“What I feel being a human being is just, having the freedom to be yourself; not caring what other people think; just having that freedom to be you; because if you’re not yourself, then who are you?” – Brandy

Not even praise from the music industry’s most influencing publications could have made Brandy’s fifth-studio album Human a chart topper. Generally coined the underdog of what some call female R&B, a Beyonce and Rihanna domination, the former Cinderella beau delivers to an audience that won’t leave her. Her 2004 release Afrodisiac was heavily slept on but still gathered the recognition by the press and followers. Despite its weak commercial performance, Human is Brandy’s best vocal effort to date.

Part of what makes this album wonderful is the the reunion of Brandy and producer Rodney Jerkins. “The Definition” is an epic track. Not particularly a single but its without a doubt favorite, also setting the tone for what this album is about. In an almost new wave gospel production, the singer belts she made the greatest discovery of mankind- the definition of love. It’s a combination of symphonic arrangements and Brandy’s own favorable harmony.
The first single released off the album is “Right Here (Departed)” garnered its own place as a favorite on the cd. Off the anticipation of waiting for new Brandy record, the was hope that she would come out with a club banger but have we really ever know  this woman for her club records. She didn’t shy away from the club on this album, “Piano Man” is another B-Rocka joint for the international clubs. On the song, Brandy asks Rodney, the piano man to for a song that everybody’s heard. The concept of having piano cords anchor a techno dance track is genius.  This is the only song that is for the club other than remixed songs.

“Long Distance,” Brandy’s second single goes back old Brandy singing ballads. This time she’s singing about being far way from her baby. Some critics have described this song to Janet Jackson’s Again.

“With you is where I’d rather be// but we’re stuck where we are// and it so far (so far)// This long distance is killing me// I wish that you were here me// This long distance is killing me”

“Camouflage” easily proves the tireless effort and delivery of “Human.” It has a pop, r&b and country feel to it.

“I need a lot of improvement// not even half way to destiny//but I’m a train that’s movingand everyday I’m picking up speed//And god knows you ain’t perfect//So who are you to put pressure on me”

The song is celebration of Brandy’s rising through her troubles over the past few years. She’s dealt with fame, commercial flops, and was involved in a fatal car accident.

On Human Brandy vocals sings color in a sea of beautiful instruments. By the bridge of “Camouflage”, a choir of her own vocals backs already powerhouse singing. What’s the to love most about this album is the presence of vulnerability, it features songs that anyone can find relatable..

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According to a statement in the member account privacy settings, Facebook says it does “occasionally pairs advertisements with relevant social actions from a user’s friends to create Facebook Ads.” The rational behind this is to “make advertisements more tailored to you and your friends,” which mostly likely means the site and its advertisers are hoping you’ll pay attention to the advertisements if you see people you recognize in them.

If this sort of thing doesn’t appeal to you, you can choose not to participate.

To make sure you’re opted out of the advertising appearances, log into your Facebook account and go to the Settings link at the top of the page. Click on Privacy Settings. Click on the link for the News Feed and Wall settings. On this page of settings, you can regulate which of your actions the site publicly posts, like a change in your “relationship status,” or your appearance in advertisements.

Click on the tab for Facebook Ads. In the pop-up menu for your “Appearance in Facebook Ads,” make sure “No one” is selected. Click on the Save Changes button.

(NY Times)

Available August 5, the T-Mobile Blackberry Curve 8250 is sure to be a hit this upcoming season.

Video courtesy of CrackBerry.

To find out more about Blackberry Curve 8250, check out the official web site.

Not exactly a car, but not quite an SUV, luxury crossovers are a fast growing segment in the automotive market.  In fact, the segment makes up nearly 25% of the total U.S. luxury auto market, up from 10% a few years ago.

As consumers start heading back into showrooms, automakers continue to introduce new crossover models. To compete with overseas competition, General Motors has unveiled the Cadillac SRX. The new SRX will go head to head with crossovers from BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi.

Industry experts expect the category to continue to grow and possibly become the largest segment of the luxury vehicle market.

Cost for the 2010 Cadillac SRX ranges from $40,460 – $52,430