After Careful Consideration

Working for Free

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Now that I'm a graduate from the great Georgia State University I am forced to start to make a name for myself in the world. With a combination of economic peril and high unemployment rates, it seems as if my task is more daunting than those before me. Is this mountain getting taller as the decades go by? Was it easier for the Roosevelts to make money because expectations were lower?
Whatever the reason I have found myself working for free. Don't get me wrong, it's better than paying to work, which is what we all did in college. However, it's not as satisfying a bringing home a check for you work. It's definitely the in-between stage in our lives where we find ourselves offering our services to prove that we are worth an investment.
Okay, I sound a little dissatisfied, and I am, but I'm learning something here. Something that I haven't yet learned and never thought I'd need...Humility.
So, keep and eye out for me and my humility as we work for free writing Examiner food blogs and political insight columns for Sunday Paper, an Atlanta weekly. I guess it's important to remember that even the best of us have to prove ourselves now and then. Maybe it's okay to work for free once in a while, just don't make a habit of it.

Are We Really an Internet Generation?

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Throughout college, I was told that the media was moving away from print and television and onto the Internet. We reviewed the decline in newspaper circulation over the past 20 years. We saw staffs cut in half and reporters forced to retire early. In my four years as a journalism major, we were urged to "Get out now." I thought they were being overly cynical. I've had a handful of professors reassure us that the Internet was where our generation was going for information and it would only a few years before every media converted to the Internet. I never bought into their theories and I still don't now. I'll tell you why.
I believe that we are a generation that relies heavily on the Internet. I believe it's how we communicate and get information quickly. I do not believe that we are an "Internet Generation" when it comes to traditional media. My top reasons for believing this are:
1) Advertising is inversely proportionate to custom practices.
In traditional media, if one million people watch Rachel Ray, an advertisement during her show would cost roughly $200 per 1000 viewers, but if one million people visit the New York Times home page a day the same ad would cost $10-$20 dollars per 1000 viewers. See the difference..
2) Internet authors receive no credibility and sometimes no credit.
If you read a story on CNN.com and you look to the end for an author, you more than likely won't find one. I know a man who works for CNN.com in hopes of one day becoming a writer for the New York Times. He has hundreds of stories in his portfolio but if you Google his name, only 2-3 stories will show up. He receives no credit for his work.
As for bloggers like myself and even Matt Drudge. Big Media give regard us as simplistic everyday people, as though my B.A. in journalism and his breaking of the Lewinsky scandal means nothing.
3) We love the Internet, but it's not as convenient as they say.
I understand going to the internet for the weather and quick news, but let's be honest, we don't always have access to the internet. My favorite example of how traditional media will continue to flourish is the bathroom. I don't know how many people will read an article on CNN.com while they are on the toilet, but I guess only a few. There are still many places for magazines and newspaper to remain in our lives.

So then I wonder, why would my professors urge us to concentrate on the Internet, especially if we make less money, have no credibility, and reach less people than Anderson Cooper. Are we really an Internet Generation?

Australian Bakery Cafe: East Atlanta Village and Marietta Square

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:47:00 +0000

I've never been to Australia, but I know a lot about it. I had the great opportunity to spend half a semester researching the country/continent when I was in high school, and all that knowledge stuck with me. So, yesterday, when I saw the "Australian Bakery Cafe" I had to go in.

Having already eaten lunch, I went in with hopes of finding one of the best desserts I've had in years, the Australian national dessert, "Pavlova." It's a meringue bowl, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside and filled with fresh fruit and sauce. I had it at a restaurant in Vidalia last year. It was simple, but far from what we expect to see on a dessert menu. It's lighter and less decadent. It's a dessert that makes you feel refreshed and not weighed down.

To my disappointment, they were already sold out by the time I got there, but he promised they would have it today. Instead, Regina and I shared a "Matchstick." A dessert with crispy and flaky layer on top and bottom, and in between, a fresh whipped cream and a raspberry preserve. It wasn't a Pavlova, but it was good. For anyone in the EAV or Marietta Square, make a stop by the bakery and try the Pavlova. You won't be disappointed, and if you have any questions about Australia, the manager will be glad to answer them. We learned a lot in the few minutes we were there.

An insider tip: If you order lunch in the EAV location and you make good conversation, the manager, Dave, might be inclined to throw in dessert, for free!

What Exactly is a "Concept Restaurant?"

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:18:00 +0000

There is a big difference between choosing a restaurant concept and a concept restaurant. Any, and everyone, opening a food spot will eventually be forced to decide on a concept. What types of people are you looking to attract? What kind of food and drinks? Dance floor? Sommelier? Etc. The biggest difference between the two, is in one you choose every element of your restaurant and in the other, the restaurant chooses for you. That is to say, if I look at the Atlanta market and I see a lack of farm-to-table restaurants, but I see a surplus of southern food places, how can I make the most money off of this information. A concept restaurant would then be born from this data, "Welcome to the newest spot. A farm-to-table southern-soul food inspired restaurant."

What I'm saying is, in a concept restaurant, with a theme that is so tightly defined, it is hard to play with any of the other elements of the restaurant. If it's southern-food, then there must be fried chicken. If it's farm-to-table, then there must be fresh collard greens, etc. As for the decor, expect a home like feel, similar to what you would see in Gone with the Wind, perhaps there will even be pictures from the movie on the wall.

A concept restaurant is typically the safer way to go. It makes sense that if there are three candy shops on 5th St. that it wouldn't make sense to open another candy shop there. However safe concept restaurants are, they can also create a sense of claustrophobia in a chef. Concept restaurants tend to constrict thebrain wavess of the most talented chefs. A chef in our previous southern food farm-to-table model would not have to think about what to serve, he in fact would not have to do much thinking at all. And we know from our adolescent years that practice makes perfect. If the chefs in Atlanta aren't practicing, will we ever get better?

For more info: Email Nani at: nanimathews@hotmail.com

Time to Talk Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:29:00 +0000

I just got a heads up from a source that says by tomorrow morning the gas prices will be nearly five dollars. FIVE DOLLARS!!! Let me take you back to the last time our nation faced gas prices that high, Katrina. For Americans these raising gas prices don't just hit us in the pocket, they should hit us in the political side of our brains. The chart shows the fluctuation of gas prices over the past 10 days. The "energy crisis" that our nation has been facing for decades needs more than just a nod from politicians. This is much more than a crisis, it's an epidemic. Offshore drilling is not the answer, it's not even the short term answer. If we put up hundreds more oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, how high do you think gas prices will shoot up next year when Hurricane Annie or Brandon tear them all down? Addiction can't be solved with more of the drug, we need out. I think I've written about Pickens Plan, an energy plan focused on wind energy, hell, anything is a better idea than setting ourselves up for failure. If you don't agree with me today, let's see how high gas prices are tomorrow, if I'm right, at least do our country the courtesy of voting for a candidate with an energy plan worth standing on.
Go to this website to see where the Presidential candidates stand. (click here)

Chef Richard Blais Leaves Home

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:08:00 +0000

Former Top Chef contestant and Atlanta celebrity Chef Richard Blais resigned from Home Restaurant and Bar on Sunday September 7, 2008. Only a few months after accepting an offer from Here to Serve restaurant group, Chef Blais has decided to part ways.

Atlantans referred to Home as "Chef Blais's new restaurant", but Blais felt much differently. Despite the Atlanta press giving the restaurant and Chef Blais more attention than any other opening of the summer, the Chef never felt like Home was his.

In Chef Blais's personal blog he explains...

"What made my decision very easy were a few uncomfortable meetings, where it was obvious that ownership didn’t value what I brought to the table..."

Earlier this summer I met Chef Richard Blais at Fox 5 Atlanta. He was hot and getting hotter. Chef Blais gained huge popularity in Atlanta after his run on Bravo's Top Chef. After making it to the final three, his celebrity status back home was sealed tighter than duck sous vide. Chef Blais did not win Top Chef, but back in Atlanta there were thousands of foodies salivating for just a taste of one of his creations. Unfortunately, one of those people eagerly waiting was Tom Catherall, concept restaurant king of Atlanta. Catherall contacted Blais and offered him an opportunity to come on board for his new restaurant, "Home." Blais, overwhelmed with his new found fame, jumped on board. It wasn't long before "Home" was not where Chef Blais' heart was.

With the announcement of Chef Blais's resignation from Home also comes the news of Flip, what the chef calls, "a project where I am the creative vision."

Atlanta is the 8th largest city in America, but we are struggling to make a name for ourselves in the culinary world. Home is an example of how concept restaurants and business plans keep us from moving forward, but Chef Blais reassures us, "...I think Atlanta is ready for a restaurant that stretches. I know that if it is going to happen in Atlanta, it’s going to happen soon..."

Hopefully very soon.

For more info: Contact Nani: nanimathews@hotmail.com

Is The American Dream Bringing America's Demise?

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:11:00 +0000

Yesterday I was listening to NPR while a few senior analysts explained the Fannie/ Freddie takeover. I was taken back for a minute while I listened to what the government rescue of the mortgage giants meant for taxpayers. I began to wonder what it meant for what we so fondly call, "The American Dream."
The American Dream, loosely defined, is the right to an opportunity for a better life, the right to a good job, the right to own a sufficient home, and the right to live and participate in our consumer based society. However, when I hear about the "Mortgage Crisis," or how car dealerships are having trouble securing finances for their 2009 inventory, I wonder, What has the American Dream done to us?
In America, the land of the free, you will find a plethora of people, some more fortunate and some less fortunate. I think the real problem for America starts when we, as Americans, have realized we have not fulfilled the American Dream. So, we less fortunate become unrealistically optimistic. With the idea of an American Dream in our heads, we become invincible, but is this ultimately the the demise of America?
What I mean to say is, If I feel that it's my "American" right to own a home, and Fannie Mae feels that it has the right to grant my "Dream," who can stop us? If I feel that I have the "American" right to own a car and Ford feels it has the right to fulfill my "Dream," who can stop that?
Who can stop the American Dream when it's all some Americans have? If Americans tend to feel they are owed something and American businesses take advantage of it, we end up in a cycle of late payments on both sides.
Let me make it clear, I'm not against the Dream. I support it and I admire it's capabilities, and our country's capabilities, but, if everyone with less feels they deserve more, and everyone with more feels they deserve more, what will become of America? Will the idea that this land comes with a Dream be this lands demise?

We'll Never Meet

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:14:00 +0000

In a world where the Internet brings new meaning to "life in the fast lane", I am faced with its handful on unwanted baggage with my thumb in the air. I was once rolling on that road of optimism and extended reach, now I sit motionless waiting for the road to take me. When I was younger I could meet someone who worked for a company and the next day I'd have an interview. That was a time when there were still homes without the Internet. Now, it's not so easy, so, I would like the take the time to introduce myself. If things keep going at the rate they have, you and I will never meet.
My name is Nani, I'm 22, and I'm part Hawaiian. I have green eyes and an olive complexion, but you'll never know it, because we'll never meet. I've been told that my personality is great, I'm funny and wittier than Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, and I write my own stuff. I have a strong work ethic and I dream big so I can accomplish more than anyone else, but you'll never know it because we'll never meet.
Okay, I don't want to sound too much like Maya Angelou so let me tell you what I'm getting at. In a digital age, where I can send and receive information faster than I can wipe my ass, I am stuck. (No pun intended) While I search for that dream job I've had in mind for years, I am finding myself willing to settle for anything that remotely relates to media, including coloring contest. It's as though I've been stood up by every company I've applied for. It's like I'm in an online dating nightmare. I put my stats out there, graduate, experience, leadership, skills, but something is missing. I can't help but get frustrated and wonder, how will they ever know, because we'll never meet.
What I am on paper is just like Sally or Sam who graduated in my class, but what Sally and Sam don't have, are green eyes, olive skin, and the ability to wow the socks off every stiff asshole in the industry. So there, I have resolved to stop writing fluff emails about my stats. I am making an attempt to be real--I'll let you know what they say.

New Orleans Reborn

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Nearly three years ago Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans and devastated so many lives and communities around the area. If you visit today you can still see some of that devastation, but there is something much more to be felt when you enter into the city on a nearly 10 mile bridge from Slidell, the pride of a city reborn.
Every French Quarter shop that you walked into had plenty of little reminders that New Orleans was a city to reckoned with, and it was a city that earned my respect. On every street in the Quarter there was so much art, music, and food that it didn't seem like any thing tragic had ever happen to the city. The beignets, French donuts, were still delicious and the Cajun cooking was just as good as my dad described it. The andouille sausage was just as tasty as it looked on the Food Network and Bourbon Street was just as wild as I read about. I actually saw a couple of boobs on just a regular Saturday night.
The night club scene was crazy. The architecture was beautiful. It was truly a city reborn, but in reality, it was just a neighborhood reborn.
New Orleans ranks 2nd of the most dangerous cities in America, and much of the city is still in shambles. It was amazing to see completely renovated homes across the street from hurricane damaged and abandoned shotgun style homes of New Orleans. Some neighborhoods, have in fact, never recovered. A closer look outside of the highly tourist populated French Quarter will give you a look into what the locals see. Crime and poverty are high in the city, and as the New York Times reports, there simply aren't enough cops to patrol. The National Guard still remains in some of the more crime ridden parts of the city. At least 300 troops are stationed in New Orleans to help alleviate the work load for local police. While we were there, at least 4 murders were reported in a single newscast, some of them unexplained. There was no ex-lover or gang related excuse, just murder. A grade school teacher was murdered just a week before we arrived, the reason was unknown and the killer was still at large. I only made it through one newscast before I pledged to stop watching New Orleans tv.
As much as I loved the city and how its heartbeat somehow made its way into the rhythm of my footsteps while I was there, it is a city that has a long way to go.
Reborn it is, but rebuilt? -- not yet.

Are We Moving Forward?

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:28:00 +0000

It amazes me that we live in a society that has become increasingly closer together through the miracle of technology, and yet; that same binder that has brought us closer together, has in fact been the catalyst in our separation.
That is to say, for example, if "Mary", woman A, has to make a call to "Kathy", woman B, it is an action that takes no thought. In our current technological state, a connection like this can be made with little to no effort at all. There is no traveling involved for this connection. There, often but not always, are no extra costs involved. It is an instantaneous action and reaction. This "miracle" of technology has been praised by many and criticized by others.
Many fans of the Bible have expressed their opposition to technology for years. It is believed, by some, that the use of technology to bring us closer together is a prophecy fulfilled. The prophecy of singularity. Which is said to be, the belief of all of mankind becoming one. You can read more about that here.
I bring that up because I've heard it used in sermons before, and, I think of it when I experience it in my life. Although some people may believe that technology is the "singularity," I strongly oppose that belief.
I'll tell you why.
If in fact, we live in a place where we are interconnected, at all times, through the use of the Internet, cell phones, and satellite rotation, then I ask these questions to ye believers:

Why am I not talking to a person? Why am I on hold with a computer who sounds like the Jetsons' housekeeper ?"

If we are interconnected and moving as one, why does it feel like technology has actually spaced us further apart? A new social behavior is forming, isolationism. The increasing use of cell phones and music devices, like the iPod, are creating a "being" that is connected to one thing while simultaneously being disconnected from others. This new wave of social behavior is the exact opposite to the belief of a singularity. How can a world be singular when it is so isolated?
Both theories are relevant and observable in our current world. However, if both the idea of a singularity and isolationism are working at the same time in our society, are we not exactly where we started? Are we even moving forward at all?

Measuring Up

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:32:00 +0000

My ultimate dilemma in life, so far, has been how hard I pressure myself to measure up to everyone I meet. It's a multi faceted dilemma, but the two most prominent points are, one, my infatuation with life and accomplishments in general, and two, my unwavering inner passion to be so much better than everyone I've ever met, (no offense to anyone reading.)
I'll give you an example. In my current internship I've met some interesting people. I've had the chance to meet a few celebrities, chefs, publicists, etc. When I meet these types of people, the first thing my head generates is "How can I do all those things and still do my life?" That's how I've been for years and years. When I was 15 I saw a girl who wrote a book at the age of 16. I spent the next few months trying to get to that same goal, even though I had never thought about it before. I am infatuated with doing all that I possibly can--I'm still working on that book.
The second part of my dilemma is the need to be better. I'll be honest. I'm interning at Fox 5 right now and every time I see an intern, it's like the wild wild west. I'll walk you through it. I'm over chilling with Joy and Jan, the guest coordinators for Good Day Atlanta, learning and all that jazz, and all of the sudden, the room is still. My eyes scan the room and meet with the eyes of another intern. She's over in the corner, shadowing some guy the higher ups send you to when there's not too much to do. It's as if the room is quiet when our eyes meet. I can faintly hear Jan and Joy joking about something and the distinct sound of typing--but all else is still when our eyes meet. Maybe for the other intern it's merely accidental eye contact, but for me, it's a war. I'm so competitive and it goes into every area of my life.

I have to be the youngest, fastest, best, and the best looking too.

So my biggest strength doubles as my biggest dilemma. I love it either way though. There is something about people and human behavior, and accomplishments that fascinates me, and keeps me moving forward. One of my biggest fears is the universal truth that we only have this one lifetime to make it all happen, and accomplish all we can. So, I'll give you fair warning, my hand is always on my hip. Maybe I'll never do what you or those others have done. Maybe I'll never be president, or direct a movie, but I will move mountains in everything I do take on. And chances are that, after careful consideration of our lives and our similarities and differences, we will end up beside each other, instead of face to face. That's what life is really about, pushing the limit to make the whole thing better.

Tax Payers Can't Win

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:51:00 +0000

I go to school at Georgia State University, in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Do you know what else is in the heart of downtown? I'll tell you, panhandlers. If you don't know what a panhandler is let me define it for you: The Atlanta ordinance defines "commercial solicitation" (panhandling) as "any request made by a person on a street, sidewalk, or public place, without a permit, asking for an immediate donation of money or other thing of value, under circumstances where a reasonable person would understand the purchase is a donation"
So that includes, homeless, hustlers, firemen, deaf mutes, and what I've recently noticed, religious organizations and friends of criminals who need money for lawyers. Living in Atlanta means that you are sure to see some odd things. Unfortunately, it also means that more than three times a day you will be approached by a panhandler of some sort. Yesterday, I went downtown for a final, there was a guy where I park my car, one on the way to my classroom, there were two for a religious cause at the first red light off the interstate to my house, and one straggler in clean Nikes off the exit to work. The recent horde of panhandlers has made me ask myself the question, "Why do they get money and not have the consequence of taxes, like those of us giving them the money?"
My solution to this problem can be solved two ways. One, don't give them any money, which is usually what I do. I shake my head and hand so much that I'm getting fatigued. Or two, tax them. Next time I feel compelled to give someone money, (I have my days), I am going to charge a 15% tax. I can see it already:

"Excuse me miss can I have some change?"
"Well, all I have is this crisp dollar bill. At 15% tax that totals .85 cents for you. I'll need you to give me .15 cents for this dollar."

I wonder if they'll take it. At least we get the stimulus check, though, that's probably why there is a sudden mob of them. We taxpayers can't win for losing!

1A Expression: Sharon McCusker

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:51:00 +0000

From exaltation of religion to what some call "Heresy", we move onto to a sculpture artist also based in Atlanta, GA. Sharon McCusker's work caught my eye on my way to class one morning. Her work was among 20 or more sculpture pieces on display in a wing of the Georgia State Art building. Her pieces were by far the most details and demonstrative of a talented sculpture artist. I spoke with Ms. McCusker about her work last week in her studio.
From a southern Georgia city, where religion and football reign, Sharon McCusker began to formulate her artist identity in sculpture. Working with clay, Sharon is currently working on her upcoming grad school show, set for April of 2009. Incorporated in her line of work is a common thread, religion.
Inspired by the book The Woman with the Alabaster Jar, by Margret Starbird, as well as her southern baptist roots, Sharon is producing a show that is two-fold. Her first series is a dedication to Mary Magdalene called, "The Different Identities of Mary Magdalene." Her second series focuses on the seven deadly sins, as laid out in the Bible, and the seven social sins, as recently defined by the Vatican. Those include, gluttony, greed, wrath, lust, envy, pride, and sloth, as well as, bioethical violations (use of birth control), morally dubious experiments (stem-cell research), drug abuse, pollution, dividing of rich and poor, excessive wealth, and creating poverty.
Her current sculptures are a mix of three dimensional and flat clay works. The 14 sins will be displayed in the flat clay works, while the Mary Magdalene line is a mixture. She has already created a few pieces for each of the series. She told me, when we spoke, that she had a new idea for gluttony, I won't give it away, but it has to do with Ronald McDonald. Her greed piece includes a portrait of, who else but Donald Trump? While her work is far from finished, she allowed me to take some pictures of her upcoming pieces.
When I asked her, "Why religion?" her response was worth taking note of. She explained that religion has been the basis for wars and art for centuries, and there is no reason to pretend that it doesn't exist. She said, politicians get up on stage and won't talk about their religion, they say there is a separation of church and state, when in fact what you believe drives you to your decisions.

Is the foundation belief system so fragile that you don't want to talk about it.

Her mother, a devout Christian, is coming to terms with her upcoming show, though she has yet to see some of her more risqué pieces. Sharon's mother gives both her daughter and the onlooking audience something to really contemplate when viewing works such as this. She says, "If it offends and bothers people, maybe their not as strong in their beliefs as they thought." Sharon McCusker's work will definitely offend and bother some, while, at the same time, it will be celebrated for it's controversial content. Keep and ear and eye out for her show next year, to be held in the Ernest G. Welch Art Gallery at Georgia State University.
For more pictures of her current work visit my photobucket album.

1A Expression: Eddie Vargas

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:02:00 +0000

Eddie Vargas is a up and coming Christian musical artist stationed in Atlanta GA. Mr. Vargas has a unique approach to typical Christian music that sets him apart from the crowd. In his debut self titled EP, he demonstrates his ability to fuse several different genres together. Most people who are familiar with Christian radio stations would be able to quickly identify the artists they play. Three Day Grace has a familiar 'Christian rock' sound, however, Eddie Vargas brings a fresh new sound to the currently stale state of Christian music. In his six track EP, Mr. Vargas demonstrates his capabilities as a guitarist and pianist. His overall sound is a mixture of rock, pop, and latina music. He weaves his bilingual ability into several of his tracks, giving his audience a more diversified sound.
His debut album, upon my first listen, was only mediocre. His lyrics are, at times, monotonous, and his style seemed amateurish at first listen. His music, while upbeat, was sometimes unmoving. However, upon my next few listens of the album, the music and lyrics grew on me.
The repetitiveness of the lyrics gets stuck in your head. The tempo and beat of the music gets you moving after the lyrics are in your head. My biggest critique of his lyrics and content is the familiarity. Song titles include, "So Glad" and "The Enemy's Camp." The overall message of his music is very similar to current trendy Christian music. It seems that there is a consensus among Christian artists to relay very similar messages. A title such as "So Glad" has been in rotation as far back as the first appearance hymnals.
One of the biggest and most pleasant surprises in Mr. Vargas's music is the out of nowhere rap he throws into his songs. In almost every one of his songs he manages to mingle a little rap in it. His rap has a free flowing style, much like most of his lyrics.
I had the opportunity to see one of his first performances live at GA State. His band is hip, cute, and talented. Mr. Vargas's on-stage presence is entertaining and guaranteed to grow his overall awareness. He and his band are fun and interactive with, both, each other and the audience. The lyrics engage the listener to repeat and sing along with the band. Keep an eye out for any of his future performances. His band page and upcoming schedule can be found here.

1A Expression

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:57:00 +0000

This week I have had the great fortune of coming across two different forms of artistic expression that exhibit the same subject in very different ways. The subject is religion, of course. I want to use this blog to introduce both of the artists I came across. Later, I will write two feature articles on them, for your reading pleasure.
In my life I have had some unique experiences with religion. I, like many others, have struggled with my "religious identity," or lack there of. Last weekend when I was getting my hair cut, Stacy, the hairdresser, was sharing her philosophy on religion. She said that religion, despite how controversial it is in conversation, has been the showcase for centuries of art. Artists from every era have used religion in their work. Some of the most renowned art pieces are based on religion, such as, The Last Supper.
This week, I just happened to be bombarded by two totally different religious messages in a 24 hour period. I had been looking for some good artists to profile for my internship blog, and after I had these two different artists cross my path, I came up with this. 1A Expression, or 1st Amendment Expression. That's what I'm calling this series of artist's profiles. The 1st Amendment is the cornerstone for artists, media, and millions of religious followers. It is the, in short, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion, all in one amendment. Our right to expression has been both valued and demonstrated since the Constitution was drafted. So, allow me to take you on a journey through one of our country's core values, freedom of expression.
First, a musical artist who found God in some of the darkest moments of his life. He uses his music to praise and to spread the joy and word of his savior.
Next I'll introduce to a woman who has had her share of trials, and in the dark she has found that religion is sometimes...contradictory. She has used religion as a basis for her current works of art--a line she calls "Heresy."

Don't Cry Over Spilled Dairy

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Today I will be enlightening my crowd of readers on how to keep your cool. Last night I had a splitting headache, I figure it's the allergies. Regina rubbed my head while I fell asleep. I felt good when I woke up but when I walked Beis the allergies started kicking in again. I left ten minutes late, missed the green light right outside our place that takes five minutes to turn green again because some Jack-O was joy riding over the speed bumps. Here's what I don't get, for those of you who live, or have lived, in a place/neighborhood that has speed bumps, have you ever noticed that the bigger the car the slower they go over the speed bumps? It may just be where I live, but DAMN HOMBRE! Move your big assed SUBURBAN over those little bitty speed bumps with some fury!
That was okay though. I was pissed I missed the light, but I just put my head back against the seat and took a deep breath, uttered some explicit word, and started to sing one of my favorite songs. I felt pretty good by the time the light finally turned green again.
Class was okay. Afterward I went down to one of our eating areas at school. I buy a coke, cookies, and an empty coffee cup to heat my clam chowder up in.
Okay, there was a girl who kept looking at me when I was pouring the soup in the empty cup, so she was making me nervous. Then, I spill a little on the table, so I go to clean it up with some napkins and in one fail swoop,

I knocked that shit right to the floor,

all over my pants, and a couple of inches from the nosy girl's feet. She and few others made the over empathetic "awww..." noise, making me feel worse. But I cleaned it up with poise, plugged my headphones in a listened to my favorite song. Now here I am, fine and I managed to save some of my soup, so I'm full. So, today's tip for keeping your cool: Listen or sing your favorite song.
The more energy that you can put into some other function will transfer that negativity into something that pacifies you. SING! And if you can't sing, sing while alone. (jk)

HAIR CONFIDENCE: Tips to a Better Do

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:35:00 +0000

So, I have this obsession with my hair, I admit it. The first day Regina and I met, I touched and mentioned my hair 5-10 times. Nothing has changed but the length. I still talk about it, worry about it, and touch it more than Uncle Jessie from Full House. I blame it on being a woman, but the truth is, I don't have HAIR CONFIDENCE. When I was growing up, I was a big tomboy. I had my hair in ponytail all the time, and I had bangs that made me look like Nick Carter when the Backstreet Boys debuted. I wasn't raised in a home that pressured me to be more girly. I'm glad for that, however, I missed out on one thing a lot of girls got, hair lessons that led to HAIR CONFIDENCE. You may be wondering what I mean by that. Well, what I've noticed, being a lesbian and all, is that every girl I've been with has a vast knowledge of hair. Hair products, hair accessories, hair know-how, etc. They know how to put it in a ponytail with ease, they can pin it up, straighten it, up-do, down-do, etc. Me, on the other hand, it takes 15 minutes for me to get my hair in a ponytail, and even then I have bumps and loose hairs. I'm no good with hair styling. I can't use bobby pins to save my life. I'm glad someone took those butterfly clips away from me when I was younger because that's the most fashion my hair ever got, but it was still out of style. My problem with HAIR CONFIDENCE is, I get into a comfort zone. Regina, she knows what looks good on her, and she knows how to try new things. She has about 6-7 different hairstyles in her arsenal. Me, I had 2. The ponytail and the down. Now, I have one, since I got my hair cut yesterday. Here's the part I really wanted to share with you, "How to get Hair Confidence." Yesterday Regina and I got haircuts. Our friend Lorraine had been talking up this hair dresser for over a year, but we still hadn't been able to get with her. (That's how you know they're good, when they are in so high demand you can't get to them.) Finally, Regina and I met her yesterday. Stacy is her name. She works on and off for Key Lime Pie in the VAHI. Here's my tip for those of you who are like me and lack HAIR CONFIDENCE, find a hair dresser who knows what the hell they are doing. Stacy was beyond good. She looked at me and knew exactly what needed to be done. So I've compiled a list of 5 tips to help you pick the right hairdresser and give you HAIR CONFIDENCE:

They know by looking ONLY what your hair needs
They talk to you about what YOU want
They start slow, don't assume they know what they're doing because they are fancy. A hairdresser should start off with the basic straight cuts, not fancy cuts. Fancy is later.
They look at your face while cutting. If they never look at your face when cutting, get out of the chair.
They know things about your hair that you don't. Anyone can tell you that your hair is thick or thin. If you hairdresser knows hair they will tell you something about yours that you didn't know, (of course it should make sense).

Pacifying the Insane Without Medication

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:25:00 +0000

Let's talk management and how convincing you have to be to be successful. Being in management, anywhere, is a non-stop debate of the worse kind. I ask the general population, "Do you think that I should have to convince you to do your job?" and they would probably say, "At times, well at most times, it helps." That's the debacle that anyone in management faces, daily, and at times, hourly. For those of you who never had the opportunity to be in management, I'll give you brief synopsis. To start, for me, I have 10-12 employees under me, depending on which of them feel like coming into work on a given day. I'll pause here to make a disclaimer. As I've said before I work at UPS and we work with this great thing called a union. For anyone who has worked with a union that should be enough said. For those of you who haven't, it's like there are no rules that can't be broken in a company with a union. Look into it for more information.
Moving on, once I have my employees in, I have to put them where I need them most. At times that's easy, and at others, it's the most difficult thing to sell to them. Nightly I have to convince 1-2 of my employees into working to the best of their ability despite their negative attitude towards their work. Nightly I have to sell the company mission to my entire team, who are more reluctant to buy than Mr. Scrooge. Nightly I have to write 1-2 of my employees up for tardies or absences. Nightly I have to convince people, who tell me they "need the money" to work for their money. Nightly I have to pacify the insane without medication. There is more to management than one may think. So, next time you come across one of these instances I want you to remember one thing, doctors have pills, lawyers have death penalties, and management, well we have to do our best, so give us a break.

Big Boi and the Atlanta Ballet: Chills Guaranteed

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:01:00 +0000

I've been hard at work with Jen Farris and the Atlanta Ballet getting ready for the world premiere of 'big.' Last night I had the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal, unfortunately, I won't be there tonight for the opening. However, last night I had a great feeling of accomplishment. I know that the rest of the PR people are still sweating bullets over tonight's opening, but for me, I feel like a great achievement has already been made. The day that Atlanta Ballet's Artistic Director, John McFall, and Big Boi came together and said, "Let's do this," the accomplishment was already made. If I could say one thing to the artists, the director, the choreographer, and the PR people it would be, "Don't sweat, all the hard work is already done, everything will fall into place when something magical like this is going down." For me, it doesn't matter if the lines of VIP's and general ticket holders cross. In fact, they should. It doesn't matter if it's chaos. It should be. It doesn't matter if someone misses a step or a cue. No one will notice. Everyone will be in awe. There is very little that could ruin this performance. You may ask, "How can say this with such confidence?" My answer to that would be, "Just go and see for yourself."
While I was sitting there last night, I knew that this show wasn't about art. It wasn't about music or dance. This show can't be defined, only interpreted by every single individual who sees it. My interpretation of it was somewhat of an epiphany, like the kind they wrote about in the Bible. The moment of realization of something much greater and much more powerful than yourself. Much more powerful than the word's you can formulate to describe your feelings. This show isn't about hip hop, and it isn't about ballet. This is about breaking all the rules and all the cultural norms.

It's about the fusion of two cultures and the uniting of one city.

It's about much more than art and dance and music. This is about people, creative people coming together to make magical things happen. When you watch this performance; I challenge you to hold back your emotion, but I know that you won't be able to. This show is guaranteed to send chills down your spine and give you goosebumps. For the more emotional crowd, it will bring tears to your eyes.

Visit the Atlanta Ballet for more details and show times.

Uh Huh Her The Band

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:33:00 +0000

Uh Huh Her? There have been some weird band names in the past, for example, Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails, The Coathangers, Death Cab for Cutie, Third Eye Blind, Barenaked Ladies, Black Eyed Peas, The Blue Oyster Cult, The Bloodhound Gang, Papa Roach, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit and too many more to count. So when we're talking music, it's not suprising to find some "way out of the box thinking." However, no matter how weird, there is always some story behind it. As for Uh Huh Her, I'll let you discover that story on your own time. Uh Huh Her, or UHH, is an L.A. based band featuring Leisha Hailey, the cute, clever, and talented woman many of us know as Alice from The L Word, and Camila Grey, L.A. musician and a bona fide hottie herself. These two women have joined forces to bring a dynamic new sound to the music industry. Music genres are so blurry these days that I don't classify my taste in music by genres but rather by band names. However, for the common reader/person who likes genres I will say this, UHH is a fusion of alternative, rock, and a little baroque pop vocal styling, and that's my genre classification of them. No matter how you slice it up, I like it. UHH is currently running a grassroots campaign, much more effective than Ron Paul, in support of their debut full length album Common Reaction, in stores May 20th. Included in the campaign, whose heartbeat is the fans, are competitions such as best commercial, best poster, etc. All can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/uhhuhherstreetteam

Being a fan of the music and of video production, I have taken it upon myself to create the best commercial that will be made for their debut album, (with creative help from Regina). Here it is for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to check UHH out today. If you like women and music, then here's the band for you.

I'm Indecisive, To Say the Least

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:38:00 +0000

I've been in college for nearly four complete years. During those four years, I have flip flopped more than John Kerry on areas of importance to me. I remember when I was in High School, I was in the middle of a conversation with Marilew and Ross. Ross had just bought over $100 in paintball equipment and got bored with it and kept it in his closet now. Marilew said, "Why do guys do stuff like that? You always get bored and stop in the middle of your obsessions!" Ross responded to her "Yeah, for now, but later it will still be in the closet and I can use it to punish my children when their bad." Now, I'm sure he was kidding, but I'll never forget that little conversation, because it connected with me so much. When I was 16, I stood outside the window of the CNN newsroom in Atlanta GA and I KNEW that's what I wanted to do. When I was a sophomore in college I took a Communication Law class and I worked with a guy whose wife is a lawyer. That semester I KNEW when I graduated I was going to law school. I still have the "Preparing for LSAT" book in the trunk of my car. Later that year I had a Spanish class with Estafania Olid-Peña. She was the teacher and she was from Malaga, in the South of Spain. That year I KNEW that I wanted to go to Malaga because I had to find out if all the women were as hot as she was. (I still wanna do that one). Last year I KNEW that I was going to grad school when I graduated, until one of my professors told me that everyone in grad school were pretentious assholes and it was something I should do after I got a couple of years of work under me. I also had a film class and I KNEW I was moving to L.A. after I graduated. And here I am, a senior in college. Three months from graduation. Now I'm in an internship at an art based public relations place. Today I KNOW I want to work in the arts and entertainment industry. I have resolved only one thing to be absolute truth--I don't fucking know what I want to do. I use to be really passionate about working at CNN. Now I don't know. I use to be really passionate about all those things, and now they are distant memories that only reignite once in a while. Everyone keeps asking, "What are your plans after graduation?" and I don't know what to say anymore. I usually tell them one of the many things I wanted to do. "I always wanted to work at CNN," I'll respond. Yet no one ever catches the fact that none of my responses are in the present tense, because presently, I don't know. To say the least.

Who is Janelle Monáe and from what planet does she come from?

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Janelle Monáe is the name on everyone's lips these days. She's in the latest production of the Atlanta Ballet with Big Boi from Outkast. She was involved in some of the soundtrack to Idlewild. She was on the cover of Atlanta's hippest alternative weekly, Creative Loafing. She is performing in NYC this week. She just got signed by P. Diddy to Bad Boy Records. She's cute. She's new. She's collectively undefinable. I heard her for the first time on on my university's student run, student operated, student produced radio station, WRAS 88.5. Her voice soared through my car speakers so intensely and passionately I nearly stopped in place. I like music that stirs my soul. That song, "Sincerely Jane", stirred my soul then, and it still does today. But when I tried to explain it to Regina, I was at a loss for words. She's got this R&B/Rock n' Roll kind of style. Her lyrics are powerful and contemplative. Last December she played at WRAS Fest on a Friday night. Regina and I had to work because during Christmas season no one who works at UPS gets a day off. A friend of ours went to the concert and called us to let us know that she didn't go on until 10:30pm. Regina and I slid out a side door and into the car at 10pm. My boss called me to ask if I was wrapped up while I slammed the car to my door and took off. I was passionate about going to see her. I didn't know much if anything about her. I liked that one song and I had to see her. I don't go to concerts. I don't typically leave work early without permission. I don't like to go out after work. But all those apprehensions I had before went out the window when it came to Janelle Monáe. I'll say this about that concert, I had chills through most if not all of it. I didn't know the words to any of it but I sang and I danced. She was electrifying. She's an entertainer. She and her band were clad in black and white formal wear. Her lead guitarist had on a black bob wig that would make Cleopatra envious. She sung songs about a robot in love with a human. There was so much fog in there it was hard to breathe. I wondered what planet she and her band was from. But the crowd was lit up, to say the least. She had such a strong following that knew every word and every beat. If you walked in and weren't a fan, you left a Janelle Monáe fan.
Then in January I started a PR internship here in Atlanta with ZDennis Marketing and we were working with the Atlanta Ballet--involved was Big Boi, Janelle Monáe, and more. I was thrilled to get the chance to spread the word around about her because she really moved me, and After Careful Consideration I'm sure she'll do the same for you.

Improv Everywhere: We Cause Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:22:00 +0000

A couple of days ago while I was digitally impregnating Bette from The L Word, one of my classmates leaned over and asked if I had ever heard of Improv Everywhere. I thought it was something like Punk'd, but when he explained it to me I realized it sounded much funnier. It's a group of "agents" that go out into public areas and prank the people in them. For example, one day in Grand Central Station over 207 "agents" froze in place for 5 minutes while a bustling crowd gawked in awe. In a place where people usually rush right by, this prank had them standing still and asking, "Is this some sort of national disaster?"
The latest of their pranks was a Food Court Musical in Los Angeles. 16 Agents performed a musical in the food court of an L.A. mall while the music played over the loudspeaker. The best part of the video is seeing the general publics' reaction. I watched the video while I was supposed to be working on something. I was cracking up. Not many things make me laugh like that did. So I resolved in that second to spread the word around. A couple of people in the food court were slightly annoyed that their lunch was be interrupted, but it made me recall an instance about a week ago. I was on the shuttle back to my car after class and the bus driver, who calls herself "Big Momma," stood up and forced this boy to dance with her to "We are Family." Afterward a few of us were annoyed that getting home was being postponed for a show, but she said something afterward that made me lighten up.
"Some people gotta learn to have a sense of humor, we're not young forever sweetie."
So check it out today, and prepare yourself for the instance that someone's sense of humor interrupts your day, and take it in stride.

Earth Hour Atlanta: Saturday 8pm-9pm

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:34:00 +0000

"World Wildlife Fund is partnering with Mayor Shirley Franklin, the City of Atlanta, and other civic leaders to help make history and celebrate the night the lights go out in Georgia. Dozens of major landmark buildings in Downtown, Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead will go dark in honor of the event—as will neighborhoods throughout the area." (www4.earthhourus.org)

Earth Hour is a demonstration to show the capabilities the world has to slow the rapid climate change. Going green is not the only way to support global welfare. We have to make an effort to cut back in other areas of our lives. We have to recycle our endless amounts of soft drink cans and paper coffee cups. Cutting back on electricity and fuel use and jumping on the compact florescent light bulb bandwagon are only a few ways to save the world. Going Green is not just a fashionable trend. It's a movement. We are in a time of change and awareness. Where other generations have deteriorated our atmosphere and landscapes, we are challenged to repair them. Earth Hour has been adopted by over 200 cities around the world. From 8pm-9pm, in your local time zone, the lights in many places will be out. Do your part to join the movement to save the world.
After Earth Hour, do your part to research ways to save energy. GA Power inserts conservation tips into your monthly statement. Make an attempt to be part of at least one energy saving movement a month. Surprisingly, if you log onto GA Power's website and complete their energy consumption questionnaire, you will most likely find that a big portion of your power bill goes to the lights and heating/air. It's not just about saving energy, it's also about saving money. In today's economy there are several smarter places to put your money than in wasted energy. Feed your hard earned money into investment machines that give back. Doing this helps you, the economy, and the world. If you can find a flaw in that argument, that isn't self interest or comfort, then feel free to continue in your selfish energy consumption ways.

Bette Pregnant in Season 6 of The L Word?

noreply@blogger.com (Nani Mathews) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Since The L Word season 5 finale last Sunday, blogs, discussion boards, and fans of the show have been speculating about Bette and Tina having another baby in season 6. Will Ilene Chaiken and her cast explore the possibility of the Alpha Bette being a vulnerable pregnant woman? Many fans have voiced their opposition to the idea, stating that Bette's body is too hot to make her pregnant. Many have said that they want to see Bette have a child because it will teach her great patience and help her relationship with Tina.
One thing is for sure, the relationship that discussion boards are referring to as "Tibette" (Tina+Bette), is the hottest topic of discussion since the dynamic duo rekindled their love in season 5. When Jennifer Beals character, Bette, uttered the words "Do you think Angelica should have a little sister or a little brother?" The L Word audience couldn't help but smile. There is something reassuring about love in general when we see it work out on TV. For those of us in long term relationships, it gives us a little rekindling to see that after so much time, two people can still make each other's hearts skip. Fiction or nonfiction, love is intense.
However hot the topic is, for now we will all have to wait. Until then we will definitely continue to specutlate. For After Careful Consideration, I'm Nani Mathews. http://aftercarefulcosideration.blogspot.com/