Dispatch From London # 7

All I have to say is before I left the states, my opinion was that soccer or "Football" as it is called here sucks. Yes soccer sucks!! Ok, I will say you gotta have some stamina to play, but that is about it, ok, they do let the ball bounce off their head or chest, but ok, and? If they could make street crossing a sport here, it would be far more entertaining that soccer. Soccer sucks period. Anyway, these folk take soccer serious as hell and will go to blows over their teams. Since there is no other sports on T.V., I have been subjected to having to watch the World Cup. First of all the dorm has only one t.v., and the other students from all over the world are pretty much glued to the matches. So, me being me, I sat down there the other evening to watch England play Ecuador. Having no ties to either land, I let the brother factor determine who I was going to pull for. I counted all the brothers on each team, and the count was not close, I was going to pull for Ecuador. Everyone else in the room was pulling for England, so every time Ecuador looked like they were gonna score, I would fake some hype or act overly excited. My actions brought a many frowns from the England fans. I was loving it though, the aggravating of others, not the game. Anyway, after sitting there for 93 minutes of soccer, England won the game 1-0. What the heck is that, you run up and down a big azz field for 93 minutes and all you can score is one dang point? Soccer sucks. For real.

So, some of the folk from Southern have been calling me Martin around here, though I dont think there is any resemblance.

We decided to get out last night to watch the soccer match between France and some other team, its soccer so who cares who the other team was. Anyway some thought it would be kool to go to a Brazilian pub to watch the match, but when we got there the spot was kind of dead. We saw another spot with a long line wrapped around the building, but it looked like it might be tight, so we rounded up and headed for that location. Someone in our group got there before us and found out they were not letting anyway in for at least an hour or so, in addition to the fact it was going to cost us each 5 pounds, or ten in dollars. I was like damn that, lets head back to the room, but some of the group was getting in line. So it was either get back on the train by myself or make moves. So.......................

I decided to get my scheme on......hmmm

I told everyone the plan and to follow along. We got out of line, and proceeded to the front where the entrance was blocked off with a velvet rope. There were three big bouncers, one of which was a brother. I walked up accompanied by two female classmates and called for the black bouncer. We he got to us, I told him in a very low tone, that I was Martin Lawrence in town for the week and was told by someone that this was the place to lay low and have a good time. He was like Martin Lawrence? A classmates chimes in at the same time uh yea Bad Boys....Martin Show, he's like ohhh Bad Boys the movie? Oh Yea! I was like yea man, I don't do lines what can you do for me and my crew. So he looks at the group of 15 behind me, and says, I am gonna take care of you. Long story we all got in for the free and I ate for free. I know I was wrong, but it was kind of fun....wont do it again...

On a more intellectual note, Who is Hugo Chavez? Why should we care who he is? http://progressive.org/mag_intv0706

Here's just another reason we are not winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqis. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060630/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_soldiers_investigated

Dispatch From London # 6

Today we got all dressed up to go to the Royal Courts of Justice, which is basically like the Circuit or Chancery courts in the U.S. We had to hop on the tube early to get there. It was my first time getting on in the morning and it was packed liked sardines.

Morning Rush to Work

Packed like sardines

We got a tour of the building, which was build back in like 1852 or something like that, (can't remember). Anyway we were not allowed to take pictures inside. But it was immaculate in terms of the design and how it was built. Showed all the judges from back in the day, "Hey Mookie how come aint no brothers up on the walls man?" No I did not ask. Anyway, the attorneys or Solicitors as they are called here have to wear the white wigs, which I was scheming on how to get my hands on one, and black robes. We sat in on an appeals case about a kid that committed a robbery with a fake gun. But our stomachs grew hungry and we decided to move on to our next stop.

University of Memphis Law

Southern University Law

Texas Southern Law (and our two professors from Southern)

Group Composite (oops, I threw the A-Phi up!)

After leaving the Court, we went to the Law Society, which is like the building where all of the lawyers back in the day hung out, did research, drank tea and ate cookies. The building was pretty nice as well, built back in the day. We were able to hand out there for a while and observe some of the art present.

Random shots, everybody was getting their Kodak moment on.....

The building in the middle is supposed to be the oldest building in London.

All that posing got a brother tired,plus I gotta read. Keep me in your prayers..... Holla

Dispatch From London # 5

Pictures.........

First Day of Classes

Mc'D's

Shopping District.

In the Tube, underground train

Rainforest Night Spot

Lost....

Dispatch From London # 4

My first week went by kind of fast. Classes are over by 12:30, and we got out early twice which is not too bad. That leaves a lot of time on our hands. But since our reading is doubled, half of the time is used for reading. We did get out this weekend, it was kind of fun. Besides getting lost and walking about 5 miles, and watching the sun come up as we tried to find our way back to the dorms. As we were walking, stomachs were growling as pondered why there were no Ihop's or Waffle House's in London? Can't lie, a brotha was feening for some grits with a whole lot of butter and some sugar on top.....oh with two fried eggs......There was some dude on the corner frying hot dogs on a grill, I am adventurous, just not that adventurous. I had to settle for some leftover lamb and fries. Why was dude giving me a hard time when I ordered the meal, I requested a side of fries, he was like we don't have fries, but I am looking at the picture menu, and the picture shows fries, so I am like dude, some fries playa, we don't have fries, then I remembered, they call fries "chips", dude, can a brotha get some chips........he knew what the heck I was talking about, just wanted to give a brotha a hard time.

Did I mention crossing the street aint no joke? There are no speed limits posted on the streets. It's like a crap shoot....

The hip hop culture is strong. Its amazing how the trends slowly make it out here. Sagging included, damn..

Songs that got folk hype in the club.....Soul4Real,Candy Rain, that song old as heck, but they got crunk off of it, then they played Brandy, My Best Friend, they got crunker, then the D.J. dropped Sleeping in My Bed, the remix by that Thong dude, and when Da Brat started rapping, all the London thuggers got hyped....It was something to see....Why is there always one real big overweight dude in the club? He was crunk, yelling boooyaka, boooyaka, every ten seconds? Why were folk rolling up? I guess its the same no matter where you are.

We were told there was not much gun violence in London, mostly knife related robberies. I met a mother here whose nineteen year old son was shot and killed about 3 weeks back in a mostly black neighborhood outside the city. She told me he was outside of a club when he was shot apparently for no reason. Some of the other youth I have spoken with indicated that there is a lot of random gun violence in the more predominately black areas. The mother went on to tell me that she is hoping to start a nonprofit organization to help get some of the kids exposed to another way of life. I guess the hood id the hood no matter where you are as well. But I think I want to blame the violence on hip hop. Truly, these rappers some of whom never lived in the hood are hyping the thug life mentality up, and our kids are buying into it. One of the guys stated, instead of talking to each other, we are taking each other out. So true.

Why is the murder rate in Memphis off the chain already? What 85-86? We really have to address this issue. It's ridiculous. I often talk about holding churches accountable for certain things as it relates to the black community. Seeing as it is that we have three churches on every four corners in Memphis, why can't the Church leadership, be proactive and take the streets back? Each street where a chuch sits, take that street and be visible, walk it, secure it? I am not advocating preachers and deacons walking the streets with guns, but lets organize, and get the members involved to dedicate a set time to shun on those who are on the streets fu#$%^ off. Let those on the block know, we are going to be visible, we are not going to let our street be a refuge for n@@$@s aint trying to do sh@#. As many churches as there are, a whole lot of streets could be rehabilitated in a short time. Simple community policing. The residents would surely be grateful. Oh, damn, I was dreaming again.

Who am I bumping these days? Meshell Ndegeocello. The sista is bad.

Dispatch From London # 3

RW, I saw that Wingate was resigning, I am hoping the Board of Trustees will also jump ship so progressive thinking individuals can replace them.

Senate blocks an increase in the federal minimum wage. Go figure, Congress just gave themselves a darn raise for cost of living expenses. Bastards...

We have a three day weekend so I am not sure what I will be doing with all that time on my hand. I need to be making some money or Pounds as they are called here. I was thinking about stripping for the biggums out here. I dunno.....

Still sleeping in two hour intervals. Its getting annoying. Then it was cold as hell last night and my bed is by the window. So I was up at 3 in the morning moving furniture so I could get away from the window.

The streets here are so freeking dusty, people let folk poop in the middle of the sidewalk, and did I mention crossing the street?

I've been traveling in the tuube (underground train). Its kind of complex and you can easily get lost. When I hot here, I took it from the airport to the school and damn near hurt myself carrying my luggage up four flights of stairs before having to hike a mile to the school.

Getting hungry, where is my cup of noodles? Keep a brotha in your prayers

Dispatch From London # 2

Can I get some sleep around here? I think time is in slow motion here. I have been going to bed around 1:00 a.m, but I will sleep, and wake up thinking I have been sleep for a good 5 hours, but when I look at the clock it is only 3:30. I wake up every two hours basically through the night. Its really weird though. Yesterday we took our first real excursion, riding the double dutch buses into one of the shopping districts. I just walked, no shopping going on right now. I love the diversity here as well. While walking the streets you basically see every ethnicity. I met someone from South Africa yesterday which was kind of kool. I swear the folk out here can not drive. And crossing the street is an adventure to say the least. Anyway, I have a ton of reading to do.

I see someone else was indicted on the Tennessee Waltz, that's messed up.

Dispatch From London # 1

I made it to London. Flight was tight. Its kind of weird out here. My room looks like a cell, but I can't complain. The Dollar is way weak out here (BLAME BUSH, ha ha), I converted a hundred bucks and got 50 pounds back, I felt violated. I don't have access to the net quite yet, so I have to drop a pound off for 30 minutes use. We had to register for class, so that took 15 minutes. Anyway, all is well, perhaps when I get the internet in my room, I can talk about some of the things I have experienced thus far. There are 22 of us from three different schools, so far, everyone seems pretty kool. I have to admit, I got homesick for a few minutes once I had unpacked my things and realized my little room would be home for six long weeks. It does not get dark here until about 10 ish, so my body clock is all messed up. We have a ton of reading every night, so that too is gonna suck. Anyway, my timer is almost up, so I am gonna bounce. Keep me in your prayers, peace.

I Going, Going, Gone

I guess by the time anyone reads this, I will be in the air headed to London. I got a fourteen hour flight. That's a record breaker for me, longest I have been in the air was about 7 hours. Luckily the flight I am on, has a ton of entertainment and stuff, so I should be kool. http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/whatsonboard/upperclass/index.jsp Plus, I picked up some of my favorite scooby snacks for the flight. Good ole beef and chicken samboosa's.

I am a tad bit nervous about the whole trip, six weeks in another country is a long time. I am a picky eater, and I keep getting mixed reviews on what to expect. Will there be quality T.V., like Sanford & Son or GoodTimes?

I hate community restrooms.......I aint wit that.

I will be studying with six other law students from Memphis, and the rest will be from Southern University Law School and Texas Southern. The classes are International Criminal Law, and Conflicts of Law.

Dang, I aint even gonna get to see the rest of the NBA Finals.

Barber Shop?

It will be interesting though. I think I am well rounded, so I should be able to adapt. Can't help but be a little nervous.

I have to thank my family for helping make everything for this trip fall in place. I would not even be at this stage but for their efforts. Much love on the support ya'll.

I think I will be able to get my write on over there. So, see u there.

Lil Tid Bits

One of those Bible Belt Republicans taking a little quiz. He has proposed a Bill that would place the Ten Commandments in various locations. Pretty humorous..... http://gorillamask.net/colbert10c.shtml

An article kind of echoing some of my previous sentiments. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/15/AR2006061501793.html

Congressman Thomas Jefferson alleged of a scandal refusing to give up his seat on a committee. http://www.nola.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-7/114991971155480.xml?nola

The right leaning Supreme Court recently ruled the police do not have to knock when executing a search/arrest warrant. The rule in the past was to knock and announce, now, the popo may do as it pleases, which they basically do anyway, but any evidence siezed as a result will not be excluded/suppressed when the knock and announce is violated. The rule had been in place to prevent police misconduct, now, who knows. I wonder what Prof. Shappy has to say about this? What you think? http://www.scotusblog.com/movabletype/archives/2006/06/analysis_exclus.html

Speaking of the Supreme Court, I wonder how those tricks will rule on this issue. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/weekinreview/11rosen.html?ex=1307678400&en=58efc262133afc50&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

M.P.D.

As I sit here, watching the pursuit which ended in the death of the passenger riding in the suspect's vehicle, I have to shake my head. Let me be clear, the suspect driving the car, ultimately bears the blame for the injuries of each involved. Had the suspect driver pulled over when the officers first attempted to, then perhaps the woman would still be alive and the others not injured. But............................

MPD has a pursuit policy in place. A policy that attempts to prevent the show we watched from Chopper 5. The policy basically precludes officers from getting involved in pursuits based on the offense and other factors, but the gist is not to chase. From what I understand, and after placing a call or two, the suspect car-jacked someone earlier this month. So, was there a real urgency to actually pursue this cat for the amount of time that he was? Was the police chopper not in the air, observing and updating the officers on the ground? Where was the Lieutenant, advising the officers to back off? Maybe he did, was he ignored by overzealous officers? Why were some officers on the suspects azz, that's a no-no. Can't say we were following from a distance on this one.....

When pursuits end like today's ended, who takes the hit? The crash victim or their insurance company often never goes after the suspect because they have no pockets. They go after the City under the premise that its officers violated the pursuit policy and their actions led to an innocent party being injured. Taxpayers money down the drain. I am not saying the policy was violated, though knowing the policy as I do, and looking at the tape, Doc might as well get ready to cut a check.

Climbing High

Today was a very nice southern California day, very pleasant weather, so I figured I would go biking an hour or two before the sun went down. There are a lot of hills around here which would make for good biking. I kind of miss bike riding. Biking in Memphis is none existent. There are a few trails at a park or on the river, but that's no fun. And I don't have the nads to ride a bike on the Memphis streets, its combat driving a car, no way I am gonna try it on a bike.

Well, I examined my old mountain bike, which somebody decided to leave outside for a while so it could get rained on and consequently get a tad bit rusty and decided riding was gonna have to wait.

I was marinating out loud when Pops heard me say, maybe I could walk the mountain behind the house. His ears perked up, "we can go to the top, check out the runway of the small airport near the house." To myself I am like, I don't know about the top, but I guess it would be a good walk. Pops is Mr.Fitness I have to admit, he stays active and fit working out three times a week and walking area mountain trails on the weekends.

I break out the boots and start walking towards the mountain. All week I have been peering at it out of the back yard. It's not all that tall or whatever, I have walked up bigger ones, but it might be capable of making me turn around before getting to the top.

There's a nice little trail on the mountain, which made the walk pretty easygoing. Had to hop over a few cactus and rocks but it was not big deal, it probably took us about 15 minutes to get to the top. It was a pretty nice view from up top. I don't know how high it was, but we were a little higher than some of the airplanes approaching the airport to land.

Well, I guess it time to turn around and head back down the trail before the sun goes down. Wrong. Mr. Adventure tells me to follow him this way, there is another trail down to the bottom. At first, I am like kool, lets go. But he starts walking in the high grass and shrubbery. I'm like ok, maybe I gotta cross over a little of this to get to the path. So we get to some huge boulders and he starts climbing them, I'm looking at him, like, aight, when I get over these damn rocks, there had better be a path....First of all, I have a thing for snakes, I don't like snakes, first of all their azzes is camouflaged so you can't see them, second we are walking in high shrubbery, third, we in their turf, fourth, they are camouflaged, fifth, they are camouflaged. I do watch the animal channel, I know how they can creep up on you and pimp you. The only thing going for me was the fact that is was the end of the day, and they are not likely to be out sunbathing, but still we in their turf. Plus, I remember one of the neighbors saying he has seen a few rattlers in the area. Anyway, so I get over the boulder and scan the area, I dont see no damn path anywhere around, yet he still walking through the shrubs. I'm thinking, Pops done set me up for the okeydoke, I knew it. His adventurous tail, gotta buck the system. At first thought, I was gonna turn around and head back, but then I was like, that's gonna be a punk move, aint gonna give him the joy of punking me. So I push on, over rocks, through shrubs, through high grass. I am looking at every things that moves. Meanwhile, he is jumping, and sliding down the side of the mountain having a grand time, until he comes to a little drop on the hill. I can see him marinating on his next move, part of me is like ha ha thats what you get trying to leave the path, the other part of me is like damn, now I gotta go back up that way, the snakes gonna really be waiting for me to come back up.

So I decide, to go on and jump, what's the worst that could happen, right? But before I did, I was like you knew it was no darn path down here, u just making this ish up as you go, if I get bit, its gonna be on you. God was watching after us, cause we made it on down, I did not see any snakes thank god, just one little jack rabbit. See if I walk with Pops anytime soon.

Go Figure

Congress has decided to give itself a raise. No, really. A raise of $3,300.00. It's a two percent cost of living raise. This is the same that refuses to bring up the issue of raising the minimum raise. Mind you there raises are included in certain legislation that automatically kicks in unless the body votes to block it. Neither party wanted to vote on the issue. It has bEen the Republicans who refuse to support an increase in the minimum wage. Under Clinton, it was raised twice, under the current ass in the White House and his voting buddies in the Congress and Senate, none. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-weigant/allow-minimum-wage-worker_b_23018.html or http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/13/AR2006061301123.html

Scream!

Six Flags is my favorite them park, there's something about the thrill of the roller coaster, the speed, the un-expected sharp turns, with the exception of going vertical, it's kind of like driving with me. I made my annual voyage to Six Flags in L.A., with my little sister, accompanied by some of her high school friends. I'd love to comment on some of her friends, but, lets just say, some of them have never spent time with a black guy.

There is one ride there named X that is probably the best ride I have ever been on. I cant say that the ride is scary, but it pushes you to the point of wanting to scream as it drops you, flips you and turns you at high rates of speed. It has so much going on, that you can't quite anticipate the path of the coaster, so you can't really brace yourself at any point. I rode it during the day which was cool, but when I got on it after the sun went down, it was even worse.

Check out the seats.

On another note, it funny to me the differences between the west coast and the south. Sunday in the south, ery body is in church getting there church on, Sunday on the westcoast, lawnmowers are getting cranked, and folk are getting the gardening on. It was 74 degrees on Saturday, and one cat had his leather jacket on, this time of year in the south, you trying to have a heat stroke with a leather jacket on. But the funny thing was dude did not even need to have the jacket on in the first place.

Damn I am mad Karl Rove did not get indicted. Zarqawi was killed, big deal, we knew where he was the whole time anyone, it was just beneficial to some to take him out when we did. Close Guantanamo! Either try them folk or let them go. You may not be paying much attention to things poppin off, but we got some straight up gangsta's in the White House, they are doing what the F@#$ they want to do, and we just going along. There is no real opposition party. What Constitution? Gay marriage, when the last time two gay dudes or chicks, dont wanna leave them out, kept me or anyone else from putting food on my table, I aint saying I support their crusade, but it aint on my list of top shit we need to be focusing on, we got parents trying to decide whether to put more money in the gas tank or on the table for their kids, that's real life s@#$ there. The border, folk been coming across the border doing their thing for the longest, them folk coming here getting their work on for the most part, but can you stop all the cocaine, heroin and weed from making its way into my hood? That's real life s@#$ too. Folk losing lives in Iraq, both Iraqis and our people, each should still be alive. http://64.226.238.78/PA/bh/bh209.shtml What did the boxer Muhammad Ali say, aint no viet-cong ever called me nicca, well flip that to 9/11, aint no iraqi fly no plane in no buildings, u feel me on that? A trillion dollars spent fighting in Iraq, (actually over 320 billion) http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1796754,00.html and we cutting pell grants, go figure......this is our country though......I think......I'm out, four more days till I am in London.

Flying High

My move making has began. I hopped a plane for San Diego for my baby sister's high school graduation. I am tremendously proud of her. She is a mess with herself, she is so bright yet so lazy. I think she got the lazy from me. In December, she was not very sure if she was graduating, but she had already had plans for our annual Six Flags trip. Talk about priorities. That's my baby though! The funniest quote of the graduation, one of the kids gave thanks to his mom and the milk man, for without them, he would not be here.

Before I left, me and the bruhs had a small gathering, good to see the other guys doing so well. From left to right, GP, Jiggarod, Doobie, Spike, T.C., Tracy and Jethro. LOC's finest.

Speaking of LOC. RW, I feel you on the donation to LOC. But I am disturbed by the school's continued financial struggles. I can't remember a time when the school was not having difficulties managing its funds. Quite frankly, the school messed up when it force Dr. Joiner out. I think he was one of the better school presidents at the school. I am further curious as to the role the Board of Trustees plays in selecting the leadership and its over all function. What exactly are they doing? I think a clean sweep of the board would be a good first step in reviving our school. I'd like to see the school rebound, and in order to rebound, we need some fresh leadership, fresh vision, and innovative ways to not only raise money but to also bring in talented people to continue the long tradition the school has had in educating young people.

I was enroute to Nashville when I got word that Roscoe was convicted on all counts. Having sat in the trial, and being allowed to sit in with his counsel, I have to say I was surprised of the verdict. I thought that is was possible that at last one juror would hold out, preventing him from being convicted on all counts. The government created a lie, using a dirty, cocky cat, savin his ass Tim Willis, and then went after those elected officials. I am curious though to find out whether the sting targeted any republican officials. On the face of it, it really looks like it was limited to those local black democrats, even though one white was indicted. Tim's testimony was incredible, he seems quite proud of his work, being paid by the government 70k a year during the time, and even called the government his client as he did the dirt. Roscoe admits taking the cash, considering the videos of him taking cash, any attorney would have had a hard time getting him off fully. But you still have to ask, did he have the predisposition to take bribes, or was the cash flashed in his face so many times by Tim, that he finally caved in and took it. I guess the jury wasn't goin. I hope Roscoe at least catches a break during sentencing.

I was at 39,000 feet watching Good Times, Sanford and Son, and Redsox v. Yankees. That was a new experience. What a great idea to put satellite t.v. on a plane. I usually get my sleep on when I fly, or break the laptop out for a movie, but I stayed awake the entire time flipping stations. I felt like I was at home sitting on the couch with the remote in my hands. Oh, it was Frontier Airlines, never flown them before, but looks like I found a new friend.

I think I am getting cold feet on going to London for classes over the summer. Will talk about that later.

PK and PK ya'll are the realest.

KW, where my shirts??

SG, can I get that application please?

BN, thanks for the Gus's.

GoldenOne, you gonna have to hold it down at Swigs on your own for a while man.

SupaCuts, what you gonna do?

DH, stay Humble!

Damn, that was the longest shoutout I have ever given, did I win an award?

All Ova Da Place

Since I've gotten my grades back, I've had a little time to hang with classmates frat, and other friends. It's been fun I must admit, checking folk on Beale St. Speaking of friends, I hate the fact that best friends sometimes lose the connection that bonds them. In my case, I guess with school and all I no longer had time to hang with my boy BW. If you me out, you likely saw him out, like Batman and Robin. of late, he'd call and I would not even answer the phone. I know that's wrong too. It's not like he did anything. I can't quite call it either, as to why I don't wanna hang. I guess some things just have a way of coming to an end. Or maybe I am just a lousy friend. He's still my boy regardless, I just aint trying to hang like that anymore I guess.

My T.V. time has increased as well, I have to give props to Mos Def, I was not really giving his acting skills much love. However, I gotta give him props now after watching "Something the Lord Made" on HBO. The movie was based off the life of Vivien Thomas, a native Tennesseean (is this a word?). He was a gifted and brilliant brother who was a major contributor in the development of operative techniques, particularly pertaining to the heart. He never had the opportunity to go to neither medical school or undergrad, but the Man was tight. In watching the movie, it was clear to me that he did not get the props nor the financial gains for the work he did. John Hopkins Medical and the Doctor he assisted gained prominence and wealth. My words do not adequately express the situation he was faced with at that time, but I want to say he was used, his knowledge and ability was pimped, not because he allowed himself to be, but because of the love for his work. By the time he realized he was not appreciated per se, he was 35 with family, and could not afford to start as a freshman in college, he had 16 years experience in the medical field and wanted to go straight to med school. Anyway, Mos Def showed some acting skills. The movie is a must see if you have not had the opportunity to see it. Dr. Vivien Thomas To read more about him click on the link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivien_Thomas

I want to talk politics, and the Tennessee Waltz trial, but damn all that for now.

Sisterhood Showcase was aight.....

Man, life without wireless is jacked up, the site is tripping so I am calling it a night,