HAS MUSIC GOTTEN WAY OUT OF CONTROL?

Nadirah’s Perspective:   

     

This past Friday, hubby was watching 106^th and Park (a music video show on BET) and ran across a particular video that was voted as #2 on the daily countdown.  It’s called “Shabba” by ASAP Ferg.  Where, oh where, (sigh) do I begin? I don’t want to place all the lyrics directly on the blog but if you are interested in knowing/reading the lyrics, follow this link: http://rapgenius.com/Asap-ferg-shabba-lyrics.

I’m bringing up this song to make a point again that something is seriously wrong with our state of music and it has a trickle-down effect when it comes to the state of mind of our children.  For example, how can we tell our beautiful young girls to stay intelligent, strong, respectful, and respected when you have our young boys and girls listening and spewing aloud these lyrics?

 “Dirty van b*tches wanna suck my d*ck off,

 Pop a Xany ‘fore her panty get to hit the floor,

Run up in this sh*t raw,

 I got a girl, I ain’t never got no f*ck*n condoms,

 If she caught me, then that b*tch would be pissed off”

This is what I’m talking about when I state that our youth need more inspirational, positive, motivating music in today’s media outlets.  As with any task involving our children, “It takes a village.” Faithful followers of the blog are aware that hubby, my brother, and I got tired of complaining about the problem and decided to come up with a solution.  After Friday’s fiasco, we were blessed to debut our single, When Night Falls this past Saturday.  It is a Dance/Techno/Jazz Fuzion  song that celebrates what young people use to do and should continue to do, which is have fun by getting ready to party,  dance, and have positive fun throughout the night.   We are asking for support because awhile back, we were told by a music executive that unless our songs were about sex, drugs, or spending obscene amounts of money, no one (especially our youth) was going to want to listen to what we had to say in our music.  We are asking for support because we want to prove him and other doubters wrong. 

For those who have already listened, purchased, liked or shared our music… Thank you so much for the show of love and support!  For those of you who are unaware of the song, I will provide the link below so that you can preview, like, purchase, and/or share with others.  F.Y.I., the cover art of the single was provided by Frank Hildebrand Photography.  If you are into scenic pictures of birds, animals, and nature, please check out Frank Hildebrand’s website: http://www.hildebrandphotography.com.   

Our music links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Muzicfuzionfactory/575501122460942

or

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/muzicfuzionfactorymff

Troy’s Perspective:

The present state of music is at an all-time low.  Currently music is blurting out obscenities, screaming sexual innuendoes, and throwing away the moral compass for the love of money.  The old school sense of “Feel good music” is being pushed to the waist side for brainwashing chants leading our youth to unwise decisions.  What happened to music that’s cleverly written to have a specific meaning without obviously yelling vulgarities?  Ignoring the present-day needs that we face as a global society, music is currently tasteless without showing any course of sophistication.  Our youth are in need!!!  Each day our youth are given an unfair disadvantage to succeed without positive reinforcement to encourage positive behavior/thought. With good music, it is possible. There is much more to life than money-oriented obsessions.

The current state of music is in need of change and redirection. We all need to feel good about ourselves, others and life in general. We are in a state of emergency that is detrimental to our very existence.  Filled with tormenting chants, raging with disrespect for oneself and others is a true recipe for our destruction.  Where is the love??? Our existing music has separated man by gender, color, age and orientation without any disregard.  Branding new slang terms into the dictionary (Twerk), lowers the literacy of the American Language and exacerbates the need for change. 

With the current needs previously listed, the following will be addressed:  A sense of self, love for others and anticipation await you. This eagerness invites you the rhythm and sounds of M.F.F. aka Muzic Fuzion Factory. The progressive beats, elevating message and unique arrangement stimulates all with a smile; accompanied by a sharp clap of your hands and quick tap of your feet.  

Without further adieu Muzic Fuzion Factory makes their debut, “When Night Falls.”

COURTESY OF FRANK HILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY/  COVER ART FOR "WHEN NIGHT FALLS"

M.F.F. AKA MUZIC FUZION FACTORY (THIS IS WHAT WE LOOK LIKE PEOPLE)

FOODIE REVIEW: YAH’S CUISINE

Nadirah’s Perspective:

           It’s about that time to reveal another hidden gem restaurant within our beautiful city of Chicago. Located at 2347 E. 75^th Street (between Yates & Oglesby), this vegetarian restaurant provides soul food/middle eastern food with a flair.  Although Soul Vegetarian is popularly known by us locals, I will challenge anyone to please visit this restaurant and not be won over by her delicious menu.  Hubby and I was feeling adventurous one Sunday evening and decided to go vegan/vegetarian for our dinner. After finally locating a neighborhood based business and reading the online reviews, we decided to try our luck… and so glad we did!!!  

           Once we arrived in the place, all we could hear was the sound of great music and someone singing from the back. We were graciously greeted by Yah herself and I immediately explained that we were virgins to her eatery.  Although Yah provides you with a specific daily dinner and lunch menu, you are more than welcome to get whatever you want.  I asked her to suggest her best sellers but was promptly told that everything was a best seller because everyone has a favorite.  I scanned the menu and was torn between the Eggplant Lasagna and the BBQ Roast.  I was soooo glad so offered me a sample of the two because I would still be there to this day trying to figure out what to order.  Troy placed his order and she disappeared into the kitchen in the back.  Five minutes later, Yah returned with the sampler and I was floored. Both items tasted incredible.  I never felt like I was denying myself of meat. The BBQ sauce and the texture of the roast were divine but I was sold on the Eggplant Lasagna.  For my other sides, I ordered the Mixed Smoked Greens, Candied Yams, Kale Salad (on a later date)... FYI: the hot water cornbread automatically came with it. I must warn you that we forgot to take pictures of our meal when we arrived home but fortunately, there was so much food that I had leftovers... hubby killed his.  So the following photos at the bottom will be the next day shots and it tasted better than the night before. Now let’s get started!!!

The Eggplant Lasagna:

Without exaggerating, this dish was amazing. With it creamy consistency, multitude of herbs and spices, this hefty-proportioned lasagna literally makes you forget that it is meatless.

Mixed Smoked Greens:

Bursting with vibrant red and yellow peppers, the greens were definitely flavorful. Seasoned with a hint of something vinegary and oily, these greens didn’t taste smoky but it still packed a tasty punch.

Candied Yams:

Buttery tasting and filled with every spice that reminds you of a sweet potato pie, these delightful sweet potatoes are orange bursts of heaven.  Reminiscent of grandma’s southern recipe, you cannot go wrong with this gratifying side dish.

Hot Water Cornbread:

Every foodie knows that is hard to run across some good hot water cornbread. However, I am here to tell you people that I have found just that.  It has the size and look of a buttery pancake and is both sweet and savory.  Fluffy and golden yellow, the cornbread was griddled to a perfect beautiful brown. Although I ate some of bread with the greens, this cornbread is delicious enough to eat by itself.  So I’ll end with this disclaimer: EAT RESPONSIBLY PEOPLE!!!

Kale Salad:

Huge leafy pieces of kale marinated in some sort of soy sauce-colored mixture of oil and garlic gave the salad a taste of sweet and tangy. Very delicious but just make sure you carry breath mints after this one.

Whether you choose to dine in or carry out, the portions are plentiful, the service is friendly (Kevin, Yah's wonderful significant other, offered us water and hospitality while we waited), it’s reasonably price (three sides was $8.00), and the menu is very extensive http://www.yahscuisine.com/Menu.html. However, I will warn you that is does not carry the speed of a fast food chain.  You will wait for your food but I promise you that it will be worth the wait.  Besides, true foodies want quality and quantity and I can promise you both at Yah’s Cuisine.  

TELL YAH THE LUGGS SENT YOU!!!

Troy’s Perspective:

Yah’s Cusine is a vegetarian restaurant that my wife and I stumbled upon after research on the internet. I was skeptical as I am with all restaurants, but was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. Upon entering the restaurant I was greeted by Yah herself with a delightful smile and warm charisma. Unsure of what I wanted, it was offered to me to make up my own customized order. That immediately sparked my interest. That was never offered at the most upscale restaurant, so I decided to start small since it was my first time ordering. I decided to order BBQ Mushrooms with Tomatoes & Onions, (2) Veggie Patties: (1) Lentil and (1) Black Bean, fresh homemade Salsa and Hummus. After conversing with Yah, she mentioned that all entrees were cooked daily and made to order. This is usually not the case in a lot of American restaurants, but often the case in European eateries.  The food was amazing! My meal contained fresh/ delectable vegetables, jam-packed with flavor and pleasing to the pallet. I could not ask for anything more. Yah’s is a restaurant that I thoroughly enjoyed and will be frequently patronizing. Yah’s Cuisine receives two thumbs up in my book and is a must go to spot on the South Side of Chicago.

CLOCKWISE: MIXED GREENS, HOT WATER CORNBREAD, CANDID YAMS, & EGGPLANT LASAGNA 

EGGPLANT LASAGNA

MIXED SMOKED GREENS

CANDID YAMS

KALE SALAD

CHICAGO BLUES MUSEUM: NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE (MICHAEL JACKSON) EXHIBIT

Nadirah's Perspective:

On the heels of the highly celebrated, Michael Jackson’s Birthday (August 29), hubby and I had the pleasure of being personally invited as the only official bloggers to the August 28th opening reception of the Chicago Blues Museum Exhibit: Never Can Say Goodbye – Celebrating the King of Pop and the Jackson 5. Headed by Chicago Blues Museum founder, Gregg Parker, this 24 hour/8 day event is located in Michael’s hometown of Gary, Indiana at the Majestic Star Casino within the South Shore Event Center. The detailed exhibit chronicles the lives of Michael and his family through public and private photos, magazine articles, video footage of performances, and life-like memorabilia.  From the first talent show win to his London announcement of the “This Is It” tour, all photos lined on the vibrant red walls give a nostalgic walk down memory lane of the many accomplishments, fads, television appearances, and valued family moments the Jackson family shared. 

For me, I had three major highlights of the evening. Being the foodie that I am, I was very happy with the selection of food they provided for the attendees.  The catered event had a delicious array of: Swedish Meatballs, Chicken Satay, Crab-filled Mushrooms, Roast Beef and Turkey Carving Stations, Fruit and Cheese Platters, Dessert Trays (chocolate-covered strawberries, brownies, cookies), and Complimentary Cocktails.  So Yummy!!!!

The second was being able to reenact the awesome choreography of the elaborate music video, “Thriller” and reliving Michael’s introduction of the Moonwalk during the televised 25^th Anniversary of Motown with other diehard Michael Jackson fans.

The third and most important highlight was witnessing and occupying the same space with the highly respected matriarch, Katherine Jackson.  You have to keep in mind that this lovely woman graciously attended an event that honored the life of her son… a child that is no longer with her.  I am sure that it must have been an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows to see the energy and influential legacy that her son too soon left behind.  

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this event and would encourage all fans, friends, and admirers of the Jackson family to head over to this free but time-limited event. For more information on Chicago Blues Museum Exhibits of  Michael Jackson and more history of music, check out and subscribe to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38AmBrV6zYk or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOsg3LeOkjY

You can’t beat a 24 hour, free admission exhibit celebrating the immortal King of Pop. 

WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!

Troy’s Perspective:

The exhibit displayed at the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Indiana by the Chicago Blues Museum is a “One of a kind must see.” The exhibit features the Jackson 5 and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The exhibit presents a timeline from the early years of the Jackson 5 to the “This Is It” tour of later years by Michael. Ecstasy and exhilaration filled the air with people of all colors and creeds.  Individuals watched in awe the Jackson 5 & Michael Jackson videos playing on the projection screen bringing back familiar memories of love. Walking through the exhibit with my lovely wife was breath-taking and exciting; while we reviewed the history of the Jackson’s contract with Epic, observed the patience held by Mike while he was in the makeup chair when viewing background pictures of “Thriller” and looking at his antigravity shoes that gave the illusion of him falling forward in the smooth criminal video.

When Katherine Jackson graced the exhibit with her company, everyone was in astonishment.  People were overjoyed with her presence and also felt compassion for her as she wept tears for her son, as she watched videos playing on the projector screen. This was a memorable moment in history that my wife and I will never forget and I am so thankful that I was able to take part in the event. Greg, Stefanie, Nate and the entire staff and crew that put together this spectacular evening, Thank You!!!

This event is only displayed at the Majestic Casino until September 5, 2013.

THIS IS A MUST SEE EVENT!!!

COURTESY OF CHICAGO BLUES MUSEUM (TM) 

CHICAGO BLUES MUSEUM FOUNDER, GREGG PARKER AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE/CURATOR STEFANIE

MJ'S TRIBUTE ICE SCULPTURE

I'M CHANNELING  MY INNER VANNA BLACK

GREGG AND STEFANIE WITH THE BEAUTIFUL KATHERINE JACKSON

CLOSER CAMERA SHOT OF THE LOVELY KATHERINE JACKSON

I SAT IN THE SAME CHAIR RIGHT AFTER MRS. JACKSON MOVED... YEAH BABY!!!

THE EXHIBIT'S INTRODUCTORY PHOTO

THE LUGGS WITH FRIEND GREGG PARKER

THE LUGGS WITH FRIEND STEFANIE PARKER

I'M DANCING TO "THRILLER"

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Nadirah’s Perspective:

It’s great to write this month’s blog due to the realization that it has been a full year since our official first blog. We posted our first blog, African Americans Traveling Abroad on May 27, 2012 and it’s been ongoing every since.  Sorry we’ve slowed down a bit due to the fact that hubby and I have been in the studio working on new music, but always know that we will try to post something every month.  We were going to do a foodie review this month but decided that this was more important because we wanted to give out a heart-felt thank you to all our readers and those who have been commenting in the past year.  Hubby and I know that with any social media outlet of this magnitude, it takes a village to take interest, read, discuss, comment, and share with others.  We want to let everyone know that we do not use this blog to rant and rave but to be a positive/motivating voice in this world in the hopes that we don’t fall on deaf ears.  So we are grateful if any persons agree or disagree with our point of views, but at least we are talking about it knowing that we are all entitled to our personal opinions.  Anyhoo, enjoy the summer, enjoy life, enjoy love, and enjoy our future postings!!!!

AGAIN, GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT J

Troy’s Perspective:

            For the past year it has been gratifying to give, spread and share the experiences that we have received. We truly thank our loyal followers and look forward to a more motivating event- filled year.  As we live and learn, we hope to share the positive benefits of loving one another and self. The energy that you give is a reflection what you receive. As we mature and reflect on our past and look at our current state we always notice that change is forever. Always be cognitive that the positive changes you create can positively affect others as well as ourselves. Let’s not waste the valuable time that we have with mere distractions versus enjoying the beauty of life and love. Let’s live each day as the blessing given!!!  Always look for opportunities to help and encourage others because we all need that helping hand in order to progress forward.

           Within the next month, wifey and I will be introducing our new album. Yes, you read it correctly… our new album that is high energy, exciting and ready to hit the clubs. You better be ready because here we come!!!

CHEERS TO OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

AND MANY MORE TO COME!!!

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOING GREEN

Nadirah’s Perspective:

With the short-lived Earth Day this past Monday, as certified Chicago Conservation Corp representatives (environmental org.), hubby and I have been trained in identifying environmental issues, learning new solutions, and sharing all information with a listening audience.  One of our personal and most practiced mantras is: You are either part of the problem or a part of the solution… we also chose the latter of the two.  To go with the theme of Spring (the season of renewal) we felt the need to take the time to explain some reasons why we should all become active participants in our community and introduce easy solutions that we all can incorporate into our daily routines/lives in an effort to help conserve the resources of Mother Earth.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I personally am sick and tired of looking at the empty potato chip and fast food bags, broken bottles, pop/beer cans, used diapers and napkins scattered throughout the streets/neighborhoods of Chicago.   Litter, excessive waste, poisonous gases, and receding/wasting water sources are in abundant use in today’s society.  Did you know the following?

—  Running a hot water faucet for five minutes is the equivalent of burning a 60-watt light bulb for 14 hours.

—  Silent/unknown toilet leaks will waste 30-500 gallons of water per day.

—  Food scraps make up 12% of the waste that Americans generate every day.  That adds up to about 28 million tons of food that gets thrown out over the course of a year.

I know it sounds crazy but these little issues add up into an enormous problem. Another major issue is the air we are breathing. Do you know about VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compound

—  Definition:  a significant contributor to indoor air pollution; when inhaled can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea. 

—  VOCs are found in many household products, including paints, paint strippers, cleansers and disinfectants, many plastics, and wood treated with formaldehyde.

How does this affect us?

           Ozone is created when the VOCs produced by smokestacks and tailpipes react with sunlight to form a molecule with 3 oxygen atoms.  Breathing in ground-level ozone causes wheezing, coughing, inflammation of the lungs and permanent lung damage with repeat exposures. 

—  The main source of ozone and particle pollution is from the burning of fossil fuels, i.e. gas, fumes, etc.

—  Particle pollution can aggravate breathing problems (asthma) but has also been linked to heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer.

Have you ever notice that sometimes the Weather Channel or major news programs announce high alerts on certain pollution/ozone days.  People with asthma, respiratory problems and the elder are told to stay indoors or take precautionary measures if we are to go outside. This is why!!!!

Here are some solutions that we can offer to start the going green process within your household:

—  Use natural recipes for cleaning agents in your home.

—  Turn the water off while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face could save 10-20 gallons of water per person per week (Helps your water bill).

—  Check home for water leaks: sinks, toilets, outdoor spouts, garden hoses, etc.

—  Put food coloring in your toilet tank.  If it seeps into toilet bowl, you have a leak.

—  Install low–flow showerheads and sink aerators.

—  Use leftover drinking water to water your houseplants.

—  Join the Blue Cart Recycling movement to rid of excessive paper, plastic, and metals.

Here are some easy Green Household Cleansing Products recipes you can create (with your child/children) to avoid or at least limit your exposure of VOCs:

Window Glass Cleaner

—  ½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent

—  ¼  cup vinegar or apple cider vinegar (for milder smell)

—  2 cups of water

Furniture Polish

—  Any vegetable oil, lemon oil, lemon juice.

—  Mix 2 parts oil, 1 part lemon juice

We hope this information helps and has convince you to start or continue to be active in the progression of making our world a cleaner and healthier planet for our children of the future.  If you are interested in become more active or just want more information on green practices, please visit: http://www.chicagoconservationcorps.org

Troy’s Perspective:

            Our Mother Earth is the foundation of our existence.  Due to our destructive occupation of the earth and our convenience, right now we are causing irreversible effects to our planet. The earth is heating up faster than ever before.  The Earth’s oceans are becoming toxic and changing the ecosystem; the air quality is increasing in pollution and causing sickness and irritation to millions world-wide. We must act and act now!!!

            Have you ever wondered what happens to our garbage? The United States is currently #1 in garbage accumulation. A study was done in 2006 where a young scientist used hundreds of GPS technology in over 1,000 pieces of garbage on the East Coast. Common garbage was used for this experiment including: potato chip bags, plastic grocery bags, pop cans, candy wrappers, etc. After six months, various pieces of garbage were found in Canada, Mexico, and California and in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean.  Many of us aimlessly walk our cities and towns without any notice or care and litter our communities with trash.

   

Why should we change??? Trash is everywhere, our parks streets roads, etc.

  

            What can we do??? Rethink, reuse and recycle. By using the supportive information provided by my wife, we can dramatically make a difference one person at a time. By changing your lifestyle decisions and spreading the knowledge given, we can heal the damage caused to our earth. We can reuse cups, plates and silverware for starters instead of constantly purchasing items that accumulate waste and sometimes the eye-soar seen above. Recycling is a great way to reduce the enormous amount of trash that is overflowing in our current landfills.

    

We are currently running out of landfills and so I wonder what happens in 10 or 20 years when that place called "Away" is full everywhere?

Children in various countries are playing and living in landfills

Trash is washing up on our beaches

   

Trash is being consumed by our natural wild life

   

   

         The circular rotations of the water currents draw waste material in, which has led to the accumulation of debris in huge floating 'clouds' of waste, leading to the informal name “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” or “Eastern Garbage Patch.”

                                          

THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH

WORLD DIAGRAM

Effects of Garbage on Marine Life

       It has been estimated that over a million sea-birds and one hundred thousand marine mammals and sea turtles are killed each year by ingestion of plastics or entanglement.

The Ocean areas called dead zones where there is more plastic and debris floating than fish swimming   

  

OUR OCEANS RESEMBLE OUR LAND

         Mother Earth is the most valuable resource known to man and now is the time for change.  She is sick and screaming for our help.  Please do what you can. Consider the helpful tidbits of information from my wife and Rethink, Reuse and Recycle… Save our Earth!!!