Beware of Crazy Thoughts . . . .

News Break : Common is the new Chuck D!

2011-05-17T11:49:00.018-05:00

At the end of every Daily Show (kudos to Jon Stewart for an excellent showing on Bill O'Reilly's show here), Stewart offers a daily dose of zen. It's often an opportunity for the good folks at Fox News to show how ridiculous they are (click the image below to see the full episode - - - but this post only talks to the last 10 seconds or so starting around 20 mins 50 secs in).

Now, it may have slid by you on the first time, but watch it again and you'll notice that host Gretchen Carlson says this,

"Well, I don't know how you could have any rap star come to the White House with any of their lyrics. But anyway, don't want to open up. . ."

And that pretty much sums up the substance of the opposition to Common's appearance at the White House. It isn't about the content of Common's library of work. It couldn't be, the guy is perhaps most known as a sex symbol, socially conscious rapper and

actor. Comparing Common's efforts to gangster music is frankly disrespectful to the likes of N.W.A and Ice T - - - and everyone should know by now that Eazy E of NWA fame has had a visit to the White House at the invite of Bush I. It'd be like comparing Kim Kardashian to Jenna Jameson. Sure Kim's got a sex tape, but Jenna's got a sex tape ARCHIVE. It isn't even that there is and always has been some defined criteria as to how brilliant your resume and past history must be in order to receive the invite to the people's house (if that was the case, some of our President's would have had their house keys revoked).

What is it? Well, we could state the obvious but we'll hold off and play nice. Let's say . . . people who express their dissent for the Common invite are simply afraid with that which they are not comfortable with. Gretchen expresses this plainly and clearly in her final words as the show ends. The entire genre of hip-hop/rap should be excluded from the White House invite list (actually, we should take advantage of this and make it known to the youth today that being a rapper may exclude you from ever entering the White House doors . .. shoot for a Nobel in Math or Science instead). There isn't a need to decipher or even just listen to the lyrics of a hip-hop/rap song, it's not necessary to know that they are rooted in evil and anti-christian teachings and you can probably bet they're drowning kittens somewhere in the chorus. And they're all the same no matter if it's Soulja Boy or the Geto Boys, Will Smith or Public Enemy. No matter if your lyrics are promoting pistol whipping or encouraging you to whip your hair back and forth like Willow.

It has nothing to do with content. It has everything to do with the fact that some people will not like you because of what you are versus who you are.

Poor Kittens!

Dear Lord . . . I'm Tired of Being Black.

2011-04-28T13:36:00.004-05:00

Dear Lord,

I'm not sure if I believe in past lives. But if they exist, exactly what did I do in order to deserve this fate that you have placed upon me for which I can never, ever escape? Many have tried but there is no bleach, no cream no mask that can cover me from the hate, the disdain, the outright fury that many have toward this darkened pigmentation.

I ask, what have I done? What act did I execute that would anger you so that it would cause you to lay upon me this burden. Why must I carry this load which weighs more than any scale could ever balance? What have I stolen from you that has brought upon me this rage, this intense exasperation for which you have elected to place upon me, over me and around me this tawny skin that infuriates so many when they simply gaze upon it. I would return whatever I have pinched faster than the thought of doing so itself.

Lord, although I know that I don't have the vision or the capability of understanding your intricate plans, I ask that you try. I beg and plea that you make it plain to me why I have been asked to wear this albatross even when I stand naked, my garments strewn across the floor.

Yesterday our President was compelled to prove his right to the highest office in the land, despite having done so time and time before. He was asked to account for the gifts of intelligence, wisdom, compassion and sensibility that you have provided within him; for these characteristics must have been stolen from your hand itself with a plan of malice and ill intent in mind. Yesterday our President was asked of by his Nation, a Nation of which "In God We Trust", to humble himself to that of status below a peasant despite having achieved a feat only 43 others before him have attained.

My God I ask why, in the days for which you have given us the ability to accomplish so much, we have not been given the faculty to know and love with our hearts despite the reflection that passes through our eyes.

I ask this of you for I have grown tired of defending who you have made me to be.

Ever Met This Guy/Gal? : "Oh, you're Married? . . .I'm sorry."

2010-04-06T08:16:00.008-05:00

While out watching the NCAA Championship last night, some friends of a Cousin joined us. Older gentlemen, early forties, one of which who had been married twice, the other who'd been married . . . never . . . and probably never will (but we'll get into that later). After a few drinks and hearing about his single triumphs, he came to the stunning awareness that the very pretty lady sitting next to me was married . . . to me. The conversation continued as he spoke about his friends who'd been married . . . some more than once (the guy who was with him . . . waiting on his new lady friend to arrive . . . he'd been the best man in his wedding . . . twice). His friend asked me to give them advice on marriage, despite being 10 years their junior. I'm a smart ass so I obliged by asking the never, ~~eva, eva, eva~~ married guy, "how often do you hang out with your married friends?" He told me that he and the guy who'd accompanied him for the night were the best of friends and always hung out. His other married friends, he saw them "once every blue moon". I subsequently told him that my first piece of advise would be to only hang out with guys like him on the golf course (I don't know if he necessarily got it or took well to my sarcastic advice . . . his friend did and added that that may not even be a safe place to be with him if you're married). This probably isn't the best way to make new friends in a new city . . .but some friends you don't need.

I failed to mention that when acquiring the knowledge of my and my wife's marriage, his face turned up as if he'd just bit into a sour pickle.

These type of people really turn my gears. You know the type that uses their failed experiences to discourage your endeavor while at the same time refusing to acknowledge how much they contributed to the failure of that experience in the first place. Dude, you're not married because of you. Your friend probably isn't married because of you too. It has nothing to do with the institution of marriage, the many "good" women you have damaged over your 40+ years or any other reason other than the fact that marriage isn't something that you're willing to commit to because it may require that you put someone else's priorities and needs in front of yours . . . if even temporarily (this is evident in the fact that you're a part time dad that sees your children sparingly despite them being only a few hours drive away from you . . . but we'll leave that alone). But I'm okay with that. Commitment and marriage isn't for everyone. Shoot, most people don't know it's not for them until they've actually tried it (ie. the 50% divorce rate). My issue is that you don't have to be part of the Disgruntled Single Person's Crusade who's mission statement is to "Discourage Unified Partnership . . . One Marriage at a Time!".

Don't think marriage is cool, you look athletic, let's talk sports. Can't commit to anything that requires focus for more than 12 minutes, cool , let's get on YouTube and watch some movie shorts. But please, no matter how afraid you are of marriage and unable to deal with the fact that your father wasn't present and you were raised by women yet didn't transfer that respect that you have for that subset of women to all women you encountered and will continue to have this plague you until you realize that your Father was who he was and you can be someone totally different than he . . . [end rant], don't attempt to discourage the rest of the world from embarking among the wondrous journey we call marriage.

On another note, good luck with explaining to your live in girlfriend why you smell like woman's perfume later. I hope that works out for you . . . Tiger!

We already got the Washington Generals!

2010-01-22T06:54:00.004-06:00

The day after (thanks for waiting) MLK day, Don "Moose" Lewis announced his desire to create an all white professional basketball league which permitted only all white (have to prove your parents paternity), all American players.

The news of an all white basketball league wasn't the most astonishing news associated with the Moose's hair brained idea (though I must give it to him, if he has any other businesses, he's definitely created a marketing buzz that will undoubtedly result in increased attention and likely higher profits). Most appalling to me was the results of the poll that was being taken on WJBF-TV's website. Of 703 respondents to the yes/no question of "Do You Think An All-White Professional Basketball Team Is A Good Idea For Augusta?". . . 47% chose yes. 47 PERCENT!

Perhaps the Moose's idea isn't so far fetched. Of course statistics can be skewed and it's highly likely that those people who voted sought out the article with their minds made up regarding race already . . . but the numbers are the numbers. . . 47% thought that this asinine idea was perfectly okay.

Which returns me back to a reoccurring theme in many of my blog posts that the American people are some of the most clueless, idiotic . . . frankly, stupid people that ever existed. You see, some ideas don't make it away from the kitchen table from which they are spawned because someone early enough in the process made time to tell the originator of that idea that they are a complete fool for thinking that. But the reality is that 47% of us (yes, close to half) actually have the notion that forming an all white basketball league is a good idea.

Now I could spend time sharing my thoughts on why this predicament (or plague, depending on your perspective) has hit the NBA. I could go into how basketball in itself is a sport that is economically tailored to races with historically lower income levels (in it's professional form, basketball only requires one ball and two baskets covering 4700 sq feet for it's play . . . . and if you grew up in any community like mine, these can be substituted as in with a milk crate) versus other sports for which player composition is predominately white such as hockey or baseball (the average baseball field is 90,000 sq feet and requires lots of equipment) - - - at least for now, before the Latinos get rolling. We could discuss how natural selection and environment over thousands of years has perhaps slanted the probability of higher performance (albeit being relative to the sport which you are playing). But I'd rather not (despite the fact that I just did).

I'd prefer to focus on the fact that 47% of you idiots actually think this is a-ok! First, I don't care what top ten list that you look at, it is very likely that 80% of the players on that list will be black. Larry Bird, Pistol Pete Maravich and Jerry West are usually the only non-black persons that make that conversation. That being the case, wouldn't you just be better suited at watching the local high school's Varsity team or the JUCO that's in your city ~~right after you get out of cosmetology class and before working the late shift at Bubba's Girl Palace~~? Why pay for mediocrity? Coupled with the false notion that in all the years for which these "overlooked white players" have been playing the sport, their "fundamentally superior" talent has yet to push them into the upper echelons of the sport. I'm sorry. But when I play pick up ball at my local rec center and I see a white guy that always plays fundamentally solid defense and offense while hitting 50% from the three point line, he's one of my first two pick ups no matter what. Despite the fact there are other fast running, high jumping, ox strong ~~Negroes, as the US Census calls them~~ black men in the gym. Face the fact that every coach outside of your little town of 1200 doesn't think you are NBA material.

The reality is this. Despite all the evidence that shows us different, in your feeble minds, blacks are still inferior. You may not be willing to admit it, but it is the truth. And for those of you who aren't astonished by the fact that 47% of respondents are okay with such a league forming. . . please become private donors to my soon to start all black professional water polo league that is guaranteed to give you just as much pleasure as the Jasper dragging death did. . . cause you know black people can't swim.

The Only People More Ignorant Than Sarah Palin . . . .Are the American People!

2010-01-06T07:55:00.004-06:00

I've been in a blog lull lately. Got too much going on in my life. Obviously Sarah Palin doesn't. She's back in the news, clammoring for attention like an outcast she is. Its' appalling. But what's more appalling is the fact that this woman has lost less fans and endorsement than Tiger Wood's did after his scandal broke.

If you're a Palin fan. Watch this video.

Now ask yourself, is this who you want to be part of the leadership of Ameriac? Perhaps her lip gloss and tailored ladies suits have put you in a state of shock and awe greater than that of the Desert Storm campaign. . . but seriously . . . seriously! How has she earned your respect? Perhaps the question is of too large a scope. How about this. Would you trust this woman to be the financial facilitator of your pension plan? You see. It's much more personal now. The United States will be okay. The POTUS' power is rooted in the people and the senators and congressmen that fall under him. He can't get too radical lest he be tarred and feathered. But what if she was solely responsible for ensuring that you had a check coming each month after retirement? Would you trust the lady in the video above?

The Woman Said She's Read "All of " the Magazines!

Who reads every magazine? What do you do for work? Read magazines? No . . . you're the Governor of Alaska. Governor's have things read to them. And I guarantee your staff isn't reading each and every magazine to you.

You don't believe me? You think I'm making this up? Here's a little more.

American People. I implore you reconsider. Everything that glitters isn't gold. It could be the shine of a piece of jagged shrapnel you're about to put your hands on. Be careful.

Question to the Ladies that Tell: WTF?

2009-12-02T08:07:00.005-06:00

We all know Tiger was wrong. Infidelity shouldn't be explained away, applauded, looked past or disregarded simply because you are the best at anything you do (Micheal Jordan being the exception . . . come on Juanita . . .come on Son . . . it's MJ.). It's wrong and those who participate in such activity should be shunned (and taken to the bank in divorce court . . . remember it's cheaper to keep her! Blues Version here - Country Version here).

And his wife should perhaps be applauded for taking matters into her own hands (if the story is true). There's no better way for a woman to let a man know she's hurt than to beat down on his vehicle. And beat down she did.

But my question to the ladies who enter these affairs . . . knowingly . . . is, What the Fizzuck are you doing putting your exploits on blast like that?

Now I pardon those women who are lied to from the beginning, not told about the wife, start banging dude and fall in love while ignoring the fact that you see him only once a week, for the same amount of time and only at your crib and notice that he has two cell phones for only one of which you have the number to. . . dumbass!, only to find out that he's got a family on the other side of town. You didn't know (yea right!). Revenge may be due. But I'm not talking about you.

I'm talking about you low down, I've always wanted to do the horizontal limbo with a star, yes I know he's married with kids, but I think i've got the magic vajayjay type of bust down (bust down defined here for you non Chi-Towners)! You're despicable. You give cheaters a bad name. 31 months you've been bumping uglies in discrete hotels around the nation and now you want to come clean? That's not your role! You knew your role . . . from the beginning. You signed up for it! Matter of fact . . . you should be taken to court for a breach of verbal contract.

You can clammor all you want about Tiger's responsibility in the matter ~~and you are 100% correct~~, but dude wasn't lying . . . to you at least. He can't. HE'S F'IN TIGER WOODS! If you've ever used Gillete, Nike, Buick, Wheaties, Played PS3, wear a TAG watch, had a damn Gatorade . . . you know dude was locked up, married, with a hot wife! KNOW YOUR ROLE!

So to all you attention seeking, money grabbing, scum of the earth cheating ass heffa's. Understand you're Sam Bowie to MJ. You may have been the number one pick (for the night) . . . but you'll never be his MJ!

Tramp.

Why God is Necessary?

2009-11-11T12:43:00.002-06:00

I believe there is a God. I believe he worries about each and everyone of us. I believe that he sets each and everyone of us on a path toward greatness from the moment we take our first breath. I believe he has high expectations of us and are disappointed when we do not meet those expectations, as any good parent would be. But what if there wasn't a God? What if our being here was the result of chance and time passed. What if all that we have accomplished as the human race was not a plan of the Almighty, but succession alone?

Perhaps this explains some of the tragedy and turmoil that we are facing today. Because without a God, without a Supreme being for which you would expect to have to answer to, the choices that we make would culminate without repercussion. This is why God is necessary.

I have lost a portion of my faith in the last several years. Not faith in God almighty. My faith in him as the guiding light has become more strong in these recent times. I have lost some of my faith in the goodness of people. I have lost some of my faith that by treating people right and making decisions and choices which are absorbed in self, you are guaranteed reciprocation. More than ever before do I feel that the goodness and sensibility that we are provided with isn't enough for man to behave in a fashion respectful of other men. This is why God is necessary.

I am an opinionated person (hence the blog). However, I have never felt so strongly of any opinion that I felt it necessary to make my opinion, feelings, state of mind and perspective heard by taking the life of another. We read, watch and listen to news stories daily about the War of Religion being waged in the Middle East. Persons who, because of their passion for their beliefs, feel it necessary to take the lives of others. This is why God is necessary.

President Obama stated at the Fort Hood Memorial yesterday that, "No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor, And for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice -- in this world and the next."

No matter where you stand on religion. No matter what belief you maintain or deity you kneel before, God is necessary so that we in the least have a feeling that someone is watching us and will take note of how we have lived. Day in and day out, we prove that we don't have the ability to govern ourselves. From the beginning of time, we have shown that free will is a gift that, for some, is too much to handle.

And on this Veteran's day, after reliving the most recent tragedy which has occured at Fort Hood, we are constantly reminded that God is necessary. If not for the sole reason that because of their belief in God's grace, we will continue to have brave men and women who enlist to protect us.

Thank God for making these golden men and women feel it necessary to put their lives on the line for our country in his name.

Things I Keep Forgetting to Remember: What you're saying is a fraction of what you're communicating.

2009-11-07T07:12:00.004-06:00

Communication. This poorly used tool can perhaps be the most significant contributor to much of the issues we encounter on almost every level of our society. Our inability to execute effectively with respect to communication is a hidden hindrance regarding the progression of our individual, relationship and career development. Being inept at this so very important skill results in unnecessary stress and conflict and is essentially inefficient.

I've ran into very few people, unless of course they have been well educated and trained on the value of communicating effectively, who do it well. Myself included. Yet it is something that we are required to do almost every waking minute of our life. Practice makes perfect, right? So why is it that, despite all our practice, we seldom get it even close to perfect?

It's my opinion that there are a few practices which we have engaged in so long not knowing that we were in essence practicing in err.

1. Communication is less about what you are trying to transmit, and much more about how it will be received: Have you ever been told something by someone that was absolutely correct however, based on the delivery of the message alone, you couldn't accept it? I'm sure you have. We all have. We focus so much on what we are trying to transmit that we give little credence to the way that it is being received. No message is so correct that it can't be muddled by it's delivery. The content of our message becomes so prominent (to us) that we seldom take the time to make certain that what's in the package is not overshadowed by it's poor presentation. The disregard for delivery is in a sense selfish. Focus on the content is a "all about me approach". It puts heavy importance on what you have to say versus ensuring what you have to say will be heard. It's the "I/Me" approach to communication despite the fact that it takes "we" to have communication at all. Delivery sometimes is more poignant than what actually is being said.

2. Everything you think or feel or want to say doesn't have to be said (especially if you aren't able to communicate it effectively): Lately I've been trying to ask myself (before I speak) whether or not what I'm about to say is going to contribute in some sort of way. This is very, very hard to do. But it means so much when communicating. I'm full of answers. I feel like I have experienced a lot of life and as a result could provide a certain insight into most topics. However, as stated above, this is a very "I/Me" approach to communication. I've learned (recently . . . .very recently), that my input isn't always desired. What I may think, feel or want to say may not be necessarily warranted in every situation. I'm a self proclaimed poor listener. I think it's the man in me. I listen with the intent to solve. I'm about as close to being a better listener as we are to having flying cars like on the Jetson's. But I'm aware and more importantly, trying to be better. Not providing your input could be an effective and necessarily valuable form of communication.

3. Practicing good communication skills on the little things will better prepare you for when you have to communicate on the BIG things: The reality is . . . proper practice does make perfect. So if you're practicing how to do something/anything the right way, chances are you'll become better at it. Take shooting Free throws in basketball for example. Usually we practice shooting free throws while well rested with fresh legs and ample stamina. It permits us to perfect our form and reinforce good habits such as bending your knees and following through. However, good coaches not only instruct their players to practice while rested, but they require that you practice free throws after running really hard and tiring your self out. Why? Because that is more than likely going to be the "game time" situation. If we practice good communication skills on the little things in our relationships (taking the trash out, leaving the seat up, picking up your socks, helping with the dishes) we will be better prepared for "game time" (conversations about finances, hot-buttons, our futures, going out with the fellas, constructive criticisms, feelings, in-laws, sex, quality time, physical/emotional/spiritual needs, etc.)

4. There's so much you're saying without opening your mouth: Non-verbal communication screams. It yells. It shrieks. All without making a sound at all. That's about all that needs to be said.

I'm A Chauvinist . . . And I didn't even know it!

2009-10-26T13:28:00.007-05:00

If you know me, I love basketball. I think I'm pretty good at it too (not like NBA/D-League good . . . but one of the first four to get picked from the side good . . . plug!). I'm no longer in the shape I used to be and I probably have lost about 6 inches off my previous 8 inch vertical, but I'm still decent. More importantly, I'm horribly competitive. So despite my noticeable decline in skill, I think I can still hang with the youngins and I thirst for opportunity to play against the best male rec ball players I can.

And thus the reason I am a Chauvinist.

You see, Obama recently received some attention for hosting a basketball game at the White House that was attended by all males. Asked if he was sending the wrong message, Obama stated that the retort was simply "bunk" (what's bunk?).

So in addition to being a socialist muslim with intentions to ruin our nation . . . Obama (and me for that matter) are chauvinists.

I play in three basketball leagues, none of which are co-ed. The only women around are the signficant other's in the stands (my wife is usually there to provide me in-game ~~criticism~~ support) and the lady running the clock (who really doesn't help the female argument as she often starts/stops the clock late because she's texting ~~about nail polish and poodles~~). I prefer it this way. I think that there are some physical differences in men and women (go figure) that provides a more challenging game with 10 guys on the court. I respect the women's game (my wife has a mean jumper and when we play ball at our gym, I prefer to pick her up because she's usually a much better/smarter player than the other guys . . . despite the size she gives up. And my sister was like All-State and used to be a killer), but I prefer to play with the boys. It's not as if I expect some scantilly clad, top heavy women on the sideline cheering me along (. . .wait . . . nevermind).

So what's the beef? Why is it that Obama has to invite a ~~chick~~, ~~braud~~, woman to play with the fellas? Has our Nation become that sensitive to everything? And because he's the POTUS, does that mean that he can't have "guy time"? Will they ever give this guy a break?

The Problem with America: It's People . . .

2009-10-23T07:37:00.004-05:00

The people of America have no clue what they want. You can easily decipher this from the headlines and news stories that show the teeter totter of American opinion of our President, his administration's policy and efforts and our stance on societal issues. Perhaps all that can be concluded is that we are a nation of uncertainty. Our passion for individualism sometimes falls victim to our collective aspirations, and vice versa.

For example, not more than a year ago, we sat appalled at the actions and decision making taken by high level executives who, while begging the American public for taxpayer funded bailout assistance, flew costly corporate jets to hearings with Congress, held lavish retreats at plush resorts and paid themselves millions of dollars in bonuses for a job not-so-well done. We wanted them ran up the pole and shunned for their inconsiderate and greedy behavior. Turn the clock forward and the POTUS' Pay Czar begins to take proactive action to limit the executive compensation packages that are based on presence and not performance and the American People call for revolution as the Government is overstepping their boundaries, meddling in private capital markets. We don't know where we stand and thus we don't stand for much at all.

Consider the recently discovered fraud in the tax credit for housing purchases (which found that several four year old's took out home loans last year according to their taxes . . . . right, go back and read that again). The American people, many of which who bit off more than they could chew regarding their home loans, called for the Government to step in to assist the victims of the mortgage debacle. The Government offered assistance by laying out tax credits to encourage continued lending and purchasing. What occurred? Lenders slowed the distribution of credit to the point that the process moved like molasses. And the American people. The people who were afraid that rampant foreclosure would drive their home prices down. Those people who begged the Government to step in and protect their investments. Those are the same people who took advantage of Government implemented assistance by having Fluffy the family cat claim an $8,000 tax credit and receive a $10,000 check in the mail (I wonder how Fluffy signed for that?). And after doing so, those same people gathered at town hall meetings clamoring that the Government through health care reform would be able to check their account balances in their private checking account. Are we this scared or just plain stupid?

Socially, We The People exclaim inclusiveness. Yet we define inclusiveness based on those who think like us, talk like us, walk like us, act like us, eat like us, live like us and make love like us. A measure sits on Obama's desk asking that a hate-crimes law with regards to crimes against persons based on their sexual orientation be ratified. The American people who's Constitution asserts that "all men are created equal " have balked at the notion that "all men" may include gay men or gay women. Their claims: that conservative speech against abortion and homosexuality will be stifled. CNN reports that 77,000 hate crimes were reported last year. 77,000. And the American People's concern is the ability for conservatives and religious groups to run anti-abortion ads? How minuscule does that measure up to the 77,000 who were victims of said crime? Is their rebuttal exemplary of the inclusiveness that they say exists in the fabric of our nation? Or is that garment something that is torn and tattered by the truth and reality that our nation is much more divided than we ever could imagine?

The problem with America. It's people. A people born of a desire to be free of tyranny yet willing to ostracize at will. A people committed to lending a helping hand but only to those who's ideology, values and party affiliation match the hand that is being lent. The problem with America. It's people. A people who have yet to commit to their nation's founding documents which have become more mission statement than binding vision and commitment to the people which it governs.

That's like the POTUS calling the kettle . . . . white!

2009-10-16T13:49:00.006-05:00

So, Senator McCain is a bit perplexed that President Obama hasn't replied to his, not one, but two requests for a post-humous pardon for Jack Johnson. If you don't know who Jack Johnson is, click here ~~then smack yourself for not being up on your black history~~. Jack Johnson was the Tyson . . . no Holyfield . . . . no Lewis . . . nope, I got it. . . . Ali of his time. Born of slaves, Johnson was a beast in the ring. No question are today's athletes bigger, faster and perhaps stronger. But none of them go 20 rounds, yes, 20 rounds in a fight! Jack Johnson was the reason a "Great White Hope" was coveted. Cause he was knocking the holy hope out of white boxers for years. The man caused race riots by beating the crap out of people. Made Congress pass legislation that outlawed filming of fights because of the many white men he was knocking out. And the kicker. He was smart. Considerably smart (this may have been more scary than his ability to punch you out back in those days).

But he had a flaw. The Kobe flaw. He loved him some white women. He eventually fled the states after being charged (twice) for taking women across state lines for "immoral purposes" (good thing they still don't chase people down for this. so many rap stars would be in jail that they could host prison yard concerts to cover the expenses of the entire Federal Penitentary System). But not only did he court women. He courted women of the most taboo persuasion. WHITE WOMEN! And he married them too! THREE TIMES! And he wasn't ashamed to let the world know that "once you go black, you never go back" as he touted his muscle in the bedroom.

Anyhow, Back to Senator McCain.

First and foremost, I must say I respect McCain. I think he's a stand up and noble guy, a war veteran and a all-around good dude (despite his "that one" f'up in the debates). I even support his efforts at the posthumous pardon. But I can't help but think, why is he giving Obama so much stress about this?

First is the fact that this isn't the first request for the Jack Johnson pardon. They asked G'Dubbya to do so, didn't happen. Not only did it not happen . . . but I bet you didn't even here about it (I know I didn't). Wouldn't it have been a more poignant statement for a white Senator and President to have got this done? Second is the inevitable retort that will come as a result of Obama answering his request. If Obama doesn't do it, he'd be sacrificed by the media as not having a respect for his black past. If he does do it, Obama is attempting to create reparations for all the prejudice and racism that has befallen black people. The POTUS can't win.

So, after all the many years of racism and prejudice that black men have received, they now (through our POTUS) have to apologize for it? The posthumous pardon is a sign of great respect and perhaps more importantly provides a sense of closure for the wrongly accused family and descendants. But how many post-humous pardons must be given out for the mistreatment, false accusal and imprisonment of black men (yesterday and today) to be rectified. That's not to say that they shouldn't be done. I just think it's a little perhaps. . . awkward. . . for someone to ask the first Black POTUS to say "I'm Sorry" on the government's behalf for the mistreatment of one of Black America's greatest figures.

But what can you expect.

Learn more about Jack Johnson here.

On The (Sorta) Lighter Side: Meet Trichelle - The New Black Barbie!

2009-10-12T10:36:00.009-05:00

I'm going to get it for this one.

I wonder how much fun Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Saturday Night Live (. . .actually, I'd probably love the Saturday Night Live joint) is going to have with Trichelle. I can see it now.

Glenn Beck reporting on the new black Barbie:

"He put the Mattel folks up to it like he was pressing for Chicago to get the Olympics. Why? Because Obama hates white male America! And what better way to get at white male America than to make a supple skinned, full lipped, flared nose sexy and attractive Barbie doll that'll have young white girls wanting to grow firm rumps, have wide hips and weave. No Beyonce booty for our little white daughters Obama! We'll keep the flatback. We're not fooled by your attempts to indoctrinize our young white boys with the desire of this ~~biatch~~ black Barbie. First you make Serena, with her thick legs and rear, number one in professional woman's tennis. Now this. To all the little white men our there. Don't fall for it. Don't fall for the sensual taste of the black woman like Bill Maher fell for superhead. Fight the urge. Don't break up the white familial structure. Please don't let Obama win you over with Trichelle."

Rush Limbaugh reporting on the new black Barbie:

"The Black Barbie has landed. The world must reject Trichelle. She is not American. American women don't have flair and style like that. And Trichelle. If that isn't an attempt to appease Barack Hussein Obama I don't know what is! They practically named the doll after his wife. I'm afraid for our nation. If we make an aspiring black Barbie that is coveted like all other Barbies, you know what could happen. [whispers] They may think they could aspire too. They just may think that being black is beautiful. And for the love of our nation. We don't need that!"

Why Not Marie (. . . and I know I'm biased)?

I'm for the black Barbie. My cynical attitude understands that this black Barbie is merely an attempt at tapping into the black economy. But hey! It is what it is. I just don't know if people put enough thought in it. Does the black barbie, with fuller lips and wider nose have to have hip hop clothing? Can't she wear ~~cardigans and flats~~ clothes like the white Barbie? And why must she always have a little sister in tow? Where's mom? They say it's because she's "mentoring" but really. . . . really?

And why Trichelle? I deplore the idea that this is so common in the black community. If I take a sample of my closest friends girlfriends, fiancee's or wives, I don't come up with that. My wife's name is Marie, my good friends Kobie, Jeff, Sacramento and Chip ladies' are named Kenya, Niela, Tiffany and Stephanie. That's a 2 of 5. Wait. . .that's 40%. hmm. Maybe I need a larger sample set. But anyhow, you get my point. I don't want our young daughters thinking names like Lemonjello, Lercretia, Alize and Qiona ( . . .however I did just see an Asian girl of Wheel of Fortune with that name) are the norm. Can we get more Ashley's, Jill's, Marie's, Cathy's, Heather's in the black name database.

My other concern is what's going to be the outcome of the revamped black "Ken" doll? Is it going to be some 6' 2", ripped, basketball playing, fast running, barely got his GED, slanging, 24" rims riding, 9mm Gloc packing, five baby momma having Wesley Snipes black . . black dude . . . . with cornrows (the name of the doll would be Micheal Vick). Where does it stop?

This blog rant sponsored by Mattel. Black Barbie doll sold seperately. Baggage, issues due to lack of father in the household, processed hair, issues with constant plight for independency, two baby's by two different baby daddy's and section 8 housing not included.

All that most of us can do is pray . . . .

2009-09-29T07:42:00.009-05:00

Warning: This video is horribly graphic. It brought me to tears watching it. Please don't take this cautionary warning as a joke! Watch the video here: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/09/derrion-albert-vigil-and-march-postponed.html.

Pray. That is about all I could do after watching this video. I was angry, horrified, ashamed, torn and appalled. But all I could do is pray for this young man's family and the souls of those involved in taking his life. Pray. That's all that any of us who are not eyewitnesses to this tragedy can do. Those of you who are, please step forward and provide as much information as possible.

And perhaps that is a component of what is missing. Timely and proper prayer. I wonder if the young men who are charged with the crime are now praying, asking God to forgive them of their sins. I would ask them, as they kneel in their holding cells begging for forgiveness and to be absolved of their actions, did you pray before you swung your first punch, made your first kick or picked up the 2x4 that would cause the blunt force trauma that took this young persons life? Timely prayer. Praying post action is usually an effort to exculpate ourselves of poor decisions only after we have realized that our decision making was poor. It is a retroactive action. And it most definitely isn't the proper prayer. I would ask those individuals a second series of questions starting with do you feel your prayer is now proper? Do you feel that perhaps praying for better decision making before you take action (in this or any other situation) would be more proper? One of the greatest gifts God has given us is free will. I would ask if that free will is something that they cherish or abuse regularly? That free will is soon to be taken away from them. God willing.

Many of us are asserting blame. And even still, some of us are hoping to be excused of their contributions to this event occurring. A parent of one of the charged stated that their son is "not a bad kid". Perchance this poor assessment of child behavior is what makes this parent a "bad parent" for they have not been able to distinguish behavior which is to be considered "bad" and more importantly take necessary action to correct that behavior. Children make mistakes. Children that are properly raised do not make such egregious mistakes in which their errs takes the life of another. But it seems we are all looking for a pass. This parent, in a time in which they are saddened by the notion that they are soon to lose their child to prison, should have the compassion to understand that their loss is second to that of the loss that Albert's parents must feel. But in making such judgment towards their child, they also must judge themselves for they in essence have failed as a parent. Harsh. Perhaps. A necessary condemnation. Absolutely. For this attitude, this demeanor, this premise is what is lacking in our world today. That the effort that we put forth into raising our children will be reflected in the choices that those children make.

In reading the many desolate articles that have been written on this tragedy, I noticed something that may not necessarily stand out, but when scrutinized has to be a major contribution as to why our children are making poor decisions and finding themselves in situations which require decision making skill that they perhaps have not been properly prepared to make. Bare with me as I connect the dots. Eugene Bailey's mother has commented. She has another son, Vashion Bullock, who she pulled out of Fenger High School previously due to danger. Her last name is Smith. The primary respondent for the slain student's family is the Grandfather. From the articles I have read, no "fathers" have commented. Is it apparent now? The absence of the shared surname and lack of "father" respondents speaks to the dissolution of the familial structure that is a necessity for the rearing of a child. Perhaps in our praises for those who are I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T we have encouraged the idea that a unified effort isn't necessary to developing a child to be a productive participant to our society. We've heard it before. . . It takes a village to raise a child.

Lastly, President Obama has been under some criticism lately regarding the notion that the United States will not be able to solve all the worlds problems on its own. He has been shunned for in essence communicating to the rest of the world that the United States, in all it's self proclaimed greatness, may need some help. That sentiment is exactly what has created the opportunity for the Fenger High School brawl to occur. The idea that it is not required that we all contribute to providing solutions to these ills. That perhaps one action, one person, one thing can make this all better. I implore that everyone must begin at home and continue their efforts in their community to make these occurrences of violence rare versus regular.

And if you can't sign on to that notion, then perhaps you should just pray.

It's never to late to. . . . . . . . .

2009-09-26T06:51:00.006-05:00

It's easy to blame anyone other than ourselves for the issues that plague our lives. Unfortunately, it's far to common an occurrence amongst us all. Taking into account what has happened to you in a situation is far easier than giving credence to the idea that your actions (or lack of action) long before the situation even reared its ugly head may have put you on an inevitable path to the place where you are now; attempting to assign blame. It's an odd phenomenon that we assign the failed outcomes of our decisions (oft labeled re-actions) on the actions of others, yet in most cases take full ownership for our decisions that result in successes. I suppose when the outcomes are positive, there isn't enough praise to be shared.

Life is a host of choices. And learning to make better choices should be the goal we are continually seeking to achieve. If our effort at making better decisions/choices is as invigorated as our effort at assigning blame, we will most often have outcomes which we can be satisfied with regardless of their being viewed as positive or negative. Problem is, we are most often compelled to blame others as it alleviates us of self responsibility.

It's never to late to take responsibility for one's actions. The premise that "what's done is done" is a fallacy. I assert this to be true because many times, the effects of our "what's done is done" actions are much more everlasting than we ever would imagine. Many of us have had things done to us which have had lasting impressions on our psyche which have in turn become distinguishing and formidable components of our development as individuals. The experiences of our past have made indelible marks and influence on the way we make choices and decisions in our lives. It is often heard when people stand in front of podiums and audiences accepting awards and acknowledgement for a job well done that they are simply products of their environments, from well raised homes for which their mothers, fathers and mentors have ingrained upon them invaluable life lessons and guidance which has made them who they are today. Yet, when we are stand at the feet of judgement, we don't often enough take into account that that same upbringing and set of experiences may have contributed to poor estimation of the results of our choices and decisions.

It is a requirement that each of us take responsibility for our actions, absent of other's actions. It is never to late to do so. Regardless of the time that has passed in between. The first step to doing so is acknowledgement. We must give admission to the cue that our yesterday affects our present and tomorrow. We must give admission to the cue that those things that have made impressions on us from our past enable our decision making today. This is something we do without hesitation when the outcomes are admirable. However, when our decisions turn for the worse and cause unsettling ripples the pool of life, we must give just as much admittance to the fact that addressing our past is imperative to making better decisions in our present and tomorrow. Resolution of yesterday's issues isn't easily done for we have for so long muddled through. Yet the resolution of said issues has the opportunity to bring a certain peace that will permit us to make choices with sound and clear mind versus a mind clouded by the influence of unfortunate experiences of our past.

It's never too late. . . .

Is there something you thought that it was too late to resolve?

There's nothing wrong with this picture. . . .Absolutely nothing!

2009-09-18T08:12:00.004-05:00

Nope. I know you want to play the card here. But you're wrong. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this picture. So stop it. Stop before you start with your anti-conservative, they must be racist slander. This is just the American right as defined by our great Constitution to criticize our government! Nothing more, nothing less. It's our patriotic duty as American citizens to let our government, a government for the people and by the people, know when we are not pleased with the direction that they are taking our Country. We love this country, and we are simply expressing such in our tea parties and posters and emails that show our lack of support for ~~President~~ Mr. Obama's decision making. You can attempt to make this a black or white thing but it isn't. And you know it. We're just "expressing concerns that the health-care proposals would make the quality of medical care worse in our country." We really need you to understand that. It's not about his ~~tar~~ complexion or race at all. So please, please don't make this a racial thing. Despite our country's long time negative infatuation with pigmentation, oppression based on ethnicity and undermining of a particular subset of people based on their skin tone . . . this has nothing to do with that.

Respectfully,

Conservative America

I Can Read Too! Part 1 : Jason Chaffetz . . .

2009-09-11T11:40:00.005-05:00

"America has forgotten how to read, or at least most of us. This must be the case because it seems that nowadays, we must be read to by our legislators and radio commentators for we don't seem to have the skills to make decisions on our own. So I have decided to read for us. I Can Read Too! is an series poised at giving context to the claims that politicians make based on snippets and excerpts that they provide to us of humongous bills and legislation passed through our Government for which we don't take the time to read ourselves. Reading is fundamental! And the more you do it, the more you can make decisions for yourself versus having to rely on persons with perhaps self-interested motives to make decisions for you. Our first goes out to Congressman Chaffetz of the great State of Utah."

Greetings Congressman Chaffetz:

I was watching a video on CNN which you quoted from the HR3200 bill regarding the "euthanasia" claims as well as the requirement to submit income tax documentation for affordability credits. My assumption is that you have read the entire document because you are quoting from it, but I am a bit baffled why you didn't provide the necessary context around the need for income tax documentation. The excerpt you quote and highlight in your video (". . . the individuals income shall be the income for the most recent taxable year . . . ") pertains to the distribution of affordability credits supplied by the government? Do you not feel this is valid information? Do you not think that it is a good process to verify that persons receiving said credits are actually in need of them? Or is the government to take people on their word and word alone? So if I make $100k a year and tell you that I make $10,000 (below the poverty line in the contiguous 48 states), would you not need to verify that? That is the true intent of the income verification you referred to but it seems that you left this out? Why is that the case?

You also spoke to the confusion surrounding the "euthanasia" claims in section 1233: Advance Care Planning Consultation. You again highlighted a portion of the bill which provided an "explanation by the practitioner of the continuum of end of life services and supports available". You stated that you could see why people would be confused. Yet you didn't take the time to explain that was only a sentence of Part E of Section 1233. Unless the alphabet has changed, four letters precede letter E, those four letters providing context to section E. Context provides understanding. Context provides support. Why have you elected to leave out the context? Do you not feel your constituents are not able to comprehend? You also stated that it's not optional? Where is it deemed in either HR3200 or Social Security Act 1861 that it is mandatory? Perhaps I missed it somewhere in the context. Is the provision in actuality limiting the amount to be paid out by the government in only allowing this to be done every five years? Do you suggest that this consultation between physician and patient be done more frequent at greater cost to the government?

I would implore that you take the time to provide context to your constituents. It's imperative that we be provided adequate and contextual information as we attempt to make sound decisions on where we stand with respect to the next generation of health care legislation in our country. Not doing so could be seen as shady politics.

I suppose that you signed up to do these videos on CNN to show that you are, as your site states, "driven by what is right, guided by the Constitution, committed to integrity and personal responsibility." Please hold steadfast to these humble and noble principles. It is what is necessary from our new and future leadership in America's political arena.

With Sincere Thanks,

Robert Weaver

What Damon Wanted to Say But Didn't Because He Has More Sense Than Me.

2009-09-09T09:27:00.006-05:00

First, read this:

XXXIV. Parents Fearing Obama’s School Speech

Great post by the good brother Damon Smith. He has a great knack for saying what needs to be said in a way that can be accepted. I pride myself on my ability to be able to tell people that they're stupid without using the word 'stupid' as well. But not this time. So I begin . . .

Parents Fearing Obama's School Speech:

You're stupid.

Normally i would try to say this to you in a manner in which I'm smiling while saying it, using big words ~~that your dumbass wouldn't comprehend anyhow~~ . . . wait. . . . that your dumbass wouldn't comprehend anyhow and with a tone that isn't by any means threatening or scary.

Not this time.

What did you think he was going to do, give your kids a thesis on Karl Marx and Fidel Castro's approach to effective government while sending them home with pamphlets highlighting socialism like he was a Jehovah's Witness or something? Have a hypnotic spiral playing in the background while constantly reciting in a monotone voice, "I am your leader! Pay for my health care! Buy a GM or Chrysler! Caring for one another is good !" Did you not think the teachers and principals you trust your kids with each and every day, THE MEDIA, anyone. . . would be standing guard? You give Obama waayyyy too much credit. Yes he's perhaps one of the most charismatic Presidents we've ever had, but dude isn't Bishop Don Magic Juan. He won't have your kid on the block selling ass!

I need an explanation from one of you. Just one of you. ~~Hopefully someone with half a brain~~. . . . dang, Hopefully one of you with half a brain, as to why you thought this was a bad idea. But please don't insult me with the "ideology" defense for your actions. President's of recent past have shown the ability to provide a message to students which are without political agenda or partisanship. Why wouldn't Obama be able to do the same. Bush II could. And he's about as smart as those two fools on Real Chance of Love.

And I hate Bush II. I really hate him. With a passion (. . . have I expressed how much I hate him?). But if while he was President, or even today as steward of his ranch, I would jump at the chance of my child hearing the President speak, let alone speak in person (and so would some of you idiots as evidence is provided by this asinine notion here). Why? Because I respect our nation and just as important our President and leader.

Our country was no less divided when Reagan, Bush I or Bush II spoke to our students so the notion that our leadership would be motivated (or even willing) to encourage their partisan beliefs upon schoolchildren is idiotic. So what's the reason? Do you feel that strongly about the health care plan? Bailout? Van Jones? I know what it is. And I'm not afraid to say it.

You have not dealt with your issues on racism and the fact that the leader of the free world, the most powerful country that exists, is a black man. You will attempt to deny it. But you can't. You don't have a justified reason for your assumptions and actions. The White House put the speech out before so that you can review it, read it, make your mind up about it, etc. They did so despite the fact that you probably don't know what your kid's teachers' lesson plan is today. The teacher could be reading excerpts from Orwell's 1984 (you probably don't even know what book that is) or the Bible today and you wouldn't have a clue. It's because you wouldn't care. The nation has a 30% drop out rate. That is evidence that you parents aren't well engaged in what is going on in the classroom of our schools. That's because you're spending hours at town hall meetings talking about Obama's euthanasia health care reform package that will permit the government to kill your unborn child because they can't produce a birth certificate to verify that they're a US citizen! Dumbass.

YOU MAKE ME WANT TO BE CANADIAN!

[ breathe. . . ]

So to all you parents who thought that this was a bad idea. I have a secret to tell you. During the speech, a high frequency message was being played that can only be heard by children of conservative Americans that voted against Obama encouraging them to create living wills that give all their inheritance to needy underprivileged children before moving to Waco, Texas and joining a cult and staging the largest mass suicide ever. Don't believe them when they say they're staying at their friend's house this weekend. It's a lie.

Idiot!

Sincerely,

Your President.

When Will Some People Ever Learn?

2009-08-19T15:21:00.004-05:00

First Read this: Commentary: Slavery Needs More than an Apology

You probably had the exact same reaction I did. Bravo! Finally someone had the cajones to speak the truth in a public (and I mean widely public . . . everyone reads CNN and if you don't . . . well) forum. And it didn't have to come from Jesse (Sr. or Jr.), Al or Roland Martin (who is a rather sharp dresser . . but that's another blog).

That feeling dissipated faster than Mike Vick's chancing of winning a citizen of the year award from PETA after the dog fighting news was released after I read the multitude of comments that were left.

Here's a sample:

"Slavery has not affected anyone alive today, who are we apologizing to" - Joe

"If you struggle with white guilt, good for you. It sounds like whatever comforts and privilege you were born into derive to some extent from your family's slave wealth. The small comfort and minor privilege into which I and many other 2nd and 3rd generation white Americans have was not earned off the backs of slaves." - Josh in MD

"We all have equal rights now, times have changed. There is no reason to constantly push the button on this matter." - Thomas J.

"I'm sorry but get over it." - Dave

To be fair, you really can't be mad at Dave. At least he did say he's sorry. But the rest of those who shunned the article you have absolute right to be pissed at. They don't even have the out of just being ignorant (see: They're not Racist, They're Just White). These scoundrels actually have the audacity to insist that despite the turmoil of racism as it was commonplace in our society in the past, there exists few or little remnants of its effects in present day society.

Do they not understand that the Civil Rights Movement is younger than their Grandpa? And for these persons to rationalize that due to everyone "having equal rights", slavery has no effect on our lives today is simply asinine. I'm 31. I have some bad habits that I have acquired over the course of those 31 years that haunt me to this day. Are you saying that our society's accepting temperament toward slavery which lasted hundreds of years can't by any means be relative in today's world?

Some people will never learn.

You got a problem with Vick?

2009-08-14T10:55:00.007-05:00

The Michael Vick signing has brought me out my blogging hiatus. I've been absent from writing for some time as a result of life being hectic, but the reaction to his recent signing has irked me so that I feel i obligated to impress my opinion upon the interent world.

Let's clear the air. Michael Vick's actions and participation in the dog fighting culture was deplorable, irresponsible and senseless. It was an abuse of the status and recognition that he has acquired as a result of the God given talents that have been lent to him. His participation was exemplary of the lack of good judgement that is wide spread amongst athletes and their more than apparent sense of dominance and self proclamation of being untouchable. Further, he hurt many an animal and dissapointed those who wake up each morning staring at posters of him on their bedroom walls as they tie their cleats to run sprints so they too can "be like Mike". He let down those who work hard each day to enjoy the solace that comes as a result of spending that hard earned money on season tickets. His actions undoubtedly has saddened his peers and teammates who looked at him as an example of athletic prowess and superiority. To keep it plain and simple, what he did was wrong.

And he has paid for it. Two years of prison, no matter what the situation, is something that most of us could not for a second fathom. Having your every step outlined for you in advance, not being able to enjoy the luxuries of your life no matter how extravagant, being separated from society, friends, family and loved ones is a fate we all are afraid of. But he paid for it. His debt to society, in a multitude of ways, is paid in full.

What irks me is the reaction by some (far too many) to this young, humble, mistake making man to proceed with his life. The passion exerted by that of the opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles decision to sign Vick is immense in its ferocity and proportion. I have read facebook status messages calling for him to be fed to rabid dogs. Whether it be grandstanding or sincere, the soap box from which the disgruntled shout expletives and make demands from is tall and grandiose. They call for his expulsion from the league. They call him a murderer. They shun those that offer him a second chance in life.

And what is most unfortunate is that the root of their dissent is based not only on his crime, but his success (amongst other things. . . to be discussed later). Athletes have down worse (google Stallworth and Manslaughter) crimes, got less time and been less of a media attraction. Vick however is a game hunt for which any condemner would be proud to hang above their mantle. Their kids idolize Vick, beg for his shoes (for which he has made a considerable amount of money from), hang his photo on their walls, in their lockers and in their wallets as inspiration for greatness (despite the fact that they put food on the table each night and would love to have a fraction of said recognition) and desire to "be like Mike." He has seemingly unlimited wealth (disregard the bankruptcy filing as it is just a part of rich life . . .ask Donald Trump), access and power. All things the normal 9 to 5'er covets. And let's not forget he is a athletic dream. He runs fast, has an arm like a cannon, stunning agility and moves and can do the things you only can imagine or watch on TV. In all his greatness, his condemners despise him to the utmost. He is successful. He is young. He is talented and yes, (here comes the amongst other things) he is BLACK!

Yep, I said it. He is black. To act as if the the stain that has defined our country since its existence doesn't hold true in this situation would be asinine. And I won't permit you to scare me away with the "you're just playing the race card" retort. I provide you an example. Back in late 2008, video taped evidence bubbled up of Brian Giles abusing his mate. You may not even know who Brian Giles is. He wasn't asked to do time. He wasn't stripped of his endorsements. He didn't lose one red cent of his contract. It wasn't even a story long enough for the name Giles to be embedded in your head! Is domestic violence less of a crime than dog fighting? Ben Roethlisberger (Superbowl QB) stands accused of sexual assault. Is sexual assault worse than dog fighting? Should we skip Ben when the rings are passed out this year? When's the last you've heard of this story? Yet Pacman Jones gets about as much coverage as the Obama Healthcare plan. To disregard this blatant and obvious prejudice with respecting to condemnation is unacceptable.

What would be an acceptable trade for Mike Vick if football isn't it? If he worked in a 7-Eleven, would you be okay with that? Does that make the 7-Eleven workers who work hard to care for their families less significant than professional athletes? Is their means of making a living so discourageable that it should be looked at as punishment? What if you were to drink and drive, jaywalk or break some crime? Would it be okay for you to change professions from account manager at XYZ to selling cell phone cases at a kiosk in your local mall (. . .you'd be surprised how much money they make though)?

Find out why you actually have a problem with Vick. Address those issues (within you) and then perhaps we all can proceed on with our lives.

Do this! It's For a Great Cause! LaRabida Summerfest!

2009-06-16T08:38:00.002-05:00

For my in Chicago folks, please come out and support this event. For my out of town folks, please make a donation! This is a great organization supporting our community.

La Rabida Summer Fest 2009:

Supporting the Child Advocacy Center of La Rabida Children's Hospital, the 1st Annual La Rabida Summer Fest '09 is an effort to provide financial support to one of La Rabida's most necessary departments. The Child Advocacy Center is a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have experienced psychological trauma and for alleged victims of sexual abuse and other violent crimes. The CAC provides investigative, therapeutic and support services free of charge to children and their families throughout South Suburban Cook County. Featuring local artists (including the CAC's own Berkeley Baker) supporting a local community effort the La Rabida Summerfest will celebrate the CAC's success while spreading the word of it's efforts.

Tickets & Donations:

Tickets for the event can be purchased buy clicking the link below. All proceeds of ticket purchases benefit the Child Advocacy Center. Please be sure to print a copy of your receipt as your ticket (a guest list of those who have purchased tickets will be on-site). In addition, monetary donations are welcome and appreciated and can be provided online by clicking the "donate" link below. All donations will benefit the Child Advocacy Center.

We greatly appreciate your support and consideration of this effort. Thank you and we look forward to celebrating with you at summerfest.

Donations: http://www.giveforward.org/larabidasummerfest

Purchase Event Tickets: http://larabidasummerfest.eventbrite.com/

Reality Discourages Me from Watching Reality T.V.

2009-05-28T10:18:00.004-05:00

Jack & Jill plus 8, The OOC (Out of Control), The Game (wait, that's not a reality show but black folks treat it like it is), Diddy's Didiots (a.k.a. Making the Band), and other shows are far too rampant and just as much ignorant in my opinion. They are mocked up and staged realities that feed into people's desire to run away from the truths in their lives in hopes of living their Sunset Blvd dreams out through the idiot box. They aren't depictions of how things really turnout, the dramatic music and cutaways intensify perhaps more mundane and less interesting reality and they have the substance of a ~~L.A. model~~, ~~Zane Book~~ Jerry Springer show.

The only reality shows that actually intrigue me are those like True Life and Intervention. Now these shows are awesome. They usually show real people with real problems (too fat, too ugly, too un-cool, too addicted to methamphetamine, alcohol or sex), dealing with real issues and struggling to overcome them. THAT'S REALITY! People driving in a Ford Festiva with rust spots and oil leaks spending their entire check at the local watering hole so often that their home number is on speed dial at the bar due to how often they have to call a relative to pull you out the bathroom stall. THAT'S F'IN REALITY!

No trained singers with week's to perform like American Idol. No athletes and theatre performers dancing with the stars. No Bachelors who get to choose from 30 stunningly attractive women to marry. Send that dude to a dark nightclub, liquor him up, let him make some poor decisions and end up marrying the chick he disregarded ten years ago like the rest of the world does.

Reality TV is a farce as it is only an opportunity to replace our realities with those of another persons which has been edited, clipped and scripted to give the impression of being interesting.

I must go now. I have to watch DVR episodes of Heroes. Say what you want, but at least I'm fully aware that a flying white guy, Asian nerd that jumps through time and wields a samurai sword or a kid that can rip off an ATM by "talking" to it isn't real. You tell me who's being fooled.

Emotional Affairs! (aka, "I have a confession: I like Oprah!")

2009-05-22T09:10:00.002-05:00

Let me speak on the aka title first. It's true: I like Oprah. This revelation is the result of an attempt to earn bonus points with the wife by taking her to an Oprah show (i'll be writing a blog to elaborate on that experience later), but I at that time realized that my put downs on Harponites for their overzealous infatuation with the religious cult better known as the Oprah Show was rooted in my hidden and deep rooted appreciation of the woman. But I digress.

I recently read on her/cnn's website (I told you that I like Oprah in the second sentence above. . . get off my back), an article about people having Emotional Affairs. And it got me to thinking?

Would you be hurt more my an emotional affair your mate participated in versus a physical affair? For which would you be willing to be more forgiving?

And are male female friendships while in a serious and significant relationship truely possible?

A Tale of Two C's . . .

2009-05-18T09:09:00.003-05:00

*check out TMCY's Letter to Facebook Freddie. it was the catalyst to this post.

Often women have complaints about men's dating discourtesies (is that a word?) and "courting" abuse, but as I often tell ladies, this ish is all your fault. We could go into a indepth conversation as to what you should or shouldn't permit as a single woman, but yall probably know all about that yet haven't taken the time or energy ~~or aren't willing to accept the risk of being lonely on a considerable amount of nights as you realize that men are foul and you're simply tired of the batteries running low on the rabbit~~ to put any sort of requirements into place.

So instead, let's discuss how you can tell if you're being courted vs. being chased.

First, we dinstinctively define the difference between the two c's. Being courted is rooted in a man's interest in you. . . Being chased is rooted in a man's interest in what you had on and how good you looked in it the night he met you. Courting is a necessary must do based on our sincere desire to know more about you. Chasing is a part of a deep rooted, cave man DNA makeup thirst for the opposite sex. Courting is something we as men generally shy away from due to the level of physical, emotional, financial and mental investment it requires. Chasing we can do in our sleep!

[Let's pause a sec before this next one. . . it may hurt].

Courting is something that we do to women which we respect or are required to respect. Chasing is something that we do with women that we could really give a care less if they make it pass the next week or so. (- - - side note, almost all courtships start off from the male perspective as a chase. It is the women's reaction to the chase which could cause a courtship to begin - - - )

So, getting back on task, let's go about putting together a list of identifiers to help you ladies know if you're being courted or chased. I'll start us off with a few. . .

1. As described by TMCY's letter to Freddie, Facebook/SMS Messaging are tools of the chaser: think efficiency!

2. An invite to the club vs. an invite to the movies/theatre/play/etc.: Alcohol + Harmones = Bad Choices. When a man's chasing, a female's bad choices can be just as astonishing and exciting to men as the Trailblazer's decision to pass on MJ was to the Bulls in the 1984 draft (ladies, if you don't know what I'm talking about . . . find out . . . this can be a very useful tool in moving yourself from the being chased to being courted category) ?

3. Morton's vs. McDonald's: self explanatory.

4. Lunch Dates vs. Dinner Dates: for a guy to carve out Saturday Lunch time which could very well be spent watching some sporting activity, participating in some sporting activity or sitting around with friends or at the barber shop talking about some sporting activity is a great clue. And based on the results of the dinner date . . . you've heard this before "the only thing open that late at night are . . . .").

Feel free to contribute . . . .

I'm starting to think having a choice (for most of us) is a bad thing. . .

2009-05-12T08:35:00.006-05:00

The problem with choice is that far too many people make bad ones. And I'm not talking about the occasional bad choice that is the result of, for example, the initial bad choice of "having one too many" which in turn leads to a host of other subsequent bad choices (- - - she started off as a six when you where sober, she's still a six now that you're tore off. - - - or the trip to White Castle at 3:45am). Neither am our talking about limited choice, for example having a limited budget for a car purchase and your choice, as a grown ass man was to purchase a Toyota Solara ( - - - dude, that's a chick car and there where plenty of other quality choices in the $20,000 range). Nor am I talking about the choice that you make when you really have no choice at all, for example, doing what you'd rather do versus doing what your wife wants to do (- - - you make yourself believe that you're making the decision when the truth is you know you didn't have a choice in the first place).

I'm talking about real choice. The type of choice that despite it's tremendous and significant impact, there's no one standing there pointing a gun or a slingshot full of guilt at your head encouraging you to make the right choice. We as the people conglomerate repeatedly make bad choices in significant situations where the result of those choices will have a bearing on the level of happiness we achieve in the forthcoming years. Significant situations being the operative phrase here. I'm not talking the decision one makes to choose skinny jeans when skinny isn't something they've been familiar with since ~~considering~~ passing on the skinny option at Potbelly's (- - - or being a man and thinking that skinny jeans are even a possibility. It's actually selfish, like wearing tighty whiteys or bikini underwear. What about your future kids ~~you selfish bastard~~?).

Choices like the choice to become an unwed mother (- - - 40% of all births in 2007 where to unwed mothers. 2007 was also the year we broke the record for number of babies born in a year of our nation's history). And before the zealots get started, I'm not talking about the choice to have or not have the child, I'm specifically adressing the choice to not protect yourself from the chance of becoming an unwed mother either through birth control or abstinence. That's a real choice.

Choices like the choice to commit or take part in a violent crime (- - - violent crime from 1995 to 2005 has increased 6%. other crimes - - - property, drug, public order types - - have decreased. guess criminals have decided to step their game up). And these too are perhaps the subsequent result of the prior choice to not pursue a life which would deter one from performing a violent crime for fear of losing or jeopardizing all they have attained and accomplished.

Or perhaps even more pressing choices. Like the choice to press down on the ballot chad next to George Bush's name (- - - this is self explanatory and doesn't require additional literal imagery or statistical support)

Of course I'm being a bit fecicious but the point is valid. If choice is all we have (- - - and through God's grace is what seperates us from other multi-cellular organisms on his/her beautiful planet), why do we not appreciate and utilize this tool of overarching impact with more carefulness and tact?

If there was a choice that you could get a "do-over" on and make with more wisdom and consideration of how it would impact the level of happiness you attain in your present and future, what would that choice be?

The Way Women Keep Score . . .

2009-05-07T09:45:00.011-05:00

My barber and good friend Orlando Burns put me on to the fact that women keep score in relationships absolutely different than men. It's a idea that is talked about extensively in that Women are from Mercury and Men Make Sense (. . .okay maybe that isn't the title of the book, but you know what I mean). I really didn't believe him until I did some deep dive thinking about the way my wife keeps score in our relationship versus the way score is being kept in my head.

For example, if I bring home flowers once a week for 7 consecutive weeks, and count each occurence as 1 point tallied, in my my mind i've ACCUMULATED 7 points of good favor in the household. Right? I mean . . .

1 Bouquets of Flowers x 1 Point Each x 7 Weeks = 7 Points

Well, in the words of Adam Sandler . . . . THE PRICE IS WRONG BITCH (. . . see Happy Gilmore)! You have failed to realize that women reset the score each time a point is scored.

So, according to the woman's score ledger:

(1 Bouquet of Flowers x 1 Point Each x 7 Weeks )

minus

( Previous 6 Weeks Points Don't Mean Jack in Week 7)

1 Damn Point!

It is often said that math is the only thing that is empirical, however, women have proven this to be a farce.

In addition to this, women - unlike men - don't associate monetary value with the item or deed that takes place. For example:

Weekend In Miami on the beach, shopping and eating at nice restaurants = $2750

vs.

Pair of unique earrings from boutique shop in designer district = $35

In man thought, the weekend in Miami should be worth at least 78 unique earring purchases ($2750 / $35 = 78). But it doesn't work like that. Each of these occurences have the same value (. . . actually, you may get more points from getting the unique earrings).

This is an amazingly confusing, yet necessary lesson to embrace if you are a male in a relationship.

Agreed?

Love and Marriage Aren't Synonyms! (aka: Ten Things You Can Learn & Re-Learn Just From One Conversation w/ A Good Friend).

2009-05-05T09:49:00.007-05:00

* Below is an excerpt from a conversation between me and Christine. Christine started off as my Corporate Big Sister / Mentor and ended up being a really good friend that has seen me go through some serious development. She checks in on me about once month or so and makes sure I'm being nice to my wife! LOL. It's actually much appreciated because every time we have these conversations, I end up appreciating my relationship (with my wife and with Christine ) and my marriage even more. I bolded some of the important points. Enjoy!

Christine(14:29:35): . . .and people say its hard, but I don'tunderstand what is hard about it

Rob(14:31:09): perhaps hard isn't the right word because it asserts that you don't want to do it. . . .how about . ."marriage is easy if you both know/understand that it's going to be WORK."

Rob(14:31:29): work is a better word. it doesn't have the negative connotation associated with something being hard.

Christine(14:31:46): what do you work at?

Rob(14:32:31): communicating, understanding, being considerate even whenyou don't want to be considerate,

Rob(14:33:48): doing these things all the time is work. when you're dating, you take breaks from doing these things, when you're married, you have no choice

Rob(14:33:55): or you'll be very unhappy.

Christine(14:34:03): I can understand that

Rob(14:34:07): but if you've got someone great, it's something you enjoy working at.

Christine(14:34:06): so when you have a choice Christine between being patient or not, being nice or not, it is making the choice to be patient and nice and when someone does something- assuming the best intentions versus the worst

Rob(14:35:25): yep.

Rob(14:38:38): that's something i have to remind Marie (and myself) of sometimes. Always think my intentions where best unless you have evidence which says different. unlike past relationships where I try to make sure I don't get caught, now i make sure my actions are such that I don't have to hope not getting caught or have to spend time explaining them.

Christine(14:39:11): exactly, but also, cut someone some slack - know that I will not do anything bad- so focus onthe outcome and not on any little mess along the way

Rob(14:40:49): and I give much less resistance when what i do offends her regardless of what my intentions where. . . that's the work on understanding part . . .my actions may make sense to me, but that doesn't mean that it makes sense to others or despite being acceptable,won't offend or hurt someones feelings. i try my best to acknowledge her feelings absent of if Ithink i'm right or wrong

Christine(14:41:18): that is very true and hard for people (including myself) to understand

Christine(14:41:24): you said it perfectly

Christine(14:41:32): you may be the perfect husband!

Rob(14:43:54): i am . . haha . . just kidding. . . i don't think there's a such thing. . . i think the "perfect husband / wife" is the person who trys to be perfect enough for their mate so that their mate is willing to give them slack during the times when they are being imperfect. which is probably a lot more often than when they are perfect. my goal is to be perfect for Marie. and for others, that may not be perfect at all, but their assesment of my perfection doesn't matter. . . .and neither one of us knows what it means to not succeed at something. . . so we both have the motivation to make our marriage the best marriage possible for the longest time possible . . . 1 year or100.

Christine(14:45:40): don't even say that 1 year business

Christine(14:46:00): I wonder if success in marriage is not about tying it to love as much?

Rob(14:47:41): you know you can love someone to death and can't make a relationship work with them

Christine(14:49:47): I know that very well. love doesn't necessarily mean marriage or you can think of it as I love you enough to think you are owed stability and commitment and safety meaning, safety like, I have your back

Rob(14:52:55): i love you enough to take the chance of a lifetime on you based on who you are today and who you wish to be tomorrow (and who I think you will be tomorrow). you don't take that gamble on someone who doesn't have that figured out for themself before you start walking down that road.

Rob(14:53:10): love and marriage definitely aren't synonyms.

Rob(14:59:21): and it should be a bit more selfish a deal. i chose the woman that I felt would best contribute to my life's happiness in every facet. emotionally, physically, mentally, financially. So, it's really all about me! LOL!

- - - - - - To Recap - - - - - -

Ten Lessons You Can Learn (and Re-Learn) Just From One Conversation with a Good Friend:

1. "perhaps hard isn't the right word because it asserts that you don't want to do it. . . .how about . ."marriage is easy if you bothknow understand that it's going to be WORK."

2. when you're dating, you take breaks from doing these things,

3. but if you've got someone great, it's something you enjoyworking at.

4. cut someone some slack

5. I give much less resistance when what i do offends her regardless of what my intentions where.

6. my actions may make sense to me, but that doesn't mean that it makes sense to others or despite being acceptable,won't offend or hurt someones feelings. i try my best to acknowledge her feelings absent of if Ithink i'm right or wrong

7. think the "perfect husband / wife" is the person who trys to be perfect enough for their mate so that their mate is willing to give them slack during the times when they are being imperfect. which is probably a lot more often than when they are perfect.

8. you know you can love someone to death and can't make a relationship work with them

9. love you enough to take the chance of a lifetime on you

10. love and marriage definitely aren't synonyms.

Rant #4: Where the hell am I supposed to park?

2009-04-30T08:56:00.004-05:00

*this is guaranteed to get me a call from the ADA.

Okay. Frankly I feel as if it's getting out of control. I mean, how many handicapped people can there actually be in one place at one time. The first twenty to thirty spots of most malls, grocery stores, Wal-Marts, etc. are reserved with the blue and white signs depicting someone in a wheelchair. There is no such thing as a quick run to the store because it's going to take you ten minutes to get the the store entrance (not withstanding the fact that there are never enough open checkout lanes and for some reason there always seems to be the most technologically inept individual at the self-service lane who is asking where's the mouse to select the appropriate boxes . . . ON THE TOUCHSCREEN! . . . .but I digress). Is there a disabled convention going on at Target that requires this disproportionate amount of spaces? And why is it that 60% of the persons that park in these spaces seem physically fine? Do they get the placard because of their mental disability (actually. . . if I got my hands on one, I'd use the hell out of it . . .but we're not talking about me).

And then there's the EXPECTED MOTHER'S reserved parking spaces. Couple these with the handicap spaces and I now have to drive to the store parking lot and call a cab to cart me to the front door. Isn't walking good for expected mothers? ~~And it gives them a headstart on shedding those baby pounds after the birth.~~ I'm sort of willing to deal with this because of the volatile temperament of a pregnant woman (anything that would appease them in the little bit is valuable to society as a whole), but this next photo is taking it way to f'in far:

WTF! You're telling me that Bank of America is reserving parking spaces for low emission vehicles. You've got to be kidding me! Is this an attempt to show yourself as a a GREEN company of sort? Wanna help the environment? Only give out bank loans to people buying low emission / fuel efficient vehicles. No more loans on BMW 745's that earn you thousands in interest. Nope. No way. BOA is only giving out loans for Toyota Prius type vehicles because we care about the environment. Account holder wants to buy a gas guzzling hummer? Can't do it, not welcome here at the newer, greener BOA. Who cares if revenue received from interest plummets. The air will be cleaner.

My question is, who will we be reserving spaces for next? This space reserved for YMCA V0lunteers? This space reserved for Virgins (. . .there'd be pervert men hanging around the sign all day!)? This space reserved for persons with more that $100K in their account (. . . Good Lord, please let me park in this spot one day soon!).

What spot should be reserved for you?

Types of Women You Should Limit or Have No Conversation With if In a Relationship!

2009-04-08T11:44:00.011-05:00

*Although this is written from the male perspective, it applies to women as well.

Women That Find You Attractive:

Neither women or men stop finding other people attractive as a result of their being in a relationship. It's just real. The blinders to pretty notion is a farce. You don't stop seeing them (actually, you might notice them a bit more depending on if you had a fight with your mate before leaving home). More pressing is that you don't stop being attractive either. Think about it, someone found you attractive enough to claim you (and if married . . . claim you for their foreseeable life). And if you're a guy, chances are for the length of your relationship, you have been receiving hints, tips and cues (subconscious or direct) that have contributed to increasing your attractiveness (women like to keep their men looking nice and will offer suggestions to do so. Be real, you weren't getting manicures every two weeks before her). Nevertheless, it is imperative that you limit conversation with this type of woman to minimal at best. Let me be clear, it's not that you have any intentions with said woman, but that doesn't account for hers. In addition, being flattered by someones appreciation for your style, looks, attitude or personality inherently causes you to put that person on a higher plateau . . . simply because they like you. And everyone, no matter their relationship status, likes to know that someone is checking them out. Keep your conversations with this type of woman limited. Their attraction to you is not likely to subside just because you're cuffed up. These women are subtle in their advances as well.

Things that should make the DANGER alarm go off in your head:

"You look very nice today" (x3) - - - - thanks, but damn, stop jockin!
"I wish my guy dressed like you do"
Laughing at every one of your jokes - - - - Dude, no one is that funny!
She starts every conversation with, "So . . Where's your girl?"

Women Who Are Needy:

This type of woman always has a man problem. Dude's too short, can't lay it down, is a player, not focused, doesn't respect her time, ain't progressing his life, doesn't go to church, too fat, too skinny, too bald, doesn't dress well, etc. (little does she recognize that she ain't on isht and thus keep attracting dudes who ain't on isht). For some reason, she always shares her inner most relationship issues with you hoping you will be her be her hero and offer some guidance, ~~dick~~ or advice.

Things that should make the DANGER alarm go off in your head:

"I wish I could find someone like you"
"Really . . . I just need a friend" - - - - Is you serious? (yes. . . I intentionally said "Is you")

Tears. . . . tears from a woman that isn't yours is a warning!

"Could you come over and talk for a while" - - - - Heffa, it's 2am!

Women Who Are In A "It's All About Me Place":

These are usually single women who for various reasons aren't looking for anything serious in a man or relationship. They are living their lives for them and them alone. These are perhaps the most dangerous type of single women out there. They honestly just don't give a damn. You could sit down with them and profess your love for the woman you are with for hours and it wouldn't discourage their advances in the least. They are the type of woman that proliferates the premise of "girls always want guys who already have girls". Your relationship status, if conflicting with their immediate needs for companionship in whatever form, is inconsequential. DO NOT HOLD CONVERSATION WITH THIS TYPE OF WOMAN AT ALL! It isn't as if they are motivated by your relationship status. No, they don't want you because you have a woman. They just could care less if you or any other man that is the focus of their attention for the five minute period of your encounter is in a relationship. It's all about them. And when they are done with you, no matter how much turmoil, strife and trouble they have brought to your life, they will discard you like a pair of flip-flops they got from the nail shop after getting a pedicure.

Things that should make the DANGER alarm go off in your head:

"See, I ain't like most women. I don't put such a stigma on sex. I mean. . everyone's doing it!"

"It's whateva" - - - - Run man, RUN!

"Really. You're Married? Nice. Anyway . . ."

Rant #3: Men Performing The Beyonce "Single Ladies" Video!

2009-04-02T16:00:00.005-05:00

*I realize the timing of this rant may be tardy, but I felt it necessary anyhow.

WTF! YouTube is rampant with Beyonce Single Ladies video remakes. Of the many things that are wrong with this I would like to point out two that are magnanimous in there absurdity.

First, and perhaps most important, is the fact that you are attempting to remake a work of quintessential art. It's not only that you are amateur at best, performing the choreography in dorm rooms and parking lots of grocery stores. It would be like the cartoonist at the state fair attempting to recreate the Mona Lisa! Like T-Pain trying to recreate Roger Troutman's vibe. You are ruining a newfound past time for 98% of men in the world (sexual orientation disregarded because you're either drooling over beyonce as a straight man or drooling over beyonce's choreography as a gay man). Watching this video for men can be likened to watching your favorite sport on a Saturday afternoon by yourself on the couch with chips, an enormous hoagie and a six pack . . . . that and porn, of course. When I YouTube the single ladies video, more remakes are returned than instances of the actual video. This is discouraging.

Second. Why the hell are 80% of these videos of MEN doing the dance. And seriously doing the dance (some of them doing so far too well). Not performing a spoof like Justin Timberlake on SNL (which was incredibly hilarious I might add . . . and made me even more jealous of Justin as a result of the Beyonce ass slap). These guys are actually attempting to show their artistic talent and ability. . . . by emulating a Beyonce video.

And these random dorm rude dancer, viral videos as in that of Shane Mercado are getting so much attention that he not only got on a talk show but actually got the chance to meet Beyonce herself. That's right. ACTUALLY GOT TO MEET BEYONCE! Men around the world dream of such a moment . . . nightly . . . and daily. To be honest, if performing the dance and placing it on YouTube would guarantee me the opportunity to get that close to her, I would probably go shopping for a leotard TONIGHT! These remakes are far to well produced as in the case of Purple Haze or just outright embarrassing as in the case of this Fat Guy! There are so many that compilation videos have been created.

I have two requests.

1. Please stop. . . .

2. Please never, ever, eva eva eva (in my best Chris Tucker impression) disgrace a Beyonce video again by performing in this manner.

That is all.

For the Sake of Nostalgia . . . Could We Bring Back The Box?

2009-04-02T14:00:00.007-05:00

*shout out to Rhashadd Shadzilla for the inspiration for this post.

Hip Hop (video) has become too serious. The randomness associated with the music (videos) has been lost. The refreshing feeling of huh? is gone. Old School Hip Hop videos were full of random, nonsensical, out of place occurences that usually had very little to do with the music itself. It contributed to the lightness of the music. It added to the euphoric feelings of fun that permitted you to escape from the deplorable social and economic conditions from which the music was borne.

There was something pleasant about seeing a bikini clad light skinned (light skinned was hotter than the sun at that point), long haired girl standing on the beach with the sun shining on her face, ocean flowing over her feet while playing a saxophone as in Wreckx-n-Effect's Rump Shaker video (0:05 seconds in). At first sight, you have to laugh and think, "WTF is she doing on the beach with a saxophone . . . A SAXOPHONE!". Or maybe you didn't think about it at all. The videos were a complement to the music at that time. The music itself was so much of the focus that having a BIG ASS RED (0:42 seconds in) telephone prominently displayed while watching the 2 Live Crew - Me So Horny video was unnoticeable. You didn't have to focus on Beyonce's every dance move and compare it to the countless number of YouTube remakes done by random dorm room dancer dude (don't act like I was the only one to watch this and say, "damn, this dude can dance").

And what happened to the aimless placement of children in videos. Have videos gone too high budget and produced to have unnecessary shots of kids dancing erratically as in Poor Righteous Teacher's (1:45 in) Rock This Funky Joint? Yes these videos were recorded with Hi-8 cameras on roof tops without permits or safety harnesses . . . so what? We were broke too and could relate. Now our videos are recorded in HD, played on BluRays and DVR's (vs. having to call in to The Box, dial the 1-900 Number to play "Tootsie Roll" and subsequently take a beating for running up your momma phone bill).

Hip Hop has gone too serious, too flashy, too unreal for any of us to relate. I don't own a Maybach, never had a private flight, wouldn't think about pouring Ace of Spades on anyone for fear of wasting it and couldn't understand what would drive a man to make it rain. Things done changed.

Rant #2: Liberal is The New 'N' Word . . .

2009-04-01T13:26:00.007-05:00

I listen to AM radio a lot. A whole lot. Each morning on my drive to work (which I don't suggest doing if you work with a disproportionate amount of conservatives) and each night on my drive home. It probably contributes to about 60% of the arguments I have in my household simply because I am so infuriated by the time I get out the car that just saying "hi" to me might get your head snapped off. . . literally.

I have come to the conclusion that as a result of the election of President Obama, liberal is the new 'N' word. The proliferation of the use of liberal in Conservative AM Radio is so abundant that hearing it invokes a rage in me similiar to the feeling I got when I first watched the movie Rosewood starring Ving Rhames (Yea, it's gotten that bad). You can hear it in their tone. Obama's LIBERAL cabinet is ruining our country! The LIBERALS are only looking for a handout! The LIBERALS have taken over the NBA! - - - Okay, that last one was a little bit of a reach, but you get what I'm saying.

They're acting as if Obama has opened up the doors to the white house, replaced the furniture with wicker chairs, put plastic on the couch, hung the obligatory picture in the brandy snifter on the mantel and fired up the barbeque pit on the front porch!

And I'd think more of them if they went ahead and used the 'N' word. Don't hide it. Get gangsta about it! ~~The NIGGERS~~ LIBERALS have taken countrol of the Senate! The ~~The NIGGERS~~ LIBERALS are starting socialism in America! The ~~The NIGGERS~~ LIBERALS are stealing our white women! - - - Okay, that last one was a bit of a reach too, but you get what I'm saying!

Liberal is the new "that one" in McCain speak. I'm no fool. I won't be had, won't be took, not hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, or run amuck ( - - - fist raised high in the air - - - ). I see the writing on the wall.

*The views expressed here are those of the authors and should not be attributed to Blogger. We apologize for any discomfort you may have had reading this post. These liberals can get a bit out of hand sometime.

Rant #1: Weave. . . Really? (aka . . A Shout Out to TMCY)

2009-03-31T07:19:00.008-05:00

This post is prompted by TMCY's post on Weave Wearing Women yesterday which got me to thinking several things. 1.) TMCY and I went to college together and probably had much more in common to talk about than we realized (at least on the writing tip) and 2.) either the world is so depressed and in need of some laughter or we're just to afraid to talk about the serious things these days.

Now before I get to ranting, I must admit that I don't advertise my blog in a fashion to solicit much interaction via comments. I really do most of my writing for myself as a form of therapy. But it made me laugh (then cry) that TMCY's weave blog solicited a barrage of comments regarding weave, good hair vs. bad hair, naturals vs. relaxers, insecurities and how much people need to pay someone to lay on the couch to get their head straight so they don't go around buying yakki hair which some asian lady got horribly screwed on when they paid her pennies for growing her hair out for a year.

Now I know TMCY has written on more important issues in a comical sense like the Iraqi Shoe Thrower (11 comments) or Governor Sarah Palin (3 comments), so why has weave prompted so much discussion. Does weave intrigue us that much? Is this the substance that drives us? I write alot about race and political issues yet, when my friends speak about my blog, they usually refer to the fictional live remotes that Chico (me and my wife's dog) has done from the DNC and a Nightclub (I must admit however, that if you've ever heard me do Chico's voice, you'd be rolling to. It's a mix of a gangster and the old pervert man from the Family Guy show that's always trying to get at Chris)."

Maybe I'm being too serious about this. But I always wonder when will we put more effort into the real stuff that we're concerned about.

But then again, weave is a pretty serious topic. That shit could save your life.

Do I have any white friends anymore?

2009-03-30T13:17:00.005-05:00

"On Saturdays and Sundays, America in the year 2009 does not, in some ways, differ significantly from the country that existed some 50 years ago. This is truly sad." - Attorney General Holder.

In a speech regarding the celebration of Black History Month, Attorney General Holder made the above statement regarding the nation's "coward" demeanor toward addressing the serious and un-talked about issue of race in our nation. This simple yet stunningly obvious observance about race relations in our nation got me to thinking, I have no white "friends" anymore.

Now my definition of friend in this sense is strictly defined. It isn't friend in the sense of we went to high school with each other 10 years ago and you found me through the six degrees of separation group on Facebook or by noticing a friend of a friend of yours who commented on my witty status messages. It isn't a friend in the sense that you ran the "find other friends" tool on MySpace and it used your contact list from yahoo or Gmail or twitter or whatever to find your "friends" by their email addresses. I mean friend in the sense that someone you actually keep tabs of through direct contact, engage in conversations regarding each others personal lives and gains as well as have a care for.

Now some of you new age hippies may attempt to contradict Holder's sentiments saying, "I just hung out with "X" (I was going to use a stereotypical white name like Luke, or Sharon or Casey but that wouldn't be right . . . wait . . . I just did) last night! But hanging out doesn't constitute a friendship. On second thought, if more than 50% of the time you're with that person you all are taking Jaeger or jello shots, then you are actually a small AA (Alcoholics Admirers) Group in the making. . . not "friends".

For the rest of you, I ask you this. When was the last time you spent significant time with someone of another race ( for which you have no familial or marital or obligation to) on a Saturday or Sunday that wasn't work related?

1 week ago . . .

1 month ago . . . .

1 year ago . . . . . . ?

Longer . . . . ?

I started thinking about the last time I spent significant time with someone of the other race. There was that one time at my wedding when we hung out with my wife's maid of honor's fiance who's white. . . but they're pretty much considered family . . . so they don't count. My good friend from college was at a bachelor party with me for another friend of mine and he's white (the friend . . not the bachelor). But dude has been to just as many family functions as I have in the last 10 years we've known each other (actually more) . . . so does he really count? And besides, for much of his early years . . . he thought he was black anyway (you know I love you KH!)!

The truth is I don't have any white friends anymore. I am not ashamed of this. I think it is a natural result of us wanting to spend our off work time with those we are most comfortable with. That is perhaps the part I am ashamed of. Our nation has a uncomfortableness about our differences which inhibits our ability to form positive relationships with persons of contrasting skin tone. We ignore racism as if it doesn't matter in a world for which it has always mattered. Instead of opening lines of communication to rid ourselves of misconceptions, stereotypes and prejudices as well as cement the truths about our various cultures and ethnicities, we shun away from this dialogue and interaction choosing to instead act as if it isn't there. Racism is the drunk uncle at the family reunion for which you've brought your significant other to for the first time. You know he's sitting there, right next to the Jack Daniel's. You know he inevitably will do or say something asinine and embarrassing, but he is never confronted in advance of the issue. And when he's confronted after the ugliness rears it's head, it's too late, and race riot of sort occurs.

Perhaps we should host huge Clear the Air parties (kind of like the one they held in Grant Park in Chicago on November 4th) in which everyone where's a white t shirt with black lettering on it that clearly states our misconceptions and stereotypes and prejudices of others. This way it would be out in the open for all to see. We then could help each other through discussing the root of those misconceptions and refuting them through evidence.

I can see it now. White guy walks up with t-shirt that says "I think all black guys can run fast and jump high". Black guy walks up with t-shirt that says, "I think all white women are subordinate to their men!" Asian guy walks up with t-shirt that says, " I think most latinos are illegal aliens." Latino guy walks up with t-shirt that says, " I think all asian men are mathemeticians."

Of course I'm being quite silly in a sense, but you get the point. Perhaps by exclaiming our misconceptions of race, we can rid ourselves of them.

. . . and if you're one of my white friends . . . please don't be offended . . . and if you are, we're probably really not friends anyhow.

MateFax Personal History: Don't Date A Used Man Without MateFax!

2009-03-30T07:43:00.003-05:00

I liken asking someone you meet for the first time questions about themselves and their dating history to asking a used car salesman about the quality of a car you're interested in purchasing: you very well knew from the beginning that the answer you would receive would not only inevitably be disappointing, but that there will always be a sense of uncertainty with regards to if you received the absolute truth or not. This is the reason the CarFax product is such a hot sale. It reduces the dissonance associated with the purchase and permits you to comfort your self with a detailed car history that in the least, allows you to rationalize your purchase decision even if the car breaks down in two weeks.

But there are no MateFax products on the market. It would be an exceptional idea. A detailed dating history of your potential mate that you could pull even before you went on your first date. You notice an attractive guy or gal (simliar to a freshly detailed car on a used car lot), walk up to him or her and kick on their bumpers and check for dents or oil on the ground around them. You ask for their PIN# (PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) and let them know you'll get back to them in a couple days. You immediately go home and jump on the matefax.com website to run their history. Your detailed report is produced in minutes:

OWNERSHIP HISTORY:
Year Born: 1978
Estimated Length of Average Relationship: 6 mos.
Estimated Sexual Partners Per Year: 7
Total Sexual Partners: 105
Total Sexual Parners with reported cases of STD: 17 (16%)

EMPLOYER:
Harolds Chicken Shack #73: 8yrs
ICE Theatres: 3 yrs

TITLE PROBLEMS:
FICO Score: 512
Degree: Associates in General Studies from Kennedy King College
# Years to Recieve Degree: 7.5

Reported Accident / Damage:
1996 - Assault Charge dismissed by former Ex-Girlfriend. Order of Protection Enforced.
1999 - Multiple Non-Labeled Prescriptions bottles found in vehicle for "General Health Issues" from local clinic known for STD prowess.
2002 - Filed police report for excessive car damage on vehicle including but not limited to sugar being poured in tank, key scratches and "BITCH ASS" spray painted on door and brick in window.

Other Information:
Children: 6
Baby Mommas: 4

End Report.

Your MateFax report has saved you time, hardship and money for the low, low price of $29.99. I do however see the potential detriments associated with "erroneous" information as maybe received with your typical CarFax report. People will start stealing PIN numbers like credit fraud. You'll have to check your report monthly to ensure no misinformation being reported (there's no greater pain for a man than to have been reported to have slept with a woman . . . for which he actually didn't receive the joy of sleeping with her). You'd have to entertain requests from friends asking to get on your MateFax report to get the residuals of you actually being a decent dude. Almost like a co-signer. And similiar to the car market, your MateFax report will only approve you for a late model Ford Festiva type woman when you really want a BMW 745 type female.

What would your MateFax (or your current/ex's MateFax) report say?

I'll just say . . . . Thank You Lord!

2009-03-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

I'm not a horribly religious person. Actually, if you ever run into my best friend Jere Tobias and ask him what I used to think about Church and Religion, he'd have a tremendously funny story to tell you. But life has showed me through trials and tribulations, joy and happiness that God is real. God is always present. And God changes your life.

So, on this 31st anniversary of my birth, I recall a fond memory of my younger years, and I say aloud, "Thank you Lord, I won't complain!"

I wasn't forced to go to church after about 10 years old. My parent's felt it was to be a decision of my own after a while and permitted me to choose to go after that time. Of course, I elected to spend most of my Sundays playing basketball in the local schoolyard on milkcrates for at that time, I felt it was a much better way of spending my time. But my parents are smarter than they probably would ever give themself credit for and had already laid the foundation. Their electing to allow me to make the decision taught me at the least two very profound lessons which I have had to learn and re-learn multiple times. The first is that to choose isn't always a easy thing to do. And that in the beginning and the end, it always comes back to God.

Learning and relearning these two lessons have pushed my life to greater heights, permitted some fantastic people (ie. my wife) to enter my life and have put me on a path to the desireable life that I covet.

And so, when things don't always seem to be going too well. In the words of my Grandmother who sings this very touching and spiritual song nearly everytime I visit home and go to church, "I'll just say thank you Lord . . . I won't complain".

A Long Letter to my not yet concieved child . . .

2009-01-28T09:14:00.000-06:00

Dear Son and/or Daughter:

I Love you.

Even though I've never seen your beautiful face, held your soft hand, seen your cheerful smile or wiped your first tear, I love you. And I will always love you. And you should always know that.

I have dreamt of you all my life. I have dreamt of how beautiful you would be, how smart you would be, how funny you would be, how great you would be. I have dreamt of the many good and bad times we would share. I have dreamt of the first time we looked into each others eyes, the first time you call me daddy and your first steps. You have been on my mind for as long as I can remember, and now that you are here, you will continue to be in my thoughts each and every day. You are a dream come true.

You are the greatest gift I have ever been given. I am forever indebted to God and your Mother for making this dream of mine a reality. I love your Mother dearly. She is the strength that has kept me going and she will be just as strong for you. I cannot love you without loving your Mother, and I will love the both of you till the end of time. Losing either either of you isn't something I ever would be able to handle. Understand that your Mother and I will not always agree, but we will always agree on this: God was kind to us by bringing the blessing of you into our life. And no matter what happens between the two of us, know that you are the greatest thing that ever happened to both of us.I promise to cherish you as if you are the greatest gift I have ever received.

Despite my love for you, I am fully aware that we too, will not always see eye to eye. Please know that I never want to hurt your feelings and I am sorry for the many times I'm sure I will. Everything I do, I do for you. The rules I set are not to limit your joy, but to prepare you for a troublesome and tumultuous world. When I say "no" it's not because I wish to be mean or keep you from having fun. You will learn over time that if I could have said yes every time, if I could have given you every want or desire you ever dreamed of, that I would have without hesitancy.

But my job is to be your parent. And I will carry out that job in a fashion that I will be forever proud and able to hold my head high that I did the best I could at being a parent for you. As much as I want to be your best friend, you must understand that being your friend comes second to being your Dad.

I will not have all the answers even though I will sometimes act like I do. I want to be the man you look up to each and every day. I want you to be as proud to say "that's my dad" as i am to say "that's my child". I will help you in every way I can. And even when I can't help you, I will be there to comfort you when you try and fail and support you each time you try and try again. Keep trying! It is the only way to achieve success.

And even though I haven't met you, I know you will be a valiant success, a beacon of excellence and achievement. You will get there by trying, doing, winning and losing, but you will get there, and I will be there every step of the way to give you whatever help I can. And when you shine, when you rise to the top of the many podiums you will stand upon, don't worry if you never mention me for you being you is the greatest acknowledgement I could ever receive. Shine bright!

There will be people in your life who tell you you aren't as wonderful as I say you are. Know in your heart that God has never made anything that wasn't wonderful, and when he made you, he created wonderful defined. Be proud, yet humble. Know that with all that you have you have a responsibility to give back more. Know that with all your talents and successes, if you are the only one to have benefited from them, they were of of little use at all. So when the world tells you you can't, show them you can and remember to be grateful that you could.

You will have many special people in your life. Some will last for a long time, some will last for a little. Of any and all these people require that they respect you not by the way you demand that respect but by giving them the respect you feel you deserve. But be able to know the difference. Know that no matter how much we wish to have people in our life, they sometimes don't deserve that privilege. Respect for self is where respect for others start. And one day, I pray you will find someone who will make you feel just as special as your Mother has made me feel. And one day you will want to share the rest of your life with that person. Know that I may not always be number one in your life, but I will always be the first to be there when you need me. My love for you has grown each day since the first day I dreamt of you. And it will never subside. Ever.

And for all that I have written to you, promised to you, given to you, shared with you, I only ask for one thing. I only ask that when the day comes, that you will write a long letter to your not yet conceived child (my grandchild), that simply starts as such:

I love you.

Black People Should Be Happy . . . . Everythings Even With the Election of President Obama!

2009-01-22T06:49:00.000-06:00

Listening to AM radio this morning, which I am almost certain contributes to 98% of the reason I walk into work with a mean mug you would normally associate with prison photos, the stand in host asked the question of "Do black people feel as if they have gotten even with whites with the election of a black President?" This rather assinine question I dismissed as radio entertainment and an attempt to solicit callers and increase radio ad revenue by the show host, until people actually called in to comment. The points people made were more assinine than the question itself, so much to the point that I have subconciously blacked them out of my head and thus can't regurgitate them, however they were catalyst enough to prompt me to call in myself.

My point was this, 1 for 43 should never be considered "even" in any situation. When it comes to matters of race, I do not believe 50/50 is necessary (which is the counterpoint the host attempted to use . . . asserting I wouldn't be happy until 41 more black men became president). Nevertheless, I do feel "even" should be a reflection of what portion of the American Pie you represent. For example, take any publicly founded college campus. If there are 20,000 students, and America is 13 - 15% minority, shouldn't 13-15% of the students on that campus be minority as well? This would assert a "equal" representation to the opportunities of college education.

A subsequent caller responded to my statement saying that "black people are all over the board on this one" (because another caller called in stating she didn't vote for Obama despite her being black because her family couldn't relate to his elitism as a result of his being Harvard educated. I could write another blog on this idiot notion in itself but who has the time) and that blacks have had opportunities to become President for "generations" now and haven't capitalized upon it until Barack Obama came along.

That response got me to thinking, perhaps the better question for the day that the host should ask is if white people feel that blacks should be satiated by the election of a black President as a guage for things being "equal" or "even" in our society. I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this one, but it'd be interesting to hear the responses.

Getting back to the "black people are all over the board" comment, is this something that is ridiculous an idea? Is it crazy to think that two black people, with two different upbringings, two different sets of life experiences and personalities would have differing ideas and thoughts? Does the shared pigmentation of our skin lead one to think that our thoughts too are one in the same? Homogenous thought is perhaps one of the most significant contributants to the persistence of bad ideas. Variety in our ideas is the premise for which our nation is built. It is the agent which is the catalyst for the ideas and ingenuity which has made us the model society on Earth. Therefore, the expectation that all black people be on the same page with respect to any idea is in itself an underestimation of black people.

I must too address the idea that black people have for "generations" had the opportunity to become president. My first action was to find the definition of generation. There are many, all of which point to a period of time. Here's one:

the term of years, roughly 30 among human beings, accepted as
the average period between the birth of parents and the birth of their
offspring.

Assuming this definition is widely accepted and agreed upon, permit me to walk you down a time line regarding the notion of the "generations" of opportunity black people have had with respect to becoming President of the greatest country on Earth. The first Pilgrims arrived (slaves in tow) in 1614. The Declaration of Independence was made real in 1776, with the promise of equality for all men as a endowment given to them by their creator. The United States constitution, which in itself proclaimed the inferiority of blacks in relation to whites with the three-fifths compromise, was accepted in 1786. The Civil War, renowned as the war to free the slaves, began in 1861. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his March on Washington speech in 1963. So, assuming the caller was speaking to the generations of opportunity allowed to black people to become President, it took black people bit over one generation to accomplish this goal, a rather expeditiously and seemingly insurmountable feat to have been accomplished in a nation with a rich history of racial tension and oppression. The notion that many generations were afforded us is a farce.

Which returns me to my suggested question "if white people feel that blacks should be satiated by the election of a black President as a guage for things being "equal" or "even" in our society"? This callers commentary would suggest that we should. It also asserts that white people feel as if the election of one black President (and their more than apparent contribution in accomplishing that feat) absolves them of the injustices, discrimination and prejudices they have placed upon the welted backs of black people since the day the first Pilgrim set foot on Plymouth Rock.

Technology is a double edge sword. . .

2009-01-16T09:40:00.000-06:00

The advancements in technology since my youth have been abundantly rapid and impacting. I remember playing Commadore 64 and ATARI were 1D games like PONG where the staple yet still exciting as can be. Now games have DNA, literally. Today's technology has evolved to the point that the characters you play with can have shifting personality. Mario was just happy all the time, like he had a lifetime refill of Prozac. The first cell phone I had was humongous, bulky and outright lame. The minutes were excessively expensive, so much so, that seldom did I have any to call anyone. I still had to rely on my pager and hope someone lived close enough to use their landline or that a payphone was near by (. . . and i only needed a quarter to use it!). Now phones have games, email, text messaging, video, movies, music, applications that let you track election results and stream live music, and give you access to the ever addicting Facebook application.

The advancements of technology have made life more efficient and allowed us to communicate in ways we could only imagine like we did when we watched the Jetsons (still waiting on that flying car express way . . . that would make the commute to Hoffman from Bronzeville a breeze).

However, all our technological advancements have also acted as a crutch for many of the things that grew our abilities and skill sets. Take text messaging as an example. My father used to make me write letters to my aunts and uncles. They needed to be grammatically correct and he required they used more complex words other than that which I used in my everyday verbiage. It permitted me to grow my vocabulary and become better at the use of the English language. Of course, I didn't know all this at the time, it was actually quite frustrating. But it was a less expensive way of talking to extended family as long distance calls at the time were still very costly. Now, I text my uncles and aunts, using shorthand LOL's and OMG's and BRB's. Technology has actually retracted some of my ability to use the English language in exchange for acronyms! And despite the fact that mobile to mobile minutes exist and I don't know of a cell phone that doesn't have free long distance, I still, for the sake of time, communicate in short hand text.

Technology has even ripped us of the Dewey decimal system. Depending on your age, you may not even know who or what that is. That's because who goes to library's anymore. Even when I was in college, I went to the library to get a quite place to study. I didn't need books because the entire campus was on wi-fi and all my research was done on the Internet. And even if I did need a book, i would just download it electronically. I haven't stepped foot inside a library since college. And although the Internet provides immediate access to information and for that matter, the world, it has reduced the amount of time we spend reading. Young people can Google for entire research papers and teachers have to be just as keen in order to catch the plagiarism which is probably rampant in today's schools.

Technology has even taken away our ability to count. Try this. . . the next time you are ordering food and run across a automated change machine, challenge the order taker to a test. Give them a $20 bill and tell them if they can tell you, within 8 seconds, the amount of change they should get back, you'll let them have the change. You probably won't lose a dime. And chances are, you have become so trusting in the machines and techonoloy that have been implemented to "make our lives easier" that you could get shorted change every time and never notice. We have become so reliant on these tools that we never question them.

Technology in all it's brilliance has handicapped our society. And there's no promising outlook for it getting any better.

This message brought to you from my IPhone.

To Choose or To be Chosen . . . .That is the question!

2009-01-14T11:20:00.001-06:00

We all know the light skinned vs. dark skinned argument. Light skinned girls get all the guys. Dark skinned girls get played or have to be exceptionally fine! Wannabe's vs. Jiggaboos. . . . blah, blah, blah. We all know that it's rooted in massa's seperation of the lights from the darks and giving them preference and creating the sensation to covet the lighter folks of our race. And yet it still plagues us today. More importantly, it plagues our black women who are constantly irate at the fact that a man's preferences lead him to lighter toned women.

Sistahz (of all color. . . .white, brown, yellow, etc.) . . . . you will never change a man's preference!

That fool may marry you and still prefer lighter skinned women!

My question is, when will women become the chooser instead of being chosen. Now I know you're going to say that we women always do the choosing . . . and you may be correct in saying that the end decision is that of the woman, but if you think that the courter doesn't have anything to do with the courtee making that decision, you're fooling yourself (ex. refer to ugly brother without dough with fine woman on arm . . . . game!).

The sistah has always went out and got what they want in life. Want education . . . went out and got it! Higher paying job in the board room with the big boys . . . went out and got it! Big house, nice car . . . that too! Quality man . . . [in a damsel in distress voice] , "where has chilvary gone?"

My suggestion: Get out and get what you want!

I can be certain that I cannot recall not participating in a conversation that a woman initiated with me in my single days. Ugly, fine, tall, short, fat, skinny. Didn't matter, if the woman started the conversation, I always remember engaging her. My preferences went to the wayside frankly because I was caught off guard and if that woman's personality shined and kept me engaged, there was no telling where the conversation would lead.

Men have had to do this since the beginning of time. We have always had to chase. Geez, my wife didn't even give me her phone number when we first met . . . I nearly had to stalk her via email . . . which she didn't provide to me either but I just happened to pick out of a guestlist of more than 600 others ( . . . fate . . .that's a future blog article). The chase and the subsequent shootdowns is what has allowed us men to build ourselves and our ability to engage, attract and win the woman who are characteristic of our preferences.

For those of you who women who believe that the old fashion way of courtship should be standard, understand that you no longer live in old fashioned times and shall not expect new fashioned results while maintaining an old fashioned mindset regarding dating. We are in a new age where we learn more about one another through text messages, emails and facebook profiles than we do via picnics in the park, walks on the boardwalk or conversations over tea. This will not change. The world will not revert back to times of communication in person or via hand written letter. And to be truthful, you have not maintained old fashioned mannerisms of courtship anyhow. In old fashioned times, you dated exclusively those of your ethnic group. Of course there were folks at the extremes who tested these old fashioned ideas, however most of us stayed in stride. Yet, frequently I hear women (scorned) suggest to other women that men outside of their race are fair game now as a result of the dissapointment they have have with men who reflect their own skin tone. If this is outside the lines of old fashion and still exceptable, why not stress the bounds a bit more.

Stop waiting to be chosen . . . . stop being victim of preferences for which you have no control over. . . . start choosing how you want your dating life to be! It may be more fun (and successful) than you think!

Shout out to Tahani for kicking this post off!

What were they thinking? Hmmmm . . . .

2009-01-08T10:46:00.000-06:00

So, all the living presidents gathered for lunch. First time since '81. Photo opportunities where abound and some keen photographer caught the one you see here. It seems as if Young Bush was in mid sentence. I wonder what the presidents where thinking? Let me know what you think?

"So . . . you just gonna fuck up the USA and leave me to fix it all huh? That's cool, I got it. Can't wait till your chump ass gets gone on the 21st!" - Obama

"Yep . . . Here I am again . . . In the Oval Office. Boy did some freaky shit go down in here!" - Clinton

"Hey Jimmy, you think they're gonna serve tater tots for lunch! I love me some tater tots!" - Bush #2

"Yep. I'm pretty certain. I've wet my depends." - Carter

"I should punch your ass in the ear!" - Obama

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

2008-11-18T12:02:00.001-06:00

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 ".

2008-11-12T14:25:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-11-06T09:01:00.001-06:00

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 . . .

2008-11-04T07:53:00.000-06:00

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. . . .

2008-10-28T14:03:00.000-05:00

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.

2008-10-21T14:24:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-10-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2008-10-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

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.

The Republicans Have Gone Too Far. . .

2008-10-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

"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!

Black In America . . . Biracial and proud!

2008-10-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

"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.

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

2008-10-05T21:43:00.001-05:00

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 . . .

2008-10-05T09:08:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-10-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-09-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-09-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

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 . . .

2008-09-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-09-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-08-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-07-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

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. . .

2008-07-25T14:44:00.000-05:00

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.