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Monday, July 22, 2013

The Seduction of Smoke

The Seduction of Smoke
By Patricia Britt 

Smoking cigarettes, and cigars are the ultimate toxic crutch that some people start in social situations, or to soothe internal wounds from trauma while every puff reduces our quality of life, determines our relationships, effects our youth, and our planet. Since one of the biggest drawbacks for long term smokers are health problems like cancer, insomnia, and Alzheimers. it’s best never to start smoking, or to quit while you have a real chance to gain the sweet caress Fresh Air allows, instead of the stifling environment Smoke creates.

Americans became aware of the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes in the 20th century. Now most people know the toxic dangers early on. With each special brand designed to appeal to ones uniqueness, there’s marketing, and packaging for every style. Tobacco manufacturers will always have a market as long as smoking is sociable, poverty is pervasive, and the void of sorrow exists. Even though there are a number of toxic ingredients, like arsenic, people continue to share time with Smoke!. Swirly, geometic, flowered lighters are good company for lonely hearts, and Smoke knows its circle's advantage in its seduction.

There is a satirical movie called Thank You For Smoking that illustrates the influence of lobbyist, and Hollywood in extending America’s relationship with smoking that everyone effected by “Smoke” should view in order to logically consider if you want to continue something that hurts you, and others. The main character was a handsome guy named Aaron Eckhart, with Sam Elliot as the Marlboro Man in a supporting role.

One of Yule Brynner’s last efforts at making an impact on the world was in an illuminating Public Service Announcement condemning smoking due to its tragic impact on his life. Anyone who wasn’t aware of the dangers before, should have known after his last convincing portrayal of humanity for all to comprehend. I don’t recall how long the networks ran that PSA, but I’ll always remember his bravery in making it, and love him for his efforts. Yul Brynner’s career was as courageous as he was. It’s too bad that PSA isn’t still broadcast now, and then.

Even though Joe Camel, and that dreamy Marlboro Man have ridden off into the smoke free ad sunset, new teasers have taken their place. Smoking is still advertised in ethnic communities on prominently placed billboards, tobacco’s key marketplace.

Although smokers in their 40’s, and older people were once bombarded with both subliminal, and overt glamorized television advertising in the 20th century, could that be the only reason for Smoke’s magnetic pull? Do people just start smoking at some point, and never manage to let it go? Why do people smoke?  There are as many reasons as there are cigarettes in a pack. Is smoking impressive to anyone? Do people develop the habit as teens going along with the crowd? Are smoker’s emulating someone they admired in person, on film, or a billboard? Lauren Bacall, and Humphrey Bogart should have received stock options for their cool smoky presence. They were a sexy pair, and many followed their lead.

Let’s consider the attitudes of smokers. Many non-smokers perceive smokers as inherently inferior, illogical, and weak willed to indulge in a habit that is known to cause death. Non-smokers are perplexed by anyone that would consider harming themselves, after seeing the facts on the news, and in magazines. Although some non-smokers choose to live and let live not questioning the behavior, or the implications of second hand smoke, while still others are reformed smokers that don’t want to be tempted back into a life threatening habit, or have outgrown the desire, and aroma, because of the scientific statistics. Then some people are allergic, and simply can’t stand the smell. Then there are some smokers who can take it, or leave it.

Once upon a time smokers engaged in this social activity in bars, and even the work place until banned, wisely due to the diligence of caring health conscious activists applying pressure on states across the country in this century to stop smoking in public places.

Statistically speaking every cigarette takes 15 minutes off your life. However, it only takes a year to heal a large portion of your lungs after quitting that smoking jerk! Those toxins will work their way out of your system to make room for the Air that really cares about you, when you quit. The you’ll have the energy to work out, and keep pure Oxygen tingling through every cell in your entire body darling! It time to leave the seduction of Smoke behind.

Twenty percent of American adults kick it with Smoke, and 20% of the teen population, although your average name brand cigarettes are $6.00 - $14.00 varying among states including taxes. Say you pay $10.00 per pack, that’s $3,650.00 per year. Talk about up in smoke - that’s a trip on a cruise line! Ask yourself how many concerts did you miss 365 24/7 trying to forget your despair with no music in the air, missing out on experiencing the oxygen level that was just right for you, while Smoke was taking up all your time.

If you’re a teen embarking on this habit, and select cigar packs over cigarette packs, because they’re cheaper in the short run, you should consider the long run on the good health you’re missing out on. Smoker’s Choice cigars came on the scene around 2000, and the impact is yet to be measured by health experts. Everything that glitters is not gold, and a $5.00 bargain may end up costing you more than you bargained for sweetheart.

There’s no doubt smoking is a slow self-imposed sentence of poor health for anyone who bets their life against the tobacco health house odds, because Smoke is always there for you, just a step away honey, so you have to realize you deserve better.

You can read numerous articles online about smoking, or follow Journal of Medicine reports, NIH.gov, and on random web sites. The American Cancer Association web site, or www.doctoroz.com are good places to start looking at tools to help you quit dear.

There are many statistical reasons no one should entertain Smoke in addition to ostracism, divorce, snow breaks in the cold, tarnished teeth, wrinkled skin, smoky hair, and clothes, besides that, the Airy person you’re interested in might not give you serious consideration, or even a second look, because you smoke. If you’re serious about quitting and experiencing the pure joy you deserve there are many products to help you in addition to building will power, like patches, and teas. Technology, what would we do without it? It’s time to turn over a new leaf, and go get online with that strong heart desires an Airy independent soul…profile … who wants to be there for you...!

Smoking is a seductive habit that sneaks up on so many in their youth, or anyone at any state in life experiencing hard times. For some people once they start they never quit, and the relationship with Smoke builds until their doctor tells them it’s time to say goodbye, because the body is a temple to be cherished for clear Air’s path to treated you right, and outta sight.

If you don’t Smoke you can reach hire, run faster, slow down your body’s deterioration, and live longer. Don’t waste your life on a habit you can leave at any time, whenever you decide you’re in control. Not smoking leaves you free to tap into more of your abilities to think clearer, and love longer. Not smoking is treating yourself like the royalty you know you are, instead of like a marooned lover overwhelmed by a sensual sensation that’s not as good as the first time, because it’s not based on a respectful flow, you know. Smoke can be captivating at the start darling.

Pamper yourself with more cash, and more time for Fresh Air to fill your lungs with the Oxygen you need, and the convenience of not having to leave your cozy home to lose money keeping up with a user. Listen when I tell you I heard it all before, Smoke doesn’t care about you at all. Study tobacco for what it is, trade in smoking, because Fresh Air will treat you so much better than Smoke ever will. So do it today, get away while you know you can live a good life with fewer wrinkles of worry in your mirror.

Shake off Smoke’s cold shoulder, and let Airs gentle touch glide through your heart as you walk in the park. Stop messing around with Smoke, you can live stronger when your goals are in unison, not opposition to your health. Dance, Zumba, salsa, and sweat to replenish Oxygen’s particles, and get into a smooth groove with Airs healing properties caressing your organs to whisk you away to make your day. Mesmerize your molecules with an energetic glow, like never before on a breezy night, so you can take flight on the glory of  life. How can you stand Smoke’s harsh demands when you could have the undivided attention of Air drifting through your soul. Let Fresh Air fill you up, snuggle, and kiss the sizzle goodbye, because when it's time to go, it's time to go, because you know Oxygen adores you more so run with the truth, treat it right, and expand your horizons.

Now do some soul searching. Quit, and don’t look back. Lose that dirty laundry, and win Air’s heart. You know Oxygen is the partner you can grow old with, and reach new heights in the breeze that’s fresh, that doesn’t knock you to your knees, and have you cry out please! You can do it, if you believe it, you can achieve it. Hear Air’s SOS to embrace the opportunity to be dazzled, and nourished by its sweet aroma. Be kind to yourself, everyone, and the planet. Now breath deep, and experience the true peace we all desire to achieve euphoria when your attitude towards Air determining your internal love altitude?

2012 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Poem : Chromatic




"Chromatic"
By Patricia Britt



God is love.
Love is God.
God is good.
Good is God.

 God within.
God without.
God is a gentle wind.
God is all about to behold.
The Glory of God is a Mystery yet to be told.

God is the Chromatic Love of Healing.
Believe in the beauty that connects us all.
Left, right, center, and circular.
Love is all around us in our universe of nature.

 God is a mystery to behold,
In the nature that unfolds.
Mystical infinite is the sky.
Bright is the sun.
Electric is our universe.
Awesome water.
Magnificent Mountains!
Our atmosphere is the stratosphere!

 Brown is the greatest love of all.
Blue is a paradox.
Tan is a puppy.
Green is the earth.
Violet is beautiful perplexity.
Vibrations of a sea shell are serene.

 Black is the source of love bursting forth in life,
Within molecular destiny set free,
When souls combine within nature’s time.
White are the great clouds above.
Yellow are the envelopes of a flower.
Pink is the soul of inner bliss.
Crème is a majestic bird in the sky…

 Copyright 2013

 




Cyrille Aimee & the Surreal Band Review
Music Review
By Patricia Britt

East Lansing, MI, USA - The seventeenth annual East Lansing Summer Solstice is a fantastic free event to attend with artists from all over the world.
International recording artist, Cyrille Aimee and the Surreal Band mesmerized the audience with slow melodic selections, and intense instrumentals in the glow of pink, and purple background lighting. They played classics, and original compositions.  Cyrille’s vocals are soft, delicate, and penetrating as she sings, and scats somewhat in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald, Nora Jones, and Basia. A few of Cyrille Aimee’s achievements are the 2007 Montreux Jazz Festival Voice Competition, 2012 Sarah Vaughn International Vocal Competition, and has 5 CD’s to her credit (www.cyrilleaimee.com) .  She attended Purchase Conservatory in New York. The Surreal band is composed of drums, a stand up base, clarinet, piano, and trombone that thrilled the audience with the interplay of instruments. The piano set the tone with tinkling keys, while the horns drove the rhythm.
The audience was enchanted throughout the performance with the standards “You the Night and the Music,” and “Straight No Chaser” in a traditional jazz style. “You, and the Night and Music” had terrific vocals and a soft piano melody.

Cyrille said, “One More! I want to end with one of my favorites. This one goes to Rodney Whitacker!” The up tempo classic “Oya coma va” (translation : listen to my rhythm ) originally orchestrated by Tito Fuente was performed by Cyrille and the Surreal Band in a very elegant style.  Someone from the audience felt the spirit move,  and went yeeeeeyow!

Cyrille Aimee’s (birthplace : Fountainbleau, France) Friday performance was loved by all. I’m sure many intend to come back Saturday to see more terrific jazz from the Vocal Jazz Summit with Lansing’s own Betty Joplin, R. Collins, M. Thomas & B Baxter ; Professors of Jazz ; The Frederick Sanders Trio (New Orleans) featuring Germaine Bazzle ; Cool down in the evening breezes and the full moon with Grupo Aye, and an interlude by Paul Bratcher Quintet on Saturday.

Summer Solstice is sponsored by the City of East Lansing, Michigan State University’s College of Music Jazz Studies, and the Wharton Center. Summer Solstice Jazz Festival artistic director, Rodney Whitacker gathers talent from here, and there and everywhere for the annual June concert series. www.professorsofjazz.org, www.msu.edu/schoolofmusic/jazzstudies www.eljazzfest.com . For more summer music go to www.cityofeastlansing.com/communityevents.

Copyright 2013 ~ Patricia Britt, Zimation Arts & Letters Ink : Poetry Concepts

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Raps Impact : A Woman's Perspective


Raps Impact : A Woman’s Perspective
By Patricia Britt

The first time I recall hearing gangster rap was in the middle of the afternoon, when I was walking to the store thru the projects in the late 70’s. It must have been in the era after my first rap shock that I heard Houdini, one of my all time favorite legendary rap groups, PM Dawn hit the air waves some time after the initial wave of rap. When I heard the unknown profanity laced rap song at full volume with the “B!” and the “H” over, and over, and over again as I walked the path to the store, I almost jumped out of my skin! I walked faster, and dreaded returning home the same way,  through a maze of cruel words, but I made it home in one piece changed somewhat, because I suddenly had incredible fear I'd never experienced in "music" before. The sound just scared, and offended my sense of dignity, instilled by my grandmother being in the projects, but not of the spirit of a hard core few in the same place that were responsible for miscellaneous mischief. Rap has evolved over the years with Coolio, LL Cool J, Outkast, Common’s corner, and others.

Gangsta rap has been the vehicle to financially elevate a percentage of  blacks to do philanthropic work as a 50 /50 exchange in the world impacting positively, and negatively. Snoop Lion recently mentioned on Tavis Smiley’s show, “that those with respect might not have money, and those with money might not have respect,” to paraphrase. I’ve always benefited from anyone’s life story in interviews. I’ve been impressed by Snoop Doggs work with children in athletics over the years, but never cared for his music, beyond the background beats. How’s that for a disclaimer? Because of the tragedy in my life, I can relate to many rappers heart wrenching stories, but my feelings about their overall projects are mixed with love, and sadness, because I feel their products have adversely effected women, and me specifically at times, where so many young men feel it’s cool to cuss, and don’t give a darn who can hear it, whether they want to, or not.

However, I look at some rappers’ work, and say, wow. For instance one of the many videos Sean Combs produced with Carl Thomas, featuring Stacey Dash as the love interest, named Emotional. This sad break up song, was so visually emotional it was like a mini movie. I keep it in mind as an example of a quality concept, on how to make an emotional impact, if I were ever to enter the production field, because life will always be filled with joy, pain, sunshine, and rain. I see Sean Combs acting in his videos, and other venues as just the beginning of a character actor’s career. I know to have seen FELA on Broadway would have been a moving experience to treasure, because Patti Labelle was in it, with the production collaboration of Jayz, and Overbrook Entertainment; Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith’s production company. After Earth was a cool picture, and Summertime is the best! Queen Latifah’s poetic movies are never a waste of time.

Gangsta rap songs loudness gave me a sense of uneasiness, and insulted me as a woman in the 70’s, and still does today. Emotionally It’s almost felt like a physical assault, by a creepy adversary effecting my dateability, or love equation,  if you can comprehend my philosophy of respect. Some see rappers, and rockers as the root of all evil, but I see them as works in progress, who can have a tremendous positive influence depending on the direction of their projects, and as examples that change is possible for anyone at any time,  if you “get out” of a rut, or move beyond extreme ego.  It’s easy to blame all of society’s ills on rappers, and rockers even though two trillion dollar’s of revenue, that might better serve America by reinvestment in the country, is collecting interest in off shore accounts.  All of us have fallen short of the glory of God, but today is the first day of the rest of your life, and hindsight is 20/20.

Copyright 2013 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink: Poetry Concepts ~ July 2013

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Triumph of Trayvon Martin


The Triumph of Trayvon Martin
By Patricia Britt

The weekend verdict was expected by some, and surprised others. Most people would like life to be about fairness, hence daily joy for all, but life is a game. Sometimes it’s fun, and everything seems on your side. Sometimes you lose due to cheating, the cards you’re dealt, or it’s just not your cosmic time to win. The purpose of all games is to play to win, as many times as you can, even if you lose some times, due to circumstances beyond your control. In this world where you don’t hear the Isley’s ½ century of music on Midwest radio to sooth sorrow filled souls; where poor people nationwide buy $50.00 - $100 music systems that don’t function properly for more than a month, or breaks downs shortly after, and the same gadget has to be replaced over, and over again when one needs the money to buy a shirt, and tie for a job interview. What do you do, replace your serenity, or take a chance on a better life, if you’re hired by one of a series of potential employers you’ve made an effort to impress to change your life for the better?

In the black community there is a saying that goes, “in it but not of it.” Which means even though you might encounter disrespect at any time, in any form, you don’t take part in it, or become consumed by unnecessary crap, that doesn’t contribute to elevating anyone’s soul, while you continue to try to be better at every opportunity. Mary J. Blige has a song called “I Try” with Talib Qweli, Jill Scott has a song called “Golden,” Janet Jackson has songs called, “Anytime, Anyplace,” “The Pleasure Principle,” that can only lift any reasonable spirit,” Des’ree has a song called, “You Gotta Be Stronger,” Beyonce' has a song called, "Halo," Basia has a song called, “New Day,” and the list of songs with a soulful impact, that have the power to make people walk on sunshine in the rain is long, yet it’s a crying shame that you don’t hear these songs every day. Instead you hear Queen, or Little Wayne blaring from the radio from small cities to large, accompanied by hyper cartoons with no message, and reality shows that display arguments all day long, when what the world needs now is love sweet love. Hatred is a toxic soup that has engulfed the world due to envy of positive spirits. Diversity of spirit is the measurement of infinite love.

Men have always been taught not to cry, to be tough if you want to show you’re a man. But tough has gone overboard when men don’t retreat from a violent altercation over misperceived injustice. Guys, and sometimes girls, now feel they have to be harsh to establish respect. That means talking loud, saying nothing, and even violence in extreme cases, like Jodi Arias. In typical misunderstandings, it means calling anyone anything, but their name. Since the shores of dover, music has been getting harsher, and harsher incubating gangster rap that all ethnicities in America, and just about everywhere, beyond this hemisphere listens too representing all of us. People who’ve bought into this mentality feel they’re being comrades, by sharing the harshest part of African American life, rejecting the love of Motown that bred love. Consider what could grow from the foundation of the old, even if it’s not brand spanking new. The squeaky wheels in charge don’t like corny upbeat melodies, and that causes the majority of the population to lose out on a daily dose of love. Entertainers in the vein of Sean Combs, Snoop Dogg, I mean Snoop Lion, and Jayz have run a con game on us at times where they say love me, because I’ve been through hell in my formative environment, and accept whatever I put into the universe, because now I’m on the road to change. Record executives anxious to collect on the profits have spawned the hatred of Eminem, Marylyn Manson, and so on for decades of internalization vs a maestro like Marion Meadows. Why? I don’t understand it. It doesn’t compute. Jayz, Snoop Lion, and Sean Combs have branched out in many directions, and we can only hope as a society they continue to grow towards the light of a positive vibe for all of us in any new ventures, because they have the power to do so as they influence another generation just to name a few movers, and shakers.

Empty, or hateful words generate the impetus for a poor society, with subconscious consequences. Consider the scenario that someone who prefers another genre of music stops on the dial for some seconds, turns around, and uses what’s perceived as hate selections played by Disc Jockeys nationwide in all formats, for an excuse to hate everyone that plays those selections, say at a traffic light. It makes things run counter clock wise instead of North to East to South to West, and you can’t make progress if you’re running backwards. There’ll always be sharks in the water, therefore all anyone can do is attempt to stay on the right track with affirmative conversation, and consideration of elders contributions, and the origin of instrumental bliss nurtured in band classes once upon a time in America, when musicians worked together, and spread the “love force” of collaboration. Anyone with promise on any given path, on any given day is subject to pay a high price at anytime for the selfishness of an elite few, making billions from tragedy, envy, and greed. The best anyone can do is adore the just in the land who paved the way for possibilities with endless love.

What does all this have to do with Trayvon Martin, you wanna know? The alternate universe of hatred that is trying to infiltrate every pore of America’s striving souls had Trayvon apparently fascinated with guns for an instant, from repetitive images of “cool weapons,” that led him to take a picture on his cell phone, compelled by the testosterone of being a young man seeking entry into manhood projected in countless ways, instead of reinforced images of responsibility to back up any parent raising children, vs not working against them. A picture has been used as the vehicle to tarnish the equestrian’s image, and upbringing, since sadly he can no longer speak for himself, and tell us whether or not he would have enlisted in a branch of military service. In another sense George Zimmerman seemed to have some sort of territorial complex of ownership over his meager land mass, reinforced by the current atmosphere created by radio just to name one warped component, that could have been a factor that resulted in senseless misery that one must bear a lifetime of shame for a second of superiority, that wasn’t deescalated by an adult who might have been blinded by stereotypes, never grasping the fact he was dealing with a manchild. Because of this incident there are millions of traumatized children across the nation, if not the world from the publicity of this case. Let us hope that all men will pay closer attention to the mirror, reset their hearts, and minimize violence.

Because of hundreds of black on black murder crimes in Chicago, IL over the last few years, and other urban areas, there is a perception that all black men are violent. Gun violence is an epidemic in the hands of males of any race with a territorial mindset. However, I have a 94 year old uncle who was married, and dedicated more than 60 years of his life to one woman. This man whistles, hums, plays jazz, and taught love, respect, the art of conversation, and to honor your fellow man. Despite cruelty in the world most people make an effort to be Christians, and strive for a better life in the pursuit of happiness, without interrupting the happiness, or destiny of anyone else. Everyone doesn’t have the benefit of a loving household, however people from loving households step up every day to fill the void for children who’ve lost loved ones to tragedy, or natural causes. The pure souls of most at-risk children of tragedy allows them to learn the best from just about everyone they encounter, even if their environment could be treacherous. Many souls fear you, and whether, or not you’ll be kind, or tell the truth about them at crucial times, more so than your fear of them.

To Trayvon’s peers who might be reading this, we as adults know you’ve been traumatized by his death, and others, but to win the game of life, you’ve got to keep your billiards A game intact, and practice the angles of unity until it’s second nature, if not already.  Young people please respect each other, yourself, and your elders by pulling your pants up, and wearing your hoodies to stay dry in the rain. Help each other with your school work as brothers do. Learn from your teachers whether you feel they love you, or not, because that’s the only way you’re going to attain what you want, and change your circumstances, and create the best way to achieve goals for yourself, by preparing for your life’s career. The Internet has every possible teaching tool you could ever need (www.livescience.com , www.wikipedia.org, www.kahnacademy.org, www.whitehouse.gov (jobs & green technology initiatives  ) www.youtube.com, Search beautiful amazing nature and quotes on facebook, bing, google, and yahoo to sooth your mourning minds. Google green technology and study to reach your goals, and to get in front of the game, since everyone’s on a learning curve in this field, where you can get in on the ground floor, and soar.

We don’t need more senseless deaths of unarmed black youths in America by each other, or adult predators with a sense of being wronged by their mere existence, and presence on the sidewalk. The triumph of Trayvon Martin is the good works his nurturing parents plan to do in his name with their foundation, as they try to build a mentorship program, and advocate for legislative reform in the name of their son. God bless them always.

Please vote if you’re old enough, never quit learning, and growing. Dj’s and everyone please play some songs for Trayvon whether at work, or on the road stopping to get gas.

Copyright 2013 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink ~ July 20, 2013

Note: I sent a check for $10.00 to the The Trayvon Martin Foundation c/o The Miami Foundation,
200 S Biscayne Boulevard Ste 505, Miami, FL 33131, United States

Sunday, July 7, 2013

"America" Poem by Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

America”
by Patricia Britt

America is you,
And I whether born to be free,
Or moved here to experience freedom.
Free to worship, and assimilate.
We're all in this beautiful place together,
That some of call heaven on earth.
To be free to come,
And go, and see what we see,
Is the key to unity.

America is the movies,
Theatre, and dance!
The magnificent Grand Canyon,
And glistening shores forevermore.

America is equality,
Trust, and democracy.
My country is ideas,
That last eons.
America is a miracle of wonders for all,
From this continent,
And beyond,
On, and on, and on.

America is a gumbo of shades,
And ethnicities open to all to explore her grace.

America is a tapestry composed,
From jazz to gospel to rock & roll.
That sets your spirit's vision free!

America is forever rising souls,
That brought forth you,
And me in a cool reverie.
Forever we strive to be renewed,
Better than ever!
And the beat goes on!

Copyright 2013 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink