Jessica Simpson, Ghastly Faux Paux, or Grand Publicity Stunt

"Grand stands and grand slams," maybe that could work as a tag line for Jessica Simpson's career. In fact, when was the last time you heard anything about her that focused on her singing or even acting for that matter? If you haven't paid too much attention to the celebrity gossip on the "tube" (basically TMZ) lately and have no idea what I am referencing, then just go to your local grocery store. Pick up the latest issue of OK magazine or The National Inquirer. You'll see the "outfit" that's causing more drama for Ms. Simpson than any of her albums or movies. Ok, maybe that's a little harsh, but I can't help but think that the high-waisted denim jeans, the skin tight black tank top and the leopard print belt all scream one thing, "My stylist and publicist sure know how to manipulate public attention." And, why shouldn't they; it's is what celebrities pay them to do. Does she look fat? Well, depends on your definition of fat. But, mostly this isn't even about Jessica Simpson being overweight, I believe it's a desperate star trying to hold on to what little bit of fame she has left. But, she, or here people, are probably handling it the wrong way.

And, don't get me wrong, I am not trying to judge her. Well, maybe I am. But, I do realize the music industry places ridiculous standards and myths of beauty on female artist. And, I know it's become increasingly hard for women to navigate the waters of thin, too thin, skinny and fat. But, Jessica's "I am not fat" pleas just seem really disingenuous. Of course she realizes she's not fat. Still, even if she does think she's fat, she'll lose the weight so quick that to position herself as the victim of media cruelty just doesn't jive with me. She wore the outfit for publicity and it's obviously worked well, for now at least. She still needs a hit, movie, album or single.

Of course, she could begin the fat girl crusade and talk about how the entertainment industry places unfair standards on women? The public sympathy card seemed to work for Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Trya Banks. So, I ask, Jessica Simpson, ghastly fashion faux paux, or grand publicity stunt?

Releases from 2008, Reviews in 2009

My Music reviews are generally too long. I'll try my best to keep it short and simple.

Black Kids- Party Traumatic****- Go get it now. That's it. You'll love it. It's slightly on the verge of being bubble gum pop, but it works well. Their music is reminiscent of 80s new wave groups such as ABC, Flock of Seagulls and let's mix it up with a little Human League., too. Download 'I want to be your limousine"

Little Jackie- The Stoop****- Give me a black woman with big hair singing about smoking cigarettes and contemplating lesbianism and I am hooked. No, actually they are a duo "named after Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's 1989 single "Little Jackie Wants to Be a Star" consisting of vocalist Imani Coppola and programmer Adam Pallin." But, Coppola is the star. She sings the songs with an in your face type of confidence that is really refreshing in the current sea of mundane female vocalist. She effortlessly raps and sings across each track, think Lauryn Hill circa 1998, but more fun. Download, 'Black Barbie'

Kanye West- 808s & Heartbreaks***- The musicality on this disc in undeniable. I an probably a fair weather Kanye fan, but his latest disc, has this skeptical reviewer questioning my former opinion of Mr. West's talent. If you can get past the auto tune vocal stylings, which are somewhat atrocious, then you might be able to enjoy the Cd. Lyrically it's probably some of his best writing. The production on 'Love Lock down' is hypnotic to say the least. Download, 'Amazing and Paranoid.'

Adele- 19****- I can't believe this girl is so young. Her songs depict rich experiences that her 2o years do not befit. Yet, age is only a number, right? She writes songs that have a seamless fidelity that connect you to her credulous pleas on a track like 'Chasing Pavements'. This is a young woman on the brink or cusp of stardom. :) Download 'Hometown Glory'

Michael Steele, Who?

With the historic and ground breaking election of Barack Obama, I guess Republicans are feeling left out, seems it's time to get their black man, too. Now, I am not one to downplay African-American Leadership in either political party. Representation is representation, but doesn't it seem a little fishy that Michael Steele was named the RNC's chair just after the election of an African-American to the highest office in the nation? I mean, who is Michael Steele? I wonder do Republican strategist think their base is so stupid to fall for such ploys? Then, I remember this is the party that was so excited over Sarah Palin, and then I not surprised at all. Is the Republican party setting the stage for 2012? Maybe, but it's possibly too early to speculate about our next President.

Nonetheless, in a recent speech to House Republicans, Steele states, "Bipartisanship is overrated." Now, I ask in a time of economic downturn in the United States, shouldn't our politicians do all they can to work together? Shouldn't bipartisanship be atop both party's list? Unfortunately, for us (hard-working Americans) whom actually believe government can work, speeches such as Steele's reinforce old school political separatist ideologies. And, I realize Democrats are just as guilty, (Harry Reid) please stand up. Yet, in a circuit of talk show interviews, Steele has suggested that the Republican party resume the ways of Newt Gingrich's philosophy, the "contract with America" message. Steele is blatantly branding. He's trying rile up the Republican base and engender conflict with Democratic leadership in the White house. If they can create conflict with enough dissenting voices in Washington, win the House and Senate back in 2010 and keep the bulk of their party entrenched in revisionist history about the way things used to be, then they'll have successfully made the old dogma, new again. Republican leadership is not interested in trying to cooperate with Democrats or solve America's economic problems. Instead they are interested in gaining power, maintaining power and winning elections. Still, even though Democrats do have the majority in both houses, and don't really need Republican support, it would be nice to see some conciliatory acts.