USA TODAY: "@Adele's '25': Maturity Beyond Her Years." #MPsays "Seriously?"

by Mister Promo | November 18, 2015

Courtesy of NY Times

Maturity beyond her years? What exactly does that mean? Music wise or peronal life? Because if you are referring to her personal life then I totally agree. She is very wise for her age. However, if you are referring to her music career, then I beg the differ.

19

When Adele first stepped on the scene with her debut album titled, '19'. It may have taken us by storm. Her sound was definitely not new, she was just different.

21

Then came '21', which was a revampt '19'. Now we have to deal with '25'? Okay, so "Hello" is at no. 1, big whoop. Is that all we are going to receive from Adele's '25'? If that is the case then her maturity is going to become elderly real quick. 

There are actually comment debates on Facebook between people comparing Adele to Janet Jackson. That's obsurd. Check Janet's stats by clicking the link in her full name seen two sentences ago. Adele has a very long way to go.

Janet Albums

Why is this even a discussion? They're not even in the same category. Besides, Adele doesn't believe '25' will be a success. Judging from the article in the music section of USA Today delievered today, she isn't being modest. Instead, she is being honest. So, if she cannot see her own success in this coming album, then '25' will not be. Billboard, save the no. 1 spots for artist who are more worthy of success and who are aware of it!! Apparently Adele is running out of youthful ages and meaningful topics to describe her albums. Looks like her flame is burning low.

Did you love Adele's album 25? Check out what we thought. Click Here

25

Honestly, would you be interested in purchasing an album titled, '47' or '64'? I wouldn't. 

DID YOU KNOW, George W. Johnson was the first...?

By Mister Promo | November 4, 2015

George W. Johnson
... was the first Black Recording Artist. In 1890 George W. Johnson (GWJ) became the first African American to record commercially. A common story is that Johnson, a former slave, was discovered singing on the streets of Washington, D.C., by Berliner recording agent Fred Gaisberg.

Known for and as, the

"Whistling Coon" and

"Laughing Darkey".

He created "laughing songs".

According to historian Tim Brooks, Johnson was a familiar figure in New York City's Hell's Kitchen and made his first commercial recordings in the spring of 1890 for the Metropolitan and New Jersey Phonograph companies. Previously, Johnson had also made tin foil exhibition recordings. Later in 1890, a group called The Unique Quartette followed Johnson into the recording studio. The Unique Quartette recorded again in 1893, and one of their titles, "Mama's Black Baby Boy" survives in stunning fidelity.

For more on GWJ and other early black

recording artist, click the link before.

African American Performers

Thank you.

Ariana Grande vs. SAFIA

by Mister Promo | June 17, 2015

Why are so many people hellbent on feeling like they've been robbed? Could it be that both creators have similar minds? Whatever happen to the saying, Great Minds Think Alike?" Does it not work the same when money is involved?

Ariana Grande has a video titled "One Last Time" directed by Max Landis and published on YouTube on February 15, 2015. While SAFIA's video titled "You Are The One" directed by Jimmy Ennett and published on YouTube on September 24, 2014 just about 5 months prior. Both of which videos may be viewed below. This post is not intended to defend either party, however, I will be expressing my thoughts on both video concepts.

 Ariana Grande - "One Last Time"

First up, Ariana Grande. I chose to explain hers first because this is the order of how I tuned in. This video was captured in a style similar to home video footage. The majority of this video was in first person view (or POV). I feel directing it this way really places you in the role as the character traveling through the streets with Ariana. Everything she sees, you see. The chaos in the streets, the traffic of stopped vehicles, the police trying to maintain order, the paramedics saving lives, etc. Not to mention, the many colors that are illuminating the once still sky. They travel through the streets, down allies, into buildings, upstairs and finally to a rooftop. There's so much going on where the anticipation is both capturing and thrilling. Each and every second of watching this video you are perched at the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next?

SAFIA - "You Are The One"

SAFIA. The only reason I even knew of this, band(?) was because I was curious as to who Max Landis is. Upon a wiki or possible IMDb search, I ended up clicking on a link of a blog post comparing the two videos through their similarities.
This video is filmed with the main character facing the camera at all times. You, as the viewer, are not able to see what she is viewing when she is viewing it. You only see what she sees once she has passed the viewing subjects. Chaos, parked cars, riots, an ambulance, etc. What is odd to me is that she is in constant run mode. In this entire video she is running in one direction, forward. I.e. toward you, the viewer. And not fast. But in slow motion. The sky in SAFIA's video is not threatening at all. It's more of a sun-setting sky. In fact, the point of her sudden need to get out of her car and run is not quite clear. The reason is not explained until the conclusion of the video.

Do I believe that one creator took an idea from another. No.
Could SAFIA's video have been an inspiration to Ariana? Possibly.

I do believe that the two videos are extremely different.
What do you think?

Life Without Blinders

by Mister Promo | April 15, 2015

LIFE WITHOUT BLINDERS

Stop living life with blinders on. Because once you take them off

you will realize just how much of this life you have actually missed.

Life blows! You live... Then you die. Is that too harsh?

Well stop dying and start living. Is that more soothing?

Stop waiting to live life later. Live life NOW! Too many of us

create so many excuses as to why we can't go places.

"It's cause I'm broke."

Well, save money.

~~~~~

"I have a job."

So, take a vacation.

"I have a child."

Take your child with you.

~~~~~

"Certain places aren't safe to travel to."

And it's safe to stay home?!

Stop making excuses! Make a goal to leave your nest. Leave

your comfort zone. Make a plan to travel. See the world

outside of your wired fence. Do it young. If you're 18, take

a bus to another state. If you're 21, hop a train cross country.

If you're 24, book a flight to a different continent.

Go somewhere! Create an experience.

Just remember... It starts with you.

Thank you!!

Do You Think Women Need Their Own History Month?

by Mister Promo | March 11, 2015

Is there really such a month that celebrates Women's History or is it just one day?? This is a logical question. Afam Point of View Magazine believes it to be the month of March. While Rock-It believes it to be one day in March. However, does there really need to be a whole month dedicated to women? I say yes. Even though, this is the first I am hearing of such a celebration. But that is what change means. I can adapt and I can surely participate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First up, I would like to mention Janelle Monae.
What a Fresh of Breath Air. She definitely Breaths my Take away. Huh? What?

Anyway, where was I? Ah yes. Janelle Monae.

Before she was The Janelle Monae

Born in Kansas in 1985, singer Janelle Monáe began performing as a child and got her big break in 2005 when she was invited by Big Boi to perform on several OutKast tracks. She was later signed by famous producer Sean "Puffy" Combs to his Bad Boy Records label. In 2010 her debut full-length album, The ArchAndroid, rose to No. 17 on the Billboard U.S. album chart and received a Grammy nomination. She followed up with the sophomore album The Electric Lady (2013), which featured singers Prince and Erykah Badu.

Janelle Monae

Today she stands for so much more than when she first came onto the scene. She is one of the top faces for CoverGirl. She uplifts and empowers young girls all over the world with her demeanor, style and drive to be successful. Also, she is the epitome of greatness. She is a true Electric Lady.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, I would like to mention Ellen Degeneres.

Born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana, Ellen DeGeneres became big as a stand-up comedian before starring on her own sitcom, Ellen. In 1997, she came out as gay and has become a staunch advocate of LGBT rights. She has been the host of her own award-winning talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003, and married girlfriend Portia de Rossi in 2004.

This lady is phenomenal. Her show is amazing. I wasn't always a fan. I mean I have heard of her, of course, but I was not an avid watcher of her show. Until recently. She has guest appearances from many celebs, of course. But the many guests that drew my attention to her show were the independent, internet sensation celebs. I think it is a great segment. I am also a fan of her celebrity scare segment. I think it's hilarious to watch celebs be in fear for their life. That probably reads as bad. But, come on, I know you like it and laugh too.

Ellen. She is also a face for CoverGirl just as Janelle Monae. She is a wonderful person to look up to for various reasons that are too many to list. However, I will say that her boldness to stand out above her peers through style and pizzazz can be very motivating to the youth in all walks of life.

It has been much too long for women to be viewed as less than, secondary to man, not good enough, etc. That must change. And it surely is changing. Little by little but definitely surely. 

I mean, was it not a woman who designed and stitched the first American flag? Which had thirteen stars symbolizing the thirteen colonies of the U.S. Was it not a woman who created the first hair products for black women? Was it not a woman who turned a weekly paycheck as a talk show host into a billion dollar company? Was it not a woman who did much more than just give birth to man? Stop treating women less than. Women (hardworking women) mean and stand for much more than less.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Happy Birthday Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

by Mister Promo | February 4, 2015

Rosa Parks Bio

Rosa Parks was born Rosa Louise McCauley in Tuskegee, Alabama to James McCauley, a carpenter, and Leona McCauley, a teacher. At the age of two she moved to her grandparents' farm in Pine Level, Alabama with her mother and younger brother, Sylvester. At the age of 11 she enrolled in the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, a private school founded by liberal-minded women from the northern United States. The school's philosophy of self-worth was consistent with Leona McCauley's advice to "take advantage of the opportunities, no matter how few they were."

Opportunities were few indeed. "Back then," Mrs. Parks recalled in an interview, "we didn't have any civil rights. It was just a matter of survival, of existing from one day to the next. I remember going to sleep as a girl hearing the Klan ride at night and hearing a lynching and being afraid the house would burn down." In the same interview, she cited her lifelong acquaintance with fear as the reason for her relative fearlessness in deciding to appeal her conviction during the bus boycott. "I didn't have any special fear," she said.

"It was more of a relief to know that I wasn't alone."

After attending Alabama State Teachers College, the young Rosa settled in Montgomery, with her husband, Raymond Parks. The couple joined the local chapter of the NAACP and worked quietly for many years to improve the lot of African-Americans in the segregated south.

(See more on this bio by clicking "Rosa Parks Bio")

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama, USA as Rosa Louise McCauley. She died on October 24, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

She was 92 years old.During her life, she married a barber Raymond Parks in 1932. He was a member of the NAACP.Parks became known as "the first lady of civil rights" when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in 1955. This act instigated the legendary Montgomery Bus Boycott, which helped end racial-segregation in public transit across the country.

PRIOR TO FAMEMontgomery Industrial School, where she attended, was burned down twice by racist arsonists.

USEFUL FACTSThere are two Rosa Parks days in her honor:Her birthday, February 4th,and the day of her arrest, December 1st.If she were still with us she would be 102 years old today.
See more on Rosa Parks

Insta Pics

What The F#@% Are You Doing?

John Legend:  "It gets harder everyday, but I can't seem to shake the pain. I'm trying to find the words to say, "please stay." It's written all over your face, I can't function the same when you're not here. I'm calling your name and no one's there...'Cause everybody knows that nobody really knows. How to make it work or how to ease the hurt? We've heard it all before, everybody knows just how to make it right. "I wish we gave it one more try."

A vast majority of us feel the same way about that career path we chose to stray away from.What if I remained focused? Where would I be today? What would I be doing?Its oh too familiar when you're the one going through it. When you're the one procrastinating.When will I ever find my niche? My happiness. My peace.
What the f#@% am I doing?

Why am I allowing myself to sit perfectly still in this hole I like to call purgatory? Don't you think its about time we put a stop to us marinating in our own pot of stew and begin sauteing a new recipe from this new book of life.
Lets Go! ! !
What are you waiting for?! ! ! !
Let;s Get Motivated.

Protect Yourself With ARMHER! (http://armher.net)

ATTENTION LADIES! 

I would say that it is time you protect yourself. Wouldn't you agree?

The only way I see fit for you to do this properly is by utilizing the products of ARMHER.

Ever feel unsafe when you are alone and fending for yourself?

No longer should you scream, "SAVE YOURSELF!" when fallen.

You now have the ability to stun someone with a product named the "ARMHER Alarm Whistle. If you're under attack, just click the button and take off running for safety. The sound is of a fire alarm stemming from a device the size of an ink pen.

Deborah Halpin (D.Halpin), creator and founder of ARMHER, refers to her products as "The Perfect Storm". What prompted this great idea to create such an amazing business of products such as these is simply because of an event whereas her home was broken into. As a result from experiencing such a rude awakening, D.Halpin, immediately thought of her safety and realized that upon this event and many other similar events possible to take place, she was not and would not be prepared. After a strenuous study of criminal research, D.Halpin came up with ARMHER. 

The ARMHER Alarm Whistle was, in fact, D.Halpin's first creation. She created this for her daughter when she went off to college and following this product came 6 other safety devices. Today, 1 and a half years later, D.Halpin has 20 helpful items and what was once products designed specifically for women, are now suitable for men as well.

As a special for the holidays, you can purchase the popular Survival Kit (an excellent gift for a loved one). It comes equipped with five items nicely packed in an ARMHER Back Pack that you will receive FREE with the purchase of your survival kit. You have your choice of purchasing an already made survival kit with a back pack or you can customize your very own survival kit ranging from $27 - $75.

For more info regarding ARMHER and their products,

you may click the following link.

http://armher.net

Also, if you are going to be in or around the Springfield, MA area from now till Friday Dec. 21st between 10am - 2pm you should definitely visit Deborah Halpin in Tower Square on 1500 Main Street. Her products will be there for purchase. Upon your arrival, be sure and tell her who sent you.

~ Allen Mark ~

(writer for The Promo Squad Blog)

Tower Square

1500 Main Street

Springfield, MA 01103