A little extra to the sounds of.....

Anthony Hamilton - Pass Me Over

I liked this song since i first heard it a little over a year ago....Enjoy!

Husband takes his wife to play her first game of golf.Of course, the wife promptly hacked her first shot right through the window of the biggest house adjacent to the course.The husband cringed, "I warned you to be careful! Now we'll have to apologize and see how much your lousy drive is going to cost us."

So the couple walked up to the house and knocked on the door.A warm voice said, "Come on in." When they opened the door they saw the damage that was done: glass was all over the place, and a broken antique bottle was lying on its side near the broken window. A man reclining on the couch asked, "Are you the people that broke my window?""Uh...yeah, sir. We're sure sorry about that," the husband replied.

"Oh, no apology is necessary. Actually I want to thank you. You see, I'm a genie, and I've been trapped in that bottle for a thousand years. Now that you've released me, I'm allowed to grant three wishes. I'll Give you each one wish, but if you don't mind, I'll keep the last one for myself."

"Wow, that's great!" the husband said. He pondered a moment and blurted out, "I'd like a million dollars a year for! the rest of my life." "No problem," said the genie. "You've got it, it's the least I can do. And I'll guarantee you a long, healthy life!"

"And now you, young lady, what do you want?" the genie asked. "I'd like to own a gorgeous home complete with servants in every country in the world," she said. "Consider it done," the genie said. "And your homes will always be safe from fire,burglary and natural disasters!""And now," the couple asked in unison, "what's your wish, genie?"

" Well, since I've been trapped in that bottle and haven't been with a woman in more than a thousand years, my wish is to sleep with your wife." The husband looked at his wife and said, "Gee, honey, you know we both now have a fortune, and all those houses. What do you think?"

She mulled it over for a few moments and said, "You know, you're right. Considering our good fortune, I guess I wouldn't mind, but what about you, honey?" "You know I love you sweetheart," said the husband."I'd do the same for you!"

So the genie and the woman went upstairs where they spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other. The genie was insatiable. After about three hours of non-stop fun, the genie rolled over and looked directly into her eyes and asked, "How old are you and your husband?""Why, we're both 35," she responded breathlessly.

"Really?! Thirty-five years old and both of you still believe in genies?"

He Sang, She Sang - 11

Knocks me off my feet

Its been a while since i put up a music post and that's because i was really off kilter. I have stopped spinning now so things should get back to normal now.

This song is really one of my favorite songs and was originally recorded by Stevie Wonder in 1976. It appears on the Grammy award winning album Songs In the Key of Life.

In 1996, Luther Vandross and Donnell Jones recorded covers of this song. The versions playing on my soundbyte are the original by Stevie Wonder and the version done by Donnell Jones. Which do you prefer?

As a side note:

• Did you know that Donnell's dad is gospel great Bobby Jones? Does he still have a show on sunday mornings on BET?
• Donnell is also known as Ibrahim Akhter since he converted to Islam i n 2003

Enjoy!

A Meme.....

So with lack of time for blogging, here's a meme i found on a blog

1. Honestly, are you in love right now?
No

2. Honestly, what color is your underwear?
Pink

3. Honestly, what's on your mind right now?
So much work to do. I need sleep.

4. Honestly, what are you doing right now?
Answering this question. Preparing a financial report

5. Honestly, what did you do today?
Just got in about half an hour again. The elevators are being serviced so i took the stairs to the 8th floor...Unbudgeted exercise in heels and a suit SUCKS!

6. Honestly, do you think you are attractive?
Heck yeah....And the whole house echoes - Yes

7. Honestly, have you done something bad today?
At 7.54am? Nope...Actually – i cursed someone out on the way to work. But i was in my car with the windows wound up and the person didn’t hear. Does that count?

8. Honestly, do you watch Disney channel?
YES

10. Honestly, what makes you happy most of the time?
The little things – text messages, surprise phone calls, books, my family....the sun shining, puppies...You get the idea

11. Honestly, do you bite your nails?
No...but i used to

12. Honestly, what is your mood right now?
Indifferent

13. Honestly, who do you want to see at this very moment?
*smile*

14. Honestly, do you have a deep dark secret?
Em...Well i haven’t killed anyone – not physically anyway...  I mean the broken hearts i have left in my wake is a type of murder right?...Okay let me stop....

15. Honestly, do you hate someone right now?
Nope. A waste of emotional energy

16. Honestly, who/what do you want to hug right now?
*smile*

17. Honestly, do your wrists hurt?
Em...Should they hurt?

18. Honestly, are you in denial?
YES. About all the smiles above.....Figure that one out

19. Honestly, wouldn't you rather be having sex right now?
Em..NO

20. Honestly, is it easier to talk on Blogger than in person?
NOPE

21. Honestly, does anyone like you?
*smile*

22. Honestly, is it going anywhere with them?
*smile*

24. Honestly, did you answer all these questions honestly?
Yes...

Ish....

I try so hard not to be a cynic.

Sure we all have our stories and experiences with the opposite sex...If i started today, it wouldnt end.

But despite that, i try to take each man that comes my way as a decent enough fellow. Except when its glaring but even then - i can be naive to a fault.

But sometimes...

I have known D for months. 8 months exactly. He hounds and chases, professes love, sends me gifts which i return, flies into town to see me or so he claims...But he just will not accept my no.

So on Valentine's day,s he sends me flowers and a loooooooooooooooooooooog text espousing sweet nothings and telling me to check my email. That he has a surpise waiting for me

I immediately figure its an e-card but cant be too bothered. So literally 20 minutes ago, i bother to open it...

So why on earth is the e-card addressed to UCHE?

I hate to say it here but let me give in - MEN...........

And its cos

I changed jobs....So i am still trying to settle in.

I am also trying to catch up on my blog reading.....

More on the foot....

I am taken aback that the anonymous commenter would call this ghetto fabulous and then go on to talk about stomach contents.....I dont understand

But anyway...I went to Kaduna for my dear dear friend's wedding. The festivities started on wednesday but i got in on saturday....

This is mehndi on my foot...you should see the bride's body. Amazing. Daddy's Girl and I had this done as well in India but the one done in the Northern part of the country is darker...

More on the wedding tomorrow....And a bit more blog rounds as well....

Also some information on why the once diligent blogger has been MIA....

Look what i did......

There is a story to this....tomorrow...

Enjoy He Sang, She Sang 10 in the post below

He Sang, She Sang - 10

The Closer I Get To You

Those who know me will attest to the fact that this is one of my fave songs....

Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack did this song in 1978 and its truly one of the best duets ever.

Beyonce and Luther Vandross (who is my favorite artist ever) went on to re-record this song in 2003.

I try not to give any opinions on this series so i shall leave it at that...

So which version is better?

Changes...to the sounds of.....

Bobby Tinsley - Time

One of those artists i discovered randomly. I fell in love with this song immediately so i hope you enjoy...

Should be back to regular blogging pretty soon....Life is really hectic right now...Lots of changes going on..But good stuff....

He Sang, She Sang - 9

Dont Cry For Me Argentina

This song is from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical - Evita based on some of the events in the life of former Argentine first lady Eva Peron.

Julie Covington sang this for the first time ever in 1976 on the Evita album which is how this musical started. To the suprise of many, Julie refused the role of Evita in the stage adaptation of Evita and the role went to someone else.

Madonna went on to star in the film version of the musical in 1996 and recorded this song for the soundtrack. Madonna's version was a big hit and became her secong number 1 hit after La Isla Bonita.

Artists such as Olivia Newton John, The Carpenters, Sinead O Connor, Sarah Brightman etc have also performed covers of this song.

On the sound player are the only 2 versions i could find: the original by Julie Covington and Madonna's version....What do you think?

Enjoy!

Random and frankly bizarre to the sounds of......

Infinity - Aye Ole

This song is by the Nigerian gospel group Infinity and its my favorite track off their album. The song is in yoruba and the title means - Life is not hard. Its amazingly beautiful and then the video... very different...might be available on you tube so check it out.

Now on to these pictures....I ask WHY?

I know they are simply extreme piercings but again why? Will these ladies walk around topless so the corset shows? I dont get it. Life isnt this complicated...Ish

He Sang, She Sang - 8

Mr Lonely

Bobby Vinton recorded this hit in 1964. The song hit number 1 in the US charts. Its actually a sad song. Its about a soldier far away from home, fighting a war with noone to talk to and getting no updates from home.

In 2005, Akon relied heavily on the original for his single Lonely which became a worldwide hit. His single reached number 1 in many countries and stayed there for weeks on end.

So for those of you that didnt know this was a sample, here's the original. And then there's Akon's version. Do you think he worked well with the sample?

Enjoy!

Unbelievable......

God truly loves this country. Against the odds. The Super Eagles scaled through.

Unbelievable......

He Sang, She Sang - 7

Save The Last Dance For Me

Everyone i know loves this song......

It was first recorded by Ben E King & The Drifters in 1960. This version went to number one in the US.

Its a pretty simple song that tells a story of a lover telling his companion to have fun throughout the evening but to make sure she leaves one last dance for him. The song was written by Doc Pomus and some other guy. Now it is speculated that this song is intensely personal to Doc Pomus. He had polio and used crutches and his wife was a very vivacious broadway actress and dancer.

This song has been recorded by a number of artists including Ike & Tina Turner, EmmyLou Harris, The Beatles, Harry Nilsson etc.

The 2 cover versions i have included are by Michael Buble and Dolly Parton.

Michael Buble recorded his version in 2006 and it did relatively well on the charts and introduced a lot of young people to this song.

Dolly Parton recorded her version in 1984 and it entered the top 10 on the US country charts.

So which version do you prefer?

Random....

• What does driving defensively mean? My horn ceased a few days ago...and when i told my dad, he said i would have to drive defensively till it got sorted. I nodded: Yes of course. Drive defensively. Of course. Yeah but what does it mean...i hear people say it a lot. My horn regained its voice but still...driving defensively
• I made myself laugh this morning. Someone asked me what i was having for breakfast and i said Mali...LOL. Get it? The Super Eagles play Mali tonight....
• Diamond did a post on preparing to be a wife and i will admit to being freaked out. Its an insightful post but i wonder - preparing to be a wife - is there really anyway to prepare and also, if you actually start planning (like making a conscious effort), isnt that like jinxing stuff? I just wonder
• I love the new beefed up Craig David. Love his hair and the beef cake he has become...
• So many things to do and so little time
• Why do people still do drugs with all the information there is out there? See Amy Winehouse...Me, i am pretty vain and also a bit of a wuss so the thought of injecting myself or scarring myself seems to be too much hassle
• Souljah boy - what on earth is he on?
• I have a wedding next week saturday - so why is the aso ebi still in my car with no tailor contacted yet?
• Have a great weekend all....Women's issue back next friday....

He Sang, She Sang - 6

Black Magic Woman

Fleetwood Mac released this song all the way back in 1969. The song went on to hit number 37 on the UK charts.

However, it wasnt till Santana recorded and released this song in 1970 that it became a massive hit. Interestingly, this song has become synonymous with Santana and is arguably his biggest hit. Santana's version helped boost the album it appeared on Abraxa to number 1. Of course Santan flips this song around. While the original version has a pop rock vibe to it, Santana adds some Latin flavour, a jazz vibe and some mad mad guitar playing.

Both versions are playing today...so which do you prefer?

Unbelievable......

I was so ready to do a post on the He Sang, She Sang series when i was greeted with this news. I am shocked and to be honest, very very upset. So unexpected...RIP Heath Ledger

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.

The Academy Award-nominated actor was 28.

Ledger was found naked and unresponsive, facedown on the floor at the foot of his bed by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse, said police spokesman Paul Browne.

"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," he told CNN.

"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."

Browne later told reporters some prescription medications were found in the room, including sleeping pills.

But he stressed police have made no determination of the cause of Ledger's death -- that would be done by the medical examiner.

He said the pills were not "scattered about."

No note was found and there was no indication of foul play, Browne said. Ledger was found at about 3 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel about 3:30 p.m. Watch a report about Ledger's death »

A crowd of onlookers, photographers and reporters gathered outside the apartment building after news of Ledger's death was reported. Police officers were guarding the doors.

Browne said he did not know how long Ledger had been renting the apartment, which he said took up the entire fourth floor.

An autopsy would be conducted on Wednesday, said Ellen Borakove, spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner's office. Watch Ledger's body being removed »

Ledger's family called his death "very tragic, untimely and accidental."

"Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life, but few had

the pleasure of truly knowing him," his father said.

"He was a down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual extremely inspirational to many."

Hollywood reacts

Condolences began pouring in from Ledger's friends and co-stars.

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's father in "The Patriot," in a statement.

"He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." Actress Nicole Kidman, a fellow Australian and close friend of Ledger's, said in a statement, "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family." Watch the reaction at the Sundance Film Festival »

At the time of his death, Ledger had just finished playing the villain The Joker in "The Dark Knight," the latest installment in the Batman series. The film is to open in July.

Ledger was born in Perth, Australia, and named Heathcliff Andrew after the main characters of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights." He began acting at a local theater as a child. Find out more about the actor »

Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999, and he immediately attracted attention from Hollywood. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball," among other films. See a photo gallery of Ledger's life and career »

"In a way I was spoon-fed a career," he told the Glasgow Herald in 2005. "It was fully manufactured by a studio that believed it could put me on their posters and turn me into a product. ... I hadn't figured out properly how to act, and all of a sudden I was being thrown into these lead roles."

Controversial role
But Ledger was perhaps best known for his 2005 portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned him an Oscar nomination.

"I felt that choices were being made for me, so I feel this has been my time now to find the good stories and test myself," Ledger told the Glasgow Herald in the 2005 interview. "It has been an interesting year, where I finally have a sense of accomplishment."

Asked how he felt about filming love scenes with another man, Ledger said he and his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal simply focused on their roles.

"We can't say that we weren't nervous about it," Ledger told Oprah Winfrey in 2006. "But once the first take was over, it's like, 'OK. So what? It's kissing another human being. How are we going to finish this scene? Let's get on with it and let's get out of here.' "

In a written statement, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it mourns Ledger's death, adding that his portrayal of Del Mar "changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways."

Ledger has a daughter, Matilda Rose, born in 2005 to his then-girlfriend, Michelle Williams, who played his on-screen wife, Alma, in "Brokeback Mountain." The couple have since separated.

"He was just so respected in the industry," said Kim Serafin, senior editor of In Touch Weekly.
"It's just horribly tragic. He was just a fine actor and a good person, so this is horribly sad and very unexpected."

An ode to me....

I am just absolutely and wonderfully made.

Walking past a mirror and i stop dead in my tracks

Who on earth is that stunning gorgeous woman that is behind me?

I whip around and see no one

I walk back

Face the mirror and see myself

Then the smile...

Its me

With hair black and pulled back into a ponytail

Doesnt cascade in bouncy curls down the middle of my back

But its mine and its thick and full and past my shoulders

Brown eyes that crinkle at the corners when i smile

Some say, i will get crow's feet early

But i dont care

For my eyes are a mirror to my soul

A reflection of all i feel

My nose

Cute as a button

Used to wish i had a fulani type nose like Oyinkan

Slim and pointed

But this little nose is my mom's nose

My lips almost always smiling

Not the fullest lips in the world

They dont reduce men to zombies when i pout

But the words that come from these lips

Soothing words, smart words, insane hilarious things, dumb things

And my smile - all me

My lips made for kissing that one i hold dear

My neck

Not long and lean like i sometimes wish it was

But it holds my head up

I can turn my neck left, right, up, down

Which is a blessing in itself

As so many people wish they could

My arms and my hands

Not skinny like i crave sometimes

But they have magic

For in these arms i have held people that needed comforting

My arms are always ready with a hug for anyone who wants one

My hands clasp tight to things i hold dear

They gesticulate madly and animatedly when i talk

All me

My fingers - not thin

But i consider them cute with the little nails attached

That have people asking me if they are real

I dont need artificial nails cos God has blessed me with cute strong nails

That come in useful to scratch my MTN recharge card

Or to graze the skin of someone i am flirting with

Or in the heat of passion, the rake down his back

My breasts

Not as itty bitty as i wish they were

For i have passed the age when the attention was a thrill

But the words of envy from other women

That would pay thousands of dollars to be as well endowed as i am

For these breasts are a symbol of my womanhood

To nurture my babies when the time comes

My waist

Not 24 inches like the models in the magaizines i read religiously

But i see my waist as a testament that i am human and fallible

That i need to exercise and monitor closely my food intake

But where it used to consume my every waking thought

I realise that people dont see me the way i see myself

That when i am hugged and arms wrap around this chubby waist of mine

Its more comforting than feeling bones through a shirt

My back

Well i dont see all of it

But what i see of it is smooth

But my back is more than smoothness

It sit up straight when i notice my back slouching

When i have been working too hard, its starts to hurt

Letting me know i need to lie down

My thighs

Not in proportion to my upper body

Wondered and used to wail to the heavens about the injustice of it all

Why cant i find a dress that fits right?

Or why must a suit fit on top but drop to my ankles at the bottom

But now, these thighs make me smile

All flawless brown skin

For they do not see the sun

So the skin is soft and supple

And during my workouts, i realise how strong these thighs are

Making lower body workouts a breeze

My legs

Not 36 inches of brown legs

But they carry me around

Up and down the stairs

My legs move when i want to dance

And on those rare days when i wear something short

The gasps at the sight of my luscious, smooth legs

Make me smile

My feet

Almost the favorite part of my body

My beautiful feet

Pampered and spoiled with regular pedicures

Little toe nails always painted

Favorite colors are shades of deep red

And when these feet slide into any of the fabulous pairs of shoes

They change all of me

They become sexy and minxy in 4 inch strappy heels

They walk with purpose and power in 3 inch power pumps

They become carefree and girly in flats and slippers

And they become militant in trainers

All of these body parts

Beautiful on their own

But together - stunningly gorgeous

All me

Absolutely wonderfully made in God's image

And beautiful

A Little Extra

Even though i am running the He Sang, She Sang series (today's song is below this post), I will interrupt it now and again with other songs that might be in my head, that i am feeling at the moment or that i simply want to share.....

He Sang, She Sang - 5

I Will Always Love You

Dolly Parton first recorded this in 1974. A lot of people think of Dolly and think of her cartoon like body and really high voice....But she is actually a better than decent song writer. She wrote this song and she says she was inspired by a relationship ending - but a business one. That version changes depending on what interview you read or watch but its about the end of a relationship. This song was released on her very successful Jolene album and reached number 1 on the country charts. Dolly re-recorded this song in 1982 and was included on the soundtrack for the movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Whitney Houston went on to cover this song in 1992 for the soundtrack to the movie The Bodyguard. This song was a major part of the movie since it was also included in the story line. Interestingly, a Jimmy Ruffin song (of The Temptations) was to be covered by Whitney but it had been used before so Kevin Costner was asked to find another song and he picked this one. Can we say massive here? Her version sold 10 million copies and has surpassed the success of the original. It was selected as the number 1 love song on VH1's countdown....The video - simple and elegant and i cannot get the image of Whitney;s vocal chords as she gets to the breakdown of this song - when she belts out :And Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, will always love you....:....And the ad-libbing? The song spent 14 weeks on Billboard charts and became her longest running number 1.

So what version do you prefer?