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Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

STUFF ON MY MIND... (03.10.04)

Right now, I'm just freestyling and not thinking of what I'm going to say, and I'll only change things as I need to when I re-read, for grammatical errors only, but whatever comes out just comes, feel me? So, what the heck do I write about? Hmmm...why is it that some women can be so trifling when it comes to being consistent? I met this young last Friday whom I was confirmed to hang out with the following day (Saturday) and she didn't even have the decency to call back the next day! Admittedly I don't actually know if something may have happened, and I hope not, but if not, she's trifling (and yes, if you're reading this, then so be it...don't be mad because you could have avoided this by just being on point)! I guess I'm just tired, overall, with the inconsistency, yah mean? Yes, men can be just as trifling but that's not my focus.

I'm finding there is a pattern to this where I hear many women wanting to find a man who is respectable, attractive, passionate, funny, stable (emotionally, mentally, financially, spiritually, etc.), and whatever else fits their individual criteria, but most aren't up for the man when they meet him. No, I'm not talking about the "nice guys finish last" scenario...I'm talking about the "consistent men are suspect" thing. A small breakdown, if you will: a man who is as charming, flirtatious, smooth, etc. as the so-called "player", minus the "dog" attributes then mixed with the courteous, chivalrous, nurturing, etc. characteristics of the "nice-guy", minus the "walk-all-over" aspects--what you get is a pretty balanced dude who will scare the hell out of many women just for the simple fact that his consistency is really unpredictable. From what I'm observed, these women will initially be drawn to dude because he covers all lot of what they're looking for; everything is beautiful and blissful, as the first few weeks/months usually are. The flipside is usually a catch kicks in and both men and women neurotically await for something drastic to surface, which usually does happen...but don't let that person be consistent and nothing drastic occurs! I'm not saying he's perfect and without faults, I'm just saying dude does much of the same stuff he did to get you in the first place--and KEEPS ON DOING IT! I notice that as some women's guard goes down is when the "red flags" start going up! They become vulnerable and are more likely to be hurt by the guy IF he turns out to be a player in disguise...but the longer he stays consistent, the more caught up she gets, and the more "dangerous" the situation gets to the point that some women sabotage a great thing by doing or saying something dumb as a form of escape so as to regain some "control". I mean, what will you accomplish by doing that? I can see if dude is actually possessive or abusive, or something, but I assure you if a guy is secure and devoted to you, he's not going to linger away, he's not going to play you, and he's not going to exercise any "control" over you. True love separates any control one person has over the other (and vice-versa) yet still creates a powerful bond between the two...an oxymoron that not one love song in the history of love songs has been able to fully capture, which is why songwriters will keep writing them.

These thoughts can be applied both ways, but I'm talking to the ladies right now. I understand there are cats out there who just ain't right, but some of you know they aren't but rather deal with that in the twisted comfort of at least knowing where dude is coming from than to give a man who is consistent a chance because you're too scared to take a chance and actually get what you ask for...or am I just preaching to the pews?! This message doesn't apply to all which is why I said "some women" so take this accordingly. Am I venting...yes. I just had to put my two cents in on the matter. Oh, by the way ladies, if you're tired of dealing with dumb guys and you see someone you like somewhere (and I'm especially talking to those of you who think it beneath you or non-traditional to do so), just approach the guy and see what he's about. If he's really cool as he appears you would have saved yourself a lot of "what ifs" and gotten past many of your competitors. You'd be surprised how humbled a man can get when a women approaches him...if he's a punk, your approach may still throw him off, but have a back-up escape plan prepared just in case!

Okay, I'm done playing the dark-skinned "Dr. Phil"-LOL!

So here's the deal for this weekend...

THURSDAY (03.11.04)

Because I hope you know their first show (with Kem @ Earthlink Live) show is sold out!

ALSO...

FreestyleNation @ Apache Cafe (doors @ 8p/show @ 9p...$10) also feat. a jam session with Badu's and Floetry's band...hotness!!

(Freestyle is also opening up for Badu's concert)

FRIDAY (03.12.04)

SOLD OUT!!! @ The Fox Theatre www.foxtheatre.org

ALSO...

Chris Rock's "Black Ambition Tour" @ Atlanta Civic Center starting @ 7pm www.ticketmaster.com ($40-$60)

SATURDAY (03.13.04)

Spoken word with Fhena @ Tower Records (3pm)...along with some of Atlanta's best musicians (who I'll be playing amongst like India.Arie's bass player and Jiva front man, Khari Simmons)! For store directions/phone number: http://www.towerrecords.com/stores/store.asp?storeID=t17861

West African Folk Singer, Baaba Maal @ The Rialto Performing Arts Center. Also known as The Nightingale because of his clear high-pitched voice, he will be joined by Daande Lenol. The Rialto is located on 80 Forsyth on the corner of Forsyth and Spring Street in the heart of Downtown. Come join enjoy music from a cultural icon. The concert starts at 8PM and the tickets start at $25. For more information, please call 404-651-4727.

SUNDAY (03.14.04)

Original Jazz Night presents Julie Dexter, Ede Wright Group, and A'emarti @ Churchill Grounds (located on Peachtree St. next to the Fox Theater). Hosted by Tammy Allen, this Jazz Night series allows bands to compete for Atlanta's Future of Jazz Award and a slot at Atlanta's Jazz Festival. The show starts @ 9pm and the cover is $5.

THAT'S A WRAP! So have a great weekend, be safe, and learn to enjoy life just a little bit more. Oh, and ladies...remember that life is too short and precious to waste valuable time, so if you see a guy you like, just holla--same goes for you men concerning the ladies...or whatever preferences either of you may have. As for any of you ladies who may happen to see me while out and about at a function to even just the grocery store...say whassup, if even just to say "hi". Friends are just as welcome...but applications for potential girlfriends or more are being accepted as well!

peace2ya!

ahmed@atlantahapps.com

The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.

SESSIONS SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar

Join us every Saturday
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

SUDARABAJAN Productions present...

"SESSIONS SATURDAYS"
(as a part of Tarrazu's Liquid Jazz Series)

Featuring a three-piece (keys/drums/bass) neo-jazz band,

THE FORMULA

Enjoy a sensual atmosphere of candlelight's, chill conversations, cool sounds,and good food as you leave the stress of the work week behind you. As an extra treat, each week will feature a different up-and-coming vocalist to sit in with the band and grace the mike, for your listening pleasure. The dinner and dessert menu is definitely for the discriminating palate...and you won't need any reservations.

Time:
9pm-12am (NO COVER!)

Address:
265 Ponce De Leon Avenue (around the corner
from Old Spaghetti Factory)
Suite D
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.815.2077

Dress:
Comfortably Fly!

Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM

Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings

-- Archive

Gotta Make Moves	The Absolut Show	You Want More	A Weekend to Remember	Off Notes
Changing Seasons	Just Getting Started	Non-Stop Action	Ideas to Flirt With	Pursuing Purpose
Will Play For Food	Lasting Power	Rebound	For The Love Of Music	PURSUING PURPOSE (Pt. II)
ABSOLUT-LY OVER!!	A Weekend to Remember	The Absolut Show Round 3	Absolut Show - Round 2	The Lina Interview
Chicago on my mind	Ja Rule talks about beef with 50 Cent	Die Empty	Giving Back	Tis the Season
Life's Purpose	And We are off	A Dream Defferred	A special interview with Rachelle Ferrell	Super Weekend

Tit for Tacky	The Grammy Rocks the Love's Below	Click This	It ain't over	survivor

Ahmed Sirour -A Product of a Sudanese-Arab (Muslim) father and a Bajan-Caribbean (Christian) mother. Ahmed was a "diamond in the rough" hewn from Brooklyn, now undergoing "polishing and re-cutting" in Atlanta. This serves as a premise to his diverse nature that comes from a diverse background. His poetic style is influenced by his love of music...specifically, jazz improvisation. He sometimes uses a rhyme form he calls "Broken Word"; basically, the rhyme scheme alternates between words and phrases but with a definite flow just like a jazz jam session where the art of freestyle takes place. Although it would seem that hip-hop, another of his influences, would seem to be a more apt description of his style, it is the marriage of youthful innovation paired with classic refinement. He is also moved by the Harlem Renaissance, which he feels is resurfacing, in spirit, throughout many major metropolitan cities, especially Atlanta. More importantly, he is moved by his belief in spirituality, believing that he is merely a vessel of God to bring forth the talent that he feels he has been blessed with.

Ahmed's goal, this year, to finally publish his first collection of work entitled, "This Would Be A Love Song...If Only I Could Sing"; a collection of poetry, essays, and short stories based on his life's experiences in the area of love and life. Ahmed is also a musician (keyboardist) and plays for and with many talented artists in Atlanta (and those who travel through the city from abroad). He currently represents for Hidden Beach Recordings (www.hiddenbeach.com), so he keeps one foot in the business and one foot (and two hands) in the art, itself. It is his hope and prayer that beyond enjoying his work, that people are actually moved, emotionally/intellectually/spiritually, by the words they read, and to know that this is merely a power that is coming through him and not from him.

SOULFUL HAPPS - A SPOTLIGHT ON URBAN MUSIC & CULTURE

Imagine for a moment if Marvin were still alive and able to record with the Roots... Or what about Pete Rock breaking-off a track for Minnie Ripperton or Donnie Hathaway. What kind of energy would these collaborations create??? The answer is found in a new Soul Music Series entitled SOULFUL HAPPS, and it's unlike anything you've ever heard. This section features artists who produce the sounds of 70's Soul, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rare Grooves appreciated by music lovers around the Atlanta area. But it's more than a sound... It's a feeling... bringing the past and the future together in a rather unique way. Click here for details

WHAT THEY ARE SAYIN...

Mr.Sirour,

I live in LA and was recently in your wonderful city and love reading you're column, Very nice. Miles...

Mr.Sirour,

I would like to begin by saying I enjoy your weekly "HAPPS" commentary. I look forward to it every Monday evening when I have down time at work. I appreciate you keeping us 'Atliens' abreast of the goings of Atlanta and upcoming music artists. Please keep doing what you are doing!

Mr.Sirour,

Now, I would like to comment briefly on your commentary for this week. Kudos to you for being honest and candid! How refreshing to hear such positive and thought provoking thoughts. I agree with you in so many ways. Just as a smile can be contagious, so can positivity.

P.S-- I saw the plug on your site for the Tarrazu Coffee Bar. It sounds like a great place. I will be trying it out this week.

Thank You,

Brettina Burney

I feel you 100% when you stated you feel a shift in the wind of this industry. I have been told by enough shallow producers to change my singing style to sound like this one or that. I was fed up of hearing this over and over so I took out my keyboards and produced myself. I am looking for people with a true vision of taking real music into the future to either assist me in promotions and possibly management. If you get a minute check me out at www.zuudiakusentertainment.com . Keep doing what you do, I will too.

Peace

Jas Tunica El

KATHLEEN BERTRAND

Visit the Website http://www.kathleenbertrand.com

Subscriber Kathleen Bertrand, her riveting performances combine contemporary R&B grooves with jazz riffs that keep audiences wanting for more...

No Regrets sets an elegant new standard for contemporary soul, and Kathleen Bertrand brings an inspiring new voice to the world of music. Look for future features on this dynamic singer in future ATLANTAHAPPS listings.

Ahmed -- Recently I read your column for "ATLANTAHAPPS.COM" As I was reading, I kept trying to listen to this very haunting melody that was playing in the background...and then finally I had to stop reading and just listen. You generously praise so many artists in your column, but your gifts are special too. I look forward to hearing more from you. "Without You" is just beautiful - I could listen to it all day.

I also am a singer/songwriter here in Atlanta. Last year, I released my "No Regrets" CD. Your words about a change in the music industry are so true and great encouragement. Thank you and keep spreading the truth. God bless you!

Kathleen Bertrand

A Collection of Poetry, Essays, and Short Stories from the life of Ahmed Sirour. A new movement in poetry, descriptive essay writing, and innovative story-telling.

Ahmed writes the way a jazz musician plays during an improvisational jam session paired with the way a lyricist freestyles in hip-hop form. It is a marriage of the past and present that creates a fusion to set the tempo for the future. His writing surpasses his racial makeup and simply becomes a unique American story by a unique American writer.