DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Is American Idol Melting?
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©FOX, Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban

Is American Idol melting?

The preliminary ratings, showing a 19% drop from last season’s premiere, would imply, “Yes”.

But FOX is still celebrating. Why?
Because though it lost 4.1 million viewers, 17.8 million still tuned in; pushing FOX to a ratings win over ABC, NBC, CBS and CW.

In other words, hold that fire Moses. Folks are still partying!
Just kidding. Just kidding!

Who are these 17.8 million?

Perhaps they’re fans of new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban?
Perhaps folks tuning in to see Mariah and Nicki fight as supposedly “leaked” via video last Fall?
Or perhaps they’re families looking for children-friendly content that Modern Family and Nashville don’t offer?

Are you still tuning in?
Do you still like the show? Let me know. Really, I’m not bashing. I used to watch it.

Me and Idol

I’ve got to be honest. The last full season I watched was #3 when Fantasia won. So, I know Kelly Clarkson (who is still chart-topping to #1 after 10 years in the biz), Ruben Studdard (who has done gospel records, started a foundation for kids and lost 80 lbs as vegan), and Fantasia (whose had a mix of Broadway shows, reality shows and a roller coaster personal life).

By Season 3, I had picked up on the machine churning behind the scenes and knew too much about reality shows to believe that what was airing was actually all that was happening.

Fantasia confirmed in her autobiography what I had suspected all along: producers were pre-screening the talent, searching for great and horrible auditioners, through 3-4 rounds of auditions before anyone ever made it before the judges. I thought it was so cruel that the producers led artists on who were obviously not right for the show in order to make sport of them for entertainment. By now, everyone knows. But at the time, I was done.

I’m constantly reminded of Paul’s letter to believers in Ephesus about unity and use of their gifts. He encouraged them in Ephesians 4:15 that “speaking the truth in love” was the way in which they’d all mature in Christ. I know this is in reference to the Church, but truth applies across the board. The way that we help artists mature is not to lie to them for ratings. If someone cannot sing, they should not go before the judges and be torn down so that America can laugh at them. The Voice figured this out. If you get on that show, you can sing. I’m not saying it’s a better singing competition, (it’s quite confusing); I’m just saying it’s hard to trust folks who lie. :=)

Former Glory

FOX knows Idol will never return to its former glory as “The Most Watched TV Series, 2005- 2011” and the only TV show ever to be #1 for 7 consecutive seasons.

It was widely publicized last year that ratings fell by 25% over the season to what they were in Season 1 with the onslaught of new singing competitions like The Voice and X Factor. But FOX knows, even as it declines, the show still posts larger numbers than most TV shows on air. Which means, they can still earn top advertising dollars.

Whenever I pass an American Idol billboard around LaLa Land, I keep wondering why FOX hasn’t pulled the plug going into 12 seasons and declining numbers?

Well, they’ve got 17.8 million reasons not to.

Let me know when they get to the TOP TEN, and I might tune in to see who the producers, I mean, the American public chooses this year.

Onward & Upward,
Naima

Do you still tune in? I’d love to know why.
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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
The Impossible
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The Impossible starring Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts & Ewan McGregor

We saw The Impossible last night.
And that was some experience.

I waited so long to see this awards contender, honestly, because I’m not a fan of tsunamis, and especially when they’re caused by earthquakes. I live in LaLa Land now. The ground shakes every now and then. When we first moved here and were looking for a home, we looked at an area close to the beach and I noticed tsunami warning signs. Needless to say, your girl kept it moving.

So, the possibility of sitting through 1 hour and 47 minutes of drama caused by an inescapable wall of water that surged from an earthquake wasn’t necessarily a top priority on my list. I sometimes delay those “And this horror could actually happen to you too!” films. LOL.

But it was a complimentary screening. And Naomi Watts was just announced last week as an Academy Award nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and I felt compelled to see her performance. (She’s up against Quvenzhané Wallis, The Youngest Best Actress Nominee Ever, remember?)
Hence, we sat down to see this impossible journey, based on a true story.

THE IMPOSSIBLE

The official film synopsis reads:
Maria, Henry and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth. As Maria freezes in fear, a huge wall of black water races across the hotel grounds toward her.

The poster says, “Separated by disaster, Driven by Hope.”
The trailer says, “Nothing more powerful than the human spirit.”

We know the beginning and end before we ever watch the film. It’s the middle that we stick around for. The question is ‘HOW did this family survive’? That’s what the movie is about.

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

When interviewed, María Belón, the real-life mom-heroine said, “The film is about people helping people.”

I think it also heralds the theme that is evident in many of the top ten best-selling films of all times: Avatar, Titanic, The Avengers, Transformers, Dark Knight Rises. That theme is one of someone being willing to give their life for another.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

The film is not religious in any way and does not mention God or faith, but the story reiterates this theme of sacrifice again and again and it resonates with all of us.

One Caution, Maybe Two

The Impossible is rated PG-13: for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity. As one reviewer said, “This is not for the squeamish”. So true. Just like Beasts of the Southern Wild, there are children in the film, but I would be very cautious to take children to see this film.

And similar to ARGO, even though The Impossible is based on a true story, the film does not portray the actual ethnicity of the real family. The true family is Spanish with dark hair. The actors are British and blond. Just saying.

JOURNEY WORTH TAKING

I had concluded last month that Our Award Films Need More Hope. This one has hope. It’s a journey worth taking, if you’re okay with lots of water. :=)

Onward & Upward,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
God & Sports: Is He Pulling for Your Team?
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© Reuters, Quarterback Tim Tebow & Linebacker Ray Lewis

Does God care who wins the Playoffs? The Super Bowl?
Is He pulling for your team?
If we pray hard enough, can we secure a win?

According to two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl XXXV Most Valuable Player Ray Lewis, who has spent all 17 years of his illustrious career with the Baltimore Ravens, the answer to those questions would probably be a resounding “Yes!”

But is that true?

No Weapon

“No weapon formed against us! No weapon!” exclaimed Lewis SAT in his post-game interview when asked what made him think his Ravens could break the Broncos’ 11-game streak.

Lewis then turned and hugged Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning who came over to congratulate him, and didn’t miss a beat, “No weapon. No weapon. God is amazing. And when you believe in Him. Man believes in the possible. God believes in the impossible. And I told you guys last night. Our team was so confident that everything was against us. But we found a way to come in here together. And we’re leaving here together. It’s just awesome…”

OK, I’m a preacher. I love God’s Word, but does this strike anybody else as a curious use of Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn…”?

When God gave that prophecy to Isaiah, it seemed to be in reference to Israel’s restoration. We might even be able to stretch the context to encourage God’s people. But the reason for winning an NFL playoff game? Congratulations to Ray Lewis. Awesome career! This is his last season. Kudos for being so vocal about his faith, but let’s try to keep the scriptures in context.

I’m Not Hating, Fam, For Real

I watched the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens battle into double overtime on Saturday in 13-degree freezing temps. It looked unbearably cold from where I sat in my living room in LaLa Land, but the fans were pumped up.

I was pulling for the Broncos because 2 of my brother-friends are die-hard fans, and they lost by a field goal; but believe me, I’m not hating on the Ravens. I’m just pointing out that we should use caution in throwing out scriptures as if God actually cares who wins or loses a football game. If anything, I think He cares more about how the game is played and how we as people treat one another.

The NFL is a JOB

When it’s all said and done, the athletes are doing a job. They are employed to play for everyone’s entertainment. The NFL is a business. Professional athletes weather pain, injuries, freezing temperatures, long absences from their families and are compensated financially for their sacrifices. I believe God looks at each person’s heart and how they fulfill their on-the-job commitment.

Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, Tim Tebow and all of us will have to answer for all of our actions, on and off the field.

God’s Side

Was God on Tim Tebow’s side just last year when he was still with the Broncos and then left Tebow this year in a tough, almost non-existent season with New York? Ten minutes ago, Tebow told FOX, “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.” Sounds to me like he still thinks God is on his side, regardless of which team he’s with or his winning or losing record for the season.

Instead of trying to obligate God with scripture to back our teams, how bout we make sure we’re on His team and live like He lives, love like He loves, and enjoy the entertainment.

Alright! That being said, “Lord, can you please bless Hot-Lanta to smash the 49-ners this Sunday, in Jesus’ name, Amen.” (No disrespect to the 49-ners, as I do live in CA now and love it! :=)

LOL,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
The Real Skinny On Award Shows
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© Getty: Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway

OK, What’s the Real Skinny?
And I’m not necessarily referring to weight…

Though, last night on the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards broadcast here at the Beverly Hilton, hosts and best friends Tina Fey and Amy Poehler got huge laughs when they joked about actresses and their insane dieting leading up to Awards Season.

Tina set up the joke referring to The Hunger Games as not just one of the year’s biggest films, but “What I call the six weeks it took me to get into this dress.”

Poehler slam-dunked the response with the film Life of Pi being “What I’m gonna call the six weeks after I take this dress off!” Get it? Life of pie. :=)

But seriously, after blogging Friday about awards and True Greatness, I feel compelled to reveal some tidbits of truth to you as it relates to our Awards season. Many of you ask me tons of questions; so, here’s the scoop.

THE REAL SKINNY

1) BIG BUSINESS

Award shows are big business. They are one big commercial for everyone involved: studios, production companies, actors, actresses, producers, writers, directors, fashion designers, jewelry makers, shoe designers, fashion stylists, hair stylists, limousine companies. Everybody, from the company that hauls in tons of red carpet to the celebrity chef for the event, is banking on walking away from the night with lots more loot and/or more potential to make more loot.

“Go see our film,” says the studio that wins 3 awards.

“Hire me for your next film,” says the actors, singers and composers.

“Remember my name,” says the designer who sends the lead actress 3 dresses on loan to choose from and prays that she, her stylist, her manager and entire glam squad will choose their dress and say their name when interviewed on the red carpet. Becoming ‘the chosen’ designer is VERY competitive. Becoming the actress that every designer wants to dress is even more so.

2) NO COINCIDENCES

Everything’s planned. Everything.

Highly-paid publicists (standing off to the side of the celebrity) hand info and questions to producers to feed the hosts to chat with the celebrity on the red carpet. Acceptance speeches are usually written by master craftsmen and actors are expected to pull them off with sincerity and truth. (Though, I don’t think Tarantino wrote that ahead of time last night. Actually, my husband and I agreed… we think he was toasted.)

3) NOBODY WINS ON TALENT ALONE

Nobody wins any award around here without the power of a well-oiled Hollywood PR machine.

I remember reading Angela Bassett’s autobiography years ago where she stated how surprised she was to learn that she couldn’t win an Academy Award for her portrayal of Tina Turner based on her performance alone. She was expected to hire one of the PR firms in town who specializes in publicity campaigns to Academy voters. She didn’t hire. She didn’t win.

That doesn’t take away from anyone’s talent. You must give a great performance to be invited to the party. But you will not be voted prom king or queen without some major marketing. So, have your manager contact your business manager and put that top PR firm on retainer at least 6-12 months beforehand so they have enough time to build your public story and make it look like you’re in the news for other causes than the repetitive message, “Please vote for me.”

KNOWING THE TRUTH

Knowing the truth doesn’t take away any of the glamour of the fabulous gowns and everyone playing dress up and looking their best. It just reiterates that Hollywood is a business first.

If I can pass anything along to any of my fellow artistic peers, it’s this, “If you want to work in Hollywood, learn the business.”

I meet so many actors who move and just have faith that things will work out, but they have no idea how this business works and neither do they want to learn. They want to pray and watch God work miracles on their behalf and jettison them to the front of the hiring line without learning what it took to build that line.

James 2:14-26 is a fascinating expose faith and works. Verse 17-18 says “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead… Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

Our faith should propel us to learn as much as we can about the field that we want to work in, whether that’s Hollywood, Wall Street, or the elementary school down the street. Our faith should drive us to learn the real skinny on wherever we’re called and utilize that truth to make a difference in somebody else’s life.

Happy findings,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
What is True Greatness?
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©NaimaLett.com: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, Lombardi, O’Brien, Commissioner, Olympic Gold

How do we define true greatness?

The Hollywood answer is easy:
Oscar. Emmy. Grammy. Tony.

Only 11 people in history have ever garnered all 4 awards, including actresses Whoopi Goldberg, Audrey Hepburn and Rita Moreno, actor/writer Mel Brooks, and producer Scott Rudin.

Sports’ greatness comes in one-name trophies as well:
Lombardi, Heisman, O’Brien and Commissioner.

How many athletes have we seen kissing their statue and giving a shout out to mom?
The Super Bowl is only a couple of weeks away!

Achievement

While there’s nothing wrong with achievements, I’ve recently been challenged. Remember, my New Year’s Resolution to care about the things that God cares about? So my question, especially during our Hollywood awards season, has been, is this vitally important to God? Is our definition of greatness the same as His? How does He define greatness?

Last month, my first exploration led me to a little 3-verse song in Psalm 131 where David sang, “Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too difficult for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever.”

I’ve meditated on this scripture each night as I’ve climbed into bed over the last month. It’s become a regular prayer on my lips. I don’t want to be proud or haughty or get involved with things that are too great or too difficult for me. I can make a choice to be content, trust that God is in control and continue to put my hope in Him. There’s always hope.

What is too great?

The theologian in me loves to ask questions of the biblical text. So, I keep asking, “What is too great?” What did David mean by that when he first sang it? What was too great for David? The king who slew giants, lions and bears? Oh my! What is too great for me? Nothing is impossible with God, right? Is there anything too great for me? What is greatness?

This led me to an obscure message for Baruch, Jeremiah’s right hand man, in the little 5-verse chapter of Jeremiah 45. God asks Baruch, “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them…” God goes on to confirm the coming disaster on His peeps for serving other gods and the works of their own hands, but He tells Baruch to be satisfied with his life. His life.

Wow. That’s all I could say. Are we seeking great things for ourselves? I’m just asking questions, Fam. This is how I wrestle with God’s Word.

Who is the Greatest?

Finally, this morning, I saw what Jesus, God the Son, says. How does he define greatness?

In Luke 22:24-27, His disciples are fighting over who’s the greatest. “And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Jesus ensures them that each one who stands with Him through trial will be rewarded, but He’s very clear that greatness, true greatness, is bestowed upon the one who serves.

True Greatness

Trophies are nice. There’s nothing wrong with being recognized by our peers for hard work and achievement. I watch all the awards shows and sports championships (with the exception of maybe the World Series. Sorry! The Braves haven’t won since ’95! LOL) But if I follow what Jesus is saying, God doesn’t define greatest by gold trophies or accolades.

Muhammad Ali claimed, “I am the greatest!”, and he was a fantastic boxer, absolutely.

R. Kelly encouraged us to all sing that we are “The World’s Greatest“.

It’s a snazzy song. Very empowering. Love the melody. But if we’re not servants, the song is just words, Fam. I’m not trying to rain on anybody’s parade. Just the opposite. Knowing what true greatness is helps us keep things in perspective.

I have more questions than I have answers right now. I just started working through the texts. No doubt, circumstances will arise that help me walk out what I’m learning. Just thought I’d share a little bit of my journey thus far.

Have a lovely weekend,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Youngest Best Actress Nominee Ever!
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© Theo Wargo/Getty Images, 9-year old Quvenzhané Wallis, source

9-year old, first-time actress Quvenzhané Wallis made history today!

She became the youngest ever Academy Award® Best Actress nominee on the day that also rendered the oldest ever Academy Award® Best Actress nominee (Emmanuelle Riva, 85). Congratulations, Ladies!

Side note:
My apologies for the late blog release today. Shortly after the nominees were announced, I Skyped in a video interview for alma mater Dallas Theological Seminary‘s new initiative called The Table Podcast. I had fun talking about Cultural Engagement and the Arts with good friends (and world-renowned scholars) Dr. Reg Grant and Dr. Darrell Bock. The video will air in March.

Back to History!

For the record, I said back in September that Quvenzhané’s film, Beasts of the Southern Wild, could be this year’s Oscar®’s Little-Engine-That-Could. Today, it received 4 nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Benh Zeitlin), Best Actress in a Leading role (Quvenzhané Wallis) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar).

For my review and details about the film (including why it’s not exactly appropriate for children), check out my blog, Beasts of the Southern Wild: Fantasies Come True.

Que’s Journey

Here’s the quick synopsis that I wrote about Quvenzhané’s journey:
Quvenzhané Wallis portrays Hushpuppy. When she auditioned, she was only 5 years old and could barely read. She had never acted before, yet she landed the role over 4,000 little actresses who auditioned. Quvenzhané filmed the movie when she was 6, just turned 9, and recently won the first major trophy of the Oscar® season: Hollywood Film Award’s New Hollywood Award. Past recipients of this ‘new talent’ award have been Robert Pattinson (Twilight), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), and Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games) – who Quvenzhané now competes with in the Best Actress category. Wow, right?!

In a recent article with the Huffington Post, we learn that Quvenzhané is the youngest of 4 kids, ages 9 – 19 (2 brothers + 1 sister in college) and lives in Houma, LA, an hour from New Orleans. Her mom is a teacher. Her dad drives trucks. They’ve been married for 20 years. Quvenzhané likes cheer-leading and her favorite subject is math. She says she’s normal.

“I’m just normal… I’m just this girl who always fights with her brothers, like normal, always tackles the big dog that’s always in the house, like normal.” Well, now Ms. Little Normal will add another red carpet event with the Academy Awards®. :=)

Que’s Wisdom

In dealing with success, Quvenzhané says she “Just tries to be nice to everyone, and gives everyone a chance… I really don’t worry about the attention… I’m happy to be nice to them.”

What a concept!
Be nice to folks. Don’t get caught up in fame. Give everyone a chance.

I’m reminded of Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:32 where he says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Be kind to folks. Build each other up. Let’s forgive and give each other a chance.

A Long Shot

Though Hollywood loves an underdog, winning is probably a really long shot.

It helps that the film has such a rich back story:
Armed with a crew full of family and friends in the Louisiana delta, 1st-time feature film director Ben Zeitlin cast two 1st-time, unknown actors in leading roles and shot a different kind of fantasy film reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. This is no big budget, star-studded juggernaut, but that’s what makes it memorable.

Just not sure it’s enough. There are some great films this year from seasoned veterans that are outstanding including Lincoln (12 nominations) and Les Misérables (8 nominations).

Still, I applaud little Ms. Quvenzhané. She has already filmed her next movie with Brad Pitt in Louisiana. And she still wants to be a dentist “to see people smile”.

For the Academy’s complete list, go to: 2013 Oscar® Nominees.

Happy History-making,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Django Dolls & Valuing Others
© NaimaLett.com/blog



© Django Unchained action figures

“Anything to make a buck!”
T’was my first thought when I saw the news re: Django Unchained dolls.

“Wow…”
T’was my second.

Anybody else stunned? disturbed? speechless?
All of the above?

No Stranger to Controversy

Django Unchained, director Quentin Tarantino’s latest blockbuster, is no stranger to controversy. It’s been a hotbed of discussion since its December release.

Tarantino’s supporters back the director who defended his work by saying he made an entertaining western and that slavery was worse than what he depicted, “The truth, or the reality, was a thousand times worse than what I showed.”

Many agree with acclaimed film director Spike Lee who refused to see Django and tweeted, “American slavery was not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.”

Feel free to check out my reaction in one of my film blogs, Django Unchained: Blame Game?

The same controversy spills over into folks’ feelings about the creation of a doll line.

What’s the big deal?

If you’re asking, “Isn’t this just entertainment? They’re dolls. What’s the big deal?”, Rev. K.W. Tulloss, Pastor and CEO of the Making a Difference Foundation and Activist Najee Ali from Project Islamic Hope reportedly put it like this in L.A. on Tuesday:

Tulloss: “Selling this doll is highly offensive to our ancestors and the African American community.”

Ali: “I don’t see any dolls representing Hitler that came from Tarantino’s (Holocaust movie Inglourious Basterds)…I don’t see them making dolls of Holocaust survivors who are bald and starving in concentration camps.”

In other words, why would the Weinstein Company, who distributed the film and licensed the dolls, not be more sensitive? Academy Award winners Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Jewish brothers and Hollywood power-players most definitely would honor their own history. Why not honor the heritage of others?

Just Because We Can

Just because we can do something doesn’t always mean we should.

Just because we can make dolls depicting slave owners and slaves doesn’t mean we should. As popular as Alex Haley’s miniseries Roots was, were there Kunta Kinte dolls? I have no idea, but I just searched and couldn’t find any. What I found was a 1977 JET quote, “There have been offers to endorse Kunta Kinte dolls, replicas, reproductions, artifacts. But Haley says, “I haven’t endorsed a handkerchief… The dignity of Roots is just not consistent with overt commercialism.”

Roots and Django Unchained are two totally different genres, no doubt, but the idea is still valid that further commercializing slavery just doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t feel like choosing the best for others. It feels… selfish.

Paul, when he encouraged Jesus’ followers to imitate the Messiah’s humility, wrote in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Value Others

Let’s do what we can to value one another and not just looking out for our own interests. Sure, we could exploit any people-group and “do anything to make a buck”, but if it’s merely for selfish ambition and doesn’t lift a brother or sister, let’s re-think it. You know?

Today, can we find ways to choose the best for others – in our homes, careers, communities?

And pray for us here in Hollywood.
We don’t always excel in this area. LOL!
We’ve become quite expert at making a dollar off the backs of others. We need help, Fam.

Lord help us,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Most Watched Video in History
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© PSY, Gangnam Style


“Most Watched Video in History”, read the CNN headline a couple of weeks ago.

It’s CNN, so I’m thinking it has something to do with the president, our country or some sort of political major event.

No, Fam.
It’s entertainment. The most watched video in history is South Korean musician PSY’s K-Pop, horse-gallop-dance-craze video, “Gangnam Style“.

Say hello to the first YouTube video ever to surpass the 1 BILLION mark. That means that as of a few minutes ago, 1,146,732,756 viewers around the world have Gangnam-Styled.

And it’s just like it sounds:

4 Minutes of Silly

But that was PSY’s intentions. The 35-year old South Korean singer-songwriter-rapper-dancer-record producer (gotta love those hyphens), whose real name is Park Jae-sang, (stage name PSY is short for PSYCHO), said that he worked hard for 30 days with his choreographer to create a dance that was pure fun and a video that would make people laugh.

“I just wanted to make something that was purely comedic – something that could make people laugh like crazy even in the midst of all this global economic slowdown. I wanted to make them forget — just for a moment even — about their immediate troubles, and to entertain them the way entertainment should be all about.”

He definitely succeeded.

One Question, Though

How can we make people forget economics when the song’s refrain is all about economics?

The affluent Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea, where PSY grew up as a corporate executive chairman’s son, is referred to as the Beverly Hills of Korea. “Gangnam-style” is to be wealthy. So, do we make people forget economic hardships by singing about the wealthy?

Making Fun

PSY says (try to say that fast five times back-to-back!) that he’s actually making fun of those who “pose” as wealthy, but are not.

In the same CNN interview quoted above, PSY explains, “People who are actually from Gangnam never proclaim that they are — it’s only the posers and wannabes that put on these airs and say that they are “Gangnam Style” — so this song is actually poking fun at those kinds of people who are trying so hard to be something that they’re not.”

While I can admire the intent to move folks towards living in truth and authenticity a.k.a. Ephesians 4:25, “…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…”, the song’s lyrics also tell a different story.

What Does It Really Mean?

It’s K-Pop (Korean Pop), Fam, which means just like American pop music, it’s not supposed to be deep. It’s supposed to be popular: catchy beat, repetitive lyrics, something you hear once and have a hard time forgetting. Light, fun, get up and dance. That’s why the video hit 1 billion views. I’d say that’s “popular”.

Most people have no clue what PSY is saying, but they like the horsey dance. It’s fun! And world leaders can’t wait to do it.

I looked up the English translation of the lyrics for you (hilariously parodied in video by Misty Kingma). The song is about the kind of sexy lady who knows how to be classy during the day and wild at night. PSY then says he is “Oppa Gangnam style”, oppa being an older male friend. Is that like the equivalent of Sugar Daddy? Anybody know?

Absurd, Making $$

Either way, the video leans heavily on absurdity. A little boy imitates Michael Jackson’s dance moves on a playground. Women in silver booty shorts gallop around. There’s a Ferris wheel, yoga classes, lots of pelvis gyrations.

And PSY is having a ball making $2 per every 1000 views, which at this point has generated over $2 million from YouTube alone. Billboard says the video has generated more than $8.1 million in advertising deals and PSY is making and additional $4 million from digital downloads.

Justin Bieber’s manager signed PSY prompto! I wonder if that was before or after Gangnam Style dethroned Justin’s own video for “Baby” as the top watched video ever.

Before You Write

Before you blow up my Facebook page with questions as to why I’m sharing such a video, please remember that I blog about Hollywood, current events/trends and faith. We need to know what our world has voted (though internet hits) as the #1 Video ever.

The real question is, “Why?”
That’s the question I’m researching for my dissertation: “What does Hollywood (our entertainment community) value and why?” But this isn’t just Hollywood. It’s what does our world value and why. It could be as simple as everyone likes to watch/do a silly dance? Or we look at what we perceive everyone else is viewing? Or PSY created a video that was as funny as he wanted it to be?

I look forward to our continued conversations,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
“The Real Housewives”: Peaches. Oranges. Big Apples. Oh My! , © NaimaLett.com/blog



© Bravo, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Orange County & New York

Peaches. Oranges. Big Apples. Oh My!

I finally watched an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta yesterday. Apparently, I’m 5 years late to the Peach party, but I didn’t miss a thing.

Like every other reality show, there’s a villain, a bevy of “unsuspecting” women to villainize, and an instigator to insure the pot’s always stirred.

Unreal Reality

What amazes me is how producers could think we’d think the show is “real”. Just in case anybody out there is still confused, let me say for the record, The Real Housewives ain’t real.

It’s a created, highly produced and orchestrated Bravo franchise of a dozen past and present series based originally on the ABC juggernaut, Desperate Housewives. Since premiering The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006, executive producer Scott Dunlop has created: The Real Housewives of New York City (2008), Atlanta (2008), New Jersey (2009), Beverly Hills (2010), D.C. (2010), Miami (2011), Athens (2011), Israel (2011), Brazil (2012), Vancouver (2012) and Dublin (2012).

The Big 3 Originals, our Peaches (Atlanta), Oranges (the O.C.), and Big Apples (New York City) are all in syndication, and 5 spin-offs have been produced including Bethenny Ever After, The Kandi Factory and Vanderpump Rules. The participants use the shows to build their platforms, sell their products and expand their businesses. One thing’s for sure: everybody’s got plenty of personality and there’s fruit loads of fruit cake to go around!

And Bravo is cooking all the way to the bank.

Real/Fake Housewife-Boyfriend Talks

But Bravo didn’t count on one of its “housewives'” boyfriends spilling the beans.

In December, Atlanta entrepreneur Walter Jackson, the ‘supposed’ boyfriend of former Miss USA Kenya Moore (new villain on Housewives of Atlanta), went on the PR circuit to tell the truth about the show. He disclosed in several radio interviews that his storyline was completely fake. He says that he briefly dated Kenya for a couple of months 3 years ago. She called him out the blue last April and invited him to “play her boyfriend” on the reality show that was “full of acting”. He obliged for a few episodes, but didn’t realize the drama that would ensue.

Fast forward several months, the episodes start airing. But pictures surface online of Walter and his REAL girlfriend (who is not Kenya) around the ATL. Kenya’s PR machine goes into overdrive accusing Walter of being gay to try to save face. Bravo executives scramble to save their season and question if Walter has violated confidentiality. His net worth is reportedly $2 million, he owns a successful trucking company, he has lawyers. He wouldn’t be that careless.

Truth Comes to Light

Why do I write about any of this? It’s a great reminder that truth always comes to light.

Shakespeare said it through Lancelot in Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice: “Truth will come to light. Murder cannot be hid long—a man’s son may, but in the end truth will out.”

John, Jesus’ disciple, put it this way in John 3:21, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

Is there any area in our own lives where we are not living in reality? Are we lying to ourselves or others? Are we pretending to live one way, but really, it could be for the cameras? Caution, Fam. In the end, truth comes out. It’s probably best to just live in the truth to begin with.

For Your Entertainment

If watching women yell, curse each other out, almost fight (no one can actually physically punch as per contract) and throw food and drinks at each other is your cup of tea, by all means, keep a’sipping. Bravo has created marathons of reality TV for your entertainment. Just don’t make the mistake of calling it real. :=)

Listen to the fake boyfriend of the non-housewife. He’s telling the truth.

As for me, I think I’ll pass on future episodes. I absolutely love fruit and can get down with a fruitcake or two, but hanging through all that fighting was simply exhausting! LOL,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
First Friday. Got plans?
© NaimaLett.com/blog



© W, source


It’s the first Friday of the New Year. Got plans?!

The first of anything we do is usually thrilling!
First word.
First step.
First kiss.

We get as excited as the picture above when we hear, “Once upon a time…”, because a new adventure starts! And “In the beginning…”, is still stirring, whether Genesis 1:1 or John 1:1, because the stories of our creation and salvation never get old.

The new year is no different.
We get a new start, a new story begins.
There are lots of firsts we explore.

Got any FIRSTS planned this year?

First date?
First child?
First grandchild?
First dance with the one you’ll choose to love forever?

First degree?
First Hollywood film?
First album release?
First step towards owning your own business?

First jump out of a plane?
First cruise?
First vacation?
First vacation out of the country?

What’cha wanna do?

Make Your List

If you haven’t already, go head and make your list. Maybe it’s not a list of firsts, but a list of do-overs or getting-things-done, but whatever it is, write it out. Make it plain.

You’ve probably heard this saying before:
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it…” (Hab 2:2)

That’s what the Lord said to Habakkuk after the prophet lobbied several complaints at the Almighty about how bad society had gotten: violence, strife, injustice! Sound familiar? God’s response was two-fold: 1) Write down what’s going to happen and be patient, as it will come to pass, and 2) The just lives by faith.

Now to be honest, I would NOT have wanted to be at the receiving end of the vision that God laid out for Habakkuk concerning the recompense of the wicked, but this principle still stands: You got a vision? Write it down.

Happy First Friday

Happy Happy! And cheers to all the firsts coming your way this year. I’ve got a few of my own I’m writing down. Oh! You didn’t think I’d share these wonderful gems with you and not do it myself?! LOL!

Looking forward to a fun, full year,
Naima

Got plans this year?
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