Heavy Mentalist

Thank You to Everyone Who's Sent Me Material...

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Sun, 3 Jan 2010 23:51:00 -0500

I will be reviewing it very shortly. Thank you so much, and please know that someone received your work, I've just been busy but I will get your reviews up, prolly in the next two weeks.

Peace
Cherryl

Have Yourself a Funky (& Funny) Christmas With These Christmas Songs

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:12:00 -0500

Break out the homemade eggnog, pin some mistletoe on your hat like my granny does (I swear the woman’s totally incorrigible!) and bust some moves to these funky yuletime tunes.

These songs are my top 10 funky and funny christmas songs -- some funny, some funky, some both -- in no particular order.

Some of the content in a few of these songs is bit ho ho ho-ey so they're better suited for big elf parties, but a few of the songs are kid friendly.

This list is a mix of Christmas hip hop songs, Christmas funk and blues Songs and Christmas cartoon songs. If you have a favorite Christmas song that is funny, funky or both let me know! Ok here we go...

1. Beatbox Christmas aka What Happens When You Make Black People Take Care o' Yo Kids for 400 years

2. James Brown - Soulful Christmas. JB cuts rugs into shreds. Owwww! Good God.

3. Snoop Dogg - Snoop Dogg Christmas (Explicit). I like this video more than the song, but the song is catchy too. LOL at the gay elf and David Hasselhoff in a speedo.

4. Chingo Bells - Chingo Bling. I'm kinda diggin his take on Run DMC's classic, Christmas in Hollis. This one's for my ese's.

5. Albert King - Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin

6. Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto - James Brown from James Brown's Funky Christmas

7. Spongebob Squarepants - Don't Be a Jerk (It's Christmas)

8. 2-Cent Christmas (The Ultimate Hip Hop Parody)

9. Back Door Santa, by the incomparable Clarence Carter. The opening seconds of this song might sound familiar to some of you.

10. Charles Brown - Please Come Home for Christmas, a classy tune I heard all the time this time of year when I was growing up. Grab a partner and do a drunken slow drag to this.

This post was inspired by Egon's Have Yourself a Funky Little Christmas.

Here are more funky and funny Christmas songs. If there's a Christmas song you think should be on this list let me know!

creative use of 1000 bottles of Heineken

Take care of yourself and happy holidays! This post has been brought to you by my 30 Day Blogging Challenge.

Technorati Tags: funny Christmas songs,funky Christmas songs,Christmas songs

RIP 227 and Sesame Street's Alaina Reed Amini, Brittany Murphy

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:41:00 -0500

Sad news for all fans of the 80s sitcom 227. Alaina Reed Amini aka Alaina Reed Hall has crossed over to the other side yall. She died of breast cancer.

Reed Hall portrayed "Rose" on the show that was a beloved part of many 80s babies' evening TV viewing schedule, along with shows like "The Cosby Show", "What's Happening" and "A Different World".

When these shows came on, you couldn't unglue my bee-hind from my babysitter's plastic couch covers until they were all over, and if memory serves me correctly they all seemed to come on in one big block of time.

Alaina Reed Hall also played Gordon's younger sister "Olivia" on Sesame Street. She was 63.

According to Alaina Reed Hall's Wikipedia page, she died on my birthday, but I think many media outlets may have just received the press release about her death yesterday, which may be why the news is just being reported.

I just love Best Week Ever's tribute to this under appreciated actress: "5 Things That Made Alaina Reed Hall Awesome".

Breast cancer also recently took the life of comedian Charlie Murphy's wife, Tisha Murphy.

News of Reed Hall's death may have also been overshadowed by the death of Brittany Murphy.

I think one of Brittany Murphy's best roles was in 8 Mile. Or at least that's the role that stands out to me. She was also the voice of "Luanne" on King of the Hill.

As happens when young people die unexpectedly, people in the media and around the world wonder why.

Brittany Murphy died from a heart attack and rumors have already started about, as Cinematical put it, "anorexia and drug addiction, diabetes and thyroid problems..."

The thyroid bit is especially frightening to me and hits very close to home. In January of 2009, I dipped a pinky toe into death's waters when I almost died of a heart attack from my thyroid issues.

In other December death news, Oral Roberts also passed away recently.

Wow. Is it me or do people seem to be leaving this planet (plane) left and right? Or are we just more aware of these deaths because of the nature of the media?

How Dope Would It Be to Rock a Mic on This?

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:15:00 -0500

The people on the book are performing the opera Aida.

Art Mashup: Samurai Stormtrooper

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:42:00 -0500

Wow, great concept.

This post brought to you by my 30 Day Blogging Challenge.

Today is My Birthday...and Manny Pacquiao's Too!

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Happy Birthday to me...and Manny Pacquiao! Wow what good fortune to have the same birthday as my favorite pugilist.

I won't be doing much celebrating as I'm working on stories all day today, but I'll have a special CD on rotation that puts me in a party mood and you can download it here on HeavyMentalist.com for a limited time for free! Details on downloading the CD below.

Happy Birthday Manny!

Some other cool people share December 17 for their birthday too, like these folks:

Chris Matthews

Eddie Kendricks

Ernie Hudson

Bob Guccione

Milla Jovovich

William Safire, RIP

and more!

If you're into astrology, this page has my chart for the day (down in the lower left sidebar). I have no idea what that chart means but it looks cool, I guess. Feel free to break it down for me if you are into astrology.

Even though I don't know much about astrology I must say this astrological bio of people born on December 17 hits pretty damn close to home!

I would even say frighteningly so. I don't know about the "money" part lol but I'm certainly working towards it.

As I noted earlier I won't be doing much celebrating today as I'm working on getting a couple of stories turned in, but I will be putting a certain mix CD into rotation.

I can't remember the DJ I got this from and the tracks are unnamed, but it's a CD of 1980's classic soul music hits and party songs from various artists.

Acts whose songs I recognize on this CD include Slave, Teena Marie, Rick James, Stephanie Mills, Zapp & Roger, Cheryl Lynn, Me'Lisa Morgan, George Clinton & the Funkadelics, Keni Burke, the Gap Band and more.

Here it is - 4 Grown Folks Only Mix CD. I didn't name this CD, it came to me with this name on it but I think today it is especially appropritate, enjoy! Happy birthday to everyone else with the same birthday today!

This post has been brought to you by my 30 day blogging challenge.

RIP Tisha Murphy, Wife of Charlie Murphy

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:12:00 -0500

photo from Ballerwives.com

Tisha Murphy succumbed to breast cancer this week, leaving husband Charlie Murphy a single father of their three children.

Ava (L), Xavier (R). Murphy also has an adult son from a prior relationship. Photo from blackcelebkids.com

Charlie Murphy, the older brother of Eddie Murphy is best known for his role recurring role on the Chappelle Show, though he's also had parts in several movies mostly written and marketed for an African-American audience.

Although he's lesser known than his little brother, Charlie Murphy is hella funny and is currently carrying the stand up comic mantle while his brother focuses on film projects like Norbit.

Breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer for women nationwide, and is especially dangerous for African-American women. According to Netwellness.org:

African American women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease and are more likely to die from it.

Cancer has touched my family, with one of my aunts having had a breast removed due to breast cancer, and another aunt dying from cervical cancer.

Cancer continues to leave few families unscathed with an average of 1 in 3 people developing some type of cancer at some point in their lives.

RIP Tisha Murphy.

What Do You Think This Song’s About?

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:26:00 -0500

art by ghozt159

Some think it's about the green. Or in this case, the purp.

Some think it's about black women.Some even think it's about a gang. But there are at least three different theories floating around about the lyrics of this reggae classic: Barrington Levy’s “Black Roses”.

The lyrics to this song have inspired a long running Youtube discussion, with theories ranging from the obvious, to this song being about Jamaica's Black Roses Crew. You can see master Jamaican danceman Bogle (RIP) mention “black roses” in this video at 4:38.

When I hear it I know what I think about.

Everyday, when I’m up before the sun making sure my babies are dressed warmly and fed, and sending them off with faces washed, teeth brushed and hair did, I picture sistas across the world rising in the morning and doing the same thing.

I picture women working through the night, getting shit done...even things we might not like doing...to make sure a roof is always over your seeds head, going thru bad dad drama – whether it’s yours or your child's - and dealing with the everyday ignance that makes you wanna Elin a bitch.

I think about the level of disrespect for women that permeates popular culture when I'm writing, I think about our youth when I'm watching TV and when I’m standing in my tiny kitchen with blue vinyl floor tiles, a few of which have started to curl in the corner, cooking dinner and staring at the radio lamenting the state of our music.

There’s just so much stuff black women go through that is unique to our struggle, and women around the world really, are always on my mind.

I’m dedicating this to all of you moms holding it down everyday.

See you tomorrow. This post brought to you by my 30 day blogging challenge.

UPDATE: 12-11-09 | 11:20 AM

Just saw an interesting comment about this song. Still not sure exactly what the song is about, because only Barrington Levy knows that but I love this explanation from Youtuber jfraiche (click on the screen capture to enlarge it):

Some Good Pickin' with the Carolina Chocolate Drops

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 23:55:00 -0500

Here's a quickie post for you guys and gals tonight featuring some of my favorite African-American ol' time country blues musicians.

How many of you knew modern African-American banjo pickers even existed?

Well you can butter my butt and call me a biscuit, because until I saw some videos of this group I was unaware that there were contemporary African-American musicians not only making this type of music - but making it popular.

I've known about the theory of the banjo originating in Africa for some time now, and about enslaved Africans playing the banjo on plantations across the South. I even publicized a gathering of black banjo pickers some years ago in an old issue of the North Carolina All City Times.

But to find out the recent African-American banjo revival is gaining momentum is so wonderful right now, at a time when most modern music seems so stale.

After you watch the videos let's discuss! What do you think about the African-American banjo tradiiton? Are you feeling this group? Do you know about other groups like this I should check out?

I'm anxious to explore forms of African-American, country, ol' time and country blues sounds. And now without further adu...the Carolina Chocolate Drops!

"Cornbread and Butter Beans"

"Hit 'Em Up Style" (Not really feeling this version of Blu Cantrell's hit but thought someone might like it.)

This blog post brought to you by my 30 Day Blogging Challenge. See you tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: carolina chocolate drops,bnajo,ol time,old time,country blues

Better Than Swine Flu

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:08:00 -0500

Love the Ethiopians.

Technorati Tags: ethiopians,ska,trojan reggae,skinhead

Some Pretty Damn Good House Dancing

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:45:00 -0500

My last house video was for a great song but the dancers IMHO failed to do the song justice, even with such a cool video. I know the whole point of the video was just to express feelings of love for life, music, people, etc., but I thought the feeling in the song could have been expressed equally as well with any good house dancer like the kind you'd find at your local house parties every Thursday through Sunday.

One dancer was really giving it, right when D.A.W. or Dancers at Work appears in green on the screen, but then the video ends and that dancer gets down for like fifteen seconds.

I love house music and want to present some great house dancing on this blog so I'll start with this next video. Here’s a guy who represents the art of house dance well. House dancing is mostly footwork based, but upper body carriage is important too.

This isn’t one of my favorite songs, but the dancing is enjoyable. I wish I could mash up this video with the Cerca De Mi one. Gimme a day or two to work on it and i just might.

Technorati Tags: house music,dance

Music Makes Me Feel like This

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:07:00 -0500

My children do too. I love good house music.

Louie Vega and Raul Midon - Cerca De Mi

Technorati Tags: house music,louie vega,raul midon

How to Install Related Posts Links With Thumbnails Under Each Blog Entry

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:18:00 -0500

I just love my new related posts links from Linkwithin under my entries. I think the style of the thumbnails is size appropriate and well styled, and it's all automatic, though you can style the widget as you like too.

The only gripe I have about it is the very obvious link to the Linkwithin website that gets planted on your blog, on every page...but hey you scratch my back I'll scratch yours. I like the widget enough to ride with it for now and believe there will be some obvious benefits from using it. The screen shot above is of how it looks under my Jay Electronica secret show post:

Check it out and see how you like it. Blogger Buster has the installation deets.

Clips From Jay electronica Secret Show

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:25:00 -0500

Two days ago I received an email inviting me to RSVP for a secret same day Jay Eectronica show. The email said “Please RSV by 1 PM Today!”.

Only problem is I didn’t wake up until 1:30 that day. Oops. That’s a lesson for you kiddies. On the days you think you’ve gotten enough work done during the other days of the week to take a good long rest during one of those days, that’s the day something big is gonna happen. Trust.

I couldn’t have attended the same day show anyway, seeing the show was at Santos on Lafayette Street and I live too far away from that club. About 465 miles too far, seeing as I live in North Carolina, but hey it’s still a good lesson because one day a show might pop up in my area and I don’t want to be caught snoozing when it happens.

Lucky for me Miss Info was in the house and shot some footage of the show. Check out the clips.

Connect with Jay Electronica here and here. I’d like to see him and Joel Ortiz rip a track together.

Technorati Tags: jay electronica

Cruuuuuucial.... Sister Carol – Wicked Draw a Sensi

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:49:00 -0500

Too too tuff. From the and only Sister Carol.

I think when Sister Carol says “dreadlocks who use coke” she is speaking of musicians like Gregory Isaacs, RIP, who was famous for his coke habit.

Other reggae songs that have praised marijuana while speaking out against cocaine use include Yellowman and sister Nancy’s “Cocaine”. Unfortunately a lot of Ras...even Bob Marley according to my own sources who were close to him...started using cocaine during the seventies.

That’s bad bad stuff. Legalize the herb!

Wicked Draw a Sensi.

Technorati Tags: marijuana,ganja,reform,jamaica,reggae

Thanks A Lot Boxstr.com!

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:32:00 -0500

They suddenly, and without warning, changed into Open Drive.com. I am unable to access my old files WTF? OK. I hope OpenDrive doesn’t suddenly turn into something else without warning, rendering all the download links on this blog useless. Ugh.

Technorati Tags: file hosts

Dope Live Show on NOW – Rakim & Mos Def Yall...

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:23:00 -0400

This is going on right now at Ruby Skye in the Bay.

Online TV Shows by Ustream

Michael Jackson’s This Is It Album Out Today

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:17:00 -0400

So why don’t I feel excited? I’ve heard the single "This is It" from the album, but with little promotion or knowledge of what else is on the album...I dunno...maybe I’m just used to albums being pushed by super press machines. Maybe it’s a good album. I should give it a chance. I'm confused as to whether it is the actual soundtrack to the movie though. Glenn Gamboa confusingly but eloquently illustrates that its basically like a greatest hits piece, but he calls it the soundtrack in the title of the post. And it's being called the soundtrack on the official MJ website.

But...like when was the last time Mike put out a great album? He basically built a career off of childhood fame, spectacular dancing skills and two and a half, maybe three great albums and some smash singles like the We Are the World thing. I should buy it just because I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. And still am. Even though I can’t help but wonder how many of these albums I’m gonna be seeing in the dollar bin in the upcoming months. Lol. Dollar bins. I't’s funny when you see your own band’s product in there like a couple of my friends have. I laugh my ass off about it when that happens.

Michael Jackson: “This is It”

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.

Technorati Tags: michael jackson,this is it

Hot 90s Dancehall Mixtape

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:39:00 -0400

It’s hard to find good reggae sometimes, especially when it comes to good dancehall. I remember in the 90s dancehall was the shit! Now dancehall seems to be getting even more popular in the South with dancehall queen contests springing up more frequently, but most dancers in the contest today dance to modern dancehall. Here is one of my favorite dancehall mixtapes of 90s dancehall. I still can’t bring myself to say mix CD. Just doesn’t roll off the tongue.

I love tapes to this day, and I’ve never been one to believe that CDs were a superior format. Just a preference I guess, but back when we had tapes, we were kinda forced to listen to everything on it as constant rewinding and fast forwarding was a pain in the ass. We were able to discover more good music that way too. I wonder if CDs have contributed to the decreasing lack of music knowledge possessed by a lot of young people today. In a push button fast forward world, I imagine that many people with CDs just fast forward to hits they already know.

Today’s tape is from DJ Gera, and features some big early tunes from Beanie Man, Mr. Vegas, Red Rat, Sean Paul, Tony Curtis and more.
The tape rocks hard for a stretch between song number 3, Beenie Man’s ‘I Wish’ which is a “conscious dancehall” song – I need to do a post on that type of dancehall – pretty much until song 31, Christopher's ‘Ladies Man’ which totally kills the mood of the tape, then picks back up shortly after that. If this was a physical tape it would have popped by now. I’ve listened to it that much. Enjoy.

Tracks: DJ Gera - When Reggae Was Da Shit Vol. 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------
01. Intro - Juice Riddim
02. Mr. Easy - Freaky Lady
03. T.O.K - Shake Ya Bam Bam
04. Beenie Man - My Wish
05. Mr. Vegas - Go Up (Bookshelf Riddim)
06. Wayne Wonder - Watching You
07. Sean Paul - Deport Them
08. Tanto Metro & Devonte - Say Wowee
09. Frisco Kid & Mr. Easy - Bashment Time
10. Evette - Over & Over
11. Mr. Vegas - Jack It Up
12. Pancho Krystal - Rescue Me (Cloak & Dagger Riddim)
13. Lady Saw - Hice It Up
14. Little Kirk - Ghetto Girl
15. Beenie Man - Oyster & Conch
16. Tanya Stephens - Goggle
17. Tanya Stephens - Goggle RMX (Classic Picks)
18. DJ Snow - Party Break
19. Red Rat - Tight Up Skirt (Sail Away Riddim)
20. Richie Stephens - Take Me Away
21. Sean Paul - Fit & Legit
22. Beenie Man & Mr. Vegas - Bad Man Nuh Flee
23. Round Head - Call Me
24. Tony Curtis - If You Were Here (Playground Riddim)
25. Mr. Vegas - Nike Air
26. Sean Paul - Infiltrate
27. Beenie Man - Who Am I (Classic Picks)
28. Beenie Man - Romie
29. Beenie Man - Memories
30. Beenie Man - Once A Year (Unstoppable Riddim)
31. Christopher - Ladies Man
32. Elephant Man - They Call Me
33. Wayne Wonder - Oh Baby
34. Mr. Easy & Shaggy - Girl You Are
35. Wayne Wonder & Surprize - The Story (Classic Picks)
36. DMX feat. Sean Paul & Mr. Vegas - Here Comes The Boom
37. Mr. Vegas - Model Pon Dem
38. Mr. Vegas - Hands Up (Surpise Riddim)
39. Sean Paul - Shake That Thing
40. Mr. Easy - Silent Killer
41. Elephant Man - Jamaica
42. Wayne Wonder - My Enemies (Thunder Riddim)
43. Mr. Easy & Sean Paul - She Likes It
44. Cecile & Merciless - We Nuh Talk
45. Daville - Living My Life (Nude Riddim)
46. Tony Curtis - I Got To Get It
47. Sean Paul - My Girl
48. Mr. Easy - Shotta
49. Mahlon Nico - Let Me Know
50. Wayne Wonder - Apologize (Streetsweeper Riddim)
51. Mr. Vegas & Sean Paul - Hot Gyal Today RMX
52. Mr. Vegas & Sean Paul - Hot Gyal Today
53. Burro Banton - Boom Wah Dis
54. Shabba Ranks - X-rated
55. Major Christie - I Gotta Be The One (Classic Picks)
56. Wayne Wonder - Saddest Thing
57. Singing Sweet - When I See You Smile

Technorati Tags: mixtapes,reggae,dancehall

And the Bi-Sexual Real Housewife of Atlanta Is...

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:20:00 -0400

Not who you think it is.

I was watching the Wendy Williams show a while back and Real Housewife of Atlanta cast member Nene Leakes was on the show. Wendy, acting probably off of a tip, pressed Nene to reveal who the bi-sexual housewife was to which Nene coyly replied, “Oh, someone on the show is bi-sexual?” or something like that. Well, months later the bi-sexual housewife has finally been revealed to those outside of Atlanta. It’s the sixth housewife.

Technorati Tags: real housewives of atlanta,nene leakes,weny williams

A Song for The President From Cocoa Tea

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 06:08:00 -0400

This one comes from the man dem call Cocoa Tea. President Barack Obama won the 2009 Peace Prize today. This song was actually written and released before he was elected.

I will reserve further judgment on what kind of president Obama is until his second year in office. I think one year might be too soon...but if he keeps kowtowing on health care, the Cuba embargo, helping Palestine, pulling out of Iraq and Afghanistan the way he is, dude is going to be a one term president and the republican peanut gallery will be one big “I Told You So”.

Cocoa Tea – Barack Obama.

Technorati Tags: barack obama,cocoa tea,reggae

About Heavy Mentalist

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:12:00 -0400

About Heavy Mentalist
Heavy Mentalist is written by journalist Cherryl aldave, and presents the best in Hip Hop, Pop, Reggae, Punk Rock, Tech and more...still bullsh!t free.

What We Do

We write honest, critical posts and reviews covering the personal entertainment and tech interests of the blog's writer, Cherryl Aldave. Some of Cherryl's musical interests include old and new school reggae, dub and ska, Jamaican dance and dance music, house music, hip hop music, music videos, rock music, hardcore music and more. She enjoys giving little known artists some shine, and also enjoys listening to new and upcoming artists and giving them exposure on Heavy Mentalist. Her tech interests include blogger tips, websites, coding, software and hardware.

What We Don't
We do not accept payment to post press releases disguised as blog entries about every "hot" (according to who?) artist's every waking moments, nor do we accept payment to provide glowing reviews of otherwise faulty music, film or tech material, or to mention mediocre artists over and over again, or to over publicize what is already stuffed down your throats every hour of the day in corporate radio "rotations".We also do not alter the tone of reviews based on "friendship" with the artist or promoter, or present a less than honest critique of works based on fear of losing "connections". It's time for the media to grow some balls and I am banging the drum at the head of the march.

About the Author
Cherryl Aldave is a multimedia journalist specializing in Hip Hop, pop culture, race and gender rights issues. She is also a score/soundtrack consultant, researcher, filmmaker and budding author.

The former publisher of North Carolina's first Hip Hop zine, Headz, she has contributed to the Source Magazine, Scratch Magazine (RIP), Wax Poetics, HipHopDX.com, FEDS Magazine, Elemental Magazine, Insomniac Magazine, PopandPolitics.com, and the books How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office and Bandana Republic.

In 1996, Cherryl was among the first promoters in North Carolina to stage a successful freestyle battle series - Verbal Kombat - throughout the Triangle.

She is also associate producer of the documentary This Side of the River, which chronicles the history of the oldest black town in America, Princeville NC, its destruction by flood and the subsequent battle to rebuild the historic city. Cherryl is currently working on two books - a novel and a book of poetry and essays. Connect with Cherryl on her Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and Linked In.

How to Get a Review or Mention on Heavy Mentalist
Do something worth reviewing or mentioning. But in case I miss the communiques of your press machine somehow feel free to email all digital media kits, mp3s, etc. to heavy mentalist at gmail dot com. I review books, film, music, websites, software, hardware, widgets, etc.

Conversely, if any artist or their representative objects to their music being featured on Heavy Mentalist, just email Cherryl at heavy mentalist at gmail dot com and she'll promptly remove it.

About the Header Image
Everything old is new again. The header image is a take off of a graphic created for Headz Magazine by artist Luis Franco. Lou worked with Headz for a while and always provided the bomb graphics. Dude was ahead of his time. The graphic that inspired the header was created in 1996. When I get a new scanner I'll put some scans up of some old Headz issues.

Need a Favicon?

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 22:24:00 -0400

Here you go. Favcon.cc makes the best free favicons that I've seen. From color selection, to the ability to keep the image integrity the same, just a much smaller version makes this site fab. And fast. I made the favicons for this site and The Last Nerve with it.

Technorati Test

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Sun, 4 Oct 2009 02:50:00 -0400

2yrnj948gt

How To Trick Out Your Desktop With Glass Effects

blackbetty@southeasthiphop.org (Cherryl) — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 05:55:00 -0400

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make your windows and taskbar transparent in Windows Vista, keep reading.

Vista comes with some pretty cool effects, one being the Aero Flip 3D feature which enables you to flip through your windows in a cascading 3D manner. If you’ve never seen this in action, check out the video I made below.

If you notice, as I’m flipping through my windows, they’re transparent. This is not native to Windows Vista, Aero or Flip 3D. Vista with the Aero theme installed will enable transparency in the Active and Inactive Window Borders, but not in the windows themselves.

You can’t really see this in the video but the taskbar is transparent as well. You can set the taskbar to be transparent with the Aero theme, you just cannot control the level of transparency. More on this after the jump.

Here’s another video I made of my windows flat as I Alt+Tab through them. I had to install Divx at the time so you can see me right click on the Divx installation window to decrease and increase Glass2K transparency while I waited for the install to finish.

To make my windows transparent and control the amount of transparency in my taskbar, I used a neat little and free program called Glass2K. You can use Glass2K to apply transparency to your start menu as well, and set it to remember each program or window’s transparency settings from session to session.

To cascade the windows as shown in the first video, just make sure you have the Vista theme and the Aero color scheme enabled. Most new Vista machines come out the box with Aero Flip 3D enabled, and if it is already enabled you will see thumbnails of your open windows as shown in the second video instead of icons when you Alt+Tab. You should also see this Flip 3D icon in your taskbar:

If you have Aero installed, you’re good to go. Just download Glass2K and have fun with it.

If you’ve somehow disabled Aero, it’s easy to re-enable it.

To Re-enable Windows Vista Aero Flip 3D feature.

1. Right click desktop. Click “personalize”
2. Click “theme”. Choose “Windows Vista”. Click “ok”
3. While still in “personalization” window, click “Window Color and Appearance”. Click “Windows Aero”. Click “ok”
4. At this point, you should see the Flip 3D icon in your taskbar
5. Whatever personalizations you wish to make to your color scheme can still be made by choosing “Window Color and Appearance” and choosing “Open classic appearance properties for more color options”

But Cherryl, what if I have Aero installed but still can’t see my Flip 3D shortcut?

Don’t worry, my sweet. We can quickly and easily put it back. Just...like...this. :)

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