UFC 102: Jardine vs Silva

One of the most anticipated fights of UFC 102 was Jardine vs. Silva. I was not rooting for Jardine. Call me crazy but there's something very "Southern Clansmen ready to string you up to the back of his pickup" about him. Even after hearing his interviews and learning of his 1 black friend, fellow fighter Rashad Evans, I still didn't feel warm and fuzzy about him. I was team Silva all the way.

I glanced away for a second and had missed everything - - their fight was over before it even started. I had to rewind and witness the devastating left hook that caught Jardine sending him to the floor and then cringed as Silva unleashed multiple blows to his dome. On the flip side, one of the joys of having Silva win the fight included seeing his trademark throat slit. Gosh, something about the cocky swag he exudes as he walks up to the camera and does his signature throat slit sends a chill down my spine.

* The videos keep getting removed from youtube so I'll have to put together my own recap to share with my blog family...

You spent your $ on that?

While I was driving down the Dan Ryan last week with my boyfriend we eyed this monstrosity of a car (which my friend Kelly affectionately deemed an "Automotive Mullet"). I posted this on my facebook but thought I'd share with my blog family as well. I can't believe this man spent his $ on tricking out his car like this. Smh.



Much buzz was generated on my comments section. Some of the highlights:

- $10,000 rims for a car that is worth no more than $5,000 Got to love this shit! LOL

- Whoever is driving that is ugly. He had to do all that to get attention. That's just too much. LOL

- I can't imagine the type of job this dude has. Where in the hell can he pull up in this car and get taken seriously? Lol... I'm drawing a blank.

- I'm guessing street corner hustla, Pimp, rapper...

- He can't be a pimp cause his hoes cant get in the car, lol

- That's player though... lol Seriously, I need to know how he gets in that? Is there a step ladder involved?

Lexus Listening Lounge - Meet Hal Linton

Sophisticated. Haute. Timeless. Seductive. These are just a few of the words being used to describe the Lexus Luxury Awaits campaign. Recently launched with hopes of becoming the premiere lifestyle, fashion, and luxury destination for consumers young and old, last night marked the kick-off of the Lexus Listening Lounge. The Chicago crowd was treated to a night full of the lavish style Lexus is known for via the sleek sight of the new IS Convertible and soulful sounds of R&B crooners Hal Linton and Ryan Leslie.

A native of Barbados, Linton developed a love for music at an early age. After taking home four awards at the 2007 Barbados Music Awards (including song of the year for his hit single “Cardiac Arrest”) Linton ventured to New York with manager Teneille Doyle to continue developing his sound. Harboring the perfect mixture of charm, raw talent, and determination Linton caught the attention of Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone and was signed to the label in October 2008. He has been featured in publications such as Essence and Vibe, more recently appearing as one of BET’s Rising Icons.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Linton after his soulful performance and getting to know the man that’s quickly becoming a star.



Ishea Brown: First off, great performance. I love your sound.

Hal Linton: Thank you

IB: How would you define your personal style?

HL: My personal style is definitely clean, minimalistic and accessorized.

IB: What are your must have accessories?

HL: Ray Bans and chains. I like to put stuff together, especially that means something. This chain has sand from my home country.

IB: Who are your top 3 style influences?

HL: I can’t say a person, but I love the Italian fashion. It’s almost like you stepped right off a yacht. It’s real breezy and easy going. It’s not restrictive at all. I love non restriction and for everything to fit.

IB: How would you say that your music influences your style?

HL: Well, my music is kind of fun, sexy and introspective in ways. A big thing for me when I perform music is I must feel comfortable. Comfort is always a major factor for me. I think the music makes me want to be comfortable. It makes me laidback and feel at ease. I think that influences my fashion for sure.

IB: Before you go on stage to perform are there any rituals that you do?

HL: I normally pace back and forth a lot. I just kind of psyche myself up; punch the air a little bit. It’s really like a prize fight in a lot of ways. In the new artist hustle no one knows you and you have to go up there and give them a good fight.

IB: If you weren’t singing what would you be doing?

HL: I’d definitely be doing film. I actually dropped out of film school to do music but I still have a very big love for film. It’s all kind of interconnected so I hope to get back there eventually.

IB: What’s the last movie you saw?

HL: Inglorious Basterds

IB: How was it?

HL: That was the most fantastic thing I’ve seen for the year. Tarantino did a movie, a real movie. I love Tarantino to death. I love the artsy, kind of pushing the envelope thing he does but this one was script. It was acting. It was plot. It was shot well and the story was beautiful, incredible.

IB: How does the Lexus Luxury Awaits campaign relate to your music and style?

HL: Come on, it’s Lexus! It’s sleek and it’s sexy. I think that’s a good reflection of what I’m trying to put out and what my music is about.

To find out more about Hal Linton visit his myspace or facebook page.

Shop & Share

Previously I blogged about the Shop & Share event ARFhouse Chicago had in May and I'm pleased to say that they're Shop & Share fundraiser is back again. If you shop at any Jewel-Osco store in Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana August 24th-26th, 7% of your purchase will be donated to ARFhouse Chicago, a no-kill animal shelther. Animals are close to my heart and ARFhouse mainly caters to rescuing pitbull mixes. Labor day weekend is quickly approaching so you can use this coupon when you stock up on food/drinks or even if you go to pick up back-too-school supplies... every little bit helps. Simply print the coupon and take it with you to your local Jewel-Osco.

For more information on ARFhouse Chicago no-kill animal shelter click here.

Race for the Cure

Ready to do your part in helping to raise money for breast cancer research? Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure will be hitting Chicago's Grant Park on Saturday, Sept. 26th. In addition to the usual 5k walk/run and 1 mile fun walk, they have introduced a new 10k run. For the running challenged, 1k = 0.62 miles making the 5k walk/run 3.1 miles and the 10k run 6.2 miles. I've personally always wanted to participate in a marathon and these 1k/5k/10k races are a great way to start. Registration is open to all and available online thru midnight, Sept. 20th. Unlike previous years the registration fee covers all fees associated to the race and any funds you raise outside of that are able to be donated. For more Race for the Cure information visit the website.

Chicago Meet-Up

The Black Girl with Long Hair blog hosted their first meet-up yesterday at Market in the West Loop. Aside from the seemingly clueless space cadet of a hostess they had manning the front of the restaurant, we had a great time. I enjoyed the conversation and meeting other Chicago naturals. The event was photographed by Norman Baldwin Jr and one of my favorite pics he took showcased all the wonderful textures of natural hair we have!!! It was just a beautiful time.