Thank you, Haters! I'm Better Not Bitter!

DGK Skate company has found a way to make it cool to be hated on

"If you don't have any haters, than you are not very gifted..My enemies get me blessed and help me uncover my weaknesses"- Bishop Noel Jones

Nothing gets under our skin worst than hearing someone is talking bad about us. Most of our lives are spent trying to improve out station in life. Some of us do this by means of furthering our educations or exercising our bodies. It is never any fun for us when that work is marginalized by someone's words, who (more times than not) has no idea who we really are or what we are all about. Haters are often times defined as the antitheses of productivity and positivity. 

We, in California,  love to think in terms of  "positive energy". Though a great portion of it is merely suppression of reality, it allows us to cope with what is a highly competitive and treacherous economy. It becomes a means of guarding ourselves from the fiery darts that are thrown our way. Unfortunately, it is basically a form of self-repression that doesn't allow us to show our true feelings. This on the surface can be a valuable exercise in terms of avoiding suffering. However, when examined in depth, it hinders us from true expression and the release that comes with sharing, trusting and identifying with one another in a more intimate light. In layman's terms: "IT HINDERS OUR BLESSINGS".

Moreover, the psychological consequences of shielding ourselves leads us to generalize all forms of criticism as "hater-ism". This is contrary to the truth. Perception, in my opinion, is the greatest enemy of reality. We often times seek camaraderie and not authenticity. You have seen many memes on social media about watching, thrashing or pointing out haters. In our sensitivity we equate all forms of opinion contrary to our own as simply hate. 

Now, I grew up in the Midwest and anyone who has been there knows we shot from the hip. We aren't taught to mince words or dance around the truth. In a direct opposite of the West Coast, which has no love for the weary, we may cut with words, but, indeed, we are extremely more empathetic. I was raise to hear "what someone is saying, not how they say it". The present era is responsive more to the inflection of the words rather than the validity of the words. 

This paradigm has given way to more flattery in our psychological diets and less fulfillment. The lack of the latter is evident in the larger swath of people suffering from arrest development hindering growth. God allows us to grow through tribulation. This is the very definition of "growing pains". It's the natural order of life. You can never know how far you can go unless you are tested or prodded. The natural inclination of humanity is to look for the easy way out. God, knows that we are high and lazy minded. We equate love with being secure and comfortable. This is the excuse many use to justify why they don't believe in God. We, in our finite minds, don't see the love or benefit in being allowed to go through trials and tribulations. But is appeasement really love?

A mother may throw her scared child in a pool because that child could not get over her fears of drowning. In this era that could be considered child abuse. Mom's reason is to force that child to overcome the perception of that fear and push her to her destiny of conquering fear and realizing the joy of swimming. A father my not console his son when he falls off his bike and skins his knees. It may sound rather cruel, but it is has more value than you may notice at first glance. They father is using this to instill the familiarity of pain to help his son realize his threshold for it and thereby not allowing it to prohibit his future quest of mastering his craft. Parents show a hug amount of love by sometimes eliminating ego in their children and themselves. I used to hear my parents say: "This hurts me more than you". I thought that was preposterous at the time until I had children. But it takes an enormous amount of love for someone to let go of the impulse to nurture for the greater good of empowerment.

Many memes on social media make fun of haters

We all bear witness to the large amount of people in our society who have not been fully vetted and otherwise had their egos stroked and desires unchecked. They have left countless blood baths in schools, parent-less children throughout the globe and broken relationships abound. The "spoiled child" grows up to be the "unbearable adult" that is selfish and impulsive and for the most part counter-productive. The are the dregs of society that will rob, steal and kill to feed their impulses. Many inmates today can trace the inception of their criminal lives back to the lack of guidance and restraint as a child. Criticism and chastening breeds self-control.

Not all hate is bad hate. It is all merely how you take it. We all hate! I am not a fan of Kobe Bryant. I often criticism (hate on) him for his lack of self-control during his profane laced interviews or his selfishness toward teammates on and off the court. It is not that I "hate" Bryant, it is more that I have higher expectations of him. I feel that to be a Laker like Magic Johnson or Jerry West goes beyond the court. That aura has power to shape dialogue in politics and civil arenas. Kobe is extremely gifted. And being gifted means you are going to be criticized. It come with the territory. Criticism is sometimes directed at you because your personality and talents have a direct influence on people. For example, it hurt my feelings that people at my job, while saying that I was the nicest person they knew, often labeled me as arrogant and intimidating when I was not around. Only because the Holy Spirit revealed scripture to me did I take a righteous approach to this information.

James 1:2-5 declares: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various (trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given. 

So I took this wisdom ( I wonder if someone would call that hater-ism) and applied it. I came to the realization that they weren't actually mad at me, but more so down on themselves because I had received numerous accolades and my production numbers were exponentially higher. It was merely a vocal way of justifying their lack of performance. More importantly, I also failed to take in account that with being gifted requires being a blessing and I had not made myself open to being approachable. This is why they labeled my intimidating. Unlike them, when I saw a co-worker be highly lauded for his great performance, I merely asked him to come to his office and observe his methods. I applied those methods and become instantly successful. Where I was unsuccessful was in expecting others to find their way like I did. This is a form of arrogance. They were not wrong after all. 

I came from an environment that encouraged emulation of success and not the marginalization of it. But empathy allowed me to understand that we are all merely victims or victors of our environment, so I could not expect them to do it like me. Instead, I pretended not to know this information and treat those haters good! Under the direction of a co-worker and the tutelage of my boss, I asked questions about their lives, likes and  general welfare. They opened up to me and found that I wasn't a bad guy and began to ask about some of my methods. I obliged their inquires, but encouraged them to trust their training all the while being open to other ways. We bonded and it was more beneficial to me than I would have thought. Besides, I plan on leading these people soon. True wisdom is distinguishing between the words of a perceived adversary from the worthy critiques of a genuine counterpart. 

God uses adversity to strengthen our philosophy and reveal our weaknesses. Children are generally encouraged to try. Adults have to be thrust into their greatness by motivation. The greatest motivator is the idea that one cannot or will not succeed. Athletes call this "having a chip on your shoulder". Christians call this "being anointed". Whatever your faith or way of life, avoid being quick to shot down criticism. Perhaps, you are not as good a singer as you think or not as smart or well liked as you would have others believe. We all tend to think too highly of ourselves. A little humility can go along way in bridging the gap between our desires and our destiny. So before you feed off the desserts of flattery, try swallowing the nutrient rich pill of criticism. I, trust it will work out more to your benefit. It may not go down as smooth or taste as good, but the truth will always make you free. The truth can only make you better not bitter. 

Dedicated to three men who have suffered more hate yet showed more love: Jesus Christ, Barack Obama and LeBron James. 

The Tragedy of Too Much Freedom

- "We have to constantly be updated and calibrated in our Walk if we want to keep a fresh relationship with righteousness"- Pierre Johnson

I saw a video of a Arizona trucker and a young New Yorker go viral on the internet. It was a brutal beating the New Yorker received from the trucker. I haven't seen anything like that in a long time. Perhaps it is my age and my progressive walk with Christ, that gave me pause. I don't know. Whether the fact that it was two against one or big against small,  I do know I was disturb by it on so many levels. The main level of my disturbance was at the casual manner it was filmed and observed by onlookers. No one stepped in and no one tried to make peace. One man nearly committed manslaughter while his so-called friends looked on and cheered. Two precious lives could have been destroyed over foolish pride. The victim's life will definitely not be the same. His defeat has been plastered all over the internet. This brought to mind Proverbs 1: 10-18

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, "Let us lie in wait to shed blood, let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause....we shall fill our house with spoils. Cast in your lot among us.....My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path. For their feet do evil. And they make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread....But they lie in wait for their own blood"

This world is chalked full of so many so-called "freedoms". Secret freedom to tweet what you want and videotape who you want. People are free to hide their racism, sexism, sarcasm and social ineptitude behind chat room talk and memes. There are public freedoms. Freedom to instigate riots and divide communities, freedom to degrade our leadership, our country and ourselves.

We poke fun of victims and praise the cowardice of bullies and perpetrators. We have the freedom to express so many opinions that we have lost all need for facts and all capacity for moral compassion. Perverse men brag that: "Ya'll respect the one that got shot. I respect the shooter". People, this should not be!!! Would we make memes of Martin Luther King laying wasted on a balcony floor and print t-shirts glorifying James Earl Ray as an original gangster? I hope not!

Even our children are freer to roam larger territories away from the watchful eye of guardians by way of social media. Regrettably, some even wander freely into chat rooms where waiting predators befriend them and lead them away captive through molestation or exploitation. They have the history of the world in their hands to discover and obtain pertinent information at the speed of 4G, but somehow remain as ignorant as ever to the deep things of the world. These children are being filled with trivial news feeds thus lacking the understanding of politics or spiritual matters that could mode them into the life changers of tomorrow.

Young Americans are being filled with trivial matters, lacking understanding of politics

Some separation and boundary must exist to sustain civility and retain morality. I view far too many Americans acting and busying themselves in foolish dress, conversation and philosophical cliche. What was once done in the dark is now on the web or cast as a topic on a television talk show.We have become far too amused by social issues like single parent teens, murder and relational instability. This is done not as an attempt to solve these problems more so than it is an attempt to capitalize financially off of them by glamorize the participants and excusing it as "reality" television. People subliminally like to see others fail because it deflects from the spotlight of their own personal shortcomings. As our society could use a broader moral compass so that we cease to navigate our minds and hearts towards such foolish and unprofitable things.

The Holy Scriptures implores us to "guard our hearts, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23). The foolishness in us allows us to places ourselves in high regard. A common personal description you hear or read declared by someone is that: "I am a good person". How conceited and inaccurate this is!! All of us could find major flaws in ourselves. If we really love ourselves as we profess, an inventory of our works and deeds is in order. Have you taken revenge or were you strong enough to forgive? Have you zealously assisted the downtrodden or have you walked over them in disgust? If we were to judge ourselves as we judge other we would be ashamed and embarrassed.

But, we don't have to reflect on ourselves, do we? Who has time for self-assessment when every website has a poll to take or a page to comment on about someone else? We are so free to judge the world that we have lost the freedom and desire of self improvement. This has lead us to be captive to our own desires and addictions unable to correct them and unwilling to review them. Could it be that collective despair and degradation in society is the result of the individual's lack of self-correct and examine? (Galatians 5:9).

We would all do well to temper ourselves and what we allow into our hearts and minds. We are an acquired species. Everything that we are is acquired. Our prejudices and fears and our success is based on the life experiences and relationships that mold and shape our beliefs. The tragedy of too much freedom is that it isn't free. To echo the words of my father: "Free stuff can cost to much"!! Moreover, it is not really freedom at all to be captivated by covetousness, violence and immorality. To have our thoughts programmed and manipulated by the illusion of cinema or the allure of consumables is SLAVERY!

The best exercise of freedom is to free ourselves from ourselves. We must create God-like boundaries in our lives, placing only that which is pure, loving, gentle, kind, praise worthy and of good report in our presents, so that you may live empowered with joy, faith and a peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:8). Only then will you be totally free!!

Your Life May Not Be Sound, But Your Doctrine Better Be!!

Appeasement has tarnished the legitmacy of the Gospel among those who may be sincerely curious about God.

The Holy Bible is more than a book. It is a organic guide to all the promises and perils of life. Though many think that being a Christian is being perfect, those who study God's Word know that this is far from truth and contrary to sound doctrine. We understand that without God we can do nothing (John 15:5). We realize that despite the modern culture of  promoting "gospel for prosperity" and "road to success" seminars, human beings are simply slaves to righteousness or sin. As a "slave" it is never been a requirement to think.

The truth of the matter is when it comes to spiritual living, it's best not to think, but to follow. I, personally, have gotten myself in tons of trouble "thinking" I knew what was right or believing that "maybe" this or that will work. Sometimes I got "lucky". Most times I made an error. God questions our so-called "thinking" skills and presents a poignant question to the outcomes of our "free will" endeavors in Romans 6:20-21

"When you were a slave to sin, your were free the control of righteousness. What benefits did you reap at the time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!"

He shows us his wisdom concerning our intentions and how they misled us in Proverbs 21:2:

"A person my think their way is right, but the Lord weights the heart".

I am sure many of us can attest to this scripture, I don't feel it is necessary to go into detail. We all have our stories.

God says we are all slaves to either sin or righteousness (Romans 1:1). The Devil tricks us to believe that we have the power to make the right decisions and to think our way into prosperity and out of trouble. This is contrary to Scripture and it leads to many of us tainting the Gospel and delivering false doctrine.

Though none of us are perfect, it is incumbent upon all followers of Christ to adhere to and minister sound doctrine. There is not room for our interpretations and justifications. The evidence of human justification and interpretation is seen in the plethora of governments, religious denominations and global unrest. Every sect thinks their way is the Way. Little credit is given to God and no solid explanation can be given to justify this in Scripture. As a result, the blood of wayward saints and sinners who resistance salvation is on our hands. The Bible warns of this in Ezekiel 3:16-21:

And at the end of seven days, the word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give warning from Me. If I say to the wicked, "You shall surely die", and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die from his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hands.......but if you warn the wicked....you will have delivered your soul."

It doesn't stop there:

Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and you lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not warned him, he shall die for his sin, and his righteous deeds that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood I will require at your hands."

This is serious business, folks. God is not playing with us. Unfortunately too many churches are looking to appease people as opposed to correcting them. They are fooled by those who really don't want the Gospel and complain that they don't want to be judged or condemned at church. Correction is not judgement, but rather an act of love to prevent a person from perishing. I equate the false logic of these excuses with someone wanting a job, but not wanting an interview; they must not really want a job then, right? American Christianity has made so many concession for the world to get them to come to church.

Examples like Easter, Christmas and Sunday service are all compromises with pagan religion and sun worshipers to get them to be a part of the church. We now support homosexuality in the pulpit and allow people to come to the Church dressed as harlots and thugs without exhortation. The phrase: COME AS YOU ARE is NOT in the BIBLE!! A sound minded person may ask: "Why would the Church do this"? Its simple: politics and profiteering. Both are in direct conflict with the sound doctrine of the Bible (Mark 12:17). This appeasement has tarnished the legitimacy of the Gospel among those who may be sincerely curious about God. The common word they use to describe us as is HYPOCRITE! Are they wrong?

The human way of defining success in any endeavor is by accumulation of wealth, popularity and the rise of social status. Too many churches think they are "blessed" by the number and type of members or the size of the temple. This is in direct conflict with the Word of God. For the scriptures say: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8). The Lord tells us that anytime we are doing it our way or the way we think, it is not God's way. It is the way of Satan.

I was talking to a great friend who has a particular talent in music entertainment. They have been prayerful concerning God's direction in the matter. I have been encouraging as have others. My friend has spent years toiling in that endeavor. One day, I asked my friend if they thought that God's will was for them to pursue that dream. The friend told me they believed so because they were always put in situations to meet certain titans in that industry and had several meetings. My friend also went on to detail how they believed God sent them as a vessel for the industry, despite it being an obvious pit for immorality. My friend felt that God speaks to everyone differently and that they would be used to make a change in the industry.

Jay-Z and Kanye West are examples of why God does not want his children immersed in demonic industries

I, like many, doctrine following Christians, held my tongue on this for the longest time. The American Christian church waters down the sound doctrine of the Bible to appease non-believers to come to their meetings to "feel" good about themselves. Worse, they discourage other saints from being forthright about the Truth and dismiss them as being too judgmental and stern. God is not mocked. When a person comes to God, it is not to feel good about themselves, but to be good within themselves. The church thinks it is winning them over with catering to their fleshly desires of prosperity and career, but they are really losing them to salvation. People come into this kind of false doctrine readily, but when they get acquainted with the sound doctrine of the Gospel and come to some understanding of the Way they leave the church for far more legitimate reasons than those who resisted sound doctrine from the onset. Those people leave the church because they see the hypocrisy of what they allow from the saints in contrast to what God instructs.

And when they fall away, their blood is on the hands of the Church.

Now, I gently told my friend that I did not agree with their belief that God would set them in a satanic industry like secular music because it did not line up with scripture. My friend tried to use the example of Moses going into Pharaoh to demand the release of the slaves from Israel to justify their believe that God wants them in the secular music industry. To counter this "personal" belief, one must have sound doctrine and that comes only through prayer and reading the Word for oneself. I simply corrected my friend by explaining that God is the same God, yesterday, today and forever (Hebrew 13:8) and he shows no partiality (Acts 10: 34). So, God does not speak to anyone differently though he may use different mediums. His Word and Laws are the same for everyone. He would never justify one saint over another against his own Word.

Secondly, Jehovah did send Moses to Pharaoh, but not to collaborate with him as you would with Puffy, but to admonish him and declare God's will to him. It wasn't a cocktail party. It was a declaration of war! It wasn't a goodwill exhibition or Moses would have spent time with Pharaoh feasting and compromising on some kind of treaty like a G8 summit. The Word says that God cannot do evil so He is unable to compromise with evil. So, to think that God will allow you to compromise His Word for your desire is an act of trying to tempt God (Psalms 78:18), and God cannot be tempt (James 1:13).

Lastly, if Jesus Christ, who had all authority on Earth, obeyed the prophecy of the Word and laid on the cross (Luke 22:42), why would Jehovah allow us to live according to our own beliefs and allow us to seek refuge in a house (like the secular entertainment industry) that he plans to destroy (2 Peter 3:10)?

My friend did not agree, but no blood was on my hands.

I am not judging my friend, but as a follower of Christ, I declare Bible principles as fact. This is not a referendum on their dreams or desires, but a report of the Truth according to the Word. I am the most unrighteous of all Christians (Roman 3:10), but I think it imperative to tell the absolute unadulterated Truth concerning the scriptures. If anyone was to call me out on my sin, I could not in good spiritual conscience justify my sins as anything less than a total disobedience to God's will. Period! 

Too many Christians are sensitive to their own feelings and the secular value system they are raised in. They mistake exhortation with criticism and view flattery as encouragement. The Bible speaks against flattery (Proverbs 26:29). We live in a social media world that breeds narcissism in people. Instagram and Facebook are filled with "selfie" photos that are posted to achieve social validation through likes and comments.

If we follow Christ we know that he is not a fan of this behavior. It runs contrary to His Way. Jesus is the Son of God who Jehovah gave the Earth to as His footstool. Though he has dominion over the Earth, His quiet walk of humility and anti-materialism is what he wants us to strive for. Satan, according to the Bible, was very handsome and talented (Ezekiel 28:13-17), while Jesus appeared to us as lowly and unattractive (Philippians 2:5-8). Those of us who have some life experience can testify to times when we are beguiled by attractive people and things only to find that they are destructive or not what they appear to be. We also have found the beauty in people and things that may appear to be unattractive or difficult only to be blessed or made better by them. This is why it is so important for us to follow and minister sound Bible doctrine. It is the foundation onto which our life and faith can be built. God will shake our "buildings". Our relationships, adventures and philosophies will be tested and shaken at one time or another. It is best, not to build on the wavering ideas or the status quo of mankind, but to build on a rock.

The best rock is the Word of God!

How Andrew Luck Sacked Tim Tebow...Twice

In his second year as the heir apparent to possibly the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL, Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts is serving notice to the league and the general public. After the well- documented neck surgeries and eventual release from the Colts of Peyton Manning, Luck is starting to prove his doubters wrong, win over a jaded Colts fan base and add himself to the already impressive list of Colts quarterback legends of Johnny Unitas, Bert Jones, Jim Harbaugh and Manning.

Colts Quarterback Legacy Continues: Unitas, Manning and Luck

In just 21 professional games, Luck has amassed nine 4th quarter comebacks. He holds the rookie record for most passing yards in a season (4,374) and led the previous years 2-14 team to an impressive 11-5 playoff contender, all while head coach Chuck Pagano's battled leukemia in a supposed "rebuilding" year. Peyton Manning, the former rookie passing yards leader and 4-time MVP, had a dismal 3-13 rookie campaign. Is Andrew Luck better than Manning? Not even close! Manning has 20 TD's and 1 INT with 1,884 yards through 5 games this year. Oh yeah!... He's 37!  Moreover, it took Manning several years to be mentioned in the same breath as Colts legend, Johnny Unitas.

However, Andrew Luck has been impressive! Before he started carving up NFL defenses with his pinpoint deep ball and besting his new-era counterparts like Colin Kaepernick  and Russell Wilson (future QB greats in there own rights), Luck did the unthinkable: Andrew Luck sacked Tim Tebow.....twice!!!

Andrew Luck is the real Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow, the Heisman winning former Denver Broncos quarterback, was the most endearing football player in the NFL. Though his skill set is controversial, his character and ability to win games is not. Tebow is the prototypical quarterback standing 6'3", 245 lbs while running a 4.71 second 40 yard dash.The knock on Tebow has always been his throwing mechanics and slow release. But, that wasn't enough to knock him out of the hearts of the media and fans of reeling franchises in need of image makeovers. And, frankly, how could a 26 year old Christian, virgin superstar, not improve your image?
Ask Ray Lewis: God loves football!


And God has no respect of persons. So, God created Andrew Luck, too! 

Unfortunately, for Tim Tebow, God made Luck a better pro-version. Not only is Luck one inch taller and the same weight, but his is faster in the 40 yard dash (4.64) and equally as tenacious in delivering and taking contact. Luck rushed of  255 yards and 5 TD's as a rookie while Tebow rushed for 227 and 6 TD's. The main thing that Luck has over Tebow is the most important thing. In the words of his predecessor, Manning, Luck has a "laser rocket arm". In five games during this his sophomore campaign, Luck has improved his QBR over 17% to 94.1. That is nearly ten points higher than Tebow's best year. His rookie campaign saw him throw for 23 TD's while Tebow has thrown for only 17 career touchdowns (3 seasons). That's not gonna make the cut it in the NFL... or the CFL... or the AFL.

Not only did the arrival of Luck send Manning packing to Denver, it caused Tebow to fall from hero to afterthought with the club, despite an impressive playoff win versus Pittsburgh. More importantly Luck's performances have caused many analyst, scouts and fans to see Andrew Luck as the real Tebow. Luck performed like the Tebow everyone wanted and waited to see flourish for three years minus the Tebowing in the end zone. It hasn't happened. And it probably won't. I love the fact that Tebow is a God-fearing man and an marketable person. I wish him the best. But God works in mysterious ways. And if God reveals more that He explains, then the revelation is Andrew Luck is four-times better than Tim Tebow. This, my friends, is self-explanatory!

Nothing Is The Same: Can Drake Save Hip-Hop?

In the beginning rap was synonymous with a boom-boxes, light-post and a backpack. It’s existence beautifully begotten out of the imagination of disenfranchised youth and repressed, urban poets. For over 25 years, hip-hop has boastfully represented itself as the defining flash point of our time. It has expanded to levels incomprehensible, all the while turning in the back-packs for AK-47's and Colombian connections.

With the help of Steven Tyler and Run D.M.C, hip-hop gracefully replaced rock-n-roll as America’s music. It has united Italian couture and urban style as American culture and continues to define the present generation of selfies. Hip-Hop is larger than ever! But just like iconic American symbols such as the automobile, baseball and war, Hip-hop - on the verge of authentic bankruptcy - found its unlikely saviors abroad.

Nothing Was The Same, the third studio album by Jewish/ Canadian rapper, Aubrey “Drake” Graham, is another testament to the influences of American institution on the world stage and how those who are influenced pay homage with furtherance through innovation. It is his first official project of his OVO sound team. The album is primarily produced by fellow child actor-turned recording artist Noah “40” Shebib. Collaborators on the album include Jhene’Aiko, Sampha and the legendary Jay-Z.

Nothing is Drake’s attempt to “LeBron James” the rap game. Like LeBron, Drake plays the game his own way refusing to succumb to the stereotypes of what a rap artist should appear to be. His quest is for the “perfect game”- the beautiful game” of inclusivity and ingenious authenticity. Drake dispels these stereotypes of a “real” rapper being a thug or legendary street hustler on Wu-Tang Forever:  "I find peace knowing that it’s harder in the streets/I know, luckily I didn’t have to grow there/ I would only go there cause there’s niggas that I know there".

Drake, 26, has abandoned the self-loathing and uncertainty about his legacy in Take Care and puts all his true feelings about his current supremacy on the table with lines like: “Shit, niggas still playing my old shit/ But your shit is like the police asking us questions/ Nigga, we don’t know shit/ Flex, nigga I’m just flexing/ Nigga never loved us” on Worst Behavior. He even has a poignant moment of humble honesty when he comparing himself to Lil Wayne when he declares he is “just as famous as my mentor/ But, that’s still the boss/ Don’t get sent for” on Tuscan Leather.

But Drake’s influence goes deeper than rap. His music is risky, humanistic and honest. Unlike the bravado of murder and larceny expounded on by every wanna-be in the game, Drake dives head first into the most taboo and controversial subject matter of the male psyche: Love. Unlike most hip-hop artist, Drake is not professing to be a pimp or a super-player, but like most young men, he embodies a vulnerability and complexity between matters of the heart and manners of the streets. He speaks to the paradigm of youthful masculinity on Furthest Thing: "Somewhere between I'm sober and I'm lifted /Somewhere between a mistress and commitment".

Tracks like Come Thru and 305 To My City peel back the layers on the male-female relationship. Come serves as a anthem to off and on relationships that sometimes span years, while 305 is the most serious song to date on the revelation of compassion for the motives of the opposite sex even if those motives and tendencies leave much to be desired. Drake eloquently allows his homies a glimpse into understanding the modus operandi of the young female by continuously declaring: "I get it! I get it!"

Hip-Hop has been over saturated with misogyny and felony. It's ripple effects are felt throughout every neighborhood and city. The influence of this miseducation is too obvious. It reeks on the breathe of Drake's haters who say: "He is not hard enough" or "He is not real". The encapsulation of those of the pseudo-urban male example are the ones who have been denied there realness. No rapper is more real than Drake because he never hides who is was like Rick Ross. Instead, if those haters would be honest, they could trace their deviant behavior back to broken-hearts and their hostility to a longing to be loved and accepted.

Drake's offering is a profile in expansion of the hip-hop world with melodic dark beats that would impress MF Doom and New York inspired battle raps like his response to Kendrick Lamar on Language. However,  more homage is required if you ever use the words "Wu-Tang" in any rhyme or title. The interpersonal narratives of the club sub-culture is an obvious examples of his strong Southern rap-style influence and the braggadocio of wealth and status add the necessary "street cred" to rival his peers. But, Drake stands out, even from his gangster-founded label Cash Money, so much so that he could be considered the most influential artist in that camp. Yet, Drake stays true and if he doesn't go all Tupac and venture to far from his core ideology, he may be able to rival Jay-Z for greatness and longevity.

Mr. President, It's Time to Help Your People

Dear President Obama,


Now, that you have settled into your second and final term, we the (Black) People of the United States are putting forth some demands. Since you are a child of the Civil Rights movement, it is imperative that you strongly consider the very people and events that have placed you in the highest office of the free world. Those brave and gallant men and women chose not appeasement and tolerance of the ungodly, but determined and unwavering faith in human justice and God's law. We understand the trials associated with your position as America's first African-American president. We have held our peace since your first term when the once dormant virus of racism and sexism reinfected this country with blatant attacks on you, your family and our people. We understand completely the bully that is America's racist culture. We recognize it's propensity to lash out venomously. We stand by apathetic as it effortlessly transforming itself into the role of victim at the slightest hint of righteous resistance. We remain respectful as they declare you the "racist" and the "socialist". We hold our tongues. We proudly stand in long lines baking in the sun to cast our ballots. We have done it twice! We've been patience. We have done our part. We have REPRESENTED!!

But, Mr. President, it's time for you to do your part. You were crowned our Prince and a we confessed and demonstrated our undying loyalty. We have demonstrated our love countless times even denouncing the criticisms of our more consistent and stalwart leaders. We have made too many excuses for you! The truth is we elected you because you were smart and strong and compassionate. But, as importantly, we elected you because you were Black!! You are one of us. We elected who we perceived to be our peer, our brother or shining example. And frankly, your safety doesn't rest with the Secret Service. No sir! Your safety rest with the bully knowing that if he were to harm you that he would bring total destruction on his head. That we would collapse his social system, his justice system and his financial system. So, Mr President, it's time for you to do your part!

We applauded the Lilly Ledbetter Bill for women's financial justice, we held our religious views in private when you advocated same-sex marriage. We accepted the need to allow amnesty for our immigrant brothers and sisters, despite consciously knowing it could add more strain socially and competition financially to our own fragile progress. We supported your hawkish foreign policy even though you haven't done enough for our people in Darfur.We reasoned that you had to portray a solid image of a bipartisan and that you had to clean up the mess of Bush's wars and financial policies for deregulation. But, Mr President, this is your last term and we are cautious about the possibility of electing a second Black president. It is time for you to do your part! We hunger not for retaliation, but exoneration from the crime of being Black in America. We hold you accountable and we demand all that is righteous and acceptable. The needs are innumerable, but the demands are reasonable. It's time to help your people!!

From this day forth and until you act on our behalf we the (Black) People of the United States shall hold your legacy hostage and your feet to the fire.

Here is a list detailing a few examples of our demands:

1) Put the KKK on the watch list of domestic terrorist: Guantanamo Bay is better suited for these the original terrorist of America. How can you kill, steal, rape and pillage a race of people for over 100 years in this country and not be on the terrorist list. These people are our Al-Qaeda!

2) Try George Zimmerman for Civil Rights violations: Why is it when a non-Black goes to court they get all this due process? You don't have to win legally, but we do want to win morally! I am the father of two "Trayvons" and how can I look them in the eye and tell them not to STAND THEIR GROUND when some creepy guy follows them on a rainy dark night. They should be applauded for their courage not exploited by a cheap law! By the way "STATE'S RIGHT" to Black folks is code word for "SLAVERY"!!

3) Address the plight of African-American: Since you have been in office Chicago, alone, is on fire with black violence. 500 murders in a year is unacceptable!!! We need you to make a speech. Prime time! Call us to arms, lead a rally and challenge us! We need you to create legislation to better serve the disadvantages, needs and talents of Black men, women and children in America.What makes us better will ultimately make America better. And if anyone says you are being racial or preferential to Blacks, just tell em: "Hell yeah! And?"

4) Bump Jay-Z! Work with Professor Cornell West, Professor Micheal Eric Dyson and Al Sharpton: Republican media may hate them, but that just means we love them more. They are the leaders of our community and the champions of our cause. The are even real enough to stand up and call you to the mat on your foolishness! Now that's a real allies do! That Oval Office is a cesspool of yes-men in a no-holds-barred time. Come out into the light, but ask them for assistance to help guide you back to what's really going on in the "hood"!!

American Heroes: Professor Cornell West and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

5) Stop appeasing the oppressor: You can bend over backwards for these "people", but they aren't gonna like you! They are the masters of spinning the truth and they have a few Uncle Toms like Reverend Jesse Lee Petersen (who is going to Hell) and Herman Cain. They even got the biggest sell-out (Clarence Thomas) on the Supreme Court dismantling every legislative victory we have had in the last 50 years. They don't need any help from "our" President. Not fair. Not balanced. Get it together and stick it to em'!!

6) Be harder on Black on Black crime: We need some of those drones in some of these projects. We demand you come into the urban neighborhoods and dismantle the drug trade and gun trafficking. We have to eliminate the bad seeds before we can enjoy our good fruits. We have to protect our people and our image from some of our own people! Hand down federal mandatory minimums for Black on Black murder. If we don't honor Black life, no one ever will and the Trayvon Martins of this country will never get justice because they will never be valued.

7) Put God in front: We are so tired of the same people who used the Word of God to beat us into chains, using the Word to beat us into submission. You are a Christian and an intellect. People like George Zimmerman should not be able to say it was "God's will" to stalk and kill a child. And Pat Robertson should not be allowed to get away with saying the Haitian earthquake derived from "a pact with Satan". What would you call 911 then? God doesn't like ugly! But he doesn't accept fear either. Stand up for Christians who know that God is a God of love and tolerance and compassion. They don't represent the truth about us. Stop letting them destroy this country and the true Founder of America and the world!


P.S. We love you. Kiss Michelle and the girls for us. Say your prayers. And get your mind right!!



Sincerely Yours,

The People

A Tribute to Momma

Cassaundra "Sissy" Barnes

 "There are times to think in legality and politics,

          but there are very few times to live privately by them."

When I was two years old my "momma" rescued me. I was living in Alabama with my teenage uncle and grandmother. My biological mother was not around. I had been placed in the hospital due to my uncle's juvenile activity. He was very happy to have me around as he was the youngest and only male child. Pictures of me in a crib clutching a vodka bottle revealed just how happy he was with my company. So happy, in fact, that he and his cohorts, got a thrill out of blowing marijuana in my face as an infant and watching me crawl backwards on the floor. When she found out, my "momma", who hadn't met me yet, was irate and demanded my father head down South and bring me to her care. Again, my biological mother was not around.

My father had just been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army when he met a beautiful, single mother in Indianapolis, He took a job as a postman and she was a customer on his route. She was tall and fun and had a great smile and a very cute 5 year old daughter. They started dating and got married. My father and birth mother divorced before I was born. Though my father never talked much about my birth mother, he did tell me that their divorce stemmed from her having a daughter that she didn't want to raise and the fear that she would get pregnant and do the same to his child. He was right on all accounts.

But this is a tribute to a "MOMMA" not a mother. There are times to think in legality and politics, but there are very few times to live privately by them. Anyone can be a "mother" or a "father". Those titles grace the birth certificates of most all Americans. However, when applied to life, these titles must evolve from semantic terms to romantic organisms. To survive, they must reside in the realms of love and care and mercy and honor and forgiveness and history. To the political or the corporate these romantic titles appear watered down and colloquial. But, to the soul who is blessed to call upon these titleholders, the words "Momma" and "Daddy" are as sweet and endearing as the Lord Jesus Christ himself. 

I was blessed the day I arrived in Indianapolis to be cared for by an organic mother. I was blessed to have a momma! My momma taught me innumerable things about life and I retained a significant amount of what she taught. Her teachings and examples have help form my philosophy. We both share a socially eclectic personality, though I am not as carefree and friendly. We both are prideful, hard-working, fiercely independent and self-reliant. Moreover, we don't "ask" for things, we politely "demand" them. She more polite than me. We feel that if we have to ask you then you already owe it to us seven-fold and this is a great opportunity for you to equally contribute to the relationship. We also share a knack for heroism and being assertive to the task at hand. She rescued me from drowning when I was ten, despite the fact she could not swim. I saved my son from being hit by a car.

My momma taught me a lot about women and dating. What she taught me will remain disclosed, but I will say this: What your father doesn't know, your mother should tell you!

More importantly, my momma and I had a deep connection of friendship. She spoke to me about issues in ways that my siblings may not have understood. She spoke candidly about her impending death and insisted that I take up the role of head of the family. I seek to honor all that she entrusted in me. On her death bed, she remained strong, despite knowing that the end was near. This was no surprise to me since she had pushed the envelope the entire decade she was ill. She danced and partied and hit the road every chance she had. Many of those trips ending in the hospital, yet failed to altered her lifestyle or deter her from living life to the fullest.

Time is truly limited for all of us. Time is not to be taken for granted. It moves fast for the distracted, but time has a soft spot for loving memories. It blesses us with long walks and talks. It hangs it hat to sits down to relax for family dinners and outings. If God is Love and time is His, then it's best to use both wisely. It is best to put both together. And if God forbid, you loss a loved one, you have the blessed memory of those special moments. You have time to reminisce.

I have not cried about my momma's passing. It's hard to cry with a heart full of joy and all you see is a smile on the person's face when you reminisce. She lost a son and a mother while she was sick, but she never lost her spirit. She didn't break down and she never bowed out. Sometimes, I viewed her as another one of my sisters. When one of the us kids admonished her from an ill-advised trip or for sneaking sweets at night, she would just give this child-like grin of innocent mischief. Now, I know that it was just determined defiance. Now, I know why I do many of the things I do. And, now, I know why I have stuck it out in Los Angeles so long, despite it not being in my life's plan. Pure determined defiance. The refusal to be beaten by anyone or anything.

I am so grateful for my momma. I am grateful for her love and her energy. I will always cherish the memories of her. Some memories are wonderful like laying with me when I was a sick boy, some memories take me way back like Sunday morning breakfast before church and a few are heart wrenching like our last conversation. I and those who knew and loved her have a lifetime of good memories. Good memories make time stand still.

Please, don't "hurry up and waste time"!! We avoid the hard route and attempt to evade the tough decisions. Besides, when we run from problems and difficulties, time just runs faster. It chases you down like a linebacker and run circles around you like an Olympic sprinter. Time entertains no excuses nor does it hike along the easy highway. Time stands along the bumpy roads and cheer the souls of determined defiance. It immortalizes those who accepted the challenge and who embrace responsibility. Time crowns the strong and upright with Legacy.

I am also grateful that my "mother" sent her condolence via social media. My mother and I have no memories, no inside jokes or photographs to look back on when our lifetime nears its end. This is not because she didn't do well in life. She had no excuse not to be a "momma". No criminal past or drug addiction. Just a law degree for her troubles. She chose to run. Unbeknownst to her and many of us, trying times and unexpected situations are the very things life uses to thrust us further and take us farther.

Perhaps, I will save the smiles of nostalgic joy for my "momma" and cry the tears of  impeding sorrow for my "mother". In her golden years, I pray she lived as well and touched as many people as my beloved momma. But, if avoided obstacles cause peaceful memories to elude her, time will still be there to give account. It will whisper reason and calmly explain: "You were not around".



I love you, momma! May God reward you for your sacrifice, remove all sorrow and pain and allow your soul to rest in peace!

Death of The Barbie Doll Syndrome

No matter if the girls run it, or if it is nothing without a woman or a girl, the world still belongs to men. Let's face it, for all of it's natural splendor and wonderment, the Earth is a cruel place. It has brought down dinosaur and humbled great civilizations. So, it safe to say that a man is the best equip and naturally psychotic enough to take it on. I'm privy to the anthem of independent woman and I respect the movement of girl power, but most women need and want a man.

If you look back into my archives you will see that I am very sentimental to the plight and pursuits of women. I am not here to declare that I totally understand all the inner workings of the female psyche, but I am, at the least, sympathetic. I realize that as a man, I have never worried about locking my doors, the stranger walking behind me on a dark street or the crazy person breathing on my phone at 3 a.m.

Women fight over the wrong guy

I'm a pretty big guy with an intimidating presence, so vulnerability is not a natural instinct of mine. And this sympathy for women grew out of those rare moments when I encounter a guy bigger than myself that caused me to I say; "Wow, that's a big dude!", followed by, "Oh, that must be how the world looks at me"?

The world can be a very frightening place and you need a special someone to help you navigate it. Unfortunately, the people closes to us are the most likely to hurt us. So, when it comes to love, the disappointments can be hard to bear and even harder to heal from. Desire for a family and children run strong in women. As time passes, one may feel the need to press the process along and thus, make relationship blunders. It happens to the best of us.

In the pursuit of a worthy, male counterpart, too many women are falling for, fighting over and crying about the wrong guy. It's gotten really bad and I have my opinions why. I grew up with older sisters that, as little girls, were handed Barbie dolls and, as teens, they were given make-up and clothes. This may be considered great teaching tools for homemaking, but are awful teaching tools for home "shopping". My sisters were taught how to accessories and imagine how their adults life would be. Many women have their Prince Charming already picked out to compliment their wedding dress. It's really cute to watch little girls play house. However, when grown women play house it's not so cute.

I noticed how women's mistakes in their love pursuits mimicked their childhood play. I call it the "Barbie Doll Syndrome". The Barbie Doll Syndrome is a process in which a woman take a man and attempt to make him over to fit the mode and model of what they desire their mate to be. Much like the doll, women favor the potentiality of a man with less regard for his reality.

Most women need and want a man

In the beginning of the process he seems so dangerous and exciting! Traits like these are irresistible to some. Who wants a doll (man) with it all together and nothing to work with, right? That's no fun! I believe many women label these safe and predictable men as "boring" while gravitating to the more exciting and unpredictable work-in-progress types.

Now, it's noble to look at a person for all they could be and to assist them in living out those aspired attributes. However, it's important to make sure those aspirations match up to the person and their true abilities and efforts. It's important that they align with your true attributes and intentions.

Yes, men do change! The reality is that men change because they desire to, not because they a prodded. Further reasoning why your ex is such a cool guy after you broke up with him. Sucks, I know!

To do my part and show love to the ladies. For those of you who are doing it BIG and running the show, but have yet to add that complimentary mate to there impressive resume, these are just a few ways that may help you avoid the Stevie J's of the world and hook yourself a Denzel Washington.


Rule#1 The Best Way To Get Over A Man Is To GET Over Him!

Your hairdresser is a good listener. For the price of a great hairdo therapy should be included. However, she is not clinically certified while your behavior may be feeling clinically certifiable. You are a truly independent, boss chic so, you have to "live that life". Nothing is more distasteful than re-living your pain of a bad break up with a prospective suitor. Getting "under" a new man when you haven't gotten "over" an old one just piles on more problems. Plus, women hate to be compared to other women, so avoid doing the same to your new mate, by completely getting over your old one.

Rule#2 You Read The Lines, You Don't Write the Script...

If all the world is a stage, then you better be a great actress. Know your role and play it well. Let him play out his role, so that you can see if he genuinely have leading man credentials. Too many times, ladies like to write out the whole script! Writing evokes the imagination. Relationships reside in reality. Not a good mix. As a result of trying to write the script, you may have the whole show planned out from start to finish. I'm sure its an Oscar winner in your mind, but it turns into a B-movie when you realize you've casting incorrectly.

Rule#3 Think With Your Head, Not With Your....

Women love to say how men think with their penises. No argument here. The truth is men think with there penises to get laid. Having sex, to most men, has little to do with falling in love. Unfortunately, good sex drives many women bananas and they fall in love, through their sexual relationships.We call it getting "sprung", but its more like "going dumb". If you can't discern the difference, it's best you don't indulge. As a matter of fact, if you really are looking for a husband, save the cookie for dessert. Celibate dating prevents an unnecessary soul tie and makes it a lot easier to see the genuine person, thus making it easier to break it off or know if it's the real deal. Plus, he really will have more respect for you...I know, right?!

Rule#4 You Can Only Learn From Your Mistakes, Not His...

Lets keep it one hundred...Women hate to admit they are wrong. And just because someone does something wrong to you doesn't excuse the fact that your retaliation was equally wrong. So, before stepping back on the dating scene, really evaluate the things you did wrong in the last relationship and grow from it as to not repeat it in the next...men do this much better than women and we take longer to date seriously after a bad relationship. I know that annoys women, but why "hurry up and waste time" when you are not fully ready?..Hint: Too many notches on a women's belt are not hot, unless you're hitting the gym!!

Rule#5 In Love, 1+1=1

There is a saying that love "fills in the negative space with positively everything". Though its waxes poetic, whomever wrote this line was drunk outta their mind! In the mathematics of love, two wholes make a whole. Don't look for anything in your mate that you can't provide for yourself. If you are broken over the past or haven't set yourself on a path to accomplish what you want in life, then stay single. You don't have to be near the finish line, but you have to be in the race. And he better be in the same race with you, too!  Love takes all of you...it should at least give you that much back! AT LEAST! Know your wealth!

WITH SO MANY CHOICES, MEN CAN CHOOSE WRONG

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from God- Proverbs -18:22

A good woman is easy to find. Most women are inherently good prospects for lasting relationships. Perhaps, it's because of the natural bonds that women share and their sense of family. They readily share information and gather together for girls' nights and conferences and even, the kitchen table at barbecues. They share generations of information about life, love, family and the latest news and recipes. This bond has helps them sustain good traditions and values over the generations.

We men like to categorize all this as just plain gossip. We do ourselves a disservice when we make such blanket statements. These circles that women forge are vital to our society and their personal growth as a whole. It explains the dynamic strides they have made in a world long dominated by the male perspective. Perhaps out of necessity, these alliances between Mother and daughter, sister and friends have survived religious and misogynist persecution. Truth is, male philosophy and rule has done nothing but solidified the bond between women.

Women naturally choose the side of one another

Though "catty" at times among themselves over beauty, outfits and hairstyles, when the lines are drawn between the male and female perspective, woman naturally choose the side of one another. While men are moved by power to commit such despicable acts as murder and racism and heresy, women are peace oriented creatures bound by love and companionship. Throughout history we've see the results of such manic power like slavery, feudalism and segregation be brought down by the defiant love of a woman. Coretta Scott King and Benazir Bhutto are a couple of examples.

I live in Los Angeles and there are plethora of wonderful good-looking women. I prefer Black women, personally, and there are even more good choices in this group. They come in all fascinating shapes, hues and cultures. Some days, just walking down the street is a neck workout in itself. I found my head to be on a perpetual swivel amazed at all their beauty and mannerisms. It had gotten to the point where I, like most men, began to panic as to how I would choose the right one.

They come in all shapes, hues and cultures

I wondered how, with all these great choices, we were all falling "in love with a stripper" or the "botox bandits". Not to degrade a woman for being an exotic dancer, but it speaks to the irony of the matter and the obvious lack of a man's self-worth and moral judgement. I would love to tell you that I chose poorly, but this is not the case. If a man chooses poorly it is not a reflection on the types of available women, but on the type of man he truly is. My bad decisions were based on me just being a bad self evaluator. I had plenty of good choices, but bad decision making skills.

We don't gather like women and pass down pertinent information on manhood. We gather for war deployments and tailgate parties. Most of our time is spent arguing Kobe v. Lebron or lying about who has more women than the other. So, in honor of the gentlemen who have turned the corner of Maturity Street and Future Avenue, seeking good taste and lasting companionship, I decided to list the five best ways to bag a Mechelle Obama and avoid the all too addictive Kim Khardasians.


Rule #1 Make Sure She Has Great Intelligence...
A sea of beautiful women is a wet nightmare! I liken it to having a universal key at a Ferrari dealership. All the Ferraris look hot, so you want to test drive them. The only problem is, only a few of the cars have "great engines". You'll lose interest hooping out of 50 cars before you find the one that lives up to its' billing. Ask the right questions, listen to the answers carefully and avoid the bad test drives. A nice "ride" can help you go much further, much quicker in life... GPS standard.

Rule #2 She Can Make a Dollar out of Fifteen Cents
My dad always told me that a woman's test in life is material and a man's test is a woman. Discover if she is resourceful and thrifty. She shouldn't be a poster child for Goodwill, but they shouldn't know her by name in Bergdoff Goodman either. Nothing like breaking your back for a woman who just has to have the latest and greatest of material things to feel good about herself. Low self-esteem is expensive! This is also a sign of Daddy issues. You should only "play" Daddy in those intimate moments or "be" Daddy to your kids.

Rule #3 Give Rappers The Middle Finger
The only advice worst than a woman's single girlfriend, is the that of your typical MC. They don't have all the girls, they don't take every other rapper's girlfriend or have the biggest Johnson. They aren't married to the super-hot stripper in their videos. Most of the rappers in a relationship are in one with a modestly attractive high school sweet heart, a career woman or the "around the way" girl that made homeboy chase them. Snoop Lion, LL and Ice Cube are some examples, to name a few.

Rule #4 Your Mother Isn't That Hot and You Ain't Either
One of my biggest pet peeves is when my unattractive friends with beer bellies and pathetic social skills, go all Simon Cowell on a girl. Remember, if women were as aesthetically judgmental about us as we are about them, then most of us would be single. Thank God they aren't! So show the man upstairs some gratitude and pick someone with personality, depth and a godly spirit like your mother. She should make sure you are fed, pester you about your health and drag you to church. You'll make a happy family and she'll make you happy. Love is the best beer goggles! It makes everything more beautiful! Plus, it's free and the hangover is awesome. Beauty fades!! Don't believe me? Think about how many of your friends' moms are MILFs....I'll wait.

Rule #5 Don't Look Around, Check Yourself
This is really the first rule. Look at what you have to offer before you go out interviewing prospects. I understand the urge to take a resume or two. Been there, bro! But you gotta take the reins and pull back a bit if you don't possess a good benefits package. Don't give me that crap about "gold diggers". Not buying it!! If your prospects are gold-diggers than you are probably a "Shallow Hal" type dude. If you wanna sign a blue chip women you better have a max contract to offer. That offer doesn't just mean financial. Financial gain is just the result of being hard-working, spiritually ambitious, focused, grounded and insanely committed. If you aren't these things then you better look for a mentor, a college, a church and a better job. If you think it's cool to mooch off a female then you, my friend, have the dreaded Mommy issues! Address that first. It's not what's hot on the streets, right now!

One Of The Realest Things Ever Written

Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

I got this book from a friend at a job that I was working and hated. It inspired me to reach for new heights in my life, hence this blog and other writings to come. I hope that it inspires you to reach beyond your fears and go after all your moral dreams with a fervent desire and an open mind. This is an excerpt from the book "Succeed and Grow Rich Through Persuasion" by Napoleon Hill (1883-1970). He is the author of the book "Think and Grow Rich" and a pioneer of the "new thought" movement". He has been studied by the likes of Micheal Jackson and Bill Gates.


"Men search all their lives for worldly riches, not recognizing that the source of all riches is already within their reach and under their control, only awaiting recognition and use. The accurate thinker recognizes all the facts of life, both good and bad, and assumes the responsibility of separating and organizing the two, choosing those which serve his needs and rejecting the others. He is not impressed by hearsay evidence. He is not the slave, but the master, of his own emotions. He lives among men without giving them the privilege of encroaching upon his inner thoughts or his methods of thinking. His opinions are the result of sober analysis and careful study of facts or dependable evidence of facts".

"...He avails himself of the counsel of others, but reserves to himself the right to accept or reject it without apologies. When his plans fail, he promptly builds other plans to take their place, but he is never deflected from purpose by temporary defeat. He is a philosopher who determines causes by the analysis of their effects. He gets most of his clues by observing  the laws of nature and adapting himself to them".

"...When he prays, his first request is for more wisdom. But he never offers insult to Deity by asking for the circumvention of any natural law or by demanding something for nothing. Thus his prayers are usually answered in full, for he has thrown himself on the side of the Creator. He does not covet the material possessions of other men: he has a better way of acquiring all his needs by first earning them. He does not covet the material possessions of other men, because he knows that he is richer, in the values which count most in life, than most other men are".

"... He gives aid to others freely and accepts it only when its acceptance has been fully justified....These are the traits of an accurate thinker...The traits are simple and easily understood, but not so easily cultivated, for cultivation requires more self-discipline than the majority of men are willing to exercise.

"..Most people are imitators of others, and many are neurotics who would rather "keep up with the Joneses" than be themselves. Observe those whom you know best, study their habits carefully, and you will realize that most of them are merely synthetic imitations of other people, without a thought they can truthfully call their own. Most people trail along, accepting and acting upon the thoughts and habits of others, very much as sheep tag along after one another to establish a path".  

Blake Griffin: The Jordan-Barkley Experience

3 time All-Star, Blake Griffith

You can argue whether Kobe is better than Lebron. You can say that
Kevin Durant is the best pure scorer. You can safely predict that Chris Paul will be named among the great guards like Magic Johnson and John Stockton. But, you can't deny that Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is a era-changing hybrid. Blessed with Michael Jordan's electrifying athleticism and Charles Barkley's ferocious disposition and an ever-expanded skill set, Blake Griffin is just simply a BEAST!

The Clippers were perennial cellar dwellers for decades, having only eight playoff seasons before Griffin was drafted in 2009. He sat out his entire rookie season with a knee injury, but came back strong to win Rookie of the Year and be selected as a rookie to the All-Star team. Griffith averaged a double double for 27 straight games, a Clippers record. Griffin proved durable playing all 82 games and leading all rookies in points (22.5). rebound (12.1) and double-doubles.

In his second full season, the Clippers acquired the NBA's best point guard in Chris Paul. Along with Caron Butler and the developing DeAndre Jordan, Griffin excelled under Paul's masterful court vision and put on nightly highlights of aerial dunks and acrobatic post moves. He, again played every game and improved his play.

In a comment after acquiring Paul, Griffith replied,"Yeah! Its' gonna be Lob City"! The team's high flying, fast pace, alley-oop game cemented the nickname "LOB CITY" and revitalized the franchise. The Clippers are a top 3 road draw in the NBA. You can spot several once-dormant fans clad in blue and red jerseys at every road games.

On there way to a playoff season, Griffith soared to new heights as a player and a marquee draw on the rode for the NBA. Griffin and DeAndre Jordan became highlight reels every game soaring above the rim with size and agility. Griffith nearly averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per game. The Clippers beat Memphis in the first round. They recorded their best record (40-26) in franchise history.

2 for 1: Blake is a hybrid of Barkley's and Jordan's styles

Blake Griffin is a score first, nimble power forward who's high flight creativity is reminiscent of Michael Jordan. Like Jordan and Lebron, once in the air, Griffin is unstoppable. He has a freakish athleticism for a power forward. Like Charles Barkley, he possess above average ball handling skills, play making passes and the ability to beat his man down the floor with or without the ball.

His repertoire of post moves are due to exceptional footwork, an unearthly vertical leap and ferocious desire to win every play in the post. Known for sub par free throws, Blake has began to shoot 66% this year. The emergence of his outside 20 ft. jump shot is becoming consistent. This makes him even harder to guard.

While winning the Slam Dunk Contest in his rookie year, Griffin not only jumped across a Kia Optima sports sedan to win, he glided right into the big screen as an endorsement darling for Kia, Jordan Brand and Subway. He is featured nationally as the star of the "From the Future" commercials with Kia. His recognition in Los Angeles and abroad has begun to rival NBA playing legend, Kobe Bryant.

Hollywood's newest star? Griffins marketability is rising to Kobe's former levels. But Bryant is still King of L.A.

With a straight faced humor, Superman appeal and witty come back lines, look to see plenty more of him in the future. The Clippers are a deep team this year with smart acquisition's like leading sixth man Jamaal Crawford and former Laker talent, Matt Barnes. Griffin's minutes are down over 5 minutes per contests. So look for him and the Clippers to be healthy and rested for an extensive playoff push. I strongly suggest you do what every opposing fan does: Catch the game, root for your team, but anticipate jumping out of your seat cheering a few amazing plays courtesy of Flight 32.

DJANGO MOVES. TARANTINO? NOT SO MUCH

Jackson, Tarantino, Washington, Foxx and Waltz at premiere (l to r)

After much praise from  my from my peers,I conceded and saw DJANGO  staring Oscar winner, Jamie  Foxx ( Best Actor, Ray). I have been vehemently opposed to watching Quentin Tarantino films for some time now. I am appalled by his repeated use of the word "nigger" in his films, how out of context it is used on most occasions and how the media seems to never brand him as controversial as the milder Spike Lee. I admit that I admire Lee's works. He and Tarantino have distinctly different styles.

Spike Lee was critical of Django

I admit to being partial to Lee's story in movies like Jungle Fever and She Hate Me. Whether a story of racial divide between the communities of two unlikely lovers or the over-the-top depiction of an educated, yet morally flawed, corporate whistle blower, Lee brings to life the relevant, but hidden side of our human life. Tarantino, on the other hand, with gems such as Pulp Fiction and From Dusk To Dawn, explores the more macabre and diabolical.. His works depict the rare, and unfathomable sides of humanity with pedophilic murderers and gory, scenic details that rival horror director Robert Rodriguez

Nevertheless, I was impressed by the art and flow of the film, the story line and the acting. Christoph Waltz (Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards) was simply brilliant. He debunked the criticism of being the only White nominee and eventual winner of an Oscar ( Best Supporting) in his role as the German, bounty hunter Dr. Schultz. He carried the film almost single-handed. Foxx, played the familiar role as an angry, Black man with limited self-control. Foxx's acting performance was still noteworthy.He gave Djamgo, a uncanny intelligent and timing becoming a lead man. The character needed more depth and cooperation. Django had the potential to in the African American film community to be a cult icon like  Michael Corleone orTony Montana. Leonardo DiCarprio (Calvin Candie), was in usual overrated fashion, sexy but, flat.

Waltz collects his second Oscar

Some critics had lobbied for Samuel L. Jackson to receive more acclaim for his role as a house slave named Stephan, but it is unwarranted. Unlike, Denzel Washington (Training Day) and Halle Berry (Monster's Ball), Jackson didn't sell me on the "infamous role by the good guy" act. Perhaps, his body of work is too extensive to make such an abrupt transition from what has been delivered and now expected of the Morehouse grad. He's too phenomenal an actor and beloved a hero for such a belittling and limited role.

Overall, the idea of a Black slave killing a bunch of White folks would pay cinematic or psychological reparations, is shamefully false. In typical Tarantino fashion, the idea and reality of slavery and the relationship of Afro-America to Anglo-America is rendered a mere horror-comedy. I believe that real relationship is more of a tragic love tale that continues to be spun. Black people, to most White American relief, are not willing or wanting to kill White people or reverse roles in such monstrous acts of terrorism for retribution or retaliation. And the movie does little to right the wrongs that Tarantino has made toward Blacks in his previous films particularly with the graphic and despicable scene of dogs devouring an unwilling Mandingo slave. In his defense, however the non-education of the true Black experience is not his fault alone or his cross to bear per se.

Nevertheless, a few more positives for Tarantino, who tends to make cameos in his films, is the anachronic use of late rapper Tupac Shakur in his soundtrack during the climatic fight scene, the ability to get renowned actress, Kerrie Washington (ABC's Scandal) to go semi nude and the fact that he, himself, played an Australian mining hand, outwitted and blow up by Django Freedman (Foxx). The purity and rare on-screen afro-centricity of the love story between Foxx and Washington (Broomhilda Van Schaft) was priceless and well received. I count this film as a sold start to Tarantino making amends, but not good enough. I humbly admit that I still find Spike Lee a more superior director than Tarantino. However, subtle, Quentin has begun to finally earn my respect. I give it 4 of out of 5 stars.