What's Really Goin On?

What a Quote

2008-08-05T23:23:00.002-04:00

I know I know....still not mentally into blogging right now....tryna pay da bills. But I had to post this. The Sean Hannity's and Limbo's of the world have been taking Barack to task about inflating tires, but Barack fired back today with one helluva quote. "It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant." Oh no doubt they do. But I worry bout the folk listening to these nut jobs who don't realize that these talking heads are in fact ignorant.

Angry Sistas

2008-06-21T19:15:00.004-04:00

I don't know why I torture myself by watching Faux News. With a black man as the Democrat nominee, I should not be so shocked to see the direction their news will be going. Now, the focus is of Michelle Obama. And their aim is to somehow convince those white viewers that she is the epitome of the ANGRY BLACK WOMAN!!! Yikes!!! So scary. They have began to compare her to Maxine Waters and Cynthia McKinney. But here is the comment that made me drop the remote.

Cal Thomas: "And who are the black women you see on the local news at night in cities all over the country. They’re usually angry about something. They’ve had a son who has been shot in a drive-by shooting. They are angry at Bush. So you don’t really have a profile of non-angry black women."

So far she is his "Baby Momma","ANGRY" or "His Bitter Half". Are they saying that whites don't know of any happy black women? I mean Oprah comes to mind first, but...does your average white person see black women as angry? For that matter do they see all black men as thugs? It's truly effed up that there is an effort to smear a very talented and educated sista. Here the rest of there bs...

Not all media is playing this game, watch Dan Abrams get that azz.

Gas Shortage My Azz

2008-06-20T00:29:00.003-04:00

Its kind of funny how there are those saying there is a gas shortage and we gotta drill more, so we can get that oil. Whatever...pay close attention...

Supreme Busters

2008-06-18T21:51:00.001-04:00

Pop's Day

2008-06-15T22:42:00.002-04:00

I glad to see readers are wodnering what the heck is going on with the lack of posts. Well its called being too tired to write at the end of the day. But I intend to do better. I say hope to. Anyway, I wanted to post something for Father's day, and found a great speech. It was delivered today by Barack Obama. What are your thoughts? Oh, I did edit this transcript, just a little.

Good morning. It's good to be home on this Father's Day with my girls, and it's an honor to spend some time with all of you today in the house of our Lord. Here at Apostolic, you are blessed to worship in a house that has been founded on the rock of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. But it is also built on another rock, another foundation - and that rock is Bishop Arthur Brazier. In forty-eight years, he has built this congregation from just a few hundred to more than 20,000 strong - a congregation that, because of his leadership, has braved the fierce winds and heavy rains of violence and poverty; joblessness and hopelessness. Because of his work and his ministry, there are more graduates and fewer gang members in the neighborhoods surrounding this church. There are more homes and fewer homeless. There is more community and less chaos because Bishop Brazier continued the march for justice that he began by Dr. King's side all those years ago. He is the reason this house has stood tall for half a century. And on this Father's Day, it must make him proud to know that the man now charged with keeping its foundation strong is his son and your new pastor, Reverend Byron Brazier.

Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important. And we are called to recognize and honor how critical every father is to that foundation. They are teachers and coaches. They are mentors and role models. They are examples of success and the men who constantly push us toward it. But if we are honest with ourselves, we'll admit that what too many fathers also are is missing - missing from too many lives and too many homes. They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it. You and I know how true this is in the African-American community. We know that more than half of all black children live in single-parent households, a number that has doubled - doubled - since we were children. We know the statistics - that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and twenty times more likely to end up in prison. They are more likely to have behavioral problems, or run away from home, or become teenage parents themselves. And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it.

How many times in the last year has this city lost a child at the hands of another child? How many times have our hearts stopped in the middle of the night with the sound of a gunshot or a siren? How many teenagers have we seen hanging around on street corners when they should be sitting in a classroom? How many are sitting in prison when they should be working, or at least looking for a job? How many in this generation are we willing to lose to poverty or violence or addiction? How many? Yes, we need more cops on the street. Yes, we need fewer guns in the hands of people who shouldn't have them. Yes, we need more money for our schools, and more outstanding teachers in the classroom, and more afterschool programs for our children. Yes, we need more jobs and more job training and more opportunity in our communities.

But we also need families to raise our children. We need fathers to realize that responsibility does not end at conception. We need them to realize that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child - it's the courage to raise one. We need to help all the mothers out there who are raising these kids by themselves; the mothers who drop them off at school, go to work, pick up them up in the afternoon, work another shift, get dinner, make lunches, pay the bills, fix the house, and all the other things it takes both parents to do. So many of these women are doing a heroic job, but they need support. They need another parent. Their children need another parent. That's what keeps their foundation strong. It's what keeps the foundation of our country strong.

I know what it means to have an absent father, although my circumstances weren't as tough as they are for many young people today. Even though my father left us when I was two years old, and I only knew him from the letters he wrote and the stories that my family told, I was luckier than most. I grew up in Hawaii, and had two wonderful grandparents from Kansas who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me - who worked with her to teach us about love and respect and the obligations we have to one another. I screwed up more often than I should've, but I got plenty of second chances. And even though we didn't have a lot of money, scholarships gave me the opportunity to go to some of the best schools in the country. A lot of kids don't get these chances today. There is no margin for error in their lives. So my own story is different in that way. Still, I know the toll that being a single parent took on my mother - how she struggled at times to the pay bills; to give us the things that other kids had; to play all the roles that both parents are supposed to play. And I know the toll it took on me. So I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle - that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls; that if I could give them anything, I would give them that rock - that foundation - on which to build their lives. And that would be the greatest gift I could offer.

I say this knowing that I have been an imperfect father - knowing that I have made mistakes and will continue to make more; wishing that I could be home for my girls and my wife more than I am right now. I say this knowing all of these things because even as we are imperfect, even as we face difficult circumstances, there are still certain lessons we must strive to live and learn as fathers - whether we are black or white; rich or poor; from the South Side or the wealthiest suburb. The first is setting an example of excellence for our children - because if we want to set high expectations for them, we've got to set high expectations for ourselves. It's great if you have a job; it's even better if you have a college degree. It's a wonderful thing if you are married and living in a home with your children, but don't just sit in the house and watch "SportsCenter" all weekend long. That's why so many children are growing up in front of the television. As fathers and parents, we've got to spend more time with them, and help them with their homework, and replace the video game or the remote control with a book once in awhile. That's how we build that foundation.

We know that education is everything to our children's future. We know that they will no longer just compete for good jobs with children from Indiana, but children from India and China and all over the world. We know the work and the studying and the level of education that requires. You know, sometimes I'll go to an eighth-grade graduation and there's all that pomp and circumstance and gowns and flowers. And I think to myself, it's just eighth grade. To really compete, they need to graduate high school, and then they need to graduate college, and they probably need a graduate degree too. An eighth-grade education doesn't cut it today. Let's give them a handshake and tell them to get their butts back in the library! It's up to us - as fathers and parents - to instill this ethic of excellence in our children. It's up to us to say to our daughters, don't ever let images on TV tell you what you are worth, because I expect you to dream without limit and reach for those goals. It's up to us to tell our sons, those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in my house we live glory to achievement, self respect, and hard work. It's up to us to set these high expectations. And that means meeting those expectations ourselves. That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.

The second thing we need to do as fathers is pass along the value of empathy to our children. Not sympathy, but empathy - the ability to stand in somebody else's shoes; to look at the world through their eyes. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in "us," that we forget about our obligations to one another. There's a culture in our society that says remembering these obligations is somehow soft - that we can't show weakness, and so therefore we can't show kindness. But our young boys and girls see that. They see when you are ignoring or mistreating your wife. They see when you are inconsiderate at home; or when you are distant; or when you are thinking only of yourself. And so it's no surprise when we see that behavior in our schools or on our streets. That's why we pass on the values of empathy and kindness to our children by living them. We need to show our kids that you're not strong by putting other people down - you're strong by lifting them up. That's our responsibility as fathers. And by the way - it's a responsibility that also extends to Washington. Because if fathers are doing their part; if they're taking our responsibilities seriously to be there for their children, and set high expectations for them, and instill in them a sense of excellence and empathy, then our government should meet them halfway.

We should be making it easier for fathers who make responsible choices and harder for those who avoid them. We should get rid of the financial penalties we impose on married couples right now, and start making sure that every dime of child support goes directly to helping children instead of some bureaucrat. We should reward fathers who pay that child support with job training and job opportunities and a larger Earned Income Tax Credit that can help them pay the bills. We should expand programs where registered nurses visit expectant and new mothers and help them learn how to care for themselves before the baby is born and what to do after - programs that have helped increase father involvement, women's employment, and children's readiness for school. We should help these new families care for their children by expanding maternity and paternity leave, and we should guarantee every worker more paid sick leave so they can stay home to take care of their child without losing their income. We should take all of these steps to build a strong foundation for our children. But we should also know that even if we do; even if we meet our obligations as fathers and parents; even if Washington does its part too, we will still face difficult challenges in our lives. There will still be days of struggle and heartache. The rains will still come and the winds will still blow. And that is why the final lesson we must learn as fathers is also the greatest gift we can pass on to our children - and that is the gift of hope. I'm not talking about an idle hope that's little more than blind optimism or willful ignorance of the problems we face. I'm talking about hope as that spirit inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better is waiting for us if we're willing to work for it and fight for it. If we are willing to believe.

I was answering questions at a town hall meeting in Wisconsin the other day and a young man raised his hand, and I figured he'd ask about college tuition or energy or maybe the war in Iraq. But instead he looked at me very seriously and he asked, "What does life mean to you?" Now, I have to admit that I wasn't quite prepared for that one. I think I stammered for a little bit, but then I stopped and gave it some thought, and I said this: When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me - how do I make my way in the world, and how do I become successful and how do I get the things that I want. But now, my life revolves around my two little girls. And what I think about is what kind of world I'm leaving them. Are they living in a county where there's a huge gap between a few who are wealthy and a whole bunch of people who are struggling every day? Are they living in a county that is still divided by race? A country where, because they're girls, they don't have as much opportunity as boys do? Are they living in a country where we are hated around the world because we don't cooperate effectively with other nations? Are they living a world that is in grave danger because of what we've done to its climate?

And what I've realized is that life doesn't count for much unless you're willing to do your small part to leave our children - all of our children - a better world. Even if it's difficult. Even if the work seems great. Even if we don't get very far in our lifetime. That is our ultimate responsibility as fathers and parents. We try. We hope. We do what we can to build our house upon the sturdiest rock. And when the winds come, and the rains fall, and they beat upon that house, we keep faith that our Father will be there to guide us, and watch over us, and protect us, and lead His children through the darkest of storms into light of a better day. That is my prayer for all of us on this Father's Day, and that is my hope for this country in the years ahead. May God Bless you and your children. Thank you.

Well spoken I must say.

Anutha Movie

2008-05-06T00:15:00.000-04:00

Baracky

2008-04-21T22:01:00.002-04:00

Pennsylvania is posed to select between Hillary or Barack tomorrow. The polls show Hillary in the lead, but.......Obama only needs to keep it close to maintain his delegate lead. So....with that, here ya go.

Hope to get back to some bloggin consistency soon.

Ghost

2008-04-09T01:20:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, I aint posted in a hot a minute. A brotha just been busy and because shit on every level is so depressing, I just haven't had it in me to discuss the issues, feel me? Plus since I read this article, I prolly need to retire my lil spot. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/technology/06sweat.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

But look I'm still alive...hanging out in remembrance of Dr. King. Me and Harry Belafonte Me and Congressman John Conyers Me and Congressman Lewis Me and Rev. Joseph Lowery Me and Danny Glover.......remember the Color Purple...Seely and them.

Obama and Race

2008-03-18T22:41:00.005-04:00

I had to post after having an opportunity to hear it today. Will the message reach those who need to hear it most?

And what does anti-american mean? WTF? Does that mean as black folk, we have to overlook and ignore the bullshit death and destruction this country and its leaders have allowed and endorsed since its creation? Seriously...

Hiatus

2008-03-18T01:41:00.001-04:00

Fiesty Gregory

2008-02-27T22:43:00.002-05:00

For some reason this year I didn't have much zeal to wake up early and watch Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union on C-Span. But, I did catch Dick Gregory talk about the "First Black President". Thought he was gonna have a heart attack..

Smurred?

2008-02-26T00:26:00.006-05:00

I told ya'll it was just a matter of time before dirt get tossed on Barack. Well let the durt begin.

But to be honest, what's the difference between this photo and when some of us rock Kente Cloths during graduation? I mean can't one represent their cultural or ethnic garb and not get slammed for being aligned with "Terrorists"? That's messed up. What impact does that photo have on you?

"The obvious difference is this: when white politicians go ethnic, they just look funny. When a black presidential contender does it, he looks foreign. And when the ethnic apparel in question is vaguely reminiscent of the clothing worn by Iraqi and Afghan fighters (at least to many Fox viewers, who think any headdress other than a baseball cap is a declaration of war on America), the image is downright frightening" Read the rest of the article, http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080317/klein

To all my Wire watchers I had to sit on Omar getting killed by a kid for damn near a week. Didn't wanna spoil it for you. Can't believe it still! What's the big deal about the Wire? http://www.alternet.org/movies/77751/

Tiger Madness

2008-02-24T21:12:00.003-05:00

I guess there is a rivalry between the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee. It was obvious after this weekends showdown between the top two basketball teams in the nation. Folks rocking there blue and white and the other side rocking their orange. Oh, there was one color challenged Omega who was rocking peach...but that's a whole nutha story in itself. I actually enjoyed the game, hated to see the Tigers lose. Some folk were doubly sad, not only losing but losing to U-T. Adding insult to injury, just more fuel to those who say Memphis is U-T's uh..shall I say itch in respects to athletics. Either way, rather see them lose now than in the Tournament.

Since I am on the Tigers, let me take a moment to congratulate two former classmates at the Law School truly representing. These cats made it to the finals for the Mock Trial competitions. I don't recall any brothas or sistas making it to the finals for Mock Trial during my time there. I got dropped in the semi-finals. Glad I got a chance to catch them in the finals. Looked like the deck was stacked against them from the start the way his Honor was ruling on motions and objections, but these cats did a great job and I am happy for their success.

Some of you may find their success no big deal, but from my viewpoint, when you only have six or seven or let me go long and say ten brothers in all three classes collectively, it's worth mentioning and highlighting. Sisters over there, ya'll know I'm wit you, but let me go there for a moment, not negating any of ya'lls accomplishments there...cause ya'll have been truly doing the damn thang. I find it an absolute shame that in a class of 140, 150, or 160, total students you have four black men. That's an absolute shame given the makeup of this city. My class of 143 students had thirteen black students, of that four were men. I mean walk the halls and look at the composites, how many bro's are in those graduating classes? Seriously? Don't be embarrassed by doing it, I did. Reminds me of the scene in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, "Yo Mookie...how come aint no brothers on the wall? Now, before I go on one of my tirades, let me start by saying, maybe word has gotten out to the brotha's and they just aint applying to U-M Law, yea...maybe that's it. Or, maybe admissions just aint really looking to increase those numbers. I'm not going to believe anyone in that department that says there are few qualified applicants. I'm just not. Are they not qualified based on numbers alone? Sometimes numbers aren't the right indicator, I would know wouldn't I? And, yea, with TIP being modified, who knows what the numbers will be looking like a year or two from now.

Since I'm on the law school, let me stay there and address faculty real quick. I did write a few months back about crossing paths with a former law professor who straight up called some of the professors there some of the most petty unprofessional individuals he had ever been around. There were some who he/she said found the students to be nuisances and didn't really want to teach. Given that, I wonder how it is the School allows some of it best professors to leave to competing institutions? How do you let another school recruit your own folk? Yea, it's a part of the business, but damn, at least make an effort to retain the good ones? Ok..ok, let me ask first are we making an effort to keep these professors once they decide to leave? Sheet, the folk that need to leave still up in there reeking havoc upon students. Now I'm not trashing any professor in particular, per se....but students can distinguish between a challenging professor and one that's just going through the motions. Interjecting race into the equation, how many black professors are currently teaching core course there now? Uh..that aint leaving?

All I know is I receive those monthly requests to support my law school, but you know what, ok wait aint ready to say that yet... With the law school hyping up its new downtown building, it's hard to get excited when you know the same folk within the administration will be making decisions in the new building. That says new building, same ish. How bout some new fresh decision makers? I learned a while back at a function,(due to me slipping on an e-mail) that some faculty cruise through here from time to time. I needn't add any disclaimer about the respect I have for those individuals either, (just did), but these are legitimate issues. I'd love to hear them addressed. Why should I support an institution that doesn't appear to want to hire and retain new blood (professors) or an institution that's not dedicated to having a diverse study body? Straight up. Sheet I may as well start sending money to the Federalist Society if I just wanna start giving money away.

Then & Now

2008-02-20T21:22:00.006-05:00

You know, you never know what is in store for you on any given day, we plan and then as you know God has planned. So as I was getting dressed for work last Monday morning, my mind was on your average work day thoughts. I could not have foreseen that by mid-day, I would be watching a man take his last deep breaths of life.

I have to go back almost nine years, just starting my new job, getting acclimated, learning the ropes. My job then, required me to establish a good trusting relationship with high ranking officials within a certain tight knit department of government. It was my first meeting with one of those high ranking officials. I remember walking in to this individuals office, the smell of fresh cigarette smoke tainting the air, and then seeing this light skin dude with a tight fro sitting behind a desk. I wasn't really nervous, so I strolled on in towards an empty seat and before sitting, introduced myself, advising him who I was with and why I was there. I remember dead silence....and him.....looking at me with beady eyes, kind of like staring me down.....still not saying anything, just looking me up and down. Still waiting for him to say something, he reaches for a cigarette, lights it up, blows out the smoke, then he takes a deep breath and says....Spike...have a seat. By now, I'm thinking this dude crazy. What is he trying to intimidate me? That wouldn't be unusual for his profession. But I go ahead and take my seat. I begin to tell him my angle, why I will be looking for him and his staff's cooperation. The whole time, he's got the beady eye thing going, puffing his cigarette and not saying much, just listening. So I request a file, something I know he's not gonna give me, at least not on the first meeting. That question at least forces him to put the cigarette down. Spike, I can't give you the file, at least not right now. Meaning, he had to call some other folk to find out who the heck this young dude was in his office requesting sensitive material. So with that I get up, and he rises from his desk, still staring me down, extending his hand to offer a handshake to which I too extend my hand. He doesn't walk me out he just stands at his desk, and I make my way on out of his office, closing the door behind me. The meeting to say the least was, uncomfortable and I'm thinking dude is crazy. But there is his secretary, sitting at her desk smiling; I guess she had read my facial expression, so she says........"He does everyone new like that...you've gotta earn his trust."

Needless to say, he and I established a good working relationship, especially when he noticed I had started growing a lil fro. I'd request a file, and he'd deliver. I guess I earned his trust. He was later transferred elsewhere, and we crossed paths very infrequently, when we did, he was very friendly, no beady eyes, no silent stares. Then I left for school, and can't remember the last time we had talked.

Little could I have imagined back then that years later, I would be standing at the foot of his bed, saying a prayer for him as he lived his final hours. It was so eerie to me. I hadn't been on this job more than a month, just as it was years earlier and here I am in front of him again. Who could have imagined that possibility? I just kept thinking how unlikely this event could be? And then he slowly drifted away. RIP MSJ.

So I'm sitting inside of the church for this gentleman's homecoming celebration, or at least that's what they call it. Sitting in a funeral gets your brain to thinking. When my time comes, will I be ready? Some other questions come to mind, some to uncomfortable to type, but it all goes through one's mind. Will anyone be present? Will anyone have anything good to say about you? Not that any of that is important in the big scheme of things. I guess it truly boils down to how you lived your life on this planet and whether you lived a life good enough to bring you success in the hereafter. Gotta lot of work ahead of me. What about you?

Grilled Rice

2008-02-14T21:23:00.003-05:00

So you know now that McCain and his old antiquated azz has received the GOP nomination, there is talk about who would make a good running mate. I guess due to the fact that the Democrats are having success with both a woman and a black man, the Repugs feel the need to counter such appeal. So.......

There's talk of none other than Condorskeeza excuse me...Condoleezza Rice as a potential Vice President. Well she's a woman and she's black, I think? Anyway, from what I've read a lot of folk behind the scenes are pumping her up. Sheeet...what has she done in her tenure in this administration? Played the game, been the tender lips near to her boo's ear, enforcing his insane foreign policies. In other words she been a part of the problem and not a part of the solution. Oh...Happy Valentine's Day. So as I was saying, actually I can't remember.....soooo

Oh..now I remember! Condo showed me she was a true sister today while appearing before a Congressional Committee. No doubt she a sista. She had her Boomquisha neck roll in full effect, had the Tyrone get yo ish hand gesture poppin, she represented South Birmingham to the fullest. Congressman Wexlex struck a nerve in sista-gurl. Have at it. Shocked the hell out of me. Oh...her answer was some bullish...

Obsessed? No.

2008-02-11T00:44:00.000-05:00

It's not that I am obsessed with the Occupation, cause I'm not. I'm simply disgusted everytime I hear about that a soldier died, or some Iraqi civilians have been killed. You know its f'd up when you have to estimate how many civilians have dies, numbers ranging from 680,000 to 1,000,000. All on account of our so-called war on terror. Some absolute bullshit. That's the Iraq war, Afghanistan might have been called for. But that's the forgotten one. Last I checked, it was said we were losing ground there. Any way, if you feel like being disgusted some, watch this brief two minute film on the cost of the occupation. You wonder why we are in a recession?

"The continued ambivalence of the American population as a whole toward the war in Iraq, perhaps best manifested by the superficiality of the slogan "Support the Troops," all the while remaining ignorant of what the troops are actually doing, has led to a similar amnesia among politicians all too willing to allow themselves to seek political advantage at the expense of American life and treasure." Scott Ritter, The Truth Is, Iraq's Future Is Abysmal. Click here to read the rest of the article.

And if you have been keeping up with the whole waterboarding issue, I aint even gonna type anything, I think I shared my thoughts on it months back. But....this scene here says it all. Powerful aint it.....Shred the constitution?

Supa-Tuesday

2008-02-04T22:19:00.001-05:00

So there was a shooting at Hamilton High. A tenth grader there shot another tenth grader over get this. Some damn rap lyrics. WTF??? What, were they disputing the deep lyrical message of KRS-One, or Nas or maybe Chuck D? Naw, these fools arguing over Yo Gotti lyrics. WTF??? I mean it aint like I've never raised my voice over whose lyrics were more on point, but damn, pull a gun out and shoot someone, come on.....

So tomorrow is Super Tuesday, I got my early vote on. I can't say who I voted for but Lil Momma below can!

A good article supporting Obama, http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080218/hayes . No matter who you support, get your vote on!

By the way, tomorrow will be the fifth anniversary of when Colin Powell killed all of his street cred, making that bull-ish azz presentation before the U.N. about all the weapons of mass destruction is Iraq.

Your Gubment N Da News

2008-02-03T14:27:00.000-05:00

It's kind of funny how the powers that be tout when an alleged corrupt politician is so called brough to justice, but when that same "powers that be" is found to also appear to be politically corrupt, not much can be done to correct it. Bill Moyers does a great job exposing some of the current issues addressing this issue. Oh...have you yet figured out who or what Blackwater is? Watch both parts of the piece. Quite interesting, quite sickning.

Here is part One, http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/02012008/watch2.html Here's part Two, http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/02012008/watch3.html

Then there is the FISA law, look it up, and the whole issue of giving immunity to the telecom companies that have spied on Americans phone calls and e-mails on the behalf of BUSHCO. Keith Olbermann does a great job breaking it on down.

You know, it's not like we really know where the meat we dine on comes from? I'm sure we'd like to believe that it comes from some nice clean farm, and the meat is processed and packaged in the most cleanest of factories. That said, would you eat meat from a cloned animal? Yes, cloned? I'm not to kool on the whole idea, but given the fact that I don't hesistate to enjoy a juicy steak, not knowing its origins why would I be just as excited to break off a juicy cloned steak? I dunno? Here is a recent article from the NY Times," F.D.A. Says Cloned Animals Safe to Eat" http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/business/15cnd-clone.html?_r=1&ex=1201064400&en=83a1db7b1632c12a&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin

Here's a pro cloned meat article, http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/74615/ , and a con, http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-fo.kasper30jan30,0,2681564.column

To all my Wire heads, did you see the fear in Omar's face?

Kudos Montell

2008-01-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

She lost her Husband in Iraq.

The death of the cat that played in Brokeback (never seen it) was sad, but it's always sad when a young person's life ends. But as always, the media tends to over analyze the death of one, and ignore the others. (Yes, I'm going there) In particular the deaths of the the young men and women who seem to die daily in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes, we never saw them in a movie, but the fact that we never saw them on the big screen doesn't make their death any less tragic. Hell if the media over analyzed why they died, maybe we wouldn't still be occupying Iraq. Montell Williams sort of got this point across well on Faux.

Just in case you wanna see the faces of those who have recently died in the occupation, here you go, http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

Addicted

2008-01-27T23:14:00.000-05:00

Ok ok, I can no longer deny it. Yes, I have an addiction. I'm addicted to "The Wire". It's a show I refrained from watching because it seemed too urban, too hood, just another urban show exploiting all the ills of the black community. It wasn't until my winter break, bored, that I by chance decided to watch an episode. I was blown away. This was about the realist urban show I'd ever seen. I watched every episode I could find on Demand.

Since I stared watching midway through the fourth season, I had to find someone who had the previous seasons on DVD. Luckily, my trusted cousin came through. So I think spent two days glued to the t.v., bringing myself up to speed.

What's the show about? Wow. Everything. From street level drug dealers fighting for more territory, to public corruption, to police juking the stats, to the struggles of a school system, the show mixes it all into one story line. It's absolutely brilliant. It's funny though that this show has yet to win any awards. Great acting and great story lines. And the bad thing is, it's absolutely realistic. From how drugs make it into the urban cities to how politicians find themselves getting caught up with durty money. Any way, I found a few clips for your viewing pleasure. Don't get addicted, I'm not trying to get you sprung. Selling Out Your Boy

Homicide detective breaks it down to murder suspect

Senator finding out he's being investigated

The Kids...

All You Can Read Buffet

2008-01-24T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here's what I got out of this past King Holiday after hearing all the speeches and watching all the marches and the old footage of Dr. King.

It's not wrong to evaluate the blackness of others politically, we use it to gauge others in other avenues of life.

Some folk don't join the movement till their actual interest is in jeopardy. Until their interest is at stake, there will criticize your participation in the movement.

If you make it big, use your "bigness" to help somebody else. Who have you helped besides you?

Some Black folk talk about they made it on their own, but it was the civil rights strikes and marches that made somebody read their resume or their application. You aint the first qualified negro. Dig that!

Organizing and protesting aint old school. Can we say Jena, LA?

If you scared to speak out, say you scared, sit down, and let someone else be vocal. Whoa..that reminds me of BLSA.

Why can't there ever be more than one negro vocal at one time? Back in the day, there was Malcolm, Martin, Fannie Lou, Thurgood and others all advocating for the cause. Now days....who is there?

What side are you on and what role do you wanna play?

Do you have meaning and purpose?

Hope is ok, but FAITH is much better.

Last week I touched on Bob Johnson and his nerve to go there with Barak about his past. Mind you Bob made a living off BET as it glamorized the gangsta life and booty poppin. It was on his watch that the network dropped quality programing like Teen Summit, or people like Ed Gordon and Tavis Smiley. Here's a good read on more of Bob's dealings. This writer laid into him, http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=505&Itemid=1

Foreclosures are forcing Mayor's to seek aid. "Facing a collapse in the subprime mortgage market that has pockmarked their cities with vacant houses and crippled their budgets, the nation’s mayors pleaded Wednesday for a huge infusion of federal aid." Read the rest, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/us/24mayors.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

So, the economy is in the tank. Omg...say it aint so, who could have foreseen such a thing? Hmmm....I...R...A...Q.....700 Million a day? "A war against Iraq could cost the United States hundreds of billions of dollars, play havoc with an already depressed domestic economy and tip the world into recession because of the adverse effect on oil prices, inflation and interest rates, an academic study [by William Nordhaus, Sterling professor of economics at Yale University] has warned." [Independent, 11/16/02]

So now the big story is the economic stimulus plan. Both taxpayers and non-payer will reportedly receive $300 to $800 bucks and those with kids get 300 per kid, I believe up to $1200. Damn I aint go no kids!! Not to be so damn pessimistic, but, I'm not sure how that's gonna kick start the economy when as soon as you cash the check, you are sending that loot to pay off Visa, Discover and Mastercard for one's monthly expenses. I'm no economist, but..... I did come across a good article written by Nomi Prins, and she asks, "Will Bush’s Stimulus Package Work? It Depends on Who You Ask" http://www.thewip.net/contributors/2008/01/will_bushs_stimulus_package_wo.html Here is another opinion on the proposed stimulus package by Paul Krugman of the NYT. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/opinion/25krugman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

I guess that's all for now folks...gotta bust a move.

Overkill

2008-01-18T22:55:00.000-05:00

Ok...ok...I don't wanna run this whole Obama thing into the ground but more stories have hit the net and a ridiculous video popped up on Youtube. So I had to put it out there.

Some reporter from the Washington Post wrote a piece linking Obama to Louis Farrakhan. The link is that the Pastor of Obama's church has a daughter who awarded Farrakhan some award. So the writer wants Barak to disavow Farrakhan because is a so so called racist and anti-semite. Maybe he is, maybe he isnt. But I'm not surprised, that's how some you smear. So when your average American thinks Obama, they think Farrakhan which then ='s Barak's an anti-semite. That's ugly. Here is the article. You link someone to a person who the public frowns upon, so when you think of one person you think of the other. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/14/AR2008011402083.html . Then there's Jesse Jackson piece in the post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/17/AR2008011701121.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Now, the videos. I need not break it down, check'em out. http://mediamatters.org/static/video/hnc-20080117.wmv and this one, its really ignant

You know how I love to bash Fox News, gotta love this pic.

FYI - Rev. Jackson and Al Sharpton will be at Mason Temple in Memphis on 1/19/08. Townhall Meeting. Come check it out if you aint doing anything. Peace...

M.L.K.

2008-01-16T00:10:00.000-05:00

"To take the first step in faith, you don't have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step." -- Martin Luther King Jr. Happy Birthday Brother King.

Hold Up, Wait A Minute, Time Out

2008-01-14T19:18:00.000-05:00

I was not really ready to further evaluate the going ons of the Presidential race, particularly the treatment of late of B. Obama. There has been soooo much media going on as it pertains to him. But what concerns me is the large amount of hating that's going on not from from racists, but from the black community.

There appears to be some interesting dynamics at play. But, since I am so undecided, I'm going to try and be as opened minded to the criticism as possible. But...

Why are the old heads hating? I figure it's because Barak is the first to rise up not having to go through the "Civil Rights Hazing Process." What I mean is he did not come to prominence by rising through the ranks or by the blessings of those who did come through that era. Yes, I'm talking about the Jessie's and Al's. For the most part I think these cats are just hating cause they never garnered the support per se that Barak has enjoyed from particularly whites voters. These dudes aint win a primary or nothing. So naturally they are gonna hate. That doesn't make it right though. They are probably like, how this dude gonna come out like this with all this success and we aint even give him "our blessings." The problem with that thinking though is that there will never ever be a quote on quote black leader if the litmus test is what he did during the civil rights era.

Then there is the political angle that I think the Clinton camp is about to take up. Allowing Clinton to praise Barak, while contracting the bashing of Barak to other black folk. Whether it's Andrew Young asserting he is too young or Sellout Johnson, oops, Bob Johnson, former owner of that wack azz network BET, raising questions about Barak's admitted drug use during his younger days. Ok, I just did the same thing Johnson did by calling him a sellout because of rise and fall of BET, I mean who is he to even try to tell me who to consider when a few years back he was licking BuckFush's boots, yes admittedly, I digressed. But I find this type of politics to be hazardous to the black voter. Black folk can be quite trendy and at times victims of manipulation. Meaning, if we hear one or two or three other colored folk going in one direction, we will follow, not taking the time to figure out why they're going that way, and not looking to see on our own whether there is another alternative. Further, it will be quite disgusting if we see more and more black folk speak out negatively against Barak. That's the kind of shit we see everyday in the inner cities, brothers gunning down brothers over petty shit. I'd hate to see politics get played out like that. You know, allowing the white community to sit back and watch us tear down one who I consider our own.

And yes, I said one of our own because there are those who won't quite say, he is a brotha. Way I see it though is his granny and his grandaddy (deceased) still living in Africa, that prolly make Barak more of a brotha than me. I mean to even question his blackness is just dumb. As I previously asked, what, are the Clinton's or Edwards more black? That's the dumbest damn thing any other black can ask? Although, if you asked me if say Tiger Woods was black enough, I might give you some leeway with that one! When you look at it, one would think that once black folk realize how potentially close Barak might be to taking the White House, it would drive black folk into a voting frenzy just to be a part of such history. Clearly though, for him to win he will need the support of both black and white voters. I just cringe at the thought of him being destroyed by his own, you know? I think the test will be how well he does in the South Carolina primary. Like I said, I'm undecided.

Here are some of the articles on the above issues, http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/bet-chief-raps-obama-in-sc/index.html?hp , http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/11/AR2008011102000.html?referrer=emailarticle , http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=491&Itemid=1

Mind you, this criticism is coming from other Democrats. The right wing has not yet placed him in their scopes. But they are warming their engines, starting with Karl Rove writing an article in the Murdoch Street Journal. Here are a few excerpts from Alternet.org, analyzing the article,"Rove's race-baiting isn't subtle, but here's a translation for cloistered liberals who have "never met a racist": When he says Obama is "lazy" (what he means to say is "shiftless"), he's reinforcing a racist stereotype. When he claims that Obama "bluffs" and makes "misstatements" or "exaggerations," he's appealing to bigots who believe black people are inherently dishonest. Here's a classic code-talker sentence: "His trash talking was an unattractive carryover from his days playing pickup basketball at Harvard, and capped a mediocre night." "Trash talking" is perceived by white racists as both a black slang phrase and a common form of minority behavior, while whites have seen African Americans play "pickup basketball" in a thousand ghetto movies. (And bonus points to Karl for "cap," which is hip-hop slang for shooting people. Is he that smart? We report, you decide.) When he adds that Obama looks like a "vitamin-starved Adlai Stevenson," the portrait is complete: Obama's a shiftless, uppity, fancy-speakin', trash-talkin', basketball playin', anemic white-boy wannabe. Throw in a talking point or two from the Clinton clan and the pitch to white racists is complete." To read it all, http://www.alternet.org/story/73651/

What U Wanna B?

2008-01-13T16:26:00.000-05:00

So my Chargers are still in it...trying not to get to hyped up.

I survive Afghanistan and I survive Iraq, but I come home mentally shattered and can't shake the urge to kill. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/us/13vets.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

My reading has been limited these days. It's a shame I can't sit down to read books anymore...feels to much like law school. Yes, I lost my reading mojo in law school. Damn shame aint it? I get about five pages under my belt and then that's it. I think I will start listening to books on CD, that may work. I really want to check out Barak's last book. Try and see where this cat is coming from. Like I said, I'm undecided.

I'm ready for a road trip. For some reason I enjoy getting on the open road and enjoying the scenery.

A friend was asking the other day, what did I want to be when I was growing up? I actually kind of laughed when the question was posed. I mean, when was the last time I actually thought back on those days you know?

So....don't laugh, no lie, a brotha wanted to be an astronaut. Stop the snickering! I was always intrigued with "Space"...the stars and planets, and the idea of zero gravity. I begged and begged my parents to send me to Summer Space Camp in Huntsville. Sent off for the application and even gave them a well put together presentation. Didn't work though. They had a young negro disappointed. Anyway, I went from wanting to be an astronaut to wanting to be a pilot. My granny started my love of flight by taking me on trips as a child via plane. Planes were the coolest thing to me, and to some extent still are. Once again, I tried to pimp my folks into getting me flying lessons. Instead, they bought me a Flight Simulator game for my computer. As I got older I entertained the idea of joining the military to go to flight school or helicopter training. But those damn recruiters seemed just a little too accommodating. Figured Uncle Sam was trying to pimp me, and have me on some front line somewhere not in a plane, but in a ditch so I passed on that.

It wasn't until I was in about tenth grade and I was reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X did I come across a statement that kind of opened my eyes. Can't remember the exact quote, but something to the fact that the people who help bring change to black people during the struggle were Ministers/Preachers, Doctors, and Lawyers. So I took that statements and marinated on it for a good while. A preacher, me? Naw....I mean I'm spiritual and all but...a religious leader, me? That's too much responsibility for a brotha. Then there was medicine, I didn't even take the time to consider the many fields of medicine, the thought of blood and guts alone took control of that analysis and I moved on. That left law. I could be the cool guy, like Blair Underwood in LA Law (Remember that show?) I thought, I like to read, like to write, like to talk, and love to debate, I might have this law stuff sowed up. Little did I know of the how's, when's and what's that it would take to even get on the right path. I guess I can say, we plan and then God plans.

A Brotha or A Sista?

2008-01-09T10:39:00.001-05:00

I think this is my first post of 2008, so Happy Belated New Year's to you! May we be continuously blessed and successful in our every endeavors. On that note,

So Bro. Obama won the primary Iowa. The media made a big hoopla about it. But last night, he placed second to Hillary in New Hampshire. So the big news today was "The Big Comeback." What comeback? The brother won one primary...the race just started, and its already a comeback for Hillary? It's entirely way too early to get excited about any of this. Or to even attempt to gauge whether our country is ready to embrace a colored man or a woman as president?

Speaking of whether the nation is ready to embrace a colored president, I should be asking if blacks are ready for a black president? Or are we so pessimistic of Obama's early success, finding it too good of a thing to be true, that we vote for anutha? I am not too sure how I feel about the question of whether he is Black enough to garner African-American votes? What, is Hillaryor Edwards MORE black than he? Wtf?

I'm still undecided though as it relates to who I like in the race. Yet the media coverage to be, interesting, to say the least. For instance, did you catch the interview with Obama's granny in Kenya on her thoughts about his win in Iowa. I'm astonished that they (the media) would even go there? Putting an true African face on the election. That's really gonna help him win southern states. I figured you wanted to see the interview. So here it is.

Not to get stuck on race, I have to touch on gender too. Is America ready for a female president? Some segments are but, lets see what happens when she comes to the South. How is it that the most backwards ass states may dictate whether an African-American or a woman becomes our next president. Are you in one of the states? Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas, and then I have to add, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, as if a cat whose middle name is Hussein stands a chance winning those states. Let's just be real.

On that thought, talking about his name, I came across an interesting statement. "What's so interesting is how easily and quickly, after just a few early news accounts, the false notion that Obama is or was ever Muslim has made it into mainstream discourse. Not just Ex-Sen. Bob Kerrey -- Obama is asked about his "Muslim" upbringing by legitimate interviewers...And it occasionally comes up in Q and A sessions with voters. And the media -- myself included, I guess -- seem to obsess about the implications of both the false allegation of his faith and the reasons why it's damaging, in America, to be associated with that religion." From, http://http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/12/obama_and_the_smear.php#more

So what I see happening if Obama's campaign continues to gain momentum, folks are going to start popping him with low blows about how he was raised as a child and where he stands on his faith. As if he is somehow the Manchurian Candidate of Al-Qaida. Not that his faith even matters, wasn't BuckFush supposed to be all holy and ish, and you see where that got us. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.obama16mar16,0,1634059,print.story?coll=bal_news_nation_promo

Oops, I got off subject. I was asking whether a woman could win the presidency. Did you see the jerk that heckled Hillary while she was giving a speech in New Hampshire. Dude stood up and held a sign that stated "Iron My Shirt" as if to say, home is where a woman should be. Personally, it seemed a little staged to me. You know, last minute political ploy to get those women who were undecided between Hillary and the other candidates. Even so, all is fair in love and politics.

Try this out, it's a Presidential Calculator, it helps determine based on your views of the issues, who the candidate is for you. Tells me Biden is my man. Go figure? http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

False Media

2007-12-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

Here's what's poppin over at the Federal Communications Commission. What paper you say you read? http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20071224_the_fccs_christmas_gift_to_big_media/

Now that you have read that, put it all together with this. http://www.consortiumnews.com/2007/122007.html

On one of my last posts I talked about legalizing Mary Jane, I did not get all into the how's and why's but this article does. http://www.alternet.org/rights/71033/

"By escalating the drug war, the kinds of people the police typically capture are the ones who are dumb enough to get caught. These criminal networks are occasionally taken down when people within the organization get careless. Thus, law enforcement tends to apprehend the most inept and least efficient traffickers. The common street expression puts it best: "the dealer who uses, loses." Conversely, the kinds of people law enforcement tends to miss are the most cunning, innovative and efficient traffickers." Read the rest, http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/71678/

Merry Who?

2007-12-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

So, who sold Christmas out? I wonder?

Some times our struggle and worries are nothing compared to others. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-casualty25dec25,0,7006928.story

Sup

2007-12-15T23:35:00.000-05:00

I admit I miss blogging. I am coming back soon. I have had some restrictions place on me as it relates to my thoughts, (yep, being censored), but I will be back soon. Just look at it as a brief hiatus. Kind of like Aaron McGrudder and Boondocks. Big ups to all my homies that graduated this winter from U-M LAW.

Jacked

2007-11-12T01:19:00.000-05:00

So if you watch the following you will be able to put two and two together.

You take the good with the bad, the sweet with the sour.

I'm looking for that moped

Puff Puff..Snort?

2007-11-01T23:14:00.000-04:00

I have been kind of overwhelmed these days, trying to get myself organized, and admit having failed to get my normal daily reading on. A lot of newsworthy things on.

Some of the homies in the hood and maybe even in prison will be happy to know that The United States Sentencing Commission has finally reduced the sentencing guidelines for powder cocaine possession charges. Well, its about damn time. I still don't think the reduction is that much of a reduction though. Under current law, the minimum sentence for possession of 5,000 grams of powder cocaine is 10 years, the same as the minimum sentence for 50 grams of crack cocaine. This disparity never made sense to me. How can you get less time for having the stuff that actually makes crack? Oh. But......it appears that more folk busted for using crack are black while most powder sniffers tend to be white. So if you got crack on you, you doing more time, than the dude who has the powder that makes the crack. Now don't got there, no, I am not being racial, but that is the reality. Stats show that last year four-fifths of crack cocaine offenders in federal courts last year were black. The guideline was always dumb to me, it's like giving a person more time for possessing bullets to a gun, and less time to the dude with bullets and the gun.

Anyway, the new guidelines will reduce the average sentence for crack cocaine possession to 8 years 10 months from 10 years 1 month. I could not find the stats for the guidelines for powder cocaine. Somehow, I don't think it will be any closer. The issue posed now is whether whether to apply the guidelines retroactively to an estimated 19,500 crack cocaine offenders who were sentenced under the earlier, stricter guidelines??? We talking bout 19,500 crackheads getting out of jail early? That was wrong.....wasn't it. But you get my point. For more in depth analysis, have at it, http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1102/p01s02-usju.html, http://www.ussc.gov/,

While I am on drugs, that is, the subject of drugs....(see that's how rumors get started) isn't about time they legalize marijuana? No, seriously, there needs to be a debate on this. Sitting at 201 all day, and watching all these dudes in there on possession charges is a waste of time for the whole system. Dudes getting their probation revoked cause they tested positive for weed. It's just a waste. Jail space wasted to house weedheads while the cells could be used for more serious offenders. But you know what, its all about the green. Money that is. These weedheads making money for everybody, from the jails to law enforcement, to yes, attorneys. Damn, I forgot my next point....

I find it quite amusing that the State Department can't find nooooooooooobody that is willing to go staff our huge Embassy in Iraq. Yo, I'm loving it. So check it, Monday, 200 to 300 diplomats were notified they have been identified as prime candidates to fill 40 to 50 vacancies that will open next year at the embassy. The new policy is basically, go to Iraq or lose their jobs. Jack Croddy, a thirty-six year veteran of the State Department was like bullish. He put it out there like this, "It's one thing if someone believes in what's going on over there and volunteers, but it's another thing to send someone over there on a forced assignment. And I'm sorry, but basically that's a potential death sentence, and you know it. Who will take care of our children? Who will raise our children if we're dead or seriously wounded? Who will get our kids through life?" That's real talk though. http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/23075/1/CNN-Diplomats-revolt-Iraq.wmv/ This whole Iraq Occupation is slowing breaking this country down. And what happened to all the cheap oil we were gonna get as a result? Yo, where's my moped?

Still Out

2007-10-31T15:41:00.000-04:00

I'm still out....

Thank-You

2007-10-25T22:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone that has sent some love over the last week regarding passing the BAR. No doubt, that is a relief.

More importantly, I appreciate all of the calls and text messages concerning my family in San Diego. That meant alot as well. Thank God, they have been spared from any harm. Some of my close friends though have been evacuated from their homes, so my prayers remain with them.

I plan to get back to some steady blogging over the weekend. Just been an eventful week.

We Did It!!!

2007-10-19T13:00:00.000-04:00

I passed the TN State BAR exam!!!

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Amen!

I give thanks to God for his blessings. For giving me strength.

I got a lot of people to thank for getting me to this point of my life and over this BAR exam hump.

Let me go give thanks!!!!

Ernest Withers

2007-10-17T22:56:00.000-04:00

I'm still around...yea...BAR.

I was sad to learn that Mr. Ernest Withers passed this week at the age of 85. I have always admired him. He was a man who saw a lot of things behind the lens of his camera. Talking to him was like talking to a historian. I was lucky to be in his presence several times when he shared his moments with Dr. King, and about his own life growing up in Memphis. In actuality he was a historian, he was present during that era and spent time with several civil rights legends of that.

Here are just a few of his timeless shots Jackie Robinson Sanitation workers strike in Memphis. My favorite. James Brown Our Memphis Zoo Dr. King when stopped while headed to Medgar Evans funeral.

Department of Just-Us

2007-10-10T23:57:00.000-04:00

I've been a critic of the Justice Department, in particular the Civil Right Division. This current administration has shifted the division's focus from protecting the interests of minorities, to filing lawsuits alleging things like white voter disenfranchisement. As if....

Considering how in my eyes, they have dropped the ball in protecting the civil rights of minorities, I now can see how such focus was shifted. Follow me...

John Tanner is the Chief of the Civil Rights Divisions' Voting Rights section. This is what he said while discussing the proposed Georgia Voter Id Law. A law which is still subject to litigation, but a law that some argue would disproportionately discriminate against African-Americans. A Federal Appeals Judge even compared it to a Jim Crow-era poll tax. But not ole John Tanner, no sir! This fool says the voter ID requirements actually disproportionately affect whites. Now I know you are probably saying, Spike, that may be true. Hear the man out. Well, I want you to follow his logic, this is how he explained it. You ready?

He argues,"primarily elderly (white)persons" are the ones affected by such laws, but "minorities don't become elderly the way white people do: They die first." So anything that "disproportionately impacts the elderly, has the opposite impact on minorities," he added. "Just the math is such as that."

Read it again please.

You digest that yet?

This is from the guy who is in charge of the Civil Rights Division. This is the kind of logic he is working with? WTF? There are some that may want to cite life expectancy charts for black folk, but that would not justify such logic. One former employee of the Justice Department Toby Moore, a redistricting expert said, "This is the kind of analysis that the voting section has been doing: seat of the pants generalizations and suppositions instead of hard numbers and analysis. "It's false." Tanner's conclusions, he added, were "always in support of what his Republican appointee bosses wanted him to say, which is why he got to where he is."

Since you may not believe dude said it, I searched high and low for the audio, and guess what??? Yep, herrre you go. Notice the straight face when he said it.

Tapping On

2007-10-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

Herenton was re-elected by a majority of Memphians. Mission Accomplished! I learned a great deal about the ins and outs of running a major campaign over the past two months. Overall, it was an experience. Now that it is over, back to the grind.

Memphis politics is a trip though I must admit. Unless you have clicked up with the right inner circles or are prepared to spend a lot of cash, you will not be elected. Unfortunately for Memphis, it misses out on individuals with a desire to make a difference because they are never given an opportunity to serve by the electorate.

While I'm on the subject of politics, Ol'Uncle Thomas, my bad....Clarence Thomas has dropped a new book. Mind you paid almost 1.5 million by Fox's News Murdoch, yea....the book is entitled "My Grandfather's Son". I think he is about the bitterest black man in America and he has a job. Thomas replaced Thurgood Marshall on the court, and I dare say he is a thorough disappointment. His written opinions are some of the most outrageous. On him being the only black on the court and his failure to rule in the interests of his people he asks, How much does Scalia care about (the interest of) Italians? I still take issue with him and his view of Affirmative Action, as he gorged himself of the fruit the tree produced, but he quickly joined in on the chopping of it down, claiming there was no longer a need for the tree. Dare I say ....... Ohh I wanna type something else.....but........... Anyway, here he is on 60 Minutes last week.

If you wanna watch the rest of the interview, which I must say was softball part two http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67Wb481eXhY and part three http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh14rLZkkWE. Watch his C-Span interview, http://www.q-and-a.org/Video/?ProgramID=1150. Here is also an interesting article by Eugene Robinson, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/01/AR2007100101332.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

I am perplexed by those Republicans who are so concerned about a woman's right to choose and how the forming/growing fetus has a right to live, but those same folk are anti-health care for actual living children. Odd aint it? It's like we gonna make you have this baby but don't you dare ask for anything that will aid you in raising the child. I am referencing SCHIP. Bush vetoed the bill that covered 6.6 million low-income children whose families are not eligible for Medicaid insurance but who cannot afford private health insurance. Now here is the disgusting part, Bush doesn't want to spend $35 billion more over the next five years on coverage for children, as he is "philosophically opposed" to the government subsidizing what he terms the middle class. Get this though, The proposed $35 billion SCHIP expansion was to be paid for by a 61-cent increase in federal taxes on tobacco products. Nonetheless, a veto. This is the same President that has spent (I should say flushed) almost 700 billion on the Occupation in Iraq. Disgusting aint it? Perhaps there will be enough votes to over-ride the veto. Won't we see? Additional reading http://www.thenation.com/blogs/actnow?pid=240672

There is no excuse for this officer doing this 15 year old girl the way he did. Dare I say that if the officer were black and the young girl white, he might be looking for a new job. This is unacceptable, especially when you are arresting the young girl for a curfew violation. He nearly broke the girl's arm, and in fact punched her in the face and pepper sprayed her. He is a punk, no doubt. Don't even argue resisting arrest. A curfew charge....and cuffs....Please...

So have you figured out who or what Blackwater is?

Oh yea, Keke.......you got me, I was wrong. Dang!

Memphis Voters

2007-09-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Reader:

I'm asking for your support of Mayor Willie. W. Herenton as he seeks re-election on October 4th. I am of the opinion that Mayor Herenton is the best candidate for Mayor. He has a tremendous record, and our City has made unprecedented growth and progress under his leadership.

The Mayor has been an advocate for giving young college graduates an opportunity to excel in the professional arena by actively recruiting them to City Government. Under his leadership, City Hall is more than ever both culturally and gender diverse. It was also Mayor Herenton that implemented the Summer Youth Program which gives thousands of teens jobs during the summer. (I was actually one of the teens hired back in 1992.) Finally, the Mayor in 1996, created the Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Program to bring small minority and women owned business to the table of City Contracts. Since its inception, over ONE-HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS has been dispersed to such businesses. These accomplishments were unheard of prior to the Mayor taking office.

My friends, these successes and others are in jeopardy of being brought to a halt if certain individuals have their way. There is a movement in this City that wants to halt the progress made in certain segments of our community and return City Governance back to the ways of old. EXCLUSION. Some have said that the Mayor has been in office too long. But if you look to the history of this City, there was no black Mayor from 1827 to 1992. They want to get rid of him after only sixteen years of steady progress, I think not.

I am not asserting that this Mayor has been perfect, by no means. However, I'd urge you to not get CAUGHT UP IN THE HYPE of voting for another candidate based on the Mayor's perceived personality. I'd ask you to look to his record, and to look at how far this City has come, and then cast your vote for Mayor Herenton. Lets continue to move forward, not take steps backwards. Your Friend, Spike Zee

Contenda

2007-09-26T22:56:00.000-04:00

Flipping through the stations after a very long day, I land on ESPN, just as the boxing show Contender is beginning, coincidentally just like I did last week. I'm a mid-level boxing fan (can be quite brutal) nonetheless I figured I check it out, especially since I kind of watched the last season. Anyway I found that I while watching the show, I really wasn't the show. For those who have never watched the show, the fighters are paired off into two teams and one member for each time square off, the winner remaining to fight another, the loser going home.

I found myself unable to watch the final fight. I kind of cringed each time it appeared one fighter was getting the upper hand on the other. Watching, I realized I wasn't pulling for either fighter. Every professional bout I have ever watched, I have always pulled for one. Here however, I couldn't pick one.

With professional fights, both the winner and the loser takes a check home. Regardless. Here, the loser not only takes his bumps and bruises in the ring, but he also loses on his big chance to fulfill his ambitions as a boxer. He loses, he loses it all. That chance for the big fight, for that big payday. The show focuses on the fighters backgrounds before the end of the show fight, shedding light on why they are fighting, who they are fighting for etc. A lot of those cats come from tough beginnings or have put in a lot of work just to make it to where they are in the fight game.

So, how do you choose who to root for when you realize that the loser, in fact, is the loser? There will be no second chance for the loser. This is that man's big chance. This is his moment. He either delivers or he goes back home, with nothing but what ifs. No check to heal the bruises or pain. If anything, he goes home with more pain than when he began the show. Given that reality, how can one root for or against either man? Darn reality shows.

Figured out who or what Blackwater is yet?

Lauryn Hill, though she has been acting a mighty strange of late is still a talented artist. Hence..... Yo, it was raining hard and I had the lights off.

Written Bites

2007-09-24T13:50:00.000-04:00

Someone was speaking the other day discussing the rise of colored folk. The point was made that since my generation did not go through the struggles of the generation our parents or grandparents endured, there is a disconnect between the us and the struggle. Most of us young folk who have tasted a little success individually have no time to speak out for others or engage the system when there is injustice. It was said that some of us don't even recognize the game when it's being played which explains why black folk stay divided. There is some truth to that. But I last weeks march in Jena probably surprised a few.

So folk are upset because Columbia invited Iranian President Ahmadinejad. Folk all pissed off and protesting. Iran is one of those axis of evil countries. Some say they are responsible for the death of American soldiers in Iraq. Some say they are about to get their nuke on soon so we have to hit em up. I dunno with what soldiers. Anyway, I don't understand the big deal. Whatever happened to free speech? Why not talk to our "so called enemy"? I see it as some attempting to control the message and messenger. I also see it as more fear mongering by the powers that be. Well let's listen to the boogieman, see what he is talking about. Some call him a monster, I'm not taking up for dude, but last I checked Iran hadn't invaded another country and brought bloodshed and death to many innocent people, so who is really the monster? If interested in hearing the speech, go to www.cpan.org

Do you know who or what Blackwater is? Well....do you?

How George Bush Became Saddam Hussein, http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20070920_100442_7900&source=srch&page=1

Darn you San Diego Chargers....ugghhh

Chatter

2007-09-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

I am one brotha that loves him some cheesecake. Got into a debate about who has the best cheesecake. The Cheesecake Factory or the local Cheesecake Corner off of Main St., in Downtown Memphis. (Free Plug) Of course I wanna support black businesses, but on this one, I've gotta go with the Cheesecake Factory. I don't think you can even compare his product to theirs. But I will admit, I utilize Cheesecake Corner to fulfill my Cheesecake needs till I am able to get to Nashville, Birmingham or Atl. I can't figure out how Nashville can get a Cheesecake Factory and Memphis doesn't. Even the Mayor Herenton has attempted to lure them to town, with no success. With Issac Hayes, no longer in the Peabody Place, there is a ton of space for a Cheesecake Factory. Anyway...

Speaking of Peabody Place, are there any businesses in that joint???

Speaking of Peabody Place, I noticed in Atlanta the City Council there is considering a pants ordinance that sets a fine for those who walk around with their pants sagging. Besides the fact that it tramples upon ones right to express themselves freely, I think it's a great idea. Don't you just hate it?

Ok,wanna see a hilarious movie? Yea, you do, we all need a little comedy in our lives. I recommend Idiocracy. It was a riot. Wait....did I say its was a riot? Damn...here is the clip though.

Speaking of comedy, how does O.J. even get a top news story when kids still dying in Iraq? It does seem kind of fishy though, dude got a tape recorder going during the whole thing. Yo, he was trying to reclaim some of his ish. And then that annoying Goldman family rolling up, trying to get the ish OJ was trying to get and his damn Rolex that he placed in the police custody. Damn they need to sit down somewhere. (Am I wrong?)

Jena Part II

2007-09-16T19:49:00.000-04:00

The young man facing who was to be sentenced Thursday in Jena, LA, has had his case overturned by the state Third Circuit Court of Appeal. That court held that Mychal Bell should not have been tried as an adult on battery charges. That's good news for his family. So there will be no sentencing hearing on Thursday. That does not mean there will not be a march. So if you planned on going, don't let this little news keep you home. There are still five other young men facing time. For more on this ruling, here ya go....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20779755

Revolution

2007-09-16T16:05:00.000-04:00

By now most of are hip to the case involving the young men in Jena. How their lives may ever be changed by a wack azz prosecutor named Reed Walters,(wanna call him...or write him...hint hint, J. Reed Walters P.O. Box 1940 Jena, LA 71342-1940 LaSalle Parish Office Phone: (318) 992-8282 Office Fax: (318) 992-4731) Anyway, many many people, both black and white plan to roll out to Jena, LA, to attend the sentencing hearing of Mychal Bell. He is facing 22 years in prison on some BS. The other youth involved are facing 100 years in prison. If you are in Memphis, and want to make the trip, here is some helpful info. Contact Kenya Bradshaw at 482-3518 or knicolebradshaw@gmail.com, organizer Harry Cash III at 604-1787 or harrytcash@yahoo.com, or Shauntay and Jay Prewitt at 592-5152 or justjourni9700@aol.com.

To view the rest of this film, get yo click on, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDufKvCUlSM, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2h0pIpn4SA, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxNsIy5xpFA, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGSVnZyz77Q

What Chuck D say.......Shut Em Down....

So your president announced that the surge is working blah blah blah and how he plans on bringing 30,000 soldiers home. Of course he leaves out all of the factual stuff like, they were coming home anyway, cause they have been deployed there too long. Anyhoo, this ad should bring some light to the whole sham.

Some nut continues to e-mail me about how I am so unpatriotic when it comes to supporting the occupation. I keep asking his azz to enlist. Truly, this occupation won't end until we start a DRAFT. but here is another reason why I am disgusted about Iraq. At least 700,000 or more killed in that country...the devastation we created. This is by Bob Herbert of the NY Times, http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/091507F.shtml

9/11

2007-09-10T18:25:00.000-04:00

I'm just saying, the dude that supposed to have jacked us, is still chillin in the cut, while our soldiers are in Iraq getting killed while occupying. Kind of like you jacking me, and then I pick some random cat as pay pack. Go figure

Dr. Cornell West and Mos Def on Bill Maher discussing terrorism and religion and Jena 6. Must see T.V.

I must admit that I have failed to discuss Jena 6 on this platform, though many of us have been discussing it amongst ourselves, if you are not familiar with that situation, then click here, http://www.colorofchange.org/jena/message.html

Sneak-A-Peek

2007-09-07T12:14:00.000-04:00

I was doing some reading and came across this, I mean what if it's accurate medical science? You know? So if you ever catch me you know unconsciously gazing in that area, not cause I being a perv, I'm just trying to avoid a stroke or heart attack.

On to other more serious matters, the Occupation, yes dammit the occupation. No, I am not going to rant, I am gonna let Mr. Olbermann fill in for me on this matter.

This is also a must see, pay attention to the Congressman's response to the statement. http://movies.crooksandliars.com/gingrey_questions_republican.wmv

Classic Weekend, means classic traffic and Beale Street stampedes. Fun, Fun, Fun, I do have to toss a stone at the City and Fred Jones for charging tailgaters $10.00's for each parking spot this year. Did they charge the tailgaters at the Ole Miss/Memphis game that much last week? No. That's jacked up.

Friday is my soul food day but I just don't get it. Why are negroes still eating shitlins. Why would you eat some ish that smell like ish before u have even eaten it. I damn near passed out when I opened the door to the establishment.

Smoocher?

2007-09-04T22:42:00.000-04:00

I was doing some thinking while doing my afternoon commute..(thinking and driving...living dangerously aint I) I am not sure how I got on the subject, but isn't amazing how we live day to day trying to either, please, be accepted, or get some type of approval from someone. Whether it is deciding what to wear or what no to wear because of what may be said or your choice of conversation to engage in with someone, or engaging in certain actions (professional ones...although..)because it may earn you favor in the eyes of someone who can make things happen. (That was a long sentence...) Anyway, I'm probably guilty of one of those things. Ok, let's just take that probably out of it, I've done it. I'm actually tired of doing it too. Professionally does it ever end? Probably not until I am in a position to call all of my own shots professionally. I mean what actions do you do each day, that you do cause you want to do and are of no consequence to others? Well besides work out or something like that. Seriously...Anyway...

Where was I going...

I wanted to chat on that School in New York that will be teaching Arabic. Some lame azzes have the nerve to be protesting over the curriculum. They argue the school may be a potential training ground for radicals. I gotta WTF this twice WTF? I will quote a classmate who summed it up well..."They may as well say if one learns arabic, one will start blowing up stuff." Very well put WZ. Here is the article, http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/20070904_ap_quietstartfornycarabicschool.html

I wish I had all of the answers sometimes.

BAR sho is starting to linger in my thoughts...Ambien time...

Me

2007-09-03T17:35:00.000-04:00

For those of you who be trying to figure out a brotha, maybe this will help. Doubt it though.

Katrina

2007-08-29T21:57:00.000-04:00

It's been two years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and parts of the Mississippi coast. To date, there has been a great deal of recovery and the tourist industry is back on track. Those residents who have returned are slowly trying to rebuild. Having recently been in New Orleans, there is so much more to be done. As a matter of fact, there are still some bodies that have yet to be buried. Sad aint it? And yes I go back to the Occupation. Billions wasted over there while folk here struggle to regain their lives. Then I look up today and see another 50 billion has been requested for the Occupation. WTF? I am glad I had an opportunity to give back to a resident in New Orleans. Wish I was in a position to do more.

This & That

2007-08-28T00:12:00.000-04:00

Glad all that Vick chatter is ova. Yea right

I figure I could start a lil ish. What ya'll think about this quote? "I have nothing against black women, but they’re raised differently. White women are raised to respect and serve their men. Black women are taught to question [their men]. Black women look at submission as being weak. White women look at submission as being a woman. And anyone who has a problem with this statement is ignorant. Just look at the divine order; it goes man, woman, child"

Naw, that's not a quote from me, came across it the other day. Marinated on it for a second? Whose quote is it? Some dude named Polow Da Don.

I really intended on talking about the Occupation, and I know some of ya'll get tired of me ranting on and on about the "war" but it is such a travesty on both sides. I came across Bill Moyers piece on PBS and he summed my thoughts up so well, touched on everything I wanted to hit on. Damn he is good. Do watch. No, I implore you to watch.

Oh, here is a good one too, http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/20692/1/RT-Robbins-Hayes-08-25-07.wmv/

Ok, after all that sober reality stuff. I have to end with a little comedy. Glad to see black kids aren't the only kids having problems communicating. Listen to the question and listen to her answer....

Fly By

2007-08-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

So I got my popcorn and soda and plopped onto the floor to watch my Top Chef to cheer my boy Tre on....I should have watched something else. I was sooooo unprepared to see the brother go down. I have to admit, I would not have ate that dessert he prepared, but you can't hold that against him. He has been strong all season and prepared some great dishes. Oh...well, time to find a new show. http://video.bravotv.com/player/?id=146221

Isn't this goofy, http://www.foxfunnies.com/

I was looking over my resume, damn I need to join some new organizations....hmmm...

I guess I can do some free pubbing for my frat, you know what...just give me a free ticket.

Vicked

2007-08-21T16:20:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to wrap my mind on the issue of Michael Vick's decision Monday to plead guilty to federal dogfighting charges. Let me first acknowledge that his alleged actions are in fact a violation of the law. Dog fighting is illegal, true. He should have never participated in any aspect of it, whether it was organizing, breeding dogs or just placing bets. It was straight stupid for him to be there period. But, yes, there is a but, but, should his career be put in jeopardy over all of this? Let me just say this, a Tennessee woman just spent what, sixty some odd days in a mental house for shooting her husband in the back while he was asleep, and yet, Vick faces jail time and losing millions because he chose to participate in some illegal dog activities. Something aint too right about that picture.

Now lets just be real for a moment. I know cats in Memphis that have/were/are involved in Dog fighting. It's somewhat of a hood ultimate fighting type thing. The same cats that like that violent ultimate fighting crap that comes on TV, are some of the same cats that will bet money on dogs fighting to the death. Personally, its all sickening to me. But back to Vick, this cat grew up grew up living in a public housing project in Newport, Virginia. I'd probably imagine that he grew up watching dope boys fight dogs, and in the back of his mind he probably imagined one day when he was paid like them, he was gonna do dog fights too. Those were his surroundings back then, that's what he grew up seeing. It's funny because, people literally expect that once these brothas get their hands on some money, they instantly expect them men to somehow perhaps through osmosis inherit class and culture. Let me say that again, some people really expect a person born and raised in the heart of the hood to somehow instantaneously become outstanding citizens the moment that check hits the bank. Shit aint happening, they simply become hood cats with clean money. That said....

Let's be real too, most black folk treat their dogs like white folks treated their slaves back in the day, while whites treat their dogs like humans. Seriously, how many of ya'll remember back in the day, your relative that had a dog that stayed in the back yard, probably named "King", sleeping under the porch, getting leftovers, and rarely if if ever taking a trip to the vet. Shoot, if the dog got sick, what yo folk do?....take the dog for that one time, one way trip in the family car. But you go over your white friends house and their dog is running wild in the house, with a tight dog house in the back yard, dining on that good healthy dog food with vitamin supplements, looking well groomed, waiting to take that daily chained walk with its master.

So, you have to at least acknowledge there is a difference in the perception of Vick's actions. Some folk think, though illegal, it's no big deal, and to others, it's almost as worse as murder. Should he be punished for his actions? Sure I guess, it was illegal. Should he be facing jail time in the pen, and face losing 15 to 20 million in signing bonus money? Hmmm...I dare give an answer to that one.....

Ranting Like a Rockstar

2007-08-18T22:42:00.000-04:00

Are schitlins the black man's caviar? Think about it...

So I'm registering folk to vote for the upcoming local elections. I never fully realized just how many black folk are unable to vote due to their being convicted of a felony. In under two hours while in Blackhaven I met about 30 brothas who are currently ineligible to vote. I do believe the state has a policy in place to restore one's right to vote, but I don't know whether many are aware or even care to get the right back.

The Memphis School Board voted to shut down Yo Memphis Academy, a local charter school. I couldn't disagree more with the board's decision. I think Dr. Milam has done a good job with the program. It's my understanding that the kids could pass the Algebra portion of the TCAP the past two years. I dunno...seeing how far some of those kids have come, would be reason enough for me to press for continued progress, instead they shut them down. To my friends on the board, you blew this one, can't wait to see you at the waterhole.

I've been catching a little flack for the lack of substance in my past few posts. Can I not give my brain a break from all the serious stuff and just have a little fun?

Speaking of, sitting here watching VH-1 Soul, where is Adina Howard....I bought that CD just for the cover alone.

So then, I'm watching my new show Top Chef, rooting on my brother Tre. The episode challenge was to come up with a dish for the late night partier. So I was immediately thinking something involving grits. No sooner than the thought come to mind, the brotha Tre says, "I'm gonna do cheddar grits with bacon wrapped scrimps." And with that creation, he actually won the challenge for the week. The show is actually helping a brotha with his culinary (my new word) skills.

Ok, I know I am tripping, but in Star Wars III, why in the hell did Samuel Jackson go confront the Chancellor with the weakest damn Jedi's. What were they Jedi interns or something? Got his azz kilt fooling around.

Ok ok....I admit I'm a lil uh... sleepy, I wanna end with this....the democrats punked out two weeks ago when they authorized this administration to spy on us, and when the gubment admitted that spy satellites will now be used against U.S. citizens, and after Padilla, a former Taco Bell employee, known also as the durty bomb terrorist who was held for two years without given his rights under the constitution, and who while held was tortured, and who confessed to every crime that has gone unsolved and who went to trial not for the durty bomb but on some other bs charges and who was recently found guilty, well why don't you read about it, there are some very interesting legal questions...I mean it could be you detained on some bs...

Read the article...http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0815/p08s02-comv.html and http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0815/p01s08-usju.html

I Stand Corrected

2007-08-15T18:04:00.000-04:00

It was brought to my attention that I left a classic comedy out of my top three. Coming to America, how could I even forget?

So I was in court this morning and I started nodding off...

Hot Damn

2007-08-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

Yo it's hotter than a (you finish the sentence). There is a Jherri Curl/Wave Nuveau heat advisory today too, so be careful. Damn, I think I forgot to put some deoderant on today too.

Da Movies

2007-08-10T16:59:00.000-04:00

I was looking at some old black movie last night. Movies back then were so damn stereotypical as it related to black folk. You know, pimps, hoes and thugs. Not to say all were like that, there were a few positive junts. So with that, I unveil my top three black movies for drama, action comedy and romance.

Drama Number 3 Glory

Number 2 Eve's Bayou

Number 1 John Q

Honorable Mention for best drama would be Boyz in Da Hood, Menace II Society, Do The Right Thing and Bamboozled (not too sure how to classify that movie).

Best Action Movies

Number 3 Enemy of the State

Number 2 Bad Boys

Number 1 Training Day

Comedy

Number 3 A Piece of the Action

Number 2 Friday

Number 1 I'm Gonna Git You Sucka

I had to add anutha clip..

Romance

Number 3 Love and Basketball

Number 2 Love Jones

Number 1 The Best Man

Edjuma-Who

2007-08-05T16:39:00.000-04:00

Damn...who's that peeking in my window?

The new law Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is referring to would expand the government's authority to intercept without a court order the phone calls and e-mails of people in the United States who are communicating with people overseas. Gregory Nojeim, senior counsel at the Center for Democracy and Technology, predicted that the bill's approval would lead to the monitoring of ordinary Americans by the National Security Agency, which conducts most of the government's electronic surveillance. "If this bill becomes law, Americans who communicate with a person abroad can count on one thing: The NSA may be listening," he said. Your right to privacy and your civil liberties? Negro please...we must do this or those terrorist folk want to come here and kill you. For more analysis, I turn to Keith,

If you still don't get it, here is a more detailed assessment of the surveilance issue. http://consortiumnews.com/2007/080207.html

Rumor has it that the State of TN will likely be taking over several local schools for its students lack of academic achievement. Those schools are Airways Middle, Carver High, Cypress Middle, East High, Fairley High, Frayser High, Geeter Middle, Hamilton High, Kingsbury High, Sherwood Middle, Southside High, Treadwell Elementary, Treadwell High, Vance Middle, Westside Middle, Westwood High, and Winchester Elementary. Wait, wait, damn, those are all predominately black schools. Boy am I in shock. I mean, how can this possibly be? Whose fault can this possibly be? School board? Maybe the teachers? Could be the students themselves? Hmmm...the Parents? Naw, couldn't be, gotta be those undevoted (is that a word?) teachers.

I think there are a lot of hard working teachers in the Memphis City Schools. They are very dedicated, and very motivated, and who really put their heart into trying to drop knowledge on their students. But they can't do it alone. Often all their hard work is for naught because their absolutely no academic reinforcement from the parents. It's downright pathetic. How can you expect a child to truly learn when in most cases their own parents don't value education. But value and encourage ish like this.

Get Money

2007-08-02T19:30:00.000-04:00

So I'm sitting here counting my dividends when I see that the Army is offering new enlistees $20,000 dollars cash if they sign on for two years, $25,000 for three years and a maximum of $40,000 if they enlist for four to six years. Damn that is the lick. I'm straight hyped on that. I can show use that cash. Well actually......my family could show use it for my funeral expenses when I return from Iraq in a body bag.

I wonder since enlistment is down, and those who are already enlisted are on their third and fourth tours with little or no down time, why isn't there any talk of bringing back the draft. Or as I have suggested before, why aren't those Young Republicans that love to call folk like me unpatriotic (they wanted me for their army or whatever, picture me giving a damn I said never...Here is a land that never gave a damn About a brother like me....They could not understand that I'm a Black man And I could never be a veteran...Chuck D) breaking records enlisting. Now don't take that the wrong way, a many black folk have for a long time enlisted, obtained a skill and in some cases a lifelong career. But right now, in these days, with the current occupation, the odds of you obtaining that career or getting maimed or killed in Iraq looking 50/50. I aint no gambling man, so...damn them 20 g's.

Damn, you telling me I've been getting pimped with the bottled water thing. Thinking I'm sipping on some pristine source of water, the whole time I'm sucking down tap water. I could have just filled a bottle up from the faucet or a regular water fountain. I'm glad to see brotha Wilkins has filed a class action suit against the bottle water makers. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-morrison2aug02,0,1198210.column?coll=la-opinion-columnists

Though the media has been somewhat silent about the matter, there is an arsonist at large in Memphis. This particular arsonist is targeting abandoned homes, in particular abandoned homes which are actually used as crack houses. Over a hundred houses have been torched. I guess, I'm trying to figure out whether dude needs to be arrested or should his actions be looked upon as something like community service? I'm not too sure, so long as no one is injured either in the fire or putting it out, an argument might be made that dude is ridding the community of urban blight. I dunno?

The media can report what they want about polls and the Mayor's race. I recognize that Dr. Herenton has pissed some folk off, but at the end of the day, I think people recognize he's done a good job with this city. All of his moves may not have been the right move, but no one gets it right all the time. I'm not an apologist on his behalf, but personally, I think he has been good for the City. Nonetheless, it will be an interesting race no doubt though.

This goes out to all the little knuckle heads, standing on the corners, looking for or starting up trouble. Oh...viewer discretion is advised.

Post Game

2007-07-30T01:08:00.000-04:00

That's done...it's over...I had to swing a second episode...I don't plan making another appearance in that forum.

Many have asked how do you feel? That's a hard question to answer per se, don't wanna be over-confident ya know, but I felt better walking out of this BAR exam than I did the first one. So....you know, it's in God's hands now. I did what I did. So ready to move forward, been in neutral a little too long for my liking.

Thanks to everyone that offered encouragement, gave mental support(the folk that answered their phones at 3 a.m.), or dropped off some Tupperware and foil over the past few weeks. It means more than you know...trust. Thank you!

In other news.....

Not to long ago I was listening to a lecture about What Makes a Man. I was nodding my head in general agreement as the speakers addressed the issues surrounding being a man. That is until one of the speakers said "there is no reason for a grown man to come home and play video games." I was like hell naw, why this cat gotta be throwin stones? What made it worse, were the many women in the audience that gave this nutjob a standing ovation. Of course my instincts told me to stand up and boo and tell them chicks to get in their places and have a damn seat. However, given my surroundings, I chose to stay in my seat and protest silently.

Women just don't understand the power of the PS2/XBOX. They don't. And does the fact that we can spend endless hours on the system (without moving) make us any less of a man? I think not. Heck, video games is what we did growing up. Old cats don't play video games cause they didn't grow up with them. So these old cats can't pass judgment judgment, I don't talk about them and their Stacy Adams. You know those shoes old dudes put on with their suits when they swear they are clean. I mean I accept them, so why ya'll gotta hate? Does it make us any less of a man because we choose to spend endless hours glued to the T.V.?

As I glance towards the sistas. Ya'll really be on that haterade when it come to video games. Hiding the joysticks, see, even the name tells you something, "JoyStick" come on. Where was I? Oh yes, hiding the games, holding them as hostage to annoy us. That aint even kool. Now I will admit, sometimes we can kind of overdo it. I have a best friend whose marriage fell apart cause of the Playstation. Heck, I guess I was an accomplice to it all and didn't even know. I would get to his house about 4 p.m., and he'd have the Madden ready to roll. Wife comes home bout 5 p.m., to a sink full of dishes, garbage falling out of the can, and kids walking round the house talking bout being hungry. And where are we? In the living room on the Playstation in our own little world. We would often remain their, glued to the T.V. late into the night as if neither of us had other responsibilities. This went on for weeks. A few times I sensed his wife with a little attitude, and I do think I tried to hint to him, maybe he should you know, do some chores or whatever it is married dudes do when the wifey gets attitudinal. But it didn't register, to either of us. That is until the night, while my boy was taking a bathroom break, his wife walked in the living room, and gave me one of those ugly looks, you know, that look that only sistas can give that makes the hair on your neck stand up. At that exact moment, I knew he was in for it, and that I might need to find me a new Playstation buddy.

But, you know ya'll I look at it like a glass half full rather than a glass half empty. Some of ya'll be complaining about your significant other never being at home, but at least if you buy him a PS/2, and some good games, you know where he will be. You won't have to worry bout him clubbin, and being out late at night. He is right there in the living room. You ladies should embrace the PS/2, look upon it as a good friend. Though its true that when we hold that joystick, we kind of forget that you exist, we often act like we don't hear you when you call our name or didn't hear the phone ring when you called or even notice you when you walk in front of the tv every two minutes. So what, look at the big picture, you know where we are and who we wit....You know...think about it.

This song been in the back of my mind for some reason. Hmmm.

Be back...

Charge...

2007-07-17T19:27:00.000-04:00

So I've gone deep cover for the last two weeks before my exam. Decided to come out for a little air. I find myself fairly calm. No particular reason why. Could be the extra prayers, could be the fact that I walked the path already and know what to expect. That doesn't give me a reason not to continue to prepare as if it was the first time. It's kind of funny how some of my U-T law buddies are calling asking for tidbits of advice as if I am like the God-Father of the BAR or something. I mean dude, I only took it once, (and don't plan on taking it again.)

When others found out I missed passing the exam by an essay, most of the attorneys were quick to admit that they too had to take it two, three, and in once person's case six times. In fact, one of my judges was like, Spike, no need to stress, I took the darn thing twice too, so don't feel bad. Yea...ok...

You know, it wasn't even a matter of feeling bad, well actually, I am not quite sure what the exact emotional feeling is. One could take it as a failure, as disappointment, as embarrassment or an array of other not so feel good emotions. I will admit it was tough going home and looking the fam in the eye in discussing the exam or when close friends inquired about the BAR, having to acknowledge aloud not passing my first time. They were like you dumb azz....syke...(my friends may be cruel, but not that cruel.) You know I was suprised to receive a warm e-mail from a friend I had a falling out with who sent kind words of encouragement when they found out.....thanks if I did not say so back then.

Some could get all spiritual about it and be like it was not in the lord's plan at that time.

Some could get all militant and be like that damn exam be discriminating against minorities. They (whoever that may be?), know who they want to pass. Yea someone actually said that ish. I may be militant at times, but I aint that stupid. There are too many colored attorneys in this city to even try and advance that argument.

Some could be just like funk it, it wasn't meant to be, and move on with life, never looking at another exam.

But some could, still be feeling that fire burning deep in their soul, to make a difference. Sometimes that alone, is motivation enough for one to lift their head up and move on, forgetting past failures. It's not easy isolating oneself from the day to day grind, to sit in a room wit nothing but books and a pack of skittles and Full Throttle for days on end. But you gotta do what you gotta do. I no doubt am prayerful that I benefit from this preparation. What, this too shall pass right? Well I pray that in passing, I pass.

Don't plan on blogging for a minute after this. So, if you are sitting for the BAR, much love to ya, you know how to get at me. If you aint, and u gotta a prayer for me and the crew, you know where and how to send it, if you got some skittles or a Full Throttle, and wanna donate to the cause, yea get at me! Till then Peace!

Nawlins

2007-07-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

One can't forget about the victims and the devastation that still exists in New Orleans. I took a slow tour of the Ninth Ward which was all but wiped out by Katrina. It's absolutely disheartening to see the destruction. It was like a ghost town, with very few residents who returned to repair their property. Most of the remaining homes are simply to damaged to repair and most of the lots now sit empty with overgrowth.

I find it interesting that the government has failed to disperse the funds that were pledged immediately after Katrina to help the victims. "Allies offered $854 million in cash and in oil that was to be sold for cash. But only $40 million has been used so far for disaster victims or reconstruction, according to U.S. officials and contractors. Most of the aid went uncollected, including $400 million worth of oil. Some offers were withdrawn or redirected to private groups such as the Red Cross. The rest has been delayed by red tape and bureaucratic limits on how it can be spent." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/28/AR2007042801113.html

Here is another good read on the rebuilding of New Orleans. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1564358/20070709/id_0.jhtml

P.E.

2007-07-10T17:59:00.000-04:00

Me rocking my Omni-Peace shirt wit Chuck D of Public Enemy

I was on summer break just arriving in Riverside, CA, to visit my best friend Zee and his family for a week or two. I had just gotten off of the bus, when Zee scooped me up with some loud rap music booming from his speakers. It went a little something like this...

Back-caught you lookin' for the same thing It's a new thing-check out this I bring Uh-oh the roll below the level 'Cause I'm livin' low Next to the bass (c'mon) Turn up the radio They claim that I'm a criminal By now I wonder how Some people never know The enemy could be their friend, guardian I'm not a hooligan I rock the party and Clear all the madness, I'm not a racist Preach to teach to all 'Cause some they never had this Number one, not born to run About the gun I wasn't licensed to have one The minute they see me, fear me I'm the epitome-a public enemy Used, abused, without clues I refused to blow a fuse They even had it on the news Don't believe the hype

I think I made Zee replay that track four or five times before we let the rest of the cd play. There was a message in the music, and I was listening. There was a certain level of consciousness all mixed in between the tight beats and scratches. From that moment I was a P.E. fan, awaiting each new cd they dropped along with whatever new message they. The music video I play on this blog, Shut Em Down is by P.E. if you hadn't noticed.

I like Nike but wait a minute The neighborhood supports em so put some Money in it Corporations owe Dey gotta give up the dough To da town or else We gotta shut 'em down

To me Public Enemy symbolizes the good of hip hop, or should I say was the good of hip hop. There are some today with such messages, but you have to look high and low to find them, cause they are certainly not getting the air play or the attention that they probably deserve. Even though P.E. never really got much play on the radio, they found ways to get their message out to the youth. Everything today is either bling or booty, so predictable, so boring.

So I got the chance to check out P.E. in full effect with all of its members, minus Terminator X, this past weekend. Chuck, Flav, Professor Grif and the S1-W's all rocked the spot. It was one heck of a performance, talk about an ol school party, much love to PK for making it happen.

Pubbin

2007-07-04T23:56:00.000-04:00

I saw this logo and had to have one. And no....not in a damn tank top.

So after doing a little research I found the creator of the logo. OmniPeace. OmniPeace branded products unite people throughout the world in an effort to end extreme poverty in Africa by 2025. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of these products are donated to Millennium Promise. MILLENNIUM PROMISE is a non-profit organization founded by economist and global anti-poverty crusader, Dr. Jeffrey Sachs. Their goal is to end extreme poverty by 2025. Their mission is to work village by village in Africa, to empower the poor with the skills and tools they need to pull themselves out of poverty and become self sustainable after 5 years. A worthy goal I believe. And yes, I found me a shirt. For more info, visit, http://www.omni-peace.com/

Da Fourth

2007-07-04T23:28:00.000-04:00

And they say justice is blind. But if your homeboy is the president, and your homeboy feels your sentence is too harsh, he can commute your sentence. Even if your sentence just happens to fall within the federal sentencing guidelines. Must be nice to have friends that can feel your sentence is to harsh and get you out of going to jail. There are a lot of jiggas behind bars longing for a friend like that.

Mr. Olbermann breaks it down.

And to think we impeached Bill for lying about getting a little dome...Last I checked, no one got killed over that lie.

Supreme Madness

2007-07-02T16:08:00.000-04:00

"You’ve got to be kidding me…. It is not often in the law that so few have so quickly changed so much." Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer referring to conservative Justices Roberts and Alito pulling the Supreme Court to the right for many recent decisions.

"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." Chief Justice John Roberts Chief Justice Roberts in his opinion in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, No. 05-908.

I haven't quite formulated a response to Justice Roberts statement, but at first glance it seems like an honest to goodness statement doesn't it. But, I think it is the kind of response that is often made when it appears that whites have somehow been victimized by their own race? Wait, is that an oxymoron? No, that statement does not make me racist either. I simply to not quickly accept the notion that some whites are the victims of discrimination. You can challenge me on that if you'd like, would make for an interesting discussion. I haven't quite rapped my finger on that case, where a white parent sued because she had to send their child across town instead of the school in their neighborhood, the School Boards position was that it was simply promoting racial integration in its schools by. The court essentially held that race cannot be a factor" in K-12 decisions. It's a deep case.

You be the judge, how would you have ruled? What were your educational experiences like? Were you the only black in a class full of whites, or the only white in a class of full of blacks? Was your education enhanced by being around people different from yourself? I suspect neither of the five justices who reached this decision was either of the above, oh...well uh besides Clarence, but that my friend is a whole nother post. Or is this court openly pissing on Brown vs. The Board of Education? Two articles with differing opinions, do enjoy. Supporting the decision, http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=28994 and against the ruling, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/opinion/29fri1.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

If you have the time, here is the actual opinion, http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-908.pdf

Too busy, then watch the video analysis of the opinion. You will get a great overview of the case and the impact it had on whites.Must see, http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/18836/1/CNN-Toobin-SupremeCourt-Education-06-28-07.wmv

It one term, the Court has managed to severely curb local efforts to promote racial diversity in schools, upheld a right-wing ban on a necessary medical procedure for women, curbed students’ free speech rights, crippled Congress’ ability to keep corporate money out of political advertising, prevented taxpayers from challenging the constitutionality of Bush’s faith-based initiatives, made it almost impossible for women to prevail on claims of long term sex discrimination and their azzes aint dying no soon so they’re just getting started. I blame the weak Democrats that confirmed the latest two nuts. That's a whole nutha story though. For more of an in depth analysis of the madness they have created, here ya go, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/washington/01scotus.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

I've been getting a bunch of e-mail on my prior post about black men being weak. Looks like sista's think we are weak on a host of issues.

I was looking at the photo of the Justices and noticed Clarence. Ice Cube then pooped into my mind. So I end with one of his quotes, yes, I've stooped to quoting Cube. "Stop selling out your race - And wipe that stupid-ass smile off your face - Jiggas always gotta show they teeth - Now I'm a be brief - Be true to the game."

The Cross-Over

2007-06-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

Barack Obama gave a speech over the weekend that got a little press. In that speech he made a statement that I could not agree with more. "Somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and faith started being used to drive us apart. Faith got hijacked, partly because of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, all too eager to exploit what divides us. At every opportunity, they've told evangelical Christians that Democrats disrespect their values and dislike their church, while suggesting to the rest of the country that religious Americans care only about issues like abortion and gay marriage, school prayer and intelligent design. There was even a time when the Christian Coalition determined that its number one legislative priority was tax cuts for the rich. I don't know what Bible they're reading, but it doesn't jibe with my version."

That's a heck of a statement. Taking the politics of Democrat and Republican out of the equation and the statement is still on point. However, when those so-call leaders speak to their flock, you began to see how some people vote against their own true interests. I'm talking about poor whites who vote Republican, barely educated enough to hold a decent job, but so-called knowledgeable on social issues. Here is Faux excuse me Fox and the skinny wench Ann Coulter commenting on Barack's statement, http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/18782/1/H&C-Coulter-Obama.wmv/

So I was discussing a recent criminal case with an African American attorney with almost 20 years of trial experience. He had just gotten out of a trial where, he was able to wiggle his client out of only one of the three charges he faced. This attorney shared with me the fact that in his years of practice, he had yet to have a jury where a black male jurist held out and forced a hung jury. We got on the subject because one of the jurors in his trial was a young brotha with dookie braids similar to that of the defendant. (What an observation...)

In our discussion the attorney stated that black men are weak in situations where they have to stand up and express their convictions. (For a moment I thought he was referring to some of us at the law school...oops...I didn't say that) He then went on to dissect juries he's had in the past. He indicated that black women will hold firm on their convictions and will often take a position and hold it not budging at all, or they will challenge the other jurors to convince them other wise. He indicated that white men, have a whole nother attitude bout things, and will not budge period. He seemed to indicate that educated white women in his opinion tend to hold firm on an issue as well. But black men, will cave in in a heartbeat. I tried to challenge the brotha on his views by arguing that, maybe we (black dudes) don't want to live up to the expected stereotype, that being confrontational among other things, and therefore are more willing to compromise more so. He wasn't hearing none of that and I was not necessarily disagreeing with him either. His position simply was that black men serving on juries are weak. In most cases when he is deciding between a black male or a black woman, he is booting the brotha off the jury cause if you are counting on one of the two to find in your favor based on convictions alone (we aint talking bout proof and evidence), you can forget it, a black male can't do it. Interesting, are we that weak?

I do know that we black men sometimes feel a great deal of pressure in trying to to blend in around others and not be that hostile brotha that we are so often portrayed to be. I don't know if that is right or wrong. We all know folk who when they get around other folk, don't act themselves. Hell....I am sure I am guilty of (ok...ok...fine..I've done it too.) Whether it's directly changing ones normal demeanor, or reducing the bass in our voice when talking. Are we not keeping it real when we do this? I dunno? I do know that black women are more easily accepted socially and professionally than brothas. Yes, I said it, and you know its true. And often times, ya'll can be your normal you just cause, just cause they like you anyway. Ya'll know who they is, I need not go there. Next time you are out, and see a group of folk with one brotha in the group or one sista in the group check'em out. I'm not making this up. Anyway, I've forgotten my point. Either way I don't think the momentary cross-overs is wrong. Soo...

The War on Drugs is just about as much bullshit as the War on Terror is. I say that for various reasons, most of which I dont feel like discussing, but how is it that the country we bombed into submission and brought democracy to is producing poppy (poppy+other ish = HEROIN) at an all time high. "In 2006, Afghanistan accounted for 92 percent of global illicit opium production." Got Dayuum!!! Seems to me, since we kind of control that country, last I checked, we still got troops there, you know War on Terror, we could like drop a few bombs on the poppy fields, but that's too much like right aint it. In fact, "The area under opium poppy cultivation in the country has also expanded, from nearly 257,000 acres in 2005 to more than 407,000 acres in 2006 — an increase of about 59 percent." WTF? But seriously though, our country installed the government there and we can't stop poppy production. That's some bull ish. War on Drugs my azz. Just read the first sentence in the article, "Afghanistan produced dramatically more opium in 2006, increasing its yield by nearly 50 percent from a year earlier and pushing global opium production to a new record high, a U.N. report said Tuesday." And we have been there since when??? I guess that's why I love my country so... You read the article, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070625/ap_on_re_eu/un_drug_report;_ylt=AvcgQQ5rkYMSPi2bO0akUVPMWM0F

Chatter

2007-06-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

It's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under...

I need to find me a little island to lay low on. Distractions seem to be coming from everywhere. Some of which I must say, I create on my own.

I hear the program that helped get me in law school is on its last leg. It's an awful shame. Got WB's holding down seats that could easily go to a deserving minority. It's now supposed to be based on one's financial background. You know that fine and dandy, but the program contributed a large majority of the school's minority students. I'd like to see how this incoming class looks. I could be wrong.

I didn't know white folks did the "Electric Slide" until this weekend. What a sight.

What do you do when a DJ plays a song laced with the N-bomb in a place that's 95 percent non-black. Hmm......act like you don't hear it?

On a more serious note...

The criminal justice system never ceases to amaze me. I was in court the other day when I finally concluded that the system is a tool, no...., black folk, no....black men have empowered the system to become a major income earning platform for those who are smart enough to get in the game. I say that because on any given morning, each courtroom has up to 20-25 brothas in court for various reasons, whether it be a parole violation hearing, arraignment, bond hearing, whatever the case may be their azzes are lined up in court like a freaking plantation. In with one out with the other. Everybody is making money on their azzes, from the high to the low powered attorneys, from the bail bondsmen to the sheriff's deputies, to the off-duty officers that have to appear in court. Bump that CRIME does pay, and it pays a whole lot of folk. We black folk sho know how to create economic opportunities. And don't get me wrong, black attorneys get their share of the pie. But that is not the point. These brothas fall into the trap, some fall willingly, and others just get caught up. Some walk in court all proud with their pants falling off their azzes, talking bout doing their time like a man, while their lawyer who can barely remember (or pronounce) the clients name does the bare minimum in representing him, all the while making sure he was paid cash before walking in court. It's all kind of sickening. It's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under...

I thought this was an interesting article on internet speed...http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-speed26jun26,0,1941886.story

Cross hold it down in Amsterdam, get at me when u get back. Be safe.

Repost

2007-06-19T20:40:00.000-04:00

It was a year ago, that I made my voyage across the Atlantic. Gosh, I can't wait to return. Here is my first post from London.

My Cell

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.

Flippin Along

2007-06-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

So I'm doing my normal flipping of the stations while I attempt to jump start my brain for studying when I get to the black VH-1 station, (the one with the oak tree with the afro emblem.) Anyway, it was showing "The Life of Lisa "Lefteye" Lopes", the young lady from the group TLC. She had gone to Honduras and was documenting what turned out to be her last thirty days on earth. Cameras were rolling in the vehicle she was driving when she lost her life. I guess what kept me tuned was how Lisa was simply trying to find herself. She found fame, a lil fortune but it did not fulfill her soul, and how she was simply trying to feed her soul something meaningful up to the time of her death.

While I am on music, R. Kelly......he is so out of control, will he be the Marvin Gaye of R and B? Hmmm, marinate on that.

I see some of the local preachers have decided to wise up and take on the issue of crime in the community. Not that they have been reading any of my past posts but it is about time they address this issue. New Direction got a little press last week as they rolled through Hickory Hood, cleaning up and painting over graffiti . Now a new group has stepped up to the plate as they plan to revitalize neighborhood watch campaigns and aggressively target gang-related graffiti. Now aint that what I been asking yall to do? You know, maybe they have been reading. http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_5583117,00.html Let's stay on top of this and see how it goes.

My legal hero of the month, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton. He's got balls of titanium. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070614/ap_on_go_pr_wh/cia_leak_trial_27

I don't feel like talking bout the occupation but here is a pretty good article, just makes u shake your head in disgust. Two quotes from the article, "The Army and Marines scrape and scratch and scheme and pay big bucks and beguile high school dropouts, even those with criminal records, in their efforts to recruit enough young men and women to replace the casualties and those who are leaving the service" "The administration doesn't want you to worry about any of this. It's summertime, shopping time, surf's up. Head for the beach and bury your heads in the sand." To read the article in its entirety, http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17364140.htm

I'll let John Stewart end this one, http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/18385/1/TDS-Iraq-ArmingSunnis.wmv/

LOC Cooked?

2007-06-10T19:43:00.000-04:00

That darn Wendy T over at the Commercial Appeal know she can work some nerves. Her latest contribution "Is it time to let LeMoyne go away?" raises questions as to how smart is the current three million dollar pledge to the school by the City of Memphis. She threw a jab at supporters of the school like myself with, "For some people, contemplating whether the city's only historically black college should be allowed to die is just as blasphemous as a rival questioning your mother's fidelity to your father." Here is her full piece, http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local_columnists/article/0,2845,MCA_25341_5579005,00.html

Her piece also indirectly brings into question whether HBCU's are still relevant in the big education picture. Of course I am going to say that they are. But, I can't deny that to a great extent, HBCU's are no longer the institutions that they once were. Let me rephrase that, some HBCU's are no longer serving or having the same impact in their communities that they once had. I think that is partly due to the fact that HBCU'S are no longer as appealing to most students. Schools like Morehouse, Spelman, Grambling, Southern, TSU....(Houston and Nashville) they will always have a base of students. It's the smaller HBCU's that are struggling to attract quality students. That quality student statement is somewhat misguiding because a lot of kids that attend those institutions may have never attended college if not for the opportunity provided by that school.

So that leaves schools like LOC in a pickle. Not having the strongest financial alumni base like other schools, its forced has to find ways to generate other sources of revenue, and that does not include raising tuition.

True the school has a jacked up record as it pertains to how its handled its finances. But I see no reason not to bail the school out if and that is if, it has the right people in place to rebuild. Further, I wish the board of trustees would just QUIT, and allow some new blood to breathe life into that school.

So I guess I can't trash her article, as bad as I'd like to. She raises some very valid points, to which many LOC supporters may not have the answers to. I hear the county may be on board in droppin off some additional cheddah. That's some additional needed funding that may help the school guide its way to better days. Here is a recent article about a similar HBCU facing similar issues. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/20/Opinion/A_dream_lay_dying.shtml/

So I'm getting on my plane, chillin, saying my pre-flight prayer when damn, who do I see already seated? Darth Kritchevsky and her young apprentice, Darth Romantz....thank god for them, I didn't have to sit next to them for the entire flight. That was gonna be a good conversation.

Speaking of the law school, I was gettin my car serviced and while waiting, I see one of my second year law professors who is no longer at the school. After exchanging pleasantries and catching up, our conversation turned to the law school, its faculty and administration. I'm marinating on how much I wanna post, cause it was eye opening. Until I do post it, it can only be said that changing buildings aint gonna do ish if the same faces follow, particularly administrative faces. Dig that.

I do wanna send some love to some of my former classmates who are preparing to head to S. Africa as a part of a study abroad program. Yo, ya'll mos certainly represent, and be safe. I bet that will be an experience.

Just a little thought. He is due to drop sumthin soon too.

Re-Charged?

2007-06-06T18:12:00.001-04:00

Coming home always allows me an opportunity to get my head back on straight. Being around family always seems to bring that big picture back in sight, clearly.

My Cali friends are always asking why am I living in Memphis? They wanna know what is it about Memphis. Hell....I dunno, specially the way negroes clowning already.

I guess at the end of the day it's about opportunity. I have seen more opportunity in Memphis than I have ever seen in Cali. From educational opportunities to professional opportunities, so from that standpoint, Memphis has been good to me.

I've never had more access to professionals, black for that matter, than in Memphis. Why is that such a big deal? These people have at some point in their lives traveled the same path I find myself on. Bottom line, find a mentor, or a few mentors.

So........

We are 18 months away from the Presidential elections, 18 months, and we are well into the debates, who's leading the polls, all that bs, 18 months out. It just seems so premature to me. Are the powers that be that anxious to get the current losers out of office? I mean who really cares at this point? The world and the politics of the day are sure to change within these 18 months. Why should I be watching this crap?

So I am watching the debates, and I noticed. Why do they ask the Dems about issues like Iraq, universal healthcare, energy, but then they ask the Repubs, bout gays in the military, evolution, how to use Bush, wtf?

My thoughts on the republican debates.......hmmm......uhh.....ten white dudes in black suits....Absolutely no representation from anybody else.

On to some news, considering how now I have to pay for my own gas....check out how the gas prices are affecting food prices. Folk gotta choose between putting some gas in the tank and adequately feeding their fams. Read if for yourself, http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/415495,CST-NWS-food06.article#national

Two recent rulings by military judges on two individuals being held in Guantanamo is a sign that many others may be release at some near time in the future. These guys have been held in legal limbo for some time, including one kid since the age of fifteen. You may click, http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-guantanamo-tribunals.html?_r=1&oref=slogin or you can click, http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2095488,00.html

For more analysis on the ruling and Habeas Corpus, Professor Jonathan Turley of George Washington Law,

I guess that's all for now.

A Lil News

2007-06-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

I've noticed the annual Memphis summer killing spree has gotten off to an early start. Wondering when the residents within the black community will begin to take back their communities? I guess most folk wondering where to start. I like what those residents in a Raleigh apartment complex did to a suspected burglar. They whupped his azz.

Memphis is not the only city dealing with violent crimes. "The number of violent crimes in the United States rose for a second straight year in 2006, marking the first sustained increase in homicides, robberies and other serious offenses since the early 1990s, according to an FBI report to be released Monday." To read more, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/01/AR2007060102360.html?hpid=topnews

Check your toothpaste, if it was made in China...dump it. The toothpaste has been found to contain a poison used in some antifreeze. Get this, the FDA warns the toothpaste "has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to children and people with kidney or liver disease." WTF? Talking bout finding a reason not to brush. Here are the brands...Cooldent Fluoride, Cooldent Spearmint, Cooldent ICE, Dr. Cool, Superdent, Clean Rite, Oralmax Extreme, Oral Bright, Bright Max, and ShiR Fresh Mint. Read the article...http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/02/us/02toothpaste.html?hp

It was just a month or so ago that it was discovered that pet food made in China was killing pets. All over the U.S. family pets were dying and folk were clueless as to the cause. Yep...China. But you can't point the finger only at China. We have an agency responsible for such product safety. It's called the Food and Drug Administration.

Long story short is, the FDA is understaffed and underfunded. For 2008, the USDA has a proposed budget of 20 Billion dollars while the FDA has a proposed budget of 1.6 billion. But the FDA is responsible for overseeing 80% of the food items sold in the United States. And peep this...the FDA inspects roughly 1% of all food imports...like that ish from China. Go figure. If we cant rely on the FDA, then who can we rely on to inspect the stuff we call food? Anyway, I think you know where I am going...but I refuse to make any references to the war in this blog...promise. For more on this visit, http://www.fdacoalition.org/

The Supreme Court recently dealt a blow to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by stripping it of much of its potency. The majority opinion, by Bush Alito, forced an unreasonable reading on the law, and tossed aside longstanding precedents to rule in favor of an Alabama employer that had underpaid a female employee for years. "The ruling is the latest indication that a court that once proudly stood up for the disadvantaged is increasingly protective of the powerful", according to the NY Times.

In short, a female supervisor of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Gadsden, Ala., sued her employer for paying her less than its male supervisors. At first, her salary was in line with the men's, but she got smaller raises, which created a significant pay gap. Late in her career, she filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A jury found that Goodyear violated her rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Goodyear appealed arguing that she filed her complaint too late and, by a 5-4 margin, the Wack Supreme Court agreed. Title VII requires employees to file within 180 days of "the alleged unlawful practice." The court calculated the deadline from the day she received her last discriminatory raise. Bizarrely, the majority insisted it did not matter that Goodyear was still paying her far less than her male counterparts when she filed her complaint.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, clearly disgusted with her male counterparts Alito, Roberts, Scalia, Kennedy and Uncle Thomas, read her dissent aloud in open court. The second time this year she has chosen to share her disgust with the majority. A NY Times editorial opined that in addition to interpreting the statute unreasonably and ignoring the relevant precedents, the majority blinded itself to the realities of the workplace. Employees generally do not know enough about what their co-workers earn, or how pay decisions are made, to file a complaint precisely when discrimination occurs. At Goodyear, as at many companies, salaries were confidential. The court's new rules will make it extraordinarily difficult for victims of pay discrimination to sue under Title VII. That is not how Congress intended the law to be enforced, merely how five justices would like it to be. I couldn't agree more.

In her dissent Justice Ginsburg pimpslaps the majorities logic by writing, "In a last-ditch argument, the Court asserts that this dissent would allow a plaintiff to sue on a single decision made 20 years ago "even if the employee had full knowledge of all the circumstances relating to the ... decision at the time it was made." It suffices to point out that the defenses just noted would make such a suit foolhardy. No sensible judge would tolerate such inexcusable neglect. See Morgan, 536 U. S., at 121 ("In such cases, the federal courts have the discretionary power ... to locate a just result in light of the circumstances peculiar to the case."

You go girl!!! Strong words on her part. To read all of her dissent, here ya go. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=000&invol=05-1074&friend=washingtonpost#dissent1 As wack as the ruling was, Congress can amend the law to undo the ruling, hopefully they will act so that women are continued to be protected by this important law.

No time to edit...I'm out.

TB & Stuff

2007-06-02T00:26:00.001-04:00

I know you have all heard about the guy in Atlanta who has TB and how he was traveling blah blah blah. They've identified him and interviewed him, but something caught my eye about the whole thing. TB is not a common ailment, and dude had the one that is resistant to medicine. But how coincidental is it that the guys new father-in-law is a CDC (Center for Disease Control) microbiologist whose specialty is TB. Come on now......how freakin coincidental is that???? For real...think about it...

I now know why I was able to walk all of Rome in two days and why I had the munchies the whole time...http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/06/study_finds_cok.html

Magic Mountain

2007-06-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

We, my sisters and I along with a few other friends made our annual pilgrimage to Six Flags outside of LA. We've been making this trip for years. I think it was my best friend Zee who actually started it, and now I've passed the torch to my sisters and their friends.

I don't know what it is about Six Flags or roller coasters for that matter. To me, they are somewhat of a challenge. How far can I push my nerves. There are two at Six Flags that freak me out, and one of those two actually scares me when I get on. Xtreme is one, but its actually not that bad, but Goliath is one you have to man up on. So to man up, I actually rode on the front car just to make it worst. It's drops are so deep and its turns are so sharp you'd swear that you are going to fly out of the seat.

I was reunited with some old childhood friends too...

Memorial Day

2007-05-28T15:59:00.000-04:00

Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifices. But for Iraq none of those sacrifices should have ever been...

Those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Try counting how many age 18-25 have died. http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

This is kind of strange but, trying to analyze the fact that these young men and women voluntarily serve in the military, and those who argue that they know what they are getting into when the sign up, that they are voluntarily signing their death certificates. I have a hard time accepting this premise. There are so many factors at play. From joining to get that so called free education, to joining to get out of the hood and gain a skill, to being enticed by the signing bonus. Whatever the case may be that led them to joining, it is unarguable that a great majority of these kids are latino (some without citizenship), black and poor white kids from rural America.

Walk with me further. These kids are at the time of enlistment, at the bottom of the pole, (despite those who are joining to get an education or a craft to rise in class). So with that said, maybe it's justifiable for our country to use these low on the totem pole individuals to carry out its will, regardless of whether the cause is just or not. This would therefore justify the Bushes and Cheneys (the elite) to use this class of serfs to do their work and have no remorse as to the pain their deaths may cause, because they are beneath them and that is their role, to die for their country, just or unjust. So why should we be saddened when we hear that another young person has died in Iraq. They are doing what serfs do. Why should we allow their death to interfere with out enjoyment of life. Didn't they (this administration) tell us a long time ago to go shopping, enjoy life and continue to do the things we would normally be doing? It's no sweat off of our brows, right? Let the serfs do their thing and leave the pain to those serfs and their family.

Damn, maybe I have been looking at this thing the wrong way the entire time?

Doin What It Do

2007-05-26T23:24:00.000-04:00

Got a chance to hang with the crew. It's really good to see everyone still moving forward, considering where we started. Sitting in class back in the day daydreaming and telling stories about what we gonna have and what we gonna do when we get older. We still have a ways to go, but we're still on the path. Let's see, Dee the "Comedian", J-Fo, Spike and C-Loc. Is that not the universal brotha pose, didn't nobody have to tell us to throw up the deuces. We almost lost our lives when Dee flying the darn plane in the dark tried to land it on top of our heads.

I got a chance to peep out Erykah Badu last night. She is one talented sista. I dunno if I prefer concerts out here or in the south. Not knocking Diego, but concerts in the south seem so much more soulful. I think I was probably one of a handful of black folk at the show. The majority were white and latino, oh and a Korean dude wit dreadlocks, YES, dreadlocks. Had the nerve to be kind of long too. It wasn't working though, it just looked like a nappy mess, I wanted to take a pic but, anyway. Maybe I'm just hating. Anyway, it was like Badu was jamming but the two latino chicks next to me were killing my flow. You know how at majority black shows, folks sing along (in rhythm) and everyone is vibing. Well, that aint how it went down. Then, Badu was trying to get the soul clap going, yea....forget it. Nonetheless it was kool, getting a chance to see her perform, Badu is tight no doubt.

Had to end this wit a little flow from Badu...Enjoy.

Ok damn, I couldn't resist...

Blank Check

2007-05-24T02:30:00.000-04:00

So the Dems caved in and will give Bushevik billions more without any time tables. For a brief moment I thought perhaps the Dems would show some backbone. But you know, when you have built the biggest U.S. Embassy in the world in Iraq and several permanent bases, that tells you right there, we aint going anywhere. As as the deaths of soldiers mount each day, its almost as if someone is saying to the military and their loved ones, suck the deaths up, that's what they signed up for. This is what the those men and women are going through over there, http://movies.crooksandliars.com/PBS-Deadly-Search.wmv

Anyone up for a Draft? I aint talking N.B.A. either.

I'll let Keith Olbermann end this one... http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/17635/1/Countdown-SC-IraqCompromise.wmv/

Transitions

2007-05-22T02:23:00.000-04:00

After that last post, a brotha is lookin for a lil humor. That video below is still a little troubling. Hard to transition into anything else.

Met up with one of my old classmates and kicked it. We ended up at the Comedy Store in La Jolla. It was open mic night and one of our mutual friends was performing. Dude had told us earlier in the day that it was gonna be a good show tonight, so I was kind of looking forward to it. However, I knew we were in trouble when we arrived to find about 12 folk in the audience. Half of which were fok waiting to perform. Not wanting to leave our friend hanging, we sat on down, but I was like dude we gots to bounce if this is lame. So the comedians started performing and it was awful, I could hear the crickets chirping after their lame lines. There was one chick in the audience though that laughing loud and at every stale routine, but I think she was on that purple so......

So our guy gets on stage, we tried to get hype for him, until he decided he wanted to point us out. So I ducked low, didn't even want him to see the bored look on my face. He was actually had the best performance of the night, though it was not the Def Jam. I give all those folk props for even having the courage ot walk on the stage, I would not even attempt to walk on stage, hell, I aint funny anyway.

The biggest laugh of the night did not occur in the club, as we left the comedy club, each of us silent as we walked to our cars, upon reaching the cars, we looked at each other and bust out laughing, blaming each other for not getting the heck out of there after the first stale comedian left the stage.

I started warming up for round two today.

No lie, if I still lived here I would be one Bus pushin brotha......no lie either that or Huffy....member those?

F@#$ Honor Killings

2007-05-20T03:32:00.000-04:00

I am kind of behind in the news, but tonight while catching up I caught something that filled my heart with anger. Not gonna lie, I had tears in my eyes as I watched it. If you are faint at heart don't view the following.

It's a f_____g shame that in 2007, some folk are still living in the stone ages, literally. A seventeen year old Kurdish woman accused of associating with a guy outside of her sect was stoned to death by members of her family and others in her ethnic group. Not only is the shit senseless and f_____h barbaric, to see these tricks howling and f_____g riled up, trying to record the shit with their cell phone like they were at a some f_____g basketball game makes me want to pull a Rambo on their azzes.

I don't really give a fart if at some time back in the day, stoning was the "in thing" for such conduct unbecoming of a woman. But if I am not mistaken ( I did some reading) back then there were some rules to stoning, there must be three witnesses to testify that both parties in fact violated, if the proof was weak and it is determined the witnesses were lying then the witnesses got dealt with. Either way, this young lady did not stand a chance. Point is, come out of the f_____g cave mf's, that type of rule of law is no more. Exercise some restraint, lets see, put the woman's thing out on the curb, disown her from the family, kick her out of the sect, call her a ho a few times and get the f__k over it, or you know what, cowboy up with that honor shit and let God handle it.

No one deserves to leave this earth like that. No one. May God have mercy on the young woman. As for the many b_____s that kicked and stone her, DIE SLOW MF.

Bounced

2007-05-17T22:55:00.000-04:00

So I figured I needed some rejuvenation, some re-energizing and re-focusing before I get back in study mode. What better place to do that? London, England, or maybe Rome, Italy? Ooooh wait, yes, Negril, Jamaica. Now that is the business. But then reality kicked me in the shin, well ok, that and the fact that my checking account was on low. So I had to limit myself to somewhere close.........so lets see now........

Decided to go visit the fam in Daygo. I would do one of those Bush/Cheney surprise trips to Iraq, not telling anyone that I was coming, just hopping on a plane, jumping in a car, and pulling up in the driveway.

The plan worked out well. Time to relax.

Last week I had a chance to meet someone who I think has played a part in black history. Though I do not personally agree with his politics, I can't disregard the impact he has had on black folk. His organization has reformed many and in some cases totally rehabilitated others. To some he is worthy of praise and to others much criticism. I am speaking of Minister Louis Farrakhan. He was in town to speak to a local congregation. He was looking for a low key place to watch the De La Hoya v. Merriwether fight. I just happened to be in that quiet place he was searching for. He was very very cordial and soft spoken. Not exactly what I would have expected, but I was able to chat with him on some issues as if he was one of the boys.

I enjoyed seeing all of those white ladies in show up in force at City Hall to protest crime in their neighborhood. I like the fact that when they get fed up, they unite and ride out to the powers that be demanding action. Now, I am waiting on the hood to get pissed off and unite, either that or take back their neighborhoods. Naw, that aint gonna happen cause we don't snitch or act when we see ish. Speaking of.....

Did you see this video? An old guy in Detroit was carjacked while onlookers just stood by while he was pummeled. It was quite pathetic. I know nowadays cats be strapped but, there were at least three or four people just watching while the guy was beat.

Let's see, today I leave you with a reading assignment. http://www.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2007/05/17/loyalty/

2007-05-16T02:05:00.000-04:00

I'm still around. On somewhat of a hiatus. Allowing my creative juices to rejuvenate. It's funny when you get e-mails about nothing new on the blog. I took a week off. Got something up my sleeve. I will jump back in the saddle later in the week. So, the next time u visit, there will be new items of discussion.......in the interim. Do like me and........

Runnin Off

2007-05-05T16:00:00.000-04:00

Where shall I start? On an upbeat note or shall I go negative early? Hmm.....I say negative first.

Using my lil sister's favorite quote, (WTF?) is up with these skinny azz white dudes running down the street half azz naked, mid-day, so-called jogging? Yo it's disgusting, put some damn clothes on dude. I swear I am going to start carrying a sack of rocks in my car so the next time I see one, I can unload a few rocks and see how fast the cat can really run.

So you have a few cops robbing suspected drug dealers. Is that really wrong? Perhaps...But say the cop robs the drug dealer of all his cash, he keeps half of the dirty loot and donates the other half to a victim's assistance program. Does that act somehow wash the other hand? Hey, I am just asking?

Memphis Light Gas and Water and Joseph Lee. I am sick of the media coverage, particularly over the arrangements to have his legal fees paid by MLG&W. Some are complaining because it is their tax money paying the $60,000 tab. You know what, get over it. Our tax dollars, oh and our kids, future kids, future kids tax dollars are being wasted in our occupation in Iraq. What is it at now, three hundred billion or more? And you crying bout $60 g's.

You know how you can hear a fresh beat and instantly get to moving your head? No? Dang, ok lets try it, click play...

Hopefully you are with me now. The same way a tight beat can switch your state of mind, so too can eloquent speech. I generally cut C-SPAN on during the morning hours to catch a brief summary of national news. Of late, the discussion topics have been good last minute snore material. However, Friday morning, while attempting to begin that last minute snooze, I heard one hell of an articulate brotha breaking some ish down. My eyes popped wide open and my brain started percolating. I looked for the remote and sat up to be enlightened. The brotha was Princeton's Professor Eddie Gluade Jr. The Morehouse educated brotha was breaking it down on a variety of issues. He put to use one good hour of discussion and left me feeling quite motivated. He basically called out on our generation to be a voice. To be a voice in whatever game you are in. I could not agree more with him. (The following was edited out so as not to offend some at _____). Mr. Glaude has recently released a book, "In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America”. If you would like to view his appearance on C-Span, I got you....you know I did...its an hour long. Pay attention.... rtsp://video.c-span.org/15days/wj050407_glaude.rm . If you don't have Real Player, here is another link, scroll to bottom and click on Eddie Gluade. http://www.c-span.org/videoarchives.asp?CatCodePairs=,&ArchiveDays=100

Now this is another clip of the Professor and Al Sharton going at it on the issue of those of us who did not march with Martin and did not stand post for Malcolm but who nonetheless can be leaders of this generation. The whole elder leader vs. the young folk crew. Some good stuff.

A lil Bill Maher clip....http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/16976/1/RealTime-French.wmv/

Big up's to the spring law graduates at U-M and UTK Law. Yea, even the How High Crew...oops that was so wrong.

Happy Mission Accomplished Day!

2007-05-01T14:49:00.000-04:00

Today was the day that four years ago your president was playing Top Gun aboard a Naval Aircraft carrier. On that day he proclaimed "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq. No, for real he did.

So here we are 3000 deaths later and 20,000 maimed,were still in Iraq. In fact April was one of the deadliest months for US soldiers with over 100 killed. Lord only knows how many Iraqi civilians were killed over the month since Iraq is no longer submitted that data to the United Nations.

I guess someone has benefited from this whole mess, I wonder who?

UnbeWeavable

2007-04-28T20:46:00.000-04:00

I know I will catch some heat with that title, but...ok.

I am not gonna lie, I have a hard time determining whether a sister is sporting a weave or not unless its really cheap. Women on the other hand can spot a weave in a hot second.

Personally, I could care less whether a sista chooses to rock a weave or not. It's her head you know. But I came up on this article, which takes the analysis of the weave and the black woman to a whole nutha level. "By wearing weaves and wigs, black women can become the type of woman society doesn't otherwise expect them to be. But do these counter-identities lead to empowerment or self-loathing?" Sounds deep....ya think? Read the article. http://www.alternet.org/story/48280/

Rush Limbaugh's fat azz has been playing what I consider a racist song. It depicts Al Sharpton hating on Barack Obama. It's called "Barack the Magic Negro". Yeah...

Good luck with finals to all of ya'll at Mem-Law, and UTK-Law. Knock dem ishes out!!

LOC

2007-04-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

Naw, I aint referring to being LOC'ed out...Cali slang for being out of control (clean version) . It's actually refers to LeMoyne-Owen College, the local HBCU in Memphis.......Uh....Historically Black College and University., http://www.tnstate.edu/library/digital/lemoyne.htm

LeMoyne over the past few years has gone through some serious financial difficulties. I would say mostly due to poor fiscal management. Nonetheless, there is serious concerns that one of the oldest institutions in the state may be forced to close its doors and or lose it accreditation.

LeMoyne graduates have contributed greatly to this City. I am not gonna do a roll call of its graduates, but I would say that quite a many graduates have done fine work with Memphis City Schools, as LeMoyne has produced many educators.

All that to say, that tomorrow,(Saturday), there will be a Town hall meeting on Campus to discuss the future of LOC. For more info call 901.435.1526

Caught an excellent program on P.B.S. the other night. Bill Moyers Journal: Buying the War. It pointed out how the mainstream basically co-signed on the war and how it failed to do its homework as it relates to the rationale of going to war with Iraq. Look it up and see when it will air again. In the meanwhile here is a clip. Oh, you can read this as well, good piece written by Frank Rich of the NY Times, http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/042907E.shtml

So I am opening my mail today, BAR breakdown.............talking bout having a foot in the door. All I could do was smile and give thanks to God. That close?? Yep.

So I get in the car after peeping my scores and what's playing. Talk about reading my mind.......excuse the explicit lyrics...

Wendy v. 3-6

2007-04-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

A few posts ago while discussing Imus I wondered if perhaps the powers that be would direct their frustrations towards the world of Hip Hop. I may have even signed on to the idea of bringing heat to those rappers who drop the n-bomb or bishes or hizzoes in every other verse. As I marinated over it though, I was more of the opinion that instead of going after the rappers, why not go after the suits that are really making the money off of these acts.

Wendy Thomas, a local columnist in the Commercial Appeal has decided to kick up some dust over 3-6 Mafia, a homegrown Memphis group, (hell you know who they be) performing in the Beale Street Music Fest as a part of Memphis in May. She wants the group to be barred from performing. Here, you read her column. http://http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local_columnists/article/0,2845,MCA_25341_5498161,00.html

So........I am trying to articulate a reason to disagree with her and her efforts to have the group removed from MIM. If I do, then I totally contradict my previous post. I felt the wind from her jab with, "While the band plays on, decent people offer weak rationalizations about how we don't buy this music, we won't let our children listen to it, but as for scrounging up the courage to take a public, if lonely, stance, we're not interested. We don't care, not enough, not yet."

Hmm....Why is that? While I agree that there needs to be a push to hold such artists responsible for their content, I still wanna bump them when I feel like being in that state of mind, and I still wanna watch'em live when they perform. Or maybe I wanna pick and choose which artist takes heat and who doesn't? Allow the groups I bump to do their thing while trashing those artists I can't stand. That's quite hypocritical on my part if I must say so.

I could just argue she's just hating on 3-6, she's had beef since their Grammy. Naw, she admits, while acknowledging their filthy lyrics, MIM stands to make money by booking the group. The group will get paid for performing, yes, but MIM ultimately is getting paid.

So as much as I hate to agree with Ms. Thomas, I must admit, she is correct. But that doesn't mean I am co-signing on her revolution at this very moment. Damn that, we can start the revolution after the Music-fest? See, I wanna find that middle ground. Let's get all politically correct after MIM, why we wanna ruin that weekend for erybody else?

Go on and say it, Damn Shame aint it?

Oh yea, last week I wrote about the college students that died in Virginia and the on-going military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here's an article forwarded to me, thanks Naj, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070423/ap_on_re_mi_ea/afghanistan_flag_complaint

Revoke, Revise, Realize

2007-04-23T01:02:00.000-04:00

So bottom line is this, its back to the study hall for me. My head is bloody but unbowed. It was hard slowly scrolling down the list of names, observing classmates names as I made it down to the letter S (for Spike) and not seeing it there. You know, I kind of prepared myself just in case, but to actually not see my name there, kind of stung. I did one of those look backs to make sure I didn't somehow skip it. But it wasn't there. So I marinated on the reality of it all for a moment. Tic Tic Tic.

So there it was. Obviously you did not put enough effort and time into it cause you came up short. Looks like you are going to have to put even more time and effort into it....No doubt.

It's all kind of like having a play drawn up for you in the time out. Down by two with second left on the clock. Whistle blows, and everyone executes the play, the ball makes into my hands, and with a hand in my face I take the would be winning shot.....it looks good leaving my hand, the release felt perfect........and as the clock expires the ball hits the front of the rim and bounces off of the backboard and down onto the floor. I came up short. Doesn't mean the play wont be drawn up again, doesn't mean I'm not gonna take another shot again.

So its back to the gym, excuse me, library. Gots to put in more work to be more prepared for my next opportunity. Aint ish I ever pursued come easy and I aint ever quit anything I put my mind to. God willing in July it goes down.

Malcolm X once said, ""Anytime you see someone more successful than you are, they are doing something you aren't." Yo, I feel you.

Did I?

2007-04-19T23:53:00.000-04:00

As some of you know I sat for the Tennessee BAR exam in February. I've had the last two months to over-analyze, over-evaluate, under-evaluate, and dream about those two days of exams. Well Tomorrow the results will be posted and I will know the bizness.

How does it feel?

Let's see. Imagine that in junior high school, you made up you mind that you wanted to make a difference in your community. You wanted to give back, and help those less fortunate. You decide that being an attorney would give you the best opportunity to reach those goals. You move forward in to high school, and then undergrad while still holding strong to what it is you are seeking. So then you go to law school and you survive that experience. And now here you are, still clinging to that goal that you formed so early in life. You are one night (actually hours) away from knowing whether tomorrow that dream becomes reality, or whether it will be a dream deferred for six more months. It's in God's hands now, just as it has been since that first day I envisioned it.

Yep.......that's how it feels.....

Wondering Aloud

2007-04-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

Is it because those young American soldiers dying in Iraq are so far away that it is not as sad as those who were killed in Virginia? Is it because the Bush Posse has made it illegal to take photographs of the flag draped coffins that fly in to the states every day? Is it because their deaths often go unmentioned or in a small blurb in our newspapers? Is it because the war is so distant from most people (unless you have a loved one serving there) that we forget there are young people dying in Iraq? Or is the fact that those in the military signed their own death certificates when they enlisted and those kids in the classrooms were simply pursuing their education? Minute by minute coverage of the students who were killed, who they were, what their major was, what their future plans were? Not to minimize their deaths, but what about those kids in Iraq? Don't they deserve the same? I was just wondering? Each death is tragic in my mind. Don't they count too?

You may view the faces of those who have died this month in Iraq. http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

Ruts and Mo

2007-04-16T14:10:00.000-04:00

I was chillaxin over the weekend,suffering from flipitis as usual when I hit TV-One, (the other black channel). What I saw made a brotha rise up from his comfortable position to get a good look at what was going on. Kunta Kinte was catching an azz whippin. He had just been captured after running away from massa's plantation. So dude is on his azz, what's yo name boy? Kunta.... Whippow!! More lashes.....I say what's yo name boy?...............Kunta.......I'm like damn right that's yo name.........Whipppow!!........What's yo name boy........Don't say it Kunta don't say it dog........Naw don't say it man, yo name Kunta my n@@@a...dont say........My name Toby.......Aw hell naw.......DAMN Kunta.......they done broke you man.

Click here to see what I was thinking.... http://www.ifilm.com/video/2795968

Like I need to be watching Roots. After watching my boy Kunta get broke, I felt obliged to go on an watch the rest of the series. I don't think I had ever watched all of Roots before. I was too young when it came out and as a teen I was like I don't wanna watch that ish.....have me getting kicked out of school for having a Root's Lapse and smacking a classmate out of sheer reflects. I do recall a comedian saying when Roots debuted, a lot of white dudes came home with black eyes from catching beatdowns from their fellow black classmates who watched a weeks worth of Rootd.

But you know, Roots was in all seriousness kind of deep. It was a lil painful at times. And one's mind can't help but imagine what it was like to live in those times as a black person. It's unimaginable. The breaking up of families was one thing I dwelled on. Half of us round here prolly kinfolk. Sons and daughters sold off to other plantations, never seeing their parents or siblings again. There were no cellies or two ways to keep in touch. Once you were gone, you were gone.

The sistas being used as massa's playboy bunnies, and not a damn thing a husband or son could do. Kunta's African sweet-heart told him I aint running away, I am trying to survive. Who knows how accurate Roots was in terms of the mentality of those slaves who'd rather remain on the plantation instead of running away. It wasn't like they had Mapquest or anything to get them to the north. My cousin could not get me to walk from our parked car, to a small lake in a thick wooded area in Mississippi cause I was scared I would run into a snake. Yo and that was in the day time. So I can't imagine another slave trying to talk me into running away at night, without flashlights and a few granola bars. Aint that a shame?

Some of the things those folks in Roots suffered from, we still suffering from. Let me start off with the black folk helping track down runaways or swinging the whip. What's up with that? Am I not my brother's keeper? I would have at least, misled the MAN. Have them all on the wrong trail. Kind of reminds me of some folk I.......let me stop.

The break up of the family is still pervasive in the black community, except now, its voluntary. Massa aint gotta sell us anymore, we bouncing on our own. I will say though that, the system was kind of set up like that. If you wanted to receive welfare back in the day, the father could not be living in the home with the mother. I don't know the particular rules today, but I would say that that rule alone back in the 70's and 80's broke homes up. Today though, folk's just having kids and doing their own thing. There are no excuses per se, well, besides I wasn't trying to get her pregnant, I like her but I wasn't trying to marry her. Am I lying? Thank-you.

The massas who really believed we were animals, incapable of doing human things, like reading, writing, loving. Having those beliefs while at the same time calling themselves good Christians. But funny how, we learned to cook for them, bear and even rear their children for them, etc.

The generations of black folk before me, during those times until the beginning of the civil rights struggle, were strong people. No doubt. They endured so much. That is a history we will never be able to appreciate because many of those at that time, could not or did not leave diaries or memoirs. There are some stories, http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/unchained_memories/ ,but those that do exist are only a drop in the bucket. It's truly unimaginable. My generation could never have endured such adversity. It is through these people that many of us now enjoy the lives that we have now. Some of us don't even have the fight in us to effect change, we're too.....THE FOLLOWING LINES HAVE BEEN REMOVED CAUSE SOME OF YOU KNOW WHERE HE WAS GOING WITH THIS.

So where was I? Roots....

TV-One kicks BET's butt.

I planned to discuss the Mickey Wright case, but, after marinating on it I just didn't know what angle I wanted to attack it from. Click here for Wright story, http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_5467545,00.html You know bottom line is, the court did not have to accept the plea. As a part of the plea, the Murderer told how Mr. Wright was killed. After killing Mr. Wright, he burned his body, dismembered it and then placed parts of his body in several cars that were later crushed. If that shocked the conscience of the court, then the court did not have to accept the plea deal and could force a trial. The District Attorney says the case was falling apart, not much evidence to convict on first degree murder. Let me just say this, I have seens quite a few cases where they have prosecuted young black boys with less evidence. I am gonna leave it at that. Here is the DA's position, http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6375544

The local community was pretty outraged over this case. Some say a white man can kill a black man and get away with just a slap on the wrist. Folk were all outside 201 Poplar protesting, "No Justice, No Peace". Negroes please. Why we "Negroes" wanna get mad when white folk do something horrible to us, we wanna go change the world and ish. But, every day, we "young blacks" are gunning each other down in the streets over nonsense. Where is the outrage there? Where is the marching? Where are the two dollar preacha's giving press conferences? Can we stop our youth from killing one another? Seriously, lets get mad about that ish....

Imus got fired, he got what was coming. But the music industry making a killing, "Snoop, Jigga, Jim Jones" calling women ishes and oes and using the N-BOMB. You know. When will we be fed up with their ish? In their defense, they are not calling anyone in particular a ish or a hoe. They are just telling stories. But some folk getting a little too comfortable these days, I laughed a few days back when I heard a lil young white kid, call his white friend a jigga in the mall. Yet I would have been trying to smack the white off of him if it was directed towards me. Will there be a push to stop these artists from using these words, or is it ok, cause they one of us?

Virginia Tech massacre It's sad watching this unfold. Gun Control is dead. The NRA is just too powerful. It appears the gunman used a regular handgun (9mm) and not an automatic weapon. Either way, his act was an act of terror. Those people never knew what was coming. May the many victims (31) rest in peace, and may God help the families through these difficult times. Amen...

Imus Being an Anus

2007-04-07T03:04:00.000-04:00

Damn, did I just use that word? Shame on me. But shame on Imus, an MSNBC morning host running off at the mouth describing Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team. He has issued an apology, but, come on, it flowed way too easy from his lips. Should we really care, considering how we too like to describe each other like this? Do you?

There's no doubt that I hate FOX Propaganda, (oops Fox News). I though it was interesting watching Geraldo and Bill O'Reilly go at it on the issue of drunk driving and immigration. Geraldo should have smacked dat ho@

I'll be back later to discuss the Mickey Wright case.

American What?

2007-04-05T19:20:00.000-04:00

Can't say I watch American Idol per se........

I like to at least see if any black folk still in the competition, you know...

But I understand there is a kid on the show that can't really sing, but is still hanging in each week. I hear folk talking bad bout dude. (I mean that's what I had heard.)... But why are folk hating on dude, even if he can't sing. Give the people what they want. You know..aint this the same country that elected Bush punk azz twice!!

Sports Legends

2007-04-04T17:51:00.000-04:00

A moment of silence for Dr. Martin Luther King............It was on this day that he was slain while in Memphis.

Coach Eddie Robinson the famed Grambling State University Football Coach passed on today at the age of 88. When you think of the SWAC, or Black College Football, his name should first pop to your mind. Coach Robinson guided a many young black men, not only on the field but in life as well. He groomed Doug Williams, the Super Bowl MVP Quarterback that took all the of supposed glory from John Elway (the media was all on John's jock), when he served the Denver Broncos. He coached Grambling for 57 years and complied a career record of 408-165-1. That's absolutely sick, 57 years on the same job. That I dare say will never happen in sports today. Heck, he is the only reason I coach Grambling State on College Game Day for the PS II. (Yea, I still have the PS II, aint been upgraded yet.)

Press release from his family, "Our love and admiration for Eddie were unyielding, as was Eddie’s for his immediate family and his extended Grambling family. Eddie was the consummate husband, father, teacher, leader, role model, and, most of all, the greatest of Americans. Words cannot express the loneliness that I will feel without my beloved Eddie. However, I realize, and the immediate family realizes, the greatness that Eddie contributed to our society. He will forever fill our hearts, minds, and souls "

Here's good read on him, http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=lapchick_richard&id=2825428

On a different note, I gotta give props to Coach Pat Summit and her Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball Team. They won it all. Those girl are straight ballers.....I think that's coaches seventh NCAA title. Not too shabby.....

What's this I see? Ok.....I have to congratulate Ashley Shields. Ashley is I think one of the most dominant high school basketball players in the Memphis City Schools. She was highly recruited about four years back and actually signed a letter of intent with the University of Memphis. Unfortunately, she could never get her grades right and ended up dropping out. The last two years, she has been playing at Southwest Community College here in Memphis. Playing is an understatement, more like dominating her opponents. She scored 65 points about two weeks ago in the recent tournament.I am not gonna lie, if she and I played a game of pickup, she would give me a little competition, I mean, I would have to earn a win, but I would win.......I would.........for real.........Anyway, she was drafted by the Houston Comets of the WNBA, the eight selection overall. Eight out of 39 girls is no doubt quite impressive. It's almost equivalent to being drafted out of High School. To know her background, and where she has come from, and the adversities she has faced, it's a blessing for her. I am truly proud of her, and take back every bad thing I said about her when she was abusing my lil sister and her Central teammates on the floor when she was at Melrose. Let me be yo agent...! For more, http://www.wnba.com/draft2007/prospect_ashley_shields.html

Re-Up

2007-04-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

It's been a minute. So much going on, so little time to allow my brain an opportunity to flow.

Got an opportunity to get to Atlanta and see some old faces. Good to see that everyone is still moving forward, getting closer to reaching their goals.

I dunno, I feel like I am in standby mode, like a plane waiting for clearance to take off. It's somewhat of an uncomfortable position. Cause you just don't know, I could be so close to the finish line, or I could come up short.

I wanted to also take a moment to acknowledge the passing of COGIC's Leader, Bishop G.E. Patterson, 1939 - 2007. He did a many great things in Memphis and throught the country. He inspired many, and his leadership will be missed. I am curious as to whether there will be a power struggle within COGIC with him gone.

Got a chance to attend the festivities surrounding Major League Baseball's Civil Rights Game. I got a chance to chat with Dr. Charles Ogletree of Harvard, and Theodore Shaw, Director of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Both gentlemen were very cordial and encouraging as it relates to my future plans. Oh....they both indicated they'd love to come speak at U-M Law......

Got to see one of my favorite groups, the GAP Band. Charlie Wilson minus some of the original members. They were still bumping nonetheless. I swear that dude thinks he is 26 or something, he old enough to be my grandfather.

Big up's to MK making all that happen.

But with the good, there is always something a little bitter. Spike Zee and Spike Lee were scheduled to meet up on Saturday, however due to a previous commitment, I missed my opportunity. My boy GN1 filled in for me. I hear he and Spike are going to work on making School Daze into a musical.

During the symposium, it was argued that Major League Baseball needs to reach out to black youth and encourage them to play baseball. As of Spring training this year there were only 70 or so Black baseball players, clearly down from the 80's and early 90's. Dave Winfield a former baller, argued that baseball is no reaching out to Latino's and player from the Caribbean as well as Asian players and not to black youth. I don't think I agree with that argument. I don't see the Latino community asking the NBA to reach out to their youth, nor do I see the Asian community getting on the NFL. Black youth today are pretty much choosing between the NBA and the NFL. Hip hop has pretty much adopted the NBA, (as the NBA fights that image), and Football is what it is. We see those players in videos and hip hop commercials, when was the last time I saw a black baseball player in anything? Hmmm...... In Cali, we were able to play all three sports year round. In the south, it seems kids gravitate more towards basketball and football. Baseball can be a little boring if you crave constant excitement. If black kids want to play baseball, they will. Baseball unlike football and basketball, are allowed to draft right out of high school. Kids can make a buck or two immediately out of high school with baseball unlike the other sports that require some college experience. It's all about the money though, black folk aint making Major League Baseball any money, so why should baseball spend its money on reaching out to the black community? So till then, buy your kid a bat, a glove and a ball, and see where it takes him.

Still At War

2007-03-19T16:22:00.000-04:00

I could not help but post this when I saw it. Given my stance on War and all the endless killings on both sides, it's very much appropriate. Especially when I remember your President flying onto that Aircraft carrier like he was in Top Gun, with that Mission Accomplished in the background. Yea Right, accomplished my azz.

To Torture Part Deux

2007-03-15T15:58:00.000-04:00

A while back I touched on the topic of torture that our country has been engaging in at Guantanamo and or contracting to other nations. http://spikezee.blogspot.com/2006/09/to-torture.html

Allegedly, we've detained many high value Al Qaida targets and need to get valuable info out of them. One such person has admitted "I was responsible for the 9/11 operation, from A to Z,”. I think he also admitted he was the Zodiac Killer, and he has admitted to creating the MLG&W VIP list and he has the missing money for the Fed Ex Arena parking garage. Here is the article, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500865.html?sub=AR

Anyway, sarcasm aside, in that previous post I recommended watching a movie called The Siege with Denzel Washington. I found a clip that I thought was pretty strong against the case of torture. In the scene, he interrupts a torture session being done by the military. He says quite alot in that one scene.

Fox Aint News

2007-03-14T17:49:00.000-04:00

Fox News is not the news you watch when you want to know what's going on, but it's the news you watch to stay from getting pimped. Seriously. You won't be informed, cause that stuff they trying to pump into your brain cells be slanted. It claims fair and balanced news. Ha! Fox is the reason why most Americans believed Saddam hit us on 9/11. Oh, you thought he did too?

Moslim? Mooslim? Muslim, What Tha...?

2007-03-12T17:32:00.000-04:00

I am not big into discussing religion or ones faith, just not a subject I like to breach upon. I believe everyone is entitled to their own particular faith and religious beliefs.

9/11 created or brought to light, what I like to call, the 21st century Negro, Middle Easterners/Arabs. They are the new target of what most black folk had to deal with back in the day. It's not funny, but I can't say I haven't smirked when I hear that group complain about being profiled by law enforcement and others. I'm like, get over it, it happens to colored folk all the time.

I will say though that 9/11 and the so-called War on Terror or Islamofacism (which I still don't what that is) has brought mad attention to those who are Muslim. Mind you that not all Middle Easterners are Muslim, don't matter, you got an accent, and you look like one, yea you one of them.

You like to play paintball, and you look like one of them terrorist, you probably a terrorist or training to be one.

So as I watch the news, and follow the happenings of the so-called War, I learn that these Muslims got it out for us Americans. Yo, if we don't convert, we in trouble. What Bush say, we fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them here. WTF.... Them folk gonna charter flights to America if we don't stay over there? Ooops.....I am straying from my main point. "They don't like us, cause of our freedom" For real? Who is they? The Arabs or the Muslims? Well, since the so called war I heard that Islam was a violent religion that pretty much has it out for everyone who differs with them plus they treat their women like ish. But how much of that is based on their religion and how much of that is based on their respective culture?

But then, I read somewhere that its the fastest growing religion in the world. That don't add up though, well maybe if all the folk crossing over love violence. I dunno.

But then what about all of those American Muslims,black and white, and those cats selling bean pies and fruit on the corner,that's wrong, The Nation of Islam. Are they guilty of being a terrorist simply by association? Well if I trust everything I read and hear, they down wit Bin Laden too.

Here is a little film I found. Dude on that Red Bull, but he had some good points.

Browsing through the NY Times, I found this interesting article. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/nyregion/11muslim.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Bottom line is the so called war has created alot of fear and bred a great deal of ignorance about Islam. But folk won't figure out what is what if the initiative isn't taken to find out for ourselves. My personal take is there are nuts and extremists in every faith. Who's the bad guy, the nut or the faith?

No lie, just as I am about to post this I come across, this article.......looks like some just don't wanna learn. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070312/na-gen-us-congress-muslim-group . I have not awarded a Hoe Sit Down Award in a good while. So today, for such foolishness, Rep. Adam Putnam of Florida has proudly earned his HSDA. Looking like Opie, visit a library trick.

Just in case you forgot we are at war, here's a somber reminder of the last effects some will feel the rest of their lives. Not for the squeamish. http://www.thememoryhole.org/war/wounded/gallery.htm

Responsible Who?

2007-03-11T01:47:00.000-05:00

Pretty good piece written by Frank Rich of the NY Times. http://roziusunbound.blogspot.com/2007/03/frank-rich-why-libbys-pardon-is-slam.html

http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=22101

How are these guys still in office?

Puff...Puff...

2007-03-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

I don't have much to say on this, really.....what can you say. But....it looks like those shorties have been doin this for a minute.....Notice how he was handling it....

I dunno, I don't think her kids should be taken, but....

Don't Call It a Comeback

2007-03-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

Yea, I stole it from LL.

I have come out of the cave for some fresh air. Thank you to all who sent out prayers, sent kind words, made dinner, delivered snacks, tolerated the attitude, and the beard....(scruffy beard.....

Its over for now. The BAR is behind me. Though I still seem to have dreams that I am taking it. What's there to say about the experience. Not much. It was what it was. I prayed on it, before, during and after.....So its done.

Life goes on. But it is a bridge that I have to cross so Lord willin I will made it over.