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Friday, April 9, 2010

Where Have You Been?

What's happening y'all? Just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts in the past week or two. I've been working on getting the Imagination Factory up and running. Between doing logos for people and school....and my own personal vices (lol), I haven't had time to post. Alas, I will be adding some new stuff within the week, so stay tuned!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Artist You Should Know Damnit!!!





Yvette Crocker is an artist that you should know damnnit!!! Ms. Crocker is based in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area and does her paintings on wood which has excellent appeal to the eye. I had the pleasure of running into some of Ms. Crocker's work at a gallery in Maryland and thought I should share her work with you guys. Be sure to check out her site
@http://www.yvettecrocker.com/ . You can contact her if you are interested in purchasing some work from her.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Dave Chappelle...Please Come Back!



Here's the Commercial LMAO

Friday, March 19, 2010

Words to Live By...Or Either Words to Die Too

"My mum used to say to me, 'you can't have
fun all the time,' and I used to say, 'why not?'.
Why the fuck can't I have fun all the time?"

-Kate Moss

Monday, March 15, 2010

European Excursion

Remember when singers could sang?

Well I do. There was once a time when we seemed to appreciate artists who would really sing an actual song instead of those who create catchy hooks and cruise through half ass verses. This is not to say today’s mainstream singers aren’t talented. There are the Beyonce’s, Maxwell’s and Alicia Keys’ of the world who are immensely gifted and able to make incredible music.
When I sit back and think about it, the difference from those who are remarkable musicians and those who are just popular on 106 & Park and your local radio station is the musical content. Sex is great, it’s amazing, it’s gratifying; however, it is a lyrical and musical short cut when it comes to making good songs. Think about nearly all of the “R&B” songs that are being on the radio today. I guarantee you I can turn on any major hip hop station and hear Trey Songz “I Invented Sex” or “Say Ahh” within the first 20 minutes of listening. These are good songs but not talented singing by any means.

By the way this is just my opinion.

Personally, I find myself generally turning to artists with European backgrounds for good R&B these days. This is because I prefer singers who can sang. It seems that Europe, the UK to be exact, are producing very talented singers who are reverting there music back to the time where the meaning and lyrics of the song were more important than if it will get played on the top seven at seven.

With that said, I invite you on a European music excursion. I will post a couple records from some artists I enjoy below. I encourage us all to expand our music catalogs continuously. So if you guys think there’s an artist I should be up on or even if you think these artists suck, let me know. Debate is healthy and ignorance is blinding…so open your eyes and ears people.

Amy Winehouse


Adele


Joss Stone


Corrine Bailey Rae


Laura Izabor


Lilly Allen


Coldplay

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Gawwwwwwwwwwd!!!! This Man Can Heal Your Wounds

No explanation for this one...but if anybody really calls this guy, you don't need God you need a doctor...

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Be Smart....

Come on kids...

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Interested in Helping Haiti With More Than A Text?


My dear friend Natali Martinez will soon be taking an important trip to Haiti guys. She will be heading out on March 13, 2010 and returning on the 20th. The needs there are great: children's vitamin's, children's liquid medicine, little shoes, little teddy bears, and honestly money for trip would help. If you want to contribute anything, even a dollar, please let me know (Mr.Tarplin@hotmail.com)ASAP. Natali said she'll be bringing back pics from her relief efforts, so I'll be sure to post some up guys. Natali thanks for being so awesome and you know you have my full support.

Artist You Should Know Damnit!!!





The artist you should be checking out this week Isaiah S. He's from Lowell, Massachusetts and does incredible traditionanl art. Occasionally you can actually watch him draw live, which is always a cool way to delve into an artists mind. You can check out more of Isaih's work @http://isaiahs.deviantart.com/.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Epic Beard Man

Ok let me preface this by saying this video popped up last week and I'm somewhat late. Ok if you've never heard of Epic Beard Man...watch this....


Now let's add a twist...


((Epic Fail)) for black guys trying to show out....((Epic Win)) for our entertainment!

Tuskegee University Deltas


Watch these beautiful ladies do their thing for Delta Week 2010...

Monday, February 22, 2010

Need Some New Music?

Do yourself a favor and check out Corinne Bailey Rae's new album, The Sea. It's available now and I can vouch for it and tell you it's dope. Check out her song...Closer



And most definitly look for Laura Izibor's debut album, Let the Truth be Told. Another great album I can give the Tarplin seal of approval. You know what the best part is? She's an Irish black woman...how cool can you be? Check out this great song...If Tonight Is My Last

Artist You Should Know Damnit!!!

This weeks artist you should know damnit is Akif Hakan Celebi. He's an amazing photographer in Istanbul,Turkey. Be sure to check out his site @ http://hakanphotography.com. Akif even has a current gallery in Paris. If you should so happen to be in the area...check it out by contacting the gallery @ Tel: (33-1) 42 71 71. Much Respect.




Thursday, February 18, 2010

LMAO....Is That A?

Ok this I showed this to some folks a couple weeks ago, and after a couple of requests I'm gonna post it.

ATTENTION ALL DESIGNERS and ARTISTS


If you're interested in selling any of your work I've got the place for you. Check out http://www.etsy.com/. You can open your own store and sell your clothing,art,handbags,jewelery,etc. Greatness!

Which also means if any of you out there are interested in no longer seeing that chick carrying the same bag you have, or that dude having the same shirt you have...this gives you a chance to be original.

Check it out people!!!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Inappropriate? Yes...Awesome? Yes




So one of my "peeps" was bored I guess while we had the whole blizzard thing going on over on the east coast. So it's amazing what snow, boredom, and a truck equal. Thanks Chelsi...lol

Never TIVO Dunk Contest Again!!

Remember when the NBA had a Dunk Contest? I guess they technically still have one but it's about as useful as a Plies album. I found myself watching the so called contest on Saturday and felt seriously embarrassed for the guys they had competing. I mean I couldn't believe how pathetic their showings were.

Here is what I believe the major issue is: the "Do-Overs". Why should Nate Robinson get 48 tries to attempt the same dunk and then when he finally does it, the judges give him a relatively high score. In case TNT is wondering that is NOT an appealing factor.

Another HUGE,LARGE,BIG,GINORMOUS, ANNOYING thing that blows me about the event, are the participants. I mean I like Shannon Brown and all, but is that the best the NBA can get out there? Are Lebron and Wade to busy shooting commercials or what is it?

Bottom line David Stern and the rest of the NBA better get this thing together because NBA All Star Weekend is starting to feel a lot like the Pro Bowl which is the Epic Fail of sports all-star events.

I leave you with this, a tribute to those who threw it down...not put on capes...blew out cakes...or dudes named Nate. These are the greats.



*****SPECIAL BULLETIN*******
(This just in...backing all the way up to the other basket and running to the rim to do something i saw a guy in high school do....NOT COOL. Throwing an alley-oop to yourself in an unoriginal "I saw this guy do this last year" kinda way....also NOT COOL.)

Friday, February 12, 2010

Want to Make Your PC Look like a MAC?




Most people love the presentation of MAC computer....price tag not so much. Here's a cool program you can download for free to give your PC that stylish feel. http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/

Artist You Should Know Damnit!!!

Alex Cherry is this week's artist you should know damnit!!! You can check some more of his work @ http://ofsoundandvision.com/ and purchase some for yourself. So get out there and support us starving artists...it's how we survive lol.





Thursday, February 11, 2010

::Some Game Reviews::

Not sure if you should spend your hard earned 60 big ones on that new game? Well, let's ask the good folks over at X-Play(be sure to check out their podcasts)...











Hmm, Awkwarrrrrrd


I went to the Shrine of the Imaculate Conception like 2 weeks ago...I found this one wall carving quite...umm...well you be the judge lol!!

Vintage Fight Scenes

Ok I don't know how but these fight scenes are realllllly bad and realllllly good at the same time lol!




Does Your Day Suck?

Here's a site thats sure to make you feel a little better about yourself http://www.fmylife.com/ . It's kinda the Twitter for people having a bad day and it is........GREAT, i mean if you're an asshole like me I guess.

"It's 2010 not 1864"


Ok, maybe it’s me?
I just read a http://www.allhiphop.com/ article about the recent John Mayer interview. The author of the article, Illseed, normally pens rumors. I just thought I should mention that as a preface. Now I’d be lying if I said I never read his articles and as most of you should know I’m a fan of John Mayer’s music, so I am going to attempt to eliminate any biases in this…blog. Please feel free to check the article out @ http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/02/11/22121316.aspx.
Now, I’m a pretty liberal guy who has friends of various different cultural backgrounds. I was born on the Westside of Atlanta and moved to the suburbs as an early teenager. When I started school there I had preconceived notions about “white people”. Coming from the inner city I had only seen “white folks” as teachers or some sort of authority figure not as a peer, which also skewed my views. After being exposed to not only “whites” but “black folks that act white”, Hispanics, Asians, and a host of other people from different cultural backgrounds…I realized we were more alike than different.
This upbringing has brought me to the conclusion that the notion of ‘race’ is a mindset not a reality. Now before people get their panties in a bunch saying I’m out of touch this is what I mean about the prior statement. Race is a divisional mechanism, you say Jim is “white” and Joe is “black” to separate them. As people Jim and Joe may have the same beliefs and values but we as a culture find the need to somehow separate them.
Ultimately one’s race does not define them, their culture and upbringing does. I use to date a Laos (Asian) chick, who was raised in a low income neighborhood in Richmond, California (the Bay). To the untrained eye, one may see her and assume she is trying to “act black” but here’s the thing…that’s how she grew up. Her family was not a wealthy or well off Asian family. North Richmond was and still is polluted with crime and influences that can lead to negative experiences. These experiences shape people’s personality. One can’t be born with their complete personality, certain traits sure, but not a full fledge personality. Think about this, a Hispanic child can be born and taught English and not be able to speak a drop of Spanish because this is what they are taught and what they experience.
I said that to say this, as people let’s not get caught up in the minute details. Creatures of lower intelligence refer only to visual characteristics to define things. Let’s be a little more aware yall. And I still f*ck with John Mayer…his belief on a hood pass is accurate and as far as who one is interested that’s their prerogative. LOL “I mean if you’re gay that’s cool, I got gay friends that f*ck guys….in jail.” I love all people despite your preferences as long as you are not divisive.

Cool T-Shirts All Under $20
















What's happening peoples? Thought I should drop http://www.crazydogtshirts.com/ on yall head. I personally grab a couple shirts from these guys a month. I wish they still had the "Everyone knows the purple crayon is gay" shirt...can I say classic?

The Imagination Factory?

I know you've gotta be sitting there thinking, "What the hell is an Imagination Factory, and why should I give a damn?"

Ok well, we live in a day and age where too many people have lost there sense of creativity and become quite ummm content with life inside the box. Well F*ck that! (I'll sensor the first couple posts lol)

The Imagination Factory is a place where creativity is produced and exposed to the world. If something is cool and different you will see it produced here. Seen some nice new art work, restaurants, music, females, movies, games etc? I'll put it up. Trust me life outside the box is incredible.

It's 2010 people, stop being the dick who has a PS3 or 360 and only plays Madden. Don't settle for being the chick in the office who only wears pant suits to work....and definitely don't be the guy who buys every Blackberry assuming it must be the best phone for "working professionals". Let's all take a creative step forward, starting right now...