My Favs!

Need a photographer? I stumbled across this photography blog while crusing the internet today. I must say that Jessica Claire definitely has an eye for the perfect shot. Check out her most recent photos from October...and don't forget to flip through some of her archived posts. They are simply amazing.

Since we're talking about photography, check out my boy Carlos Imani's gallery. It features pics of people, places and attractions. If you're trying to build your portfolio or just want to capture a special occasion. Hit my boy up. Oh, he has a Myspace page too.


and this is probably my favorite gadget on the market right now. It's basically an i-pod for books. Amazon has released it's latest creation called the Kindle. Oprah is endorsing it, so you know they are flying off the shelves. She's even offering a special $50 off code here.

That's it for my favs...

until next time - Stay Classy!

~Crossy~

Honest Mistake?

I was getting ready to leave work for the day, when I came across this ---










Remember former ESPN anchor Danyelle Sargeant? She got canned for dropping an F-Bomb on air. Well she now works for FOX and recently left the studio to make her debut as a sideline reporter. You won't believe how a producer at FOX threw her under the bus by releasing a blooper clip to the media. She talks about it here in this interview with Dan Patrick.

I personally feel bad for "the Sarge." It's hard enough for women to compete with men in the sports journalism business, and now this?


Remember to stay effin' classy people! lol

~Crossy~

Charlotte: The Departure

I arrived at JFK in a tizzy, because I was running a little late. By the time I reached the kiosk to check-in for my flight on Delta, it said that I couldn't check my baggage. As if! I thought to myself, I hate airports. Long story short, I used the Sarah Palin approach (winking, acting dumb, and smiling) to hustle this guy behind the desk to get my baggage checked. Moments later I was scurring off to my gate in a cute, I'm in a rush type of way. When I sat down, this older gentleman sat down next to me, and in unison we both let out a long sigh.

Noticing the coincidence...we laughed.

Gentleman: Are you from New York?
Crossy: No, I traveled here from Connecticut, but I'm from Seattle.
Gentleman: Oh, ok. I'm traveling from Barcelona.
Crossy: Oh for vacation?
Gentleman: Kind of. My wife and I went to watch our son play basketball.
Crossy: Oh, he plays for a team there?
Gentleman: No, he actually plays for the New Orleans Hornets.
Crossy: (blank stare) Oh.
Gentleman: (smiles)
Crossy: WHO is your son?!
Gentleman: (smiles) Chris Paul
Crossy: (thinking to myself, how old is Chris Paul again? And is he married? Dad can you introduce me?) That's cool.
Gentleman: Do you like sports?
Crossy: I guess...I work for ESPN.
Gentleman: (Smiles) Oh wow. I hope this conversation is off the record...(we both laughed)


How random is it that I sat next to Chris Paul's father on the flight down to Charlotte? He was even toting a little black Wake Forest duffle bag. I usually knock out as soon as the plane takes off, but Mr. Paul and I talked about everything from sports, to politics, to cars, and True Religion jeans. Oh yeah, for all you True Religion fans, Mr. Paul tells me that he got a pair of Truey's for $25 in China. For those that don't know these jeans run about $200/$300 here in the United States. Sounds like my next departure needs to be en route to a different country! O-kaaay!

Mr. Paul also mentioned that his son has a huge home right next door to Reggie Bush in New Orleans. It was funny because he asked me if I knew Reggie's girlfriend. I said, "Of course, you mean Kim Kardashian right?" He said, "Yes, she's a very nice girl."

Um, nice? Dad, you've got to come up with a better adjective than that. I laughed so hard, I was fighting back tears. Just about every guy I know would pay to be within 30 feet of that woman. Case closed. Let's just say nice is an understatement.

I also found out that CP3 was online pledging for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. but he couldn't finish the process because he left school. I always thought he was a pretty boy, and I think I'd pay to see him do the Kappa shimmie too. You can still pledge grad chapter CP!


Just before I could motion for the flight attendant to get me another glass of Cran-Apple juice, we landed in Charlotte. I guess it's true...you never know who you're sitting next to on a plane.

That's it for "The Departure." Stay tuned for my next posts: My birthday, and homecoming...

Till then, Stay Classy!

~Crossy~

Departure Lane Chronicles: Charlotte

So, I'm off to Charlotte for a week.

AHHHHH! I can smell the sweet scent of hot buttery biscuits already!!

I dip this afternoon and I won't be back in New England until the following Sunday.

Thank God for airplanes, and cheap airfare. I managed to cop a ticket for under $130. BOO-YA!

Wednesday, Oct. 22nd is also my B-day!! Feel free to send gifts! ;)

Needless to say, it should be an eventful week.

By the way, I will not be toting a laptop or blackberry down to Carolina so I'll have a short posting hiatus. But don't fret, I'll have plenty of stories to gush about when I get back. Trust! It's my first time attending my homecoming since I graduated back in 2004.

So I guess you could say...This is a serrrrrrrrrrious matter! [Not really, but I just really felt like saying that. Big ups to my AKA friends reading this ;)]

Time to recline my seat in low coach class... ;)

Stay Classy till I touch down back in C.T.

*Crossy*

Obama's X-Factor is....

.....the XBOX 360.

Too busy playing video games to watch the debate? Well Barack Obama is targeting you, the "couch potato" voter who would rather play Madden NFL '09 than flip on CNN.

Barack is already present on various social networks like Myspace, Twitter and Facebook in an effort to get young voters to the polls. But now, for the first time EVER, Obama is utilizing dynamic in-game advertising on games that are updated through the internet on game units like XBOX 360.

Barack has strategically placed ads and billboards in 18 online video games. Video gamers will see Barack ads in everything from every guys favorite (Madden) to Guitar Hero. The ads appear in 10 battleground states with a picture of Sen. Obama and directions to visit voteforchange.com.

I'm not sure who Sen. Barack Obama's PR director is but, uhm, he or she is on point like Stacey Adams. I'm just sayin'...

This election is truly going to be one of the most historical events in my lifetime...and i'm glad i'm going to be a part of it!

I'm mailing off my registration today...(I know, I know, I should've done it a long time ago, but hey, as long as its done, that's all that matters!)

Remember the deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct.21st!

Hopefully Obama's X-factor is enough for you to place an "X" in the box next to Senator Barack Obama for President.


You Decicide. Decision 2008.

Crossy

Dow down, Pocket Change Up?

In case you haven't noticed: gas is under $3.00/gallon.

Last night I nearly ran over a pedestrian walking through the crosswalk when I glanced up at the board that read "$2.99/gallon." I felt like I had stepped into the twlight-zone or something. Who knew seeing gas under three bucks would be such a phenomenon?

Too bad I already have a half tank of gas. I think I'll wait until I get back from Charlotte to fill up. Maybe gas will be $2.50. ;)

And it looks like House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi is trying to make a push for another stimulus package. Check this out. Ching-chinggggg!

I wrote about the first stimulus package here. It's funny because I have no idea WHAT happened to that money. So much for saving up! LOL

I'll keep an ear to the streets - just keep an eye on my blog. ;)

Stay Classy!

*Crossy*

Diva on a Diet?

Dieting has always seemed like a silly thing to me. Women will binge, go on water diets, become a vegan, go on the Beyonce diet, or just stop eating all together just to lose weight. I'm not an extremist so I would definitely lose interest in an "all water" diet fast. However, I fancy living out every new idea that crosses my path. This is one of them...

[Disclaimer: my goal is not to lose weight, just to tone up and loose a few inches.]

Well, I can safely say that I've never gone on a real diet but I'm considering trying this one by Special K. I found it yesterday while I was randomly perusing the internet. What a novel idea! It's a food plan similar to Jenny Craig minus all the expensive menu items.

A couple of my girlfriends are looking to shed some unwanted pounds so we've made a pact to start this diet together and work out. Yay! Goooo team! :)

Our start date: Mon, Nov. 3rd.

(Until then I will be pigging out on just about everything! I'm traveling to North Carolina next week so I plan on stocking up on all the downsouth goodies I can handle, i.e. biscuits, sweet tea, and fried chicken.)

I love working out however, an injury I suffered back in June which I talked about in this blog, has me operating at 85%. I'm healed, but as many of you former athletes know, injuries never fully go away. Tragic! I guess my dreams of being a back up dancer for Janet are crushed!

The good thing about getting back in the gym on a regular basis will be updating my i-pod with the latest jams. I'm taking suggestions for great workout songs....let me know your favorites!!

And you know what...this could be an excuse to bust out some new workout gear. New gear could generate a lil' motivation in the Crossy camp.

I'll keep you posted on my progress...

Stay Fit & Stay Classy -
Crossy ;)

Hump Day Headlines Pt.2

It's time for the 2nd installment of the Hump Day Headlines. I'm taking a look at the most bizarre, interesting, and funny news of the day. Enjoy!

• The Chicago Cubs are out of the MLB playoff race and their fans are bitter about it! You won't believe what this fan is selling on E-bay!

• The Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden finally made his NBA debut! The dude looks like King Kong when he dunks! Now people are talking about a championship in the Great Northwest? Please. That bandwaggon won't be full for long.

• Former Destiny's Child member, Michelle Williams released her album titled, Unexpected" yesterday. **crickets**

• Since we're on the subject of music, Slim (the lead singer of the group 112) is releasing his new album Nov. 18th. His first single, "So fly" is hott! I don't think I'm alone when I say that I can't wait for this cd to drop!

• Also, check out Ciara's new video that dropped last night. As much as I love Janet Jackson, Ciara might be giving her a run for her money with this one. Can I get a pair of those boots she's rocking in the video? I'm just sayin'...

• Esquire Magazine has named Halle Berry as the "Sexiest Woman Alive." Are we surprised? Check out these lingere flicks of Miss Berry.

• Wanna learn English? This could be the funniest commercial I've ever seen.

• And a love lockdown on Ellen? This is creativity at its finest folks...
  
  
  Stay Classy...
  Crossy!

iMusic Monday

For some reason I've been on an R&B tip lately. In my car, at home, my i-pod...everything must be slow jams. With that in mind, I figured I'd put you on to some new joints to add to your repertoire:

I like this new joint from Avant, "When it hurts." The video is pretty low-budget, but I'm really feeling the song. When things go wrong, will you hold on?



Now this one is for my ladies, Usha-Usha..
Usher has released the video for his hit, "Trading places." The first time I heard this song on Usher's album I loved it...but the video just confirms why the song is hott! The video starts out slow but builds up to be a pretty sensual exchange between Usher and his video love interest. I wonder if the soon-to-be ex-wifey Tameka approved of this video? Hmmm.




Last but not least, I can't get this song this song out of my head! Pleasure P, one of the former members of the R&B group Pretty Ricky is going solo. This song has been out for a while, but I've always liked it. It's called, "Rock bottom." It's one of those songs that makes you just sit back and think about that special person in your life. LOL Oh did I mention Lil' Wayne is featured on this joint too? ....Instant classic. Enjoy! By the way, Lil' Wayne is blogging for ESPN.com here.


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VP Debate: Biden vs. The Mavericks

It was a showdown in St. Louis, as Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin faced off in the first and last VP debate in just the final five weeks of the presidential race.

Here are my thoughts about both Biden and Palin's performance:

Let me start by saying that every Republican and woman should feel personally insulted that John McCain would even consider Sarah Palin as his running mate. It's insulting to women and our fight for equality, as well as the reputation of the GOP party.

Her responses to the Katie Couric’s interview were simply ignorant. She couldn't identify one Supreme Court case other the Roe v. Wade. She couldn't name one major publication that she reads in order to stay abreast of international affairs. When asked about her reaction to the economic meltdown, after fumbling through a series of talking points, her only audible response was that she feels that health care needs to be reformed.

What???

Diddy summed it all up in this video...

In regards to last night’s debate, I could have done just as well as Sarah Palin, especially if I had some of the best political advisers in the country coaching me for a week prior to the debate. I could not, however, have spoken with such authority, with such ease, and with such composure as Joe Biden did when addressing the important issues of the economy, foreign policy, energy, education, and so on.

Joe Biden spoke with ease because he has experienced the issues for over twenty years in the Senate. Sarah Palin spoke ‘robotically’ because she stuck to her speaking points, which were vague at best, and relied on rote memory and the cue cards that she had studied over the last week. No offense Sarah, but I don’t want a vice president whose understanding of the economy and international politics is based on random notes and speech coaches.

My Grades:

Sarah Palin: D+

Let me explain. Palin's girlish ways were borderline inappropriate and she lacked substance in her rebuttals. Apparently the pitbull is back...

I mean, how distracting was her bobble head, smiling, winking, smirking, and mispronunciation of simple words like "nuclear" or "terror." She set women in this country back 100 years. Seriously!! I don't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat, as an American you should feel disgusted by her lack of knowledge and respect for the voting public.

She over used the word 'maverick', to the point that it lost it's punch.

Hockey moms? Soccer games? Trying to relate with the American people through hockey mom references is not going to get your ticket into the White House.

Nor is it acceptable to make a cheap shot at Biden for not knowing what it's like to be a single mom. He's gone through his own struggles. And we all know about Palin's issues. Oh, and don't forget her claims about McCain helping the middle class. Now that's a joke!

Biden: B+

Here are the areas where Biden excelled:

Unlike Palin, Biden was able to answer each question with an appropriate answer. I love the way he repeated things three and four times to embed the message into the viewers head. He made his words memorable. I also appreciate the way he spoke eloquently about international issues, but still refrained from talking over the heads of the average person at home.

His message resonated the highest during talks of changing the economy and pulling out of the war in Iraq. Biden stole the show during a debate about the environment:

Biden said the cause was clearly man-made, and added, "If you don't understand what the cause is, it's virtually impossible to come up with a solution."

Palin stood firm on her choice to NOT debate the cause. Figures...

Overall Biden's biggest strength was his ability to stick to the facts. He rattled off exact times, dates, figures, dates...I mean I know Biden has decades of experience in politics but he was spitting more facts than Wikipedia. I'm just sayin'...

Coming up: The Presidential debate is Tuesday, Oct. 7th at Belmont University. Tom Brokaw is the moderator. Tune in!

Decision 2008. You Decide.
Crossy

Follow my Blog!

Hey Classy people...

Thanks for checking out The Classifieds.

I just added a brand new feature to my blog where you can become a fan. All you have to do is click the highlighted word: "FOLLOW THIS BLOG" and follow directions from there. It's as simple as that.

I encourage you to leave a comment on any post you agree with, disagree with or just plain don't understand. Also, if there's a topic you'd like me to explore - let me know. I'm always open to new ideas for blogs.

Other than that, keep it locked on the Classifieds.

I'm out!
Crossy