black girl in the city

I'm Sorry Everyone

2010-02-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Before, I made a promise to myself to turn away from negativity. I guess I lost sight of that when I realized that it was happening in my own backyard. It was really hard to be myself this week- knowing that people could be so full of hate and ignorance. Luckily, after a long talk with my mother and some time with real friends, I remembered who I was. If you want to know about UCSD and the Compton Cookout, Google it. I'm not putting it on my blog.

What if Filmmakers Directed the Super Bowl?

2010-02-06T21:21:00.001-08:00

You don't even have to be a filmmaker to enjoy this:

Rookie Screenwriter Finds the Right Mentor- Clint Eastwood

2010-02-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

Gran Torino was by far not my favorite movie. But, it must be said that the story behind the movie is definitely inspiring.

Motivated Sista.

2010-02-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

I like this post from the blog, Motivated Sista. It's about the power of autosuggestions.

Now I'm thinking about buying that book, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

---Edit---

I just bought my copy of Think & Grow Rich [Action Pack] by Napoleon Hill. I'm only on the first few pages and I'm already excited!

Having Fun is a Decision

2010-01-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our school's Spirit Night. My sorority was having a tailgate party beforehand and then they were going to go to the basketball game. I didn't want to go. I was more in a staying home kind of mood... until I remembered one of The Rules: "Show Up Even If You Don't Feel Like It."

Well, I did. And- I had a lot of fun.

I wasn't as much of a social butterfly as I could have been, but somewhere in between the tailgate party and going to the game, I realized that- you get as much out of life as you put in it. I could have just stood around and been a wallflower, but I realized that I should put all of my energy into having fun! Not having an agenda- like meeting guys, although that's always fun too- but actually having fun and meeting new friends!

I acted silly, I screamed and boo'ed at our opposing team, I met some new people, I got to know a lot more people better, and I had an all-around good time.

It's easy for me to think of a many excuses not to have fun, but I think that from now on, I need to realize that they're just excuses and give life my ALL!!!

---Edit---

After I made this post, I saw this picture!!! Amazing!

Creepiness at a Whole New Level...

2010-01-30T15:24:00.000-08:00

I'm going to say this once and then I'm not going to bring it up again. Ever. I don't want creepiness attracted into my life.

Why do guys feel the need to be extra creepy? I've been around creeps before, but last night was just RIDICULOUS.

Indian guy.

Asked me to dance.

Said no [I just wanted to hang out with my friends]

Asked again.

Said fine, whatever.

Danced.

"You're really beautiful."

"Thanks."

"I owe you a drink."

"No thanks- I'm just dancing."

Went back to friends.

Few songs later.

Came back.

Asked to dance.

No.

Asked again.

No.

Asked again.

UGH! Fine!

Danced.

Went back to friends.

Followed me the whole night.

Danced with friends.

Kept following me.

Dude- get the hint.

Kept standing behind me.

Kept moving away.

Pulls out a camera phone- takes a picture.

WTF?!?!

I'm Guilty...

2010-01-29T03:38:00.000-08:00

Of creating fantasy relationships... You know the kind? Where, after a nice dinner, you imagine yourself bearing his children? Except there was no dinner. There wasn't even a date. Or a "hanging out" session. Just a few exchanged words and a cute smile.

Yeah.

It's disgusting.

And a total waste of time.

The Power of Subliminal Messaging and Why Black Women Should Make Their Own Movies

2010-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Subliminal Messaging: a message embedded within another medium in order to tap into the power "beneath the threshold of consciousness."

Although first pioneered by a less-than-credible Dr. James Vicary, there is power behind the subliminal message. Don't believe me? Watch Kiri Davis's "A Girl Like Me" and witness the effects of euro-centric media on young black children. Take a look at the Indian "Fair and Lovely" ads and their effects on the skin-bleaching market.

This is why I think it's so amazing that Disney had their first Black Princess in "The Princess and The Frog"! We- especially children- are bombarded with messages that tell us that the "good" and the "pretty" ones are the ones with fair skin and straight hair! Do you know what effect that has on dark-skinned Black girls with kinky hair?

That's why I'm so in love with the attraction post by Hot Alpha Female with respect to creating mind videos! It's genius!

You can make your own 3-minute clip full of beautiful Black women getting what they want and deserve! That's why I'm so thankful for websites like "Black Women Deserve Better," "Black Female Interracial Marriage E-Zine," and "Zabeth's Corner." They are full of positive images of Black women marrying the man of their dreams and living the life that they've always wanted! (In fact, I used many of the images from these sites to create my own mind movie)

So, on this note- try out making your own mind movie! Now that you know the power of subliminal messaging, use it to your benefit!

As for me, when I make films, I will make sure my leading lady is a Black woman who is living the life that she wants and deserves.

[Note: Although many people do, you probably don't have to actually buy the kit. Just gather some images across the Internet and put together your own clip for your own private use!]

Why I Believe in Books Like, "The Rules"

2010-01-27T13:22:00.001-08:00

[Note: The following post is going to make feminist pioneers roll in their graves. I know. I even had to question myself. But it was how I was feeling at the moment.]

I know it's hard for many women to realize it, but we are a prize. We are the jewel buried beneath the "X Marks the Spot." When Indiana Jones goes to find a treasure, he doesn't make a left and then two rights and then "Poof!" There's his treasure! No, he fights evil villains, rolls around dangerous tunnels and risks his life at every corner! He breaks out the whip! Almost every man wants to be an Indiana Jones! Or a James Bond! Or Bruce Wayne [Batman]!

I'm not saying to lock yourself in a castle and hire a fire-breathing dragon, but it should take more than just a dinner and a movie to make you go weak at the knees! Be a prize! Have some self-respect! Make him work for it!

This is a story he will be telling his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren! Don't deny him his story!

A Motivation to get Started...

2010-01-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

My university is having its third annual Up&Coming Film Festival in May!

"An esteemed jury of film professionals will recognize excellence in ... student filmmaking at our Up&Coming Student Film Festival. The evening includes films, an awards ceremony, and a post-screening discussion."

How exciting! This definitely gives me the motivation to start working on a film NOW! Imagine if I got an award? A sign that my mind movie is working, perhaps? Hmmm...?

Hot Alpha Female

2010-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

I recently came across the blog, called Hot Alpha Female. It's actually pretty interesting- she gives dating and attraction tips for both males and females. But, what I really wanted to talk about was her post about mind movies. It's basically using the Law of Attraction to get what you want, but instead of making a Vision Board, you're actually making a Vision Movie! Cool, huh? Anyway, I'm posting this up because I think this is a personal project that I want to try out. We'll see what happens, eh?

Here's a couple examples of HAF's mind movies that she posted:

Be sure to read the user comments on the right hand tab- she gives updates on how these mind movies have helped her life! Very inspiring stuff, huh?

---EDIT---
Within hours of making this blog post, I created my own full-length mind-video! I'm excited and looking forward to seeing some amazing results! I'm not going to post mine up though- Some pictures/songs I used were taken without permission so I'll just use it privately!

Health.

2010-01-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

One of my good friends invited me to go see the band, Health, tonight. I agreed thinking, "Sure- why not?"

Wow. Health was amazing.
I haven't been to a concert in a long time.
What's happened to me? I used to be so fun!

Anywho- I had an amazing time and I can't wait to go to another! Unfortunately, my camera didn't take great pictures but I'll post my Twitter account on here so you can see my tweet pics.

This was my favorite song of the night:

Okay, How Lame am I?

2010-01-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

So, I didn't cry when Barack Obama became the First Black President the United States has ever had. Nope, I didn't do that. But I for sure cried when Princess Tiana was inducted as Disney's First Black Princess!!!

What I've Been Up To...

2010-01-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping that a picture is truly worth a thousand words because I don't like to explain myself. Don't get me wrong- I love my readers- but this weekend was so epic I just can't sum it up with enough justice.

But I will say this:

Las Vegas.

I came across a very interesting blog post and I'll share it here because I think it describes me perfectly. It's the answer to why I never finish an amazing idea I start; why I change my major/career 2-3 times a year; why my music selection and bookcase is so random and "eclectic"; and why I never fit in perfectly into any social clique. I am definitely a scanner.

A solution to my problems? Finish what I start. (Okay, I already knew that.) Write every exciting idea down in a notebook. Don't ever be ashamed of anything that you think is important. If it's important to you, then it is important. Don't trash half-baked ideas. Finish them through.

An Introduction to Son Jarocho

2010-01-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'm considering buying an Edirol so I can record better sound.

Learning to Dance Bomba

2010-01-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

Today, I went with some friends to El Centro de la Raza (or, "El Centro") to take a Bomba class with some friends of mine. I had a lot of fun. It reminded me of that constant longing that I used to have - that I still do have - to learn my culture and know my history as a Congolese female. Even though Bomba is not necessarily Congolese culture, I still feel the connection every time I move my hips to the beat of the drums.

There's another event tonight called "An Introduction to Son Jaracho." I hope I'll have just as much fun as I did today. I think this time I'll even bring my camcorder.

Learning Spanish

2010-01-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

As part of my journey to all-time sexiness, I'm learning to speak Spanish. How hot is that?!?! Until I decided to learn, I didn't realize how easy it would be! I bought a beginner's book for about 20 bucks, I'm using Rosetta Stone at my school's language lab, I'm going to follow a Spanish soap opera on Netflix (150 episodes!) and I know a few Spanish-speaking friends who have agreed to help tutor me.

I got 6 months to learn, baby!
Hasta luego!

Financial Management

2010-01-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

I need to learn how to manage my finances. I constantly find that the root of my financial woes is this brilliant question- "Is this [my purchase] a want or a need." Most of the time, my purchases fall in the former category rather than the latter. But no! Not for 2010! Indeed, I have finally made the resolution that, whenever I want to purchase something that i just have to have, I'll honestly answer the question, "Is it a want or a need?

Three of my biggest downfalls are the following: Food, books, and gadgets.

Food is always justifiable, right? We gotta eat! Wrong. Why should I go out and spend $20 on a mediocre meal at a restaurant when I have some perfectly good food at home? Do I really need that big bin of salad? I always say I'm going to eat all of it, but let's be real. I'll only eat half and throw the rest away once it gets old. Why not get a smaller bag?
Books- I swear, I'm always buying new books. Which sounds cool and all, but once I get one book- I read it halfway and then buy another one that strikes my fancy. If I took the time to actually finish the book, I would probably spend a lot less money (you don't understand- I have a bookshelf and bins full of books I have yet to finish.)
Gadgets- Do I really need a new laptop? Do I really need a digital camera? Do I really need the latest and greatest CrackBerry? I think not.

Anywho- this is my rant before I head off to find a new job.

I gotta solve my financial woes somehow!

Having Fun With Flip

2010-01-01T23:06:00.001-08:00

Here's a couple of videos I took while messing around with my Flip:

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

A Few Things That I Learned in 2009:

1. Life is short- don't waste your time doing something you hate; spend time doing something you love.

2. Some girls- even "best-friends"- can be viscous; keep your private life (i.e, significant others) private.

3. Regardless of what the media- and those brainwashed it- may say, I define my own blackness.

4. When it comes to dating, "If you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for anything"; or as Steve Harvey says, "Men Respect Standards- Get Some"

5. No matter how bad things may seem- stay positive in order to let positive things enter your life.

6. Being financially responsible is a big part of being an adult.

Resolutions for 2010:

1. Write at least one screenplay.

2. Finish a short film.

3. Take Capoeira classes regularly.

4. Learn Spanish

5. Get a 4.0 GPA

6. Manage Finances Well

Procrastination- My One True Enemy

2009-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

Every time that I try to write, I get scared and disappointed that each word, each syllable, each strike of the keyboard isn't a masterpiece. So, I get fed up with the whole process altogether and I stop.

I need to realize that this is my first screenplay and practice makes perfect. I need to let go of my fear. I need to get things DONE!

Stop being a coward!!!!!!!!

Interesting Quote

2009-12-23T00:27:00.000-08:00

I didn't take any videos worth posting. Sorry.

I read an interesting quote today-
"If you want to be a filmmaker, you must make films. If you are not making films, you're not a filmmaker, you're a person with a dream."

I need to get started on that camcorder.

Flip Tomorrow

2009-12-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

I'll be visiting the city tomorrow with some friends from high school; I'll be able to test out my Flip then hopefully make a YouTube video so you can see what I'm up to.

Thank You, Amazon!

2009-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Around 11:30 this morning, UPS kindly dropped my Amazon package on my doorstep containing... my new Flip UltraHD and my Manfrotto Monosteady 585!

The Flip UltraHD is easy as pie- I knew how to work it immediately. The Monosteady, on the other hand, well... that one took a minute. However, it is safe to say that I am now familiar with using it.

Now, here's the question- were they worth the money? The Flip? Definitely. Nothing beats having your first camcorder. The Monosteady? Yes, and I will tell you why: it has a 3-in-1 feature. So it's both an image stabilizer, a shoulder support, and a table tripod. For that reason alone, I think it was worth buying the Monosteady.

I think I'm going to try the DIY lens hack for the Flip and add a wide lens. I'll try that after I've been familiar with my Flip for a while. It seems to new to try to mess with it now.

It is a very foggy day in the East Bay (of California, that is) but I feel that I should give my Flip a go. My mother left me some adventure money behind before she left for school early this morning. I'm thinking of hitting up a college campus and testing out my Flip there.

Until later-

First Post

2009-12-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

Today, I placed an Amazon order for my first camcorder- the Flip UltraHD along with a Modosteady 585 image stabilizer. I'm looking forward to Monday afternoon when I finally get to experiment with my own filmmaking!

I've been flipping my way through many YouTube and Vimeo short films for the past few days; it's great to be able to observe the advanced equipment and techniques that students use to make their films. At the same time, I get green with envy when I realize how far more advanced their film gadgets are.

But-
whenever I'm feeling a bit bummed over my lack of funds for film production, I just think of this:

Bamboozled
Written and directed by Spike Lee

Did you know that this film was captured 100% on standard definition cameras? There was no high-definition with a 35mm adapter nor any crazy cinematic effects.

A good film is not just about how much money your camera cost, what lenses you have, nor what post-production software you use. It really comes down to 5 things:

Composition
Sound
Lighting
Story
Acting

...and that's it, folks! Enjoy the movie: