...But Who The Hell Am I

Once & Future King

2011-06-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not what you call a basketball fan. In actuality, I'm more of a fan of individual player. For the past few years, I've been riding with the Boston Celtics; but I've been really intrigued by the hatred for LeBron James. So much so, that I am as much a fan of his as I am a fan of the Boston Celtics. I always come back to one question: Why do you hate him so much? I've never gotten a legit answer. Here are a list of some of the answers I got and how full of crap they are. Usually, the first thing people say is, The Decision. This was where Lebron had a televised press conference to announce where he will be playing after his free agency was up. He didn't tell anyone before he made his decision and did it during his event. Most people think he was wrong not to tell management, his coach, or his teammates about his decision before The Decision. I think the hate for him makes people forget about the countless number of professional athletes who tell stories of only finding out through the media or while on All-Star break that they were traded to another team. Ask Kendrick Perkins. What about the endless athletes that were dropped like a bad habit when they sustained an injury. The haters also forget that The Decision was a fundraising event for The Boy's & Girl's Club of America. It raised $4 million for the charity. No one brings that up. Then others say that he is just too arrogant. Show me a pro athlete that isn't. Does anyone remember Jordan's hall Of Fame speech or pre-rape accusation Kobe? Others claim that lining himself up with other stars makes him weak. Isn't that what Boston did with their Big Three or Kobe & Shaq, or D-Wade & Shaq, even that Fellowship For The Ring team of Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Shaq & Kobe. This trend didn't start with LeBron and I'm sure it won't end with him. Others attach quotes of winning the scoring title, being the highest paid player, and removing lesser teams from the NBA to him; but I guarantee that your favorite player has a string of quotes that he or she may or may not have said that poorly reflected them. For example: "As far as playing, I didn't care who guarded me - red, yellow, black. I just didn't want a white guy guarding me, because it's disrespect to my game."- Larry Bird, or "Scoring 100 points is a lot, but I could've scored 140 if they had played straight-up basketball."- Wilt Chamberlain. Others have decided to take his recent 4th quarter collapses as an excuse to hate him. I find that funny, because the opponent that defeated him, Dirk Nowitzki, was fit with the same label. He was called soft, and not possessing the killer instinct to put teams away. He was never subjected to the same hate. Now they are mentioning him as being amongst the great ones. I'm still at a loss. My personal opinion is that LeBron represents something that the average hometown athlete views as a slap in the face. A high school star athlete who went straight to the pros and made an immediate and lasting impact. Something that 99% of them couldn't do. Imagine how the guy who wasn't even good enough to play in high school must feel about him? Those two types have to either love him, out of admiration, or hate him, out of jealousy. There is no in between. To those types, pro athletes are mythical in there ability and preparation. They can't be kids that were really good in high school; because if they were, then those types would be forced to answer the question, "Why couldn't I have done that?" Fortunately, I'm secure with my station in life, so I can marvel at LeBron James' success and his accomplishments without resentments. He is like Haley's Comet. Something that I doubt I will see again in my lifetime; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Mal Malloy vs Sarah B.B.

2011-06-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

I know... I know... Its been a while. I decided that before I made my triumphant return to the blog with substance related posts, I'd start with guilty pleasures. I am a new fan of the new phenomenon of white women with big bootys. I hear that these are two of the heavyweight champions of the PAWG game. I recently got PAWG added to my vocabulary from a buddy of mine. It stands for Phat Ass White Girl. The two contestants in this battle are Mal Malloy and Sarah Big Butt(creative name, huh. Let me know what you think and feel free to weigh in with your opinion. I got my money on Mall; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

America - He's Your President for Goodness Sake!

2010-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

There was a time not so long ago when Americans, regardless of their political stripes, rallied round their president. Once elected, the man who won the White House was no longer viewed as a republican or democrat, but the President of the United States. The oath of office was taken, the wagons were circled around the country’s borders and it was America versus the rest of the world with the president of all the people at the helm.

Suddenly President Barack Obama, with the potential to become an exceptional president has become the glaring exception to that unwritten, patriotic rule.

Four days before President Obama’s inauguration, before he officially took charge of the American government, Rush Limbaugh boasted publicly that he hoped the president would fail. Of course, when the president fails the country flounders. Wishing harm upon your country in order to further your own narrow political views is selfish, sinister and a tad treasonous as well.

Subsequently, during his State of the Union address, which is pretty much a pep rally for America, an unknown congressional representative from South Carolina, later identified as Joe Wilson, stopped the show when he called the President of the United States a liar. The president showed great restraint in ignoring this unprecedented insult and carried on with his speech. Speaker Nancy Pelosi was so stunned by the slur, she forgot to jump to her feet while clapping wildly, 30 or 40 times after that.

Last spring, President Obama took his wife Michelle to see a play in New York City and republicans attacked him over the cost of security for the excursion. The president can’t take his wife out to dinner and a show without being scrutinized by the political opposition? As history has proven, a president in a theatre without adequate security is a tragically bad idea.

Remember: “Apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?”

At some point, the treatment of President Obama went from offensive to ugly and then to downright dangerous.

The health-care debate, which looked more like extreme fighting in a mud pit than a national dialogue, revealed a very vulgar side of America. President Obama’s face appeared on protest signs white-faced and blood-mouthed in a satanic clown image. In other tasteless portrayals, people who disagreed with his position distorted his face to look like Hitler complete with mustache and swastika.

Odd, that burning the flag makes Americans crazy, but depicting the president as a clown and a maniacal fascist is accepted as part of the new rude America.

Maligning the image of the leader of the free world is one thing, putting the president’s life in peril is quite another. More than once, men with guns were videotaped at the health-care rallies where the president spoke. Again, history shows that letting men with guns get within range of a president has not served America well in the past.

And still the “birthers” are out there claiming Barack Obama was not born in the United States, although public documentation proves otherwise. Hawaii is definitely part of the United States, but the Panama Canal Zone where his electoral opponent Senator John McCain was born? Nobody’s sure.

Last month, a 44-year-old woman in Buffalo was quite taken by President Obama when she met him in a chicken wing restaurant called Duff’s. Did she say something about a pleasure and an honour to meet the man or utter encouraging words for the difficult job he is doing? No. Quote: “You’re a hottie with a smokin’ little body.”

Lady, that was the President of the United States you were addressing, not one of the Jonas Brothers! He’s your president for goodness sakes, not the guy driving the Zamboni at “Monster Trucks On Ice.” Maybe next it’ll be, “Take Your President To A Topless Bar Day.”

In President Barack Obama, Americans have a charismatic leader with a good and honest heart. Unlike his predecessor, he’s a very intelligent leader. And unlike that president’s predecessor, he’s a highly moral man.

In President Obama, Americans have the real deal, the whole package and a leader that citizens of almost every country around the world look to with great envy. Given the opportunity, Canadians would trade our leader, hell, most of our leaders for Obama in a heartbeat.

What America has in Obama is a head of state with vitality and insight and youth. Think about it, Barack Obama is a young Nelson Mandela. Mandela was the face of change and charity for all of Africa but he was too old to make it happen. The great things Obama might do for America and the world could go on for decades after he’s out of office.

America, you know not what you have.

The man is being challenged unfairly, characterized with vulgarity and treated with the kind of deep disrespect to which no previous president was subjected. It’s like the day after electing the first black man to be president, thereby electrifying the world with hope and joy, Americans sobered up and decided the bad old days were better.

President Obama may fail but it will not be a Richard Nixon default fraught with larceny and lies. President Obama, given a fair chance, will surely succeed but his triumph will never come with a Bill Clinton caveat – “if only he’d got control of that zipper.”

Please. Give the man a fair, fighting chance. This incivility toward the leader who won over Americans and gave hope to billions of people around the world that their lives could be enhanced by his example, just naturally has to stop.

Believe me, when Americans drive by the White House and see a sign on the lawn that reads: “No shirt. No shoes. No service,” they’ll realize this new national rudeness has gone way, way too far.

By William Thomas

This article is written by a Canadian. It seems like a fitting example of US citizens being too close to the forest to see the trees. I hope that he gets a fair shake, but I seriously doubt he will. I just don't think America is ready to be lead by a black man. I hate to be a "Negative Nancy" but I think he should bow out while he still has some sanity and dignity left. "Die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain"- Harvey Dent. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Charles Hamilton & Serius Jones

2010-11-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

I am amazed that are places in the world that you can be, where a freestyle battle could just suddenly break out. I don't mean a wack one between one of your boys and that really nice middle schooler that everyone is talking about. I mean a good one. Much less a battle between two artist in the peak of their ability. I was a little worried that Serius wasn't gonna spit, but it ended up being a win-win for all. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Speechless

2010-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

The thing that I notice about this video is that the woman in it doesn't seem very ignorant at first. I bet she believes 90% of what she is saying. I know that desperation sometimes prompts the worst in us, but it rarely inserts qualities that we don't already possess. I also have to admit that I like seeing videos like this. Especially, after the media and some of my white friends try and convince me that racism is dead and buried. I can't decide if it is good or bad that this type of thing doesn't surprise me at all and in fact, makes me feel that my reluctance to drop my guard and sing unity songs isn't black paranoia. I'm gonna have to think about that one. Who know? Maybe I have become institutionalized by the institutional racism? Like a prisoner who has been looked up more of his life than he has been free. The bars are comfort. Maybe I need racism to feel comfortable and calm. I just that used to it. I seriously doubt it. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The KKK Disbands

2010-10-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

The KKK leader stepped to the podium, his hood lowered around his shoulders and a look of disgust on his face. He said, "Sorry guys but this will be our last meeting; we're going out of business."

A member stood up in back. "But why sir?"

The leader sighed, "Well, reverend, the Blacks are doing a better job getting rid of themselves than we ever did, so we are no longer needed."

There were rumblings and protest. The leader raised his hand to silence the Klan members, and said, "Their rap music says more vile things about Black women than we ever thought of."

The members grudgingly nodded in approval. The Imperial Dragon continued: "And their women write books and make songs that demean black men better than my two speech writers ever could, looking down at two men seated in front who lowered their heads.

"They shoot each other constantly ", he continued;" And as a group, they spend a huge amounts of money on cars, liquor, that stuff they call bling bling, and the proliferation of rap music -- as they talk about all that in their magazines -- and nobody needs us to talk about how a lot of their sorry butts keep playing the race and victim cards while complaining that other groups are surpassing them in economic development and supposedly getting more attention in schools.

Hell, they even support a so-called "Black Hair" DVD that a white man is making money on, in four sequels at $20.00 a pop, talking about how Koreans have taken over the "black hair" industry without acknowledging that Black entrepreneurs had 100 years to get a monopoly or entrenchment in the industry that Madam C.J Walker founded 100 years ago, but got out-hustled and out-strategized while spending investment capital elsewhere. Let's face it, they're being hoisted by their own petards."

Some members went looking for dictionaries, while most members nodded as it hit them that their job was finished; that Blacks had be come their own worst enemy.

The leader shook his head. "It's time to go back to our regular lives as policemen,clergy, judges and congressmen, and leave the business of getting rid of Blacks to Blacks. They are just better at it than us."

He then threw his hood on the ground and walked off the stage. Thus ended the last KKK meeting.

I was sent this in an e-mail and thought it was kinda slick. The idea that black folks are their own worst enemy, and we often get in our own way is an old one. I agree in most cases, but I don't want anyone to think that we always have gotten in our own way. The institutionalized racism that effects this country is very real and its effects are last and are not to be trivialized. Yet, I'm not so Pro-Black that I can't agree with the sentiments of Ice Cube in the song titled, US; when he said, "Don't point the finger, you jiggaboo. Take a a look at yourself, ya dumb nigga, you!" But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

She's Baaaaaaack

2010-10-09T10:58:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite black women on earth, Deelishis from Flavor of Love 2, is back on the scene. She left the scene to have a baby, focus on her music, and possibly create a career that has absolutely nothing to do with her body, I hope. Hearing how she is pumping her upcoming calendar, I doubt that last thing is gonna happen. I think she is absolutely beautiful and looks like a ball of potential that hasn't been chewed up and regurgitated by celebrity and Hollywood. I'm not one of these guys that act like they know a person just because he's seen them on TV and or heard Entertainment Tonight reports. I wouldn't mind getting to know her though. But that's just my opinion though; and who the hell am I?

I Know How You Must Feel

2010-09-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've seriously been neglecting my blog. For what it's worth, I apologize and promise to do better. I have no real excuse, but I posted this video because I believe that the people who have been regularly reading my blog, have felt this way about my blatant blog neglect at one time or another. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Too Much???

2010-06-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

One man's poison is another man's pleasure; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Humiliation

2010-06-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how this is working, but the sideline haters have even found roundabout ways to assassinate the idea of black politicians. How dare anyone put someone like this in any position of power? Now, I don't know this man. I don't know his history. I do know that this is a two fold attempt to make Barack Obama and other politicians like him, look bad; and Sara Palin, George Bush, and other politicians like them, look good. I rarely step into the realm of politicians because i don't believe in it. It is a false institution to me; like organized religion. Both of these are means to ends based in control and greed. The only reason it made it on my blog is the implications that the "election" of someone like this can have. White America can handle shots like this because the have over 40 other examples to draw from. We however, cannot. This set African American politicians and African Americans foray into the political arena, back considerably. Lucky for me, I've unplugged from the Matrix years ago. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

If you wouldn't punch yourself in a street fight, why do it in a word fight?

2010-06-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Y'all know I'm a fan of Hip-Hop, especially freestyle battles. I'm not exactly sure if the cat in this video understands. I'm assuming this cat thought that his wit would carry him beyond the implications of his insinuations. HE WAS WRONG. I don't even think HOV or Em could dig themselves out of this lyrical hole. Not enough to win the battle. Your opponent wouldn't even need to do anything more than repeat your rhymes back to you. I hope this trend isn't followed. Battle rappers need to be the epitome of confidence, bravado, and machismo. Sometimes, in a battle, that can be enough to bring you out victorious. Even if you're lyrics are better. Example: LL vs Canibus. My advice to any battle rapper is to tighten up your lyrics, but don't forget this is a BATTLE!!! If you want an example, check out Jae Millz vs Murda Mook. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

OVAASA

2010-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

During my month long hiatus, I decided to do something that I always wanted to do. I started an organization. It is called the Ohio Valley African American Students Association. I quickly found out that it is easy to start an organization, but difficult to make it real. It involves tons of paperwork, and things like PO Boxes, Tax IDs, Logos, and Letterheads. After that was established, I concentrated on my first event. I wanted to have a Banquet. I wanted to honor each and every black high school senior in the Ohio Valley with some sort of recognition, at a fancy sit down dinner. After some butt kissing and begging, On May 27th, 2010 at West Virginia Northern Community College, the first annual Ohio Valley African American Students Association's awards banquet took place.

It was one of the proudest moments of my life. Now, I'm doing everything I can to make the OVAASA self-sustainable and able to provide scholarships, interships, and college visits. If any of you reading this would like to help out; our e-mail address is ovaasa@gmail.com. You can follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ovaasa and if you would like to send us a donation or any other correspondence, you can do so at OVAASA PO Box 6497 Wheeling, WV 26003. Donations should be made out to OV African American Students Association. I'm excited. I think everyone should find something to get behind and promote, that would better the world. It really makes you feel like you're making a difference. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

It's Been A Long Time.....

2010-06-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

...I shouldn't a left you; without a new post to vent to. Think of how many weak shows you slept through. Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you .
For those of you who don't know, I was using the immortal words of Rakim to try and make up for the fact that I have been seriously neglecting my blog. I have been working on a huge project and it finally has been finished. It is over and established. I'm gonna talk about it in the next post. I am really proud of the accomplishment. I have also been reading more blogs lately. I am amazed at the dedication that some people have when it comes to posting their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. I was also pleased to see that they have just as many nameless, cowardly haters as I have. It is a cool experience and I stress to more people that they should blog and read blogs. Unless of course you have no grasp of the term "moderation". If reading blogs begin to rule your life, and you take what is written as holy gospel; maybe you should stick to your steady diet of fear provided by CSI, Law & Order, 20/20, Dateline, and your local & national news. We need you people to keep the economy good by buying pepper spray, Lysol Hands Free Soap Systems, and subscribing to www.showmewhereeverypedophileinamericalivessoicanbarricademeandmychildinmyhouseforever.org But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Atlanta Kool-Aid Cookout

2010-04-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the ubiquitous Poppa Lusc, I got a hold of this article and found it quite interesting, and thought I'd share.
A brilliant man named Tim Wise, wrote an article entitled, "Imagine If The Tea Party Was Black." Here is the link http://ephphatha-poetry.blogspot.com/2010/04/imagine-if-tea-party-was-black-tim-wise.html

I'll give you the highlights:

"Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC . . . armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn’t like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic?"

Wise continues to imagine what would happen if black protesters surrounded and intimidated white Congress persons. He imagines if a famous (black) hip hop artist said of a white president, "He’s a piece of shit and I told him to suck on my machine gun." Would Sean Hannity invite that performer onto his show and call him a "friend and frequent guest of the program"? Another link http://mediamatters.org/research/200708270006

"Imagine that a black radio host were to suggest that the only way to get promoted in the administration of a white president is by “hating black people,” or that a prominent white person had only endorsed a white presidential candidate as an act of racial bonding, or blamed a white president for a fight on a school bus in which a black kid was jumped by two white kids, or said that he wouldn’t want to kill all conservatives, but rather, would like to leave just enough—“living fossils” as he called them—“so we will never forget what these people stood for.” After all, these are things that Rush Limbaugh has said, about Barack Obama’s administration, Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, a fight on a school bus in Belleville, Illinois in which two black kids beat up a white kid, and about liberals, generally."

Of course, I recommend reading the entire article, but what struck me was; I don't think this mind state is much of a revelation to the Black community. I'm just surprised that most white folks don't ever used this type of mental role reversal. It would be pretty slick if they tried from time to time. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Top 100 Movies of All Time

2010-04-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

I found an old notebook that I had from 1999. In it, I found a list of My Top 100 Movies Of All Time. There aren't even 100 movies listed on it though. I guess I never finished it. Here they go. Tell me what you think.

A Few Good Men

The Devil's Advocate

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Star Wars trilogy

The Learning Tree

The Silence of the Lambs

Tombstone

Pulp Fiction

Goodfellas

Die Hard

Trading Places

Blazing Saddles

Terms of Endearment

Casino

The Breakfast Club

Ralph Bakshi's Streetfight

Malcolm X

Blade

Event Horizon

Batman

Terminator 2

Glory

Jaws

The Ten Commandments

Back To The Future

Superman 2

Rocky 3

Jerry McGuire

Duel

Menace II Society

The Golden Child

Clerks

Do The Right Thing

The Color Purple

In The Mouth of Madness

The Godfather 1 & 2

Mulan

The Lion King

Wonderman (Danny Kaye)

JFK

Kramer vs Kramer

True Romance

The Usual Suspects

Titanic

Bad Boys (Sean Penn)

Jacob's Ladder

The Professional

Dracula

Happy Gilmore

The Beastmaster

I'm not sure what my criteria was for these movies. I forget. It was 11 years ago. Let me know if you think they suck or they shouldn't be on this list. If you haven't seen one of them, check it out and let me know. I stand by my picks, but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

NBA Focus

2010-04-23T21:30:00.001-07:00

I don't even fool with the NBA like that, but this commercial is amazing. I love creativity and originality. If I could find this on Limewire, I'd bump it in my car. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Boondocks Season 3

2010-04-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

As much as I love Aaron McGruder's genius, sometime social commentary stings a little. But that's just my opinion though, but who the hell am I?

Ms. Badu

2010-03-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

I know most of you think I'm posting this because the beautiful and talented Erykah Badu finally gave the world a look at that fantastic rump of hers. In actuality, this is an amazingly creative song and video. This woman never ceases to amaze me as an artist. Her personal life is kinda confusing, but whose isn't? I hope you all enjoy it, and she has finally killed the myth that you can't trust a big butt and a smile. (two of her most amazing assets) I hope that she one day gets the exposure and acclaim for her artistry and risk taking. It's long overdue. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

BACK ON MY HIP-HOP SH#%T

2010-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

You can't pass up a line up like this. This is one of those cyphers that I would pay to see. I don't really know Una Kasa or Rex, but they sounds legit. The rest are BONA FIDE SPITTERS!!! I'm just glad to hear lyrics again. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

10 Things You Didn't Know About Orgasms

2010-03-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

A little something for both of us. I'm having a fact finding evening, and like G.I. Joe says, "Knowing is half the battle." But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

10 Things You Didn't Know About The Penis

2010-03-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

1. The longest distance a man was ever able to ejaculate is held by Horst Schultz. He fired over 18 feet. We hope he didn't hit anyone.

2. Only one out of every 400 men is flexible enough to give themselves a BJ, but we’re willing to wager all 400 have tried. So, if you don’t like giving, maybe you outta try to find a dude who can bend like a pretzel.

3. One infant’s discarded foreskin can be grown into new skin for a burn victim, measuring 250,000-square feet, or roughly the size of the Crowne Plaza Resort at Niagara Falls.

4. The smallest penis ever recorded was 1 centimeter. How? Why?! Well, it turns out there are two ways you wind up with a teeny D: 1) You’ve got a micro penis, where most of your little guy is shy and stays hidden in your body, or 2) The peen glands are stuck right on your pubic bone, so you get no wand for your magic. That condition is called congenital hypoplasia— which has a name longer than the penis it describes.

5. Statistically, only 15 percent of men are over 7 inches, and only 3 percent are over 8 inches. Although, if you’re a size queen, hope you’re a gay man because, supposedly, homosexuals, on average, have an extra one-third of an inch to work with.

6. Smoking cigarettes isn’t just bad for your lungs. It will also shrink the trouser snake by up to a centimeter. Boners are all about blood flow and, as you know, puffing on a tobacco stick isn’t so great for circulation.

7. Forget shoe size, the best indicator of a man’s penis size is his aptly named pointer finger. But it’s not an exact replica, so no worries.

8. There are two types of penises. One kind expands and lengthens when becoming erect (a grower). The other appears big most of the time, but doesn't get much bigger after achieving erection (a shower).

9. The most common cause of penile rupture: vigorous masturbation. Some risks are just worth taking.

10. No brain is necessary for ejaculation. That order comes from the spinal cord. Finding a living vessel for said ejaculation, however, takes hours of careful thought and, often, considerable amounts of alcohol.

Hey, I figured, what's good for the goose, is good for the gander. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

10 Things You Didn't Know About Boobs

2010-03-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

1. The Worlds Biggest Fake Boobs Are size 38KKK- 28-year-old Sheyla Hershey of Brazil is the proud owner of the world's largest breasts -- with a staggering, life-threatening, and unfortunately-named bra size of 38KKK.In May, ABC News reported that Hershey's breasts were 34 FFF after eight surgeries and one gallon of silicone. But she wasn't done yet. On her way to achieving her dream, she encountered certain roadblocks, like Texas law. The state limits the amount of silicone that one person put in their body because the implants could kill her. So she headed to Brazil, which has no such restrictions, and walked away with the breasts of her dreams.

2. There is an organization that fights for women's rights to be topless-Gotopless.org claims constitutional equality between men and women on being topless in public. Currently, women who dare to be topless in public in the US are repeatedly being arrested, fined, humiliated, criminalized.

3. Men Can lactate too- It’s exceptionally rare, but since men possess mammary glands just like women do, they have the capacity to produce milk. When male lactation happens, it’s usually because of hormonal treatments for diseases like cancer.

4. Breast ironing- A practice in Cameroon in which young girls’ developing breasts are beaten and flattened with heavy objects to prevent their emergence. Usually performed by mothers and older female relatives, the procedure is intended to ward off men’s unwanted sexual advances, as well as to prevent early marriage.

5. human females are the only mammals whose breasts are visible at all times throughout maturity. Most animals, such as dogs, cats, and lesser primates, display swollen or enlarged mammaries only when they are pregnant or nursing their young; their breasts recede when the offspring are weaned. Evolutionary biologists think that humans’ permanently displayed breasts are intended to confuse potential mates about women’s reproductive status.

6. There’s no such thing as a perfectly symmetrical set of breasts. All breasts have differences, but most discrepancies are simply too tiny to be noticed. For reasons unknown, the left breast tends to be larger than the right.

7. Women who get breast implants are at least three times more likely to commit suicide, a risk that increases with time. As the August 2007 Annals of Plastic Surgery reported, it’s unlikely that silicone toxicity causes the correlation. It’s more probable that women who undergo breast augmentation are more apt to have an underlying psychiatric problem that predisposes them to suicide.

8. Breast Implants are the #1 cosmetic surgery in the US- For the first time, breast augmentation is the most popular surgical procedure since the ASPS began collecting statistics in 1992. Liposuction actually dropped from number one in 2005 to number three in 2006.

9. Breast Weight- They weigh less than you think: An A-cup clocks in at only a quarter pound; a B, about half a pound; a C, three-quarters of a pound; and a D, around one pound.

10. British women have the biggest boobs in Europe- More than half the women in that country wear a size D cup or larger. Denmark scored second while Holland was third. On the other hand, Italian women had the smallest breasts where 68 percent had a size B, the same survey said. But don't lose hope. Researchers said breast size has been increasing in the Western world for the past 10 – 15 years. Ironically, British women don't appreciate their big breasts. Journalist Mike Adams reports in NewsTarget.com that a poll of 1,500 women there and in five other countries revealed that 22 percent of women would gladly have their breasts removed if that would help them prevent breast cancer.

I'm not really a boob guy. I'm more of a big booty man, but I thought you guys might like to know this. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

15 Minutes of.....

2010-03-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about the idea of "15 minutes of fame". Why is the 15 minutes of fame the only 15 minutes that are defined in our life? If the average person lives to the age of 75, we have 2, 628,000 intervals of 15 minutes in our lives. Why do the 15 minutes that deal with fame get to shine and the others do not. I've decided to define the other 2,627,998 intervals of 15 minutes in our lives. I'm sure that it can be done.

This time I'm gonna focus on the 15 minutes of Doubt. Doubt is such an odd feeling. It seems to wash over a person at the most inopportune moments. One of the times that doubt gets to me is when I think that I'm doing good work with a client. Sometimes I feel like I'm actually making a difference in another human beings life and then I remember that we only spent 1, maybe 2 hours out of 24, working with that person. Then I begin to think that they are returning to their elements. The same elements, that caused or are causing the condition that they are getting counseling for. It is worse when you are working in a residential rehab. You would be 100% certain that a difference was being made. Then, once they leave the facility, its like the reset button was pressed. Even working at the High School; you work with a student for maybe two periods and you work hard to inspire, and enlighten; but often you have that fleeting thought of doubt. It lasts about 15 minutes. once you realize that you are doing more or working harder than the client, the feeling goes away. A good counselor knows that when you realize that; its time to pull back. I've often heard that was my main drawback as a counselor. Occasionally, I pushed them too hard. Once I meet my client, I begin to tabulate their potential. I don't demand perfection, but I promote progress. Once, I had a client say to me, very agitated, "Look, man!!! I just wanna stop doing coke, OK!!!!! I just wanna stop doing coke!!!!!" I'm not sure if it is a blessing or a curse, but I've learned that help not asked for is meddling. My goal is to be effective, efficient, inspire, accommodating, and understanding. More often than not, that means; meeting a person where they are, and walking with them. Not leading. Not following. Just offering support and belief. There is no room for doubt. Screw Those 15 minutes. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Acting Black

2010-03-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was struck by the comments of actor, Nate Parker. He has taken a pledge to no longer take roles that emasculate black men or the image of black men. I originally thought that this was a cool stance for an actor to make; but the more that I think about it, the action is quite heroic. Then it hit me; not much has changed with the roles offered to or recognized for black actors nowadays. It seems as though degrading roles like Steppin Fetchit are becoming extinct, but are being replaced with the Holy Trinity of Black Male Actor's Roles:

1. The Misogynist- A man who loves nothing more than to tear women down and has no real love in his heart for females. Especially Black ones. This character never has a back story that will give you any insight in to his attitude or behaviors. It seems as though he was just born this way.

2. The Thug- This character has grown up on the wrong side of the tracks and is well versed in crime and "criminal" ways. Every now and then, this character achieves a level of success but desperation, addiction, or some other character fault, leads him back to his "true self". This character never feels completely comfortable with positive or honest actions/behaviors. It's as if he's allergic to good things. With this character, a good/positive action almost always results in his death.

3. The Safe One- This character is always funny and always brings a wisdom to other characters that he obtained through his life of adversity. You'll know this character because he s always alot older or younger than the main character. This character is always afraid of success.

Think back. Do you remember any black male character in a major motion picture that didn't fall into one of these categories? And I'm not talking about The Tyler Perry movies or the obligatory urban crime dramas. Since no African American, (including Oprah) has the power to green light a movie, we have to believe that these depictions are the safest ones for white America to identify with. We have to believe the story of Biggie, with all the similarities of your average everyday "hood" movies, was somehow more sensational and layered that the sorry of Tupac, with his roots in the Black Panthers, his study of the arts, and his trouble in the limelight.

I applaud Mr. Nate Parker and hope that more black men in Hollywood follow his lead. If they do, I imagine the presence of Black males in cinema will change from Caricatures to Characters. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

David Fagen

2010-02-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

According to Wikipedia, David Fagen (1875-?), A native of Tampa, Florida USA, was one of five African Americans who defected during the Philippine-American War. Fagen acquired the rank of Captain in the Filipino Army. Fagen served in the 24th Regiment of the U.S. Army, but in November 1899 defected to the Filipino army. He became a successful guerrilla leader and his capture became an obsession to the U.S. military and American public. He was probably a product of the appeals made by the Filipinos for racial solidarity, calling for African American soldiers to desert the U.S. army.
After two other black deserters were captured and executed, President Theodore Roosevelt announced he would stop executing captured deserters.
As the war ended the US gave amnesties to most of their opponents. A substantial reward was offered for Fagen, who was considered a traitor. There are two conflicting versions of his fate: one is that his was the partially decomposed head for which the reward was claimed, the other is that he took a local wife and lived peacefully in the mountains.

The story that I heard was, during the Philippine- America War, a soldier named David Fagen decided to defect to the Filipino Army because he came to the realization that it was wrong for an oppressed people to fight and kill another oppressed people in the name of an oppressive empire. Some people consider the Filipino's tactics as brainwashing or propaganda. I have a tough time believing the truth to be considered propaganda. Some people think that the ideas of the Filipino Army or the the thoughts that lead to David Fagen's decision are not such a strange concept. I don't think of him as a traitor. He's more of a human rights leader/hero. My boy, Jeremy Richter is the one who brought him up to me recently. You should hear him tell the story. My question is, in honor of black history month, would you be comfortable with the story of David Fagen being told or taught to your child in school. I'd be cool with it; but I've been unplugged from the Matrix for years now. I don't think your average everyday John Q. Public would dig the story of David Fagen being told. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Is This Fat To You?

2010-02-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

I found this series of videos where this female kept track of her "battle" with weight loss. Whether or not you think it is genuine, isn't the question. If you think it is a vain girl's attempt to get more attention; fine. That's her prerogative. I am asking the question, "Do any of you think this girl is fat?" Do any of you think she needs to lose few? I planned on originally asking only white people if they thought she was fat; but I'd like everyone to weigh in. No Pun intended. In my mind and in the minds of several of my male colleges, think body is very very desirable. It's almost perfect, if you ask me. Unfortunately, we live in a society where this girl has been forced to believe that she is too big for her height and her weight is an issue. This really bothers me because there are so many other tings that a pretty girl like this can work on. Maybe her personality sucks. As a parent of a little girl, I gotta be sure that I don't perpetuate the myth of "thin by any means". I'd rather her live by "healthy and happy". I'm anxious to hear what you think. I believe she's perfectly fine, but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Precious

2010-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

OK.... Where do I begin? Maybe, i shouldn't be so hasty when I see a trailer that moves me. Maybe, I shouldn't be captivated be what I feel is genuine acting. Maybe, I shouldn't be so quick to get behind a story that I feel needs to be told. I posted the preview to this movie and I said, "YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE". I am not a fan of this movie. I think it is too dark, too sad, and offers no hope to the audience. You leave the theater feeling pity. I was tricked into believing that this movie was inspirational, but it doesn't inspire. It doesn't move you towards appreciation, it scares the shit out of you and drops kicks you into the general direction of appreciating your life. There is nothing that motivates me about this story. Maybe I have a skewed sense of a inspirational story. However, I still would recommend that everyone should watch this movie. I'd just like to see if anyone else feels the same way. I dig the movie, but if it isn't going to entertain, it should've just been a documentary. I'm not saying every movie should have a happy ending, but to me, the purpose of a movie is to entertain, educate, or inspire. This movie does none of the above. I'm not disrespecting the film, the actors, or the people it was made about. I just don't know what there intentions were with making the film. I know what you're thinking, I'm just hating because Tyler Perry was involved. This isn't the case. You know what makes my argument even worse? I didn't watch the entire film. Once the film got to a point where I KNEW, I repeat, KNEW Precious's life couldn't get better; I turned it off. I would tell you the part I'm talking about, but there maybe people who didn't see it. I'm not saying that gaining peace of mind wouldn't lead to a life getting better, but you can't be inspired by the acceptance of mediocrity or complacency. It reminds me of the Catholic church convincing slaves that if they put up with life here, they have a better one waiting for them in paradise. This post probably should've waited until I saw the entire movie and it will probably piss off a lot of folks, but I hope it makes you watch it and discuss what you see. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Sweet Sweet Redemption

2010-01-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

The man in this picture is an adamant Dallas Cowboys hater. He has spent the majority of his life bashing and denouncing America's Team. Now due to a lost bet, this man had to wear a Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten jersey. This is more poetic because he devotes a good bit of his time to bashing Jason Witten as "The Softest Tight End in the League". I LOVE THIS!!!! I will never let this picture die. It warms my heart. I love it even more because, he wore it this season: The season where the Pittsburgh Steelers(his favorite squad) lost to the Browns, Chiefs, & Raiders. The season where the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make the playoffs. The season where the Dallas Cowboys won a playoff game after 13 years. This is beautiful. I bet he didn't even think this picture would circulate. This guy has stolen my Cowboys flag and my Cowboys sign. Now he is rockin a Cowboys jersey! Even if he only wore this for 3 minutes it was completely and entirely worth it to me. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

15 Minutes of.....

2010-01-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

Abstinence Is The Way Kids

2010-01-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

This is the best student generated Pro-abstinence video I've ever seen. Most are made by groups of students or a school/church club. This was made by one girl. The best part is that I know this young lady very well. I remember her when she was just 4 years old. She's immensely creative and incredibly artistic. Just like her mama. I know she's proud. I'm proud myself. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

My 2010 Resolutions

2010-01-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

I know everyone does this, but I'm gonna honestly try my best to keep these ones. I thought long and hard about them. Here they are. Tell me what you think.

Resolution #1: Drink more water- With my recent kidney issues, this one seems like a good idea.

Resolution #2: Get better at answering my texts, phone calls, and e-mails- This is the number one complaint of all my friends and family. I'm honestly gonna work on this one.

Resolution #3: Spend more time with people I care about- This one is pretty self explanatory but there isn't a better way to show people you care about them.

Resolution #4: Call or text my mom at least once a day- No one has my back like she does. No one.

Resolution #5: Forgive and forget Mr. & Mrs. Brown- Nothing good can come from holding grudges and keeping resentments.

Resolution #6: Close the book on Ronald Scott Sr- Sometimes hope can prevent you from growing. Not often, but sometimes.

Resolution #7: Appreciate my baby mama a little more- She takes good care of my daughter.

Resolution #8: Retire my threesome fantasy- I don't wanna talk about it.

Resolution #9: Hate the Pittsburgh Steelers more- It couldn't hurt.

Resolution #10: Only sleep with a woman that I could imagine being the mother of my child. (unless there is a revision to #8)- This forces you to get to know women you sleep with better and forces you to be lead by smarter head.

Resolution #11: Start cutting out coupons from the Sunday paper- Times is tough!

Resolution #12: Become more of a force in my community, without organizations like NAACP, YSS, YWCA, or WPHS. Just me. One concerned man- This forces me to become more of the solution than the problem.

Resolution #13: Start playing my hand drums again- Creativity and art are good for the soul.

Resolution #14: Stop using the words SHOULD, COULD, WOULD, & DESERVE- I gotta put myself on a more positive road. Our speech is very important.

Resolution #15: Get back into Yoga- It's too good for he mind, body, and soul to stop.

I'm gonna try and really hold on to these for an entire 365. If any of you see me slippin or slackin, feel free to check me. It couldn't hurt. It can only help. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

"Come On, Man" Face of the Week

2009-12-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

This one was not submitted, by a girl who only goes by Whoa. Not bad at all. You should send your best one to rsj304@aol.com. Use the comments to add what you think someone said to prompt this "Come On, Man" Face. These crack me up, but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Amazing Cucumber

2009-12-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one
cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6,
Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and
pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates
that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing
a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a
soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are ants, grubs and slugs ruining your lawn and planting beds? Place a few slices in
a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The
chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent
undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out
or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area
for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your
skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of
cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber
slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers
contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential
nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a
hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers,
traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you
don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over
the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only
looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice
and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the
spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the
chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and
be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been
shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?
Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue
for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the
bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless
steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean,
not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't
leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and
slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers
that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

This was e-mailed to me by a good friend of my family. I thought it was pretty slick. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Iron Solomon vs Math Hoffa

2009-12-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

This one of my favorite battles. I think Iron Solomon is one of the nicest, but I don't think he can get with Math Hoffa. I wanna hear what you guys think did Iron win or did Math. I think Math won because he seemed to switch styles and spit on Irons level and keep it street and aggressive. Iron is extremely talented as a lyricist but in a battle, I think it takes more than that. He has the wit and lyrics to dazzle and confuse, but Math has quick wit, lyrics, and a street side that is extra aggressive and almost snatches him up with his rhymes. Maybe I'm biased. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Good Wife's Guide

2009-12-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Back in the day there was a magazine entitled, Housekeeping Monthly. When I say back in the day, I mean baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack in the day. In their May 13th, 1955 issue they had a little list that they ran entitled, "The Good Wife's Guide". When I read it, I was reminded of how drastically the ideas of Home, Wife, Family, and Husband have changed. I'm gonna post at least one of these things per week and I want you guys; especially the women, to tell me what you honestly think.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

Truthfully, this doesn't sound half bad. I don't think it would fly nowadays, unless it went both ways. It kinda has a hidden implication of solitude and trust: two things important to a healthy relationship. Cool idea, but good luck adapting that to the modern woman. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The War Prayer

2009-12-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

The War Prayer
by Mark Twain

It was a time of great and exalting excitement. The country was up in arms, the war was on, in every breast burned the holy fire of patriotism; the drums were beating, the bands playing, the toy pistols popping, the bunched firecrackers hissing and spluttering; on every hand and far down the receding and fading spread of roofs and balconies a fluttering wilderness of flags flashed in the sun; daily the young volunteers marched down the wide avenue gay and fine in their new uniforms, the proud fathers and mothers and sisters and sweethearts cheering them with voices choked with happy emotion as they swung by; nightly the packed mass meetings listened, panting, to patriot oratory with stirred the deepest deeps of their hearts, and which they interrupted at briefest intervals with cyclones of applause, the tears running down their cheeks the while; in the churches the pastors preached devotion to flag and country, and invoked the God of Battles beseeching His aid in our good cause in outpourings of fervid eloquence which moved every listener.

It was indeed a glad and gracious time, and the half dozen rash spirits that ventured to disapprove of the war and cast a doubt upon its righteousness straightway got such a stern and angry warning that for their personal safety's sake they quickly shrank out of sight and offended no more in that way.

Sunday morning came -- next day the battalions would leave for the front; the church was filled; the volunteers were there, their young faces alight with martial dreams -- visions of the stern advance, the gathering momentum, the rushing charge, the flashing sabers, the flight of the foe, the tumult, the enveloping smoke, the fierce pursuit, the surrender!

Then home from the war, bronzed heroes, welcomed, adored, submerged in golden seas of glory! With the volunteers sat their dear ones, proud, happy, and envied by the neighbors and friends who had no sons and brothers to send forth to the field of honor, there to win for the flag, or, failing, die the noblest of noble deaths. The service proceeded; a war chapter from the Old Testament was read; the first prayer was said; it was followed by an organ burst that shook the building, and with one impulse the house rose, with glowing eyes and beating hearts, and poured out that tremendous invocation:

God the all-terrible! Thou who ordainest,
Thunder thy clarion and lightning thy sword!

Then came the "long" prayer. None could remember the like of it for passionate pleading and moving and beautiful language. The burden of its supplication was, that an ever-merciful and benignant Father of us all would watch over our noble young soldiers, and aid, comfort, and encourage them in their patriotic work; bless them, shield them in the day of battle and the hour of peril, bear them in His mighty hand, make them strong and confident, invincible in the bloody onset; help them crush the foe, grant to them and to their flag and country imperishable honor and glory --

An aged stranger entered and moved with slow and noiseless step up the main aisle, his eyes fixed upon the minister, his long body clothed in a robe that reached to his feet, his head bare, his white hair descending in a frothy cataract to his shoulders, his seamy face unnaturally pale, pale even to ghastliness. With all eyes following him and wondering, he made his silent way; without pausing, he ascended to the preacher's side and stood there waiting. With shut lids the preacher, unconscious of his presence, continued his moving prayer, and at last finished it with the words, uttered in fervent appeal, "Bless our arms, grant us the victory, O Lord and God, Father and Protector of our land and flag!"

The stranger touched his arm, motioned him to step aside -- which the startled minister did -- and took his place. During some moments he surveyed the spellbound audience with solemn eyes, in which burned an uncanny light; then in a deep voice he said:

"I come from the Throne -- bearing a message from Almighty God!" The words smote the house with a shock; if the stranger perceived it he gave no attention. "He has heard the prayer of His servant your shepherd, and will grant it if such be your desire after I, His messenger, shall have explained to you its import -- that is to say, its full import. For it is like unto many of the prayers of men, in that it asks for more than he who utters it is aware of -- except he pause and think. "God's servant and yours has prayed his prayer. Has he paused and taken thought? Is it one prayer? No, it is two -- one uttered, and the other not. Both have reached the ear of Him who heareth all supplications, the spoken and the unspoken. Ponder this -- keep it in mind. If you would beseech a blessing upon yourself, beware! lest without intent you invoke a curse upon your neighbor at the same time. If you pray for the blessing of rain on your crop which needs it, by that act you are possibly praying for a curse on some neighbor's crop which may not need rain and can be injured by it.

"You have heard your servant's prayer -- the uttered part of it. I am commissioned by God to put into words the other part of it -- that part which the pastor -- and also you in your hearts -- fervently prayed silently. And ignorantly and unthinkingly? God grant that it was so! You heard the words 'Grant us the victory, O Lord our God!' That is sufficient. The whole of the uttered prayer is compact into those pregnant words. Elaborations were not necessary. When you have prayed for victory you have prayed for many unmentioned results which follow victory -- must follow it, cannot help but follow it. Upon the listening spirit of God fell also the unspoken part of the prayer. He commandeth me to put it into words. Listen!

"Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth into battle -- be Thou near them! With them -- in spirit -- we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe. O Lord our God, help us tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended in the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames in summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it --

For our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet!

We ask it, in the spirit of love, of Him Who is the Source of Love, and Who is the ever-faithful refuge and friend of all that are sore beset and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Amen.

(After a pause.) "Ye have prayed it; if ye still desire it, speak! The messenger of the Most High waits."

…

It was believed afterward that the man was a lunatic, because there was no sense in what he said.

Nothing is as true as this piece of art is in these current times. All of those who are in support of war and believe that war has a purpose in this day and age should read this again. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Invisible Stop Signs

2009-11-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've been having this thought and I hope that it doesn't offend. I've been trying to think of anything that can have a worse effect on a child than being sexually offended by an adult. I wasn't trying to trump it. I was just thinking, what things happen in a child's life that tests their famous resiliency. Then it occurred to me. I think, living in the constant fear of being a victim of a pedophile is worse than being a victim of a pedophile. Hear me out. Children are resilient. Amazingly resilient. They are resilient to practically any and everything that HAPPENS to them. The psychological and emotional toll that living in adamant paranoia can have on a child is too much though. You can get past something that happens, but it is impossible to move past the heavy weight of a perception when it stops your human growth, and never reveals itself. I'm not directing this to your average everyday concerned parent. Just the ones that watch the news, and To Catch A Predator, and tell their kids all about how there are evil adults waiting to attack and do terrible things to them. Those parents aren't doing their kids a favor. My daughter knows not to talk to or go with strangers. When I asked her why she shouldn't do these things, she said "Because they will take me from you and mommy." That was good enough for me. She doesn't need to know the intricate details of things that could, but odds are won't, happen to her. Innocence is becoming a rapidly vanishing resource amongst our youth and we should do our best to make sure it doesn't get depleted by our zest for awareness. Again, I believe in the resilience of children. I also believe in the mental erosion of fear. No one is immune. Not kids. Not adults. Not even Chuck Norris. Living under constant fear will turn scared children to paranoid adults. Not concerned adults, not cautious adults, but paranoid adults. A child's resiliency is confined to things that happen to them; not things that linger in their minds which may or may not be real. That's why they struggle with the Boogieman. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

My 300th Post

2009-11-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well. Well. Well. 300 posts. I would've never thought that I had 300 things to type about. Somehow I did. Unfortunately, this last 300 post have been kinda darkened with what I can only categorize as haters and perpetrators. I believe that I lost several readers from it. It was apparent one day when i got a strange e-mail from someone who wanted to comment, but "didn't want involved in all that drama". I didn't help matters because I jumped in head first instead of letting people think what they think and work it out on their own. The worst part is that I ended up finding out that it was a loyal reader that I thought was a friend who started it all up. I've since, resolved all issues with that person and intend to move on. I actually considered just deleting it, but I'm glad I chose against it. Enough of that crap! My favorite topics from these past 100 have been: Rest In Peace, The Inauguration I Would've Loved To See, Blind Hypocrisy, An Elephant Never Regrets, A Cool Moment, Renigger, and Really???. This is the part I love. Now I wanna shout out the brave souls who I appreciate so much, and who make me feel sane and insane at the same time. I wanna thank all the people who have commented and left their name or a name instead of Anonymous. These fine people are: Stella, Crystal, Kelly Jo, Jade, Adria, Aimee, Jaime, Susan, Claire, Good Ole Wifey, Jermaine, James Tubman, Mizamizamoses, My Two Cents, Jessica, CoJack, J. Lucious, Tamara, Niecy Cakes, Mary, MJ Lives Under My Bed, and Wendy Lough. Thank you all. Please keep reading. I decided to post the picture of me and my mom because I also learned this year that no one has my back more than she does. NO ONE! I plan on trying for 400. I don't know if I'll make it, but I'm sure gonna try. Haters don't bother me as much anymore. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

What Hip Hop Needs.....

2009-11-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

With the reappearance of Charles Hamilton, The Reemergence of Jay-Z, and the revelation of 50 Cent, I've been thinking about Rap music. i think I know what it needs right now.

Artists.

Really. Right now the music is full of Hustlers, Trap Stars, Gangsters, Entrepreneurs, and Business men. Not many artists. Too many cats concerned with the money, the formula, and the industry side of things. I don't even think people look at rappers as artists. I think they see most of them as thugs with a record deal waiting to get shot or got to jail. I think from now on I'm gonna only refer to them as Rap Artists. Well... the ones that are artistic, anyways. What kills me is when I hear a rapper or producer, or industry person say, "He can rap his ass off, but he can't write a song." or "What's the use of being so lyrical, if you can right a hit?" Could you imagine someone telling Van Gogh or Picasso, "You can paint your ass off, but you gotta give people something to look at." or telling Salvidor Dali, "I like what you're doing here, but when are you gonna start churning out masterpieces?" It's ridiculous. It's so bad that, when I criticize rappers or what rappers talk about, I get accused of being a hater. I know a 23 year old cat who, whenever he hears me talking about lyricists and lack of creativity, says "Can't you just enjoy the music?" Does that seem crazy to anyone else? Maybe it's just me. This is the way I see Hip Hop now: Imagine if the Rap Game was Track & Field. What if runners were being judged by how many meets they run in, how many endorsements they have, how hard they trained, and what their running gear looked like; INSTEAD OF HOW FAST THEY RUN!!! Then, when I criticize the runner for being slow, they say "Can't you just enjoy the race?" Maybe I'm just an old guy complaining. Maybe I'm the one losing touch. If you ask me there aren't many artists left: Nas, Mos Def, Kid Cudi, Kanye, Charles Hamilton, Drake, Andre 3000, The Roots. There are plenty more, but these guys personify the artistry and the culture. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Oleanna

2009-11-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

First off, I want to apologize for neglecting the blog. It sucks I know. I was doing a David Mamet play called, "Oleanna". I went very well. Initially, I was strugglin with the part but I eventually pulled it together. I'm sure how many of you are familiar with Mamet's work or have actually performed it. It actually made me question whether or not i even wanted to act anymore. i thought age was just kickin my butt and my mind was going. My younger co-star had no problem with it. She had it memorized weeks before I did. I then realized my problem. I didn't get his style of writing. My theory of acting is like this: The actor gets a line like, "I love my dog." A good actor can take that line and make it into enough action, emotion, movement, and expression to warrant 10 pages of writing. In the case of Mamet, the actor get ten pages of dialogue and through his ability he is supposed to condense all that verbiage and dialogue into the phrase of, "I love my dog." It was a true test of my "chops". After pulling it off in an effective performance, I now feel confident saying I have them. Now that I am freed up on time and my stress level is considerably lowered, I'll be back to posting regularly. If any of you have read the show, Oleanna, I think you owe yourselves. For the conversation it sparks alone. It presents the idea of a Learning Hierarchy. A theory that teachers are often abusers of power and the idea of education and teaching is one of Have & Have Nots, I know & You Don't, I have the power and What I say is right & You must listen because You know nothing. It is an interesting concept. I don't believe that teachers feel this way, but I sure that this mentality exists but I've never encountered it to the extent of the character I portrayed. This show also showed me that there are several people in the world who have serious issues with teachers and school. I'm surprised by this. Do any of you have experiences that have shaped your attitudes toward school, teachers, or the education process? If so please share them. I am amazed how much of an impact that one bad teacher or one traumatic incident can have on an institution that naively put so much stock in and found so much comfort with. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Chris Rock & Dave Chappelle

2009-10-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

These are my two favorite comedians. Both of them have an amazing ability to meld their humor with social commentary and life observations. It is very moving to see them away from the stage and talking about issues relevant to their and people around them. I know they are comedians, but I honestly believe that we can learn alot from these two gentlemen, if we keep our minds open. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I

Slowly Shaking My Head

2009-10-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks Baby J. I gotta admit. This hurts my heart and makes me feel kinda ashamed of myself. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Fall Classes for Women

2009-10-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

This was forwarded to me today

Fall Classes for Women

THE ADULT LEARNING CENTER

REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED By Thursday September 30, 2009

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1: Up in Winter, Down in Summer - How to Adjust a Thermostat Step by Step, with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 wks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hrs beginning at 7:00 PM..

Class 2: Which Takes More Energy - Putting the Toilet Seat Down, or Bitching About It for 3 Hours? Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3: Is It Possible To Drive Past a Wal-Mart Without Stopping?-- Group Debate.Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4: Fundamental Differences Between a Purse and a Suitcase--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5: Curling Irons--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Bathroom Cabinet?Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning At 7:00 PM

Class 6: How to Ask Questions During Commercials and Be Quiet During the Program Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7: Can a Bath Be Taken Without 14 Different Kinds of Soaps and Shampoos? Open Forum. Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8: Health Watch--They Make Medicine for PMS - USE IT! Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9: I Was Wrong and He Was Right!--Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10: How to Parallel Park In Less Than 20 Minutes Without an Insurance Claim. Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11: Learning to Live--How to Apply Brakes Without Throwing Passengers Through the Windshield. Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12: How to Shop by Yourself. Meets 4 wks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Upon completion of any of the above courses,diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

I think this is hilarious. I laughed out loud several times. I hope you ladies find it just as funny as us, but that's just my opinion though, and and who the hell am I?

Faggots & Whores

2009-10-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've noticed these two words making a weird metamorphosis. It reminds me of the N word and all of the changes it's gone through. I don't think either of these words have the historical sting and bite that the N word has but they're getting there. Growing up, I knew these definitions: Faggot- A homosexual man, Whore- A woman who gets paid for sex. Lately these words have shifted in their meaning. Faggot still has the horrible homophobia foundation, but a added twist has been it's use to describe a weak man. As a matter of fact, that is the way that I hear it used most often. But what does that say about our perception of gay men? Do we instinctively think they are weak because they are gay? Is a feminine man, any less of a man than a macho one? I take great pride in being a man and I've chosen to define a man by action and intention, instead of biology and bravado. Unfortunately, society differs. A man with a limp wrist or one who enjoys the intimate company of another man is considered less of a man; than one who beats his woman or doesn't protect or provide for his family.
Whore is even worse. This word is used to instantly bring a woman down. A woman would be called a if she had only slept with one person and didn't charge. I've seen this happen more than once. I woman could just be suspected of sleeping with some one and that next time she is seen out, she is greeted with, "You whore!" In that example, the woman doesn't even have to be sleeping with anyone to get the slur hurled at her.
It brings me to the conclusion that society has morphed these words in order to point out that the quickest way to hurt a man is to attack his strength, and the quickest way to hurt a woman is to attack her morals. Both are cruel and hurtful words, both strip away the human-ness from a person, and both paint the accuser with a extra thick coat of ignorance. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Ain't This A Female Dog

2009-10-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

PETA Killed 95 Percent of Adoptable Pets in its Care During 2008
Hypocritical Animal Rights Group’s 2008 Disclosures Bring Pet Death Toll To 21,339

WASHINGTON DC – Today the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) published documents online showing that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) killed 95 percent of the adoptable pets in its care during 2008. Despite years of public outrage over its euthanasia program, the animal rights group kills an average of 5.8 pets every day at its Norfolk, VA headquarters.
According to public records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, PETA killed 2,124 pets last year and placed only seven in adoptive homes. Since 1998, a total of 21,339 dogs and cats have died at the hands of PETA workers.
Despite having a $32 million budget, PETA does not operate an adoption shelter. PETA employees make no discernible effort to find homes for the thousands of pets they kill every year. Last year, the Center for Consumer Freedom petitioned Virginia’s State Veterinarian to reclassify PETA as a slaughterhouse.
CCF Research Director David Martosko said: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters building?”
Martosko added: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical research, or taking children to the circus?”
CCF obtained PETA’s “Animal Record” filings since 1998 from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Members of the public can see these documents at PetaKillsAnimals.com.
(Skeptical? Click here to see the documents.)
In addition to exposing PETA’s hypocritical record of killing defenseless animals, the Center for Consumer Freedom has publicized the animal rights group’s ties to violent activists, and shed light on its aggressive message-marketing to children.

Thanks for hipping me to this, Pops. I pray to God that someone holds them accountable. The most amazing scenario would be if Michael Vick would somehow be on their jury. Someone should douse their headquarters with red paint. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Love Definition

2009-10-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Roberta hipped me to a definition of love that she got from a site about three years ago. I dig it.

"Love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, even the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you."

Feel free to post your own definition. I think I'm gonna adopt this one. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Reeeeeeeeeeeally???

2009-09-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know that white skin has evolved over time? A sleepless night and a few obscure websites lead me to these facts. It seems we were all black once(consistent with evolutionary fact of first humans in Africa). White skin was a result of humans moving away from the equator. Also all skin, without coloring, would appear creamy white. Near-surface blood vessels add a blush of red. A yellow pigment also tints the canvas. Lastly, sepia-toned melanin, created in response to ultraviolet rays, appears black in large amounts. These four hues mix in different proportions to create the skin colors of all the peoples of Earth. Isn't that crazy? I wonder why that makes me smile so hard? You would think that these type of revelations would make us feel closer as a species, but I bet it makes most folks just try and dispute it. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?€

Tupac

2009-09-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

For as much love as I have for Tupac, I've only dedicated one post to him. I hope this makes up for it. He was the best that ever did it. His passion and intensity, mixed with his art, made him second to none. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Love Checklist

2009-09-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

There are many things that I have done and continue to do wrong, in relationships. The newest one I've learned; I'm calling "The Love Checklist". When someone tells me that they love me, for some odd reason, my first instinct it to pull out what I call my "Love Checklist" in my mind. I begin to check off all of the things that a person in love, should or shouldn't do. This is usually a successful attempt to push the other person away or to side step their feelings until I can figure out what mine are. I realized that this is a very bad habit. One that needs broken. Who am I to think that I have some blueprint for how someone in love thinks or behaves? It takes alot of nerve to look at some one and say, "How can you say you love me if you did this?" or "How can you say you love me if you didn't do that?". Maybe they have a better and healthier definition of love than you. Maybe they have a better blueprint. Maybe it will do you some good to follow, in a relationship rather than lead. Let the other person sculpt the piece and then all you have to do is enjoy it. It's obvious the other person has a better grasp on their feelings, because they are expressing them to you. Maybe it all comes back to trust. The next time someone tells you that they love you, and you feel ready, I think you should let them show you their definition of love. Start from the moment they say it, though. Don't try to backtrack and disprove them. Once the L- Word comes up, give them a clean slate. Let them write and explain their definition. Once you have it. then you can see if you can live with that definition of love. See if it is enough to satisfy you and sustain you. If it is, enjoy the ride. If not, explain to them that it is too much or not enough. But by all means, DO NOT tell a person that they don't know what they feel or that your version of love is the only acceptable definition. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

BlakRoc

2009-09-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

Blakroc Project from Myrhax on Vimeo.

Is anyone else as excited for this project as I am. This could be the beginning of something incredible in Hip-Hop; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Ascari27

2009-09-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

If any of you are on Twitter, do yourself a favor and follow Ascari27. Her address is http://twitter.com/Ascari27 I don't actually know her, but the stuff she tweets about is very very entertaining. Recently, she made a few lists that cracked me up. Let me know what you think. She is a star waiting to be discovered; or a least a talk show host waiting to be found.

This list is entitled, Don't Cuff Him. If a guy falls in any of these categories, Don't Cuff Him!
1.) If he has three baby mamas
2.) If he live with his moms
3.) If he ask u to cum to his crib a day after u meet him, no matter how good the dick is
4.) If he leaves the room when he answers his phone
5.) If when u say his name your girls go "Ha Ha, yeah I know him"
6.) He says he don't eat the box
7.) If he ask to borrow money and swear he gonna give it back
8.) He never ever ever has condoms when y'all fuck
9.) He thinks he's prettier than you
10.) If he cant get it wet. He's in it, but he ain't doin shit
11.) If he was smashing everything moving
12.) If he couldn't get hard and said this don't normally happen to me
13.) If he think he look like somebody and be runnin around talkin bout, " That nigga Trey Songz cut his braids, so I'mma cut mine."
14.) If y'all go to the club and three of his baby mamas are there and they want they mufuckin money
15.) If he ain't seen his baby in a year
16.) If you don't know his real name. Bitch, his name ain't Black or Midnight!
17.) If he always wanna fuck in the dark. There might be a bump on his balls or something

Ladies ain't safe either. She calls this list, Don't Wife Her. If a female falls into any of these categories, She Ain't Wifey Material.
1.) If she smashed the homies
2.) If she don't know who her baby daddy is
3.) If she still wears Baby Phat
4.) If when you go to the crib, there's an eviction notice on the door
5.) If she got a bra and panties pic on MySpace or Facebook
6.)If she ever goes through ya phone and call a bitch up
7.) If she can't take it from the back
8.) If her last man was known for beatin her ass
9.) If it don't get wet. All the spit in the world ain't gonna change that shit.
10.) If her dream is to be on reality TV
11.) If a nigga walk past her face but come back because of her ass. That's all she got going for herself.
12.) If she walked up to your tinted whip and was tryna holla at you before she seen ya ass. She just likes your car.
13.) If you overhear her conversation with her girl and she says, "Oooh, Lil Wayne gonna be there??? Shiiiiiit! I'm gettin up in VIP tonight!!!!"
14.) If she look sooo familiar... the bitch was on Maury, stupid!
15.) If she says shit like, "Me ans Shyquasia was conversating and she think you ain't doin me right." ....the word is conversed.

I can't take credit for these gems, but I wish I could. If you dig them as much as I did; get on Twitter and follow her. She is a star waiting to be discovered, or at least a talk show host waiting for her shot; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Really???

2009-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

All of the hoopla over Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift kills me. I don't recall any of this type of outrage when the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was interrupted during his NATIONWIDE ADDRESS. Kanye West simply said that he didn't think Taylor Swift deserved to win over Beyonce. Rep. Joe Wilson yelled out that President Barack Obama was a liar during his address to congress. Nobody is blasting Rep. Joe Wilson or saying he should resign. There are no talks of boycotting him or asking for his head on a platter. Maybe we as a country should reassess our priorities and direct our outrage in a more meaningful or productive direction. All I walk away from this with is the thought that you can say anything to the Leader of the Free World, but you better not ever say anything about Taylor Swift. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

MTV Shows

The Good Wife's Guide

2009-09-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Back in the day there was a magazine entitled, Housekeeping Monthly. When I say back in the day, I mean baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack in the day. In their May 13th, 1955 issue they had a little list that they ran entitled, "The Good Wife's Guide". When I read it, I was reminded of how drastically the ideas of Home, Wife, Family, and Husband have changed. I'm gonna post at least one of these things per week and I want you guys; especially the women, to tell me what you honestly think.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first- remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! All I can think about is my mom when I read this. There is no way that she would read this without laughing out loud. Especially my grandmother! She would've never bought into this line of thinking, and I consider her old school. My my my, how things have changed; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Buddha Cards

2009-09-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

I have a stack of Buddhist meditation cards that I keep on my coffee table. I try to read them weekly and use that as a sort of theme for the week ahead of me. Sometimes I don't get around to reading it until Friday. Usually, I read them and keep pushing; but today's really rang true and I thought I'd share. What do you think?

"Do not permit your minds to wander aimlessly. Constantly be mindful of your thoughts, and try by every means to remain on the direct path to enlightenment."

I dig this one because it's like an exercise. A mental workout. It is one thing to watch whether or not your mind wanders; but it is another to keep your focus on enlightenment. Most folks try to achieve their enlightenment by extinguishing yours. Doing what this card says, to me, is like standing and holding buckets of water with your arms straight out. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The S.T.G. Award

2009-09-14T14:00:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've given one of these out, but this one is WELL deserved. I have been dealing with a lot of people putting comments up that have nothing to do with the post, aren't productive or constructive, and just seem to give the person an outlet to really let me have it. Finally, two of these people decided to let themselves be known. This weeks S.T.G. Award goes to Susan and Mary (check the comments under Whyte Gurls & The Po-Lease) . The best part is, I know these women. Not very well, but we have had a few conversations. I actually considered one of them my friend. Susan is a happily married professional woman, and Mary is a wonderful mother of two fantastic children; also a professional woman. I'm not giving them this award to discourage people from voicing their opinion about the topics I post. I'm just using it as a warning for them and others who want to use my blog to take personal shots at me and my life. If you want to take my personal inventory, and go off topic to bash me, use a fake name or go back to Anonymous. If you don't, I'll make things real personal, real quick. Ask Susan. Again, I don't want anyone to stop reading or commenting; but if you want to take a shot at me and my person, expect the same in return. Either way, I'm proud of you ladies for finally revealing who you are and I hope you keep reading. If not, you won't be missed; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Support Your Local MC

2009-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

This song gave me so many chills while I was watching it. A young man that I've known all his life is the MC. He gives an amazing recap of the lost loved ones in East Wheeling. He is an amazing talent. He is also starring in a play that I wrote coming up this weekend. Enjoy this video and remember to support your local MC. You know.. he could be out in the streets doing wrong, but instead, he is making music. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

My President Is Black

2009-09-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

For some reason there was a big deal made about President Obama's televised speech at the school I work for. There were faculty side discussions all day and an unspoken tension during and leading up to the speech. I feel like people forgot that he is The President Of The United States of America! They treat this guy like he has been messing up for years. He is given no leeway or any benefit of the doubt. We elected him, but I guess people in a Red State like West Virginia, feel like they don't have to support him since he isn't "their guy". Also, did people forget that we didn't have a choice to watch the president in schools. Thanks to the ubiquitous Poppa Lusc, I got my hands on the above video, which I wasn't given a choice to watch. And for those of you that don't know, we ain't been Negros since the 1950's. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Whyte Gurls & The Po-Lease

2009-09-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

I was raised with some serious misconceptions growing up. I shouldn't say I was raised with them. I adopted them at a very young age. My definition of a misconception is a believe of attitude developed from no, or very little, exposure to a subject. For example, when I was growing up, I had the worst opinion of white women. Not all white women. Just the ones who dated black men. I used to believe that they were weak, stupid, and easily manipulated. This misconception was born from my limited exposure to white women and the circumstances in which I was exposed. From my father to my uncles, there were always a string of white women following them around at their beckoned call. They seemed happy to do or provide anything without getting any positive feedback in return. Again, this is the perception from my young eyes; and trust me, I wasn't getting the full picture. It got so bad that after high school, my three goals were: 1.)Get an apartment on The Hill, 2.)Get a car, and 3.) Get a white girl from Moundsville to pay for it all. I also was under the impression that Moundsville was fertile ground for those kinda white girls. Of course, by meeting new people and leaving my mind open I began to see that my belief was, in fact, a misconception. It started when I met Becky Pearson. She was a professional, white woman. She is the person I credit for getting me into the career that I am doing currently. She was smart,, funny, pretty, and she was married to a black man. I was certain that he wore that pants, and on a regular basis told her to shut up or talked down to her in some kinda way. I was completely wrong. They had a happy, healthy relationship. She was a a very professional Therapist and he was street dude. He got his act together, but he started out as a stereotypical street dude. I was stunned. From there, I met Amy Ramsey and she was another professional, strong, smart white woman. I worked on that misconception until I developed a new belief: There are dysfunctional women in all races, creeds, and colors. Another one was my feelings about police. When I was young, a police officer pulled over my father and I while we were driving. The police officer called my father a "long haired, nigger faggot". I'll never forget that. Since then, I have been very leery and nervous around the police. I remembered how I got past my white women thing and now I have set out to really get to know some police officers, and their families. That way, I would see them as human beings with families, instead of animals with guns and badges. I'm still working on that one though. I challenge everyone reading this to confront a misconception in their life. It could be about anything or anyone. Just look at yourself or your life and think about beliefs or ideas that you hold on to without much basis. Once you identify it, examine it. Find out if it's really a misconception, or a fact. If the examination proves it to be a misconception, begin the reversal process. It can only better your life to make it more inclusive that exclusive; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Right Direction

2009-09-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've gotten back into the theatre again. I'm not back on stage, but I am directing this time. The part that is more special to me is the fact that I'm directing a one act play that I wrote. Now that I think about it, I'm directing 5 one act plays, set to open on the same night. The one that gives me a feeling of pride, is the one act that I wrote. Not to take anything away from the other authors, I just dig my show. Matter of fact, one of the shows was written by my best friend and another was written by an area theatrical legend. I still dig my show. I don't know how many of you have ever written a play or a poem or something creative; but if you have, there is no feeling better than the feeling of seeing what you've written come to life. The cast that is performing my show was completely in touch with the writing and the feelings that I wanted to convey with the dialogue. It was like they knew where I wanted to take the audience. The few times I had to give direction, it was like they were reading my mind and they often applied the direction before I finished telling them exactly what it was that I wanted. The cast vibed, the words flowed, and the emotion was there. Once we added the blocking, or movements of the actors, the show really began looking alive. It was a proud moment for me. I was so excited and the cast was so involved that a 30 minute rehearsal turned into a 2 1/2 hour rehearsal. I was running of pure creative adrenaline after that, and didn't sleep until 1:00am. I hope that this continues into a great production. The show opens on Sept. 17th, and it is for one night only. It is a part of Sto-fest, a new one act play festival, at the Independent Theatre Collective on 2001 Market St. Whg, WV 26003. It's incredibly time consuming, but I believe that the pay-off is gonna be tremendous for this event. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

HOV!!!

2009-08-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Call it dickridin, jockin, or whatever; I'm a huge Jay-Z fan. I thought this commercial promoting his new CD was very creative, so I had to give him props. I'm assuming that only his true fans will get what is going on in it. Personally, i think this will be his best CD; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

What To Do?

2009-08-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the good people at Blogger, I just got an e-mail that informed me, my Ex of 6 years is blogging again on the blog I set up for her. I couldn't resist, so I clicked the link. In the post, she describes how happy she is in her new marriage. I should've stopped reading right there, but I didn't. The part that messed me up is where she described her new husband. She described him, in the post, the same way she described me in a letter she wrote to me. Half of the reason I fell for her was those amazing letters that she wrote me. I know it's weird that I still have those letters, but I got rid of them today. It was straight cut and paste. She talked about my smile, how sexy she thought I was, how she loved how I stand and walk, and how she loved the width and arch of my back. When she wrote it to me, I was swept off my feet. It was a little tough to hear her saying the same things VERBATIM about the guy that she kicked me out for. Felt like another kick to the stomach. Check it out. The site is: http://blackroseslair.blogspot.com/
My question is this, should I say anything or let sleeping dogs lie? She doesn't call and downtalk me anymore. She doesn't text me about Brett Michaels and David Blaine anymore. She sounds pretty happy. But, there is the side of me that wants to put her on blast and post some ignorant shit on her site. I know it wont bring her back to me and that isn't even what I want; but I haven't progressed enough as a human being to where I don't want to hurt someone who has hurt me that bad. I'm confused, hurt, and ready to hurt someone else. Let me know what you think. When you answer, if you answer, post what you think I SHOULD do and what YOU WOULD do. Sometimes those are two different things. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Passion Installation

2009-08-26T06:03:00.001-07:00

Where has all the passion gone? Especially with the young people. This question popped into my mind after I watched a film called Cadillac Records. The film wasn't about young people or really about passion; but one scene stuck in my mind. One of the film's main characters, Muddy Waters, was shown recording a record out of the back of a truck. Once the record was done, the man played it for Muddy and he said it was like hearing himself for the first time. He was so taken by this record, that he packed up his guitar and walked from down south to Chicago. I have a tough time getting youngsters nowadays to sit in advisory period for 15 minutes, much less walk somewhere. I think that the world needs more drive and determination like that. Imagine how much could get done with that type of sacrifice and focus. It really hits home when I ask young people what they wanna do with their life and I get hit with the two answers that make my stomach hurt. 1.) Sleep. Or my other favorite 2.) Start A Business. I'm not sure what it is, but something needs cultivated in our young people so they can stop being so surface, and begin to dream imagine and strive again. Money shouldn't be a motivator for a kid either. I'd love to see some moved be respect, praise, applause, fame, or just plain fun. I'm not sure that the young folks that I run into have any want or desire to change the world or even their immediate settings. They wanna learn how to live in it. They are a nation of survivors instead of a group dreamers. Young people need passion, possibilities, and a push. Hope is never wasted on the young or youthful. It is our job to lift burdens from young folk and start installing some passion. Cultivate any and every option that a kid expresses interest in; as long as it is off the beat and path. Don't discourage a kid that tells you I wanna be in the NBA, or NFL, or I wanna join the service; but be sure to get 100% behind a child or young person that wants to be a Display Person, A Chef, A Carpenter, A Film Maker, A Decorator, A Engineer, or A Florist. Encourage creativity and free thought, and this complexion and mood of society will change unrecognizably. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Who knew?

2009-08-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

I can't front. These guys can really dance, but imagine if you were dancing with someone and they just busted out and started dancing like this. If you're not going into dance professionally, where does know how to dance this well and this way, ever become a useful skill. I'm not hatin'. I'm just sayin. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Sacrifice or Consequence

2009-08-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today, I spoke with a woman who had a husband who was a sex offender. He was caught and convicted of three counts of sexual misconducts with three different 10 year old boys. I am working on my judgement of others. I don't believe anyone should judge anyone, but during our conversation she told me about how she had to change jobs and her profession has suffered immensely. She also told me the different things that people had done to her home and the different types of threatening phone calls she was getting. I understood and sympathized with her on these issues. The problem I had was when she referred to these things as sacrifices. Being the counselor I am; I let her talk, vent, and feel better. But I don't agree that those things were sacrifices. I believe they were consequences for her husbands actions. A sacrifice is a noble acknowledgement of adversity for the purpose of learning and self-improvement. I don't think the things that she is going through are correct or even deserved, but I don't think her enduring those things are the stuff of sacrifice. I admire her, though. She could easily walk away from him and let him handle his consequences alone; but once she married him, she agreed that his struggles were now hers. She agreed that they were partners who would handle whatever came their way together. A real ride or die chick. I don't believe she should expect sympathy, though. She is making a choice. She should walk strongly into this adversity, which makes it different than a sacrifice. She signed up for this when she took those vows. She solidified it when she chose to stay with him instead of leaving him after he committed his crime. In my opinion, sacrifice is a noble and beautiful thing. True sacrifice comes without whining. Consequences are often run from, and if they are ever complained about; it makes you see the person complaining in a far worse silhouette. But that's just my opinion though; and who the hell am I?

New Blog

2009-08-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

A buddy of mine named Cory aka Co-Jack, aka Co-Jaculation, aka 2nd Hand Horse Penis, has started his own blog. He is a VERY opinionated, and passionate individual. I have been urging him to start blogging forever. He finally did it. If you get a chance, check it out and please drop him a comment or two. He sometimes needs to get his views run across by some others. It's called That's Universal the address is http://cojack-thatsuniversal.blogspot.com
He's pretty far out there. Also, don't hold back. Let him know if you think he's full of crap or right on point. Most of the time, he's full of crap though; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Joell Ortiz

2009-07-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite artists. I love the concept for this video. I'm telling you guys, real hip-hop is coming back!!! But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Speechless

2009-07-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

You know the weird part? Some of you are gonna watch this and say, "Hey, who knows what the guy did before the video started? Maybe he deserved it?" I always assumed that the police were trained to handle incapacitated perps, without nightsticks and violence. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Great Hair Debate

2009-07-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was talking with some of my co-workers today and they told me something that I may be completely in the dark about. They said that they would like it if a man trimmed up and did some grooming to their "private areas". This has blown me away! I'm not even sure where the trend for women to start cutting their hair off started. I always assumed it was from porn. They all said that thy would prefer if their men shaved up down there. I'm an older cat, so I can't really understand it. It seems like the "man-scaping" as one co-worker called it, is a tad bit feminine for me. It's like a man being too concerned with his hairdo, or having a stylist. i just don't get it. I never complained about women having hair. Actually, I've only heard women complain about women having hair down there. So, I'm asking all of you out there that read this: If you're a man, do you Man-scape? If so, why? If you're a woman, do you prefer a man to Man-scape? If yes, why? The more I think about it, the more wrong it seems. Maybe I'm just too old school for some of these trends. The only thing I would be adamant about i woman shaving would be her armpits. I would only do that because a hairy armpit would remind me of a man. That's kinda my same thinking for "private areas". Again, I could be off on this I await your responses. I just think men are historically hairy; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Support Your Local MC

2009-07-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Once again I must do my part in promoting local hip-hop. I know this young man and almost everyone in the video. I'm not saying he's the next Jay-Z, but he can spit better than you. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Top Ten Soulful White Cats

2009-07-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

I really dig R&B and soul music. Not as much as Hip-Hop, but I dig it. I am by no means a music historian or expert, but I was recently in an argument with a very closed minded friend of mine and he stated, "You can't name 5 white cats with more soul than me!" I forgot to mention that this guy thinks he has an amazing singing voice. He's pretty good, but my theory is, if you are chillin with me instead of in the studio or on tour; you must not be that good. After that, he went on to say, "Matter of fact, I bet you can't even name 10 white soulful cats!" This list is for you, JB!!!

1.) Robin Thicke
2.) Jon B.
3.) Justin Timberlake
4.) Daryl Hall
5.) Joe Cocker
6.) Teena Marie
7.) Heuy Lewis
8.) Bobby Caldwell
9.) The lead singer of Color Me Bad
10.) The lead singer of Simply Red

If you don't agree or you feel like I left someone off, put it in the comments. I think this list is pretty solid. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Damn.

2009-07-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

I was e-mailed this story.

A recent wedding took place at Clemson University. It was in the local newspaper & even Jay Leno mentioned it. It was a huge wedding with about 300 guests. After the wedding, at the reception, the groom got up on stage with a microphone to talk to the crowd. He said he wanted to thank everyone for coming, many from long distances, to support them at their wedding. He especially wanted to thank the bride's and his family & to thank his new father-in-law for providing such a lavish reception. As a token of his deep appreciation,he said he wanted to give everyone a special gift just from him. So he taped to the bottom of everyone's chair, including the wedding party was an envelope. He said this was his gift to everyone, & asked them to open their envelope. Inside each envelope was an 8x10 glossy of his bride having sex with the best man. The groom had gotten suspicious of them weeks earlier & had hired a private detective to tail them. After just standing there, just watching the guests' reactions for a couple of minutes, he turned to the best man & said, 'F---you!' Then he turned to his bride and said, 'F--- you!' Then he turned to the dumbfounded crowd & said, 'I'm outta here.' He had the marriage annulled first thing in the morning. While most people would have canceled the wedding immediately after finding out about the affair, this guy goes through with the charade, as if nothing were wrong. His revenge:making the bride's parents pay over $32,000 for a 300-guest wedding & reception, & best of all, trashing the bride's & best man's reputations in front of 300 friends & family members.

Y'all believe this? I'm not so sure. If it was true, this would be the most incredible revenge I've ever heard of. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

"Come On, Man" Face of the Week

2009-07-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

This one was not submitted, I jacked it from The Ubiquitous Poppa Lusc; but you should

send your best one to rsj304@aol.com. Use the comments to add what you think someone said to prompt this "Come On, Man" Face. These crack me up, but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Renigger

2009-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know that I said I had turned over a new leaf with my attitude towards women. As you can tell from the last text I haven't kept up with it. I had some bullshit at work, push me right back to square one. It was getting so bad that a few of my gay friends asked me if I was switching sides. I am not. Nor am I going to continue with this messed up attitude and perception of and toward the fairer sex. I love women, and unlike apples; one bad one does not spoil the whole bunch. Actually, I'm gonna start listing all of the things that I absolutely love about women. At least once a week, I'm gonna do that. That should help my mindset to lighten up. As I ask others to do, I decided to look at myself first. I had to ask, to how many women have I been their "bad apple"? Through ignorance, or arrogance; I'm sure that somewhere along my travels' I've turned a woman or two off from men for a while. It was never intentional. I just became selfish and/or unappreciative. I'm sure if all my Exs had blogs they would be airing me out like you wouldn't believe. Or maybe they aren't as effected by my past behaviors as I think. Maybe they took the high road. Maybe they simply got over it. There is a possibility that all of the women that I've done wrong are so strong and so focused, that they moved on. No regrets. No relapses. No angry phone calls, e-mails, or texts. I hope I haven't been responsible for someone losing hope. Hope in men or hope in Man. I'll work to lessen my negative impact on the world and lessen the impact of negativity on me. I'll do my best not to renege this time. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

I Tried

2009-07-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was sent this e-mail today:

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the
question:

'What kind of man are you looking for?'

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye & asking, 'Do you really want to know?'

Reluctantly, he said, 'Yes.

She began to expound, 'As a woman in this day & age, I am in a position to ask a man what can you do for me that I can't do for myself?

I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man...
or woman for that matter.

I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.

She quickly corrected his thought & stated, 'I am not referring to money. I need something more.
I need a man who is striving for excellence in every aspect of life.

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, & asked her to explain.

She said, 'I need someone who is striving for excellence mentally because I need conversation & mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I need someone who is striving for excellence spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked...believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for excellence financially because I don't need a financial burden.

I need someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I need someone who has integrity in dealing with relationships. Lies and game-playing are not my idea of a strong man.

I need a man who is family-oriented. One who can be the leader, priest and provider to the lives entrusted to him by God.

I need someone whom I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him.

I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy.

And by the way, I am not looking for him...He will find me. He will recognize himself in me. He may not be able to explain the connection, but he will always be drawn to me. God made woman to be a help-mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself.

When she finished her spill, she looked at him.

He sat there with a puzzled look on his face . He said, 'You are asking a lot."

She replied, "I'm worth a lot".

The problem that I have with this e-mail is that it implies a certain amount of perfection and arrogance in women and an implied amount of ignorance and superficial thought pattern in men. As if men are always deficient and on the wrong page when it comes to women and we are saying and doing all the wrong things, until that certain woman comes along and gives us that mental pep talk so we can straighten up and do right. It kinda pisses me off. Men and women are in the same boat and we both can benefit from a little more patience and understand in regards to the opposite sex. Ultimatums and condescension aren't useful tools. For the women that send this or read it and say, "Right on, girl."; you have to pause before you put yourself in the role of the woman speaking. Are you as pristine, focused, and perfect as she claims? The fine line that she is expecting this man to walk is also the tightrope that she has confined herself to. It seems idiotic to place expectations on another hoping that by doing so, he can help you to achieve those lofty heights. Instead of using unrealistic caricatures as the guide, use your intuition, and take time to meet and know a person. Stiff rigid guidelines will not help you from being hurt or save you from taking the time to get to know someone. If the only way you can feel whole, is by looking down on your better half; an chain e-mail isn't gonna help your journey through life anyway. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Lately

2009-07-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been in kind of a funk. I haven't been very open-minded or free-thinking when it has come to the females. It seems like, I've been bashing them at every turn. Unfortunately, I have let the way that a few women have been in my past; be the filter in which I look at all females in my future. It isn't fair and it is bordering mean and spiteful. I dig women and i need to begin acting like I do. I am now taking a different attitude towards them. Instead of talking about how women in my past were; I'm gonna start talking about how women in my future will be. It seems that I fell victim to all of the things I blog about. It's difficult to continually look at yourself, knowing that you aren't done becoming a better person by a long shot. I gotta remember Self-improvement is a journey, not a destination. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

I Couldn't Have Said It Better

2009-06-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Who would've thought George Carlin felt that way? I co-sign; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

2009-06-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

One of my fondest memories was the Motown 25 TV special. I was in elementary school and I remember my parents letting me stay up late to watch the show. We were all in the living room of my grandparents house waiting and watching. I'm not sure what everyone else was waiting for, but I was waiting for Mike. Just a few days before, I was at the school carnival and spent what seemed like hours, dancing in the "Michael Jackson Room". Once The Jacksons hit the stage, My parents and grandparents began smiling and reminiscing. They were singing along and I was too. I knew the songs, mainly, from the cartoon. Then, the other brothers left the stage and Mike stayed. He said a few words, but the butterflies in my stomach drown him out. I knew that when he started performing, it wasn't gonna be long before he hit that Moonwalk. I was riveted! Mesmerized! I felt like I was actually there. And when he hit that Moonwalk.......

I lost my natural mind. I jumped up and yelled, and I even clapped. I was so blown away, that in the middle of winter in West Virginia, I wore one glove to school. He was the greatest performer I've ever seen. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Making Gibberish

2009-06-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted about an artist named Ryan Leslie. I was, and am still, immensely impressed by his talent. I mentioned his song Gibberish as one that is so creative and original that I recommended everyone listen to it. The first time I heard it, i thought, "How in the heck did this guy come up with this?" My good buddy, B found this video that explains it all. I found it to be pretty slick; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

P.E.T.P.

2009-06-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

So I found out something today that was really disturbing. Browns receiver Donte' Stallworth, is receiving 30 days for killing someone in a drunk driving accident. I have no actual feelings about that verdict. No opinion at all. Michael Vick just did 2 years for killing dogs. 30 days. 2 years. How'd you like to be the victim's family in the Stallworth case? I know that most of you will say, "But Vick was involved in a federal conspiracy. It was more than killing dogs." No it wasn't. I only say that because there has been no other arrests. I find it hard to believe that Michael Vick was the Kingpin/Linchpin for the entire dogfighting underground in this country and it stopped with his arrest. The message that I take away from this is that a dogs life is worth more than a human's life. Some of you may believe that, and for you, I hope that when you are in need of help and the ambulance pulls up, and a bunch of dogs hop out to help you. Or when you go in for emergency surgery, A Golden Lab is the doctor on-call. As most of you know, I wasn't born with that animal loving gene. I have been working on it though. But incidents like the Mike Vick thing and PETA's statement about President Obama killing a fly(Google it), make it hard. I just couldn't imagine being Mike Vick and seeing the sentence handed down to Mr. Stallworth. Many of you agree wholeheartedly with the Vick Verdict, but I would expect you people to be the first ones asking for Mr. Stallworth to be getting at least 2 years. I bet PETA will not be outside of his court hearings though. They are more interested with the ethical treatment of animals than that of people. At the end of the day, Donte' Stallworth took the life of a human being and has forever effected the members of that family. Michael Vick killed several dogs and was involved in a conspiracy that has killed even more dogs. Even the worst, most unproductive human being has the constant potential to change people around him, for the better; with one choice. Even if that person never acts on it; I would stack a pile of dead dogs 3 miles high, before I would sacrifice that human beings life. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

2 Ways

2009-06-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

I've found that there are only two things that seem to leave me hurt, confused, and open for emotions like anger, or depression, and revenge. Those two things are: 1.) When I am purposely hurt by someone I care about: emotionally or physically 2.) When life gives me an extra dose of adversity.

I have come up with two effective ways to handle these situations. They are more like mindsets that help me through it. Survive & Forgive. One of these mindsets should allow me to handle anything. So far, it's worked like a charm. Let me explain:

Survive- Endure, Understand, and make the transition from victim to survivor. This works best in situations where you have no control, and are practically unaware of what is happening to you. As much as we would like these situation to never happen, they do. Some things are just too big and seem to crush us down into the ground. Childhood, Whether or not a job hires you, Whether or not someone loves you, Illness, Death, and Natural Disasters fall into this category.

Forgive- Acceptance of the fact that all things that come to you, were asked for, are positive, and can make you a better human being. This is the key to divinity in my eyes. You are so much closer to perfection and God flattering behavior when you look to forgive when faced with harm. It is so human and natural to reach for revenge, and punishment. If we can train ourselves to think this way, I am certain we will get one step closer to an inspiring existence. An existence that will bring others to us by attraction instead of promotion. I really believe this. i believe it so much that I may do something crazy like tattoo these principles on my skin. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Good Wife's Guide

2009-06-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Back in the day there was a magazine entitled, Housekeeping Monthly. When I say back in the day, I mean baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack in the day. In their May 13th, 1955 issue they had a little list that they ran entitled, "The Good Wife's Guide". When I read it, I was reminded of how drastically the ideas of Home, Wife, Family, and Husband have changed. I'm gonna post at least one of these things per week and I want you guys; especially the women, to tell me what you honestly think.

Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces(if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

Wooooooooow!!! Am I the only person taken aback by this? It really blows my mind! Is this stuff even applicable in today's times. All I keep thinking is, "Where these better times? Worse times? or just Different times?" I can't answer that. Can you? I'm at a loss. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Spittin'

2009-06-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a minute since I posted some good hip-hop. I love the freestyle form of rap and it has been a dream of mine to stumble across a cypher like this. These are the things that I would love to see sprout up on the corners of my town. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

So Caucasian

2009-06-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hey, at least you still got hockey. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Miss Appropriation of Power

2009-05-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest things about being a human being is our ability to believe in other human beings. To see potential in them. To have a healthy, non romantic, admiration or devotion is an amazing ability. Unfortunately, you must be careful of those that you give that much power to. Valuing someone's opinion enough to where it can effect your world & self view isn't something you wanna just through around. No matter what that person or persons did to gain that luxury, doesn't make them immune to the pitfalls of finite humanity. Jealousy, Anger, Regret, and even Boredom can make a person move further and further away, in word and deed, That the person you know they are. They you have left yourself wide open for blindsiding, surprise attack right in front of your face. I don't want anyone to live in fear of this, just be cautious. Nothing can make a person feel lower than, when you are questioned about who or what you are, by someone you believed knew you better than most. It takes a strong person to shake it off and keep pushing. Not most can do it, without reexamining everything about themselves. It takes a weak one to prompt unwanted/unneeded self examination. It's kinda sadistic. You should always remember that despite the connection you have with a person, the similarities you have with them, the desire you have to be with or like them; no one knows you better that you do. Everyone you let into your life, can be let out. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Good Wife's Guide

2009-05-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

Back in the day there was a magazine entitled, Housekeeping Monthly. When I say back in the day, I mean baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack in the day. In their May 13th, 1955 issue they had a little list that they ran entitled, "The Good Wife's Guide". When I read it, I was reminded of how drastically the ideas of Home, Wife, Family, and Husband have changed. I'm gonna post at least one of these things per week and I want you guys; especially the women, to tell me what you honestly think.

Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

This amazes me because had this article been published today, not only would the author be labeled a sexist and banished, the magazine itself would come under serious scrutiny. I'm not say that this guide is correct, I'm just interested in the drastic changes in opinion. It begs the question, " Who is the victim of manipulation?" The women who were reading this in 1955 and being told that it was credible and viable; or the women of today who are being told that this type of thinking and attitude is detrimental to all women in the world today" I think there is an argument for both sides; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!

2009-05-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Even though, Tyler Perry hands are involved in this; I believe this movie is a MUST SEE!!! I was moved just watching the trailer. This movie should win awards because it has the potential to change lives. Early Oscar prediction: Monique Best Supporting Actress. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Things I'm Gonna Do Different #1

2009-05-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

#1. Love- More importantly than any of the other nine, I've got to love her. In the pro-active sense. I must make it so that she knows that I love her and never has to ask or wonder about my feelings for her. I will realize how lucky I am to be in love with someone who loves me. I will say, " I love you" as often as possible and in as many different ways as I can. I'll remember that love grows in an atmosphere of freedom, not restraint and obligation. I'll do any and everything humanly possible not to take her for granted. EVER.

I may not be ready to try these right now; but I think it's good to have blueprints before you start building. If this doesn't work, I figure that I'll just try beating up women and talking crazy to them. Those guys are never without a chick. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Red House

2009-05-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, proof that Dr. King did not die in vain!!! But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Never Judge A Book By Its Ghetto-Ass Title

2009-05-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Associated Press: BELOIT , Wis.. — "Police years ago pulled over a young woman who rushed through an amber traffic light. “I’m about to arrest this person right now,” the irritated officer radioed to a dispatcher. “She’s telling me her name is Marijuana Pepsi Jackson.”It’s the truth. Marijuana and Pepsi are her legal first and middle names, and the Beloit woman embraces them as a symbol of her struggle to succeed and to help other children overcome obstacles.No Mary or Mary Jane or Mary Wanda for her. It’s Marijuana, thank you, she’s told bosses, co-workers and friends over the years, and even wore it on nametags at work. This tall, striking, self-assured, motorcycle-riding woman is a schoolteacher with a master’s degree in higher education administration. Soon, she’ll start work on her doctorate. All of her achievement came despite that smoky, carbonated name. And partly because of it. No one named Marijuana Pepsi gets lost in the crowd.“Everybody I meet says this: You’re nothing like I thought you’d be,” she told me when we sat down for an interview in Beloit last week. These days she goes by Marijuana Sawyer, the surname of her ex-husband from Georgia , where she spent 10 years before returning to Beloit in 2008 to fulfill a promise to make a difference in her hometown. She has a 6-year-old son named, mercifully, Isaac. Sawyer’s mother, Maggie Johnson, picked her name. Her father objected but lost the argument. To this day, a lot of family members and best buds call her Pepsi. “She said that she knew when I was born that you could take this name and go around the world with it. At the time as a child, I’m thinking yeah, right. You named my older sister Kimberly. You named my younger sister Robin,” Sawyer said. I’ve tried several times over the years to find Marijuana - the person, that is. When I was a cub reporter at the Beloit Daily News in the early 1980s, there was a rumor around town about an elementary school girl named Marijuana Pepsi Jackson or maybe Jones. Some people swore that pot and Pepsi were her mother’s two favorite things. Others claimed a mix of both coursed through her bloodstream when the child was conceived or born or both. You’ll find chatter about this on the Internet. Sawyer’s aunt, Mayetta Jackson of Chicago , clearly remembers when the name was picked in 1972. The newborn’s mother and father were products of the post-Woodstock era when reefer was rampant.“And they would cool off with a Pepsi,” she said, which makes you think it’s lucky for Sawyer that it wasn’t Coke instead. “I thought it was crazy,” her aunt said about the name, “but they were such fun-loving people that it suited them.” A couple years later, Sawyer’s father, Aaron Jackson, put all that aside and became a Jehovah’s Witness. The marriage ended. Young Marijuana lived with her father in Chicago until she was 9 and then moved to Beloit to a much less stable home situation with her mother. The girl in her torn clothes and wild hair failed in school and was teased about her name, especially in junior high. “Every single class, the teacher is taking attendance out loud, and as they slowly get down through the J’s, I’m just like here it comes. ’Marianna? Marijuana?’ And all the students turn to see who it is,” she said. Later in life, it wouldn’t get any easier when she tried to order tickets over the telephone or fill out paperwork. People thought she was joking, or they wanted to hit her with 20 questions about why she was called that. Sawyer left home at 15 with a few belongings in a pillowcase and began staying with relatives and friends. She cut out the truancy and started working on her subjects, and her grades shot up. She gives a surprising amount of credit to her mother for making her resilient and resourceful. “She instilled in me that fighting attitude - never take no, you can do anything,” Sawyer said. By high school, her name was cool to many. “They were like, ’Oh yeah. Man, I wish I had your name. I love that. I’m going to name my kid after you.’ I hear that so much and I go, Lord, please don’t do that to that child.” Sawyer was the most improved student at graduation in 1990, and she received a $12,000 scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she studied to be a teacher. She was invited to a White House conference in 1995 and met President Bill Clinton, who swears he never inhaled. In 1998, she got a job teaching elementary school children in Atlanta . She also sold real estate there. It was the one time in her life that she went by MP Sawyer professionally because the name Marijuana was freaking out the customers and causing her for-sale signs to be stolen as souvenirs. Over two semesters and a summer, she earned her master’s degree from Georgia Southern University and moved back to Beloit with her son in May. She plans to fund a scholarship bearing her unique name.At the moment she is a substitute teacher at a variety of city schools (“I heard of you!” the students will say), but she’s looking for a job in academic advising and admissions at a college or university, preferably near Beloit. She has no doubt that her difficult childhood and the way she tenaciously rose above her name have helped her to reach kids with problems. Carlton Jenkins was a teacher at Beloit Memorial High School when Sawyer attended there, and he’s the principal now. “They could make a movie about her,” he said. “I could almost write a book on Marijuana myself in terms of a young student who’s been so resilient and taken even her name and made it into a positive. We’re so very proud of her. She’s exactly what any kid in America needs to know about someone who can truly make it if they put their mind to it.”Sad to say, Sawyer is not close with her mom these days, but she’s thankful for the many teachers and role models who helped her blossom, even with a name like Marijuana Pepsi. In case you’re wondering, she said she never once smoked the stuff and prefers orange soda."

I'm a firm believer in struggle building character, but there is no reason to purposely add roadblocks to life. Even though this woman seemed to rise above the limitations that her name placed on her; I can't help but wonder, "Was that really necessary?" I'm down for forcing people to confront their own tendencies to make snapshot judgements of others based on superficial info, but not at the sacrifice of my child's inner peace and well being. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

In Honor of Mother's day, I figured I'd post a picture of my mother during one of her proudest moments. This is her graduating from Nursing School. I'm the dashing young fellow in the brown 127 piece suit. My mother is my hero, inspiration, benchmark, and driving force. Nothing motivates me more than trying to make her proud. I'm so blessed to have her in my life to learn from and to watch. I tell her as often as a I can. She means the world to me. I'm just glad that someone had enough forward thought to make a holiday that celebrates women like this who've had impacts on lives like mine. I love my mom; but that's just opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Knock Knock

2009-05-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Incredible. Inspiring. There isn't much more I can say. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Things I'm Gonna Do Different #2

2009-05-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Good Wife's Guide

2009-05-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Back in the day there was a magazine entitled, Housekeeping Monthly. When I say back in the day, I mean baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack in the day. In their May 13th, 1955 issue they had a little list that they ran entitled, "The Good Wife's Guide". When I read it, I was reminded of how drastically the ideas of Home, Wife, Family, and Husband have changed. I'm gonna post at least one of these things per week and I want you guys; especially the women, to tell me what you honestly think.

Sunshine- Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

This one, I just thought was funny. No insightful interpretation here. I just get a kick out of imagining a woman reading this and a light bulb going off in her head. I can see her practicing what she is going to say. I'd also love to see how one gets "a little more gay". I even smile when I envision the husband sitting at his boring ass job, hoping that he can get his day brightened once he gets home. Times sure have changed. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

I Love This Guy!!!

2009-05-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

I'm smiling really hard right now. I am not the least bit embarrassed that he is good at basketball and plays it in the White House. He transcends cliches and stereotypes; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Is Nothing Sacred!!!

2009-05-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

I dig porn as much as the next guy; but this is ridiculous! You gotta draw the line somewhere. I'm gonna have to write someone about this blatant disrespect! But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Top Ten Mistakes Men Make In The Bedroom

2009-04-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

While I was mourning the shutting down of KING magazine, one of my favorites, I began looking through my old back issues. In one of them, I found this list. It was made by Melyssa Ford (Google her). Let me know what you think.

1. Thinking that foreplay starts in the sack. The timer for enticing does not start once you hit the sheets. Your pre-game show is best approached as an all day affair. Women love to be wooed. Sex is a head game, in more ways than one, and women want to know you can't get them out of your mind. We love knowing that we are desired.
Men, whether your plan is to get some, rev up her engine or bring her to fast orgasm, your strategy should begin long before you enter the bedroom.
This isn't necessarily because women need a lot of time to get warmed up. Given that a couple of my girlfriends can attain an orgasm in a minute or two, at least by themselves, my sense is that the "statistic" that women need an average 20 minutes of foreplay before penetration tends to be overused.

2. Going south too soon. Do not pass go and collect $200. Diving in for the genitals too soon usually isn't the best idea. A woman needs to be properly aroused before any below-the-belt action feels good.
Be sure to focus on her entire body, head to toe, before going for the gold.

3. Ignoring the clitoris. Many men think a woman's orgasmic ability is due to penetration. Yes, there is certainly pleasure in this part of the performance, but the bell of the ball is being left out of the party.
More than 70 percent of women experience clitoral orgasm when it comes to maximum reaction, so men need to make sure they are not ignoring the clitoris. It also helps if you actually know where the clitoris is located. Some have been known to rub the urethral opening, which can be a big no-no for some ladies.

4. Missing the G spot. In digging for buried treasure, many guys don't know that X doesn't always mark the spot. Found on the front wall of the vagina, a woman's G spot may be a little higher or lower, or more to one side than the other, than often depicted.
Its size may also vary, from as small as a pea to as large as a quarter.
Hint: She needs to be aroused before you even have a prayer of finding it.

5. Becoming too goal-oriented in your efforts. There is nothing more endearing than a man who wants to play. Just don't get caught up in yourself. Your sexual exploration should be playtime for two.
Stay present in the moment. Connecting with your partner will bring the ultimate climax to both of you.

6. Gaining weight and still thinking you're attractive. "For better or worse" should include weight fluctuations, but don't let yourself go completely.
You don't know how many women have complained to me about the double standard in staying attractive: Women are expected to stay hot-to-trot, men aren't.
So if you want continued star treatment for your rock star performances, know that Meat Loaf isn't the singer to emulate.

7. Not knowing about her need to be naughty. Sometimes she needs to get in touch with her adulterated side. In fact, research has found that women are more aroused by explicit fantasies than romantic ones. Forget the prince on a white horse or canoodling on the beach.
Many women enjoy all sorts of erotica. Don't be afraid to play up her far-from-virtuous visual nature.

8. Thinking she's supposed to act like a porn star. When I was in the height of my video career, I couldn't believe how many questions I received from men about how to get their lover to do something specific in bed.
As seen in porn films, many men expect their lovers to fulfill their every fantasy. Remember that porn is fantasy, not reality. Expecting her to act like a porn star is simply not fair.

9. Thinking you're supposed to look like a porn star. Despite what XXX-rated films indicate, most women are not lusting after the three-legged man. The Mandingo package deal doesn't do it for most.
Last weekend, this topic came up with my girlfriends over cocktails. As the ladies crossed their legs, the overall consensus on "larger than life" was: "What are you supposed to do with that?"
Maybe some women are up for the challenge, but many are fine with the guy who fits within the norm. Don't be too hard on yourself for being just that.

10. Believing one orgasm is enough. She's just had a mind-blowing orgasm, maybe two. So she should be perfectly content, right? Wrong.
Women are not nearly as quick to come down from their aroused state as men are post-sex. Many can be launched right back to bliss, and many women do crave more action and orgasms, even if they were perfectly satisfied by the first experience.
Even if you're exhausted.

I'm not sure how I feel about this list. It kinda puts me in the mind of the age old saying that, "Women are never satisfied & You can never do enough for a woman". It also seems strange to see this list when I hear women complaining about not getting sex then bashing the sex that they get. If I had to summarize the list, it would look like this: 1-10. YOU"RE NOT DOING IT RIGHT!!! I think I'm gonna try to make my own list of the Top Ten Mistakes Women Make In The Bedroom. It's gonna be pretty tough, because most men don't have complaints in this area. We are easy to please. If I'm lying guys, please let me know. Maybe I'm just the average confused, man pointing the finger everywhere but at myself. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

How Babies Are Made

2009-04-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

...and I don't see any good reason to tell my daughter any different; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

The Good Wife's Guide

2009-04-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Prepare Yourself- Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people.

Ya know, I don't think enough women today wear ribbons in their hair. 1955 was truly a simpler time. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Charese Jamison- My Friend

2009-04-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing woman, who I had the luxury and good fortune of knowing. Unfortunately, we have grown very far apart. Emotionally and geographically. I regret this, but after watching this, she is a source of pride instead of unresolved feelings. If you watch this, you know she is a survivor; and people like this don't come along often. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Things I'm Gonna Do Different #3

2009-04-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

I was in a six year relationship that recently ended. I have decided that I am gonna do something different, if and when, I decide to get in another relationship. The reasoning is that if I do something different, then the outcome will be different. I made a list of 10.

#3. Sweetie Cakes- I never going to stop treating her like she is my Sweetie Cakes. The nickname will help me remember what she means to me. It kinda makes me think of sexy & sweet. I'll never stop talking to her like she is my Sweetie Cakes. I'll do things with her that I'd only do with/for my Sweetie Cakes. I'll share chores around the house. We'll work together in relation to future goals and accomplishments. I'll do things just to make her feel loved, especially when she might be feeling down. I'll take more pride in the way that I look and act, for her; but I'll never let outside things have more of a importance than what I feel inside my heart

This one pointed out so many things that I did wrong. I was horrible when it came to chores, I always looked at her bad days as moments for analysis instead of times for care and comfort, and never thought much about my appearance in relation to her. I'm gonna try and see if it helps. It couldn't hurt. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?