Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Last 3 books Beno has Read

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

A book about how a Professor deals with cancer and his last few months readying his family for his death. He reflects on his life and gives us some ideas to make our life better.

(Neighbor let my wife borrow the book. I also noticed Giancarlo Esposito had the book when I met him.)

Marvin Gaye: What's Going On and the Last Days of the Motown Sound… Ben Edmonds

This book captures the history of Marvin Gaye and deals specifically on how he came to record the What's Going On LP. It give great insight into Motown Records, even mentioning Raynoma Gordy, who in my research was the business mind behind Motown.

(Purchased in Atlanta, West End for $5)



Be Careful Who You Love by Diane Dimond
After MJ's death, I like many other people rushed to read anything we could about our icon. This was the only book left in our library system, so I reserved it and checked it out. I would say this book is shocking, informative, chilling, etc. I would say read it. Michael was a genius entertainment wise, but privately, is where this story gets interesting.
(Checked it out from Albuquerque Library System)

P.S.
I read all 3 of these books within a months time. I always give credit to developing my love of reading in Ms. Allen's class at James Logan High School. It was here that I learned that I could read books that related to me and where about me. Thanks Ms. Allen.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Beno visits Morris Brown College on his Trip to Atlanta.

This was the spot back in the day, where all the students hung out, ate. When I started it was the girls dormitory. So every Lexus was parked out front trying to impress the girls. Brothas like myself didn't have nothing but our feet and a Marta pass.
This is the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA where Alpha Men mentored the children. I spent a lot of time in that building. Until now, I have never really tripped on how the children that I worked with are doing now. Who would know that I would go on to work eight years in education.

This yard used to be so full of life. It was hard to imagine how empty it has now become. I pray that Morris Brown will rise one day



This is the bridge. I have to put up another photo that I took when I was in school here. I was much younger and slimmer back then. We used to have a photographer named Spurge who used to take photos for two dollars back then. He was such a cool guy. I want to get in contact with him. Somebody hook me up.


Fountain Hall is where I took so many of my classes. I really grew as a young man and a student in this building do to the instructors that I had. I can't believe this builidng isn't buzzing with activity.



This is the Morris Brown Song. We had to memorize this in our Freshman Orientation Class.






Finally on the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. plot. It was a long journey, but I made it home! A Phiiiiiiiii!!!!!! The Alphas were the first brothers to help me transition on the campus. They looked out for me and treated me with respect and for that I will always be grateful. I guess they impacted me in how I would eventually treat others that I met.






Morris Brown College founded in 1881 by ex-slaves. How could we let an institution like this perish. I pray the Lord will bless this place and make it better than ever.






Reality Check: Lil Cease Vs. Lil Kim Feud [Full 2006 DVD Documentary]

I love real documentaries especially on the ins and outs of hip hop artists and their crews. This particular story is a big one because it addresses the issues of crime, "snitchin', and the ultimate responsibility that people must take for their own actions. Let me know what you think about it.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Beno meets Giancarlo Esposito

Today, I had the privilege to meet and greet one my favorite actors, Giancarlo Esposito. He is in Albuquerque, to promote his new film Gospel Hill at the 1st Annual Albuquerque Film Festival. He spoke to us about listening to our voice, being in creation, and contributing positively to the world. I wish I had taken notes. This brother is deep!