HAPPY 54TH BIRTHDAY MICHAEL JACKSON!!!

Happy 54^th Birthday Michael

Your legacy lives with us forever!!!

Nadirah & Troy 

HONEY BOO BOO CHILD

Nadirah’s Perspective

I would like to start off by giving a disclaimer that just because we’re commenting on this particular program; we are not soliciting for new viewership of this show.  With that being stated, let us begin. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo is a new reality show on the TLC network (spinoff from Toddlers and Tiaras) that follows the life of a 6 year old girl named Alana Thompson (gave herself the name Honey Boo…) and her family, which consist of mother June Shannon, father Mike Thompson (Sugar Bear), 17 year old sister Anna (Chickadee) and her newborn child Kaitlyn, Jessica Thompson (Chubbs), and 12 year old sister Lauryn Thompson (Pumpkin).  I will post some videos below to give you a preview of the “New Kardashians.”

The problem that I have with the show is that not only does this show continue to exploit the behavior of an ill-mannered, smart mouth child and reinforcement of dysfunctional family values;  through the power of television, the world is granted a pass to label this as quality entertainment/education on The Learning Channel network.  Hopped up on the homemade concoction of Go-Go juice (Red Bull and Mountain Dew mixed together) because she’s in the pageant circuit, this cherub shaped child is making comments like, “a dollar makes me holler” while sporting halter tops but wait because it gets better.  It has been recently reported that she was dancing for dollars on tables within a bar.  First of all, spell “dollar” and then I will be impressed!  Understand that I am not blaming little Alana for her misguided quips or actions… I BLAME THE MOTHER!  This woman is using this girl as her golden goose without concern for the future ramifications of her actions.  Be careful Dr. Frankenstein, your creation will get older and she might start telling you what she is and isn’t going to do while looking for that next drug to give her that jolt of energy and speed when her body gets acclimated to Go-Go juice because she’s making all the “dollars.”    

Is this the current state of television? So far, the only positive comment that I can make about the show is the fact that it is not an African American family.  The critics are having a field day with its negative comments or concern for the parental control and guidance of the child/children but this doesn’t negate the fact that there are still people in the world that will faithfully tune in to watch the antics of this little girl, the jolly mother, and the rest of the delusional family.  At this point in my life, I am in totally agreement with the famous quote, “Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything.” I don’t know about everyone else but I’m sick and tired of watching my fellow queens, kings, and others throwing drinks on each other, fist fighting one another, talking crazy to whomever is within earshot distance in the street, bullying each other on YouTube sites, encouraging their offspring to use vulgar language or dance inappropriately to whatever is the new song at the time, etc.  THIS MADNESS HAS GOT TO COME TO AN END! Please always keep in mind that as we age, these young minds that have been raised on these immature methods of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution will be in charge of our future civilization, financial stability, and health care.  We can take a look at our current state and see that as a society, we are not doing as well as I know we could be doing.  Partly because of what is airing on television and what is not being controlled within the home.

Honey Boo Boo's Mom 
June Shannon's Mugshot

Troy’s Perspective

The young girl by the name of Honey Boo-Boo is the latest discussion of the country. This is another acquisition by “Big Business” that is encouraged by a misguided and traitorous parent for the all mighty dollar.  Overnight, Honey Boo-Boo and her mom have been criticized, ridiculed and soon to be humiliated by the petulance of viewers worldwide.  The child has no place to be criticized, but the mom on the other hand is a different story.

Many agree that viewers are tuning in to laugh at the mockery of a young 32 year old mother exploiting her family for the world to see and make judgment. With the abuse of celebrity and stardom, what is going to be the long-term outcome of this sudden child reality star?  After the show is long gone and off the air, will Honey Boo-Boo do whatever it takes to get back on television or will she become one that falls victim to despair which can lead to a life of drugs and alcohol to cope with the pain of no longer being relevant on television? Only time will tell.  With the assistance of Go-Go Juice and Honey Boo-Boo being hard-pressed by her mom to execute outrageous acts and give a show, will she become one that is uncontrollable and defiant towards her mom as a teenager?  We all know what happens to children exposed to stardom, i.e. Gary Coleman, Lindsay Lohan, etc.  Is it too hard for Honey Boo-Boo to be encouraged to succeed academically or having some social responsibility of charity? Should she be directed to plan for a future of promise and wisdom instead of destruction?  I guess that wouldn’t create enough high ratings.  I can see ten years from now when her mom has a feeling of trepidation and endeavor to be a responsible parent. That will be a show to look forward to, Raising Honey Boo-Boo -The Teenage Years.  The show’s premise would follow the pain, anguish and disgust of the monster created and the top-billing star would be none other than June Shannon (Honey Boo Boo’s Mom). Wow!!!

MICHAEL JACKSON: THE IMMORTAL World Tour

Nadirah’s Perspective:

Last month, my husband and I were fortunate to go and check out Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour presented by Cirque du Soleil at the United Center.  I must say that it was the experience of a lifetime.  Please keep in mind that I was blessed to attend the BAD Tour and nothing will ever top that on my bucket list; however, I will say that this show was definitely number 2. Although the “immortal” King of Pop is not physically with us, Michael Jackson’s spirit lives on and it is brilliantly showcased on stage throughout various performances.  Remembered for his personal influences within the music industry, gifts of songs, messages of love and awareness, and plethora of dance movements, the premise of this concert provides an ingenious platform to artistically give a storyline of Michael’s contributions to the world through visual art, movement, and music.  This is displayed throughout this spectacular show with the use of animated characters, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, singers, and musicians.   The event opener introduced five talented dancers and by way of infusing the use of a projector, a humongous projection screen, and high wired safety harnesses, they managed to outrun speeding El trains and scaled tall buildings to the song,  Working Day and Night.  Other highlights of the show included a curvaceous woman dressed in a nude skintight catsuit who took aerial pole dancing to another level while performing to the song, “Dangerous” (Lol, I do believe that was the favor among the men), an outrageously gifted one-legged dancer/gymnast, a music montage performed by 10 dancers covered in multi-colored light suits, and separately well-choreographed dance routines with silver-metallic robots and 1930-40’s pin-striped suited gangsters.   SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give the whole truth by omitting the fact that there was one part of the show that I didn’t like... a dance routine to the song, “Scream.” I felt that this particular part of the show needed to be revised; but overall, everything else about the show was spectacular.  

If given the chance, please take the opportunity to check out Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour before it travels internationally and embrace an entertaining evening filled with great music and performances.  An enormous perk is a night of hearing timeless songs: Thriller, Will You Be There, Billie Jean, They Don’t Really Care about Us, Smooth Criminal, Earth Song and the list goes on and on. My husband can attest that I left the stadium and parking lot singing and playing Michael Jackson songs all night long. WE MISS YOU MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Troy’s Perspective:

The Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil was breathtaking. This two-hour long spectacle was one for all ages to enjoy and take part in the incomparable music of Michael Jackson. The art and beauty of the performers to the music was phenomenal. My wife was on her feet, clapping, singing and dancing the night away with others while being regaled by the performers as they judiciously clamber in/out of various positions. This production was vehemently enjoyed by all who watched as we admired and listened to the musical largesse that Michael Jackson’s legacy left for the world to remember. Magic on the wire and control of fire, this was truly an explosion of sight, sound and rhythm that has no bounds. For a fun time that you will truly cherish, see Michael Jackson IMMORTAL World Tour for pure enjoyment and entertainment. 

It's A Must See!