The Difference

Some people are confused on this matter, so I thought I'd give my 2 cents to help clear the matter up. The question is, "What is the difference between a reason and an excuse?" My answer is this: A reason requires deep thought. An excuse requires quick thought. That's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

HUG THIS MAN!!!

Here is a young man who is in need of our help. He has been deprived of physical contact for so long that he now fears closeness and/or any physical connection especially with another male. I know what you're thinking, another homophobe; but i think this is much more. In this young man I've noticed a trend when emotions are thought of and looked at as a weakness. The better you hide them, the better you are. I've even heard some say that it is better to not have any feelings or emotions. I wanna break this cycle! So if you see this man. Hug him! I don't think it will result in any physical violence; just a pained expression and an immediate exit. So remember if you see this man, HUG HIM!!! It will make the world a better place. That's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

Another Hip-Hop Classic

My criticism of Hip-Hop and Rap music is nothing new. I decided that it isn't good to always point out the bad. Today, I decided to hip you all to a gem that many of you might not know about. The artist is Jadakiss. The album is "Kiss Of Death". The track is #15 "Air It Out". This song captures it all: the struggle, the motives, the swagger, and the stress. With this song, he distanced himself from 90% of the MCs in the game right now. He paints an incredibly vivid picture. So vivid that people that aren't from that lifestyle can see it. Jadakiss was ahead of his time with this single. It will be relevant for the next two decades. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

A Cool Story

As those of you, who know me, are aware; I am not the biggest fan of organized religion. I do however read The Koran, The Bible, The Gita, and other various books of faith. Unlike most, I just see them as books. Occasionally, while reading a book, I'll run across a cool story. I'd like to share this one,

"There were ten lepers healed, and only one turned back to give thanks, but it is to be noticed that our Lord did not recall his gift from the other nine because of their lack of gratitude. When we begin to lessen our acts of kindness and helpfulness because we think those who receive do not properly appreciate what is done for them, it is time to question our motives."

What do you think? I think, it is real talk. That's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I

The 21 Steps To A "Good" Life

This was sent to me by one of the most incredible human being that I know.

ONE: Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the it's only way to live life completely.

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN! .. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

Let me know what you think. It seems pretty powerful to me. That's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

A Breath Of Fresh Air

For those of you joining Nasir Jones and myself in the mourning of Hip- Hop; REJOICE!!!! I just watched the May 25th, 2007 episode of Rap City and they did a bunch of freestyles in the booth. It was a glimpse into the future of the game; and trust me, the future looks bright. Joell Ortiz, The Game, Juelz Santana, Tru Life, and Serius Jones were all showcasing their skills. It was a good day for a fan of Rap music. If you get a chance, watch it on line. Joell and Serius especially. The Game could've been better, but he went COMPLETELY from the head. Tru Life dropped some depth with his, and Juelz was just flossy and focused. I'm impressed. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?

My Cousin Reub

I have a cousin named Jule Reuben Walker Stradwick Rouse. We call him Reub or Lil Reub. As you can tell from the picture, he is really something else. I love him. Sometimes it is tough, but I do. He is hard for some people to take. He is covered in tattoos and has the look of a man who has lead a hard life.

He has.

He has overcame more adversity at age 29, than most people have in their entire lives. It hasn't made him overly mean, or abusive. He does drink too much for my tastes, but I don't judge my family. I just help them get up when they fall. I don't actually know why I am writing this, but he was on my mind. He very rarely gets a fair shake. Don't get me wrong, my cousin makes more than his share of mistakes; but he always seems to get the short end of the stick. Especially when he is trying to do something for someone else. He has such a big heart; and one of the most infectious laughs that you will ever hear. He is the little brother that I never had. He gets mad when I don't return his phone calls, but I'm always there when he needs me. He is so smart and so funny. Most of the time people only talk like this after a person is passed away, but I wanted to seize the moment. We should all practice telling a loved one that we love them before it is too late. I love my cousin Jule Reuben Walker Stradwick Rouse. Regardless of what you think of him. Do you have a cousin Reub in your life? If so, give him a call or shout him out in a BLOG. But don't tell them. It ruins the feeling. That's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?