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Faison Firehouse Theatre in association with The American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC) invite you to celebrate the 5th Annual Harlem International Street Fair Saturday July 23rd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

During the event, 124th Street between Morningside and St. Nicholas Aves. will be closed off from traffic. The day will be jammed packed with events ranging from live performances, talent shows, and street vendors from local businesses.

International Jazz, R&B Recording Artist and Harlem Native Alyson Williams will host fair this year. Last year’s event brought some 2000 people throughout the day sharing in the fair with highlight of Gayle King line dancing with the Respect Project Kids. This year Faison expects more than 3,000 people to attend the event. The impetus for the street fair is to showcase all the talent and opportunities in the neighborhood in a very organic setting.

The fair is the brainstorm of George Faison, world renowned choreographer who won a Tony award for The Wiz in 1975 and an Emmy award for The Josephine Baker Story in 1991. In 1997 he co-founded the American Performing Arts Collaborative, and the Faison Firehouse Theatre. Faison has worked with such emerging talent such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Debbie Allen, Stephanie Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Eartha Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, Shedrack Anderson, Jackee and Hinton Battle among others. www.faisonfirehouse.org


Words from Dr. Maya Angelou


Harlem World Magazine will be the media sponsor, and the Firehouse’s planning partners include: Lotus Music and Dance, HAI, Scotty’s Antiques, Ryan Health Center, Hue-Man Bookstore, New Light Baptist Church, Mannie Wilson Senior Towers, HSCA Harlem School of the Arts, The Respect Project, United House of Prayer Brass Band, Church of Master and Take A Bow Performing Arts Group. Invited guests include New York City Council member Inez Dickens, New York State Senator Bill Perkins, R&B singer Alyson Williams and a host of other celebrities, officials, and community churches and organizations.

Words from George Faison

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR

For more information about the event, registering as a vendor or talent applications please contact Tad Schnugg at (212) 665-7716 or Tschnugg@faisonfirehouse.org.

For more information on the Faison Firehouse Theater click here

Photos:

Top Right: George Faison, Alyson Williams & Charles Rangel

Bottom Left: George Faison & Gayle King


Friday, July 15, 2011

Black and Gay in Corporate America--Black Enterprise

By Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director of National Black Justice Coalition

This week, Black Enterprise (BE) magazine, the most respected business journal for Black America, released an eight-page article on being Black, Gay and in Corporate America that is sending shockwaves through Black communities. The teaser article started with:

“We’re not going to pretend this was an easy topic for Black Enterprise to consider. Let’s face it—the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is one of which our society whispers, mocks, ignores, and, in extreme cases, vehemently rejects. For Black members of this community, the emotional backlash can be even more intense.”
- Sonia Alleyne, Editorial Director, Careers/Lifestyle, BE

CALL TO ACTION…We need our members and supporters to:

· Purchase a Black Enterprise magazine today (it will be a piece of history)

· Post the Black Enterprise cover story on your Facebook page to share with your network:
www.blackenterprise.com/2011/07/13/black-and-gay-in-corporate-america/

· Facebook “Like” the BE special features at:
www.blackenterprise.com/blacklgbt/

· Add your voice to the many comments (positive and negative) regarding BE’s coverage about our community on the BE website: www.blackenterprise.com

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Interview w/ Noel Gourdin

By Guest Blogger Stephanie of J9's MusicLife



June 26, 2011 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC

In 2007, singer/songwriter Noel Gourdin (pronounced Gor-deen) from Brockton, Massachusetts came on the scene.  Many will remember him by his popular single The River from his debut album After My Time.  To spark your memory, watch the video here.  Part II of the Up Close and Personal Concert Series, Guest Musiclife Blogger Stephanie sits down with Noel. 


Who would have thought there was so much depth within this fresh brother.  The 29-year-old holds an old soul, which is a good thing for the music industry.  Might I add that he exemplifies how to respectfully address the woman that captures his heart.  That is a good thing for the ladies.  The cover is very welcoming yet the content says so much more.  I sat in the lounge to find out more about Noel Gourdin.

Stephanie up close and personal with Noel Gourdin


MusicLife:  There are many new artists out there but what do you bring to the industry that makes you different and stand out from the others?

Noel:  I'd like to say it's just true music to me.  I don't go in trying to make a hit record. I go in spilling my soul and trying to make music that's true and pure.  What I mean by pure is just like how they made it back in the day, the Motown days, the Rhino days.  Just going in and making music that's from the heart, doesn't try to degrade people, it's tasteful and timeless.  I think the industry is missing music like that.  Music that has that live instrumentation implemented.  Music that's from the heart and soul like they used to do it.


MusicLife:  Who are you currently listen to?

Noel:  My iPod is filled with old music.  I'm talking about Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Johnnie Taylor, Tyrone Davis, Solomon Burke, Jerry Butler.  I've heard so many times that I've got an old soul so I'm starting to believe it. 


MusicLife:  What artists influenced you now?

Noel:  People ask me who is your favorite artist of all time and I just have to say Marvin Cooke cause I say Marvin Gaye and then Sam Cooke all in one.  To me, those voices are the epitome of soul.  To me, it's all about the tone that makes you memorable.  The Otis Reddings, the Marvin Gayes, the Sam Cookes, it's those people that at a young age my Pops was playing that music that made me fall in love with this music.  So I wanted to in turn, make music of my own to make people feel the way I felt at 5 years old.


To read more of the interview, click here.

Read Part I of the Up and Close Concert Series as Stephanie interviews Neo-Soul duo Kindred the Family Soul here.