what's on the box..."Love Is__"

what's on the box (2018) TV

"Love Is__"

I gotta admit. I was late to the party on the series "Love Is___"

The series premiered on June 18th on Oprah's OWN Network.

I didn't watch it until the first week of October.

I almost missed the boat. The first season (10 episodes) had ended before I watched one episode. So, I missed a lot of talk about the episodes. I knew very little about the show. I knew that the full season was on my DVR. One day, I said "I'm going to watch this and see what it's about."

Set in Los Angeles in the 1990s, "Love Is__" follows a young black couple, two people from opposite worlds, as they go through the trials and tribulations of chasing their dreams and learning how to follow their hearts. Nuri is bubbly and has big dreams, but she is struggling to make a name for herself as a sitcom staff writer while juggling a string of romances. Yasir is an aspiring director/writer who has hit a snag and is on-and-off again with his ex. The program is told from the perspective of Nuri and Yasir's present-selves while they revisit the social issues and the vibrant black culture that helped shape who they are today.

Back to that day. I didn't do any research on the show prior to watching. So...I was very interested to see how it would actually start. The first scene is Yuri’s monologue.

She said...

"He was a meteor that hit my life. I didn’t see it coming. He blew up my world and my plans. He unearthed the truth in me. He made me take of this mask that I had been wearing. So, that you can see the real light in me. So that I could see the real light in me." 

I was speechless.

Not only was that great writing but very relatable from that perspective. I was hooked. I learned from those 10 episodes of "Love Is __". If you experienced love (or even if you haven't lol), you can relate. The innocence and the growth of the characters and the love that they had for each other. They also were trying to find themselves and their direction at the same time. Season 1 is 10 episodes and each episode is about 40 minutes long.

Unfortunately, "Love Is___" was grounded before it could take off. The series was created and produced by Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil and was based on the Akil's real-life relationship. On December 19, "Love Is __" was cancelled due to allegations of domestic violence and lifting the idea for the series from an ex lover against Salim Akil. The ex lover alleged that she was his mistress for many years. The OWN Network pulled the plug on the show despite it being renewed for a second season.

I was sad to hear this news. Do I believe the allegations? I'm not sure. I would need to hear both sides and there has been no formal statement from Salim. Nonetheless, "Love Is ___" was a phenomenal series...even though it was only one season. It was definitely on the box in 2018. You should check it out if you haven't already.

Great story, great writing, great acting. "Love Is __"

Everything.

what's on the box...Insecure Season 3

YEAR IN REVIEW (2018) - TV

I remember seeing a trailer for Insecure in the summer of 2016.

For some reason, the woman in the trailer, Issa Rae, stood out to me.

I didn't know who she was. I saw that she had a big, pretty smile. And she appeared to be somewhat goofy. That's all that I saw. At the end of the trailer, it said that the show would premiere in October. I made a mental note that the show would be coming on.

When the first episode came on, I watched it. And I was HOOKED. I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. But I liked it a lot. I had no idea that Issa had done an acclaimed web series called Awkward Black Girl prior to Insecure. I didn't know about her or this show but I was hooked from the first episode.

The show is about a 30 yr old black woman living in Los Angeles and how she deals with life and her close friends. It's not like I know much about the trials and tribulations of 30 yr old black women. LOL. However, the more that I watched Insecure the more that I saw traits in people that I know. I even saw some things that indirectly happened in my life. To say that I was a fan was an understatement.

This past fall, Insecure was back for Season 3. I think the season was incredible. So many plots...twists and turns. I won't spoil it for you if you haven't seen it. Season 3 is only 8 episodes and each episode is only 30 minutes long. You can actually watch it online.

For someone who doesn't watch a lot of tv that isn't sports related, Insecure was DEFINITELY on the box. It was one of the best things that I saw on tv in 2018.

15 things you should do after work instead of watching tv

I found this article while doing some reading. You may want to try these...


It's common for people to unwind after work with more screen time. However, studies have proven that this behavior can often lead to unhappiness, headache, and a reduced quality of sleep. Engaging in activities such as reading, socializing, or exercising — instead of watching television — will have a positive effect on your mental state.

For the longest time, I would come home from work and immediately pop on the TV. It was mindless — after a day of meetings, intensive heads-down work, and never-ending email chains, the only thing I thought I wanted to do was watch five episodes of some sitcom I'd seen hundreds of times before.

But then last year, I realized I was always ending the day feeling exhausted, or worse with a headache. In addition, I wasn't sleeping well. So, I tried an experiment: Instead of turning on the TV in my free time, I'd pick up a book.

The results were surprising. I have more energy both after work and the next day, and I read 23 books in 2017 (compared to around 10 in 2016). And, most importantly, I discovered a way to relax that didn't make me feel like a lazy couch bum.

So, that got me thinking — if avoiding screens will make you happier, what else can you do to unwind after a day of work?

If you're out of ideas, I've compiled 15 for you:

1. Read
It worked for me! Here are several suggestions for awesome fiction and career books to get you started. (I really need to try this one. I haven't read a good book in awhile. I'm a fan of suspense thrillers)

2. Listen to a podcast
Sure, it requires technology, but after you click play, all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes, and listen. (You could start with The 12Kyle Podcast...lol)

3. Call a friend
Catch up with someone you haven't talked to in a while — you never know what the conversation can lead to. (Phone calls are much better than sending a text)

4. Or meet up in person
Rather than going home right after work, meet up with someone and grab dinner or drinks. Just make sure to put your phone away and give them your full attention. (Seeing a familiar face is always fun)

5. Write
Start a blog, write an article and post it on LinkedIn, journal. Don't worry about composing something spectacular — just get those thoughts on paper. You might feel surprisingly refreshed afterwards (although if you are posting on LinkedIn, might want to run it by someone else). (For me, writing is therapeutic)
6. Cook
Or bake! Find a new recipe and try it out — and if you bring your creation into work I guarantee your co-workers will love you. (I love to cook. Cooking is easy. If you can read, you can cook)

7. Meditate
This doesn't need to take up all your free time. Set aside 10-30 minutes right when you get home or right before bed to calm your mind. Here's how to do it if you're new to the practice. (This will give you a peace of mind)

8. Clean your home
Dirty dishes in the sink? Haven't Swiffered the floors in a month? Need to do laundry? Food going bad in your fridge? Use the time after work to get ahead on your chores — even just one chore. It's not only a great way to practice meditation, but it'll free up your weekends for more fun. (Not fun...but necessary)

9. Exercise
Not a morning person? Substitute the TV for a treadmill, yoga class, or online exercise video. You'll feel like a champion. (It's starting to get warm. Get your "summer body" ready.)

10. Go for a walk
If exercise isn't your thing (I get it), go the more leisurely route and walk around the block — as long as it's not freezing or pouring rain. Maybe take some music or a friend with you. (A nice walk does wonders for your heart)

11. Do an art project
Have a coloring book? Use it. Want to learn how to paint or knit? Now's the time to try. (I don't like projects...but hey)

12. Play with your pets
That is, if you have one. Give your dog or cat some love — I'm sure they could use more of it. (Pets are cool if you have them. Unfortunately, I don't have any)

13. Pamper yourself
Paint your nails, throw on a face mask, take an extra long shower. You work hard, so why not treat yourself to some me time? (Very necessary. You should do this often. It doesn't matter if it's getting a massage, a haircut, getting pedicure, or going shopping...it's very beneficial)

14. Solve a puzzle
Challenge your mind a bit by working on a physical puzzle. Or, play solitaire with yourself. If you have a roommate, play a board game. (I'm gonna try this. I don't think I've done a puzzle since college)

15. Make a list
It can be about anything — maybe you need to lay out your groceries for the week, or want to compile your favorite companies to work for, or have been meaning to jot down your New Year's resolutions. Take the time to write them down, then come up with a plan for how to execute on them. An easy way to motivate yourself to follow through. (Make lists can help you organize things)


article originally posted on business insider

PODCAST: Rushmore 90s Women

Rushmore 90s Women

I recently joined my boy, eclectik, for another of the edition of his Rushmore series on his podcast.

Another in the Rushmore series ... this time, women ... women of the 90s, @12Kyle and I pick who we thought the most beautiful women of the 90s were and which four would be on our personal Rushmore. We did movie actresses AND television ...

also stick around for #1GottaGo !!!!

Who's on your Rushmore? Let us know. 

You can LISTEN on SoundCloud by clicking the link below...

What's On Your TV???

WHO: 12 Radio Show...hosted by 12kyle with special co-hosts...Krishna & ShellyShell


WHAT: Topic - What's On Your Tv???


WHERE: You can call in & listen (347)215-7162 or online http://www.blogtalkradio.com/12kyle/2015/03/12/whats-on-your-tv


WHEN: Tonight from 9 pm-11pm EST


WHY: Because WE SAID SO!!!! You don't wanna miss this show!!!!

reality tv

Reality tv is here! And it's here to stay! It's not going anywhere! As long as there is a demand, they will continue to supply it to you

There...I said it. I had to state the obvious.

That said...allow me to vent speak for a moment.

Before I delve into the subject, I will be the FIRST to admit that I have watched reality shows before. You know...The Apprentice, Celebrity Fit Club, The Real World, The Salt & Pepa Show, and the first season of Flavor of Love. I think we all have to view reality tv for what it is...a form of entertainment. I will admit that I found much humor in watching beautiful women THROW themselves at Flava Flav. The former Public Enemy hype man had a ton of models who were fawning over him. The man who penned the song She Watches Channel Zero was once the star of his own channel zero is interesting in itself.  The mere thought of a model drooling over a "handsome hunk" like Flav is pure comedy. Well...at least it was to me. But one season of laughs were enough for me and I moved on. And it seems that reality tv has, too.

Some reality tv shows are just downright terrible. More importantly, I think the reality shows that feature black casts (Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love and Hip Hop, Basketball Wives) are horrible. These shows feature "C list celebrities" and their made for tv lives. Reality tv is here because it's cheap to produce and people watch it. However, I am extremely bothered by the images of how black folk are portrayed. Black women are constantly portrayed as loud, combative, and jealous. Black men are portrayed as oversexed and ego driven.

I know what you're thinking..."Kyle, it's just tv. We know it's not real." But it's deeper than that. If you turn on the tv, there a NO black shows with all black casts any more. No more Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times, The Cosby Show, 227, A Different World, Martin, Living Single, or Fresh Prince of Bel Air. While blacks are featured on mostly dramas on network tv, there aren't any sitcoms on network tv any more (not talking about cable). If the only time you see a predominantly black cast is when we see Love and Hip Hop, that's a problem. Reality tv took an even bigger turn when the Oxygen Network was set to air a show called All My Babies' Mamas. The show is about a rapper from Atlanta named Shawty Lo and his TEN baby mamas from 9 different women. After threats from civil rights groups, Oxygen has "put the show on hold" and has yet to say if/when they will air even one episode. I'm not sure what's worse...having 10 baby mamas...or the fact that people would tune in by the MILLIONS just to watch. The sad reality is that more than a few black people don't see it as a problem. I'm not sure what day or time any of these shows come on but when they do, my twitter and facebook timelines are filled with their show commentary. Could it be that it's entertainment to them and not to me? Possibly! But you have to look deeper into the specifics of those shows that entertains you.

I can't get into seeing two black women fight each other and degrade each other for a man...for whom neither are married to...is beyond me. It's a modern day Minstrel Show. To me those images are about as funny as a Minstrel Show.

A minstrel show, or minstrelsy, was an American entertainment consisting of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, performed by white people in blackface or, especially after the Civil War, black people in blackface .Minstrel shows lampooned black people as dim-witted, lazy, buffoonish, superstitious, happy-go-lucky and musical. The minstrel show began with brief burlesques and comic entr'actes in the early 1830s and emerged as a full-fledged form in the next decade. In 1848, blackface minstrel shows were the national art of the time, translating formal art such as opera into popular terms for a general audience. By the turn of the 20th century, the minstrel show enjoyed but a shadow of its former popularity, having been replaced for the most part by vaudeville. It survived as professional entertainment until about 1910; amateur performances continued until the 1960s in high schools, and local theaters. As African-Americans began to score legal and social victories against racism and to successfully assert political power, minstrelsy lost popularity.

The bottom line is that until we as a people stop tuning in and demanding better shows, then we're gonna keep getting what we've been getting...or worse.

My boy George Brown said this to me the other day..."There is a big difference between comedy and coonery." And he's right!!!

The one REALITY about reality tv is this...the remote control to the tv is in your hands...

12 RADIO SHOW

Tune in to the 12 RADIO SHOW tonight at 9PM EST. The 12 RADIO SHOW is the most innovative and interactive show on BlogTalkRadio.

Tonight's co-host...Rashan Jamal

TOPIC - RETRO TV...a look a back at two television sitcoms from the 90s.


A Different World

Martin

Don't miss it!!!

(347)215-7162

www.blogtalkradio.com/12kyle

what's on the box?

I'm a big NBA fan.


And as many of you know, the NBA season is in jeopardy.


So...with no NBA to keep me occupied when there's no football on, I have to find other things on TV when there's no football on. I've realized that despite the fact that DirecTV provides me 800 channels, I only watch 10 channels. I have a few options with my TV programming...


I could...


1. Watch reality TV - I could catch up with those lovely "women" from the Atlanta Housewives. You know...see who NeNe is cussin' out or see who's sleeping with who. Maybe I could watch the Basketball Wives? If I did, maybe I'd figure out why Doug Christie married that psycho 17 times? Who gets married 17 times? Or maybe I could check out the hip hop wives show...where they are called wives but are really baby mommas. Seriously...I've never spent a minute watching any of this stuff. I only know of it through conversations at work and Twitter. I will...shamefully admit to watching Flavor of Love (season 1) & the Salt N Pepa Show (loved that joint)...but that's it


2. Watch movies I've never seen before - hmmm...where should I start...Casino, any of the Mission Impossible movies, Ironman, the Matrix Trilogy. Or maybe The Color Purple, Pulp Fiction, The Godfather, (Soul Plane <---definitely won't be watching that). As you can see, there's quite a few that I haven't seen so I've got some catching up to do.


3. Break out the XBox 360 - Who wanna see me in Madden??? It's been a minute since I've played my 360. It's been about 3 yrs. But I know...I mean I think...I'm still nice on the sticks


4. Watch CSPAN - you can NEVER get enough of CSPN


5. Watch Animal Planet - it's always fun to see a tiger bring down a zebra in the jungle


Who am I kidding? Pass me the remote so that I can find Martin, Good Times, and Sanford & Son

TV crush

I think I was like 4 or 5 the first time that I saw her...

She had afropuffs, blue jeans and some big shoes!

But she was fine

Her name was Thelma Evans. She appeared on the 70s sitcom "Good Times." She was the only the only daughter...middle child for James and Florida Evans. I remember being mezmerized when she came on the screen.

I'll never forget her.

She was my first TV crush!

Who was yours?

high tech

I was rude

Well, it wasn't my intent

A friend pointed out to me that it was rude of me to be at lunch with co-workers...but on my blackberry the whole time.

I didn't think I was being rude. I can carry on two conversations at the same time. LOL. Was it rude? I guess. Maybe the conversation on the blackberry was better than the one I was having with the stiff co-workers? Of course it was.

I'd be the first to admit that the advances that have been made to modern technology has spoiled me. I'm spoiled to the point that I'm somewhat lazy. Am I the only one? Nope. You are too! Have you ever...

- spent 5 minutes looking for the remote control to the tv because you were too lazy to have to "manually" change the channel on the tv?

- spent more time texting a man/woman that you like than talking on the phone....

- sent a text message to someone within 10 feet of you...

- spent more time loading your ipod with songs for you to work out to...than the time you actually spent working out..

- refused to watch certain channels if they aren't in high definition (I do!!)

- cooked a full course meal...with a microwave

- left your house...then realized that you left your cellphone at home...and you could not function for the day?

- grabbed your laptop or cellphone before you got outta bed?

- sextexting

- used the GPS on your phone and the GPS in your car...at the same time

If you've done any of the above, you've been spoiled by technology!