What's Going On?

What Were You Thinking?

2010-07-30T08:52:00.007-05:00

This is basically a rant and vent entry. The names have been concealed to avoid embarrassment and implication.

If you have a significant other whose full or part time job is "street corner pharmaceutical sales", when do you say to yourself, "I have got to make a change or do better?" I guess because I have a CRAZY fear of drugs (and I think a whole lot about myself) that it has never been an appeal or escape for me. I don't want to be around them [drugs] or jeopardize anyone that is close to me of being associated with them.

I am not ragging on women because they are some of the most wonderful creatures on God's Earth but when they think they are "in love", some seem to lose their f$#king mind and look completely past every fault that their "love" has and seem to be willing to take the blame for something that their "love" has done. I have quite a few cop friends and some of the stories that I hear about the woman taking the fall for their gun running, dope dealing, burglarizing, sex predator, robber, murdering boyfriends/husbands/significant others make me sick.

Now comes the really f#@ked part for me - you put yourself (and possibly your children) in the situation and get busted and expect everyone to do drop everything and inconvenience themselves to get you out of the trouble you have put yourself into. Family is supposed to assume more debt to deal with another family member's issue that COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED? To me, that is selfish. I can understand if you are helping a family member defend against something that was not entirely their fault but knowingly being in a bad situation - why should my life change?

I am no angel and do not claim to be "pure as the driven snow" but I guess my "consideration of others" would not allow me to even ask for help if I put myself in a bad situation. Some things come to mind that would not allow me to ask for help IF I PUT MYSELF OUT THERE AND ACTUALLY DONE IT: manufacturing drugs; domestic violence; drug trafficking; murder or manslaughter; solicitation of a prostitute; robbery; burglary; indecent exposure; or crimes against a child.

It may sound cold and heartless but if you have been the "go to" person for help, when do you have to say - this is the end of the rope, there is no more rope to give to pull you out?

Why in the world does "love" make some women (or men) do something that is criminal or put up with something that is criminal? Please explain this to me. Let's reformulate that line from Boomerang by Hallie Berry that "Love should have brought your a$$ home last night" to "Love should never require you to do 5 to 10 for your a$$".

Digging Up Underneath the Family Tree

2010-07-21T17:48:00.005-05:00

For the last few years, I have been working on my Family Tree. This would include the Williams', which is my mother's side and the Toney's, which is my father's side of the family. I have been reaching out to other family members in cyberspace to get the 411 on who is living, who has gone, who is married, who had kids, what is everyone's REAL name, and the locations of all these significant events.

I have been using Ancestry.com to keep all my information. Their website is the easiest to use and also can back up the information I am getting with documentation (i.e., census records, Social Security Death Index, obituaries, and other family trees). Another source that I have found so useful are funeral announcements. It is almost comical but when someone passes, EVERYBODY has got to be put on the funeral announcement.

The other resource that truly is amazing and definitely a joy to listen to are the elder members of the family. Hearing some of the stories of "how things were" gives you a vivid perspective of who we are and how we got here. But a stumbling block I have run into every now again with the "older crowd" is that they do not want to talk about the past.

Everyone has secrets and skeletons. I have relatives that have had children outside of the marriage or that they had a child when they were 13 or 14 years old. It happens today just like it happened back in the day - just now, it is harder to hide. I do not understand the need for secrets when it comes to knowing who you are and where you came from. I have a cluster of family members in a single geographic area and it would be nice to know if that one of my cousins is not hollerin' at a girl who is closely related.

Speaking from the point of viewpoint of a lover of History, documenting your heritage is something that everyone should do to help you understand what makes you you. Who knows, you may find out that you are related to someone famous (or infamous).

Am I Losing My "Blackness"?

2010-06-28T15:19:00.007-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in my office talking to a guy servicing some electronic equipment for me. Some of my staff got to talking about some events occurring around the the downtown area that weekend, which included a hip-hop/rap concert featuring Yo Gotti, 8Ball & MJG, Young Dro, and a couple of other artists.

I proceeded to joke around with the service guy, who was white, that he needed to come back to Montgomery on Sunday to go to the concert and see 8Ball & MJG. Expecting him to look at me crazy, he says "they are really going to be here on Sunday". My mouth popped open and I was told the look on my face was priceless. I am a black man and never listened to 8Ball & MJG (knowingly). He said that he had their latest CD in the service van which had my jaw hitting the floor. However, another reason that he knew who they were was because he was from Memphis, Tennessee - the same as 8Ball & MJG.

Of course, I got a ribbing from my co-workers that I was not familiar of the lyrical stylings of 8Ball & MJG. I like my old school hip-hop-rap from the 80's and 90's. I am going to sound like my parents, but most of the new stuff today sounds the same and is not that entertaining. Every now there is a gem in the middle of a lot of noise.

It made me feel a little like I am losing my "blackness". I have been told that I was an "Oreo" or they said that "one of the whitest black guys" they knew. I do not talk with a lot of "urban" slag; I do not wear clothing fron South Pole, Ecko, Coogi, or Rocawear; I don't watch "The Game", "Tiny & Toya", or "College Hill" on BET." So with all of that being said - am I lacking "blackness".

I realize that I am still surrounded by a lot of young black men and women in my interaction with staff and the public who are still living their young "black" lives. I am older and more conservative nowadays so I cannot always relate. I have been blessed to see things outside of a stereotypical urban black environment. I have interacted with, made friends with, and dated people who may have also "lost their identity" like myself and you cannot truly label.

All of this reminded me of some unflattering contact I had with a woman earlier this year in "Basically She Called Me an Uncle Tom". I cannot say she was acting like "some typical black woman" because she was truly just a stupid woman who didn't have any sense and thought someone owed her something but even then she made me wonder.

So I guess the question is do we, as we grow older and more mature, conform more to some non-racial sense of self? I think the only ones who can answer that question might be those who follow the adage of "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Jaw Dropping Racism - In Your Face Beotch!

2010-06-24T08:05:00.009-05:00

I really have got to find more time to write but I guess when you grow up, your life gets so much more packed with stuff that you cannot find enough time in the day.

I was watching television yesterday morning and caught the latest episode of "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel". They did a story of racism in soccer called "Fields of Hate". My jaw hit the table when I saw the blatant racism being displayed by the fans of European soccer games.

There were fans who would make sounds like a monkey or would throw bananas on the field when a player of color would get the ball. There are instances when the fans have spit on players to the point where they jersey was soaked. There are parts of the stadium that are "controlled" by organized neo-fascists or neo-Nazi groups that would display the Nazi swastika openly. In this semi-politically correct world, you would think that racism such as that would not be present at an organized sporting event with a television audience. There are still pockets of racism in the US but you would never see anything such as that at an organized sporting event here.

Seeing this has partially changed my outlook on Europe. I have had the opportunity to live there twice - once as a adolescent and once as a young adult. I also got to travel a little bit while I was there and never experienced anything that would make me think that someone didn't like me for the color of my skin. I used to believe Europe practiced a more liberal society. How can such hatred go unchecked?

Why do those who scream hate so loudly truly believe that they are right? What makes one believe that the removal, extinction, or separation of a race other than theirs is what God intended? In a world were MOST people believe in racial harmony, why does this "minority" of people think they can change the minds of so many who do not believe in their rhetoric?

An example of this line of thinking was made by Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752-1840), a German physician, physiologist and anthropologist, who made the statement "Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents. And but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages. The fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix." REALLY?

Everyone has a right to their opinion but the purpose of sport, in my opinion, has always been camaraderie, sportsmanship, and community pride. Why would someone let a bunch of idiots represent their community? Maybe there need to be some diversity on the governing body of UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations. Maybe they need to walk in the shoes of soccer (football) players of color to see the effect that their "inaction" is taking on them.

And the Verdict Is.....

2010-05-11T04:11:00.005-05:00

Well after 5 days of "you need to get that checked" by doctors, I finally found out that the pulmonary nodule in my right lung is not cancerous. Some sort of benign mass as the doctor called it. It was probably scarring that was discovered by my ER doctor after the accident.

Now for the rant.... My primary care doctor is affiliated with Jackson Hospital here in town. My hospital of choice is Baptist East which is where I went for treatment after the accident. There lies my dilemma. The ER referred me to get my PET Scan at a Baptist-affiliated imaging center in which my doctor's office had no clue even existed.

I got my PET scan last Thursday and was told by my doctor's office to come in on Friday (after they called the imaging center to confirm when the results would be ready) to get the results. First of all, I had to wait for an hour in the lobby waiting room. Then I was moved to the "secondary" waiting room where I had to wait for another 30 minutes. (For those who know me, I did manage a nap in the secondary room before work.) I get into the exam room to be greeted by a nurse practitioner (NP). There is nothing wrong with an NP but with the potential for a cancer diagnosis, I would have thought that I would see my doctor.

To top it all off, the staff had no clue why I was at the doctor's office at all. I was asked by the intake clerk, the accounting clerk, the triage nurse, and the nurse practitioner on why I was there. It wasn't them asking me to make sure they had the right patient - they truly did not know why I was there. The NP who say me on Friday was the same one that gave me the referral on Monday and had no idea who I was. I had to remind her that she was the one that gave me the referral form in the first place.

To top it all off, my results were not even there. Nobody called to have them faxed over. That was the last straw to me. Yeah, the doctor and the imaging center do not have a "relationship" but goodness, does anyone take notes around there at all?

This doctor has been my primary care physician since 2005 but only since him once at my initial appointment and fast lab follow-up. Every time I tried to make an appointment in the past when I needed to see the doctor, I couldn't get scheduled within 3 days so I would go to Pri-Med (an urgent care medical center).

After this experience with my "cancer scare" and the lack of communication and professionalism with this doctor, I am seeking a new one. I was under so much stress from the wait that I had a migraine for the rest of the day. It was almost like I actually did have cancer and nobody wanted to tell me. I understand that medical care is a volume business but this is my only bad experience with any doctor and it has soured me on the profession. If I didn't need it, I would kick them all to the curb.

The Great Crash of 2010 (and the Fall Out)

2010-05-04T13:05:00.010-05:00

Well fellow bloggers and readers, it has been determined by me that people cannot drive. This past Sunday, I have had my fourth accident in my Mazda 6. None of the accidents in this car have been my fault and now with a few payments left on this car, it might be totalled out. Jasmine, my 16 year old daughter, is a bit distraught because this was supposed to be her car possibly this fall in case I got something new.

I am fine and will live but I have learned some lessons with this accident that I am not going to go into at this point. I got checked out at the ER and the doctor has certified me okay, in regards of the accident. I have a knot and a cut on my head from hitting the windshield (now is the time I wish I had hair up there to cover it) and my knee hurts a little so I got a cool ass limp.

I thought I was going to walk out of the ER with nothing on my mind but wondering if they are going to total out my car or fix it but it couldn't be that simple. After the CT Scan of my head and chest, I was advised of something going on that was unrelated to the accident.

It seems that I have some sort of pulmonary nodule in my right lung. The same lung that I had pneumonia in which could be the cause of it but of course the doctor has to give you the worse case scenario and dropped the Big C Word on me too. The good thing going for me is that I recently had pneumonia so that connection is there. I don't smoke (unless you want to count the 2 or 3 cigars I have a year). I do not usually tend to hang around smokers when they are smoking. So I think my luck will hold.

Never thought that someone would throw the C word at me. Just one of those things you would think happens to someone else (not that you want it to). When he said it, I just figured it was nothing serious and the remote possibility of it being cancer (yeah I said it) was slim to none. But of course as you have time to think about it and the doctors keep saying "you need to see your primary doctor and make an appointment for a PET CT Scan." I didn't really think about what a PET CT Scan was until yesterday when a friend of mine said it is what they use to look at cancer in the body. Well DAMN!

I think I will be okay. I am going to stay positive that it isn't anything serious. Just needed to vent it out a little bit. So is the journey of life- let's see where this turn takes me.

40 years and still kicking...

2010-04-17T09:11:00.006-05:00

Well last Wednesday was my 40th birthday. After a few days of trying it on, it fits me well. I don't really feel any different. Some people made it out to be a milestone but I still kind of feel it just another notch in life - somewhat.

I look back at the 40 years of my life and I ponder if I did some things different, where would I be today. I think everyone takes a moment to do a "Retrospective of the History of Their Life" at some point and I guess mine was at 40 years of age. By no means I hope that this is a halfway point for me. I still believe I will live forever. Some of the older memories are a little blurry but they have been some great ones (and some not so much). No one wants to remember the negative or bad things but if you had the power to change the past, you might wipe out all the truly positive moments of your life.

Everyone has done things that they are very proud of and other stuff that you hope never saw the light of day; met people that made a profound change in their lives and those that you wish would fall off the face of the Earth; and hopefully made a positive mark for society or on people that have run across your path. You hope that you are an individual and not just like everyone else.

Not to be vain, but many people I have run across are surprised that I am 40 years old like that is something ancient. Last night at work I ran into several acquaintances that I hadn't seen in some months and they made it a point to compliment me how good I looked and how sharp I was looking and kept driving it home. I try not get a big head about it but it is nice for people to say things like that since I am getting "old and decrepit." Even got a very loud "Wow" from a female friend who found out how old I had just turned on my birthday. Talk about an ego booster.

We take a break for a reference from "Ego" by Beyonce' -

It's too big, it's too wide
It's too strong, it won't fit
It's too much, it's too tough
He talk like this 'cause he can back it up

He got a big ego, such a huge ego
I love his big ego, it's too much
He walk like this 'cause he can back it up.

Now back our regularly scheduled blog.

There are still some things I want in life and hopefully I will be able to make those dreams come true. I hope that perhaps I touch for a few more lives in a positive way. I hope to still learn something new everyday (and hopefully not forget it). I hope that I continue to march to the beat of my own drum. I have been truly blessed with a lot of things and continue to be grateful for anything put my way. To put it in a nutshell, I just hope....

I want to thank all of those who took the time out of their busy lives and schedules to wish me a Happy 40th Birthday. In this time where it seems like life is running 100 mile per hour with really bad brakes, it was nice that I ran across people's minds even for a few minutes. I hope to enjoy many, many more.

And the Father Is?

2010-04-02T08:15:00.007-05:00

I am going to tell you a little story and see what you think about it?

I have a friend who has a kid. He married the child's mother so it is really his stepchild and has been for quite some time. Even years before he married the child's mother, he was there for the mother and the child. He has clothed this child, fed this child, taken the child to doctor's appointments and school functions, and all the other things a "real" parent is supposed to do. He remembers when the child was much younger and the "biological" father would make plans to pick the child up to spend time and would never show up. The child would be upset for days and my friend could not understand why because he (for all intensive purposes) has been the "father" and the child was crying for someone that she didn't even know. It upset him probably just as much as it upset the child.

Now, the child's "biological" father does not live in the area and hasn't for years. He has a "new family". He almost never calls to check up on the child. He doesn't pay ANY child support at this time. He doesn't have shared custody. The "biological" has family where my friend lives and when he is in town, he doesn't come and visit his child and when he does, it is for minutes. All communication with the "biological" seems to be initiated by the child. My friend and the child's mother has NEVER hindered this child to talk to or visit the "biological." My friend has tolerated the "biological" when he decides to be a "father" when it is convenient to him. - his M.O. for years.

Now, let's up skip to yesterday evening. My friend tells me that he and the child's mother are disciplining his stepchild because the child is on restriction. The child just so happens to be on the phone, which was actually breaking one of the terms of the restriction, with the "biological" father and the "biological" must have heard it over the phone. The stepchild gets off the phone and the phone is taken away. A voicemail alert comes up and my friend decides to listen to the message. Can you guess who it was? It was the "biological" telling him how he should not be talking to his child like that and if he has a problem with that to contact him and talk to him like that. What the fuck?

This man has decided now to TRY to flex his long lost parental power. My friend could not believe it. The nerve of him telling him how to run his household. The "biological" didn't even hear that the child's mother was talking too but just because my friend's voice was louder, that is all he heard through the phone. It sounded like the "biological" is calling out the man that stepped up to be "the man" for the child that he basically "abandoned".

My friend is not wanting to get into a bullshit contest with this man even though he is right. (Or at least I believe he is.) He is trying not to become a wedge in between this man and his "abandoned" child. The biological's actions was so disturbing and upsetting that it took everything for the child's mother to keep from telling this child the "real deal and truth" about their father which is some harsh stuff. There has never been any baby mama/baby daddy drama in this blended family before.

Why do some men do this? They don't do anything for a child they fathered but want to lash out at the man that stepped up to be the man they can't seem to be for that child.

I Fought the Oink and I Won.....

2010-03-31T20:50:00.007-05:00

I fought the H1N1 and I came out victorious but I came to grips to the fact that I am a "fragile" being.

After a follow-up with the doctor today, I am H1N1 free. My lungs look good so the pneumonia didn't get worse. I am still sporting a bacterial bronchial infection which is a medical way of saying I still got some phlegm to get rid of to be at my peak performance. They gave me another damn shot in my ass. Personally I think that the nurses wanted to check out my butt. LOL.

Through all of this, I am slowly figuring out that my body is changing and I am not the young guy I see myself to be. I have lived a life of relatively good health. I may not eat right all the time but I try not to over-indulge in the "bad" stuff. I am holding a few extra "L B's" so I think I am going to have to make some changes in that as well. Mom is harping that I am not as young as I used to be. Blah! Blah! Blah!

I wasn't extremely concerned with the fact that I had the H1N1 virus, even though everyone made it seem like the Second Plague. I have had bronchitis before so that wasn't a big deal. It was the pneumonia that I truly feared. I feared it so much that the first two nights after my diagnosis I didn't sleep well at all. I know nothing about pneumonia and the fact that people die from this as a complication from something else put a real scarein me. I think I stressed about it so much that the medicine I was taking wasn't even doing any real good because I couldn't truly relax. Thankfully I was able to overcome it all.

I will be 40 years old in about two weeks (YEAH!) and didn't plan on looking at this day as anything special or some sort of benchmark. But with this "health scare", I am having to re-evaluate my path in regards to my health. Changes are forthcoming.

Oh I Will Never Get It....Well I Guess I am Oinking Now

2010-03-28T07:16:00.006-05:00

Well what I thought was my bi-annual cold (winter to spring and fall to winter) turns out to be the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu). Of course when I get sick, which is rare n itself, I do it big time. I have also got two added complications - lower right lung lobe pneumonia and a severe case of bronchitis.

Being the trooper that I am and knowing that the "show" has to go on, I was trying to tough it out until my "normal" off days of Sunday and Monday where I would be able to relax and recoup. Well I guess my body finally had enough me trying to be some sort of Superman when I couldn't breathe yesterday.

I was talking to my father last night and we are both cut from the same mold in some aspects in the thinking that "oh I will never get it". We both do not get sick often but when we do - we get sick and THEN some. I never get a flu shot because I felt it was a waste of time and money because I had the mentality that "oh I will never get it".

On Day Two of my diagnosis, I am feeling better with the aid of prescription drugs and some needed rest. Last night's sleep was a little rough with a fever but I am feeling good at the writing of this entry. My doctor's orders to rest and relax are going to "kill" me since I try to keep myself occupied most of the time but I do not plan on aggravating this illness and end up in the hospital for an extended period of time. (Should have taken that short term disability this year - LOL).

Thanks for the well wishes from friends and family. Will keep ya posted on my progress. I got my meds, remote. phone, and laptop so I am good to go for now.

Basically She Called Me an Uncle Tom...

2010-03-20T13:01:00.007-05:00

I knew that there would be something that would fire me up to write something and something last night did it. I consider myself a people person. I love to talk to others and hear their stories and see what they have experienced in life. Sometimes I even take their life lessons and apply them to myself.

My job puts me in contact with ALL types of people - young and old; rich, financially stable, or living paycheck to paycheck; black, white, yellow, red, tan, olive (hope nobody takes offense, just trying to prove a point); male or female or someone that is "has a little of both". Nevertheless, I mostly enjoy the contact. Regardless of your ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, we are all connected and have encountered the SAME problems and adversities on a common level.

Last night, I had to deal with an issue at the job that required several different interactions with my team and myself. The point was not being driven home enough that it required the ejection of some people from the property. I do not expect anyone to take news like that happily but for the greater good it had to be done. To break it down - if you have 30 people and only 1 person is the problem, you don't cater to the 1 person that is a problem and inconvenience the other 29. Upon their ejection, one female in the group, who also happened to be black (and due to her attitude - a little ghetto fabulous), had a lot to say regarding her "treatment".

She basically said that we were not treating her group fairly. For those who truly know me, I have got to be one of the most fair minded people around. Race has never been thrown into most decisions that I make especially work. She said that I was picking on the black man and wasn't doing it to "the other man". Well for her information, "the other man" was not the problem. When "the other man" has been the cause of the exact same problem, "the other man" was dealt in the same fashion as she was last night. She also said in so many words that they had to send the "the black face" of the organization to deal with her and her party. Whoa! Hold up! Wait a minute! I am not any one's "token black". Everything I achieved is due to hard work and integrity. That is what broke the camel's back with me. And to correct her, I WAS IN CHARGE of the property, nobody had to send me anywhere.

Then the "N" word got dropped several times describing me. She was talking to other members of her party and NOT directly to me when she said it which showed me how much of a cowardly individual she was. She hates dealing with "niggas". Really!?! Do you now? Gave you three chances to straighten up and you can't comply - that all of a sudden makes me a "nigga"? I felt bad for my white team members who were witness to her rantings. I am sure it is the same across the board but when one person in your race does something stupid, then all the other people in the race are embarrassed by it.

Well, I put on my best "token black" face and even thanked them for choosing us when they were walking out of the door. I am no better than anyone else and don't claim to be. But I find myself thinking of how she was "raised" to label me, a black man that wears a suit to work everyday and has quite of bit of responsibility (and authority) at work, an Uncle Tom type. What is sad is that until she opened her mouth, she WAS an visually attractive woman. What do you think?

Oh, did I mention that the gentlemen were saggin' (which I don't do) and drinking alcohol at a children's function? Maybe that will give you more insight into her thought process.

Gamble or Not to Gamble? That is the Question.

2010-02-24T15:06:00.005-06:00

I was working on another entry regarding this issue but just couldn't get my thoughts together on it. I stepped back to think about it and maybe I can get my point across on it this time.

I am not a gambler. I have been to a casino five times in my life. Twice on a casino cruise off the coast of Georgia; once in Montgomery County at the Poarch Creek Indian casino; once in Las Vegas; and once in New Orleans. I got better things to do with my money than throw them into a machine, but I wanted to say that I tried it once. The times I won, which is twice, I walked away with more than I put in and the three times I lost, I lost a total of $60 - total.

The legality of "electronic bingo" is the debate here in Alabama. Several destination points here in the state have legalized charity bingo but some of these places have thrown in the "electronic" version into it which in my opinion is a slot machine. No matter how much you argue it - it looks and acts like a slot machine. Do I really care? NO! It doesn't affect me directly so I really don't care.

There are bills going through the State Legislature to allow this type of gambling in the state and possibly higher classes of gaming which would include card games, roulette, etc. The bill is not meaty enough myself and leave too much wide open. It is so vauge that I do not know if it will recoup the taxes owed to the state and if it will give special considerations the gaming facilities already open. Personally, I think we have plenty at this point.

My proposal - if were to be legalized - tax the heck out of the profits of the gaming facilities - at least 50%. Take that money and put it in an Education Trust Fund and a Public Safety Trust Fund - 75% and 25% respectfully. Current budgets for both will still submitted to the legislature and Governor and will be increased based on inflation on the cost of "doing business". The two trust funds are strictly "extra" money out there NOT a replacement. There should be no relying on the spending habits of gamblers. The money cannot be used for anything else EVER. Two other provisions is that facilities owners must give at least 10% to charities that benefit Alabamians and last but not least, the facility owners would have to dump money into programs to deal with people who might have a "problem" with gambling.

Everyone talks about the "moral" question of gaming. I guess you can call me a liberal, anti-family, anti-religion on this or hoping for the Apocalypse but maybe I just cant see how my losing of $60 over the last 6 years makes me immoral. I have lost more money on other crap.

Years ago, there was a former Governor of Alabama trying to institute a "education lottery" much like Florida and Georgia. It failed miserably but when a county needs to up the property taxes in a vote the answer is HELL NO! If an extra $50 a YEAR is going to keep my kid from being in a classroom with 50 kids, have a teacher overworked, and have to possibly buy $200 of classroom supplies every year, I will pay it. Every time I got across the state line into those states, I always buy lottery tickets. Does that make me a gambler as well? Heck, I call it a donation to keep that kid in school in the hopes that it keeps them from coming to my house and making me have to put two in them for breaking and entering.

According to the US Census in 2006, there were 4.6 million persons living in Alabama. Nobody likes taxes but lets say that half of Alabama's resident purchased a lottery ticket once a week. That would $119,600,000.00 a year. Now of course, that is just so I can get a big number figure in your head. Not money people buy one lottery ticket a week and throw in people visiting or passing through the state that might was to "donate" to the education of Alabama kids than so be it, it could be a windfall.

My thought on it is to take advantage of the people (gaming owners) who in a sense take advantage of people who work hard for their money. If they have no problem taking it, let's fix some things with the money we collect from them in taxes and programs. Sometimes the simpler the solution is better.

The Age of Ignorance Continues

2010-02-19T07:59:00.006-06:00

An entry two days in a row, I must actually have time on my hands. LOL. I guess I am a little more inspired to write lately.

Well today's entry is about the ignorance of SOME people on a side of Montgomery that does see more than its fair share of the criminal element that makes up the population in this city. Montgomery's West Side does unfortunately carry the distinction of being the "bad" side of town. It is predominately black.

The Montgomery Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Art Baylor, a personal friend of mine, has helped changed the face of the Montgomery Police Department. Forget the old days of the Civil Rights Movement; the arrest of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr.; or the allowing of a white mob to beat Freedom Riders at the Greyhound bust station - this is a modern department that is doing what they can to make my and family and I safe. Chief Baylor has tried to make the department more proactive instead of reactive; been an outspoken critic of the court system that puts criminals back on the streets with slaps on the wrists or bail to commit more crimes; and give the department more respectability that it has had under previous leadership.

Yesterday, in an attempt to curb the crime in the west side area, the police has put up a "Taking Back Our Neighborhoods" operation and command post (as they have done in two other parts of town) to get a handle on the criminal element. This is the third such operation. The first day - let me repeat that FIRST DAY - there were 27 arrests (including 6 felony arrests); about 300 citations written; confiscated marijuana and cocaine; and recovered a stolen car. I call that a pretty good damn day.

The last operation, last year in another part of town (Ridgecrest) which sort of "borders" the east and west side of the city, yielded the following results: 153 felony arrests; 509 misdemeanor arrests; 2502 bench warrants; 5771 citations; 3098 field interviews; and implemented 3 apartment watch and 1 neighborhood watch programs.

Now the real reason I am writing this is due to the ignorance of some people that feel that this operation is unfair targeting of a race of people. Where on my side of town, you tend to have more residential burglaries (which are bad); on the West side, you tend have more murders, shootings, out in the open drug issues, prostitution, and assaults. On the interview below, a lady feels that she was targeted due to her vehicle because it was a Crown Victoria. If she truly believed that, then I would think she would drive something else. That is just plain IGNORANT! I would venture to guess that she has that vehicle because EVERYONE else has one. Which goes to my belief of not trying to be like everyone else - be an original. I admit that I could be way off base with that statement about her though.

It speaks of the mentality that has been ingrained in people's mind of the police being the bad guy. No matter how much you want to "f$%# the police", who is the first person you call when something bad is or has happened to you? THE DAMN POLICE!

I have run through many a checkpoint here in Montgomery and everyone I have encountered has been professional but then I have my $hit in order - license, insurance, registration, pistol permit, etc. Maybe the ones that complain the most are the ones that don't take care of business to prevent "harassment" by the police. If you have no license, don't get behind the wheel of a car; if you do not have insurance or registration, leave the car in the driveway; if you carry a concealed weapon, get a damn permit and if you are a felony, don't freakin' have a weapon at all.

All I can say is don't allow the rhetoric of some who "poison" the minds about how things have not changed or being left behind into your life. You make your own path, don't rely on someone clearing the way for you.

A little bit of irony, one of the streets involved in this police operation is Rosa L. Parks Avenue here in Montgomery. Imagine that!

Senator Richard Shelby - Hostage Taker? I am Not Paying!

2010-02-18T08:42:00.006-06:00

You know I have to poke fun at politicians whenever I can because they seem to forget that they represent the people sometimes. Another United States Senator has put Alabama on the map - Richard Shelby, Republican from Alabama. Of course, I go to my favorite news source, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, to get the info. Senator Richard Shelby had earlier blocked about 80nominations including the undersecretary of defense for military readiness and top officials at the Departments of State and Homeland Security

Just like Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana, I am getting fed up with the bickering in Washington D.C. Republicans blame the Democrats; Democrats blame the Republicans; Independents blame Republicans and Democrats; Tea Party blames everyone. I am getting so tired of the damn blame game. I guess that is the goal of Washington - blame someone else so you can hide that you are not doing anything but getting a paycheck. Everyone in Congress is acting like a bunch of children on a playground fighting over a swing.

It seems that the Senator that is supposed to represent me has blocked nominees of President Obama for key posts over "pork spending" for the State of Alabama. For those that know me as a person, I am proud and glad when the state prospers and moves forward. Even though, he has since lifted the blanket block but is still holding onto three Pentagon slots. Why are grown ass folks playing the quid pro quo game? You say Obama is soft on National Security and maybe these three appointments will not lean either way but do not be a part of the problem. You can't blame anyone for a problem when you do not give them the proper tools (or the ones they request) to do the job.

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Crisis America: America in Crisis: Day 5

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I am not party bashing because I consider myself a Conservative Democrat and a Liberal Republican (yeah I think it is funny too). Please correct me if I am wrong but isn't the Republicans bitching about programs that are putting us further in debt HOWEVER this Republican wants to spend more money on more programs. Depending on who you talk to, it differs on whether they are "front burner" issues or things that can wait.

I am disgusted with everybody in Congress at this point. Here is another "waste" of my tax money below that I saw on the NBC Nightly News a couple of weeks ago.

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Maybe we need to take a page from the rhetoric of retiring Senator Evan Bayh and vote all incumbents out and start fresh with people that want to get stuff accomplished in Washington. This is my rant for today!

Retarded - Aren't We All A Little Bit?

2010-02-08T06:53:00.005-06:00

This world is getting a little too politically correct and sensitive. This thing with the word retarded is getting a little out of hand. Now it is the "R-word" (to be made in comparison with the use of the "N-word".)

I will admit growing up that when you saw a person with Down's Syndrome or some other sort of developmental problem, you would refer to them as retarded. As a kid, there was nothing hurtful meaning behind the use of the word. I guess you can say it was the "way I was raised" (the same excuse that some individuals use who call black people nigger). [Just in case you missed it, that was a joke]. Don't want someone to write something on their Facebook page about me like Palin did regardng Rahm.

As a child, I didn't shy away from someone who had mental deficiencies. I think that was truly due my parents having some close friends that had a son who had cerebral palsy and in a wheelchair. So I got to see this first hand - not from a distance. Does that make me some sort of saint? Hell no.

Now Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff, uses the term "fucking retard". I will admit that the context, on first look, does not shine a positive light on those with developmental disabilities. Rush Limbaugh, who has no sense of respectability in my book, is droning on and on and on and on and on (get the picture) about this. Yeah, it might have been inappropriate for Emanuel to say but it was in a "closed" strategy meeting and not a public forum. How many people have said things about other people behind closed doors and kept it to themselves in public? Not trying to excuse Rahm's tirade, just making a point. And if I am hearing right, this happened in August of 2009. Damn Rush, let it go like you did your prescription drug habit.

The rash of apologies have started. Rush wants to bash Rahm for using the word and now he is using it to describe Rahm's attempts to make it right with mental disability advocates by calling it a "retard summit at the White House". The fact that I am not mentally handicap (99% of the time) makes it hard for me to understand any kind of derogatory effect that the use of the term evokes so I can only speak for myself.

But since the apologies are making the circuit, I guess we are going to have to demand an apology from KJ and Da' Fellas (if they are still around). According to the Urban Dictionary, to get retarded is "to consume intoxicating alcohol or drugs to the point where you are incapable of verbally communicating past incoherent mumbles. Motor skills are also severely hampered thereby giving the overall impression of severe retardation."

According to the Webster's Dictionary, retarded (as an adjective) means "slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development or academic progress." Come on! Haven't we all been there? Retard as a verb is "to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment [impede]" or "to delay academic progress by failure to promote".

Perhaps the idea Rahm was trying to get across regarding the strategy of liberal activists regarding the passage of a health care bill was "lost" in our overly sensitive being to make sure we don't hurt a class or section of people. But just think about the definition of the words, apply them to yourself or someone you know fairly well and ask yourself "aren't we all just a little retarded sometimes?"

Alabama - Still a Stereotype?

2009-12-15T04:55:00.006-06:00

I was born in Alabama but for years I would not necessarily claim it. I would lean on the fact that my father was in the Army and we moved around the first 21 years of my life. I spent a lot of my childhood in Columbus/Fort Benning, Georgia because we seem to always get stationed there after my father had an tour of duty somewhere else.

My father's side of the family lives in Alabama and all I ever saw growing up is rural Pike County when I came to visit. I never saw Alabama as a bastion of economic wealth. I was a kid though and my most foremost thought was playing outside and as I got older - Girls! Girls! Girls! - Thanks Jay-Z.

But since I moved here in 1996, I see Alabama as a player in the not only the business world of the United States but also the world. I have since "embraced" the virtues of the State of Alabama and am proud to call myself an Alabamian. Of course those who do not reside here nor have even been here still have their stereotypes of Alabama. I am sure that some think that people might still have the mentality of "Old Alabama" in the era of Segregationist Wallace, Freedom Riders, and Bus Boycotts. I am sure that the image of people in overalls with snuff in their mouth with rebel flags flying from a pole in the back of their pickup truck pops in some people's head when you say Alabama. Or how about living in tin roof houses with no inside running water with barefoot kids covered with dirt? Watching the news last night, it seems that some people who are supposed to be open minded seem to still believe "Old Alabama" still exists.

United States Senator Patty Murray from Washington [state] certainly has the wrong idea of my state. Just a brief bit of history for those who do not know, the Air Force put out a bid to have a company to build a new fleet of refueling aircraft. Northrup Grumman won the contract and decided to build the aircraft in Mobile, Alabama. Boeing, a Washington state company, cried foul and said that bidding contest was flawed and the whole bid was thrown out. Of course, they would not have said anything if they had won the contract I am sure. She made a comment yesterday on the NPR show, "All Things Considered" that I found offensive as a worker in Alabama as should anyone that is gainfully employed and provide services for the citizens here (and the world). She is quoted as saying "I have stood on the line in Everett, Washington where we have thousands of workers who go to work every day to build these planes. I would challenge anybody to tell me that they've stood on a line in Alabama and seen anybody build anything."

For those who do not know, Alabama has made great strides to be a leader in manufacturing for the world. Hyundai in Montgomery; Mercedes in Vance; Toyota in Huntsville; and Honda in Lincoln are a few of the BIG BOYS that decided that Alabama was the place to build their products. Now some may say that just because you build cars, how does that relate to building planes. You may have a point but you also have to remember that the rockets that sent astronauts to the Moon were built in Alabama and now it is one of the centers for the new spacecraft coming online after the Space Shuttle is retired. If that doesn't show an ability to "flight", then you are a hard person to impress. So really I have only one thing to say to Senator Murray, don't talk about s%&t you have no knowledge about. It was an ignorant comment to make and it makes your constituents look ignorant for electing you to the US Senate.

Some other players in Alabama are GKN Aerospace in Tallassee; BAE Systems in Cordova, Huntsville, Anniston, and Albertville; and Austal USA in Mobile. The State of Alabama is full of manufacturers that touch different parts of the globe (just like some other states). From big to small items, there are different companies that touch every ones lives directly or indirectly. To make the claim that, we have nothing to offer as a state just shows how UN-informed Senator Murray is.

Senator Murray, why don't you take a trip to Alabama and see how wrong you are in regards to the value of our state and the hard work of our citizens. If you would like, give her a call, email her, or write her a letter. Click here for her contact information.

Tattered Tiger

2009-11-30T17:05:00.001-06:00

Okay. You have all talked about it. You have all had your opinions. Here is one more.

Tiger Woods is hiding something. I like Tiger as much as the next person but KNOWING how the media and public crave information on celebrities, athletes, and any significant person in the world, he should just be up front and open regarding his "accident". I am not interested in his personal life.

I will have to say this - I never even knew the National Enquirer wrote a story about a possible affair with another woman BEFORE I came to the conclusion that there was more to the story of his "accident." If it is connected, then so be it. Not my concern.

There are those that say it is a personal matter so drop it. How is having a car accident with the driver going less than 30 miles per hour and running over a fire hydrant and ran into a tree a personal matter? How come there was a need to bust out windows to the rear of a Cadillac Escalade to pull someone out of the FRONT seat a personal matter? It happened on the street so therefore it is a public matter. Was there a malfunction of the car? Was he intoxicated? And most important, was there any domestic issues going on?

I am not hoping to see the man fall from grace. Far from it. And I am not hatin' because he got alotta dolla dolla bills. But just because you have money doesn't make you not accountable for your actions. Of course that is in a perfect world where everyone is treated the same.

If and I do say if there was a fight between them that escalated past words, someone needs to get some help. Both the victim and the accused. I could care less for the reason of any violence, if it occurred. Things that go unchecked can lead to something more deadly or sinister. Has anyone ever seen the series "Snapped" on the Oxygen newtork? I know women can be devious but Damn! It might makes you want to sleep with one eye open.

And again, I am only offering my opinion BASED on the pure lack of cooperation by the Woods family with law enforcement officials trying to investigate this incident. I understand that he is under no obligation to speak with law enforcement regarding the matter. He may not have done anything illegal but in the matter of public opinion he needs to do what a "normal" person would do to put the matter past him and his family.

The longer he delays speaking with police and the more cryptic messages that are release only prolongs the agony that he is trying to avoid. Also, the more clogged up my news day is filled with his mess instead of knowing how we are going to get out of Afghanistan or Iraq; will I be able to keep my job because the economy is getting better; or how am I going to pay for college for my daughter.

Opposite Reactions

2009-11-28T20:27:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the long absence everyone. Just been extremely busy again but will try to do better. This is a short and sweet entry today.

I had a thought that had rattled around my head this morning. I had something happen to me today that when once revealed to someone else, I thought would garnered one reaction and got something totally opposite of how I would reacted in the same senario. In my further discussion, I guess it was implied that their reaction is not what I expected. When asked about their reaction, I didn't discuss it further because I wanted to make sure that I was not over-reacting to their reaction.

This made me think a moment about myself for a long moment. I truly consider myself a middle of the line thinking kind of guy (except when I need to think outside the box). So why was the reaction of that person so much different than mine? There are too many variables to consider in my assessment of the comparison - gender, racial background, religious background, life experience, and the list goes on and on.

It made me wonder if I am truly "normal" in my way of looking at any situation and how I should react. I understand that everyone is different but why did that stick out like that?

My New Title - Uncle

2009-11-04T07:27:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the gaps between entries but I just haven't had the drive to post too many entries as of late. Hopefully after some peaks and valleys in my life smooth out into an even plain, I will get that drive again.

But there has been one significant change in my life. I have acquired the title of Uncle. My brother and his wife have brought a new Toney into the world, Kamden Walter Toney. Born on Monday, October 26, 2009 at 7:26 am. He is a little guy weighing 5 pounds and 6 ounces. There were a few complications but he is home safe and sound and getting stronger every day.

I never really thought that I would be an Uncle. Dwight, my baby brother, and I are getting up there in age where children were not an option anymore. I looked it up and of course everyone knows the main meaning of Uncle - the brother of one's mother or father or the husband of one's aunt. But the meaning that I take to heart is this - one who helps, advises, or encourages.

As children, my brother and I (only 4 years apart, well 3 years and 11 months), we were not the closest of siblings. It took us growing older and hopefully wiser to be close to each other. Even now, we are living in subdivision next to each other. I can drive through the neighborhood and get to his house in less than 90 seconds speeding.

My brother tells me now how much of an influence I had on him (now that we are grown) and how much I helped him over the years. He is a smart guy but even when he gets stumped on a word spelling, instead of consulting a dictionary, he will call or text me. Yes, I know, it is insane. It makes me feel good that I had that type of impact on someone. I have gotten that from past employees under my wing as well and just like everyone else, I always hoped that I can make a positive mark in this world with someone.

I hope that with little Kamden that I will get the opportunity along with my brother to be a positive influence in his life. In a world, where young men are just producing babies just to say they have offspring, have a lack a drive to better themselves, or seeking to do just enough to get by, I hope that with God's grace and the push from my brother and I that we will be able to mold little Kamden into a positive role model and touch the lives of others in a positive way.

This Is a WTF Moment - Really? Is Rape Okay?

2009-10-15T08:17:00.008-05:00

As I try to stay informed these busy days, I was watching The Daily Show with Jon Stewart this morning and was taken aback by a segment on the show. It never amazes me what our elected representatives will and will not vote for while "representing the people." This, however, has got to be one of the most insane issues I have seen to date and wonder what the 30 senators who voted AGAINST it were thinking.

Al Franken, freshman Democratic senator from Minnesota and former Saturday Night Live alumni, passed an amendment to a defense bill this week that would withhold government contracts from organizations like KBR (Halliburton) if they restrict employees from taking rape and sexual assault cases to court. Seems simple enough, don't you agree? I mean, why would we want to restrict due process and give justice to those who are due?

This stems from Ms. Jamie Leigh Jones, a Halliburton/KBR employee, who in 2005, was gang-raped by her co-workers while she was working in Baghdad. She was detained in a shipping container for at least 24 hours without food, water, or a bed, and “warned her that if she left Iraq for medical treatment, she’d be out of a job.” Jones was prevented from bringing charges in court against KBR because her employment contract stipulated that sexual assault allegations would only be heard in private arbitration. This is NOT an isolated case but even if it was the only one, it would be one too many.

This is the result of that vote as explained by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

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Rape-Nuts

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Now, I have worked with federal government contracts in the past and know that the government can and will set forth rules and other directives to maintain a level of integrity for those that are, in essence, representatives of the federal government. But for what ever reason, the following 30 REPUBLICAN senators voted NAY to S.Amdt. 2588 to H.R. 3326 (Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010):

Alexander (R-TN); Barrasso (R-WY); Bond (R-MO);
Brownback (R-KS); Bunning (R-KY); Burr (R-NC);
Chambliss (R-GA); Coburn (R-OK); Cochran (R-MS);
Corker (R-TN); Cornyn (R-TX); Crapo (R-ID);
DeMint (R-SC); Ensign (R-NV); Enzi (R-WY);
Graham (R-SC); Gregg (R-NH); Inhofe (R-OK);
Isakson (R-GA); Johanns (R-NE); Kyl (R-AZ);
McCain (R-AZ); McConnell (R-KY); Risch (R-ID);
Roberts (R-KS); Sessions (R-AL); Shelby (R-AL);
Thune (R-SD); Vitter (R-LA); Wicker (R-MS);

What is embarassing to me is that BOTH Alabama Senators voted NAY on this admendment to the bill. I am not making any accusations but I wonder how deep in Halliburton's money pocket are they? What do you think? I suggest you ask your Senator, if they voted Nay, what was their logic behind their vote. I know I will. I need to remove the picture I have of myself with Senator Sessions from my Facebook and Blog pages until perhaps he comes to his senses.

Long Time, No Hear From

2009-10-05T20:51:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the big break. A lot of things going on in my life - work, professional activities, preparing for personal life changes. They seem to be taking a bit of a toll on me. One good thing about it is that I have lost 15 pounds in the process of hustle and bustle. I may break that 200 pound mark within the week.

The last two days were supposed to be my off days but I ended up having to do something with work both days. Never a problems because I am dedicated to the task at hand. Sometimes the work keeps my mind from wondering on things that could bring me down from my normally bubbly personality.

Spent a week in the Los Angeles and Anaheim area for professional development and got to enjoy something I have seen on TV and movies - Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles. It was fantastic. I totally recommend it if you get on the west coast.

Hopefully I will have a little more time to jot down my thoughts. I have had a lot on my mind and need to get it out. I will leave you with this one thought - I consider myself a very inquisitive person. I believe the more information you lnow about a situation, the better prepared you are. Well, I guess I wonder, how much information is actually too much information? Ponder on that and get back to me.

Is It Worth The Effort?

2009-08-25T09:28:00.006-05:00

It has been an interesting couple of days for me. Not to go into a lot of details, I found out that someone close to me was holding a secret. I will admit that the items with that secret was because of something I have done in the past.

In a decision that was mutually agreed upon to move on and work on what was important, it seems that this person who is close to me was holding onto things that, in my opinion, would not allow complete closure of the past. I had let go of all of my items of the past regarding this person that I felt was equivalent to my deeds.

Basically, I put total and blind trust into the situation and put in some work to make amends for my part and repair something that was broken. I still had some steps to go to make it be more perfect but that would have come over time.

Outside influences were the culprit in the past but I let my insecurities go. This person close to me however, did not. When it was revealed, I was devastated because it seems that all the work I put in was for nothing. (I am no saint by any means but the effort was sincere.) The past wasn't the past. It was still up front in full and vivid color (perhaps). How can you move on if you continue to hold PHYSICAL reminders of the past? Possessing those physical reminders will continue to spark a reliving the bad memories of the past.

They just didn't understand that I felt like I was not getting anywhere. I would always be the imperfect (not that anyone is perfect) and damaged person. Even though I was not aware of this issue until days ago, it made me feel like a fool for even trying and asking myself "is it worth the effort?" It is like I was in a hole and trying to climb out and someone throwing dirt on top of me (even though it was said that none of my deeds were being thrown back in my face). I just felt that I was never going to get out of this hole.

Going back to my blog from a couple of days ago about the truth setting you free seems to apply to this unfortunate situation. Even with my antics and behavior, I still believe that if it is something that might "bite you in the butt" at a later date to be upfront about it. Maybe that is hypocritical of me but this was supposed to be a clean slate. It is easier to "forgive and forget" than to "forgive and regret."

Addendum to The Truth Will Set You Free?

2009-08-20T17:13:00.004-05:00

The addendum to my post is that the truth will set you free if you tell the truth before someone finds out that it is a lie or omission of fact.

An omission of fact is the same as if you are telling a big fat lie. I guess I was telling one myself for years. I am just as guilty. No sugar coating it. That was me BIG FAT LIAR.

My stomach has been doing knots all week and I have been holding it in so much that now I have made myself sick about it. I guess that is my pennace.

The Truth Will Set You Free?

2009-08-18T09:23:00.002-05:00

I remember Esther on the television show used to tell Fred Sanford that "the truth will set you free" She is always referring to him as a heathen because he doesn't live his life in the way she lives his. Is that really true though? Will the truth set your free?

I know everyone has things that they do not talk about to other people to spare their feelings or to spare your own. Is always laying things on the table the best for everyone? Have you ever told a friend something that you felt that they needed to know even if it doesn't affect you directly? Even if it will hurt them in the end?

Life is full of choices that we all have to make from time to time. Some good and some bad. Weighing the options and doing what is best for you and/or them at the time those decisions need to be made.

Is there always room for second chances? Sure. But are we willing to accept that the decisions made the first time will not happen again? I guess it depends on the type of person that you are.

So the question again - will the truth set you free?

Grasping at Straws

2009-07-28T08:42:00.005-05:00

I have been gone for a minute and I am sorry. Just been busy with work and life in general. Hope everyone who may take the time to read my blog is doing well.

Now for the title of this entry - Grasping at Straws. Why is it that people cannot seem to accept change. Yes, I said it - change. Barack Obama is a "natural-born US citizen." This a key requirement for anyone wanting to be President of the United States.

Like or dislike his policies and beliefs (notice I did not say to dislike him as a person) but I do not understand how come some idiots (or as they like to call themselves - Birthers) are still on this subject. Let's move on! So basically these people are saying that so many people perpatrated a fraudulant birth certificate. Even in 1961, I am sure you just cannot bring a baby into this country without proper documentation if he was born outside the United States.

Some might even argue that if they got Obama out of office then the economy will be restored. Even if I found that to have any merit, starting over would mean a setback to the strides (though small) to come out of this economic slump.

Not saying that my opinion is the best one but I consider myself a pretty level headed guy in most respects but all the effort used to take down any person is a waste of time. If these people put more effort into helping someone, then maybe we can become stronger as a nation.

We have a wonderful democracy, probably the best in the world with checks and balances in place that keep our Representatives in line (most of the time). And when they step out of line, there are REAL ways to deal with them. Stop wasting your time on whether Obama is the legitimate President of this country and figure out a way for companies can stop freezing wage increases, restore matching funds to 401k's, cutting health benefits, and halt laying off workers.

You Don't Know Dick! (Well Now We Do).

2009-06-24T22:43:00.006-05:00

The release of some of the Richard M. Nixon (aka Dick) tapes of his private thoughts in the Oval Office had a not so flattering opinion regarding Roe v. Wade just shocks me that someone who was elected to high office had such a slanted view of things. No wonder he didn't express his views publicly because he knew that it would not be the most popular amongst the minorities of the United States.

"Permissiveness" and the breaking up of the family were what he considered would be problems of the Supreme Court decision. People may not agree with me but rape is a logical reason to have an abortion. I do not think I know a woman who would want to carry the child of a person that violated her sexually. The fact that Nixon might find abortion necessary if you have "a black and a white" was a total kick to the gut. In the audio, Nixon didn't even say anything about rape - his aide had to to state it and he agree with him. What the hell? I cannot understand how someone can come out with an interracial pregnancy as being a reason for an abortion. I can come up with so many other "logical" reasons before I could come up with something like that. I hate to label it but I consider Nixon as being a racist. Sorry but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck - it is a racist.

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I love how we have come a long way regarding interracial relationships. I am sure that there were a lot of people who agreed with Dick in 1973 and probably agree with his way of thinking now.

The legacy of Richard M. Nixon has always been a little tainted but as the years go by and more information come out regarding his Presidency is revealed I believe that he will have one of the most "disgraceful" Presidencies we have had in history. Of course everything is subject to opinion. Any good that came from his time in office will be overshadowed by ongoing revelations of his shortcomings.

Penalty on the Field. Unnecessary Use of the Race Card. Penalty - Setting Us Back 50 Years.

2009-06-20T13:56:00.007-05:00

Sorry for the long title but I thought it was a good one!

I have been researching this matter and maybe I am missing something. The Montgomery Public Schools is in the process of selecting a new Superintendent. There were many candidates including the Interim Superintendent, who is a white male.

The board has whittled down the selection to two finalist - two black females. They are Samantha Ingram, superintendent of Fairfield County Schools in South Carolina, and Barbara Thompson, superintendent of New Glarus Public Schools in Wisconsin.

Now, allegedly there have been public comments made that the City Council President Charles Jinright and County Commission Vice Chairman Reed Ingram about the selection process for finding a new Superintendent. I am not sure what they said and personally don't really care. More than likely whatever they said was due to the fact that the person or persons they would have liked to be Superintendent were not selected as a finalist.

Now with all that being said, our "Champion of Injustice", State Representative Alvin Holmes (sarcasm) decides to shoot off at the mouth saying that "officials should stop bringing race into Superintendent search". I do not remember race ever being brought into this matter until he opened his big a$$ mouth. Those of you who follow my blog might remember an earlier entry I made regarding Mr. Holmes, "OMG! Who is Dealing? Here Comes the Race Card." The finalist were narrowed down some time ago. Why rant off about it now? The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce would like to send a representative on the site visits of the two finalists but people are opposing that. Did I miss something or are both finalist black? Where is race involved? Who cares who goes on the site visits, as long as it is not costing me money as a taxpayer? I can be almost certain that the next Superintendent of the Montgomery Public Schools will be a black female. Am I wrong?

School board member Eleanor Dawkins said the site visits have become controversial because the democratic process didn't go the way some members of the community wanted it to go in favor of Clay Slagle, the white interim Superintendent. "Because the vote didn't go the way they wanted it to go they want to go on the site visits to try and find a reason why these candidates are wrong or why the vote was wrong," Dawkins said. Who the hell is "they"? White people? What can the Chamber of Commerce do to stop this process if they send representatives on the site visits? Holmes has chimed in and said that the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce represents "silk stocking, country club millionaires in this town, and does nothing to help west Montgomery." (In case you do not live here, West Montgomery, is the "black side of town".

Holmes also announced that he would bring the Reverend Al Sharpton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and other civil rights leaders to protest all over the city if there is a block to appoint either of these finalist.

Again, we (black people) did not ask for a crusader to come to our rescue and cloud up the relative peace with stupid rhetoric and playing the "race card". I am not one to play that card myself but there is a time or a place for everything, and this was not one of those times or not remotely close to the place. I have no preference of who is Superintendent as long as my child can actually learn something to that will provide the launching pad to be anything she wants to be in life.

Why Do You Want the Country to Fail?

2009-06-08T09:07:00.007-05:00

I got into a conversation with an old friend of mine on Facebook and I was kind of taken aback about how conservative she was. I guess it is true what they say - don't talk politics or religion with your friends.

Well basically in a nutshell, she stated that she didn't care for Obama. I guess I got that impression when she referred to Obama as that "bat eared liberal". When I stated that I might get the opportunity to meet him in a few months, she apologized to me by saying that she was "sorry" and that even though she has mulatto children she still hated him. Well considering that I voted for Obama because I didn't feel connected to McCain, I did not take into consideration anything about my daughter Jasmine (a multi-ethnic child). My vote for Obama was not because I wanted a Black President, just a President that I hoped would make things better for every American (Black or White).

Not everyone is going to like the President but regardless if your candidate won or lost, I would make the absurd assumption that you would want that person to make the country better. To top it all off, I stated that "Everyone has the right to their thoughts. All I can say, hate him or not - don't wish him to fail. If he fails, we all fail." She came back with the following and this is her exact quote "Yeah, seems as though that is happening faster than I would like!"

So of course the first thing that came to mind was a statement made by Rush Limbaugh saying that he hoped Obama fails in his Presidency. (My apologies for the picture I chose for Mr. Limbaugh, but I had to poke fun at him about all his rhetoric and he himself was not on the straight and narrow a while back.) Now, it was just one statement out of a long blow hard explanation from a person that I can't stand but respect his right to freedom of speech. On a personal note, I think that what he said is "borderline treason." Limbaugh may not want to injure the President but I get the impression that he wouldn't lose too much sleep over a White House void of President Barack Obama.

But I digress, it was not all working with George W. Bush (aka Bush The Sequel) in the White House. So let's try a different approach to our nation's issues. I do feel somewhat safer in my country due to the changes that Bush The Sequel made, however, private industry was doing things that they KNEW that might be unhealthy to our economy or way of life and the ball was dropped on monitoring them.

Now with all of the downturns that were going on with our country - unpopularity with the world, economic crisis, and soldiers dying on foreign soil, I never ever wished Bush The Sequel would FAIL. He was my President even though I didn't vote for him both times. I may not have been a supporter of some of his policies but his FAILURE was not something I wanted or wished for at any time.

If you wish for the President of the United States to FAIL in his obligation to try to make this country great for all of us to live and prosper as Americans, then that is the most UN-AMERICAN things you can do as a citizen. No one is asking you to give up your principles but there is also another saying - you can not please everyone all the time.

Fox News....The A-Holes of Cable News Does it Again

2009-06-04T07:56:00.003-05:00

I am back in the saddle again. Been a little busy with work and other things in my life but hopefully for those who read my blog (I know I do not have a big following - LOL), I hope that I will be back entertaining and perhaps informing you of the things that make up my Journey.

Now to my subject of this blog entry. Why must Fox News hate on Obama? I guess they have nothing better to do. Of course I had to get my current rantings about the laughing stock that is Fox News Channel from a report for the much more reputable The Daily Show.

Now I will admit that Obama has f'ed it up for all of us men mainly because most of us don't have a helicopter, limo, or have a police escort for an evening out on the town. But I want my President (whomever it may be) to try to be as normal as any other American. Sure there are trappings that you can't avoid being the Commander-In-Chief but when we have someone that doesn't just sit in the White House day and night and actually gets out amongst the constituents - that is a good thing.

Fox News wants to focus on the costs of the trip. Well I am sorry but the President can't just jump on a plane flying coach to The Big Apple, rent a Prius, and drive around for a night on the town. Does Fox News know for sure that they didn't pay for the meal at the restaurant? Did it ever occur to someone that perhaps that meal was comped because the President and First Lady chose their spot to eat on their dinner date? Perhaps the tickets to the show were free as well. Working in a hotel that has a 4 Star resturant and a Performing Arts theatre, sometimes you do comp stuff for good reason.

I do not care if you didn't vote for Obama, most people would love the opportunity to meet the President (and First Lady) and if there is a little bit of inconvenience because of it, so be it. I didn't vote for Bush I or the sequel Bush II but if they came to my Hotel, you damn straight, I am going to try to get a handshake and a picture because like them or not, they took on one of the hardest jobs we have in the US.

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Saturday Night Fever

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Maybe I need to buy that new cologne called POTUS. If I can't party like a President, maybe I can smell like one.

Have a wonderful day everyone - Out!

Did Wanda Go Over the Line?

2009-05-12T19:48:00.006-05:00

Personally I don't think she went over the line. The whole purpose of the White House Correspondences' Dinner is for awarding scholarships to deserving persons who are interested in the journalism field and also time to not take life too serious inside the Beltway.

The fact that I have no use for Rush Limbaugh whatsoever made it so much more enjoyable. I had heard about his rant about hoping the Obama Administration would fail. Basically he is saying that he wants America to fail. Regardless of who is President, and you want them to fail, that is truly UN-American.

This is one of the times that my love for history and current events made me enjoy every joke Wanda Sykes made. I watched it with my mother on Mother's Day and I had to point on a couple of occasions why some things were funny.

I have read a few comments here and there and also saw some coverage from Fox News - the crazy insane not so factual news channel. Of course it came from my favorite sourse - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Do you think that she went too far? Your comments are appreciated.

Another SNL Hit! Mother Lover

2009-05-12T19:33:00.005-05:00

Justin Timberlake is my favorite host of Saturday Night Live. Adam Samberg and Justin Timberlake have another hit! Happy Mother's Day!!!! Not for the faint of heart.

The best line - "I will be the syrup, she can be my waffle". Hope a good laugh is had by all.

Another SNL staple with Justin.

White...The New Minority?

2009-05-08T10:14:00.005-05:00

I grew up not truly thinking about race being isolated as a "military brat". I have said this to many people but there only class difference when my Dad was in the military were officers and non-commissioned officers. I dated (went steady, talked to) everyone under the rainbow as a kid. It didn't make any difference to me as long as you were pretty and had something positive about you.

As I got older, I noticed things were different outside of my military bubble especially in high school. I never experienced any racism firsthand but I noticed that there was a difference in perspective as far as race was concerned. Where you would see an abundance of interracial couples (of every kind of combination)on a military bases or in a military community, I only recall one interracial couple in high school. An example of a shift in my mindset even as a teenager, I always thought that there would be a white female as President of the United States before a black male was elected as Commander-in-Chief.

I also noticed that although black Americans had our own culture (i.e., music, fashion, vernacular) that some white Americans embraced the black culture. I don't know why. I joked to some close friends (black and white), "when did it become so cool to be black?"

Well in watching one of my favorite shows, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, there was a segment that pointed out that white Americans will no longer be the majority around the year 2050. I do not think that it is due to other races having more children but more of the fact that there are more and more interracial relationships and soon there will not be a "pure race" of any kind. Just a blend of cultures with small patches of an undiluted "family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock" (which is the Merriam-Webster meaning).

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The segment was funny with the one extremely bright kid and singer Robin Thicke, son of "ultra-white" Alan Thicke.

But I guess the question is how will the minority shift affect America? Will it truly become more of a melting pot? Will conflicts that involve racial undertones be substantially reduced? I am not militant by any means but will there be changes with the "shift of power"?

It Isn't Always About Race with the Police....Get Over It!

2009-04-23T08:15:00.012-05:00

For those of you who may read this blog and are not from the Montgomery, Alabama area, there is a "movement" going around the city (especially in the section that has a predominantly black population). The item at hand - Checkpoints by the Montgomery Alabama Police Department. I am sure that alot of people have had a horror story about contact with the police - I have two, one in Dooley County, Georgia and the other in Tijuana, Mexico. Two long stories that I would have to talk about later.

Now a little background of the Montgomery Police Department for those of you who love history. This is the same police department who on May 20, 1961, allowed an angry mob of white people to beat on the Freedom Riders after they arrived from Birmingham (where they were attacked as well); the same police department who arrested Rosa Parks on December 1, 1955 for refusing to obey a city bus driver to give up her seat to a white passenger; the same police department that arrested Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 26, 1956 for driving 30 MPH in a 25 MPH zone in the city of Montgomery.

But today are better days in Montgomery. The police chief, a friend of mine, is a black man - heck even the fire chief is a black man. There is no more riding in the back of the bus (except now it is cool and by choice). Black owned businesses, black politicians, black people living in amongst other races with no fear of reprisals or threats. But some people just cannot forget the past and see that things are WAY different than before. I am not saying that there may not be pockets of disenfranchisement but not on the level brought about by this latest "movement".

Crime is visible no matter where you are or who you may be. You see it on the news, read it in the paper or online, hear it on the radio, or maybe you might even have been a victim. When the police try to take a legal proactive approach instead of reactive to law enforcement, I am all for it. Speaking from someone who is in the Loss Prevention/Security field and a father who is a police officer, any attempts to legally reduce crime is all right with me.

Now the "movement" is to protest the fact that local law enforcement is focusing these checkpoints on predominately black sections of the city, just to harass low income individuals. Not true, in my opinion. I live on the east side of town which is growing by leaps and bounds with commerce, housing, and schools. It is a "better" side town to me (but that is a matter of perspective). My belief is that the purpose of the checkpoints have been for better visibility of the police; checking driver's licenses, insurance, and registration; seeking out impaired drivers; checking for warrants and wanted persons; and monitoring seat belt usage.

My brother and I had a conversation earlier this week on this item. He works with several people who live on the west side of the city that feel they are being targeted by police at these checkpoints. I am not calling people who live on the west side ignorant but the ignorance that is projected by some of the things that were said astounded my brother. But my brother, who I have always felt to be more "militant" to the black cause, was trying to stress the fact that, it doesn't matter where they do the checkpoints, if you stuff is in order, you do not ever have to worry about the police. Now, I have to admit, my brother and I never truly faced any "racism" growing up. We never had to be mindful of our "place in society".

We both live in the same area - about 90 seconds from each other if we were speeding through the neighborhood. We have to take the same route to our homes. We have both encountered these checkpoints and have NEVER had any problems. There is also traffic details on a particular roadway to slow the drivers down that we both travel - I should know, I have gotten two tickets on that road. I am glad that the police are in our area so "the bad people" will not break into my home and take what I have worked hard for or hurt anyone in my household and I am sure that the same goes for my brother.

Just so you know, here are the stats:

126 Checkpoints in the north precinct resulted in 26 felony arrests, 112 misdemeanor arrests, 893 outstanding warrants, 14 drug cases, 1,993 traffic citations and nine seized weapons.

139 Checkpoints in the south precinct (which is where I live) led to seven felony arrests, 55 misdemeanor arrests, 583 outstanding warrants, 2,866 traffic citations and three seized weapons.

99 Checkpoints in the west precinct (which is predominately black) produced 22 felony arrests, 66 misdemeanor arrests, 835 outstanding warrants, five drug cases, 2,105 traffic citations and two seized weapons.

As you can see, the "movement" argument does not "hold water". My area gets more checkpoints than any other area. Of course, I am sure someone will spin that and say the police do that to keep the black people out or due to political pressure to keep this area safe due to commerce. Well I am a black person and I live here, they are not keeping me out.

One of the things that breaks down this "movement" is the lack of preparation prior to trying to prove a point. The information should have been researched prior to making a fuss about the issue. Now what is really sad, is some are still trying to keep it going. Why? There is no issue. The neighborhood with more white people are being "harassed" by the cops. Do you hear them complaining about it?

My only point is that all law abiding people on the west side need to embrace the police presence. I am sure they work just as hard, if not harder, than I do for their possessions. Don't you want to keep "the bad people" out of your neighborhood too? Think about it! And as far as insurance and driver's license - I have a 15 year old on the road now, if you are not supposed to be on the road because you do not have your stuff in order - so be it. I have been hit by a drunk driver, it isn't fun.

What a Monday....

2009-04-20T11:15:00.005-05:00

You know, many people dread Mondays because it is the beginning of the work week. I am usually off on Sunday and Monday from work and I am a morning person anyways so I am normally not hit with the Monday "blahs". I woke up today feeling a little useless and insignificant due to some changes going on with my life. Seeing people not actually need you around is a little disheartening. But "don't cry for me Argentina" because the type of personality I have, I can usually work through it with some sense of ease.

Well as I was working through these issues this morning, I am compounded with more stuff. So what first started out as a rather uncharacteristic bad Monday has gotten up from the ten count and has hit me with a series of body blows and upper cuts like Mike Tyson's Punch Out.

I, by every stretch of the imagination, am not perfect. Never claimed to be and to me there is only one "perfect one". If there is criticism to be accepted about something I do (or don't do), I can take it. Trust me, I can. But one of the things that I have found out in my professional and personal life is that with criticism comes some praise about something. I look back as I write this and I hope that any time I offered any criticism to anyone that I also offer some sort of "goodness" about them. But the other thing that got me today was not the criticism itself but I got "labeled" in the same manner as another person who has demonstrated the same behaviors as I was said to have had by that same person. I truly do not believe there was malice in what was said to me but never the less it hurt.

I hate to say that I am writing this entry from a bad place and as it seems that the "blackness" of this feeling is overtaking me, I have pulled out this book my mother sent me for my birthday to help me find find my way on my Journey. The book is "Promises from God for Men". I look to the "Confidence" section and a piece of scripture stands out to me "The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:26. Literally, I take it to mean that he will keep me from tripping and feeling shame and unworthiness.

As I have said before, I am not one to be outwardly spiritual. I am not ashamed to be a believer in Him. I know He is there for me. The Journey will be bumpy and with quite a few twists and curves but I hope that no matter what, I am at peace when i get to the end.

I am back!

2009-04-19T10:35:00.004-05:00

For those of you who follow my blog - not many at this point (LOL) - I have returned. I am working on a few private things in my life so I may not be able to put up some good blogs in the near future but hope to make a jump back to my normally cheerful self.

Make some dramatic changes in my life and looks like I am having to make a new start on things (some of which are beyond my control). Definitely feeling alone on this part of the Journey will limited resources for comfort. I guess it goes to the old adage, "God does not give you more than you can handle". Let's hope that saying holds true.

Since my last blog, this openness thing - not all that it is cracked up to be. But I am finding out that it is essential in the people you come in contact with in life. I have been told that I am a person that people feel comfortable talking to - honestly and openly. Some times I use that to my advantage when I am interviewing a prospective employee.

Just been keeping busy with work and working on my new game plan for life. Hope this blogs finds all of you well. Out of here...

Confused....The Unconfused Remix

2009-03-28T10:20:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was truly an interesting day. I didn't expect anything and got everything. There was one exit ramp to the "scenic route" that was open. I found myself pulling over and wondering if I should go there or continue on my "interstate" trek and make things happen.

I decided to put the top down - a metaphor for letting down my guard - and slowly proceeding down the off ramp. Things are beautiful so far on the "scenic route" but I am going to take it slow and enjoy everything about the route but also try to get to my destination as soon as possibly.

Openness is the key to making any relationship work whether it be work or social. Just keep the lines of communication open and whether it is good or bad news so the other will not be left wondering "what in the heck is going on?" later when the walls come tumbling down. A dumb question is one that is not asked as well on the others part. We all need to keep that one in mind.

I am still on My Journey. Waiting for a few things to happen to get me there but although my initial itinerary has changed, the destination is the same.

Confused

2009-03-26T11:10:00.006-05:00

Today is a pretty good day. Got to chit chat with a few friends and I am still putting my plan into motion to make a life better for ME. I do feel that I am on the correct path for My Journey. However, I came up on a fork in the road last night that I didn't anticipate and I find myself still standing at this morning after. Even after consulting my "map", I am a little confused.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines "confused" as - 1 a: being perplexed or disconcerted (i.e. the confused student); b: disoriented with regards to one's sense of time, place, or identity (i.e. the patient became confused); 2: Indistinguishable (i.e. a zigzag, crisscross, confused trail - Harry Hervey); 3: being disordered or mixed up (i.e. a contradictory or confused story). Although, I am on the path of My Journey, I do not feel that my confusion is related to the definition 2 (a confused trail). I think that I am more of definition number 1.

As I sat to gather my thoughts for this blog and I decided to play some music. The first song to come on is "Say Yes" by Floetry. Is someone trying to tell me something? Hello! Hello! There is more confusion now that I had earlier. Then I hit next and "All This Love" by DeBarge came on. Hey! Is this thing on? A little help down here!

To me, both paths at the fork lead to the same destination. It just depends on whether you want to travel the "scenic route" by the ocean or the bland existence of the "interstate"(that always seems to have exits back to the scenic route). LOL. I thought that was very clever.

The question I guess is which is truly the more miserable path? Would you rather take the "scenic route" that although great to explore, it may seem like it takes a longer time to get to the destination you want. Or do you take the "interstate" where it is boring with no excitement but seems just as long because there is nothing to break the monotony? I am sure others will have different interpretations but for the decision at hand, these choices work for me for the situation at hand and from my perspective.

You will not believe it but in the time it took me to write this blog entry, I have found that I do not have to decide which path I should take. It has been decided for me already. I will stay on the interests (and I get the impression that all the exits to the "scenic routes" as well are closed as well).

Happy Motoring to all and don't forget to fuel up. Don't know when the next stop will be.

Blessed Sunday...With Even More Questions

2009-03-22T20:27:00.007-05:00

Today was a great day to celebrate life and the fact that I have God in my life. Could he be more in my life? Most definitely. I was very moved by the Message today in church. The church home that I have found has opened my eyes to a new way of thinking. I have always known and believed there is a greater power in life and I am slowly asking more questions to make sure that I am on the path that I know I need to be on.

I have done things that I know that are not right in the Eyes of the Lord. I always believed in man's free will and that God will always be there to catch us when we "fall". I also felt that God, no matter how much it may appear to be against his Word, guides us to the people, situations, and circumstances that we all run into in our Journeys. Kind of a "having your cake and eating it too" way of thinking I supposed. Definitely not saying that God lead me to do a bad thing. But that good or bad, there is a reason why He has put me here. I do not think He does it to "test" me - he does not have time for games such as that.

I ask myself to be a Christian Black Man, what do I have to change about me? Do I stop listening to old school Hip Hop and Rap music that may have lyrics that you certainly wouldn't play in church? Do I not listen to a comedian that tells a dirty joke and laugh? Do I not watch a movie that have sexual themes and nudity (not porn nudity)? Simple questions but a stupid question is one that does not get asked. Does that make you a bad Christian if I partake of any of that above? Do you have to ask for forgiveness every time you feel like you might have gone against God's Word? So many questions.

Yesterday and today, a fleeting thought, that perhaps anyone else would be find meaningless, had me in tears. Why is that? Is that God telling me something? Am I just too dang sensitive? LOL. I don't know.

The answers are there. I look to Him to continue to guide me and protect me as I take this path in My Journey.

The Fear of Being Forgotten

2009-03-19T08:16:00.004-05:00

This has been on my mind for the last few days but couldn't get my thoughts together and even now they may be a rambling mess so my apologies.

Have you ever been a part of something so good that you wish that feeling was with you every moment in your day? Whether it was an event, a team effort, or even a relationship. You always hope that you will be remembered as being a part of that great thing. Of course sometimes those good things come to an end whether you want them to or not.

You keep close to you the memories that made you smile, laugh, or give you that warm feeling inside. Then as times passes, you hope to get that "greatness" back but it may not be attainable at that exact moment but with that comes the fear of being forgotten too. Nobody wants to be forgotten. Oh you will try to return to that place that was good but in the process, you hope your memory does not fade away.

There was a time that I was a lot of "firsts" to someone. Those "firsts" were always good things so I hold those dear to me and I always wanted to continue to have those "firsts". But with time and circumstance come change and the opportunity to be those "firsts" is not there anymore. You always hope that the memory of you will always be there whether it is an inanimate thing such as a card, a scent, or a nickname you were called. You then hope that there is no one else that will become the holder of those "firsts".

All you can do is hope and pray that while you are getting back to that place that you feel you are meant to be, that you are not forgotten and those memories do not fade away.

AIG Needs to See the Rage

2009-03-18T08:41:00.006-05:00

This is one of those moments that you have to say WTF? So let me get this right - You organization's stock is down almost 98% of what it was worth? You get an infusion of $170 billion to keep you afloat by the federal government which is really people like myself Mr. Taxpayer? Then you give the people that made the HORRIBLE decisions that put the company in the toilet $165 million in bonuses? You have got to be kidding me. REALLY?

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I know the man plays it cool but maybe Barack needs to be a little more like this on this AIG matter. Let's take a lesson from Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock.

I bet AIG would smell what Barack was cooking if he went off on them like that.

I have heard this excuse by other companies that you reward these people because they are the best in their field and you want to keep them on board to keep another company from stealing them and their talents. THAT IS TOTAL BULLZHIT! What talent?

Hey big time CEOs. It is bad all over. These people are not going to jump ship because you don't give them a bonus because there is no where else to go. Nobody is hiring except at McDonald's.

So since as of yesterday, the AIG stock was worth less than a dollar, maybe they need to go work at a place with a dollar menu because they certainly can't handle any more than that.

Your thoughts on it all?

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-03-16T11:10:00.002-05:00

It is raining today (unfortunately). Although you can look at as replenishment like hydrating the Earth to continue to make all living things thrive and grow, I am seeing it as source of slowing and bogging things down a little like having to reduce your speed while driving. I guess depending on your mood today - it is a good thing or a "bad" thing.

Today is one of those days that I wish the rain was far away from me because I feel bogged down. Don't get me wrong, I still am on the high from yesterday but when things slow down - gives you way too much time to reflect on things. I am coping though with the strength of Him.

But I personally I like the sun. Feeling that warmness on my skin is good for the soul. I don't have many joys in life these days but the simple ones are the ones I cherish the most. So rain, go away and come back some other day. Give me the heat of the sun to replace the warmth that I have lost.

A New Day...His Day

2009-03-15T15:25:00.007-05:00

Well today was so much better than yesterday. Still experiencing the DT's but got an overabundant shot of the Lord this morning and it took my pain away for the time being. Those of you that haven't had a taste need to get on that stuff, it takes you on a "high" that is truly amazing.

I have been so busy with work the last month that I missed going to church for several weeks. I felt so down for the last week that I really needed that "fix". He is truly great. Sent out some special prayer requests this morning for a few people that I know having some issues in their lives and I feel everyone will pull through fine. AC, DW, and KW - you will be blessed and I hope everyone who needs it will feel His love and guidance.

I am not one to talk about my religious experiences all out in the open but today was a very good day. Maybe I don't show all my love for Him because I still don't quite fully understand it all but I am learning at my own pace with no pushing and pulling (like when you are made to go to church when you are a child). Not picking on my parents but I think they needed a break after Saturday with my brother and I for a few hours when we were kids. LOL.

I am taking it day by day to see what else he has in store for me. He is clearly the GPS for My Journey and I hope that I follow his directions for me closely and accurately.

Happy Sunday to all.

Freakin' Day One.....

2009-03-14T11:12:00.004-05:00

They always say the first day is the hardest. Whoever said that is a big freakin' liar. This is something short of torture. Probably unknown to many people, I pray ever day at some point of the day whether it be hoping someone gets over an illness to thanking Him for the opportunities and blessing he has given me. I am truly leaning on Him for the last week probably more than I have in a very long time. Although I don't think I am asking for a lot - just a little guidance. I feel like I am asking for the world.

With a little help from my friends and the passage of time, I hope that the aching will subside. Not to make light of any illness or injury but could someone knock me in the head so I might get amnesia or a sudden case of dementia or Alzheimer's so maybe all the good memories will fade so it doesn't hurt so much any more.
Almost like trying to kick an addiction People always see an addiction as something bad. This was the exception to that rule of thought.

Well let's hope Daryl can keep his sanity. There is precedence that I might do something extremely off the wall. (That is an inside joke.)

Always Making the Tough Decisions...

2009-03-13T07:46:00.004-05:00

Again, I do not usually use this forum for my own personal baggage but just like the theme of my blog, I write about My Journey and the things that make me Daryl. I always hope that someone who does take the time to read it will understand me better as a person. I write on matters that I feel strongly about and inspire me to express my thoughts.

I have one of those jobs that sometimes you have to make the tough decisions. some of them harder than others. I may have to discipline a co-worker to the point that they lose a job, tell a guest or visitor that they can't have something, or send someone to the court system because they have broken a rule in "My House". (Reference the mantra of my department "Protect This House").

After a little soul searching I had to make another hard choice. Truly letting something go.

I am sure that everyone has met that person that is the light in your day. Someone that adds some meaning in your life that you never knew that you missed until they stepped into it. Someone who is a teacher without even knowing thety are teaching you anything. Well I (with sheer good luck) had a person like that.

Unfortunately, after some time and some soul searching of their own, things changed. I am not one who begs and pleads for someone to want me and I never will. Not because I am cocky or think that I am all that - very far from it. I just believe if someone wants to be around me for me, in some part, nothing else matters. Now, that person has a perfectly good reason for their change (which I totally accept and truly understand). There are some fights that you do not even try to get into because you will know the outcome.

I never want to "vilified" for the choices regarding me. If I am not seen as good for someone mentally, physically, or spiritually, there is no reason to be a part of that person. Love and affection is supposed to be a good thing if I remember correctly. No matter how good, sane, and true an argument is, however, the last thing you would want is to feel is that everything that was - was actually the work of something sinister. No matter how much it is explained to me, I guess I cannot see the forest through the trees. The simple fact that I cannot get around that makes me feel even more lacking in spiritual understanding because I can justify how things came to be and point out that I am not alone in a situation (although a little different).

By no means are minds going to be changed by this entry. Not even my goal. This is something that I just felt strongly enough to put on "paper". So with that I will refer back to my blog of yesterday, "Just Not My Week..." and leave it at that. Another tough decision.

Praying that those who have found love can hold onto it - together.

Just Not My Week....

2009-03-12T08:40:00.006-05:00

This just does not seem to be my week for relationships. People seem to be exiting my immediate life this week. Got some news yesterday that one of my friends was parting ways. I did not see it coming whatsoever just like the first one earlier this week. Twice in one week, you have people that have some part in defining who you are or could be making an exit? Hope the week ends quickly before anyone else makes a run for the door.

Both were total surprises. Both seemed like they would be much longer term relationships. Both were people I respected and always felt that I could learn something from. Both had a part to drive me to be a better person and what I do in life.

Although I have more than enough strength to go on alone, it is hard to find people that affect your life like that. I will take the knowledge that I have learned from these two individuals and continue on my journey.

So with that thought, I bid them both Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, Shalom , Salam, Farvel, 再见, Hyvästi, Valete, Arrivederci, Ja ne, Adiós, Goodbye.

Meeting Jesse Jackson and US Congressman John Lewis

2009-03-11T08:38:00.007-05:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting two Civil Rights pioneers in the course of my duties at work, The Reverend Jesse Jackson and US Congressman John Lewis. Both of these men were attending the US Congressional Delegation Civil Right Pilgrimage in the area (Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma).

Other notable people where in attendance this past weekend but these two stuck out due to all the history I had read and seen over the years on the struggle that allowed me to be where I am today. I will not concede that I was given anything because I worked hard to be in the position I am today. But I will thank them for the door that they help push open so I would have the opportunities to show people (who might not think a Black man could excel) that I can do the job and probably even better.

To put it in my own words from what I gathered from the speeches and conversations that I heard over the weekend, we must take responsibility for what we say and do in the raising of our next generation. We must make sure that they are educated and possess the characteristics that will have them move forward in life and continue to progress of not being seen as the second class citizen before the struggle to achieve equality. We must do what we can to inspire those who feel that there is no future or hope and open their eyes to see that there are better things in life. Not necessarily material things, but the fulfilment of dreams. If we do not take that task wholeheartedly, we fail them and we fail ourselves. Your heroes and mentors should be those who give something back to society to make a difference and not because they have a great jump shot, fastest 40, or most RBIs. (I am not hating on professional athletes but like I have always said, they are overpaid for kid's games).

I will admit that I have lived a "sheltered" life where I never saw much out right blatant racism so I hold those words to be not necessarily for Black people but for ALL people. Oppression in any form is an ugly blistering infected sore of humanity. We do have a cure for it though. Are you up to it?

All Work and No Play Makes Daryl a Dull Boy

2009-03-09T04:38:00.006-05:00

I don't normally use this venue to document the happenings of my EVERYDAY life but inspiration hit me this morning and just felt the need to put it on "paper".

It has been a hectic two weeks at work. Ty Pennington, a slew of US Congressmen and Congresswomen, a contingent of Federal Police Officers and Special Agents, and various VIP's that graced us with the opportunity to give them a glimpse of the hospitality of Montgomery. Also, the dealing with additional safety enhancements being made to the building to make it safer for the guests and associates was being put into place and is ongoing.

I found myself in a position that I did not think that I would be when I took this job - WORKING ALL THE TIME like I did with my old job. Don't get me wrong, I am going to do what it takes to make sure that the mission is complete and I do enjoy my work. But I find myself unfulfilled because I was not able to enjoy any interests outside of work and I always wonder how much that deteriorates everything else. In worrying about stuff outside of work, I put more of myself into work to keep myself busy to not worry about stuff outside of work. Doesn't make a bit of sense, I know.

Well I hope that over the next few days I will be able to get some rest and spend some time on those matters that I hold dear to me and get back on track.

What is wrong with Fox News? Redux

2009-03-04T10:18:00.002-06:00

Is Fox News run by a bunch of inept bunch of ULTRA CONSERVATIVE Republicans or something? Everything else going on in the world and they jump on Vice President Biden not remembering a website address?

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Fox News Reports Joe Biden's Gaffe

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Joke of the Day

Time For a Little Fun - SNL Game Show - Sex With Your Wife

2009-02-26T08:41:00.003-06:00

This is tagged as the show with no cash or prizes.

Fair Warning?

2009-02-23T10:30:00.005-06:00

I was reading an entry to a blog that I follow (I Date White) and the latest one was by a white female guest writer who says that black people seem to open up to her more when they find out that she dates the "bruthas".

It got me thinking about how I interact with people since I have a significant other who is white. Many people do not know that. It is not like I walk around with a platinum chain with a medallion that says that "I Date White Women", "Where Da White Women At?", or "I am Down with the Swirl". I try to avoid is having people feel uncomfortable about me in regards to who I am with.

This leads me to a encounter I had with a black female. She was going on about the last Chris Rock comedy special on HBO and basically the stereotypes of black males dating white females. I can laugh at those situation because some of the time, they are true. Of course, she didn't know that I was with a white woman (and yes, she is thick and fine). I just smiled and let her speak on how she doesn't necessarily like the "swirl". Later on, she found out that I was with a white woman and her facial expression changed - not in disgust but some sort of embarrassment of what she said during out last encounter.

Well the question is, should I give someone "fair warning" of some aspects of my life to keep them from being embarrassed later or let someone put their foot in their mouth to figure out the "true" nature of this person? I respect every one's opinion on anything but I never want to feel I have to apologize (even though I won't)for the choices that I make in my life.

Look At Me Now....See What You Could Have Had

2009-02-11T08:18:00.004-06:00

A co-worker and I were having a discussion last night on old girlfriends. This stemmed from us being on Facebook and me coming in contact with an old girlfriend online. We talked about how our significant others would react to something like that - his would probably give him a knock up side the head and mine does not seem to be bothered too much about it at all. (Of course there some back stories to their reactions that I will not get into in this blog).

Every person has been through this (and if you are deny it, you are a big fat liar). You run into an old girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse/significant other. The first thing you do is to assess how you were then and how you are now. You hope that you have made positive strides in your life. That can range from your appearance, your social status, your occupation, your financial worth, your responsibilities, your sexual expertise (yeah, I said it), you new significant other (if you have one), and other factors you can gauge into the assessment.

If you are doing well, you want that person to know that you have actually "grown up". If it was a breakup where you got rejected, you want them to know that you have "moved on" or "see what they could have had". Then there is the "what would have happened if" thought. It is not something you take any stock or seriousness in but you do wonder what if your journey turned out different. Of course, in the back of your mind, you hope that if you had cut this person loose that they are not doing better (as if breaking up with you made their whole life go downhill). I actually know someone who has left a few drowning in her wake. LOL.

I have been re-introduced to at least three ex-girlfriends over the years - only one in person. I have always been serious with my relationships so I never had the I have "grown up" thought. I have never had a truly bad break up to get the "see what they could have had" thought. And I have rarely had the "what would have happened if" thought because I feel that this is the Journey I was supposed to take.

So, do you have an Ex that you would love to show your current life to? Have you had an Ex that you have seen and had the "what would have happened if" thought?

Get Ahead and Take Two Steps Back? Hell Naw!

2009-02-08T18:46:00.006-06:00

This was an entry I wrote on 02/08/09 but never published until now. Well my friend has hit me up again regarding the subject so I felt I had to publish it.

This must be the weekend where I have become Dr. Phil or something. (Referring to my entry "How Can You Tell She Loves You? Don't Let the Other Shoe... ") I had another friend hit me up today that I do not hear from all that often seeking my advice on a romantic situation.

My friend was, for all intensive purposes, "left at the altar". He and this woman lived together for a while in Atlanta but broke up. Then she contacted him some time later wanting to get married and have him come move in with her in Mississippi. He had quit his job and packed his stuff all in anticipation of going away with her. Well as you can probably figure that, marriage didn't happen.

He then moves away to North Carolina to start fresh. I hate it for him because he does not have the structure of friends as he did in Georgia. His brother is up there in North Carolina but he has a whole laundry list of issues going on that I rather not divulge.

She contacts him again wanting to come live with him. Now my friend is starting over again. He has found the graciousness of a fellow church member to let him stay with him until he can get on his feet - which he is really not ready to do at this time. She wants him to set up household for her to come there to be with him. Then wants him to meet her in Atlanta to bring her up to North Carolina.

I asked him, why can't she make the whole trip herself? If she wants to be with him then she will make a way. She has money coming in due to a disability (I don't know what it is but I think it has something to do with her back). Maybe I am wrong but I said to him, you do not need to take a step backwards like that. Someone once told me to never take a step backwards to an EX. I mean it is one thing if they broke up for a day or even a week but we are talking over a year right now. If she really wants to make a life with him, she can send some money for him to make a home for them prior to her arrival. She can make the trip to prove she wants to be there with him after leaving him hanging in Georgia.

Love or the promise of love can make you do strange things. Growing up with him, I didn't see him have the best luck with women. As an adult for many years, we were not in contact with each other so I do not know if his luck changed too much (but he does have two children by two different women).

Am I just being too cynical? I am a romantic and believe in love but I also DO NOT believe in being a chump or a sucker over it.

How Can You Tell She Loves You? Don't Wait for the Other Shoe...

2009-02-07T14:37:00.009-06:00

Today, I was chatting with an online friend of mine. He is not one of my closest friends but I guess I was the only one online at the time so he needed to vent. We do not talk a lot so we have to do a lot of catch up when we happen to be online at the same time.

We were talking about relationships and how to make them work. One of the questions that popped up was - "how can I tell if she loves me?" He is not an insecure man at all from what I know about him - college educated and working on another degree, got his own place and car, no baby mama drama (meaning he doesn't have any children running around out there), and a good job with potential for growth. So needless to say, that question kind of took me by surprise. I told him the same answer that I told my brother when he was thinking about asking his now wife to marry him - "it is different for everyone." But I told him that for myself, it is the little things that show how much you care.

I am a simple guy so little thought is required for me. One does not have to go through any over the top display for me, the simple fact that you thought about me makes me feel good. No, I am not desperate, just try to keep it simple. I hate to brag on myself but there was a very appealing woman seeking my attention last night while I was working but there would have been dire consequences on many fronts if I opened that box - no pun intended.

An invitation - a date, to come over, to get some "shuga" - yes I said "shuga" not sugar; an initiation - to touch, to kiss, to plan an event, to take a trip, to make love, to drop a line or make a call; a sharing - of their dreams, of their thoughts; of their life. Well for a simple guy, I might be more difficult than I thought after I wrote it. LOL. As long as I do not feel all the effort of the relationship is from my end, I feel loved. I guess my problem is that I do not assume anything. I think it comes from the job really - "just the facts ma'am, nothing but the facts".

Call it crazy that I think that way. If someone, who you are in a deep relationship with, takes time out of what they are doing to let you know that you are on their mind and they gain absolutely nothing from it, it is a good thing.

Then he drop some more on me. The relationship, in his opinion and heart, was going good, but it was too good to be true. I guess he was going on that old saying, "if it looks too good to be true, then it is." I will have to admit that I have been there a time or two. Waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak. I always remember when everything was all exciting and new and PERHAPS maybe the "newness" wore off on her before me and then things change. You cannot judge a brand spanking new relationship with one that is several months or years old. I had to learn that lesson myself. Some have called me a romantic at heart so I guess I am one of those guys that loves that newness and want to keep it alive with that person all the time along with building something stable and sustainable with them at the same time. Not always the easiest task but it takes a little effort sometimes.

I am no psychologist or anything like that but all I could do was tell him that if you think that way, you will never enjoy the love of this person.

What do you think? This goes for both sexes - what indicates to you that the person you are with loves you?

The Only Funny Super Bowl XLIII Commercial

2009-02-01T22:45:00.002-06:00

None of the commercials played during Super Bowl XLIII were good but this one did stand out.

Check it out!

CareerBuilder.com Official Super Bowl 2009 Commercial @ Yahoo! Video

It is Jealousy or Crazy?

2009-01-31T00:58:00.006-06:00

I am a person who believes a little jealousy, when it comes to your significant other, is a good thing. In moderation, it is a way that you can show another how much you mean to them and want them in your life. Not in a smothering way like the Bugs Bunny and the Abominable Snowman cartoon. (Yes, I had to reference that cartoon.)

Ask yourself these two questions and comment on your choice of an answer. If the answer is not one of those listed, write your own and advise why.

When you find that your significant other appears to be jealous of some attention (innocent or not) by another person towards you, what process goes through your head?

1. What is wrong with them? Nothing wrong with a little flirting.

2. Awww, isn't that cute, he/she is getting a little upset about this person. He/She must care about me.

3. I don't know why he/she is jealous. They could never be as good as this person checking me out.

4. Dang, I must have "put it on 'em" because now they are acting crazy.

5. Uh oh! This person better leave me alone before they feel the wrath of my significant other.

Well if it was 4 or 5, you may need to get away from this person quick before they find you in a shallow grave missing your arms and legs.

What do you think when your significant other never appears to get jealous of the attention (innocent or not) you may receive from another person?

1. He/She must believe our love is so wonderful that nothing can come between us.

2. They know that there is nothing wrong with a little flirting. Go ahead and look.

3. Go ahead check him/her out all you want. I know I got the best looking guy/gal in here.

4. I am not worried - I got that "good good" and they will be coming back for more.

5. They must not care as much for me as they say they do or led me to believe.

6. Oh, he/she must think that they are all that and a bag of chips and that I can't just find someone better than them.

So what do you think? Is a little jealousy healthy for a relationship? Why?

Another Fox News Crazy and Unbalanced "Journalist" - Geraldo Rivera

2009-01-28T08:24:00.003-06:00

This clip from The Daily Show again shows the insanity which is Fox News. Geraldo Rivera has not had any credibility since he tried to open Al Capone's vaults. How do you keep this man on your staff? Oh, wait a minute, it is Fox News. I forgot what "news outlet" I was talking about.

Rivera is SUPPOSED to be a seasoned journalist but he is reduced to chasing down embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in the parking lot where The View is produced. He is trying to prove his point but he comes off comical.

Again, remember the source that I am pulling this from but if the nuttiness wasn't there, it would not be so damn funny. See for yourself again.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Scumdog Million-Hairs - Geraldo Interview

Daily Show Full Episodes
Daily Show Tickets

Fox News - Crazy and Unbalanced

2009-01-23T09:19:00.010-06:00

Politics! It is something you do not discuss with friends because it is a quick way to make enemies. The Fox News Channel has got to have the most insane bunch of alleged journalist out there, in my opinion. I have quite a few friends who watch this channel for their "news". I believe that everyone has to the right to speak their mind even when it may not be the most popular things to say. It has only been 3 days since the inauguration and it is like this "news" outlet's goal is to tear down President Obama.

Now, let me set one thing straight. I know of a lot of African-Americans who voted for Obama just because of the color if his skin. I kind of feel bad for those people if that was their DECIDING factor because there is more to the man. I voted for Barack Obama because the other candidate didn't say anything that made me think things would get better for this country, not because he is a black man.

I know Comedy Central's The Daily Show is not the pinnacle of news but when I want to find out who is being nutty out there, it is a good source. Here is a sampling of the "supposedly Fair and Balanced Fox News" in regards to President Barack Obama and our country.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Fox News Fear Imbalance

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Moment of Zen - Hannity Reveals the True Obama

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Does Rupert Murdoch take himself seriously? It seems that Fox News is still the like the Fox Television Network of 1986 - poor quality, juvenile, and lacks substance.

Should the Past Be the Past?

2009-01-21T09:07:00.000-06:00

I was checking my FEEDJIT Live Traffic option and found a very curious search to get to my blog. Basically, the search was "dealing with my girlfriend's past, black guys." I found that quite interesting. I would make the assumption that the person doing the search was not black. Then it got me thinking, when in a relationship, should the past be the past? What do you NEED to know regarding someone you are having a relationship with? Does the type of relationship you have present the deciding factor on what information needs to be put out there (if any)?

Most men I know, do not want to know. I guess this is another case of me being "The Exception" because I am naturally curious. Of course it starts when you are getting to know each other and you may ask questions such as "what do you look for in a person?"; "had any long term relationships?"; "have you ever been with a woman?"; "am I the 'biggest' man you have been with?" (Okay, referring back to my blog "Female Teachers Gone Wild or Crazy", that third question is because it is in our male DNA to think that. And fellas, that last question, you really don't want to know the answer to that one unless you can star in your own porn movies.)

I have come to find out that if the person you are with is willing to tell you (on their own) all the deep dark secrets and show you the bones in their closet, they want to be up front and open with you. They do not want anything from their past to come up and be misconstrued as something that it is not. Take it for what it is worth, this person might see you as "The One" and don't want to lose you by hiding anything from you. You, as a man, should come clean too if she is willing to let you know about things before you.

Some men cannot take that the fact that this person in their life might have actually had a life before them. Look at yourself before you attempt to judge another (which you should not do anyway). I have said this before and I will say it again, women are sexual beings just like men. They have needs and urges just like us. Sometimes those things might be outside of our realm of thinking but remember they are with you now and sharing everything with you now.

Of course, I cannot speak for every relationship. This is only what I know personally. So the question is, should the past be the past? Women who might see this, do you want to know the past of your man (or woman)? (Yes, I went there again, I told you it is in our DNA.) Would you tell your man on your own about everything? What makes you decide to tell him?

The Daily Show - Barack Concert

2009-01-20T08:30:00.000-06:00

I am going to be busy watching the Presidential Inauguration today so I don't think I will be thinking of too much else today. So I am posting something funny I saw last night from The Daily Show. This clip has them picking on a few people such as Garth Brooks, the cable news networks, and Martin Luther King III.

Ever heard of the saying "some things are better left unsaid?" One of the things that baffles me about the press sometimes is the fact that they report news that really doesn't need to be reported. Case in point, talking about the security vulnerabilities of Obama's train trip from Philadelphia to Washington D.C.

Enjoy the clip everyone. Congratulations President Barack Obama. Yes We Can!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Barack Concert

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Shuffling

2009-01-19T17:43:00.000-06:00

I did this at the request of a friend by putting my media player on shuffle and answering these questions based on the songs that came up in the order played.

Now, she is into Praise music whereas I have a variety of genres that I like including some that are on the opposite range of the spectrum of religious and praise music. This is what I came up with. Some of them make some sense with the question and some don't. And some that do make sense are totally not the answer to the question if you asked me, so readers keep that in mind. I guess you have to find the lyrics in the song that will relate to the question.

Q: What does next year have in store for you?
A: “Lyric To Go” by A Tribe Called Quest

Q: What does your love life look like next year?
A: “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys

Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
A: “Gettin' In The Way” by Jill Scott

Q: Song that reminds you of good times?
A: “Lapdance” by N.E.R.D.

Q: What do you think when you get up in the morning?
A: "Sandstorm" by Darude

Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
A: "I'm Gonna Just Love You a Little More, Baby” by Barry White

Q: Your favorite saying?
A: "Can't Forget About You" by Nas

Q: Favorite place?
A: "Know the Ledge" by Eric B. and Rakim

Q: Most Missed Memory?
A: "Give Me the Night" by George Bensom

Q: What song describes your best friend?
A: "Poor Goergie" by MC Lyte

Q: Where would you go on a first date?
A: "Touch the Sky” by Kanye West

Q: Drug of choice?
A: "Gimme Some More” by Busta Rhymes

Q: What song describes yourself?
A: "Paid in Full” by Eric B. and Rakim

Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
A: "Loungin” by LL Cool J

Q: The song that best describes the president?
A: "Hell Yeah” by Ginuwine

Q: Where will you be in 10 years?
A: "Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears

Q: Your love life right now?
A: "Hot Sex” by A Tribe Called Quest

Q: What is your state of mind like at the moment?
A: "Procelain” by Moby

Q: How will you die?
A: "Nobody Does it Betta” by Mint Condition

How Can They Justify The Hate?

2009-01-19T09:05:00.000-06:00

Constantly, I am amazed me how people can have a way of thinking that is a complete opposite of mine. I was watching something on the National Geographic Channel yesterday that inspired me to write this. It is not something I hadn't seen before but yesterday it just made me think a second of what I consider the "stupidity" of people sometimes.

The program was called "Inside: American Nazis". I have seen programs like this before and I am drawn in as a black man who choses to be with white women. Nazi, Skinhead, Aryan Nation, Ku Klux Klan - it is all the same to me whether they think their ideologies are different.

What I can't understand is how someone can come to hate someone they have never met? I know it is not right to hate someone but at least the people that I dislike with a passion are people who I have met before. How can someone generalize one group of people as being evil? I will concede that some of my bruthas may not always be on the up and up but they same can be said about the white race (and for that matter, any other race that is out there). Every race has their own "black sheep". My personal opinion is that it is weak minded indivduals who get sucked into these groups. They want to blame their "problems", lack of initiative or achievement, or just plain laziness on other people who worked for what is theirs.

As I have said before, I grew up with a father in the military and with that I admit that I was sheltered from "hate" like that while living on military bases. When I had to live or go to school off base (especially high school), I was rudely surprised on how the color of my skin seemed to be a small factor in things. I am not one of these sensitively militant bruthas but it was not always subtle. It was very strange to me. It is not as though I didn't know it ever existed because I was a history junkie growing up. I read about it and saw pictures and film of it but to actually experience underlying "racism" was very new to me.

After I graduated from high school and started dating outside of my race again - yes you heard right - i actually noticed the looks when I was with a white female in what I now refer to sometimes as "the real world". The real world being anything outside the confines of a military base. It was almost always older white people who more than likely lived in the time when things were segregated and just couldnt let that sh!t go. There were young people who you could tell did not particularly care for the "swirl". For a time there, I was so cautious of my safety and that of the person I was with that I would carry my weapon with me for fear of a confrontation with an idiot.

Everybody believes in something and has the right to their opinion. Whether I think it is right or wrong, who am I to tell someone how they are supposed to feel. All I can do is present my side of an "argument" (if they are even interested in listening) so they see where I am coming from. But with your belief in something, you shouldn't have to hide yourself to stand up to your beliefs. I am referring to the people that "belong" to these extremeists groups that choose to hide their faces. If it is something that you truly believe in - be all out there and show yourself. This goes from the white sepremacists to the radical Islamic groups that chose to speak their rhetoric and at times create mayhem from cover.

So the question is, how can you justify the hate that you speak and you cannot show the true face behind that that hate? Also if you are one who proudly will be open about your beliefs, why put yourself on the outside of the mainstream and ostracize yourself?

Female Teachers Gone Wild or Crazy?

2009-01-18T10:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I was just skimming through the news online and I run into yet another scandal where a teacher had sex with a student. I remember growing up, all you heard was male teachers having inappropriate relationships with female students (and males as well). My math teacher from the 7th grade was convicted of several molestation charges dealing with young boys he coached in swimming. This happened years after I was in his class and thank goodness he didn't take a liking to me. LOL.

I have had this conversation in the past with people who want the males to be more nurturing. Of course, in our society, the male is the "hunter and provider" and the female is the nurturer. Well times have been changing and the roles are reversing and sometimes combining.

There was a young man who open a day care here in town and everyone thought it was a good thing - man who wants to promote a healthy learning environment for children and be that nurturer effect. But alas, he fooled us all by being arrested for inappropriate behavior with children under his care. He left the city with people still supporting him after he was acquitted in Montgomery and got in trouble in Florida for what you may ask, inappropriate behavior with a child. I guess he fooled a lot of people here (and there).

We want male coaches on kids teams and male role models and mentors with other organized event and groups involving children. I would say that 99.999999% of those males are straight up and want to better a child's life but all it takes is one and then we are sometimes suspicious on why any male wants to be around children other than his own. It is a wrong way of thinking, but I am sure it happens.

Now I say that because what in the world is going on with these female teachers and their students? Of course, I grew up thinking women were the more saner of us when it came to sexual relations. Then I got to college and realized that women are sexual beings just like men. If a women wanted to have sex with 3 or 4 different guys (whether at different times or as a big ol' group) then so be it. Get your freak on but just be safe about. But I see picture of some of these teachers and I am like, goodness she is gorgeous. Why is she trolling her classroom for some sexual action? I mean I was not that good at 15 or 16 years old to (completely) please a girl my age much less a grown woman. Heck, I don't think I got any real "skills" until I was about 21 or 22 years old. (Now don't get me wrong, they never left unsatisfied. LOL.)

Of course, me being a male I am going to say something stupid - if I had a hot teacher who was doing me when I was in high school - NOBODY would have ever known. That would have been my very special secret. She would not have to threaten me not to tell anyone. She wouldn't have to lie to me and tell me it was "love" because all I would be thinking is that I am getting sex without even trying hard and from a grown woman to top it off. That is me speaking as a horny teenager which I am not anymore.

Now let me be responsible. What the f*uck is going on out there? When we hear about a male teacher and a student having sex, we are all appalled. We want to lynch him up, cut off his d*ick, and boil his nuts if he did it to a girl but lord forbid if he did it to a male student. We would kill him, bring him back to life, then lynch him, cut off things, and any other horrible thing we could imagine. But when a female teacher does it to a student, we do not always look so harshly. Why is that? Are we still in the mindset that the regardless of how old (young) the male student was, the female teacher could not succumb to the animal magnetism of this child? Now something I really can't wrap my mind around is when a female teacher seduces a female student. Some guys are probably thinking "girl on girl action" - all right! (Sorry ladies, it is coded in our DNA. Yes, we are pigs sometimes).

Lastly, why do the female teachers, when caught, usually get a "slap" on the hand and male teachers are thrown in the worst prison only to be gang raped by Big Bubba and "Third Leg" Leroy for messing with children. If women want to be sexually free in today's society and not referred to as loose, a slut, a tramp, or anything else, they have to held in the same standard as a male educator would be if the broke that student-teacher trust.

Some say that it is for sexual excitement. That taboo of it all or touching the forbidden fruit. Not to pick on white female teachers but that is all I ever see hit the news. The prettier they are, the more the media covers it. I can refer them to some bruthas that would give them the sexual thrill of their lives - nice adult clean (well maybe not so clean) fun.

Here is a comprehensive list of female teachers who crossed that line. Check it out!

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53859

Now that you are older and everything and hopefully a well rounded individual, do you recall any educator seem a little "too into you" growing up? What do you think causes all this inappropriate behavior? Have you ever been taught by a teacher who later got in trouble to inappropriate behavior to a child?

The US Presidency - Age Accelerant?

2009-01-17T10:10:00.000-06:00

There is something that pops up every time there is a change in the position of President of the United States for me. I have always marvel the men (and hopefully one day a woman) that step up to the plate with the ideals of making this country greater and leading us, as a people, to achieve higher plateaus in life, love, and dedication to the basic principles that this country was founded on. I reflect on their accomplishments (and failures) and ponder what changes will come to pass in the passing of the colors to another idealistic person.

Another thing I look at is how the pressure of the position of President of the United States takes it toll on a mere human being. The daunting decisions that this person (who has many advisers) has to ultimately make of the span of a full term or two (under current term restrictions). The job is not for the faint of heart. Sure we (the people) give you a nice house, a pretty indestructible car, and a nice shiny airplane but even with all that and more, the stress of the job may make you an old man (or woman when we finally get one in) prematurely.

Michael F. Roizen, MD, is cofounder of RealAge, a consumer-health media company and provider of personalized health information and management tools, and chairman of the RealAge Scientific Advisory Board states that "a formula he helped develop suggests that for every year in office, the average president ages two years."

Why don't you be the judge?

Can A Brutha Be Sharp?

2009-01-15T13:46:00.000-06:00

Maybe it is the mentality of some of the people I work around? Maybe I just look that good? Maybe it is a just a way to stay on my good side. Maybe it is an homage to a brutha breaking through a perceived ceiling. Please don't think of me as a guy with "the big head" but the one thing I like to pride myself on is looking good. I see it almost as breaking that stereotype that some of my bruthas showcase sometimes. You know what I am talking about: the pants around their kneecaps, wear a ridiculously long t-shirt, or have a baseball cap turned a little to the side. Again, no individuality. The look like everybody else they see on TV.

At work, I walk through the building with a suit, shirt and tie. On some days, I get a little fancy with a handkerchief and a lapel pin. To me, it is nothing out of the ordinary. But to several women (and the fellas too), make me feel like I have just stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. Now of course, that kind of attention can dangerously fuel the ego if you do not have your head on straight. Some women stop me in the hall and have to comment on my style of dress - which to me isn't even a STYLE. I have nicknames such as "Pimpalicious" (which started off as a joke and turned into a whole other monster). I had one female co-worker that just called me "Suit and Tie" in a slow seductive voice. It is as though these particular black women have never seen a black man in a suit before now. I got male co-workers that check out my tie everyday and ask if they can have it (if they like it). Of course the answer is no. I love my ties.

Now, I do not get "aggressive compliments" from my white female (and male) counterparts. It is almost as if it is expected of me a a member of the management team, so why even say anything to me. I may get the "love that shirt and tie combination" or "looking sharp" from time to time but no big production. Now, some of my white female friends outside of work (who love the swirl) do bump it up a notch and the compliment is just the right level where a brutha can feel a little debonair and not running around with a "swoll" head.

I personally call it professionalism. I have to be out there in public eye when people come to my place of business and the last thing I want them to think is that we don't run a first class establishment. When I am working, I am coming in contact with celebrities, politicians, and captains of industry. I do not see what all the "hub bub" is regarding the way I dress.

The only thing that I hope for is that anyone who sees me realizes there is something better and that if they put forth the effort, they can achieve it. I have worked hard for everything that I have and part of that is dressing for success.

So the question is still out there, Can a brutha just be sharp?

A Case Study of Getting Old

2009-01-12T22:45:00.000-06:00

For Christmas, I got an MP3 player. I have been slowly filling it up with the music that I love to listen to - old school Hip Hop/Rap; Classic R&B; a select number of the new Hip Hop/Rap songs where the artist is NOT always talking about their 26's, 27's, 28's or whatever the biggest size wheel is today; some Dance and Electronic; some true Classics - Frank Sinatra, Little Stevie Wonder; and some Salsa/Caliente. I think that my musical tastes raise eyebrows sometimes (because I am a Black man). I attribute it to the fact that I was lucky to be exposed to a lot of things growing up. In fact, a friend of mine reminded me of the fact that I am "The Exception" to a lot of stereotypical behavior of some of my fellow "bruthas". Hence, I changed my moniker on my blogs to reflect that.

This past Saturday, a slow day at work, some co-workers and I were listening to the tunes on my MP3 player. There are a few people close to my age in my department. They listened and could recognize a lot of the tunes. We were reminiscing on what we were doing and places we were listening to those songs. And then it happened. I also have a good number of younger people under my supervision. I am not that old - a mere 38 years of age. But as we were going through some of those songs, I was reminded by BT, a female in my department, of how old I actually was. Then I remembered that I had seen my parents do this same ritual - reminisce with friends with music. OMG.

When we were initially picking on her saying, "you don't know nothing about this song" or "you don't know anything about that music", she literally did not know some of the songs. Of course, there were some songs I (and others) deemed timeless, but she had no clue on some of them. Then she put the nail in the coffin when she said that she was BORN in 1988. 1988? Did she say 1988? You may ask, what is the significance of that year to me? Well that was the year I graduated from high school in Columbus, GA. Hardaway High School - Go Hawks!

My goodness! Where has the time gone? My 20 year class reunion was last year (which I missed due to work). I guess it really didn't hit me! Man, I am old! I am now part of the "establishment". LOL! I am the same age as my father was when I graduated from high school. Unbelievable! I have always been a FIRM believer of the old adage that "you are as young as you feel" but thinking that this girl was still "cooking" in her mother for another 2 months after I got my diploma really had my mind scrambling.

This revelation has also made me reflect on my parents as well. Mom was a perfectly vibrant woman who was always on the go and now has a neuromuscular disease that doesn't allow her the freedom she used to experience. My father, who used to run through the swamps of Georgia with a pack and face paint being an Army Ranger, study karate, and used to be a weightlifter, is now diabetic and has some coronary issues. These were two people I never thought of as old even when I was a kid. Now I am going to have to think of what is ahead for both of them. Dad has remarried so that probably won't even be an issue as far as care. Mom has not remarried however. She will probably need looking after in a decade or so ahead (if I am lucky).

Where did the time go and why is the time we have left seem to be going by so fast? Your thoughts?

Why White Women Date and Marry Black Men?

2009-01-09T10:33:00.000-06:00

In my years growing up with a father in the military, I always saw that experience as opening my eyes and mind to different cultures and ways of thinking. As some people know, I love history and how it has changed or shaped us as we are today. In my growing up, I really never thought of color (except for Army green). As I tell people (and as other military brats know), everyone was the same. There were no real class differences except if you want to talk about the difference between officers and non-commissioned officers. Your father or mother was a cook, a tank driver, a mechanic, or a engineer, but everyone had the same boss - Uncle Sam.

I can pinpoint my attraction to white females - that is a whole other blog - but with all the "problems" that some white females could possibly face from family and friends for dating outside their race, I am curious on what drives them to do so. One question that I have always asked my white female friends who date black guys, white girlfriends, and even white females I have chatted with online who date black men is "what attracted you to black men?"

I have gotten a whole lot of answers across the board from the most sincere to the most absurd to the down right raunchy.

Here are some of the responses:

Black men are dominant and take charge.
Black men are more romantic and sensual.
Black men and the Black Culture are so fascinating.
Black men possess strong spirituality.
Black men have full thicker lips for kissing.
The contrast of a Black man's skin color against mine is so beautiful.
Black men have great stamina in the bed. (Of course I have been told that myth is not always true, present company excluded. LOL)
Black men have large d$cks. (Again, this myth has been proven to be false by these women's past relationships.)
Black men and white women make the prettiest babies.
Because I was a thick girl, black guys tended to talk to me more than white guy and give me the attention that I wanted from a male.
Due to their so-called superiority, white men are very arrogant.
I just didn't like how some of my white friends talked about black people growing up.
To be a little rebellious against my parents.
It was a little taboo.
There is nothing sexier than a clean cut, professional, and stylishly dressed black men walking into a room.
I saw an interracial porn movie and I wanted to do what I saw on the screen.
Just curiosity at first.
All white boys wanted to do was get drunk all the time in high school and get blowjobs.
The white guys I knew had trucks with big tires and it was hard to get in them but all the black guys had low riding cars. (That was the most insane thing I had ever heard.

So I pose the question to all non-black women, What first attracted you to black guys/men?

Ludacris On SNL

2009-01-08T17:00:00.000-06:00

Today is one of those days that I needed a laugh. Some Ludacris on SNL with Andy Samberg as "Blizzardman". Enjoy.

OMG! Who's Dealing? Here Comes the Race Card!

2009-01-07T10:40:00.000-06:00

I was just watching CNN and Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush is basically saying that because the US Senate will not seat Roland Burris in the seat formerly occupied by President-Elect Barack Obama it has racist undertones. Jesse Jackson, Jr. also seems to be joining into the fray.

I personally didn't realize that there was not a sitting black Senator in the US Senate at this time. I understand that the US Senate is the more "prestigious" side of the United States Legislative Branch but I do not believe that their lack of color has anything to do with its regal position above the US House of Representative.

Now my people are throwing out the race card. Goodness gracious! The Governor of Illinois is a crook. Doesn't anyone directly involved with this issue see that besides me? Everyone asked this man not to appoint anyone because they would not be accepted. Rod Blagojevich has selfishly brought his state down by staying in his position as Governor with all of his drama.

But getting back to Burris, there is such a thing as protocol. The Illinois Secretary of State will not certify Governor Blagojevich's appointment of Roland Burris nor does his credentials bear the Illinois State Seal. So therefore, he does not have the credentials to be seated in the US Senate. It is like writing me on a piece of paper that I am to represent Alabama and not have the signatures to prove it.

I knew this situation was going to be a problem when our local "our unofficial black spokesman for everything that Alabama has done wrong to black people" Alvin Holmes, also the STATE Representative for the 78th District of Alabama, "is calling on the US Senate to allow former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to take a seat in the Senate." Holmes also said that "Burris' appointment is legal and it would be racism for white senators to block him from taking a seat." This part-time, at best, legislator for the State of Alabama has NO PULL whatsoever to even demand anything such as this. Nobody is going to listen to the "angry little black man". I am sorry, I call it like I see it. This man is another one of those black people that sometimes make black people have to drop their head in shame for the things that come out of his mouth.

This is not a racial issue. I mean come on people, we have a black president. Yeah yeah I hear ya, he is multi-ethnic (black and white). Well let me enlighten you on something, if he had a birth certificate from Alabama, he would be black. Sorry to burst your bubble on that one.

Stop with the RACE CARD. There is a time and place for it and this is not one of those times. Overuse and it makes that "card" like a two of clubs in a poker hand with Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of Diamonds - utterly useless.

Watch Out For Who Your Kid's Role Models Are!

2009-01-07T09:46:00.000-06:00

I have just noticed over the last few weeks that I have been hearing a lot of sports figures in the news and it has not all been good.

Who does your children look up to? Many kids are into sports, no big deal. Sports are healthy. It fosters teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, humility, and strategic thinking. But does your kid look at these people in the sports field as their role models?

I am not hating on athletes or sports figures. Believe me, that is not the point I am trying to make but let me give some examples of some of your kid's "role models." Some are well known and some are obscure. Now remember, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver, arrest on January 6th for Suspicion for DUI and is on probation for a earlier drunk driving conviction.

Jason Richardson, Phoenix Sun Guard, arrested on December 21st for Suspicion for DUI.

Deon Tresvant, Senior Guard for Cal State Northridge, arrested for commercial burglary and grand theft (along with 3 others including the son of his coach).

Antoine Walker, former all-star Forward for the Boston Celtics arrested for DUI on January 5th.

Mark Ingram, former New York Giants Receiver, arrested after being on the run for a month for failing to report to prison for bank fraud and money laundering.

Kirk Earlywine, Eastern Washington Men's Basketball Coach, was arrested on December 26th for Suspicion of DUI.

Charles Barkley, NBA Basketball Great, was arrested on December 31st for Suspicion of DUI.

Danny Villa, Former New England Patriots Lineman and a High School Football Coach, was arrested December 27th on charges of raping a child.

I am sure the list is longer. There is nothing wrong with your child wanting to strive to be like someone outside the home but be sure that you strive to show them how to be a good and upright individual.

A Sorry Excuse For a Father

2009-01-05T08:15:00.000-06:00

This is definitely a "What's Going On?" moment.

This sorry excuse for a father says that he "had a whole bunch of reasons" for killing his 2 year old son. WTF? There are times when it might be justified (on the moral compass) to take a life such as to prevent the immediate death of you or another person and although it is an ugly subject, even war. But what DAMN reason is there to take the life of a defenseless 2 year old child - that is also your son.

Let's go to the video tape and see this Sorry Ass Black Man (SABM).

Danny Platt Apologizes for Killing Son, Ja'Shawn Powell

Now I have heard a comedian describe African Americans (or black people, whichever you prefer) as a race of people who all of us become embarrassed when one of our own screws up. This is definitely one of those times.

If this is over child support, that everyone seems to be speculating on, then it makes it an even sadder case. $4,000? I am sure that it is a lot if you do not have that much. I mean, I do all right financially but I could not come up with $4,000 immediately without a little effort. But only $4,000? He was getting a little over $100 a paycheck for the State of Louisiana to provide for his son what he should have been doing all along. You were getting off light Mother F$%ker!

I would love to know this man's reasons, no let me scratch that because he is not a man, this punk's reasons for doing this. A real man, in his situation, would be there for his child and had NO problem of helping to provide for him emotionally, financially, and even spiritually whether or not he was with the mother of the child.

This is what embarrasses me as a black man. You do not want to believe the stereotypes but it would not be a stereotype unless it actually happens enough for someone to notice. I don't have any child of my own flesh and blood but for those that have children, need to be there for their boys and girls. I understand that people do not get along after they have children. We have got to show these little boys that there can be some type of respect for his mother (and opther women) and these little girls that there are good men out there who can be a good provider, supporter, and partner (in every way).

Now I have no idea of Mr. Platt's background growing up. I don't know the situation with his own father (or mother). Maybe he is part of this "vicious cycle" but there has got to be a time where you look above it and see that there is something better. Prosperity and hope is all around us. It may not have been in the neighborhood that Mr. Platt grew up in (and again I am speculating) but it is there. Don't settle for being a stereotype, be an original (as I have discussed with someone close to me many times).

May God take care of Ja'Shawn and help his family with their grief.

A Little Fun Today - Some Favorites from SNL

2009-01-04T19:56:00.001-06:00

Today, I looked throughout the news and saw nothing that made me want to blog about. There is a lot going on and to be honest, I needed to have a little pick me up. It may not be to everyone else's liking but it always gets a laugh out of me.

1958 University of Buffalo Bulls' Stand Against Discrimination

2009-01-02T09:36:00.000-06:00

In my research for my blog on Turner Gill, I ran across this story on the 1958 University of Buffalo Bulls football team. I have always been a sucker for stories regarding the stand against things that are adamantly wrong. There was a lot of wrong decades ago against a lot of people (not just black people).

In 1958, the University of Buffalo football team won eight of nine regular-season games and was awarded the Lambert Cup as the best small-school program in the eastern United States. Team co-captains Nick Bottini and Lou Reale received the trophy during a Sunday night broadcast of "The Ed Sullivan Show" and dined that evening in Manhattan's famous Toots Shor's Restaurant.

Days later, the Bulls were invited to face Florida State in the 13th annual Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla. -- still the school's only bowl bid in 102 years of football.

In anticipation of their trip south, players were measured for new sport coats at The Kleinhans Company in downtown Buffalo. But before fabric for the coats ever was cut, the university learned that the team's two African-American players, starting halfback Willie Evans and reserve defensive end Mike Wilson, were not welcome in Orlando.

The Orlando High School Athletic Association, the Tangerine Bowl Stadium's leaseholder, prohibited blacks and whites from playing together. Despite the protestations of the Orlando Elks Lodge, the bowl game's sponsor, the Bulls would be allowed to participate only if Wilson and Evans did not play.

The university and coach Dick Offenhamer left it to the team to decide whether to accept the bid. The players gathered in a basement room of Clark Gymnasium on the Buffalo campus to take a vote. Bottini and Reale held small paper ballots in their hands, but before they could pass them out, the players spontaneously and unanimously rejected the bid.

"We weren't the same team without Willie and Mike," guard Phil Bamford remembers. "Whether they were benchwarmers or stars, we wouldn't have been the same team."

The "Real Reason" that Turner Gill was not chosen as the Auburn University head coach?

2009-01-02T08:41:00.001-06:00

I am a reader of a blog called "I Date White" which deals in the life of Eathan and his life in Dallas as a divorced father of 2 sons. I find the blog interesting because his topics deal with interracial relationships.

I read his new entry this morning and had to comment on it and also share it with others. I am not one of those "angry black men" who think that "the man" is keeping us down because I have never in my life been kept down by anyone - black, white, yellow, tan, or red (hope no one took offense to that).

The blog was about Turner Gill, football coach for University of Buffalo Bulls and the reasons why he might have been taken out of the running of the Auburn University coaching job vacated by Tommy Tuberville. He certainly had a better record than Gene Chizik.

Although the "color barrier" of a black SEC coach was already broken by Sylvester Croom who coached Mississippi State University from 2004-2008, in my opinion, would have been a symbol of how the SEC and other southern collegiate conferences have changed over the last decades (as demonstrated in the HBO special "Breaking the Huddle: The Integration of College Football).

If the reasons given in Eathan's blog have any merit to why Coach Gill was not picked for the Auburn job, this is a sad day for college sports.

Check out the blog below and you decide.

http://idatewhite.com/2009/01/01/idw-person-of-the-year-2008/

What are we gonna do now?

2009-01-01T20:13:00.000-06:00

Well that time is almost here.... the end of the college football season. And then another 8 months of mediocre sports and whiney millionaires in baseball and basketball who are not satified with a $35 million - 5 year contract. Boo hoo! Never been a fan of ice hockey. Do not like NASCAR all that much but I will watch a race every now and then. Golf, forget about it. To be honest, women's gymnastics on the collegiate level runs a very close second to college football.

Don't think I have forgotten about the pro football players. I just don't acknowledge them during college football season because they are a piddly runner up to seeing student-athletes strive to be the best on the field (and in the classroom). That title alone makes them better that any professional athlete EVER.

I am an University of Alabama fan - ROLL TIDE ROLL! - and cannot wait to watch my Tide play tomorrow in the Sugar Bowl versus Utah. Still do not know what a Ute is. I am not much of a guy who brags about my team but this is the culmination of a great season and definitely proud of my team.

So can anyone tell me - what are we gonna do now?

Meeting Captain James Lovell

2008-12-28T12:10:00.000-06:00

On October 2nd of this year, I met someone that I never thought I would meet, a truly famous NASA astronaut. But it was not just any astronaut, it was one that was going through a truly harrowing experience on his way to the moon during a very significant part of my life, my date of birth. I am speaking of Captain James Lovell, the Commander of Apollo 13. And for those of you who do not know my birthday, April 14, 1970, I was born right in the middle of the mission, a day after the explosion on the service module on April 13, 1970. Yes, this is kind of a geek thing I suppose but I see it as a interesting bit of history that I was born into. Of course most probably know the story through the movie, Apollo 13, starrring Tom Hanks (who played Lovell). I have always had an interest in NASA all my life but didn't have lofty dreams of being an astronaut or pilot. It is bascially an bit of awe of what we can achieve as a people in accomplishments and in a "sucessful failure" (like people describe Apollo 13's mission). This sky is truly the limit and with a drive to suceed and sometimes a great team behind you, you can go all the way. Just me little injection of positivity for the day.

Well Where Do I Begin?

2008-12-27T08:46:00.000-06:00

This is my first posting on here. I have been "bugging" a friend of mine to help me find a forum to just give my point of view on some things that occur in the world around me. She has a perfect forum that fits her - Moms Like Me - which has nothing whatsoever to do with me. LOL. Hopefully I can get some feedback on the subjects that I blog about here. Just a little about me. I am 38 years old, in a relationship, and working in the hospitality security and management industry. I enjoy my job alot because it puts me in contact with different people from different walks of lfe. I consider myself a people watcher. I enjoy history, not a history fanatic by any means, but love to look at where we have been which shapes us today. I hope that all who read this find it interesting and maybe even informative.