Nicole be Thinking...

Last week, my coworker and I appeared on WFSK's "Common Cents: The Money Show." They focus on.... money. And we went on to talk about financial aid for college because Oasis College Connection focuses on... college. My dad hosts the show Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7. Give our episode a listen. And come see us if you're local and you need help. =]

Last Monday I was told Ms. Scott was in the hospital and it didn't  look good. It fucked up my entire week. Ms. Scott is larger than life,  the best English teacher I ever had. From the time I first walked into  Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive/Business Magnet High School two things were  absolutely certain: I had to get back to California as soon as I  graduated and I had to survive Mama Scott's class to make that happen.  My strategy was to be silent and excel, but Ms. Scott wasn't having  that. She came for me, told me when I was a 10th grader that she was  waiting for me. When I finally got to her class she called me out  regularly. She threw me off the cliff that was my comfort zone, and  then caught me at the bottom. She forced me to shine when I was trying  to down play my abilities. She taught me not to hide my talents, but  not to rest on them either. I'll always be grateful for her. She  taught all of us how to  be ...

If you know me, you know how much I love Etta James. To spend the whole day listening to her music doesn't seem like enough of a tribute because I do that so often, but I will anyway. She'll be missed. R.I.P. Jamesetta Hawkins 1938-2012

I know 2011 was a decent year but as I sat down to make this list, I couldn't think of anything. Like... At all . I drew a blank. I had to call upon my agent, Michelle, and I think we have good little list here. These were some of the better things that happened this year. I don't think I can rank them like last year. Everything here gives me warm and fuzzies. 1. College Connection So... a little backstory... I was a little irritated with my brothers this summer. DZ had failed a class and wasn't being realistic about his future. In a huff, I decided I would take him and "let the white people tell him" about life. I remembered that Bob Obrohta, who ran Imagine College at Pearl Cohn when I was there, had embarked on something called called Nashville College Connection a few years ago. Bob told me lots of great things when I was in high school whether I listened or not, so I figured he'd be perfect to tell DZ, too. What I got from dragging my brothers to the...

I did this last year and I liked it so I decided to do one for this year. The list is based on how much I play the whole album. It doesn't have much to do with sales, critical reception, or quality. The list isn't ranked, and it isn't up for debate. Just for fun, my favorite albums this year. =] 21 Adele (January) From the moment I first played "Rolling in the Deep" (for Aries Rapper/Designer, ironically) I knew I would love this album. Said to be inspired by " a deep well of Americana, music from Nashville," 21 is the sequel to Adele's soulful, stellar debut, 19. I truly have played this album the entire year. It opens perfectly with "Rolling in the Deep," goes into a full-circle story about cheating and revenge in "Rumour Has It," and on full force to "Turning Tables." Adele perfectly mixes her strength with her vulnerabilities in "Don't You Remember," "Take It All," and "One and Only...

I've never been really into my iTunes play count. I'm always listening to music but I don't finish a lot of songs. I have a touch of ADD... But I decided to see what I like the most according to iTunes. The result was surprisingly accurate has become one of my favorite playlists so I decided to share. Find these songs. Put them together. And enjoy. =] Bet You Want Me (Now) - Dom Kennedy, Original Dom Kennedy Designer Shit - Dom, OGDK Daydreams - Adele, 19 Best for Last - Adele, 19 Turn Me Out - Dom, OGDK Bodies - Cee-lo, The Lady Killer Why Don't You Love Me - Beyonce, I am... Sasha Fierce CDC - Dom ft. Casey Veggies & Carter, OGDK Nigga 4 Life - Dom, OGDK He Won't Go - Adele, 21 Self! - Deep Cotton Crazy for You - Adele, 19 Fool for You - Cee-lo ft. Philip Bailey, The Lady Killer Chasing Pavements - Adele, 19 Right as Rain - Adele, 19 Rolling in the Deep - Adele, 21 Fuck You! - Cee-lo, The Lady Killer Playas Punch - Dom, OGDK Do Ya Like - Ch...

So... Tia sings with the Williams College Ephlats . I wanted to share her solos and the easiest way to do that is through Nicole be Thinking. Take a break, enjoy. "Best Thing I Never Had" "Grenade" "Wild Young Hearts" I left out the ones where she shares a solo. Ion't care bout nobody else's kids, just mines! =]