Josephine Baker vs. Diana Ross

As I was searching YouTube for video of Josephine Baker, I noticed that for some reason Diana Ross and Josephine Baker are linked together in the searches. That caused me to think that a good topic for a blog would be to compare and contrast the virtues of these two singular divas of stage and screen, who have much in common, but still are as different as night and day. As we shall see, one clearly outshines the other. Hence, I give you Josephine vs. Diana.

I want first to go on record as saying that for me it is a total no-brainer that the clear victor in terms of style, originality, and downright fabulously is Josephine. That is not to say that I am not a great admirer of Diana Ross. I could never be anti-Diana. After all who can not be some sort of a fan of the frontwoman for one of the most influential girl groups of our parents generation (The Supremes) and hit maker for decades. Her drag-queenish style and gigantic fluffy hair not withstanding Diana is an icon. HOWEVER, La Baker was first and much better.

La Baker was trying to be a star in a time when the names of some of the popular vaudeville shows of the day were such racist titles as "Shuffle Along," "Bama-Babies," and"Plantation Memories." In this environment of outright racism and with the popularity of the minstrel in blackface, La Baker managed to not just become a star, but conquer the world, become the toast of Europe, purchase a castle complete with a feudal domain, and receive the highest honours of her adopted country France. In a time where black performers could only rise so far in America, La Baker sailed for Paris where she appeared in a show called "Le Revue Negre" (literally "The Black Revue") in which she scandalized Parisienne society in a number called "La Danse Sauvage." In this piece, she appeared topless (a la sauvage) and danced in a skirt of feathers with an intimidating looking jungle warrior.

Diana Ross never had to play to such outrageous stereotypes as the world was pretty different in the late 50's and 60's and the movement had already begun. La Baker was scandalizing all of Europe and the world in the 20's and 30's. Many people had never before seen a beautiful, articulate black woman, seductive and intelligent, who could dance the charleston covered in diamonds in one vignette and perform in a skirt of bananas and a smile in the next.

Both women had many things in common, such as turbulent personal lives. The inexplainable attraction for skinny, unattractive, probably gay white men. Days of blissful glory and the sting of being passed over for another generation. Both women were fashionable but Josephine much more so as she was dressed by the finest couturiers in Paris.

In conclusion, both women will be remembered and spoken of in the days to come. As for me, the body of work, subject matter, and style of La Baker is much, much more fascinating. I encourage all to explore her body of work. Examples of her contributions are available at Yahoo Music. Two of her biggest hits are"J'ai Deux Amoures" ("I Have 2 Loves") and "Si J'etais Blanche" (If I was White). The style is very old-fashioned and her high, quivering voice is in keeping with the taste of those times. She also starred in movies "Princess Tam-Tam" and "Zouzou".

Ty the Emperor

Courtly Love

Well here we are again my friends. I must confess I have no topic of discourse for my blog today so lets just ramble on and see where we end up. Right now I am enjoying the smooth sound of the legendary jazz queen Billie Holiday. I never get tired of the anguished strains of Lady Day. Soon I believe I will smoke another bowl. Smoking to Billie Holiday is sublime my friends.

I was pondering the question, is it better to love someone who is indifferent, or is it better to love someone who is unavailable. Not because either of these things have anything to do with my own life, but as a means of discussing courtly love. As for my part neither is preferable, but if I had to choose I would cast my lot with both. If one is unavailable and on does not care you will be subjecting yourself to various torments of unrequited feelings on purpose. As such you would have an inkling of the masochist in you and you would do better to pursue both and thereby have the thrill of being made to look like a fool, (if thats your thing). But at the same time you will double your chance of eventually wearing one of them down until they can resist no longer. I am clearly not a fan of either proposition.

If I was truly enthralled I think I'd seek some other arrangement. Like maybe just be bed-buddies and not lovers. I do not dwell in self-righteous notions about the functions of emotional and physical love. I do not expect rainbows and flowers everywhere. Passion is better. Fighting and hot make up sex. These things are what keep it interesting. Better to pick a person who is neither indifferent, nor unavailable, but that is a challenge to you. Not wholly unattainable but a challenge. Not boring but stimulating. Not overly good-looking, but within your range. Delusions about idealized or courtly love are magnificent fantasies. Hazy images in the minds eye that never were. Many a person is single or unhappy out there because they are waiting for some fairy tale. Prince charming ain't coming y'all.

It is far better to pick a modest, and dutiful lover who is good in bed, and that is enough, for that is real happiness, that is available to all. ( this last part is dedicated to a friend of mine who allows all types of perfectly good, and well meaning suitors pass because he is waiting for some magical romance. People like that end up alone. I'll settle for stimulating conversation, hot sex, and some degree of good times.)

Well everyone those are my musings for now. We had no topic in the beginning and see how we've rambled through many various and sundry things. I still miss my poor TV. Until next time. Be Yourself.

Ty the Emperor

R.I.P. Television

Behold! My first blog.

The reason I have decided to compose this blog is because at the moment i find myself without the object that seems to have become one of the most important objects to the life of the twenty-something. And that is... the television. For some reason it seems that my television has blown out and i am forced to seek divertissment elsewhere. All is not lost for this gives me the occasion to purchase a new TV and work through some of my reading.

It also gives me the grand and glorious opportunity to commune with all the public, un tete a tete, if you will, a meeting of the minds. Perhaps TV has caused us to neglect our full capacity in favour of mindless, diversionist, amusements. Maybe it will do me better to full my mind with the indulgent sounds of some soft, languid music, French Baroque perhaps? Under today's leaden sky, with its frosty weather, perhaps that would be best. I of course love television as much as any other, but I fear it may be some time before I get another.

Alas!! Today is the day that my television died. We had fun together. We watched world cinema and porno, the news, fine feature films, and mindless nonsense. The very day my television passed into etenity is indeed the very day that I came to MySpace for the first time. I will see this as proof of the fact that MySpace has some part to play in the new diversons that I will have to cultivate sans(without) television.

This has been the fist topic of my first dicorse with the MySpace public, there will be others. Some on more lofty matters, and others of a far more debauched variety. I welcome any topics for possible blogs, and I encouge everyone to consider: What would you do with no television? The TV is our constant companion from birth. It is the white noise in our homes, even when its just on and we are not watching it. How would you divert your mind? You are not allowed to seek a television substitute. How will you fare? Untill next time! A tout a l' heure!

Ty the Emperor