You should hope to aim to be the second most important man in her life. . .

I must admit that I used to think that in order for me to find a wife, she must consider me to be the most important man in her life. Now before you religious zealots get to stewing, we all are aware that God should be the head of any persons life and thus the most important. We're talking people of the flesh though . . . so simma down nah! That being said, it was imperative that I was the most significant male figure in her life . . . if I was her man. The end all be all, the alpha and the omega . . . literally . . . THE MAN!

However, as I have grown and matured, first in myself and secondly in my ability to handle relationships, i have learned it is best that men should hope to be the second most important man in any woman's life. The first should be her Father.

As much as it is imperative that men be shining examples of what it means to be a man to their sons, it is just as imperative that men be exemplary examples of what it means to be a man to their daughters.

For Father's are from hence women first learn what it means to be loved by a man. Fathers are from where minimums regarding levels of respect, appreciation, and the ability and willingness to provide for a women come. A good father not only lives with the hope of being a quality example of a man to their fathers, but takes pride in showing such in the treatment of his daughters Mother.

In my past and present, this conclusion has held true; that any woman that has been loved by her Father in a fashion that creates high standards and expectations within her regarding the men she is courted by will more often than not be a woman more than worth the chase.

I have seen not only in my past relationships, in which non-present Fathers have no comprehension of the template that they are providing to their impressionable daughters, but even more so today in my relationship with my wife. Her Father is an exemplary man who has in conversation shared with me his adoration for his daughters and how honorable and proud a position he holds as Father.

Now please take notice that I capitalize the word "Father" in every occurrence. The reason being that it is only proper that this proper noun receive the capitalization that any person who performs well in a high role, responsibility or position deserves. For being a "Father" is a title not earned through placing one's seed, but through the performance of that title, and thus, can be performed by any willing man.

Now for those of you outstanding women who have been raised by single Mothers, outliers exist in all most any situation, however I would argue that someone close played the "Father" role sufficiently enough.

So men, in all our machismo, early in our relationship life, we should aspire to be the second most important man in her life, for we would only hope to live up to the expectations that have been set by the man in head of you.

Aren't I too young to say . . . " I never thought I'd see the day ".

I work in an environment where I manage a team that bests me in age on average, by twenty years. People who have lived in era's that I can only imagine or at best, read about in books. People who have watched lives and livelihoods change with the times and men reach new highs and repent for all time lows. People who have seen dreams become realities. Yet, in my relative infancy, I find myself sharing their sentiment when they pronounce, " I never thought I'd see the day" in regards to the election of a black President.

It causes me to explore that statement; "I never thought I'd see the day". Be it that I am the young age of 30 (my younger friends would argue the "young" descriptive), I wonder if I am far too young to utter this phrase. It is a phrase which expresses despair and jubilation in succession.

The despairing part is that in the course of history of a country 400 plus years in the making, the citizens (and I stress this word purposely for our citizenship was and has been in question for much of that time frame) that help form it's greatness could not fathom the notion that they had just as much an opportunity to hold the greatest office in its land. The jubilation is the realization of the dream that those same citizens maintained, despite times of despair and treatment that supported the contrary; the dream that anything is possible.

Discouraging is it that you can hear this same feelings set from the mouths of young people who I best by only 15 years. Teenagers whose lives are all but in front of them, astonished that the face they see in the mirror now mimics the one they will see on the cover of every newspaper, every magazine, on the screen of every news station as the leader of the free world.

It is telling of a future that to some, isn't as bright as it should be. A deplorable frame of mind that even in the beginning, as the shot that starts the sprint of your life still rings in your ear, the race is all but over.

But then. . . along comes hope.

The hope that in a race from which the only vantage view you have ever had of the finish line is blurred by the backs of others ahead of you, something changes. The race is extended an extra lap, and you are a tail end runner who performs best in his or her last 100 strides. Or someone has stumbled ahead of you, permitting you to narrow the gap that separates the haves and have-nots.

I must learn not to say "I'd never thought I'd see the day", for that recitation may elude to those younger than I that change and hope are two things that are far to rare in their occurence. And I dare not be a discouraging voice to those who have come after me, for it would be an offense to those who have come before me.

All things NOT being equal . . . We've got a long way to go!

I had a recent facebook dialogue with several individuals regarding a variety of things related to the Barack Obama whopping victory (okay. . . had to take that cheap shot) of McCain in the Presidential election. The dialogue covered a variety of topics; taxes, abortion, guns (huh?), etc. But the most poignant topic was that of racism and the assertion that racism is a thing of the past. Something, that if it exists at all, exists both ways.

Now it's hard for me to argue that racism isn't a two way street. I have had the unfortunate privilege of witnessing racism spew from the mouths of blacks as I have with whites. I have also witnessed physical acts of racism toward whites, unwarranted and undeserving. However, to assert that racism is a thing of the past is a bit of a farce.

But as for it not being a living evil that thrives and rears its ugly head in so many factions of our lives today; that is simply not the case.

I argue that it is very difficult to eradicate an ill that has not just been institutionalized in our society, but is written into the very binding laws that our country are/were founded on. The 3/5's compromise (Article 1, Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the United States Constitution) listed below created racism and inequality in the very document that governs our land. This adopted into law in 1787 at the U.S. Constitutional Convention.

"Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons." - 3/5 Compromise

This is quite contrary to our Declaration of Independence from British rule on July 4, 1776 which states:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Yet, it took nearly 100 years and a Civil War to include an amendment which reversed the ill will of the founding father's; the 14th Amendment:

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Connecting the dots further, the 1960's (100 years after the 14th amendment) was the heart of the Civil Rights movement. A struggle for equality for all. Throw in the fact that the last "recorded" lynching was done in 1968, a pseudo-lynching in Jasper, Texas in 1998, in addition to Jena Six in 2006 and the foiled planned murder of 88 blacks with 14 beheadings culminating in the attempt on President - Elect Obama's life in 2008 . . .it's difficult to ignore that racism in it's purest form is alive and well.

The election of a black (actually . . .half black) President doesn't erase hundreds of years of institutionalized prejudice, racism and inequality. It at best, provides a springboard for making new headway into a society that is inclusive, appreciative and tolerant of all persons despite their beliefs, background or color of skin.

We have a long way to go America! In 200+ years of Presidencies, 44 elected Presidents, only once has there even been an opportunity for a candidate other than a white male to be considered for the highest office in the land. 1 OPPORTUNITY in more than 200 years.

Should we be expecting complete parity? Absolutely not. That is impossible when racism in our country is 400 years ahead in the game. The question is what will the next 400 years be like? Will we once and for all begin to judge each other "by the content of our character"? Will we cease permitting shallow minds with ulterior motives to form our opinions of those who don't look like the reflection in the mirror? Will we embrace the diversity that GOD has created in all of us, a diversity that in it's prism of color, is more the same than it is different.

The true means to erasing racism is to stop ignoring it. Address it head on, with friends, family, co-workers. Do not permit it to infiltrate any aspect of your life. Do not settle for the uncomfortableness of prejudice, no matter which direction on the two way street racism travels. Open your MIND to the idea that the characteristics of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is much more indistinguishable and homogeneous than we often put on.

President - Elect Obama is the reflection of a World that is blended and mixed and muddled. The product of a black man and a white woman, a Kenyan and a American, raised for several years in an Indonesian land and household by a Indonesian step-father, reared by Grandparents of Irish decent. How's that for a hodgepodge?

Racism exists. We are more alike than we are different and that is the reason racism should be understood and more importantly offensive to us all.

Today I Vote For My Father . . .

A few short years ago that feel like yesterday, I lost my father to a long and valiant fight against diabetes (click here to find out how you can help fight diabetes). Today I reflect on the relationship we had that has formed a significant portion of who I am today. I often tell people that the most poignant lesson that my father ever taught me was that real men change for the better. He taught me this lesson not through lecture but through action. As he grew older, wiser and more ill, he became more appreciative of the wife he married, the children he reared and the God that, with all his ills and sickness, was proof that doctors are simply tools for doing God's work and not the determiners of how long we live and when we go home to heaven.

As I stood in line to participate in undoubtedly the most significant election of mine and his and very well my son and my son's son time, I reflected on our relationship and how the CHANGE that I and many others are calling for is reflective of the CHANGE that we all must go through individually, as a country, globally . . . for our World to be safe, prosperous and bright once more.

So today, I vote for my Father.

I remember a summer in Georgia when I was young, attending a funeral for a family member I barely knew. I remember my dad pressing me to say "thank you" to an old man who leaned against a tree at the burial site, a man I had never seen before and had no reason in my mind to say thank you to. He wasn't family, just a family friend. He didn't give me money, or candy or even time. But my father insisted that I pay my gratitude to this man. That man was Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Martin Luther King Jr's sucecessor to the SCLC. So today, I vote for my Father who instilled in me appreciation for those who gave blood, sweat and tears for my right to vote.

Today, I vote for my Father.

I remember summer nights on front porches, waiting for the non-air conditioned house to cool enough to sleep. Talking with my father till early hours of the morn when the city finally quiets and the serenity of the hum of street lights makes it seem like living in the inner-city hood ain't all that bad. I remember being allowed to share my thoughts and opinions about anything, a child speaking to a man who spoke back without hierarchy in his tone but with interest. I remembered being challenged to think about things differently than what my immediate surroundings and environment seemingly constrained my thoughts. I remember being asked and prodded to support my thoughts with background, facts and information rather than emotion. So today, I vote for my Father who taught me that a man thinks and decides not only as a result of where he is today, but where he wants to be tomorrow.

Today, I vote for my Father.

For God called him home before he could vote for himself and his father before him. For today I vote not just for a black man but for the many black men and women before him who have made it possible for a black man to be voted on. Today I vote for the change I saw in my Father. Today I vote for the change we need for tomorrow. Today I vote for the change that is required of each and every one of us to restore the brilliance of the American Dream which we wish to pass on as Father's to our sons.

Today, I vote for my Father.




In memory of the Late William W. Weaver III (9/14/1950 - 5/14/2006). I love you. I miss you.

Math for Joe The Plumber. . . .

The Republican party has done a wonderful job of scaring a good portion of uninformed America into thinking that Obama's tax plan will create an impact in their pocket book. The Dems have rebutted (not hardly to the degree that in my opinion, they should), but still there exists this "fear" amongst uninformed Americans that raising taxes will affect their coin purse. So here's a little math for uninformed America on how taxes work.

1. If you don't make more than $200K, stop reading and start writing. Write a letter to Obama saying thank you for letting me keep more of my check. All of you (95% of America in fact) will reap financial benefits from the new tax plans Obama is proposing.

2. Your stated tax rate isn't what you actually pay. Taxes are tiered. So in essence, you pay a certain rate for up to this amount of money you made, and another rate for the amount of money you made after that amount . . and so on and so forth. This is the real hang up that Repubs use to scare people. If I told you I was going to raise your taxes by 5%, and I currently take 25% and you make $70K. . .doing SIMPLE math, you would say, "not voting for you, your'e trying to take an additional $3.5K of my dough!". Problem is taxes are never done this way! Here's an example!

Let's assume I make $70K. So, if I want to figure my federal income taxes for the year, you just multiply my taxable income by .25 and there you have it! Well . . . not really!

The .25 is multiplied by the amount of taxable income that I earn ABOVE $63,700. Different rates are applied to the amount I earn BELOW $63,700.

I would pay a 10% tax on the first $15,650 of our income. ($1,565)

I would pay a 15% tax on the next $48,050 of our income. ($7207.50)

I would pay a 25$ tax on the next $6,300 of our income. ($1575)

If my taxable income was $70,000, my total federal income taxes would be $10,347.50.

Our EFFECTIVE tax rate would be 14.78%. That means, even though your stated tax rate is 25%, you're only giving up 14.78% of your hard earned cash (Ask Governor Palin about this . . . they only paid an EFFECTIVE rate of about 10% last year).

But as I stated earlier, the average uninformed American has no clue about this. Coupled with the fact that the above example assumes no deductions, write offs, etc. were included. Add those bad boys in (see Palin's husband who by the time he got done had nearly $55K in deductions on his $60K salary!).

There is nothing more deplorable than a person who takes what he/she is told as truth and bases their decisions on it without giving it a second thought or the least bit of scrutinity.

Knowledge STILL is power!

They're not racist. . . .they're just white.

This is not a "badger white people" post. If you take it as that, it's simply because you haven't read the post in it's entirety or perhaps I haven't clearly communicated my thoughts. Either way, the intent is not to badger any person because of they're color.


I tell people all the time that I am purposely naive. Being such soothes me. It permits me to allow people to make mistakes because my opinion of them isn't yet tarnished by preconceptions based on their look or what I've heard. I say this as a preface to the path of thought I'm about to embark on.

Race, in a manner which invokes emotions of troubling times of yester year, has come to head like a visible pimple on the face of America on Prom Night. It's not pretty and as much as you attempt to squeeze the puss out, the mark is still there. The election of a black President has brought joy to most of us, uncertainty to some of us and anger to a small few of us. I will not bore you with a prologue on those who are joyous in celebration and the reason why they should be. Nor will I dull you by scolding those who are of the small few which are angered that a man of color and of a unfamiliar reflection will hold the world's most coveted seat of power.

However, I will spend some time on those of us who are uncertain on how they should feel about our next President being a black man. To be uncomfortable with different isn't racist. It is rather natural. To continue being uncomfortable with different is the choice to be ignorant and in turn may be the choice to be racist.

I have no problem with those that are uncomfortable with different . I often find myself in this state. These people aren't racist . . . they're just white. For so long they have become accustomed to a certain standard of how things should go. It is a template that has held true for most of this countries existence in white America. White men and women will likely go to college, marry, have 2.3 children, earn a nice living, put those 2.3 children through college, assist rearing their grandchildren, retire with a substantial 401k and . . . . their President will be a white male. Is this assumption so ridiculous? The 43 Presidents before have been white males, some holding this office on numerous occasions. I don't feel as if persons who maintain these assumptions are racist . . . they're just white.

I once had a white person for which I spent a considerable amount of time with as a result of being teammates on my college bball team ask me why do I brush my hair. He assumed that after getting it cut, it stayed exactly how it was cut. All the time. I was younger and thought. . ."that's some racist shit". But I had to reflect and think, he's not being racist, he's just being white. All of his life, he lived in a very small and white town which had no darker pigmented people. Never saw a black guy get ready for church on Sunday, prepare for his date on Prom Night or ready himself for an interview. He wasn't being racist, he was just being white and hadn't experienced the particulars and nuances of close habitation that he was subject to as a result of playing basketball and rooming with a black guy.

There is a different to being [insert color here] and being a racist. Not all people who ask questions of, have fears about or aren't comfortable with people of another color are racist. It is those who go out of there way to justify their unfounded assumptions, maintain their level of ignorance and encourage the disdain for another simply based on the color of their skin that should be labeled as the racist; for they have truly earned that denigrating title.

Message to The Kids: Don't be Too Smart, You May Not Be President!

Our President to be (am I going out on a limb here?) is having to live down perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments ever; the attainment of higher education despite the odds. Obama is a highly educated individual. Graduate of both Harvard and Columbia Universities, a professor at one of our most prolific academic institutions, The University of Chicago.



What should be considered great accomishments to all Americans, Obama is having to explain away in a sense. Given the denomer of "elitist" and "intellectual", Barack's education and smarts are hindering him.



It makes me question: is mediocrity or being "normal" a qualification for the presidency? Is being "more like us" a must in pursuing the highest office in the land?



Consider that in just about every other field of human endeavour, we not only expect but congratulate and bolster those who have higher levels of thought process. Doctors aren't expected to be "more like us". We require that they are smarter, more intellectual, more keen and astute. Besides these are the people responsible for our lives, our childrens lives, our parents lives. Teachers aren't expected to be "more like us". We expect them to be brighter, able to influence children with their profound intellect, well versed and a example of what our children should be and more importantly what our educational system delivers. Even our professional athletes take aptitude and intellectual exams before being drafted; score poorly and your draft value and subsequent pay drop.



So why is it necessary that our President be more normal, more like us? We expect the President to make the most important decisions. Decisions that effect the not just America but the World (see economic crisis). Why do we want this person to be an average Joe? It bothers me to think that we must settle for less than the best in an effort to appease those who are uncomfortable with Barack's educational attainment.



From as far as I can remember, I've always been told that you can do anything if you acquire higher level education. Are we today telling our children that if you get good grades, go to Columbia, go to Harvard . . . you can do everything . . . except be looked at as a legitimate candidate for the Presidency.



Smart people and smart leaders are smart not because they are the smartest persons amongst their group or organization. But because they were smart enough to go out and get the smartest people (sometimes and in a lot of cases smarter than them even) to be a part of their group or organization. If education is something we as American's cherish and feel is the cornerstone of our growth as the most powerful nation on Earth, then why are we making slight of Obama's educational attainment.



So, this is a warning to the children out there pursuing good grades and hoping to become the first black, female, Hispanic-American or Asian-American president of these United States: Do well . . .but don't do too well, it may come back to haunt you on election day.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Top Ten Things The Republicans Can Do . . . . .

Top Ten Things That Republicans Can Do To Distract Attention from the Fact They Are Losing The Race!

With the second Presidential debate tomorrow. And the Republicans scramming for ways to discredit Obama. I thought I'd do my part and help them with a Top Ten list of how to distract the American public from the race. Undoubtedly everything below is made up, but who cares. . . most of the Republicans arguments and agenda is too.

10. Since they have already lied about his affiliation with "domestic terrorists", make the connection that he runs with Chicago drug dealers since Obama plays recreational basketball . They (drug dealers) play basketball in local Chicago parks . . . and birds of a feather flock together so Obama must hang out with basketball playing drug dealers because he too plays basketball. Yes it's reaching, but they think the American public is stupid any way . . . so why not try it?

9. If that doesn't work. Stress the fact that Obama stays in the same neighborhood as Minister Farrakhan and you're almost certain you saw the both of them sitting on the Minister's front porch, eating watermelon and playing the banjo. It's less than 30 days to the election, you gotta pull out all the stops no matter how racist and wrong they are. It's Smokey the Bear time: McCain/Palin . . . only you can prevent a brother from being in the white house.

8. Swap Tina Fey in for Palin. She's funnier. She says the same things (almost quoting Palin), and the fact that it's on Saturday Night Live and not an actual Presidential Debate makes you comfortable that you think her antics, winks, "golly gee's" and avoiding answering questions is laughable.

7. The next political ad should show Palin sitting at McCain's feet while he reads an 8th grade history book to her about the executive, judicial and legislative parts of the American government. Fade to black . . . screen text says "Yes she doesn't know the limits of the V.P's power . . . but she's got a damn good Maverick mentor to teach her. McCain/Palin '08."

6. From now on, "accidentally" say Barack OSAMA instead of OBAMA. The subliminal, yet accidental message will invoke fear in the America Public. This is sure to get you some points. I mean, Bush did it and we went to war. We're only talking an election here.

5. Jay Z is doing a benefit concert in Detroit this weekend for Obama. This is an excellent time to associate Obama with the likes of Jeezy and Weezy as they are obvious pot heads and even Kanyezee who pulled the infamous "Bush doesn't like Black People" stunt. Say Obama was supposed to be the other guest rapper on the "I Put On" and "Swagger" remixes, but he couldn't get out of the last debate in time.

4. John . . . fake a heartattack!

3. We haven't heard from Michelle in a while. Start a rumor that she is preparing for a Black Panther Revolution.

2. State that Obama's campaign has to be funded illegally. He didn't take the politicall match and still has collected over $450 million. That can't be possible. It has to be funded by underground "oil producing country" representatives. Throw the terrorist in anywhere you can. Trust, the American people is still afraid.

1. Actually talk about the issues. The American public will be so shocked that Obama would become so yesterday in so fast it'll be amazing.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

The Republicans Have Gone Too Far. . .

"Our opponent though, is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country." - Sarah Palin

So. Sarah Palin this past weekend, while at a rally, described Obama as a person who pals around with terrorists. This conclusion a result of his "association" with former domestic terrorist William Ayers (he's now a professsor. . . tells us how worried we are about his past bombings).



Ayers supported Obama early on his career, some many years ( 30 or more ) after being linked to bombings in D.C. These bombings took place when Barack was all of 8 years old, but, unfortunately, the association has excited the Republican party.



Do I blame the Repubs. . . well, not necessarily. This is after all politics and things do get dirty. . . mud does get slung. My discontent however is with the Republican parties absolute disregard for the ramifications of these assertions.



Being a terrorists isn't a easy life. I mean, people are always looking for you (ask Osama). Coupled with the fact that people who don't agree with you, really don't like you . . . even to the extent that they will send an entire countrys military looking for you; destroying cities in search of you (ask Bush).



These are things we may want to keep in mind when accusing/asserting/linking/ or just hinting that someone has or associates with terrorists.



The Republicans however are using it loosely as possible. Do they not understand what such assertions insenuate? Or do they just don't care?



In a country where you can get killed for your nice shoes, bumping a persons hand on the bus, or exchanging some coarse words, you would think that naming someone a terrorist would definitely be considered putting someones life in danger. And that's exactly what it is? Our country is full of zealots. Listen to any AM Radio station, read a blog or visit a website and you will find this to be true. We have people who have, in their minds, made it their responsibility to guard this country from the evils and perils of the world.

Take this perhaps extreme (not in my mind though) example. If you were to announce that a white man, in a stadium full of black rights extremists, was a member of the KKK . . . or even just "palled" around with them, what are the odds that his fate would be bleak? Switch the scenarios with a black man in his place and a white pride extremist group instead and you have the same result. To assert that any person is a terrorist is in fact attaching to them a label which threatens their existence.

And if you think this isn't a purposefully done attempt at associating Barack with terrorism, you're being naive. Check out this story where New York State’s Rensselaer County "accidentally" placed 'Osama' in place of 'Obama'. Three proof-reads couldn't catch it ? Who's name where they making sure were correct if they weren't looking at Obama's and McCain's?

I wonder how much this election means to the Republicans. Is it worth Obama's life? Is it worth their souls?

The Republicans have gone too far!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Black In America . . . Biracial and proud!

"The biracial person personifies the breaking down of racial barriers that so many fought and died for in the civil rights movement." - Grace Gibson (daughter of actress Lynn Whitfield)

Watching the CNN Special Black In America and reading the countless online comments and blogspots, I ran across this one from Grace Gibson, the biracial daughter of Emmy winning actress Lynn Whitfield.

What was interesting to me was the statement quoted above that being biracial is the "personification" of the break down of racial barriers. Hmm. that's strange? I'm pretty certain that at one time being biracial was the evidence of the degrading seperation of the black family. Massa's hands in the cookie jar so to speak. Now don't get me wrong. I have no issues with biracial people. I think it's a rather interesting life to live from two very different perspectives. . . all at the same time. However, I have not yet embraced the idea that being biracial is the "personification" of the dreams, struggles, trials and tribulations that the black race have endured to come as far as they have today. Simply put, being biracial is more significant to the person who is biracial than it is to our society.

Society has not shown the ability to decipher nor distinguish the difference between a black man and a biracial man. They are thrown into the same pot, one in the same, facing many of the same criticisms, ridicule, prejudices and barriers. Society doesn't see the blending of two races. Society's blinders do not permit them to embrace the dynamic cultural diaspora that is the union of two races. Society is far more shallow. Far more resilient to change and acceptance.

On one tangent, in some instances, whites and blacks alike shun the mixing of the races and outcast the offspring of their relationships. In other instances, fairer skinned individuals are placed on pedastals in the communities of the less powerful race of the biracial union for being blessed to look more like the majority is definitely bound to lead to greater opportunities.

Being biracial perhaps is more a reflection of inevitability. . .or at least, a personofication of the fact that we in the end are all God's creatures. To believe that it is the proof that longlasting barriers to entry and acceptance are crumbling before our eyes is farce. It is however to some the realization that despite the consistent efforts by the majority and powers that be to show we are not equal . . . the truth is, we are very much the same.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Chico "C-Diddy" Live Remote: 432's SWAG Saturday's

Chico, better know as C-Diddy on the weekends, does live remotes from 432 Entertainment events in Chicago (www.432ent.com).

C-Diddy reports from SWAG Saturday's.

Rob: Chico, it sounds pretty loud there, how's it going?

Chico: It's crunk as hell in here! SWAG Saturday's is the jump-off for real! The crowd is sexy, the deejays hype, there's fine bitches everywhere!

Rob: Chico . . . you can't say that!

Chico: I'm just talking about the female dogs in here! I ain't trying to be disrespectful or nothing! I was raised right!

Rob: Alright. So tell us the real on SWAG Saturday's.

Chico: Look. Where you gonna be able to go to a hot club in Chicago and not have to pay no cover! IT'S PEOPLE EVERYWHERE!

Rob: Oh yeah?

Chico: Yep. Hold on a sec. . . . . . yeah, um , bartender let me get a henessey . . . no ice! And two shots of that patreezy! . . . . Man, I'm telling you it's crunk! The deejay just played my favorite song!

Rob: What's that?

Chico: She got a dunk! She got a dunk! She got a dunk! THEY IN HERE BOUNCIN! BOOTY'S EVERYWHERE!

Rob: What time you leavin?

Chico: Nicca! I'm shuttin' it down! I'm in this joint poppin bottles. That bring's me to something I gotta speak on . . . .BOTTLE SERVICE ETIQUETTE!

Rob: What you mean?

Chico: It's simple. If you aint bought the bottle . . . don't be pouring drinks like you Jim Jones .. . . BALLIN'! These cats straight flossin. If you aint got no paper, it's cool. Get your pre-drink on and come tippin. Don't be free loading off me though. Bottles aint cheap!

Rob: You heated huh?

Chico: Hell yeah. My momma told me they be scheming in the club. She was right. . . Wait. . hold on . . .oh crap. . .my momma just walked in! I gotta roll. I aint sposed to be out this late.

Rob: I thought you was grown.

Chico: Man. Don't matter how old I get. . . she keep getting older too. I'm bout to round up these bit. . . I mean ladies, and head to my cage. Put on that 12 play album . . . .you know the rest!

Rob: Pimpin aint easy. . .

Chico: But it shole is fun.

Chico: Reporting from the DNC and RNC . . .

In his sparetime, Chico is a political correspondent for my blog. Here's his latest report after returning from the Democratic and Republic National Conventions.

Rob: So Chico, you've been gone for quite some time, did you enjoy yourself at the DNC and RNC.

Chico: Yeah, for the most part!

Rob: So, how are the two conventions different.

Chico: Well, I'll just say that if you had invites for both coming to your mailbox. The RNC's would come in a yellow envelope, like a disconnect notice, and the DNC's would be on a flyer with "RSVP for complimentary admission before 11pm"!

Rob: The DNC was crunk huh?

Chico: Paaaaartay! Yo boy came up for real. These fools had a buffet and everything. Them chicken flavored doggie snacks was phy!

Rob: So, what do you think about the RNC's VP candidate?

Chico: Her comparing herself to a pitbull with lipstick is really putting down the pitbull. I've know some cute pitbull's before. You know, they a little hard. . .like a project chick. But they can be a diamond in the rough if you get the right one. She aint that. . .

Rob: Project Chick! Ha, That's funny!

Chico: For real, she's not too bright either. And why are the Republicans hiding her? I mean, put her in front of the media! I tried to get a one on one interview with her, they where hiding her out like she was Bin Laden or something. I mean, I'm Chico! Ask that fool toilet paper, if I got's to get gangsta to get my interview, it's whateva.

Rob: So, from the looks of it, you're voting for Obama right?

Chico: You know. I'm pretty independent in my choices. I pick who's best for what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm on that paper chase. I don't know what your 401k looking like but I took a hit. Purina Dog Chow down like $17. I can't have that. I need change for real. Nickels, dimes, quarters. . . that paper change! These last 8 years been tough.

Rob: Chico, you're only three years old!

Chico: That's human years. I'm 21 for real fool! Why you think I be making it rain at the club. I got ID!

Rob: My bad.

Palin Sketch: Comedy imitates life . . . . for real!

If you haven't seen this sketch (click the image to check out what CNN is saying about it), it's plain out hilarious.

More hilarious however is how very, very easy it was to mock this VP candidate, even using the words that she said in her interviews with Katie Couric.

That was also the very, very sad part. To be able to quote this woman, not have to edit her lines at all, in an effort to make a joke of it really saddens me.

My question is, do the American women feel this is the person you want representing you and your role in making this country what it is today?

I mean, undoubtedly, women have been the backbone support system of all our great leaders. Not to ignore being great leaders themselves. And the first opportunity for female representation in one of the highest offices and positions not of our country but in the World, and Palin is who we are presented with?

Now let me be clear. The woman may be very smart. She is a Governor. However, you probably sit next to someone at work who is a brilliant mind yet you wouldn't trust them with the keys to your car, let alone the keys to your country.

So I ask Ladies: Are you proud of who could potentially be representing not just our country but your gender? Are her shortcomings something we should ignore?

The Man's Guide to the Handshake!

As we embark on the first black leader of the free world, the most dominant country on the planet (today at least). . . I think it is necessary that we address a very important issue. Our blended leader will undoubtedly bring many cultures, races and ethnicity's together and when he does, we need to be able to greet each other. But for you guys, it's much more imperative! We're talking about . . . .

The Handshake!

Have you ever been in a situation in which you're being introduced to someone and you go in for a certain handshake and are surprised by an absolutely different one; one for which you weren't ready for at all? Awkward right?

So this Public Services Announcement is for the world to know when to use certain handshakes.

First, let's discuss the various types of handshakes. There's the standard corporate handshake, the one you use in interviews and meeting parents and people you're trying to impress. Then there's the dap (in it's many deviations). It's a handshake that has been infused into just about every community and culture, the right hand thumb grasp, chest to chest embrace with the left arm around the back, ended with the standard corporate grasp. Then there's what I call the Fresh Prince. That's the one you and your boy from life made up when you're like 8 and have been using forever. Only you and your small crew know it and it is something which is secret and special.

So here are the rules:

1. If meeting someone for the first time: You almost always use the corporate handshake (there are some instances where this may not be the case). First impressions are important and the last thing you want to make someone think is that you're trying to be the coolest kid on the block.

2. When reuniting with a good friend or associate: It's customary that you utilize the "dap". It permits you to show your affinity for this person while maintaining enough distance to ensure no sexual misunderstandings are had (this is accomplished by the arm bar that is created by the hand grasp). It shows how happy you are to see that person but, are calling out "No Homo" without actually saying "No homo".

3. When in a racially or ethnically imbalanced environment: It is almost always best to use an abbreviated version of the dominant race or ethnicity's handshake. This will require some honesty yall, so follow with me. If for instance you are a white male going to the gym to play ball (where you're likely to be outnumbered by the brothers 3 to 1 . . . unless you're at the JCCA), an abbreviated "dap" is used. This dap consists of the thumb grasp followed by the ending corporate shake. No chest bump or arm wrap around is necessary. It says that I'm cool enough to be here, but I'm not trying to be Markie Mark. However, if you're a black male going to a co-workers backyard barbeque, it's not a good idea to bring out the full blown dap as it may make others uncomfortable and create an awkward moment as described above. A mild corporate handshake will do. Not the supergrip you give when applying for a job or meeting your girls dad for the first time, but one that is appropriate for the setting at hand.

Please take heed to these rules as it is imperative to keeping social harmony and balance!

Comments requested!

Learning delayed gratification . . . . . still!

A mentor of mine for which I greatly admire (Greetings Big Brother E. Andre Thorn) once talked to be about one of the greatest deficits in the black community. He may not even remember this conversation as it was a tangent of another topic, but nevertheless it has stuck with me for many years after leaving the hallways of academia. That deficit is the lesson of delayed gratification.

Far too often, he asserted, we are so feverish about getting the things we've always coveted right now, that we don't delay our gratification for the things we really want tomorrow.

I must admit, this is something which plagues me daily. Coming from humble beginnings, I have most of my life been in a state of desire for nice things and for only a very short time been in a state where I can actually afford to purchase those things for which I have so long desired. I'm not boasting or bragging, for I am by no means asserting that I am "doing it big" to the point which I can have anything I desire, but God has been good to me in many ways . . . and often.

But this lesson of delayed gratification is one which is a tumultuous task, despite being one which provides bountiful blessings in the future. Wan't a new car today? Make insurance and car payments to a savings account for a year, get acclamated with the financial responsibility it will require each month and have a significant down payment to put down when you're ready to buy. You'll likely get a lower interest rate and have a lower payment. Sounds real easy, but have you ever had thousands of dollars in your account and nickled and dimed it on shoes and dinner and movies and drinks, etc?

It is my opinion that this problem resonates in our community so significantly because we for so long have been unable to share in the spoils of the American Dream. We for so long have not been able to own, to build, to better ourselves that when the opportunity presents itself, we go all out. Buying a house? Yes you should spend only about 5x's your annual income but you spend 8x's and scramble each month for the mortgage (. . . some of that example's blame should be blamed however on greedy lenders who prey on homeowners . . . refer t0 America's current economic crisis)!

As I begin to build my new life with my new wife, I implore that all those around me take head to this seldom learned lesson of delayed gratification (it's easier to do when everyone in your circle/environment is doing it too) and prioritize lifes want's against lifes needs (want = new television . . . need = financial security).

I promise to start too. . . .right after I get my new TV! Come on now, it's football season! LOL

The Truth Be Told . . .

Palin has really been hinging her argument on this "my state is an energy state and that's why I've got the experience to be v.p." stance. CNN's Peter Hambly gave a bit more perspective on her claims stating:

"In making her case, Palin did not note, as she had previously, that Alaska produces 20 percent of the country’s energy supply. Fact-checks in recent days have shown that Alaska provides about 14 percent of oil from American wells, and government statistics show that Alaska’s total energy production is 3.5 percent of the country’s total output."

So Pitbull Palin, despite what you're claiming, you're fudging the numbers a bit. I mean there's a bit of a difference between 20% and 3.5 percent . . . let's just look at some numbers.

If you . . . .

make $50,000 a year, a 20% raise would be another $10,000 a year . . . . 3.5% would be $1500. Difference?

have a $250,000 30 year mortage at 3.5% your payment would be about $1225 a month . . . 20% mortgage . . . $4177 a month. Difference?

Palin, do us a favor and give us the truth about your resume.

Are the American People Really This Simple?

The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull . . . .


The pit bull can't talk or write.

In one of the latest "Keeping them Honest" exposes, Palin is shown to be very ecstatic about getting over on the Federal government. Oops (click the image to the right).

There's a couple things that makes the Palin choice somewhat ridiculous to me (but more egregious is the fact that the American people are actually falling for it).

The GOP is asking that we ignore the fact that she is governor of the state with the 47th largest population (Alaska only beats out Vermont, Wyoming and North Dakota). I mean, it isn't her fault that people don't want to live on ice in frigid weather, right?

They ask us to ignore her exclaimed side swapping on issues, want us to have faith in a person that they don't even have faith putting in front of interviewers, and expect us to ignore the GOP's obvious indecisiveness with respect to what makes you "experience eligible" to be in the white house.

But all these things I expect. . . we are in a Political race and the mud will be slung.

However, my true dissapointment comes in how the American people are reacting to this play on their emotions and in my opinion, prejudices. I mean, the polls actually got closer after this announcement was made (or so they - - the pollsters - - say).

For example, any questioning of Palin's family or religious views and it's a vicious attack on a female for being female. What? We damn near tarred and feathered Obama for Rev. Wright(Wrong) and noone came to his offense. Put Michelle on the cover of The New Yorker as a sister soldier figure right out a blackxpolation film and not a word. Satirical humor it was. Asking questions, picking apart their lives and digging deep SHOULD BE WHAT IS EXPECTED of a candidate for the highest office in the world.

From the beginning, I have stated that my biggest fear is not something under the rug that would be found out about Obama. My fear is that what many of us have known for the majority of our lives will become more prevalent than in the 60's. PREJUDICE exists!

When you scrutinize Obama, you have to deal with the fact that most of your concerns about this man are superficial. Even I looked at him with an awkward eye at first. Is this dude real? Can he care about everyone like he does? But after months and months of prodding, he still stands tall, valiant and humble in every instance. Yes, it is amazing.

So people start searching for reasons to not believe. And what better reason not to vote for Obama than to throw a good ol, small town, Ms. Alaska or whatever in the mix to play on the prejudices that have been driven into the minds of Obama's naysayers since birth. 8 years of government down-turn? Ignore it . . we've got a white female in the show now? Economy on the brink of failure and Soldiers in war for nothing? Ingore it .. . we've got a pit bull in lipstick . . she can woo our stock prices up and Bin Laden out his cave with a smile! I only hope (and pray) that the American people aren't as simple as they seem to be in the first few weeks of the Palin announcment. We're smarter than this. I have faith in that. . . .

And if not, I'm moving to France!

Am I my brother's keeper?

So, the Chicago Sun-Times's FRONT PAGE ARTICLE is an introduction to Obama's half brother who lives in Nairobi and is very poor. The half brother that he has met twice in his life. It is without a doubt that the story implies that Obama should have a sense of responsibility to assist his brother. And so do many of the commenters on suntimes.com. They too feel his brother should reap the benefits of Obama's success.

So I decided to start a list of thoughts regarding this waste of front page space (. . . I mean, 153 people died in a plane crash, Bolt broke the 200 meter record . . . and we still got Micheal Phelps . . . you think they'd have something better to put on the front page).

Here we go:

1. If we're responsible for the indiscretions and mistakes of our fathers, are there any descendents of slave owners who would like to pass me a buck or too. I mean, your daddy's did it . . .you should help us out from the years of oppression and discrimination that was the result of their actions and decisions . . . but maybe you think that's going to far.

2. When referring to Obama's use of scripture, please be sure to interpret it correctly.

3. Dear Chicago Sun-Times, please stop showing your prejudices, racism and ineffective reporting on the front page. Hide it next to the comics. . . where the jokes belong.

4. Dear Chicago Sun-Times, please make tomorrow's article about McCain's first marriage and his breaking the whole "till death do us part" thing.

5. Dear Chicago Sun-Times, nevermind the above two requests . . . just shut down the presses alltogether. Do us all a huge favor.

If most people don't know who they are until they're in their 20's, why do we choose our careers at 18 when we go to college?

I remember the eager, aspiring, hopeful fool I used to be when I was 18 (not to say I'm much different than that fool today). I had many career aspirations. I wanted to be a doctor, saving lives and making much money . . . I wanted to be a teacher, saving lives and making little money . . . pro-basketball player, affecting lives with little recognition for my impact, and making gobs of money. All these were options. . . at that time.

The doctor thing went out the window. I'm a smart dude (or so I'm told, when I'm talking to my Mom). But despite how much I enjoyed school and recognize it's value, I really couldn't see doing it for longer than the 7 years it took me to get my Masters.

And so did the teacher thing. One semester of student teaching, two days a week, proved to me that was not my arena. Teachers are abused, taken advantage of, underpaid and unappreciated and expected to do very much with very little.

Pro-basketball . . .well, that dream actually passed away in about 10th grade, but I was holding on to it a bit longer than I should have.

But when I look back on it, I realize that I knew very little about myself to know actually what I was good at or wanted to do. I mean, very little. The person that I was at 18 was far different than the person that I was at 21, which was different from the person that I was at 23, which was different than the person I was when I was 25. . .which was. . .well, y0u get the point.

So why do we choose what we're going to do for the rest of our lives, so early in our lives? It's always said, do what you love cause you're going to do it for the rest of your life. But do you know what you love to do when you're 18? And if you feel like you do, is that truly what you love to do or just a reflection of what you've been exposed to. . . and who's been exposed to enough at 18?

I'm sure that, just as who you are changes all the time, what you may love to do may follow the same path. But is making that decision at 18 the best course of action to ensure that you're going to be doing what you love to do forever.

????

I told you Chico was gangsta. . .

An excerpt from a conversation between me and my dog Chico. Chico has constant run-in's between two characters : this cat named Sock and this dude named Toilet paper.

Rob: Man Chico, what happened!

Chico: It went down! Punk ass toilet paper tried to run up on me so I
had to show him what's up!

Rob: Damn! You good?

Chico: What you mean am I okay? You see what's left. Gave that fool the business!

Rob: Damn Chico . . . You gangster! Wait till Sock see that.

Chico: I am what I am. I'm looking for that fool too.