Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Weave Retreat


Alright readership, i apologize, I was supposed to do this video a couple of weeks ago but life impedes and progress recedes. This is a store i was led to, not for my own exploits of course, i was merely a submissive passenger. What i found was astonishing (or at least to me it was) so i made a video. I've entitled this, The Weave Retreat.

As you examine the video of course you can see the wigs on the molded heads, also along the ENTIRE wall was weave packets. The variety was stifling. Its funny because the building's exterior does not prepare you for the interior, you think it might be some weave in there but nothing like this. This is like the secret headquarters, one of my friends told me the weave industry is a lot like the drug industry (that's a different post though). The synthetic hair industry apparently rakes in quite the dollars, additionally most of that hair cost a lot more than a person with my logic would pay.

Perhaps i am old-fashioned and i will also preface by saying i have never been a woman, but if you just take care of what you have won't you be alright? Ladies I'm going to need you to chime in on this one. To my understanding there are so many ways that women damage their hair with heat, color/ph balance (my twin taught me that, don't judge me), and general lack of maintenance; maybe there should be classes on hair care. I understand that some people have thin hair, some full, some long, and some short but i reiterate isn't it all about taking care of what you do have. Along with that i was just discussing with a friend the other day how women generally place an inordinate amount of their value on their looks/appearance. Important yes, but there is no moderation in that thought process. When does a women cross over into the valuable category because of something else like abilities or their wisdom, almost like a grandmother (maybe that's the threshold). Excuse my pensive moment. Please don't contort the point, i think weave is cool in some instances but there is no reason they should be selling this much hair, at some point it becomes excessive, right?

I'm going to close this with a line from one of my favorite emcees, Common; "In a area where it's more weaves and less dreds, kinda scary amongst theives and bass heads".

Thursday, February 5, 2009

My Joe Budden Interview



Hey 'Sofa this is going to be quick, I recently did a phone interview with gold selling artist Joe Budden and i think everyone should check it out. Most people are familiar with him from his song a while back entitled "Pump it Up". He has a new album Padded Room coming out Feb. 24th and i was fortunate enough to get a few questions in. Anyone who knows me is aware that he is one of my favorite artist, period. I did it for my other job Hypetrak.com. Click Joe Budden to listen to it. You can also go back through my blog and search Joe Budden to get familiar on him if you feel inclined.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

White House News


In a recent announcement out of the White House President Obama has set forth restrictions on executives pay from companies that are receiving TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) money. The ceiling is set at $500k, companies that have previously negotiated such as Citibank and Bank of America will not be regulated by that rule, as it was not in the terms of their agreement, but from henceforth any other company probing for assistance will. The ceiling will only exist until they repay the government funding. Additional guidelines should ensue next week.

Obama says "This is America. We don't disparage wealth. We don't begrudge anybody for achieving success," Obama said. "But what gets people upset - and rightfully so - are executives being rewarded for failure. Especially when those rewards are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers."

Some business owners cited that this may discourage others from taking post at troubling companies and could prevent them from hiring successful and exceptional leadership. Also, "compensation experts in the private sector have warned that intrusions into the internal decisions of financial institutions could discourage participation in the rescue program and slow down the financial sector's recovery. They also argue that it could set a precedent for government regulation that undermines performance-based pay." I don't think that this would impede the recovery, i think it would coerce institutions to do more diligent candidate searches and seek quality individuals, keeping in mind that this will not always be the cap, just until their government loan is repaid. I would rebuttal that there is plenty of opportunity out there along with individuals willing to command the work load.

Obama's staff member addressed resistance inquiries and stated these are special circumstances and the government does not plan on extending the limitations beyond this circumstance. I do not know how the firms were rationalizing their disdainful argument when they are looking to be subsidized by TARP, taxpayers, and federal money. One executive of a firm out of Chicago said "500k is a very tight limit", i think i would have to agree with that assessment but you could lose everything without this assistance. The article also states there was lamenting on Capitol Hill for lower compensation of 400k which is what the president makes (you didn't know that did you!).

Also the number of executives ballooned from 5 to 20, who would face reduced bonuses and incentives if they are found to have knowingly provided inaccurate information related to company financial statements or performance measurements.

With everything there is an exception, so here is the black swan: generally healthy companies looking for TARP money will be allowed to waive the 500k limit with full public disclosure and a nonbinding shareholder vote, essentially all those holding premium stock (which can be bought by anyone) would have a say on the salary. I do not see why a "generally healthy" company would be looking for assistance money but maybe i don't have all the details.

I, myself am attempting to do a better job of staying abreast of the happenings in the political arena, hopefully you are as well.

The Sharky


The regulars know how much we like cool things on the 'Sofa. I thought this was the coolest thing in the world when i saw it, so im sharing, im not even stingy like that. The Sharky "tea infuser" by Pablo Matteoda is meant to extract certain properties from soluble ingredient such as tea leaves, herbs, or fruit by soaking it in water until it gets saturated.
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I used to drink tea sparsely but i might have to drink it with more regularity. I want to sit down with jaws in my cup, to make my hydration process much more riveting. This is the creativity i look for on a day to day basis and i get excited when individuals bring their creativity out to court my creativity. I haven't found a merchant to purchase this from nor have i discovered a price but when i do i will supply an update for our dear friend of the 'Sofa, Sharky.

Monday, February 2, 2009

I Had to Do It!


This is going to be one of my few self motivating post. I was recently in Atlanta at a store entitled Wish. They had the illest shoe collection in the western hemishpere. Those who live in fashion priviledged areas such as Atlanta, LA, or NY may scoff at this post but im an ardent seeker of quality and variety and i do not get much of that in the "D", so "what choo want me to do, im sorry!". Who am I kidding nobody in LA reads or NY reads this blog!
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The unique thing about a lot of the aforementioned places is that they have a good selection of independent boutiques and shops which creates diversity, individuality, and identity. When you live in a big city and they only utilize big business it creates redundancy, and it really doesn't promote the spirit of entrepreneurship. Also when you have other budding designers they are afforded an avenue to get out their pieces or collections and it makes a beneficial scenario for everyone involved. There are positives to larger business, such as jobs and familiarity but you need to mix it up with a little friendly competition. As far as a tourist is concerned they are not looking to come into town and visit a Macy's because every state contains one already, nothing new the same things, give them something fresh, native, and indegenious.

So back to my shoe zeal, you can't even see all the shoes they had in here but you can extrapolate from what i've displayed. I was just a little excited; they had a bevy of shoes and i assume they must own a top tier account with most of the brands. Nonetheless i hope you found something of quality amongst my excitement. Oh and they are killing everybody with the name embedded in the concrete like "we own this spot". Life is about the details.
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