From Launching 3's to Launching T's

I haven't had the opportunity to blog in close to a month- not that I haven't had plenty to speak on, time permitting. I definitely wanted to check in with a post in support of a friend and fellow Hamptonian, who hipped me to a new clothing line that was developed by a former University of Michigan basketball player. But this is not your typical clothing line.

David Merritt, 23, has launched an emerging apparel company "built to challenge the youth on a socially conscious platform". The former captain of the Michigan basketball team is the brainpower behind the company I Miss You, Inc-- and the IMU Brand, which states that its mission is spreading happiness while giving back and appreciating those experiences and people who make us who we are. His marketing approach is equally as unique, as he has taken to creating weekly video blogs (via Youtube) to share his journey and valuable experiences. He is also utilizing the Facebook and Twitter networking sites as tools to directly reach the youth which lead to over 30,000 viewers tuning into to the the official video launch of the IMU campaign, entitled It's About Time, featuring Steve Breaston of the Arizona Cardinals.

Kudos to this young man! As many hurdles as one may come across delving into the world of fashion, it's a beautiful thing to see that there is a positive message targeted at the youth on a level that they can grasp. I can't help but root for this line, and I want to send a very special thanks to Ms. Brooke Ellis for bringing me up to speed! For additional information, check out his website http://www.imutheinsideout.com/ or follow IMU on twitter @IMUTheInsideOut and become a fan of IMU at facebook.com/TheIMUBrand.

"Our shirts are an outside representation of inside beliefs, inside feelings, inside values - so it's from the inside out. We're just not selling a shirt. This is a challenge." - David Merritt

-LT

US, China Vow Closer Ties

Courtesy of Reuters

CNN's Black In America 2 (Part 1)

I hope everyone had an opportunity to watch Soledad O'Brien's report "Black In America 2". I thought that as a whole it was very well put together and I found it to be inspirational. I remember that after the first installment, a few people voiced their dissapointments and it appears as though there was a very conscious effort to delve a little deeper into the "Black experience"- depicting the broad economical and social diversity among us as well as some of the challenges that African Americans face in this country. That is not always acknowledged or recognized. I think it was important that the stereotypes of African Americans were addressed, and they were. They were also dispelled in the piece. O'Brien also addressed to inner conflicts among blacks who struggle and those who are more affluent. I'm interested as to what everybody thought of the report, but I'm will set aside some time this evening to watch part 2 of the series. I'm looking forward to it!

Kanye's Louis Vuitton Kicks Have Already Sold Out

Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In case you were wondering/trying to get your hands on Kanye's LV sneakers, you won't be able to get them anytime soon! If you are hard pressed, you can sign up for for the "wish list" in case some become available. The Mr. Hudson costs $840, while the Jasper goes for $990 to $1,140 And the Don goes for $870 to $960.

VA Tech Assailant's Mental Records Lost

I read this article and found it very interesting. The mental records of Virginia Tech shooter Seung- Hui Cho were found- or rather turned in. This poses the question, could the senseless killings have been avoided if Cho had received the proper psychological attention from university counseling? Read

LeBron James: "The King"? Or Phil Knight's Pawn?

I just took a gander at the footage of "The King" getting served up at his basketball camp. Yes, the same footage that mysteriously vanished into thin air after Nike pulled the "yoink...and swipe!" (to quote Bart Simpson). When I first heard of this, I thought to blog on it- but then I said "who cares?". Now that I have actually seen the video- although the kid did catch a vicious two handed bang on LBJ- I still could care less!


If you don't know, an Xavier University hooper, Jordan Crawford posterized LeBron James in what has since become known as Dunkgate. After LeBron was dunked on, he went to a Nike exec (that was present at the camp) and in turn all footage of the dunk was confiscated by all witnesses with cameras. I wonder if he took their licenses too. It wasn't until TMZ leaked the video footage that it was seen by anyone outside of those present at the camp.


I have seen several interviews with the Jordan Crawford kid, and in all of them he has downplayed the dunk. My personal thoughts are that if anybody plays in that many games- that often- you are bound to be on the receiving end at times. Courtney Lee (Orlando Magic) flushed one on LeBron this past season, and I personally witnessed Nick Young (Washington Wizards) put one down on your highness. Aftershocks were felt in Oregon in Phil Knight's office.

Props to Keyshawn

Props to former NFL'er Keyshawn Johnson for his new interior design show, "Keyshawn Tackles Design". It's good to see professional athletes transition into entreprenuers in lucrative businesses. Supposedly he has handled the task of interior decorating at his properties and has a knack for it. That's pretty dope! Check it out on Saturdays at 12pm on A&E.

LT

Showing Love to The Right Brained

Had to show some support to my dude, Todd! This is pretty funny...and explicit!

Popcorn Worthy?

Before there was a "T.O.", there was Terrell Owens...and I was a fan. Of course this is going back to his days as a 49er. He was an underdog from a small Division 2 school and a 3rd round draft pick- the unproven heir apparent to Jerry Rice. As a 49er fan it was like history repeated. Fast forward thirteen years later and almost as many controversial moments, and "T.O." is not as easily revered by most. Exit Dallas- enter Buffalo. I'm thinking, what can go wrong in a place like Buffalo? I guess only time will tell...


T.O. proved himself to be a real corn ball in Big D

I'm kicking back watching T.O.'s (aka Mr. "getcha popcorn ready") reality show tonight, and it's about what I expected- T.O. clowning around and a few gratuitous bare chested shots for the ladies. There are some things that are unclear to me while watching this. When they say Mo and Kita are his "publicists", what exactly do they really do? Publicly speaking, T.O.'s image is widely recognized as "boo boo" (allow me to interject- I'm glad he just got down to business and got this Asian girl to the hot tub though...she's a "nice" girl) and I can see that these two opportunists haven't exactly done much to doctor that up- besides crack the whip on his relationships. At some point you'd have to think he would have hired a real publicist with a proven track record and more than one client, right? Some time as far back as the fiasco with the trade from San Fran to the Ravens/Eagles. So in that regard, it's hard for me to take this serious off top. I will say that I'm loving this ex-fiance of his though. Nice catch, T.O.!



Let's hope for our man T.O. that the "Ray J" formula (patch up bad press with shoddy but entertaining reality TV show) repairs some of the public perception of him- although most of his antics were on the playing field. As I'm watching this, all I can think about is "that's my teammate...that's my quarterback..." lol! This should be interesting...




-LT

Adult Swim

We had a hell of a time this afternoon at the rooftop pool party at the Liaison Hotel in DC! If you haven't been on a Sunday afternoon yet, you should pencil it in this summer. We meant to shoot over to the Beacon Hotel for the Coolout, but we were getting it in! If you know me, you know I go IN when it comes to getting my swim on! Today was no different!

The homies B.Miller, Damien, Todd, & I...footage from The Liaison Pool party 7.19.09

Fellas Take Note: Pam Anderson Has Spoken...

Another example of why I love (plug)Sirius XM Radio. Pam Anderson gets grilled on (plug)Whoo Kid's show! This might throw you off a little bit but let's just say...she handles herself quite well! Funny interview...Have a listen : )

The Goods: Live Hard Sell Hard Trailer

Don Ready’s got the goods! Jeremy Piven plays a sales expert assisting a flailing car business, but it seems as though his character Don Ready is savvy at whatever he does! Ed Helms (Andy from The Office), Will Ferrell, Ving Rhames and Ken Jeong (The Hangover, Role Models) all co-star in this Paramount film hits theaters on August 14.

Legendary News Anchor Walter Cronkite Dies At 92

November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009

Rest in Peace to legendary journalist Walter Cronkite. This was a man who was widely respected for his work at CBS, and will be remembered by many as one of the best at his craft. I was told that Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson once said, "if I have lost Cronkite, I've lost middle America". That's influence.

Footage of Pacman & Nelly's Vegas Adventure (New Video)

The Heat Is On

Talks heat up involving my namesake Lamar Odom heading to Miami. According to ESPN.com, the Heat may match the 9 million dollar deal that the Lakers recently dropped off the table. Remember, the Lakers acquired Odom from the Miami Heat in the Shaquille O'Neal trade that sent L.O. to L.A. along with Caron Butler and a few others. It is also reported that Miami is eyeballing Carlos Boozer which makes me sick to my stomach considering his lack of productivity in Utah. If the deal for Odom goes through, the Miami Heat can be thankful for the lack of state taxes in the state Florida, which will give them the flexibility to have the money available for him. I'm wondering if in the long run bringing Artest to the Lakers is what made L.O. expendable. Artest is a good pick up, but where else are you going to find a 6'10 Forward that is a solid low post player and can handle the pill like a guard?

Message to L.A.: For God's sake, just pay the man!!! (channelling my inner Stephen A. Smith)

Boxer Gets Chin Checked

(not literally)

CEO Harry Alford (Black Chamber of Commerce) accuses Sen. Barbara Boxer of "vile Jim Crow" and compares her condescending attitude towards him during a panel discussion to Mississippi 1945. Interested in your comments...

Watch the video and then read

Mixtape: Melanie Fiona meets the Illadelphonics

Courtesy of onetwomagazine.com

1. Give It To Me Right (Illadelphonics Live Remix)

2. Melanie Fiona and ?uestlove Part 1

3. Ay Yo (Illadelphonics Live Remix)

4. Melanie Fiona and ?uestlove Part 2

5. Heartless (Illadelphonics Live Remix)

6. Melanie Fiona and ?uestlove Part 3

7. Monday Morning (Illadelphonics Live Remix)

8. Melanie Fiona and ?uestlove Part 4

9. Somebody Come Get Me (Illadelphonics Live Remix)

10. Melanie Fiona and ?uestlove Part 5

11. Cupid (Illadelphonics Live Remix)

12. Melanie Fiona Medley by ?uestlove

(via onetwomagazine) Questlove & the Roots is always on the forefront of the new “new”.

Find it here: Melanie Fiona meets the Illadelphonics

The Men's Vegas Handbook

Going back to Rehab

Believe it or not, I still have yet to see the movie, The Hangover. Although I can get the gist of the movie based on the trailer, it's still on my "must see" list. Any man who has ever been to Vegas on a "fellas" trip knows that the mantra "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" is only true to an extent. If you play Vegas the right way, you can leave town with more than a few memories to last you a lifetime- or until your boy inadvertently spills the beans about things that happened on the trip, in front of your girlfriend! Then there's no more talk about the Vegas trip...

I was talking to my boy who is planning a trip to Vegas for the first time. He was asking me what to do and where to go. I got to thinking- there really should be a handbook for the men's version of a trip to Vegas. The first thing that you need to know is that Vegas is constantly changing, as far as the party scene. I told him that what's hot this month may not be three months from now or three months prior, so it's almost pointless to ask someone (who doesn't live in Vegas) what clubs to go to. There are definitely a few staples though- the Rehab pool party @ The Hard Rock, Pure and a few others.

The second thing that I can vouch for is that you can pretty much scrap any itinerary once you touch the runway at McCarran. Vegas is better if done on a whim. Every venue's website is going to make their spot look like the premier spot in town- don't fall for it! You have to be able to be spontaneous to really have fun in Sin City. Pack your swimsuit, your flip flops, pack your V necks (for that dry heat), and a few night time 'fits to wear to the club. You can pack your list of "to do's" but when you hit the strip for the first time, all that goes out the window. The best thing you can do is check in to the hotel and then hit the strip on foot patrol to get the word-of-mouth referrals.

Be spontaneous...but avoid these type of situations

The third thing I will tell you is to be prepared to spend. If you want to play the casinos, take X amount of dollars and consider it spent already. Whatever you lose was already spent. Everything else is a come up! If you plan on club hopping, be prepared to spend. Most clubs will hit you for a cover charge at the door and then hit you over the head for drinks. You see the running theme, here? You're kicking up cash. My recommendation (to get the most out of your trip) is to go with the table reservation option. By the time you've spent on door covers, drinks, etc., you've probably as a group spent close to the amount that you could have spent to reserve a table anyway. Just some food for thought.

On my first trip to Vegas (mind you, before I was even 21) , I came up with the slogan "Vegas will make us or break us!". This slogan holds true every time in that city. My belief is that you should only do Vegas for a max of 3 or 4 days per trip. After that, it's like sensory overload! Always remember that Vegas will always welcome you back with open arms!

Cheers!

Nike 2009 Fall Dynasty Preview

Check out these hot high top Nike Dynasty sneakers coming out later (Fall) this year. The high top comes in a black colorway with a red swoosh Nike logo and an ankle strap. This is just Fall preview so keep posted for more details.

Reaction to Pres. Obama's NAACP Address

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Hardball host Chris Matthews discusses with Political Analyst Michelle Bernard & Journalist Stephen A. Smith.

So What...It's Friday

Classic Miles Davis & Coltrane captured on film...enjoy!

Party @ My House

Courtesy of livelevated.com

I'm still trying to figure out what all the buzz is about!!! I'm in MD hearing about this spot called My House back in L.A., that is supposed to be off the chain! I'm reading "tweets" and Facebook posts saying that this is the place to be on Tuesday nights. I'm on my way! Anyway, if you know anything about My House...fill me in. Right now all I have is a few pics and I'll leave the rest to the imagination, but I'm hearing that this is where it's at now in Hollywood. Check the website

Beat you there!


-LT

They Know Me In Japan!

...Maybe...

This is a short video I took with my phone one afternoon on Melrose Ave in L.A. I was outside of FatBeats with my good friend Cas, a designer from Hard 8 Clothing. We were approached by a Japanese photographer who wanted to take our pictures for a Japanese fashion mag. This would have actually been a dope experience if I had actually seen the photos in the magazine! I kinda shrugged in the video because we really couldn't communicate with lady because she "no speak english". So I don't know the publication it was featured in or anything. So...a big "konnichiwa" to my peeps in Japan.



P.S. Everybody that knows Cas, be sure to get on him a little bit for this! see below:

Aint No Party Like An SSA Party!!!

This is funny as hell to me! Forgive me, Mom (a long time Social Security Administration employee) but your colleagues were getting it in! As the story goes, The Social Security Administration is under scrutiny for spending $700,000 on a (air quotes) conference in Phoenix, AZ. Watch this video and tell me if this looks like any conference that you've ever attended. Supposedly this shindig- excuse me- conference was held to "reduce stress". Now I've heard of all the benefits associated with the "good government job" but I had to pass Moms my resume after seeing this video. Might I add that that this Government sponsored event was held at the Biltmore Resort & Spa, and included airfare, hotel entertainment, food, etc. I'm in the wrong business...read up

The "Awards" Show

It has been a good week for my boys from Entourage. First, the premier of season 6 this past Sunday night. Now the show has been nominated for four Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and Outstanding Supporting Actor in A Comedy Series (Kevin Dillon). Last year the show was nominated for five Emmy's and Jeremy Piven skated with the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in A Comedy Series. All these accolades speak to the argument of this being the best show on television! Currently, HBO is killing it with the Emmy nominations.

I thought the first episode on Sunday night was a good segue into each member of the crew doing his own thing this season and I can't wait to see what happens. Once again, Drama takes the award for best line...

"p**** can smell other p****...and they have to pounce on it!

That's why when your on a hot streak you've got to press it.

Just like in blackjack..."

PAY- DRO!!!

Pedro Martinez, the weathered 37 year old veteran and 3 time Cy Young Award winner signs 1 year- 1 million dollar contract with the reigning World Champion Phillies. Now I'm no longer much of a baseball fan, but I posted this news because Pedro is one of the few players left in the league (and one of the few players I know of) from my childhood days as a fanatic. You have to remember that he came into the league in '92. What the Phillies are expecting to get out of having him in their rotation is beyond me. He'll be immediately placed on the Disabled List anyway for some type of shoulder injury. I think Philly should be even more concerned by the fact that at his age he is already plotting on cheese steaks at Pats & Geno's...that may not bode too well for the physique there, playboy! Read more

Pe' Day

P.O.V. Rooftop Bar, W Hotel D.C.

I still have not checked out- or checked into the new W Hotel in DC. I am hearing mostly good reviews about the facility and most notably the P.O.V. the rooftop bar with panoramic views of the White House and downtown D.C. The hotel also boasts the J&G Steakhouse, which I have no idea about yet. After several soft openings, Starwood unveiled the new hotel on July 8, 2009. Just a quick note: if you are headed to the rooftop bar, I hear that the best bet is to make reservations in advance or you will wait in line for a good minute. See the number below...

Reservation lines: P.O.V. rooftop: 202.661.2478

J&G Steakhouse: 202.661.2440

Bliss spa: 202.661.2418

Do You Know Kristin Jarvis? You Should...

courtesy of MSNBC

Gotta show some love to Kristin doing big things on Pennsylvania Ave. If you don't know who she is...you should!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Kristen Jarvis – Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide for the First Lady

After graduating from Spelman College, Kristen began her political career working on the leadership staff of former Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Tom Daschle. Kristen then served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Barack Obama in the United States Senate from 2004-2007. When Senator Obama announced his Presidential Bid, Kristen was tapped by the campaign to relocate to Nevada where she served as the State Scheduler for both Senator and Mrs. Obama, and Surrogate Scheduler for elected officials and celebrities traveling to Nevada on behalf of Senator Obama. When the Nevada caucuses concluded, Kristen joined the National Advance team as a Press Lead, coordinating press logistics for campaign town halls and rallies across the country. Kristen spent the remaining months on the campaign trail as the Body Person/Special Assistant to Michelle Obama where it was her responsibility to take care of all personal needs for Mrs. Obama.

Now We Can Stop Guessing...

The McLaren F1 vs. The Bugatti Veyron...this video footage is hot! Which one do you think won? Here's a hint...it wasn't even close!

Warning: The Dangers of Twitter

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

Enter Caption Here: __________________

President Obama & the French President had to break their necks in Italy. Just one more thing we can all believe in!

Leave a comment with your own caption

Get Familiar...211...CTE West

211- Product of the Block

From the No B.S. File...

Today Japanese rubber mask maker Ogawa Rubber released its masks that resembling MJ to the domestic market. They were originally named "The King of Pop" but I guess due to copyright infringement the masks were renamed "A Nice Man". Wow...

The masks were created to reflect both the brownskin Mike from his earlier days & the fairer skin MJ from his later days. I'm guessing these will be collectors items pretty soon. Check EBAY...

kinda wild...

Greater Good Mondays...It's A Groove

A big thank you to the homegirl Nikki for turning me on to this event! Greater Good Mondays this summer, atop the Donovan House. Much love to For The Greater Good (ftggshop.com)- fellas, you should definitely fall through and check out the men's clothing selection- and to Commonwealth! Consider yourselves invited! (click on photo to enlarge the invite above)

The Suit vs. The Slice

DC Councilman Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) still wants to put the clamps on the late night visits to the Jumbo Slice in Adams Morgan. The councilman attributes much of the recent increase in late night violence to the pizza spots on the strip. When news of this first broke, I thought this was the most ridiculous thing that I had ever heard. Why don't we just block off the streets to prevent drunk driving, while we're at it? No offense to the councilman, but wouldn't you think that a strip of bars and watering holes has a little bit more to do with late night belligerent behavior???

Anybody who has ever visited Adams Morgan at night knows that the let out of the bars and clubs- seemingly at one time- is the actual catastrophe. To punish area business owners who benefit from the foot traffic is absurd. If anything, enforce more stringent loitering laws for those who are not patrons off the Jumbo Slice.

This got me to thinking...what is the best food spot in the city after a night of partying/drinking??? Were it not for the Checkers on New York Ave, I would always opt for "the slice" on the late night. I know some folks do The Diner or even Ben's Chili Bowl.

Leave a comment

Compliments to the Chef!

Connoisseur of cuisine Anthony Bourdain is back for a new season of "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel. I don't know if it is the actual array of foods or his lack of cooth, but I love this show! Peep a recap of the first episode in Chile that aired this past Monday (7/13). Next week we visit the Aussies...for Kangaroo soup maybe??? Gotta get me some stamps!

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations- Monday 10pm on Travel Channel

"Gilt-y" Pleasures...A Recession Special

In our current economic state there are a few options for how to deal with the drama. You can say "f*** the recession, recess is on" like the Morgans Hotel Group who believes that “Attitude is Everything" and has created a lifestyle and marketing blog that suggests people should continue to live the good life and partake in life’s simple pleasures. Sharing promotions and specials from some of the nations nicest hotels, restaurants and spas, encouraging everyone to look at the bright side of the dollar down turn.

The other alternative, is to tighten the belt and be smart with spending. I like to find a happy medium between the two, being mindful of my pockets and staying positive while taking advantage of the low gas prices and special holiday sales. Gilt Groupe (like bluefly) is a fashion forward website dedicated to boosting sales by slashing prices to appeal to those who need extra persuasion to spend. You do need to have a referral to become a member of this site, so I am attaching a link that will allow to receive a referral to your email.



Gilt Group Referral (click here)