Black Love One Growth

The Healing

2009-11-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

[Psalm 38; Isaiah 59; Romans 10]

Infection

Lord, forgive my insurrection
I have lost my direction
My body is filled with infection
Because of my wayward heart

I have not heeded your Word
Your commands have gone unheard
My sickness has peaked and surged
Because I didn’t do my part

I need a resurrection
I pray for a fresh start
Clean my sinful heart
Place me under your protection

Forgive me Father
For I have sinned
Your Word says I will do it again
Yet you continue to be my friend

So I thank you for your grace
Thank you for your mercy
I know there is nothing I will face
Beyond the peace from our conversing

Amen.

Conversation Peace

2009-09-05T03:13:00.000-07:00

The full moon shined brightly in the darkness as Friday night turned into early Saturday morning.

The moonlight bounced off of a black car that streaked through silence - Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love” yielded a failed attempt to find music on the radio, which encouraged me to turn off the radio.

It seemed that Friday night that everyone was busy or asleep - understandable, of course - but unfulfilling nonetheless.

Even ESPN did little to fill the evening - and then something spoke to me, something that made so much sense.

-----------------------------------

The night before, my second cousin asked if I knew of any Bible verses to share with him; an incoming freshman in college, he had some fears about the experience.

“God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind,” I told him - a response that encouraged him. It felt good to have that exchange with him, and I shared a few chapters with him this time around - Matthew 6, I Corinthians 13 and I John 4.

He asked about the Bible as he sat in his dorm room on a quiet evening - a scene that reminded me of my first semester in college. Scenes like that take me to my Bible study classes, where I encourage the youth to consistently read the Bible. One of the points of reference is that first semester, a semester where I read the Bible every day and earned my highest GPA.

I didn’t tell my cousin that story, but I did leave him with a few words:

“Make sure you read your Bible every semester.”

-----------------------------------

“Lord, renew my spirit and my strength,” I prayed during the ride home.

I felt that I had more to do, despite the fact that it was around 1:30 a.m. in the morning.

The wind that whipped through the front windows of the car was the only answer.

-----------------------------------

“I just want to spend a little time with you, Kenton,” a voice said to me.

“There’s no one to be found. Not on the computer, not on the phone, not via text, anything, is there?”

No.

“I have some things I want to say to you.”

I turn off the computer, I turn off the TV and I pick up a nearby Bible.

Where do you want me to turn?

“Follow your heart.”

I close my eyes and flip through the pages until I land in the book of Psalms - Chapter 46.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” verse one reads.

“Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth,” verse 10 offers.

Usually, I will turn to Isaiah for verses about the renewal of strength. However, I found peace in Chapter 46, which I followed with 47.

I sat for a while and then flipped some more pages to Chapter 51.

“Your heart.”

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit with me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit,” verses 10 and 11 read.

“This is what you requested in your prayer, yes?”

Yes.

“Relax. And read.”

Chapters 52, 55 and 56 are verses addressing how we should deal with foes - and presumed friends - that treat us adversely.

“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Didn’t you say something like that earlier?”

But my equals - eagles - gun the runway in preparation to fly. It's not the same, but...

“David and you are similar. You are both writers, and the both of you have the ability to do a lot with a little. He was a person that dealt with same things you’re dealing with now. Learn from him…”

“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”

This verse - Psalm 56:8 - intrigues me as the Bible sits open. The following passages speak to trusting God, but the wording inspires me to write something more…

…hmmmmm. It’s time to do a lot with a little once more…

Showers and Flowers (Part 2)

2009-05-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

April showers bring May flowers – I'm sure you've heard it before. The saying really makes sense for me this week, though.

It's worth mentioning that it has rained all day and will likely rain all this week. Everyone who's read the previous blog knows why that's going to be fun all by itself.

Here's how this week has gone/will go:
Sunday — My first cousin gave birth to a seven-pound, 10-ounce little girl.
Wednesday — My girlfriend and I began our relationship one year ago today.
Thursday — My younger brother graduates from college.
Friday — A friend of mine; ironically enough, the one indirectly responsible for bringing my girlfriend and I together, will enjoy a birthday.
Sunday — One of my best friends will also enjoy a birthday, on Mother's Day, no less.

As I type this, I'm listening to Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," and I would be lying to you if I didn't tell you how enamored I am with Ayers' music.

I admit, I am also enamored with my family – and my girlfriend, with whom I feel the need to speak my heart about, with a little help from Ayers' discography:

Everybody Loves the Sunshine
and Good Vibrations
But what happens when we face life's situations?
You turn A Tear Into a Smile
Make me come alive
I Wake Up with Drive thanks to your Mahogany Vibe
Spoken Word is inefficient to appreciate your true brillance
Music of Many Colors describes the kaleidoscopic heart of a vivrant lover
You Send Me into a Fever, Hot Coffy
'Latte laced with caramel toffee
This kind of intimacy
Must come from one with true Ubiquity...

Happy Anniversary sweetheart.

Thanks Roy Ayers, and thank you guys for reading. Peace...

Blank Slate (Part 1)

2009-04-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

You know how the sky looks when it appears that it’s going to rain – overcast, it doesn’t matter whether it’s light or slightly gray – but the sky looks completely clear?

I love it, and I love what it represents.

First of all, let me say that I enjoy the rain. It’s unfortunate that this particular type of inclement weather gets a bad rap; yes, I know it’s bad for people’s hair and I know it messes up your plans. That’s the thing, though – when it rains, you’re forced to sit down and evaluate things – it forces you to sit down and think.

I embrace that quiet time, and when I look at the skies, it makes sense that rainy weather encourages my thought process. Think about it – a blank slate.

The sky, as infinite as it appears, features nothing. Not a cloud, not a bird in the sky, nothing. It’s unconquered, untapped, full of potential – just like our thoughts. A blank slate gives one an opportunity to express him or herself – a chance to employ creativity to its fullest.

But wait, there’s more.

A blank slate also implies redemption. How many of us would love to go back in time and do things differently? How many of us would like to go back two years? Two months? Two days? Exactly.

I find it reassuring that I can look up to the sky, even when it’s raining and chaotic, and can feel redeemed.

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. – Malachi 3:10

Peace.

An Answer to "Lions, Tigers and Bears"

2009-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

Endangered Species

Blowing through the Jazmine on my mind…
Blowing through the Jazmine on my mind…

Lions and tigers and bears
Sounds like a jungle out there
Machetes mow through the bushes
In a push to find something rare

So what does the pursuit of flawless
Cost us?
Only seeing through the canopy
Not aware of the ecology
Traipsing through like immature tourists
We ripped through the rainforest

Now our circumstances are porous
Poor us
For not appreciating the resources before us
Now restoration’s the new destination
Trying to find a way like a Tribe Called Quest
Who can heal a child distressed?
A tribe called blessed
Except

She’s caught in a web
Still cravin’ the hunter
Yet at the same time
Running away from the predator
That’s trying to confront her
The lies she’s had to bear
She’s tired
Going around in circles
She’s mired
In a heart of darkness
She’s expired
Thinking that love’s retired

[Bruce Wayne/Batman: “That bandit … in the forest at Burma … did you catch him?”
Alfred: “Yes.”
Bruce Wayne/Batman: “How?”
Alfred: “We burned the forest down.”]

Forgive my Tony Toni Tone of voice
Lay your head on my pillow
Never thought in this wasteland
I’d find a weeping willow…

Maybe Hell Froze Over

2009-01-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

It snowed Tuesday morning.

One would think that being home in my native Carolinas, that on an annual basis, the winter ground would be covered with snow.

For the most part, that’s the case, save for my county. Two hours north? It snows and snows and snows. Here, though, I think it’s only showed thrice in the years that I can remember.

Of course, Tuesday was a day for history; Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was sworn into office. For many, the occasion was long-overdue - a powerful occasion filled with emotion.

Where was I during the inauguration? Getting ready to make a lengthy drive to see my girlfriend. Truthfully, my thoughts weren’t on the inauguration and the subsequent parties, but rather on what would happen the days, the weeks, the months and the years after.

I thought to compare the reactions of those blissfully happy with Tuesday’s events to a child in my hometown that sees snow – somewhat ironic, considering Obama’s mention of I Corinthians 13:11:

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

I thought about those words in conjunction with my comparison, and then simply thought of how fitting it would be that the change of leadership from what some might consider a hellish regime would be accompanied with rare snow.

Maybe Hell froze over.

My racing, insatiable mind wouldn’t have it.
You see, I have this habit of not just reading or listening to a bible verse, but wanting to read the entire chapter in the hopes of a better understanding.

I Corinthians 13 also has a significant nickname - the Love Chapter.(For starters, I challenge you all to click the "Bible On the Web" link to the left of you and read it in its entirety.

Another verse that captured my eye –(v. 10) "But when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.”

Then, I remembered back to the snow that fell earlier Tuesday. How it didn’t stick; how, even if it had, the sunlight would’ve eventually melted it.

And that hell hasn’t frozen over just yet.

John 16:33 – “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

“If I Were a Boy” (and other "Non-Ballads")

2008-11-21T14:54:00.001-08:00

Ballad (n.) – 1. A simple song. 2. A narrative poem of strongly marked rhythm suitable for singing. 3. A slow, romantic dance song.

I was watching VH1 Soul recently – great station, for the most part – and the music channel aired the video for one of Beyonce’s new songs – “If I Were a Boy.”

The gist of the song/video is that Beyonce plays a perceived traditional role of a male who disregards his girlfriend’s concerns and feelings for him, feelings that lead to the male engaging in flirtatious activity with a co-worker and the like.

The climax of the video is where Beyonce, who plays the dominant role, says “It’s not like I’m sleeping with the boy or something,” a statement that is answered by a sudden pause. Then, the male in the video exclaims, “It’s not like I’m sleeping with the girl or something,” an act that designates the role reversal back to the perception that males seem to engage in relationships with a certain disregard – lack of deep emotional attachment, rather – for their partner’s feelings.

This video seems to strike a chord with females that I’ve encountered recently; some have offered that Beyonce has brought an unchecked topic in relationships to the light – that Beyonce has offered some measure of truth.

At the video’s end, though, I felt a deep-seeded emptiness. The emptiness wasn’t derived from some theory I’d gained via an argument left for a battle of the sexes; no, I just didn’t feel the love.

There’s that word again, the word that fills the acronym of this writer’s BLOG, a word that has been brought up so many times. A word that Musiq Soulchild once said we use in vain.

I am inclined to agree with the Philly-based crooner. Today’s love songs seem to be lacking the aforementioned ingredient; since we’re talking about Beyonce, it seems that her recent catalog of music has consisted of ‘party song’ followed by ‘boy-bashing song;’ songs such as “Single Ladies,” “If I Were a Boy” and “Irreplaceable” do little to disprove my point.

Some will offer that her songs are merely entertainment, a point well-taken. Others will offer that she’s only singing about things that periodically happen – YES! That’s the point – and the problem.

You guys know I have an old-school spirit; to say that doesn’t mean that my opinions are derived from unchanging traditions or from hypocritical standards. When I hear today’s songs along the chords that I’ve mentioned, it reminds me of the times we’re living in, and how frustrating it is at times when art imitates life.

To hear songs by Roberta Flack, by Jeffery Osborne, by Stevie Wonder makes me feel that I’m 20 years behind my time – like I should’ve been born when Soul Train really meant something. Or, to express my point, when soul music – or the ballad – meant something.

In my opinion, there’s a certain joy – almost unmatched – that comes with rediscovering good music. I see why oldheads keep records stashed away – it’s almost like getting a Christmas gift, wrapping it back up, then unwrapping it anytime you feel like you need a boost. That being said, you know that an artist is GREAT when you’re listening to a CD of a particular artist and there’s an abrupt pause – such as when you arrive at a destination or something comes up – and instead of succumbing to something simple as getting out of the car, you feel inclined to sit in the car and hear the song out. And hear the next song out.

That happened to me the other night with my Essential Isley Brothers CD (great Christmas gift, for anyone looking to get a jump on holiday shopping). It’s a two-CD set, which was nothing good for someone like myself. Let’s just say I was in the car for a while with a lineup that included “Brown-Eyed Girl,” “For the Love of You (Parts 1 and 2),” and “Groove With You;” then I moved ahead and listened to “Summer Breeze” and “Make Me Say It Again Girl (Parts 1 and 2).”

I would and could express how I feel when I hear the lyrics of the likes of the aforementioned artists, but I’ll simply say that you can feel the love that emits from their souls; the sense of urgency and longing that comes from such records. It’s a true emotion that, despite the times we live in, I hope never becomes antiquated.

***

My girlfriend and I recently enjoyed each other’s company at an antique shop – where I happened to glance across a collection of old records. Among those records were the two that I featured in the previous blog – the Roberta Flack and Kool and the Gang offerings.
The titles of the LPs speak for themselves, but I couldn’t help but embrace the irony of two people aspiring to share a timeless relationship in a place that engages and encourages timelessness.

Needless to say, she loves antiques. Maybe there’s a place for an oldhead like me yet ;-)

Coming Attractions

2008-11-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

See you guys back here in a little while.

Just look at the photos and let your mind RACE...

At Your Best

2008-09-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

Been a while, hasn’t it?

Oh, I’ve been fine, myself. I just finished a six-day fast where I couldn’t eat meat or desserts – and could only drink water. No problem for a guy who went 40 days without meat, though, true?

I did it as a precursor to a revival we’re having at church; the idea is to deny ourselves certain addictions, I mean, pleasures, in conjunction with praying fervently to God for the revival and other things in our lives.

So, how do I feel after six days? In a word, hungry.

***

I was at a church gathering Saturday playing football with the fellas. Now, I had a pretty good time of it – far from embarrassed myself – but I just remembered a time where I felt like I had iron lungs. I was that kid that would go outside in the middle of July ;-) and play ball by myself – wasn’t even tripping off the temperature.

So, I had a heart-to-heart with that kid Saturday, and I’m thinking about finding him. I’ll let you know how that goes.

Not being tired is a beautiful thing – and while that’s profound from a physical sense, it’s 20,000 leagues deep when it’s thought of from a mental and spiritual sense.

I heard out one of my friends recently – they’d had some issues with someone they were trying to develop a relationship, only to have it undermined by someone’s selfish desires. That’s the short of it.

The said conversation had this blog writer doing some self-evaluation, and what I came up with was something that made me reminisce of a time where Aaliyah was still here – “At Your Best.”

At my worst, I’m a hapless dreamer that can’t get out of his hometown.
At my best, I’m a visionary that doesn’t know what inside the box is.

At my worst, I’m a giver whom reciprocity fails.
At my best, I give (my time, my love, my resources) freely despite the receiver’s reaction. (here’s a trade secret: The Lord loves a cheerful giver)

At your worst, circumstances inside and outside of your control allowed you to be taken advantage of in past relationships.
At your best, those experiences have made you stronger and wiser, all the while edifying your capacity for love, not tearing it down.

At your worst, you are filled with fear.
At your best, you are love … word to Aaliyah.

Sunday Morning

2008-06-01T01:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning/makes me feel/so godly/pardon me/if I shake your soul...
— Andre 3000 on the hook for 'Sole Sunday'

I'm tickled to be writing this blog, for starters, on a Sunday morning.
My Sunday morning might be a little different than your Sunday morn — it's 12:45 a.m., and I'm still at work.
I'm not here to complain though; to be honest, I'm actually feeling pretty good.
Easy like a Sunday morning, even...

Last Sunday, my pastor said two things that stuck with me during a lesson he titled "Getting Up When You're Feeling Down."

The first was in conjunction with a moment my pastor and I shared when I went to the altar (last) Sunday. He spoke about how he read my articles in the paper — which he parlayed into a message of what our destiny was in Christ.

That stayed with me, but not nearly as much as something he said earlier.

He remarked upon a time where he fell asleep at the wheel; saying how his car went across a freeway. No harm came to him during his short nap, though.

He was saying how he thought to simply thank God for waking him up, then thought of his prayer more deeply and more intimately.

He believed that he should thank God for commandeering the vehicle during his slumber, and I can only agree with him because I too have fallen asleep at the wheel.

***

I was returning from Project Graduation — an all-night, post-graduation ceremony for area high school seniors. I remember drinking a Diet Coke — I mistakenly looked to the beverage to give me the energy to drive home, though I knew better — and making my way to the house.

10 minutes down the road, just below the preschool where I attended, I dozed off at the wheel. When I woke up, I was DEAD CENTER in the middle of a ditch and slightly startled, for obvious reasons. I too thanked God for taking care of me and being my pilot, so to speak.

Here's why it's providence. For starters, there's a bridge that passes over a large swamp-like area about a mile or two down. If I fall asleep there, I likely wake up in the drink, if I wake up at all.

Not only that, but I realize now that all of the people that I met during my time in college – I likely wouldn't have met them. Which means that I wouldn't have met V.

***

V was one of my good friends during my freshman year in college. He was outgoing, hilarious, and had a keen way of influencing people's actions. The latter was a trait that he used for better and for worse – but it went without saying that he had a good heart.

I believe that we developed a mutual respect for each other because of my respect for the former trait, in addition to his respect for my conviction in my beliefs and otherwise.

V left for summer vacation – and never came back.

I hadn't left campus for the summer before I got the news. V had fallen asleep at the wheel of the car he drove home.
It was sadly ironic that someone with so much energy, so much of a passion for life could leave Earth in that way, and with all of the regard even today that I give my freshman year in college, I'm now realizing once more as I type this the somber note that it ended on.

***

I just can't let this blog end on the same note.

The breath that you breathe as you read this blog isn't coincidence, it's providence, I believe.
I believe it because my story could've been one of the gifted soul that never had the chance to realize whatever dreams he may have had.
Instead, here I am, remarking upon the past as a pastime, and the present as it's presented.

That still doesn't keep me from missing V sometimes though.
I guess that's the good thing about Sunday morning ... is the hope that it brings ... the hope that your V will be your victory as you overcome life's obstacles, and not a vendetta because of the anger we might feel when we lose someone we care about or things don't go our way.

Talk to you guys sooner.

(The Precursor to) Relentless

2008-04-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

(My original intention was to finish this post by Wednesday or Thursday – that being said, it’s only fitting that this post should be finished 40 years to the day after Dr. King was assassinated.)

I was recently inspired by a fellow journalist’s article on James Earl Ray’s brother; that’s right, the same JER that assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Or so many think.

I’ve heard my fair share of conspiracy theories, my fair share of thoughts that JER didn’t kill Dr. King; that King’s death was an elaborate government plan.

Whatever you believe is up to you. However, Ray’s brother just came out with a book, entitled Truth At Last, a book that gives strong testimony and evidence to the fact that Ray couldn’t have worked alone, if he was King’s assassin at all.

To be honest, though, that’s not new information to a conspiracy theorist, or someone who’s kept up with recent developments concerning the assassination.

It’s just that … if we don’t know who or what killed Dr. King … I mean, if you’re keeping score at home…

We DON’T KNOW who killed Dr. King or Malcolm X. On a smaller scale, who killed 2Pac? B.I.G.? JMJ? No clue.

And it appears … who cares?

One of the problems, I find, is how we define our heroes.

King is largely defined by a single speech, the Civil Rights Movement and the March on Washington; the latter of which none of us gets right. It was the MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM, and knowing the whole title helps to bring the real reason why King was assassinated. Per usual, race is the smokescreen.
Malcolm X? Largely defined by his relationship with the Nation of Islam and a form of activity that worked under the mantra “by any means necessary.”
Pac and Big? Central figures in an ultimately foolish East Coast-West Coast disagreement that took two of the most introspective and expressive artists of our day.
Can’t co-sign on the Pac and Big discussion? Lest we should forget…

“What (music) provides is an atmosphere... of orchestrated pulse which works on people in a subliminal way. Under its influence I've seen (people) kick off their shoes and raise some wholesome hell.”
– Meyer Davis

“Whoever controls the music controls the people.”

That’s the truth concerning Pac and Big … specifically the former, who talents transcended even his music. Movies like Poetic Justice and books such as “The Rose that Grew Out of Concrete” displayed such talents, as well as an introspective mind, and scholars such as Michael Eric Dyson have been inspired to their own works because of the late Shakur.

And now, if we can look past the NOI and race relations to determine why Malcolm and Martin were assassinated…

In an interview with Gordon Parks in 1965, Malcolm revealed:
"I realized racism isn't just a black and white problem. It's brought bloodbaths to about every nation on earth at one time or another. Brother, remember the time that white college girl came into the restaurant — the one who wanted to help the [Black] Muslims and the whites get together — and I told her there wasn't a ghost of a chance and she went away crying? Well, I've lived to regret that incident. In many parts of the African continent I saw white students helping black people. Something like this kills a lot of argument. I did many things as a [Black] Muslim that I'm sorry for now. I was a zombie then — like all [Black] Muslims — I was hypnotized, pointed in a certain direction and told to march. Well, I guess a man's entitled to make a fool of himself if he's ready to pay the cost. It cost me 12 years. That was a bad scene, brother. The sickness and madness of those days — I'm glad to be free of them."

In 1965, he also stated, “My mind is wide open to anybody who will help get the ape off our backs.”
(quotes courtesy of Wikipedia)

Malcolm’s thoughts and ideals began to transcend because of his journey to Mecca, and such advancement inspired the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

(Courtesy of Wikipedia and the good folks at Columbia University) ;-)
"On June 28, 1964, Malcolm X called a press conference at the Hotel Theresa in Harlem to announce his new project which he had been helped to set up by Elijah Muhammad's two sons, the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Modeled after the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the all-African federation, the OAAU was an international secular political organization promoting the interests of black people and working to fight white oppression, Discussions with the exiled author Julian Mayfield, one of Malcolm X's hosts during his 1964 trip to Africa, convinced Malcolm X of the need for a social, political and economic organization that would link Blacks in the U.S., the Caribbean and the Americas with Africa.”

In other words, link black Americans to their history! What’s the power of that? If nothing else, it would cause a cultural uprising, which combined with the tensions of the day very well could’ve caused a social and political uprising that would’ve changed this country forever. That, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg for the OAAU’s goals.

That was June 1964. You know what happened eight months later.

“After his death, Malcolm X's half sister, Ella Collins, took over the leadership of the OAAU, but dwindling membership and Malcolm X's absence eventually led to the collapse of the organization.”
The OAAU’s execution was slightly flawed, to be sure, but the organization was about more than human rights for Blacks. It was to also focus on voter registration, school boycotts, rent strikes, housing rehabilitation, and social programs for addicts, unwed mothers, and troubled children.

Selah.

And now, the truth about Dr. King.

Folks try to limit him to the “I Have a Dream” speech and the Civil Rights Movement; try to discredit him with accusations of unfaithfulness to his wife and communism.

Not that most of you know what real communism is, but I’ll let King speak for himself, who rejected communism because of “materialistic interpretation of history" that denied religion, its "ethical relativism," and its "political totalitarianism.”

Yet King, like Malcolm, had a transcendation of thought. His came in the form of the organization of the Poor People’s Campaign.

In 1968, King and the SCLC formed the organization to demand economic justice for ALL PEOPLE, not just Blacks. The Poor People’s Campaign inspired King’s second March on Washington, where he said:

"It really doesn't matter what happens now.... some began to... talk about the threats that were out -- what would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers.... Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." (April 3, 1968)

You know what happened the next day.

“Not long later, on May 12, 1968, the demonstrators showed up in Washington D.C. to start the Poor People’s Campaign. For the next two weeks protestors campaigned at various federal agencies pushing for the EBoR, which would benefit all poor people across the country. The campaign came to an end in mid-June; the EBoR was never passed.”

The EBoR was an economic bill of rights that asked the government for a $30 billion anti-poverty package, which would include an increase in housing for the poor and a guaranteed annual income for the poor people nationwide.

Martin and Malcolm’s civil rights movements started to transcend racism and attacked the government at its weak point – the economy. Lest we should forget:

“The love of money is the root of all evil.” – I Timothy 6:10.

This is why those of us that want real change have to look past race, but not even that anymore. We have to stop putting all of our eggs in one or two baskets – that was for all of you Obama supporters.

Not that I don’t enjoy Obama’s speeches and the optimism he’s created. It’s just … if ever he forms a concept to eliminate classism – one of the larger discriminations that plague us – he might share the same fate as Malcolm and Martin … but only because no one or no group picks up where such strong leaders left off.

So, why did I call this post (the Precursor to) Relentless?

Because I find the efforts of the system we live in relentless concerning ways of allowing us to live complacently, living with no desire for real change. We know that there are a lot of problems in this world, yet we’re fine so long as OUR immediate needs and wants are taken care of.

That’s why Martin and Malcolm became larger than life; why their lives were taken away from them. Because they cared about more than themselves, and used their gifts to achieve those means.

40 years to the day after King’s assassination, I intend to do the same through my writings, thoughts and feelings. Peace.

18

2008-03-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

"I’m going to need for you to write a new post, mister.”
--Shug

:) They don’t appreciate you until you’re gone for a short while.

-------------------------------------------

I talked to my last girlfriend the other day.

Her birthday’s on March 18, and we hadn’t talked in a really long time, so I thought that her birthday would be a perfectly alright day to strike up conversation.

We made a little small talk … she’s actually in the Army (or Navy?) now, she says she’s homesick, I tell her about myself, and that’s that.

I got off the phone with her and just smiled. Not necessarily because I was able to chat with an old friend though.

Because of that number.

Why so significant?

Here’s the quick of it.

We officially started dating one February 18. Her birthday, you already know. My birthday, as you know, is on July 18, my 18th birthday. We broke up a month later, when I started my matriculation.

Yep, she was the last girlfriend I had. In high school. That was the summer of 2001 … you guys can do the math.

Now, I’ve had a lot of lady friends … just never had sex with them or had it so that they were my ‘girlfriend’.

In fact, during the period of time from then to now, I’ve actually learned more through failed efforts at attaining a ‘girlfriend’ … and I honestly can’t call them failed, because
I still communicate with those young ladies, and with some of them, I feel like they feel as if they missed out on something special.

Not saying that to be cocky, it’s just the dynamic of what happens when you meet someone, and you want to have a relationship with them, but what they want in the short-term is sex. You don’t want sex, though, and in turn, they don’t want you … well, they don’t want a relationship.

Lot of reasons for that … people are afraid, people are unsure, people get hurt and are unable to trust … and I can respect that.

I use the term ‘respect’ loosely because I used to frown at this fact, used to frown upon the fact that I didn’t necessarily have to be in this predicament because I was a naïve kid that didn’t know what he had at home.

Ironically enough, my last girlfriend (who I’m reluctant to call ‘18’, even for the sake of this post, ha ha) had some of the same fears, and it was those fears that ultimately broke us up.

Fear. Such a funny word. Yet an entity that in collusion with doubt can break down the most firm of relationships.

And that’s the funny thing about this all. Even as I’ve long to scratch what has almost become (an aptly-named) seven-year itch, I’ve never had a doubt that I would run across someone that would be as fearless as I, unafraid to love.

Love being more than infatuation, more than a spark … but love being sacrifice and growing to commitment.

And whether that someone and I grow a relationship that buds into something truly special is unimportant, because the process is advancement by default, a chance to gain a friend or gain an opportunity to learn.

I guess that’s why it’s fitting that I met this latest someone on January 19th.

See you guys around…

Stupid Is...

2008-01-31T03:45:00.000-08:00

(...As stupid does? Maybe, but that’s not my point right now…)

Stupid is a matter of perception, methinks.

My contention is that people are fearful of what they don’t understand, and that fear … well, sometimes it can make them stupid.

Now, that’s not to say fear is a bad thing … sometimes, fear can be a good thing, a barrier that keeps one from doing something … you guessed it, stupid.

Again, a matter of perception.

Well, here’s what my four eyes see:

--First off, I was tempted (ironically enough) to use Matthew 7:13-14 as an illustration; then thought better off because the verses more of how difficult it is to find the way to heaven as opposed to it being an unorthodox endeavor.

That still didn’t keep me from telling my Bible Study class Wednesday to be Christ-like, even if it means going against conventional wisdom.

The lesson was originally designed around David’s asking for forgiveness in Psalm 51 and scriptures about the heart through the book of Matthew, but for some reason or another, I got into a point with them about working for oneself and for his/her family instead of working for/under someone else.

Not a new point brought here to the blog, but it also brought me to the problem of parenting sometimes:

I heard a 12, 13-year-old kid tell me about how he goes to bed whenever he wants to; about how most of the time he’ll wake up at 2 (a.m.) and kind of make his way to sleep.

After hearing that, my logic shifted on how homes with one (or two parents) still falter at times because the adults are always at work, and kids are raising themselves. This is a trend that continues because those same parents will teach kids to work for someone else instead of working toward an existence where they might be financially secure AND able to spend the bulk of their time with their families.

An idealist’s view?

Again, a matter of perception.

All I know is … 12-year-olds have always been precocious. It’s just a matter of what direction they’re given…

Luke 2
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43 and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; 47 and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49 And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.

Peace.

Makin' My Peace

2008-01-27T23:45:00.000-08:00

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1

This two-part blog starts with a realization I had recently had at work:

Some people only care about control … rather, a system that creates control instead of production.

This realization might shake some people that work a 9 to 5, folks that expect to be rewarded for their good works.
I realized something at that point, though; for starters, those of us who profess to be living under the pretenses of a higher power shouldn’t be looking for such rewards; another thing is that we spend so much time fighting a system, the man, which really isn’t efficient in its own right.
And efficiency is something I strive for ... as I told a friend, it's about advancing past such systems ... not fighting them.

I just didn’t know how to address it in my mind, I guess, but efficiency is the word. To get the most out of my labor, and not only that, I guess, but to be proficient in the same stroke.
For a while, I wasn’t doing that; addressing the system temporarily took me away from that goal. However, it’s easier to make my peace, because doing so…

-- Eliminates uncertainty, which in turn eliminates fear;

-- Allows me to focus, which allows me to finish tasks (flawlessly, oh that was a tad cocky, ha ha).

The plot thickens still though, because I’m human, and because sometimes situations arise even when your productivity isn’t the real question.

This is where, as a friend of mine addressed once, the matter of picking your battles arises.

From there, I think the issue is simple still; control what you can, don’t worry about the things you can’t.

Hmmmmm. That felt pretty good … like going to church Sunday did. Things make so much sense when I go to church; a few of my friends say the same thing. It’s a wonder, then, that our busy lives keep us from cultivating the church within us … my pastor was talking something good …

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. – Romans 12:1.

Our bodies are the temples, was his contention; the church isn’t so much an edifice as it is a place of congregation. The real church is inside each and every believer, if we allow it to be.

ARRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHH that’s tough, but at least you guys know where my focus is … on trying to get better each day and keeping my eye on the things that are really important.

Shoot, that’s enough blog right there, but since I love ya’ll, I’m flippin’ today’s record on the Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide…

My vinyl’s scratched
I found the needle in the haystack
The diamond in the rough
Needs some polish, a little buff
But when the lyrics are released into the air
It’s a feeling so rare
Pollination is the purpose
We’ve reached the B-side’s surface

Two weekend occurrences piqued my interest; one more so than the other. Forgive my priorities in advance.

Tiger Woods! Barack Obama! In that order.

Tiger Woods took the controversy from the Kelly Tilghman/Golfweek ‘noose’ cover and displaced it … rather turned that energy into a virtuoso performance at the Buick Invitational.

A lot’s been said about what Tiger should or shouldn’t be doing as far as addressing the racially-charged situation; personally, I don’t think anyone has the right to impress those thoughts upon Tiger.

We can’t make him be a Malcolm X; let’s take it to transcendant athletes, we can’t make him be Muhammad Ali or Arthur Ashe. Would it be nice? Sure. The thing is, we look for celebs to speak out on issues that happen to everyday people. Are ‘regular people’ and their testimonies any less important because they’re not famous? Didn’t think so … MESSAGE!

Obama was in my native South Carolina beating the brakes off of fellow Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in the S.C. primary; his spirited post-victory speech made me smile and brought about great cynicism from my colleagues.

It’s still too early to determine a lot of things; one thing that was encouraging was the voter turnout; if those same (regular) people come out in droves post-2008 to turn this country around, it would be … truly phenomenal.

I haven’t decided on a candidate yet, to be honest; goodness knows I’m tired of voting for the lesser of evils. I just hope, well … I dream.

Still dreamin’…

The Dreamers

2008-01-23T01:26:00.000-08:00

I spent the MLK Day holiday at home, which, as I found out from a number of friends and colleagues, was a blessing.

I can’t believe the man made some of ya’ll go to work … you should’ve demanded freedom, ha ha.

Anyway, I digress. I was up watching an old Boondocks episode with a fellow dreamer Monday; ironically enough, we were watching the now-infamous MLK episode.

I say ‘infamous’ because the climax of the show came when Dr. King (who hadn’t died in this Boondocks episode, but instead spent an extended period of time in a coma, then woke up) told what he called a bunch of “ignorant (ninjas)” to “please shut (the heck) up!”

You have to see the episode for yourself, though, because it’s so much more than about a single charged comment, much like King’s life was about so much more than a single speech.

Another fun fact: did you know that the third Sunday in May is Malcolm X Day? I gotta be honest; it slipped my mind since those days I used to compete in Black History bowls.

Ah, good ol’ Black History month. You guys know how I feel about the logic behind BHM, so I’ll just speak on a conversation a fellow dreamer and I had about what happens when dreams die …

…well, kind of.

Not like Langston Hughes, though. We grew up reading Marvel Comics, and well, there are a few similarities with the X-Men and the dreams of Martin and Malcolm.

You see, for some reason, Marvel’s writers decided to kill Professor X, which to see seems like the equivalent of killing Dr. King, someone who represents passive resistance and good will.

X’s long-time ‘rival’ was Magneto, someone who represented advancement of the mutant race “by any means necessary”, someone who clashed with X at times because of their conflicting beliefs, yet respected and embraced X’s beliefs at times because of their past (they were friends as young adults) and the fact that they were looking for the same thing: a better life for their respective race. Unfortunately, the Marvel Universe is without both figures, who were … ‘rubbed out’ by writers.

Back to the present. This fellow dreamer and I have had clashes in the past concerning means to an end, but mostly work together where figures like King/X and Magneto/X (beautiful opposites there with X) mostly clashed.

He believes that the change, the uncertainty that will surely come with those Marvel figures dying is a good thing, that the same structure for an extended period of time didn’t inspire real growth.

I disagreed, saying that uncertainty shouldn’t come in one fell swoop, and uncertainty shouldn’t come in the midst of chaos.

Oh well. For all that dreamin’, and for all that philosophy, the good thing is that there’s birth.

For all of you that still read Marvel, Messiah Complex ends tomorrow, which will answer so many questions about what one child will become.

For all of you that keep up with the Kings, you know that MLK’s first grandchild was born recently, which will surely bring new questions of what one child will become.

A child’s potential? Limitless, I think.
And that’s certainty in the midst of chaos.

Very Superstitious (While Trying Not to be Wry)

2008-01-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

Very superstitious, writing's on the wall
Very superstitious, ladder's 'bout to fall...
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain't the way
--Stevie Wonder, Superstition

I would be cocky if I said my 2008 started in early December, but it kind of felt that way.
We’ll just officially say that it started with a text from my co-worker the afternoon of Dec. 31:

(paraphrasing, of course) “Make sure you’re not at work when midnight hits, lol! Walk down the street or something.”

I laughed at first, but when I sat down and thought about it, I realized that she was right.

11:44 hit, and I made some serious moves toward the door and to my car … getting away from work as fast as I could … and thought about how many times I’d gone to the car in 2007 and driven … aimlessly.

Driven – with no purpose. Couldn’t bring in 2008 like that, could I?

First thing I did was pop in a CD from my church about how people celebrate Christmas (an event that’s already passed) but don’t acknowledge the upcoming return of Jesus. Valid points, and normally I’d be at a watch night service…

(Some background info about Watch Night. I’ve always been down with wanting to spend my New Year’s Day in church; I’m not a drinker, smoker, clubber, etc., and it’s always made more sense to start the New Year off in church. At the same time, I had a small fear as a youth that Jesus was going to come back at midnight and that I wouldn’t have done enough to be raptured up. The thoughts of kids, I tell you…)

… and I was on my way there, but I wanted to surround myself with all of the themes that I wanted to be commonplace in 2008. So the first place I stopped was my childhood home.

Dad and kid brother were asleep, but I woke them up to tell them ‘Happy New Year!’ and went looking for younger brother.

He was out with his friends, so I made my way to Watch Night Service and wished folks there a Happy New Year.

Felt good, and truth be told, in 2008, I want to 1) be around family more, 2) not be at work, 3) doing more free writing, and 4) focused on my relationship with Christ.

I did all of those things early on, sans eating collards/black eye peas and not washing clothes on Jan. 1.

There’s just one little thing about trying to ignore superstition and acknowledge the truth:

Once you know the truth, how do you keep from being cynical?

I don’t want to focus on the truth so much as I want to focus on what’s on my mind:

Old folks’ superstitions likely came to fruition because they WORKED SO HARD to advance themselves. Our parents and grandparents were truly overachievers. Conversely, our generation (not necessarily you, but the collective, focus!) has rested on the laurels of our successors’ successes and underachieved. I definitely feel like there’s more I can do.

That being said, it’s a New Year, and we all want change----buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Yes. Change. It’s why Obama won the Iowa caucus, right? It’s why African-Americans are going to vote in droves in November, right? It’s why you, yes, you, are more concerned with the political process than you’ve ever been!

Yet, here’s a question that was posed to readers of a column on ESPN.com:

Suppose God appeared in a glowing cloud and said, "You either may have indefinite continuation of existing social and economic trends or you may have change, but I make no promises about what type of change" -- which option would you select?

Uh oh, I said I wasn’t going to be wry.

The truth is – your perception is your reality just like my perception is my reality. And I perceive that whomever should become President in 2009 will inherit a bona fide mess, and he/she won’t be able to clean that mess up by themselves. (Remember this when someone/something's made out to be a scapegoat in the next few years.)

Yeah, yeah, you know, you know. But you know what we don’t know? We don’t know how this person poses to inspire you and I to not be cynical, to inspire us that real change can occur.

Not only that, but inspire us to believe that American life is about more than gas prices, atrocious media coverage and being looked down upon by other countries because of our arrogance.

Uh oh, I said I wasn’t going to be wry.

What I want is a candidate that acknowledges our present, and acknowledges that we are in dire times. I want that same candidate to promote improvement within everyone in this country and make it so that our turnaround involves a renewing of the mind, something like the renewing that occurs in Ephesians 4:23 … because America was founded as one nation under God, true? (not an ounce of cynicism here.)

Because I’m tired of living with the lesser of two evils, I’m tired of debating whether I should fill up my tank with $2.99/gal gas or wait for the possibility that gas might drop five cents this week b/c there’s a glimmer of peace in the Middle East.

I want things to cha-- screw that. Right now, I’m working on…

Working.

Celebrating Life

2007-11-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

To be real, it’s getting harder and harder to adhere to the title of this post with everything that’s going on in life…

The day-by-day hustle. The increasingly despondent news we hear about on a daily basis…

And that’s before two situations hit me especially close to home.

1) The passing of my cousin and great aunt in about a week’s time, with word that my other great aunt might be on her death bed. It’s bad enough losing loved ones, but losing loved ones around the holidays … I mean, think about the good times that are generally associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. … then think of losing someone during that time. I promise you that the same joy you would feel during those times is replaced exponentially with pain during those times.

I’ve witnessed this first-hand … my grandfather – mom’s dad – passed when I was a second-grader around Christmas time; that side of the family hasn’t been the same since. It was tough enough that he was the rock of the family – you know there are certain people in your family that make the most sacrifices, the family recognizes it, he/she means so much, so and and so forth … then you lose that person, and sometimes it’s not that there’s anyone to fill that space…

It’s a matter of whether they can, or even worse off, want to fill that space. That’s hard to deal with.

2) The passing of Sean Taylor. Taylor was a free safety for the Redskins that died of a gunshot wound after he defended his home during a robbery. The reason why he was home and not with the team was because he was nursing an injury … just an odd and senseless situation all-around.

Aside from the fact that it was a heavy blow just as a sports fan, it was doubly bad because he was born the same year as I was, heck, he’s 24, the same age I am.

Wrote a poem about my thoughts on the situation … if you would like to read it or see it on the B.L.O.G., just let me know and I’ll address the comment(s) accordingly.

Anyway, the best way that I’m trying to deal with those situations is just acknowledging the situation for what it is … which is tough when you’re talking about loved ones.

The thing is, I’m also realizing that as human beings, I think we put a lot more emphasis on our suffering than our success, which is something that I’m trying to change for myself.

Honestly, I believe for the losses that I might suffer on a professional and a personal level, I have to say that God’s blessing me sufficiently more than he might be taking things away … and his taking things away might serve as a blessing in the end, anyway.

Now, it’s just a matter of celebrating life for what it is … or as I’ve put it recently … writing the past as a pastime, and celebrating the present as it’s presented.

The joy of being a Christian comes in the fact that I believe that we’ve defeated death because of the past sacrifices made, which should be something that all Christians should be appreciative of every day. In turn, that means that since we shouldn’t be held back by the fears of this life, we should live confidently and boldly in the good times and bad…

A little Ecclesiastes here, a little Frankie Beverly and Maze “Joy and Pain” there …

--The Good Doctor

Dead Meat, Living Bread

2007-10-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

What up B.L.O.G. fam ... I know it's been a little bit, but...

I MADE IT, HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Yep, 40 days without meat. Wasn't too tough to be honest ... ok, maybe a little bit ... allow me to bring up some of the highlights:

1) Sports and not eating any meat don't mix. I mean, you watch ESPN, you're going to see an ad for T.G.I. Fridays. And for Applebees. And for Dave and Busters. And let's sprinkle a little bit of Red Lobster in there for good measure...

That wasn't it though...

Of course, there was the issue of covering high school sports. No real problem, right? Just stand on the sidelines, take a few pics, take notes...

...but then there's the fan interaction.

And the fans with their chicken fingers ... burgers ... and even worse, the cooks and patrons deep frying that knew who I was, and thus wanted to give me free food ... oh boy.

I made it, though ... and well, allow me to look back at how I felt when I first thought of going on the no-meat journey...

Yesterday (Thursday, August 16), I started a 40-day period where I'm not going to eat meat. Inspired by famous vegans, a good friend of mine, and a desire to want to adjust my focus, I decided to see how long I could maintain such a diet.

Well ... my focus has been adjusted, my thinking is clearer, and that's somewhat adjusted my Bible Study tactics...

It's just ... for all of the adjustments we make as human beings ... everything we do to make our lives better ... if we say we believe in a higher being, but so often lean on our understanding ... we're pretty much screwed.

To know and to not apply, ha ha ha ... but I'll let one of the kids in my class tell the tale...

(A little background ... young person about 15 caught up in gang activity. Real introspective kid, but of course, when status comes into play, you do whatever you can do to survive...)

"So ... I (got into an argument with a family member), and was about to leave the house ... when I heard this voice ... I think it was God telling me something that you taught us in class ... lean not unto thine own understanding ... and I went back to the house.

"Then I started thinking about other things ... and I basically said to myself, I ain't no thug, man, I ain't no thug..."

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding
--Proverbs 3:5

Poster Boy

2007-08-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of AP)

*What's up everyone, this is a Good Doctor exclusive ... straight had to speak my mind on the Michael Vick case. Also, this note is LONG, people, LONG. Make a sandwich, get something to drink, or in the immortal words of Terrell Owens, "get ya popcorn ready". You already know what it is...*

Honestly, I didn’t want to say anything about the Michael Vick dogfighting case.
When he was indicted on conspiracy charges for his role in a dogfighting venture on the eve of my 24th birthday, I just wanted to see how the story would unfold, and after he plead guilty Monday, the only important thing to me was how long the former Virginia Tech standout’s sentence was going to be.
Then I came across the young fella you see in the picture adjacent to this column.
This young man is 9-year-old Jerron Lofton of Richmond, Va., and it wasn’t just the fact that he’s the same age as my kid brother that caught my attention.
It was the fact that this picture was the featured photo Monday afternoon on espn.com, a photo that depicted the scene outside of a federal courtroom in Richmond where Vick formally entered his guilty plea to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge.
My focus, though, wasn’t on the scene and the dynamics in play — well, not initially — so much as it was on this young man.
The young man seems like a revolutionary of sorts, and if nothing else, is willing to share his message — his faith — in the midst of those who might not agree with his views.
Then I thought of the nature of a child, well, my brother specifically. Kids are happy-go-lucky, kids would rather go outside and play — make friends — as opposed to carrying picket signs on a hot August day.
Which makes me wonder — who put this young man up to this?

When Vick was first indicted, the first thing that came to my mind was Pavlov — and then, conditioning.
Like Pavlov taught the fated dogs, I believe people — you, me, this young man — can be taught in a similar fashion.
The most famous example of classical, or Pavlovian conditioning, involved salivary conditioning of the fated dogs.
During research, Pavlov found that at a point, the dogs wouldn’t salivate in the presence of food, but rather, would salivate in the presence of the person serving the food.
With that, friends, I give you the media.
I believe it’s the presence of the media that has blown this case out of proportion — heck, we live in a sensationalist society that will unnecessarily run images of dogfighting, or images of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, or people suffering, or sex, or whatever images with negative or immoral content because the media knows those images will sell.
It is the media now that works as the server we salivate over, the server that we are so dependent on to get our fix of the Bad Newz Kennelz, or just bad news.
So why do I work in the media, then, knowing full well how the system operates?
Because I don’t believe that’s how it has to operate.
I believe that general news — with exception to my opinion in columns, obviously — can be offered to the masses without putting my personal spin on it, by simply reporting what’s going on and allowing folks to make a decision based on what they see and how they feel.
If that’s not what’s happening, then how can we say someone’s being fairly treated, or that justice is fairly served.
You can’t.
I could stop there, but I don’t think we should look at this case from one perspective. In fact, I dare say there are more forms of conditioning playing their part in the Mike Vick case...

The race card. It’s a wild card, yes, but one that folks are just as willing to shield themselves from as much as they are willing to wield.
A conversation I had with an African-American friend recently:

Me: We are human beings.
Me: Well, that's what you and I want to be.
Friend: Right.
Me: And we live ideally and as if there is no race ... to please God, things of that nature...
Me: ...but then race comes up.
Friend: Yes, it does.
Me: And, invariably, we see it as a factor.
Friend: Yes.
Me: Now, someone of a different race, presumably white, does the same...
Friend: Right...
Me: ...but doesn't see race. Why?
Friend: Because they are privileged ... because they are white.
Me: But aren't you and I privileged?
Me: That is the problem of race.
Friend: Yep.
Me: Race makes one group feel inferior, and the other feel superior.
Me: That's why one group acknowledges it — specifically, acknowledging their (presumed) inferiority, and the other group does not, which acknowledges their (presumed) superiority.

Having brought up this conversation, I believe folks that say the Mike Vick case isn’t a ‘race issue’ didn’t see/hear about the scene outside of the courtroom Monday afternoon, haven’t kept up with the history of sports — check the stories of MLB Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson and former UNC basketball standout Charlie Scott — or maybe those folks didn’t read the Associated Press story I read about the letters to Surry County (Va.) officials dripping with racism.

“Blacks — no matter how much money and education will always be of a jungle race!” read the handwritten, unsigned letter, postmarked Richmond and addressed to courthouse

That’s not to say that the race card hasn’t been misused by African-Americans likewise.
Race and religion are two things that should never meet, but often do — how integrated is the church you attend? — but those were the underlying, no, PERMEATING themes of the support rally that outnumbered animal rights activists Monday afternoon.
I have no problem with religion; in fact, I enjoy sharing my faith and beliefs, but I believe that there are bigger battles to be waged, more important wars to be fought than one over a man willing to plead his guilt.
Which brings me to another problem — priorities.

The problem with living in a sensationalist society is that when media outlets tell us to be WORRIED ABOUT PARIS HILTON! LOOK, IT’S LINDSAY LOHAN — SHE’S A DRUNK! MICHAEL VICK — DOGKILLER!, we tend to trivialize important matters like — new orleans is still struggling after the effects of hurricane katrina — in louisiana, the jena six continues to be a racially-charged issue — mother earth continues to suffer because of our gluttony and disregard for the environment.
But wait ... from the sky, look! PETA’s come to save us! Not far behind ... the NAACP swoops in to preserve our common interest!
Yet again ... wait. Dogs aren’t my common interest ... Al Sharpton’s desire to be in front of the camera isn’t my common interest ... in fact, I dare say that these figures, these leaders are here for their own agenda.
Agendas that are willing to make an example out of Michael Vick — for better, meaning that young athletes should take heed at the rise and fall of celebrity, or for worse — meaning we should crucify this inhumane dog-killer who’s never done a good thing in his life, that grew up in Newport News, Va. and for all intents and purposes, is nothing more to (you) than a thug.
Yes, that’s it. Let’s make an example out of him ... where we don’t agree with the verdict in the O.J. Simpson case, where we believe the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant should’ve gone to jail, where we’re tired of athletes getting away with murder and smoking weed and fornication, let’s bring this Vick to the forefront.
Yes, that’s it. Let’s make an example out of him...

“Because of the Michael Vick case, from now on, whenever an athlete does something wrong, he’s going to be (unfairly) posterized.”
I wish I could say that paraphrased quote came from a Bulldog — University of Georgia, South Carolina State or of the Silver Bluff High School variety — but the truth is, that quote came from a local assistant coach.
It’s bad enough that a young man, preferably a defensive back, misses an assignment and is the one caught in a bad spot when he’s the one left to chase an open receiver sure to score a touchdown ... and has to watch it on the news and hear about it from his friends.
It’s another thing entirely when we encourage and, at times, overhype young athletes, only to vilify and discourage them when they make mistakes, as if the mistakes we’ve made have ever been so amplified and so placed under a microscope as the mistakes of a young athlete.
Until we heed this young man’s message, until we get off our high horses, our pedestals, until we stop placing celebrities on high horses and pedestals just to summarily tear them down...
Until we change our priorities, then this young man will share the same fate as Michael Vick.
He’ll just be another poster boy.

Bible Study Lesson for Aug. 15, 2007

2007-08-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hey guys ... I'm doing this primarily for my bible study students that read the B.L.O.G. That being said, I haven't forgotten about you guys ... I'm working on a blizzle right now called 'The Realization'.

Lord willin', this is going to be an every week thing, and I'm truly making adjustments in my life to clear my mind and to be better than I've ever been.

Yesterday (Thursday, August 16), I started a 40-day period where I'm not going to eat meat. Inspired by famous vegans, a good friend of mine, and a desire to want to adjust my focus, I decided to see how long I could maintain such a diet.

I'm also reading my bible more, and in light of a recent trip I made, realized the things that I need to do to become better, which the upcoming blog will describe.

So, pray for me as I pray for you. I know the blogs have been sporadic, but I thank those of you who take the time every once in a while to stop by the blizzle.

I hope you all are prospering (or more importantly, are content) as well. Take care.

-------------------------

- I’m Hungry -

Last week’s lesson: Phases – A lesson dealing with growing up in Christ. Different sets of verses were designated for middle school students, high school students and college students with the pretense of adding more to your spiritual knowledge base as you get older.

This week’s precursor: The inspiration for the Aug. 16 lesson came from a recent road trip from the Upstate of South Carolina. I was riding home, and was listening to a Jazzy Jeff (Return of the Magnificent) CD when I became hungry … both physically and spiritually. To quench the latter, I put in a CD of my pastor’s sermon on Jonah, and to fill my belly, I stopped in a gas station. Upon leaving the gas station, about half a mile down the road I picked up a flat tire, and headed back to the station.

Mind you, it was HOT. I could barely put my hands on the ground to get a closer look at things, and long story short, I had to change the tire.

That inspired me to ask the question of “Why Am I Here?”, a question that Christians tend to ask from time to time because of adversity, or in my case, situations where he/she is forced to backtrack.

Not soon after I ask this question, a man came up to me with a bottle of water that he’d just purchased, and gave it to me.

I didn’t even figure out the significance of the water until the day of the actual lesson, where I came across a study bible and read the seventh chapter of John, which talks about ‘living water’, and from there, decided to share my experience(s) with the class.

---------------------- Scripture Says ----------------------

The lesson will deal with three primary dynamics – adversity as a Christian, self-evaluation, and being rewarded (or not) for doing right.

First, allow me to present John 6:27-35.

27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." 30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." 35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

This passage talks primarily about not worrying so much about physical hunger as we should about spiritual hunger. Matthew 6:25 offers a similar concept:

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

When I first looked back at the man giving me the water, my mind immediately went to the fact that humans can go for weeks without eating, but will die after 3-4 days without water. That was before I looked at John 7:37-39:

37On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

That’s when I realized that my asking “Why Am I Here?” at the gas station was a self-effacing question, meaning I didn’t want an answer for myself so much as I wanted to understand what God’s purpose was for me at that time.

The man who gave me the water represented my thirst for the knowledge of God being satisfied. Matthew 6:33 also promises prosperity for those who seek God first:

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

It’s not just enough to hear God’s word, though, but to do it as well. See James 1:21-24:

21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

The lesson will commence with verses dealing with each of the ‘primary dynamics’, which seems funny now considering that they weren’t addressed until the end. Oh well.

Adversity as a Christian - II Timothy 2:3-4, 11-12
3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.

Contrary to popular opinion, being a Christian isn’t easy. At the same time, we know that while things might not always go as we’d like them to, through Christ Jesus, we are guaranteed a ‘happy ending’, or spending the rest of eternity with Him.

Self-Evaluation (Why Am I Here?) - Deuteronomy 4:29
29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Again, when we face situations, we should focus on God more than ever to seek the answers we want to know.

Reward (or not) for doing right - Jonah 2:8-10
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. 9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." 10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

In Jonah 2, Jonah is in the belly of a fish. Instead of just begging to get out of the fish (you know when you get in trouble, you ask God to get you out of –the situation-; truth is, God has a bigger plan and a broader vision for your life), Jonah said that he would praise God, and do what God told him to do (whether he got out of the fish or not). God recognized Jonah’s sincerity, and as a result, Jonah was forgiven.

-May God continue to bless us all.-

Eight is Enough

2007-07-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Shug tagged me and told me to play this game … so here it go.

----------------------------------------------
1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.

2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
----------------------------------------------

One – I think I’m a masochist. Ok, ok, that was a joke. I only said that because I’ve played games with Shug forever, both online and off, and I don’t think I can get enough, lol…

Shoot, this might be fun after all.

Two – I feel like I’m an underachiever, and my not updating the blog consistently only scratches the surface of that. Fortunately, I’m working on a way to manage my time and get the most out of life.

Of course, I’m procrastinating on that as well, lol…

Three – For a virgin, I think about intimacy a lot, and I’m not speaking on just the kiss between friends. I suppose there’s no trouble with that, providing that I continue to temper my thoughts with real-time patience, true?

Four – A lot of people have been telling me to lighten up lately, including my mother, and I’m almost thinking about taking those folks up on their offer.

All I’m saying is, the new Good Doctor’s going to act and sound a lot like Petey Greene, heh heh … oh, you didn’t see Talk To Me in theatres? You need to go do that … that movie seriously made me think about…

Five – Thinking about cursing again. Folk, I’m so against cursing; yet and still, ignorant ninjas just inspire me to want to say what’s on the top of my head, and honestly, that’s not good for anyone.

Haven’t cursed aloud since 10th grade … for anyone keeping score at home, that’s a nine-year ‘drought’, so to speak. I remember Lauryn Hill saying something about how it doesn’t take much brainpower to curse, or something to that effect, which inspired me … so that’s one of the main reasons why I took the stance.

Six – I love the smell of a good woman ... errrrrr, I love a good-smelling woman, that's what I meant ;-)

Really, if you want to get to the heart of me, 1) Cook from your soul … I mean, you don’t have to make the thanksgiving spread, just … a little something. And…

2) Just … just … there’s so many great scents out there … especially for the ladies … I mean, you got Bath and Body Works … Vicki’s will hook you up … just do whatcha do ladies.

But, real talk, just don’t stink. On that same line of reasoning that there are a whole LOT of stores designated for scents and smells, that should also mean that there’s no reason for ya’ll to stink. At all.

Seven – Andre 3000 is the best rapper of all time.

And I don’t even mean rapper … I mean, dude is straight brilliant. Between the Class of 3000 cartoon, and just his work in 2007 alone … he made Rich Boy relevant for 2.5 seconds, and that’s hard to do in my book.

I know at least one of you that didn’t like me talking about Rich Boy, but so what, ninja, HA HA HA HA….

‘Bout Dre, though … I hope he follows through with that solo album, because The Love Below was one of the greatest albums of (fill in the blank).

Eight – Eight is enough, remember? And I’ve had enough of folks that say they want to do better in relationships (intimate and otherwise), but never do.

Let me explain. I mean, I have plenty of shortcomings (read no. 2), but one thing I try really hard to do is keep up with (friends).

That becomes difficult outside of disloyalties; I mean, the things that have kept me out of touch are -getting grown-, which goes along with getting a job, keeping a job, paying bills, so on and so forth.

That being said, I’m a firm believer in the fact that you always keep up with something that you love. If you love God, you’re in that Bible hard. If you love that girl, you’re always doing something (even if it’s corny) to get her attention. And so on and so forth…

I just feel that way about friendship. Some things are more important in life … and I don’t even think I needed eight random things to show me what’s important and what’s not.

Jig, I see your blog and raise you the chance to great eight.

Blog be comin’, blog be comin’, true blog comin’, Pocahontas comin’…

Passion Play

2007-07-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

My heart feel like it’s gon’ beat out my chest, folk…

…Truth is, I’m writing this because I should be writing something about hope, about love, about growth.

Or maybe I should be writing a manifesto that busts in the heads of the powers-that-be; more specifically, simply demanding respect.

It’s just that, it’s not my style to vent. I want to invent … I think that’s why I initially signed on with the engineering thing … just the whole concept of creation … making things that will make the world better not just for myself, but for folks that are here now and are to come.

I just realized I can do that with a pen in my hand.

And in an idealistic world, the story would end there … I would weave wondrous works of waxed poetic, seeping soulfully in your streams of being, and so on, Selah, ha ha…

That’s not how it is though … and as much as I would much rather be a lover, folks insist on me putting on my gloves and being the proletariat…

Ahem, the Boxer … “I will do better”, eh?

That’s the whole hook; long before folks were paying me to write, I was writing for the love … wait a minute, that’s how this whole thing got started…

All that writing for pay ever got me was…

I told my editor that my heart was beating kind of funny one night … he looked at me kind of funny, then sternly told me to leave and go to the hospital, if that’s what I needed to do… so I call my pops, and he’s almost at the hospital before I am … I figured I would check things out, just to make sure … long story short, ain’t nothing wrong but my diet and how I allow things to roll at work, folk…

Putting your all in something and not getting the return you desired has been recently defined to me through the pain of an unreturned compliment…

I just have to put this in perspective, though. I don’t play empty compliments; shoot, I pay attention to details, so when I speak positively on something, it carries a lot of weight leaving the voice box.

It’s just … maybe the person doesn’t understand how much energy it took to make the compliment. Or maybe someone misunderstands the compliment. Or maybe … shoot, they just don’t care…

Eh. Nothing a tall glass of water can’t fix … not only the matters of the heart … but … shoot, ya’ll already know about the flow …

And that’s why I gotta flex on these fools … it’s not that they’re stepping on my Nikes … I can get another pair, but they stompin’ on my toes right now, and that aforementioned flow dictates that I express myself … don’t have to be rude to be righteous …

Besides, a leaky faucet is broken … and a leaky faucet is something like Chinese Water Torture…

But I digress. Real talk, I can see why cats up here crankin’ that Soulja Boy … I mean, that’s the easy way out … just drown your sorrows in that YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU, ha ha…

I can even see why cats up here crankin’ that Suicide … I mean, how do you folks without some sense of a higher power cope when stuff just falls apart? A few pills here, a few wrists slits there … just drown your sorrows in that Cool.

From here, I can even see what happened to my man Ralph Wiley. He just gave of himself to so many people, just straight gave knowledge, energy, power, life … to people that didn’t much appreciate it until he had … you guess it, a heart attack.

But you know what? Shoot, I ain’t tryna die, folk. I’m tryna live…

I Do My Best Work…

2007-06-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

…When I’m offline.

Let me repeat that…

OFFLINE.

As much I as enjoy ‘V for Vendetta’, I think ‘The Matrix’ is one of the most profound movies of our generation … just the simple fact that freedom was synonymous with pulling yourself out of the ‘system’ … just pulling yourself out of everyday life … your existence, which can be surreal or downright fake sometimes.

I actually thought about this blog AFTER I decided against picking up my computer earlier and decided to clean up around the house … if I’d gone and picked up the comp, that time would’ve invariably been lost looking at someone else’s blog or something, but I digress.

I decided to clean up, and an immeasurable wave of thoughts come to mind … it was so refreshing, and I’m writing stuff down…

So I clean up, and come across an old DVD … ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’…

One of the greatest movies of all time … it’s profound as well, I just can’t say it’s a part of my generation. That’s all good, though, the joint is as timeless as Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”, and watching Charlie’s sacrifices lead up to him eventually owning the factory is something that can make any beautiful mind remain hopeful.

I think I get the most done when I actually do things instead of dream about them, as well … not that there’s anything wrong with dreaming, it’s just that, well, I do most of my dreaming when I’m, well, offline…

It’s just that, plugging back into the ‘Real World’ is so painful at times … I was watching Tavis Smiley (the last relevant figure on BET) with my old man, and we were talking about how a couple of folks’ greed are crippling this nation … all with Smiley talking to Don Cheadle about Cheadle’s upcoming movie “Talk to Me” (I’m definitely going to see that) … and I just found myself longing for the freedom that I had earlier.

My apologies if this blog seems random … yet I ask myself why would I apologize for truly being a free writer, truly flowing in a stream of consciousness? What I want to say, then, is when you can’t, keep dreaming, but when you can, keep it moving…

…and I will do likewise.

Breakfast and Booty

2007-06-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Somehow, I thought that would get your attention…

Normally, I don’t listen to the radio; I keep CDs in the whip, because the radio and mainstream music is just one of those things that lets me down more than most of the time.

Anyhow, it’s about 12:45 a.m. last Tuesday night- last Wednesday morning, and I’m just leaving work, and decide to turn on the radio, just because.

What I come across is a call-in piece on one of the local stations called “Breakfast and Booty” (no, seriously) where the premise apparently is to successfully make a ‘booty call’, so that one might receive free breakfast from McDonald’s.

(intermission – this intermission is for me to just calm down and relax so that I might be able to write the rest of this blog, ha ha…)

Tonight’s contestant was a young lady from the area … couldn’t have been much older than 15 … who had a … to coin a phrase, neoafrocentric name (I don’t like the connotations of saying something is ‘ghetto’) … and decided to call up a young fella to see if he wanted to … well, you know.

Yeah, that was bad enough, seeing as how the young fella was 15 or 16 himself … but there was the deejay, who is, at last glance, supposed to know better. He’s eggin’ this girl on … of course, there was the obvious obligation to rag on her name a little bit (because it’s neoafrocentric, of course), and then he reels her in with the “so, do you have game?” line, and well, she’s on her way.

So the girl calls ol’ boy up … and the conversation goes a little something like this (paraphrasing slightly):

Girl: Hello (boy), this is (girl). What’s up?
Boy: (slightly rude) What’s up?
Girl: I want to know if you want to be with me.
Boy: Be with you?
Girl: I wanted to know if you could make some time for me.
Boy: Make some time for you?
Girl: Yeah, like a booty call.
Boy: Hmmmm, we can do that.
*applause effect from the radio*
VJ: What’s up playa? This is (VJ) from (radio station), and you’ve just been on Breakfast and Booty!
Boy: Oh s---.
*VJ, Girl laughs*
VJ: Well, congratulations! Looks like you guys are getting free breakfast from McDonald’s, so after ya’ll do what ya’ll do, ya’ll can wake up and get your grub on!
Girl: Alright then.
Boy: Don’t be (BS)ing me now…

Fast forward to the following evening … and I don’t know what was worst, the actual goings-on of the radio, or how the Bible Study class responded to it.

They didn’t say it was acceptable, but they had this defeated look on their faces … some of the kids were even cynical about it … and I tell you, there’s nothing worse than seeing a kid without faith or hope.

So where am I right now? Somewhere between trying to restore faith with an entity that should be full of the stuff … somewhere bashing in radioheads with a baseball bat … and somewhere giving parents fair warning because, as Jig said, the oldheads are still in shock about what’s going on with their kids as well.

We’ll see what happens this Wednesday…

New CCV Post...

2007-05-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

...Just posted a new blog on my 'brother' site, lol...

It's called 'Motown Resound' ... if you're interested in the Cavs-Pistons series ... check that out...

Crazy Court Vision

Where I Am

2007-05-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

To be honest with you, a place that I’ve been before…

Makin' Moves

…and am still trying to get away from.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been working hard … just not hard enough.

And with that, I’ll answer a question from the group:

If God gives you a talent/skill/etc., is it a burden or a curse? Is being Superman heavy on the shoulders?

Yes, it is a curse, but only if your talents go unfulfilled or buried in the ground (Matt. 25). Sure, that man had one talent … but if he cultivated that talent, he would’ve, if nothing else, added to his skill set.

It’s tougher than that though, especially for some of us who are talented and still have to find ways to make ends meet.

I believe that if you are talented at what you do, and you do what you love, then more often than not, you are happy in and with your work.

Which is why being talented isn’t a curse.

Just the thought of knowing that one is talented enough to change their environment might just be acknowledgement of one’s potential, but how great is that type of acknowledgement, you know?

--------------------------------------

“I'm trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it” – Morpheus, the Matrix

Suits

2007-04-20T14:47:00.001-07:00

(Oh yeah, I'm baaaaaaaaack...)

It starts with 52 cards
I, Ace of Spades, meet you, Queen of Hearts
With a diamond figure as cold as ice
I’m inspired to pull off the biggest heist
Rather, the biggest gambit
Since Remy LeBeau
Your touch makes me forget
So that must make you Rogue

Your pose is vogue
You look mean in green
But I mostly dig your red threads
Earrings dangle
While complementing your angles
And when you throw up the isosceles
It brings a grown man to his knees
Excuse my measurements
What I meant is that
I’m only trying to put you in the right suit
And apparently the apparel that fits you
Is a divine design
Your body tickles the twine
And I hear you laugh to yourself
As I adjust your belt
But we aspire for something spiritual
So we leave the closet for space
You leave the lace
And we try to forget things material

But suitors love the skin you’re in
And apparently mine too
Because they’re trying to get me out of this suit
Don’t confuse, it’s a straight jacket
But why serve and volley with all their racket?
I’d rather hold court with you
A classier Graf and Agassi
Stop by Venus and look at the stars
And I like it when you call me the best thing from Mars
At your best, you are love
And I’m at my best when I write about it
I say your name silent in the night
Because I know it brings Delight
As a young child, I liked your style
And as the river grew, your quiet flow became the Nile

I left my heart with you for a while
And you kept it
But the initial deck disrespected
After all, a spade’s a spade
So it was no surprise all these other men stayed
They thought that our love would fade
But I’m Pharoah to your Nefertiri
And if anyone come near we
They dead in the water
If they cross our borders
They depart in the Red Sea
Baby let your spirit be free
Of married men, pretenders and Trojan War whores
Trying to take my Persephone to their underworld
My passion turned to pure rage
As suitors fell victim to a blade
How dare you treat a goddess like a common girl?

They reached for their last breath
While you reached for my arms
But only one soul found their mark
It’s just odd that after we beat the odds
Get the better of the gods
Our foundation turns out to be a house of cards…

Precursor: The Kids

2007-03-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

Heh, I’m convinced we do it for the kids.

That’s the only thing that makes sense to me…whether you do it for your little boy or girl, for that little kid that always brings a smile to your face, or the little kid inside yourself.

That’s the only thing that makes sense…

I remember a trip to Six Flags with the church a while back…all the little pre-teens wanted me to be their chaperone, because, well…I’ll let the ‘adults’ explain:

"(The Good Doctor) as a chaperone? Shoot, he just a big kid anyway…” *laughter*

Hey, I don’t mind it, as I recall, it’s the figurative (?) kid that enters Heaven, right? Besides, what do kids have to worry about?

Not too much…

Truth be told, the reason there wasn’t a February blog probably was because I didn’t have the heart for it…

Get it?

Hey, aside from the fact that there’s more emphasis on Singles Awareness than Black History, I really just…just focused on writing on other avenues, I guess.

Lot on the brain, which is something like the opposite of being a kid.

But then, I’ve always been this way, ha ha.

Mind started to race after a recent Bible Study…had some good dialogue with two different classes, in fact, the energy I got from laughing it up with some 9-11-year-olds gave me the juice I needed to stay strong with the 12-18-year-olds.

I must say, they brought me back here.

I mean, I’m a big kid, to be sure.
I’ve seen how easily ‘adults’ give up, and I understand that they have a lot to think about, but nothing should ever keep you from dreaming…after all, if your ultimate goal is making things better for your family, why not do it on your own terms?

Invariably, you’re making someone’s dreams come true…probably someone who’s spending more time with their kids than you are yours.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah, there I go digressing again.

I’m the big kid struggling with responsibility. Well, I don’t want to say it that way…I think I’m just struggling with making THE LEAP.

Yes, the LEAP. It’s an oft-unprecedented jump I intend to make…it’s the ability to live carefree while taking care of your own…being a care-free kid, if you will.

It’s not difficult, it’s just they don’t teach you how to do it.

I intend to expound more on this, but in more of a fantastic forum…and I think I have the place.

As soon as I can find Open Pamphlet and Bobby Drake…

A Quick Hello

2007-01-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

The wind whistled off her lips
Effortlessly acknowledging my fingertip
Her actions betray a slightly jaded past
During a time she didn’t think would last

I proved her wrong for the time being
Gave her life so much meaning
And I would tell a lie
If I said she didn’t do likewise

Now, she barely even breaks a sweat
Randomly picking consecutive letters of the alphabet
HI
She must be from the North Pole with such a cold address
But it’s not like I expected anything else

The wind went through her hair
With the same care as her acknowledging me there
The same breeze blows through a hollow soul
Now you see why a loner’s road can be so cold…

Hugs and Hand-pounds

2007-01-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

I usually don't recite Stuart Scott sayings as part of my daily jargon (the brotha just seems outdated sometimes), but I couldn't think of a better title for this AP photo.

Take it easy guys...

Seven for 2007

2007-01-09T03:27:00.000-08:00

Between watching Ohio State get pasted by UF and thinkin’ about life, I realized that I hadn’t had a serious sit-down with the B.L.O.G readers in sometime. So, let’s play catch-up with a little game I’m going to call seven for 2007:

1. It really doesn’t matter unless you have someone to share it with.

I probably got the least amount of gifts I’ve ever gotten for Christmas, but I can safely say this was a holiday season that I truly enjoyed, because I got to spend it with friends and family. I find that I do my most worrying in isolation, and for a person that prides himself on being a child of God, being concerned about little things shows that I don’t believe that God has everything taken care of. In turn, I spent a lot of time hanging out, just chillin’ with the fam, and seeing my brothers’ smiling faces. The things I did get and the times I did have, I enjoyed them that much more this holiday season because I had someone to share it with, and I’m convinced that my success in 2007 is going to come by sharing God’s wealth amongst optimistic family and friends.

2. Exert and exalt.

I really don’t get into the whole “New Year’s Resolutions” or all that jazz, but this is something that popped in my mind one day and I’m kind of feeling it.
The concept is self-explanatory; I mean, some folks say I’m one of the most energetic, hard-working cats I know, but honestly, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. I really want to push that much harder in the immediate future, and follow that type of dedication with worship and praise in the hopes to maintain that level of excellence.

3. If God should enlarge my territory, hopefully, I won’t be too proud to put down bricks when he enlarges yours.

Yeah, I want to do big things, and yeah, I’m happy for you guys that are doing big things right now. Truth is, I feel like my success with coincide with my family and friends’ success, because whatever I have, they have. That might sound like BS to you, but then look at what Oprah’s doing and ask yourself is that still BS.

Actually, I’m saying this the wrong way.

I’m saying that when I get to ‘prominence’, it will be where God wants me to be as opposed to where I want to be, and I believe that folks will see my commitment to God instead of just me doing ‘my thing’.
Two of my college friends recently got married, and I believe the above statement to apply to them very well. In turn, another one of my college friends recently got a new job, and it comes on the heels of her wanting to change her life around on a spiritual level as opposed to a corporate level, and God bless her.

In the past, I would’ve closed this session with a “for those of you that are hating, go get a glass of water, drink it and get the ish out of your system,” instead, I believe that it’s far more important for us to work on loving each other.
4. God is more important than my recent love.

I had a conversation on Sunday evening, talking about everything sport, and I must say, the boi was eloquent. In turn, I was speaking to my Bible study class, and while getting my point across, was not nearly as eloquent. Were there differing factors? No question about it. At the same time, I feel in my heart that I’m putting way too much in my job and with my feelings about sports that I could be putting into my relationship with Christ.
(Man that was honest…good stopping point.)

5. The rain massages the brain, and there is power in the shower.

For those of you still reading, thanks. Hopefully no one thought statement No. 5 was too crazy, and I will explain.

I’m a peace-lovin’ brotha, and nothing relaxes me more than the sound of running water, or rain hitting the top of my crib…ok, you get the point. Where some people don’t like the rain, say it’s too soggy and all that, I love it. I mean, some people don’t like to drive in it, but I think the rain slows life down, and life slowing down for me is a blessing…sometimes I think things go by too fast (lots of grad school folks concur, I do believe…)

At any rate, I tend to write exceedingly well when it’s pourin’ down rain, and also think of my best ideas in the shower. My aunt and I had a convo about this once (my favorite aunt, by the way), and I’m curious to know who else thrives on such a flow.

In other words, folks, get out your umbrellas. For JP, and you other guys that appreciate the creative expressions, it’s going to be raining down concepts.

6. Happiness is a heck of a drug.

God is working here, and I’ll tell you why. I didn’t even think about this until I looked over at what number I gave this statement.

I’ll just say this. Baby, be happy.

That is all ;-)

7. Playoffs. PLAYOFFS?

I already said UF would beat the Buckeyes. Well, I said it at work, and any time I air out my picks in the paper or to a wide audience, they blow up in my face like Tony Romo’s hype machine. Anyway, here are my fearless picks for playoff weekend:

AFC championship game: Ravens – Chargers
NFC championship game: Saints – Seahawks
Saints – Ravens Super Bowl, and the Ravens will be your NFL champions.
I know, I know, I wasn’t supposed to end on sports. But after six strong statements, I had to take a breather.

Deities do it too ;-)

Notre Dame...

2007-01-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

...shouldn't have even been in a BCS game.

I know it's been a while, guys...Dec. 18, to be exact.

Let me tell you though, the holidays have been kind to me...I was blessed to see '07, and I've seen a lot of things between 12/18/06 and rightnowatthisverymoment. I promise to tell you guys about it real soon.

Keep ya heads up, and peep this new joint:

No Network

It hurts
When they say I have no network
Like I have no purpose on this Earth
No Nia like Larenz at first
But they can't connect with my Love Jones
Wireless means no dial-up,
So you can't hear the dial tones
Moans from the bones
Of a man trying to be great
Thinking outside the crate
Because you can't package fate
But you can manufacture success
Ask my Engineer peers
They'll tell you I disappeared
I apologize for having to leave
Excuse me for being deciduous
I had to resign my name
For a new declaration of independence
Becoming decisive on a path unsure
Nomadic and mad at first but became mature
Now what you have is spoken word
A tireless affection despite a wireless connection
To ya'll is unlike any sound you've ever heard
So if the love is unreturned like stamped mail
I understand that, I'ma keep it movin' on the Oregon Trail
Quick! Flip the disk like Bisquick or floppy
My flow the opposite of a sloppy jalopy
Not cocky enough to say this is prophecy
So let me get back to thinking logically...
I know the trail's trials are meant for me to prevail
So I'm back to dialin' up
My writings rilin' up
Everyone that lives at high speeds
Which goes to show
It's not a matter of fast or slow
It's a matter of what you believe

See you guys here soon!

The Good Doctor

Bear

2006-12-18T00:22:00.000-08:00

Wrote this one at work...hope you guys like it.

Bear
Why is it so easy to tell the truth
But so hard to tell you ‘no’?
It was so easy in my youth
An admirer would simply write a note
Answer yes, no or maybe
But it hasn’t been that easy lately
Hard to bear, even
Because clearly I care
But I’m aware that my concern
Pales in comparison to how much you burn
It’s funny once the tables were turned
And the shoe was on the other heel
When my Achilles was revealed
She cut me at the ankles
Situation split into three equilateral
Angles
But perceptions hardly matter
When you are hurt
So here’s a teddy bear for what it’s worth…

The Good Doctor's Wish List

2006-12-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Just some quick thoughts I had at work...

I wish the N-word would die a violent death, I mean, because nothing else seems to work, whether it's trying to match racial epithet for racial epithet, or making peace with the fact that 'oh it's not n---er, it's n---a'. Right. Just, well...kill that noise.

I wish that people were paid according to the work they do, and for what they contribute to their work environment; truth is, everyone isn't talent-laden, but truth is, everyone can be professional, and credit should be given to folks that make your working environment better. Everyone knows of a person that is a sweetheart in the workplace, and then, everyone knows someone who always likes to keep something going.

I wish that people realized that if everyone spent time being concerned about one another, it's obvious that everyone worrying about one's well-being is so much more powerful than someone worrying about themselves.

I wish that parents would really think about their kids before they separate. Kids are resilient, yes, but kids are sensitive as all get-out...adults too for that matter, but at least adults have more control over their situation(s) than kids do.

I wish that race wasn't an issue, but then every time you think it's not, something like the Carmelo Anthony brawl happens, and you realize just how much folks think about race.

I wish that people weren't afraid of revolution. Truthfully, I can't see someone like Dubya having as much power as he does in the 70's...because that era seemed to be full of people that refused to stand idly by when they didn't agree with something.

I wish that people didn't quit. I don't know what hurts worst; watching your favorite sports team quit, or watching a generation of parents give up on their offspring.

I wish...well, I hope that people don't read this blog and think that I'm angry. Hey, I'm just thinking.

Well, we do need more hope, I agree, so...here goes.

I hope that people realize the greatest gift of all doesn't need batteries.

I hope that you look out for that isolated person at your work or wherever you spend your time; hey, everyone's not as happy around the holidays.

I hope that girl at the seafood place keeps smiling (hey, THAT woke you up....)

I hope that 2007 is a lot better than 2006 was.

I hope that you guys keep reading.

The Good Doctor

Eyes In the Back of My Head

2006-12-16T00:08:00.000-08:00

This is the formal introduction to “Crazy Court Vision”…it’s a new blog site (team site, to be exact) that I created that’s solely for me to talk about my favorite sport (basketball)…well, not just me, but a couple of my friends. If you want to be a part, send your e-mail to drkenmack@aol.com and I’ll send you an e-mail for the chance to be a part of the blog. Hope everyone’s holiday season is going well…

The Good Doctor

Oh yeah, there’s a link for CCV in the blog list…take advantage, man…

New Poem: Moment of Brilliance

2006-12-11T23:04:00.000-08:00

...I wrote a new joint called "Moment of Brilliance", and funny enough, I don't really like it.

I can't explain it...well, actually I can...the premise was good, and the first few lines were good...it's just that I broke the flow of thought...and it ultimately didn't come out the way I wanted it to.

That doesn't mean I'm not going to share it with you guys, though...I mean, it's a learning experience for me, and who's to say that someone out there won't enjoy it and be encouraged by it even though I haved mixed feelings about it.

Anyway, here's a Moment of Brilliance...hope everyone is holding down exam week.

Cocoa Butter
Sitting on a cocoa butter
Colored couch
Feeling like
I’d been looking at life
Through a kaleidoscope
Things so blurred
I was missspelling woords
Forced to see things
Through so many perspectives
Wear so many shoes
But then came you
You made my soul complete
Before the only thing holding
This broken man together
Was his work tie
Which your soft
Sepia hands would pry
My left eye was a lie
That’s why my right
Was slightly undried
She said I was sincere
As she caught a falling tear
It was supposed to be
The other way around
I never had to fight through your defense
That’s why loving you made so much sense
No chasing or being pursued
I see that you also like this mood
I hear your offbeat panting
Thoughts distraught
I hope to do you a favor
Clear up your cough
As long as you’re near me
It is my hope that you will
Speak
Hear
Breathe clearly
And I hope my passages have the same clarity
Meaning love these words
As much as I love
You love
Your significant other
At this moment…

Thinking Out Loud

2006-12-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Maybe I think waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much…

Maybe I don’t think enough.

This is what I think, and the speed that I’m thinking it at…

I’m thinking that
------------------
thiscan’tbelifeiwantsomuchbetterformemyselfmyfamilyandmyfriends
igottagetclosertoGodinthehopesthatcatscanseehimthroughme
don’tgiveuponthekidsourfuturepantherswhatareyoudoing…
------------------

Just a snippet of what I’m thinkin’…which I’ll kindly break down.

I’m thinking that so many of my friends, colleagues, ish, folks that I talk to have problems; some self-inflicted, some otherwise, and I’m thinkin’ that there’s a fine line between trying to be compassionate and trying to be forthright; wanting to listen and wanting to impart my own advice.

I’m thinking that this can’t be life, nor can this be work, and that I’m really good at one and not the other, but how is it that the people that I associate with suck at both?

I was at Bible Study Wednesday night with a handful of kids, and I was thinking that this might be the smartest generation ever, and how do we stimulate their minds?

By giving them BET, false material hopes and not telling them we love them.

Then I thought that the last sentence might be the real generational curse that folks talk about, or at least where some of those ‘curses’ stem from.

So, then I though…how do we restore things to how they used to be…and then I remember that folks say that “there’s nothing new under the sun…”, and…

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and come to think of it, Rome didn’t burn down in a day either, I don’t think…

Same with Atlanta…

So then, of course, burning turns into thoughts of passion…which in my situation, invariably turns to a chase, which makes me think…

While I’m chasing a definitive significant other, and can only do so much as grasp at her fleeting feet, I’m thinking what is this that has a hold on my pants’ leg?

And then I thought I should put all of this into a blog.

No, a book.

No, a bunch of books…

So I thought of names for these books, and then I thought that I haven’t put a single poem into one book, so why am I thinking of covers for a spineless entity?

And then I thought about Rome again…

No, I don’t want to go to Italy, I thought…

Ha.

And then I did something.

I turned all of these thoughts into physical labor. I cleaned my room, and then I wiped the sweat off my face. Then I was pleased, because when I cleaned up the mess around me, I realized there was a small pile of clothes, and this small pile of clothes combined with the cleanliness represented how things were in my head. True, there was a small mess, but then, why not whittle this mess down like the other confusion was so easily disposed of? Now there’s a plan…and let’s talk about having a plan. Having a plan is what keeps us grounded, what keeps us focused. It’s what makes random thoughts come together into one definitive paragraph, you know, like this one. Thank God for peace, and for making a simple solution out of a man’s difficult mess.

Can’t relate? I say this on that fine line of being compassionate and being forthright:

Try harder, homey.

Slowing to a Crawl...

2006-11-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

What’s up readers …

It’s about 2:45 a.m. in the morning, and I’m keeping vigil over my grandmother while listening to Cee-Lo’s “Bass Head Jazz”…

Yep, things have slowed to a crawl…

Which, honestly, is how I like it.

Let’s paint some more details…

Grandma (Mom’s mom) is in the hospital because of a broken hip … don’t know the details in their entirety, but what I do know is that I was off today (Wednesday) and the following day, so aside from spending time with Grandma, it allows other family members to rest, which is all good … because everyone knows I don’t sleep, ha ha ha.

Anyway, it’s quiet moments like these where I conjure up some pretty interesting thoughts; it’s only around flowing water that I’m even more creative and reflective than I am now (probably the premise for a future blog, or maybe I’ve mentioned it in the past … )

Anyway, about life slowing to a crawl. In the NFL, it’s often said that a quarterback is most efficient when the game “slows down”, meaning that he’s able to see the field more clearly; not tentative, not frantic, instead making the necessary plays to put his team in a position to win.

I aspire to that type of smooth, you know, the type of smooth that would make Cool Hand Luke’s palms seem clammy by comparison; a business-like approach to life, yet not taking things so seriously that you’re not able to enjoy the blessings of life that God allows us to enjoy at times.

That being said, I guess some folks prefer a faster tempo to their existence, and I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy how frenetic life can be sometimes. It’s just that, I work at a job where deadlines are especially imperative, and on off days like this, I think it’s important that I partake of the alternative.

So, what am I planning with this free time (I’m keeping watch until 6 a.m.)?

Well, you’ll just have to keep reading…

The Good Doctor

P.S. Mom enjoyed a birthday on Nov. 18, and I just realized I didn't let you guys know...well, send your regards nonetheless...

The Price of Heroism

2006-11-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Pretty good read, methinks.

Philly embraces young heroes

Enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend!

The Remakings of You (No Mo!)

2006-11-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ahhh yes, the remake…a decided lack of originality.

Exhibit A:
Curtis Mayfield’s “The Makings of You”, recently “re-mastered” (wanted to trade in ‘mastered’ for ‘fatherless child’) in Monica’s “A Dozen Roses (the Makings of You)”

Oh boy.

It would be too easy for me to just post the lyrics of both songs, and let you be the judge…

Actually, I’m going to make things easy.

Let’s get it.

Curtis says:

Add a little sugar
Honey suckle and
A great big expression of happiness
Boy you couldn’t miss
With a dozen roses
Such would astound you
The joy of children laughing around you
These are the makings of you
It is true
The makings of you

The righteous way to go
Little one would know
Or believe if I told them so
You’re second to none
The love of all mankind
Should reflect some signs
Of these words I’ll try to recite
They’re close, but not quite
Almost impossible to do
Reciting the makings of you

The righteous way to go
Little one would know
Or believe if I told them so
You’re second to none
The love of all mankind
Should reflect some signs
Of these words I’ll try to recite
They’re close, but not quite
Almost impossible to do
Reciting the makings of you

(Bless you, Superfly.)

Mo says: (courtesy of some inferior lyrics site, you know I Don’t Capitalize Everything In a Sentence)

(Curtis sample)
Boy You Remind Me, Remind Me Of My Gucci Shoes
------------
| |

(Editor’s note)
Whoa, whoa, whoa…
And here I was thinking we’d gotten past comparing significant others to apparel?
Guess not.

|>
------------
Everytime You Walk Past, All The Girls Be Looking At You
You Got Style Just Like A Bentley Coupe
And I Be Losing My Mind Everytime I Get Next To You

I Think I'm Falling In Love With You
Baby Caught Up In Something That’s Moving So Fast
Never Been With Nobody Else
You And I Tighter Than The Jeans On My A--
You Remind Me Of This Thing
Something Like R. Kelly Singing ‘Bout A Jeep
Boy You're Everything To Me
And You're My You're My Property

Boy You Remind Me Remind Me Of The Ice On My Wrist
Boys You Remind Me Of This
(Curtis sample)

You Remind Me Of The Very First Time
You Remind Me Of The Time We Made Love
Just Like The 25th Day Of Christmas
Waiting For Santa Claus To Show Up
You Got A Heart Of Gold Baby You Should Know
Baby You Remind Me Of So Much
And Baby You Always Stay On My Mind
‘Cuz Like My Rims You Shine

Boy You Remind Me Of 26s On My Ride
Complete Spinning Around Looking Like A Superstar
Boy You Remind Me Of How Life's Suppose To Be
This Is What You Remind Me And You’re My You’re My Property

Looking At You Looking Another Baby I Don't Need Another Brother
Sex Time Around You I Feel The Same My Body There’s No Pressure Baby
You Know I Keep It So Real
I Can't Help You Got The Whip Appeal
What’s The Deal?
Tell Me How You Feel
Could It Be Me

Like The Ice On My Wrist A Sidekick On My Hip
Mac On My Lips
Armor All On My Whip
Butter On My Shrimp
I'm The Gladys You The Pip
I Keep My Hair Flip The Way You Like To See Me Strip
Keep A Money Clip You Remind Me Of A Tip
Like A Pair Of Jeans
From Ambercrombie When They Rip
Like A Glass Of Wine Everytime I Take A Sip It’s You It’s You

Boy You Remind Me, Remind Me Of My Gucci Shoes
Everytime You Walk Pass All The Girls Be Looking At You
You Got Style Just Like A Bentley Coupe
And I Be Losing My Mind Everytime I Get Next To You

(Curtis sample)

------------------------------------------

Wow…nothing to say, but…

Where the soul went?

The Good Doctor

Losing It

2006-11-21T00:22:00.000-08:00

“It’s not hard to be an artist, it’s just a matter of how honest you are with yourself and the canvas,” – The Good Doctor

See, and for a minute there, I thought I was losing it.

I almost had *gasp* writer’s block.

I know, I know, I know. You? YOU?!?!?!??! Good Doctor, who always has something to say in real-time, couldn’t even think of anything to say with time to think?

It was almost that way. I guess that’s what I get for neglecting the Blizzle.

Blizzle, BLOG, Black Love, One Growth, call it what you will.

First of all, let me say I’m grateful for the gifts.

The gifts that God’s given me, and the gift of friendship.

Friendship?

Yeah, Friendship.

Think about this for a sec.

We all have friends that will end conversations by saying “Call Me”, or something of that nature.

But how many friends do you have that say something like, “I’ll Call You?”

I thought the heck out of that the other day, and man, the numbers are low.

That being said, I don’t want to make this about the associates. This is about my Friends.

I was talking to a Friend of mine the other day, and it seems that we’ve become a society that looks for love (aside from the wrong place) in the opposite direction of those that show the most affection to them.

What we have, in turn, is the effect you get when you have a bunch of unconnected railroad tracks; no connectivity, and a whole lot of crashes and chaos.

This realization also inspired more thought; thoughts of how I chased Jane (you remember Jane, don’t you) so vigorously while Lady L (c’mon, it hasn’t been that long) had more than MAD LOVE for the Writer of this Blog.

The “House of Cards” poem for Lady L felt like a happy medium, and that’s what I aspire to achieve; in turn, I don't spend so much time chasing something that I already have nearby.

Focusing on Friends.

Got it?

So do I.

The Good Doctor

Speaking of Friends, maybe we should make the 9 a team blog after the thrilling finale. Any thoughts from you guys out there?

Nine for Ya Mind, Part 2

2006-11-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

--------------------
Open Pamphlet says:

For friends concerned about the 9, I recognize my fault in the holdup. Life happens, right? It got busier and busier, and now i'm whelmed (I refuse to claim overwhelmed...b/c that would imply I couldn't handle it, and that's not truth). Recognize that this anger at black folks that I have ain't goin nowhere, its just on simmer. But the ish doesn't translate as poetically for me...so you get real talk. "It’s a heavy burden we carry" says the Dean of Student Services. "We as minorities?" asks the pissed off student. Uncomfortable giggles pass through the room of minorities students gathered to talk a/b grievances and suggestions. Uncomfortable hemming and hawing by the Dean who expects minorities to do everything from recommend minority teachers to recruit minority applicants. Am I making folks uncomfortable? Good.

The Writer of this Blog knows how I feel a/b education. But that burden gets heavier at each new level of education that I achieve. So why do so few of us step up? Myself included. Any why doesn't that shared burden lead to collective action? Instead, we see ignorance, pettiness, and backstabbing heifas. Drama and rumors, posturing and politics are the rules of this new game. But at this level, are the stakes higher...or just different? Are the folks more important...or just richer? And by richer I mean poorer (Doc - is that a line from one of your poems?). Dollars taking away from family time, from community, from the very soul of the black man and woman. Folks measure themselves by who they rubbed elbows with last night instead of whose elbows they rubbed - I'm thinking their 5 year olds with lotion, get your mind out the gutter! I'm not sayin I'm turning away dollas - that's something hard to ask and I ain't that strong. But I keep folks in my life that keep me humble - dollas + humble, anger + power - that would be one heck of a combo, yes?

There's this recurring theme in my life (for folks who missed it): Angry Black Woman. All my white friends think its entertaining (yea, I said all - I'm not racist, I have white friends). I'm not talking bout white folks right now on purpose (sorry Doc) - don't want to scare you away because my anger at them matches my anger at us. But why isn't anger the recurring theme of all Black folks? Anger, not indifference, which I see so often. And don't mistake anger for violence. I'm still feeling the King. But one pissed off person isn't going to cut it. Two might - somebody wanna join me? Oh, and Doc, lol @ thinking race ain't the problem. One day maybe - but until I can stop differentiating actions and treatment based on race, its a problem. Until other folks stop looking at us differently, its a problem. Until more than just equality in name exists, race is a problem.

The common bond amongst the black folks that I knew in a past life and the folks in this life: The Itis and CP Time. Ice asks "when an individual is given poor options, what can they do but make poor choices? Poor choices is another common bond - But in my past life it was poor options. What is it in the present?

-Open Pamphlet

Sidenote: I was walking down the street minding my own business last night. This restaurant I pass usually has its specials on a chalkboard sign on the sidewalk. Last night, one of the specials was: "Chicken Noodle Soup (soda not included)." Enjoy that, doc. Nope, not black-owned.
--------------------
*short intermission*
--------------------
Iceman says:

Why is it so hard to just get to work?

It all began when I was playing too much Final Fantasy, neglecting my work. Then, I would realize that my schoolwork as unacceptable, and grades lacking, so I stop playing FF altogether. Not only that, I have a difficult sleep pattern, a lack of appetite, and no interest in socializing (like hearing “How are you doing?” when you know they really don’t want the details).

During this point, I actually want to do my work…but I am in such a bad mental and physical shape that I have to struggle just to accomplish nothing. However, when I finally begin to feel normal again, where I can eat, and am ready to enjoy more balance, what’s the first thing I do? That’s right, cop out of responsibilities.

I know I want to do better, I know I have this great opportunity to succeed, and would be a moron to pass it up. But I still can't shake the laziness that I've instilled in myself. As I continue to grow, and meet other people with my situation, and see them convince themselves that up is the way to go, I'm hoping that this positive peer pressure will steer me in the right direction.

So to you, I ask please keep doing you, waking up blessed each morning, doing big things for yourself. Real black people understand that it's going to take a few success stories for us to improve the situation for all of us, so I am jealous of nobody else. Leave that rap battle mentality for the industry.

Iceman aka Bobby Drake

--------------------
*short intermission*
--------------------
11th Letter says:

A friend recently asked me the following:

Will we step up and do something or will we continue to sit back and laugh (at Chicken Noodle Soup, Fry that Chicken, etc.)?

I responded with:

Why be angry with isolated thunderstorms when the world is raining cats and dogs?

I believe that Christians understand what the world's problem is; it's the fact that the world and its inhabitants are separated from Him and what He wants for each of us.

It's the above statement that transcends race, class, money, all of the things that put this world in the dire state that it's in.

I believe that we are blessed in the fact that we have outlets, whether online or otherwise that we are able to encourage a dying world, and even moreso blessed when we take advantage of those outlets.

Truth is, some of us that aren't laughing, and haven't laughed in a while.
I recently washed down a day of adversity with a viewing of Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke", a cold, wry view of the events of Hurricane Katrina, which only accentuate my belief that this can't be life, we can't be so absolutely powerless as not to be able to help the helpless, to depower a powerful government.

But in some ways, we are.

We are because our faith is shaken at times by the fact that it's raining cats and dogs in this world, but aren't as effective as we can be because we worry about the isolated t-storms.

Yes, it's raining, but I believe the solution is to continue to trust God and to work that much harder to bring people out of the rain; into a warm shelter where they can find the love that they search for in a pair of shoes, a nice haircut, a warm plate, or sexual relations, just to name a few outlets that people look toward for their little piece of mind.

I hope you all don't take this as an attack on your beliefs or anything of the sort; in fact, I applaud your passion and desire to do something.

I only hope that this serves to inspire you and renews your faith in God.

I love you too much,
(11th Letter)
--------------------

Perfect Backdrop

2006-11-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

Adversity.

I know, I know, does not make for the perfect backdrop.

Or does it?

Check my Tuesday night.

Figured to take my lunch break at work today around 6, 6:15…and normally, I get ticked post-DST (Daylight Savings Time, No. 6 and Joe Knee) because it gets dark around that time, and there’s nothing more depressing at work than missing a beautiful day.

Well, I refused to let this be a depressing day, ha HA…

Not that I haven’t had the reason to be angry/frustrated/whatever else goes into that little box of discontent, but I figured Pandora can make you feel one of two ways:

Really, really angry…

Or really, really cool.

And tonight, I really didn’t need that box at all…

Check this scene:

Lovely night, with a little drizzle and a cool air…beautiful for just seeing the city…I’ve really been getting into swing and big band music, so I had a little Ella, a little Coltrane…you know, quiet music that makes your soul roar like the Twenties…fitting for the writer at this time…and I even had the outfit to boot.

Didn’t even plan it like this, but I winded up wearing some dress shoes, black slacks, black button-up and a mean tie, black tie with small silver diamonds…

Yep. Like the lead singer of my own one-man swing band…my own personal Kenaissance.

(Interesting how I didn’t address my apparel from head-to-toe, but then, I like working from the bottom-up…from the roota to the toota, true?)

Not to be too cocky, because I wasn’t feeling that way at all…I was just feeling right.

So, the backdrop was set.

First order of business? Figured I’d catch up on some phone calls…

So I call up a Miss Lady, and not so much for her to be a swing partner just so much as to return a call and be a good friend…

Well, the conversation is good, then better, then took one of those bad U-turns where you think traffic is far away when it isn’t, and all of a sudden you get hit out of nowhere.

Well, in the Swing of Things, what she was saying went a little like this:

“You think you know me, but you can’t possibly know me because I never allowed you to know certain parts of me…”

Well, baby, that’s not the way I jam, well, not anymore.

The way I see it, and especially with her, I’ve always tried to dance whether she’s had two left feet, couldn’t keep up with the beat, or if she’d rather run the streets.

My perception of her (since I never knew/didn't know her) was a non-factor to me, because well, I was just trying to be her friend.

It’s funny, really, that’s how Iceman and I got so cool because mad heat was coming from elsewhere, and I guess, that’s how the beat goes sometimes, which I’m cool with.

Long story short, I’ll have to catch up to Miss Lady later, because no matter how Beautiful she is, or how Precious she was, the Renaissance is now, and well, if you’re dancing the same way, you might not be able to keep up with the New Swing…

(And that’s going for a lot of people right now…it’s helped me to be more accepting and free with things…don’t get it twisted, I’m always looking for a solution, but I’m content with the present as well…)

So that’s where I was…

Right now, I’m really looking forward to these two days off…I might go visit a Queen’s City, or something like that, who knows…I figured, though, that I’d let you guys know what’s going on, and the Planet is about to experience the Rebirth of Slick, heh heh heh…

‘Cuz I’m cool like dat, I’m cool like dat…

The Good Doctor

Wow, this was my 100th blog. It’s a celebration…

Expression: A Means to an End

2006-10-31T00:26:00.000-08:00

If expression is a means to an end
Where do I begin
Perhaps with a pen
Or maybe a pencil
But I don’t like to copy or erase
So I’ll throw away the stencil
But I make a lot of mistakes
Why not keep it simple
In the beginning at least
Go from an humble start
So that I might increase
So I sketch out the plan
Pull out the crayons
And start to think I’m the man
But now I don’t like it so simple
So then I begin to scribble
Wildly across the canvas
Because I can’t stand
Feeling so simple
As a drop of water
Forms a little dimple
On the side of the paper
But it burns
And I see the vapor
And as it rains
It bores
Through the page
And I’m not bored anymore
Because of rage
But in my pain
I did away with that stage
So the lights are dim now
And I feel like I’m in a cage
It’s just me and Him now
And I so desperately want to change

…That’s as far as I got…or as far as I felt like going at this point.

You can read this poem a number of ways…

It reads like the beginning as much as it reads like the end.

Let me know how you feel about it…

The Good Doctor

Was that Dre on the "Walk It Out" Remix?

2006-10-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know anymore either.

Well, after not taking advantage of the insight to buy stock in Campbell's Soup, I instead decided to take the 2-1 odds in Vegas that there will be a hip-hop song about Kool-Aid within the next two months...

Eh. This blog isn't coming out write...right...

I don't know. I mean, I don't get writer's block; writing is a continuous way of life. The way things are going with work/school/church, and how fast they're going creates more than enough dramatics and enough of a template where I can't afford to not think about the present and the future, feel me?

Well, turns out I'll maintain the same post @ the Standard...doing the thing as a sports writer. In other news...I know a lot of you are wondering about the 9...but, hey, I don't know anymore either.

Man. None of this is coming out write...right.

New joint coming soon.

Real talk.

My Past, My Future, and Charles Dickens

2006-10-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

" . . .suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape."

"Now, I return to this young fellow. And the communication I have got to make is, that he has great expectations."

--excerpts from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations

My friends,

These quotes...man, they chronicle everything prior to before this moment and after this moment...

...With the moment being that my sports editor's last day is today.

And apparently, yours truly is to be, in name or otherwise, what Jordan was to Magic and Bird, and what !Kobe! was supposed to be to Mr. Jordan.

Dramatics aside, the first quote also represents the recent angst I've felt as a result of a lot of the people around me making the same mistakes they've made in the past, and trying my hardest not to be part of the majority.

It also represents the angst in having, well, great expectations.

Which brings me to the second quote. Now, as a few of you know, I am among (I don't have the exact number here) of Americans without a college degree. However, I find myself with the enviable task (*smile*) of filling in for our departed sports editor, whom, for what it's worth, I learned a lot from.

Should be fun.

Well...here's where I am...

Tired of watching the train go by, and if I'm going to hop on, might as well be the conductor...

The Good Doctor

House of Cards (Hola Lady L)

2006-10-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

I walk into this house of cards
Made from shards
Of good times, some hard
Can't say any were bad
Because when you were mad
I was dying with a smile on my face
But enough of that
Let's get back
To this place
The halls marked with your concern
I go other places and get floored
When my text tiles go ignored
But you would never let me feel that burn
You answer me coolly, smoothly
With cocoa butter words
And are undeterred when they
Are periodically unreturned
Because you know that I'm always thinking of you
And now here I am in plain view
You always wanted a poem from yours true
And here it is right on cue
Now out of this house of cards
Let's build a house of hearts...

Glad I could be your friend,

The Good Doctor

So, What's On Your Mind?

2006-10-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

...Not much here...

Chillin' after deadline at work...vibin' off of the Justus League's "Foreign Exchange"...yeah, kinda underground...

Really, though, not too much, for a change...so I figure I might take this time to catch up on some errands around the house, and work on staying ahead...

At any rate...what's on your mind?

Let me knooooooooooooooooooow...

The Good Doctor

When Things are Looking Bleak

2006-10-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

Dee dee doo dee, doodle lee dee…
Light, hey, the truth is the light, heh heh, it’s prophetic…
That’s the truth though, the truth is the light…
Bleek…saxophones…
John Coltrane…
Bip bop boop boo…
That’s some intricate (stuff) though…
--Bleek Gilliam, Mo Better Blues

Sheldon Jackson Lee.

Sheldon Jackson Lee was the absolute further thing away from my mind when I woke up Tuesday morning at 8:35 a.m., but…

I should’ve given it a little more time.

8:35 turned into noon faster than the big wheel on the Price is Right…

Noon turned to 4 p.m. faster than she turned on he or he turned on she on your favorite soap opera.

It was then that younger brother walked into the door, and I figured I should get up off the couch, which is where I’d been since…well, Bob Barker walked out of those double doors…maybe before that.

So, YB walks in the door, and he falls asleep too, ha ha ha ha ha ha…but eventually cats get up, and cats walked outside.

Well, that’s when I finally decided upon some errands, and decided to clean out my car and the room…

And YB is outside when I clean the car…

And we’re talking, just about life, and he says to me…

I feel like I should be doing something else…

Ton of bricks.

“I feel you, YB …you know what I do when I feel like that? I just do something constructive…”

“It’s like when (my mind’s jumbled) at night…I just try to get some rest and focus on the next day, instead of just sitting up and doing nothing.”

So I did that, washed some clothes, got a couple of things done.

Sprinkled among the day’s events, of course, were the concerns of my people.

Family and friends alike, and this is what gave the day that overcast feel.

An exam here, an issue here, the lone ray of sun that was a friend declaring her desire to be abstinent was quickly blotted out by someone not feeling their best; and not wanting to share what was the matter.

I respect that, but as a person deeply concerned with you all, the not knowing what is the heart of the matter brings on the blues.

And then came the night.

The night was nice, the wind was high and I went to see a friend of mine…

Yep, a friend.

To put it poetically, she had the heart of Indigo, and the figure of Clarke.

And they both had on the same red dress…

Well, a cute tee and some jogging pants; it’s all the same, really.

What happened, you ask?

Not too much, just a bunch of wandering and wondering, and helping her little sister with her homework…and fielding some questions from her mother like Ken Griffey Jr. in his prime…

------------------------
(The Good Doctor), are you single?

“Yes ma’am, I’m single…”

Ken, are you looking for a girlfriend?

“No, not really…”

Ok, I understand…
------------------------

It’s love though, even as Cinderella tells me she has to go to work early in the morning, and fittingly, the scene disappears before midnight…

Which leaves me with the wind and her scent…

And a good friend of mine.

So, I post at Jig’s, and he flips it to HBO.

What’s on TV, you ask?

Sheldon.

Jackson.

Lee.

Figured I’d wash down a day of adversity with a documentary about that hurricane.

“When the Levees Broke”, a cold, wry view of the events of Katrina, if I might say so, and a 4-hour (plus) documentary that was well worth the time spent, and the director?

Yep, good ol’ Spike.

And I looked over the day’s events, over successes and failures of myself and others, and really didn’t want to make this about my trumpet; my sound, but it’s all that some people think I hear.

Truthfully, I want to hear what you have to say though, even if it’s the blues, because for one, I like good music, and two, we can go find some sunshine together.

Take it easy,

The Good Doctor

Nine for Ya Mind, Part 1

2006-10-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

And the 9 is underway...
Understand that perception is reality, friends...
You have been forewarned, ha ha ha ha ha!

--------------------
Open Pamphlet Says:
I hate black people.
--------------------
*short intermission*
--------------------
Iceman Says:
"What up world, this is Sway...and THIS, is my inexplicable headwrap."

On September 21st, I attended an event called "The Minstrel Show." Co-sponsored by the Black Student's Union, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the event's purpose was to discuss the history of minstrel shows, and the relevance to today's culture. There is plenty to talk about from that night, but first:

This event was also being organized by students at RIT(whereas I go to the obviously better known University of Rochester). While a Delta was there, advertising for the event, and elderly white woman approached the table. "Are you all bringing back minstrel shows?" Obviously dumbfounded, the Delta explained that it was actually discussing minstrel shows. Unfazed, the lady continues: "Well I just love minstrel shows, my siblings and I used to always gather around and watch them sing and dance. I sure do miss them." [This is the part where I respond....but what do you say to that. Really?]

It just so happened that I finally decided to listen to Little Brother's "The Minstrel Show" album that week. That will be saved for a future blog, however. The event itself began with crowd participation. The hosts were looking for volunteers to do the "Chicken Noodle Soup."(Apparently, the Good Doctor has spared himself of this great achievement in black history. God is good.) After finally coercing a girl to get up and dance, she was joined by two other people in the back......

wearing black face. [This is the part where I explain...but you all are intelligent.]

So with that introduction, we began talking about the history of minstrel shows. Quite a few people didn't know at least something about minstrel shows; but before I pass judgment, I'll just assume that once they know what it is, they know they don't want to know too much about it--kinda like watching Rosewood again if you knew how pissed off you'd be at nearby white people. Anyway, the conversation then shifted to modern day coons, and the main feature was the Ying Yang Twins(HEEEEEEGH!?). This, actually, is where the discussion took an unfortunate turn.

Instead of dealing with the bigger problem, which is getting ourselves in a position where we can give our people better opportunities to make it, people tried to persecute Lil Jon and Ying Yang Twins, even Damon Wayans and Chappelle(we did see the Pixie clip from The Lost Episodes). To some people, if your behavior is anything near what we consider unacceptable, you are written off. And that's unfortunate. When an individual is given poor options, what can they do but make poor choices?

Like my post, eventually the event came to an end. You see, this is a topic that could go on forever, because talking about it is only the beginning, with no means to an end. If we really are going to make the changes, we have to apply the action verb, and MAKE the change. People who don't know any better need to become more aware of their surroundings, and people who do know better need to stop completely isolating themselves from the rest. For example, a little side game I played the day of the event, was to dress up in a suede or orange jumpsuit, black du-rag, orange NC hat, a t-shrt that says "Crunk" in the front, and my recently bought Tims(first pair I ever owned). And I wore this outfit while I did my low-power, low-voltage circuit research; while I attended my class on Semiconductor Devices; and when I went there that evening with at least 4 or 5 points that made people stop and go "Hmmm." So it's very unfortunate how many people judged me who didn't see me demonstrate my God-given ability to think...but I guess they need to ask about those Rattlers next time.

Again, there's so much I could write on, but I'm making a blog post, not a novel, so hopefully this was sufficient and worth your time. Stay up.

Iceman

--------------------
*short intermission*
--------------------
11th Letter Says:
You heard the Nine
And you started running for no reason
Running out of reasons
To start believing
We believe in nothing but the way of the gun
Either she trust one and he busts one
Or he disgust one and before he discuss son
The youngun’ is gone
They both bust one and ask questions later
Then the smoke is blown off the gun and catch vapors
End life premature
Bring in life premature
Then just content
By simply being able to endure
Fertilize our minds with manure
No!
I want to see miracles grow
I want hard work to show
I want young kids to know
I want old folks to know
That knowledge is power
And that we’re in the final hour
We just been on CP sched
I’m saying be fifteen minutes ahead
Now from fifteen minutes behind
That’s a 30 minute rewind
Now look at that
That’s a 180 degree turn
Around this slave ship
Oh I’ma make you learn
The sequel to Carter G
I don’t mess with Mickey D’s
Or Burger King
They murder kings
Not hardly tryna let them get at my arteries
No laffy taffy
Or chicken noodle soup
Tired of this junk
I need some soul food
All this lukewarm funk
Got me in a cold mood
Where the soul went?
Walk on the wrong road in life
You get ya soles bent
Walk on the wrong road in life
You get ya soul bent
It’s all making me so tense that…
I think I wanna put a nine to my mind
And fire the desire to give
Not the desire to live
But I’d be killing myself nonetheless, you dig?
I love black people
I love white people
I love all people
Too bad we not equal
In fact
I’m mad we don’t treat other folks
As well as we treat dogs and cats
Some folks are helpless; punchless
And that’s just in the States
People overseas are dying in bunches
And we over here tripping off race
Why do we plug our problems into a live feed
With frayed wires
For all the world to see
It’s in newspapers and it’s on TV
So we have a lot of shock value
But no juice
And Gin, and then cats still rappin’ about chains?
When we gon’ get loose?
Race isn’t a part of the problem to me
So what is the solution
Gotta heal this moral leprosy
The sores all over our collective body
From the wars that we fight illogically
So as the cover’s exposed, the skin is peeling
I’m feeling like we need to ask for some healing
Granted I know of 10 men
That were healed back when
And nine didn’t come back
But you listening to the descendant
Of the one that did on this track
--------------------
...To be continued...

The Search...

2006-10-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today's sermon was derived from Isaiah 3:16-26, and brought up some real interesting points.

This was today's responsive reading.

Why post? Just because.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Still searching,
The Good Doctor

The Riddler

2006-10-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

A riddle for my friends:

What happens when you cross a speeding ticket for 63 in a 35 construction zone with NO PROOF OF INSURANCE w/ being tardy to a luncheon with the top college basketball coaches in the nation?

The answer:

An autographed program for my aunt from UNC head coach Roy Williams, and a photo op of Williams and myself.

------------------

Now, anyone reading that knows that the above riddle HAD to be a triple-cross, seeing as how there’s no way I should be doing this blog after being the party in question in reference to the riddle.

At any rate, here I am.

Especially grateful.

Sitting in the car, I tell you, I haven’t prayed like that in a while…just hoping to make the best out of a situation where I was late for a work assignment, about to receive a ticket, and woefully underdressed to be attending a luncheon…

But somewhere between pride and prayer, between being forthright and being frustrated, the best was made out of a good situation.

I’d be foolish to tell you it had anything to do with me, absolutely foolish.

The excuses are unimportant, yet are as follows:

(Luncheon was at noon, got a good night’s sleep only for my alarm clock to apparently not go off. The last time that happened? Freshman year Cal I, the day of an exam, and Ms. Lattimore *smiles from some of you* was kind enough to let me have a retake…and winded up exempting…the ticket came where I came off the curve like Jeff Gordon, I ain’t gon’ lie…I was trying to get to that meeting…and ran smack into a checkpoint. All bad, all bad…)

Nope, no need for excuses. Things turned out for the best.

So here we are. Usually, when things like that happen to me, it gets me pumped up…and well, I’m pumped up, so…

Here’s hoping that the work we do for God is prosperous, and that most importantly, we are working for God.

No more lies, no more excuses, no more riddles…because it is in the heat of the mistakes we make that we either falter, or look at those mistakes and realize how much we really can improve, which for me, inspired me to take a long, hard look at my existence.

So here I am, again…stronger than ever.

Enjoy your weekend, folks!

The Good Doctor

Precursor to Nine for Ya Mind

2006-10-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Was talking to two friends, and we talk a bunch about life and love; race and religion.

Well, one of those two said something that had a certain shock value to it this week, and thus, I decided to do a team blog called Nine for Ya Mind.

It will likely be sprinkled in between the other blogs, but I’ll set it off on the sidebar so it’s easily accessible.

Why Nine For Ya Mind?

Because it’s going to be a three-part saga, with three of us weighing in on whatever we choose…and you guys can do the math.

Why Nine For Ya Mind?

Why not?

The Good Doctor

Sheet Music

2006-10-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

This one is for all the folks that have ever had the pleasure of hearing FAMU’s Marching 100 Band in person; and especially, to all the folks that entered FAMU in the Fall of 2001...

The Notes to this Song (written by Sakina Bowser, Carnell Hawthorne, remastered by Black College Wire):

---------
Seventy-four members of the Florida A&M University Marching 100 have been placed on academic probation and, separately, the entire band faces possible suspension after accusations that some members stole sheets, pillows and other articles from a hotel after a road game in Detroit.
"As of right now we are not pressing charges; furthermore, the school has been very cooperative in negotiations. We have not restricted the band from returning," said Raynard Lawler, the residential manager of the Detroit Marriott hotel.
After the team's losing 34-14 performance Sept. 2 against Delaware State University at the Detroit Football Classic at Ford Field, members of the Marching 100 returned to the hotel to rest before the long bus ride back to Tallahassee, band members said.
Hotel officials stopped the band members Sunday morning as the band was departing, alleging items were missing from their hotel rooms, Band Director Julian White said.
Body towels, face towels, pillows, irons and comforters were among the items recovered, delaying their return by three hours, White said.
"Some of the property was recovered and immediately given back," White said.
White said he could not give an estimate of how much was stolen.
The incident could result in suspension of the entire band from traveling from Nov. 18, the date of the Florida Classic, through the end of the spring semester, White said in a memorandum distributed to band members and university officials.
---------

This song played quietly underneath the sounds of FAMU’s and TSU’s bands…though true fans of the Classic may have noticed…

FAMU’s band was somewhat limited, and the diminished sound of the traditionally amplified bunch was noticeable, even without TSU’s band drowning them out…

Sadly, the worst was yet to come.

For my folks that became legends of the Fall in ‘01, it is unimaginable to see the depths of how FAMU’s band has fallen, especially having seen the Marching 100 establish its dominance time after time during our freshman year.

The triumph of FAMU’s band accentuated our free spirits; the crisp drumline matched our heartbeats, the sounds of the tuba capture the rise and fall of our emotions; the horns were the herald to the dawning of a new era.

The crescendo for me, personally?

Had to be the game against Southern freshman year…I mean, the bands battling back and forth was background music what was happening on the field…like one of those NFL Films videos…you had current third-string Jaguars QB Quinn Gray on the run…and running, and running…and then, he heaved a pass that if I saw the Frog Prince right now and ran this story back, a big smile would come across his face and the floodgates would open to all the memories of freshman year.

But, the pass. Gray heaves what had to be a 60-yard hail mary on the run…off his back foot…for the FAMU lead…the band is poised to play the subsequent touchdown music…I hear a pin drop, and the ball is in a receiver’s hands, and…

How. HOW?!?!?!?!? Does that ball squirt out of his hands and harmlessly in the end zone…

But so many battles…Southern, NC A&T…I mean, people leave after the band’s played…not that I agree with that AT ALL, but it displays the power of that orange and green sound at…

Halftime.

It wasn’t about FAMU being down by 7-3 at halftime because of a blown coverage IN THE END ZONE that led to TSU’s touchdown, oh nooooooooooo…it was about…

This wasn’t my band, I thought…not the band that provided proverbial soundtracks for the likes of Marquis Grissom, Althea Gibson, and directly to Bullet Bob Hayes and yours truly…

Sure enough, though…even with small numbers…

You can’t deny the Nine.

Those cats look…cool.

If they could be renamed, I’d rename them the Inevitable. They walk, so slow, so sure…nine drum majors…yes, nine…the true heralds to what has traditionally been a historic experience.

Ultimately a ruse.

The band played ‘hits’ like Rihanna’s Unfaithful, which, oh irony of ironies, I would’ve rather heard SOS.

(The preceding was a test to see if you’re in step…)

When the band came in formation to play the Family Guy intro…I was stunned.
Stunned like…seeing Reggie Miller push off MJ in ‘98 to make that three…knowing that MJ was going to gut-punch him in a few minutes…and watching that three go halfway down and come out…

Stunned like…I can’t believe John Kasay kicked that ball out of bounds and I NEED EVERYONE from the Carolina Club to get as far away from me as possible right now, man…and seeing Iceman just as stunned.

Stunned like…stunned like you were when you found out I wasn’t coming back for my senior year…

(The preceding was a test to see if you’re in step…)

Just stunned.

My homegirl said she was going to cry…

But why cry?

The thieves of those sheets were only clairvoyants.

Because for the first time ever, orange and green blood shown on the Georgia Dome turf, on any turf, field, or anything for that matter…

Tennessee State’s band wasn’t amazing, but it was just enough to show up the Kings of the Seven Hills…and all they had to cover up the wounds were those fateful towels…

But what do the fans have to cover theirs?

The Good Doctor

Early Prototypes of Huey Freeman's Greatest Invention

2006-10-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

All credit to this story and photo goes to the Associated Press.

Extending gloved hands skyward in racial protest, U.S. athletes Tommie Smith, center, and John Carlos stare downward during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner after Smith received the gold and Carlos the bronze for the 200 meter run at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City on Oct. 16, 1968. Australian silver medalist Peter Norman is at left. Peter Norman, the Australian who stood alongside the U.S. athletes staging the civil rights protest from the medal podium at the 1968 Olympics, died Tuesday October 3, 2006, of a heart attack. He was 64.

Norman won the silver medal in the 200 meters at the Mexico City Games. Smith set a world record in winning the gold medal and Carlos took the bronze, and their civil rights protest became a flash point of the Olympics.

Smith and Carlos stood shoeless, each wearing a black glove on his raised, clenched fist. They bowed their heads while the national anthem played.

Norman, a physical education teacher, stood on the front podium during the ceremony. He wore a human rights badge on his shirt in support of the two Americans and their statement against racial discrimination in the United States.

"It was like a pebble into the middle of a pond, and the ripples are still traveling," Norman said last year.

Smith, Carlos and Norman drew criticism and threats for their actions, gestures that came in the aftermath that year of the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy.

"I was happy to identify with (Smith) and the principles he believed in," Norman was later quoted as saying.

Athletics Australia chief executive Danny Corcoran said Norman remained heavily involved in sports. Last year, he was reunited with Smith and Carlos at San Jose State for the unveiling of a statue commemorating the 1968 protest.

"Whilst only Smith and Carlos were recognized in bronze, as alumni of the university, Peter was, as always, happy to have played his role," Corcoran said.

"Peter will be remembered not only for his success as an athlete and his humanitarian gesture in Mexico City, but also for his service to athletics and the community and for his warmth and friendship."

Norman was a five-time national champion in the 200 and his time of 20.06 seconds in Mexico City still stands as the Australian record.

-------Now for a word from the BLOG-------

"Support your own!"
--Little Brother

It wasn't just a Black Power movement...it was a human race movement...and big ups to Norman, even if he appears to be standly idly by, for speaking up and out against such injustices.

So if you're reading this BLOG, it doesn't matter what color you are...just put ya fist up.

The Good Doctor

Off Days (or, the first Saturday and Sunday I’ve had off in FOREVER)

2006-10-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

…What is this place?…It seems like I haven’t been here forever…

Of course, I could easily be talking about the BLOG, heh heh. Right now though, I’m talking about the weekend…having a weekend off for the first time in…probably since I started working at the Standard.

A year and some change.

Oh well, figured I’d take the weekend off to go check out the Atlanta Football Classic between FAMU and TSU, but…the weekend became so much more.

I left a bunch behind too, as I got an e-mail from a friend about the “Fry That Chicken” video, which shouldn’t be the great issue, but should rather be a bullet in the clip, with one already in the hole called 9 for Ya Mind.

So that’s that.

I’m going to try to break things up here to make it easy to read…

I’m going to post two in-depth blogs about the FAMU-TSU football game and the halftime ‘show’, and also what I did on my ‘off-day’ Sunday.

Let’s see…

Oh yeah, and well, sooner or later, my team bloggers and I will get things off the ground for the 9.

In the meantime, there’s no reason why I can’t/won’t drop a precursor, and that is on tap as well.

So let’s see…

That should keep me busy for the week, and also keep me movin’.

So, in short…how was Atlanta?

This voyage was OK, I mean, I caught up with a few folks, spent time with my brother, watched FAMU win a game, and picked up a nice little cold in a rush to get back to the house.

There was unspeakable joy, and of course, suppressed anger…as suppressed as the pressure on my head with what has been downgraded to a head cold.

Talk to you (more in-depth) sooner.

Humility

2006-09-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I don’t know what it is about folks…maybe now that there’s a little chill in the air in the South, folks feel like they have to make up for all the hot air that left with the summer.

Cue Aiken High School’s football team. Two weeks have gone by since they were slated to play the 22nd ranked team in the country according to USA Today, Camden County (Ga.). Two weeks have gone by, and well, the Hornets are still undefeated, having knocked off CC and Greenwood (S.C.), another prominent football team.

Now, Aiken High, a football power in its own right, seemed to play motivated because they were considered underdogs in the CC matchup, and have a chip on their shoulder as a team because they are undermanned and undersized as a Class AAAA football (a rotation of 40 solid players).

It’s been fun picking the hometown Hornets while others doubt them, and I’ve been saying all along that Aiken will run the table and win the Class AAAA title for the state of South Carolina.

However, there’s been an ominous air among these Hornets and the city that reeks of cockiness, and I feel at this point that’s the thing that might be the undoing of these Hornets.

Cue Tuesday afternoon. Yours truly goes to Aiken’s practice field to take some pictures of the team for a preview story I’m doing, and the guys are a little…energetic, we’ll say.

The coaches agree, as well. “Yeah, they’ve been talking a lot of (stuff) since the weather’s cooled down.”

One of Aiken’s quarterbacks sees me with the camera and starts posing a little bit, which I laugh at, but then he follows with “C’mon man, you gotta get my face on the front page,” or something to that extent.

Not meaning to snap back, but being wary that the young ones are gettin’ to be a lil’ cocky, I simply told him, “Hey, you do your job, and I’ll do mine.”

The QB and some of the Aiken players laughed, and business went on as usual…but I can’t help to think that the 5-0 Hornets playing a 3-2 team on the road isn’t a trap game, and I can only hope that humility will continue to win the day for these Hornets.

It’s hard not to want to say anything when your team is doing well, though, and a guy called in to the paper who considers himself an “Aiken High representative” talkin’ ‘bout how Aiken was “the best thing on Earth right now”, and how everyone else needs to put up or shut up…

There’s something that came before the fall…not summer, no no…something else…I can’t put my finger on it, but…yeah. Be wary.

That goes for my 'boss'. as well, who’s grabbed a slight edge in our football picks.

Someone told him something about him having lost something…but he goes and says “that’s the only thing I’m losing right now…”

Famous last words.

All I’m (humbly) saying is, you don’t wake sleeping giants, and you don’t kick a man while he’s down.
After all, he may have just been looking for a reason to get up.

The Good Doctor

P.S. Funny humility should be on the brain with the sports world wondering about what might have been a suicide attempt for one Terrell Owens. Suicide attempt or not, it’s an unfortunate situation, and I hope T.O. comes out better for it. Later.

A Man Down

2006-09-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

This one goes out to my homeboy Jack, who won’t be making the trip to the ATL Classic this Saturday.

You guys don’t remember Jack?

Coby was the cat that worked with me this summer…he left when school started…but I’d been talking to him about going with the crew to ATL.

He was all for it, and said he hadn’t been to Atlanta since he was a kid (I don’t know, either), but everything was ready to go…

Until last Saturday.

Just one of those things, I guess.

Anyway, this post doubles up as an open invitation to anyone who will be in Atlanta area and wants a ticket to Saturday’s Atlanta Classic…which will be a football contest between Florida A&M University and Tennessee State University, and will feature both school’s illustrious bands.

If you want to go and don’t have a ticket, leave a comment with the BLOG, and I’ll get back to ya.

Hey Jack, best of luck to ya, and you know the crew is here for you if you need us. Later.

--The Good Doctor

A Little Football Talk…

2006-09-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

(Don’t let the title discourage you…)

Hello everyone,

Wild weekend of football, both college and NFL…and I don’t have too much to say but…the Panthers finally got a win.

Can’t say it was easy though…but I can say that I’ve not been pleased with the play of our starting quarterback.

Anyway, our kicker saved us…and Steve Smith returned triumphantly.

Now, to the Monday night game…

I have mixed feelings about the contest between the Falcons and the Saints, aside from the fact that they’re both division rivals and that it’s being played at the Superdome.

Most of the thoughts are negative, though, having had to stomach all of the stories that the media’s putting out associating the rebirth of the Superdome as a ‘rebirth for the city’.

Like I’ve said on this site before, I believe sports can be used as a tool to teach us about life, but I hate when folks uses sports as a veil to cover the real issues going on in a particular situation.

I feel that this is one of those times. As much as I’m sure a lot of you would like to see Reggie Bush have a pantheon-type performance against ATL (myself not included), this game is looking like what it is…just a game.

I haven’t been down to New Orleans, but the pictures and stories that I’m hearing from friends of mine seem to contradict what certain media types want us to believe, which is that everything is ‘just fine’ in the N.O.

NO.

Upon getting finances and such straight here in the S.C., I may take a trip to see the city for myself, and see the strides that have been taken to rebuild the city…

Alas, I have digressed…

My heart says to take the Saints, and my head says to take the Falcons…so…

My prognosticating ways have been true when I follow my heart, and I’ve been saying all weekend that the Saints are going to win, yet I’m still the same hard-headed guy that believes sports should go a certain way…

Falcons 21, Saints 20.

NO.

How ‘bout I just do me for once…

Saints 28, Falcons 20.
And that’s my final answer, in the hopes that art will imitate life.

Everybody enjoy your Monday while grindin’ it out; it can only get better heading towards the weekend…

--The Good Doctor

Typing Something for the Folks That Need to Read It But Probably Won't

2006-09-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Listen.

Listen really close.

If you happen to be in a professional setting with one Good Doctor, and the opportunity presents itself where you might want to address or greet him, a simple "hello" or "how you doin'" will suffice.

Not "what's up, playa" or anything of the sort.

Alas, good readers, I've had to put folks on notice at work, and it's little things like this, I sense, that force people to make statements like...

Well, the statements that are coming up in the near future.

"Nine For Ya Mind" is coming folks, and may be coming faster than expected since I saw Ms. Peachez "Fry That Chicken" last night on Youtube.

Not being prideful here, but I am demanding a little bit of respect.

You all should do the same.

The Good Doctor

P.S. Any other bloggers calling for revolution (yes, I'm talking to you), I'm not going to call it 'piggy-backing' so much as I'm going to call it a supreme collaboration (not collabo...man, I think this anger in the air is contagious!)

Love Tangent

2006-09-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

Put this message in a bottle
And watch it sail across the Atlantic
A way to expend this mischievous energy
Figure I’ll let you see the inner me
And how you respond accordingly
Every conversation we have is timeless
Saved on my mental so I can rewind it
When we first met we drew lines in the sand
Those turned out to be love tangents
Now I’m your man
And there’s a thin line between love and lust
But that line blurred in the high tide now hush
I mean speak up I can’t hear you
I got love on my brain
Drip drip
Drip
Drip drip
That boy a trip
Momma loved him too much as child
Momma loved him too much
That’s wild
Ain’t no such thing like
Simplicity complexion
Simplicity complexion
No don’t mind you if you two-toned
That let me know you got a lot goin on
Golden brown
From your crown to the bottom of your feet
Gotta be the Count real fast stop the beat
Let me count the ways
Lips
Hips
Tips
Toes
Nose
Hair
Air
Legs
Head
Hands
How you treat a man
Neck
Got nothing but respect
Feet
Do you hear that beat
I already see Tabia shaking that thang
Don’t matter if u hip-hop or you got that twang
Swang with the hula hoop or in the set
Need a swoosh like Nike I’ll push you bet
All the world’s a stage or a playground
Downtown
James Brown
Ask why old school is my preference
I’m a sucker for love so that’s a good reference
Take the Keys of Life and mix ‘em with the elements
A river walk where me and you can talk
Softer than cocoa butter lotion massages
Wherever’s clever or the most erogenous
Did I say that?
No inhibitions here
Keep Shyguys on SMB2
If you look at me I won’t do like Boo
Please I’m looking back
With these big brown portals
Wink and the gun to throw off the mortals
Lookie here
She grinnin’ from ear to ear
Made those tears disappear
Now the only thing that flows is rainbows
Laced in her luscious hair
Don’t matter what style
Whether she got it long or nat-u-ral
Because you don’t have to burn out for me baby
Hope that didn’t make you stratch your head like crazy
Allow me to be your relaxer
Boo bear love muffin sugar honey sweet miss
Pet names fun and games always the same bliss
For a queen…eh eh empress I’m trying to impress
Who’s next?
Let me stop
Yes you again
One time for a broken record
Let the DJ spin
Ahem broken record
Every time I want to be better than the last stage
Guinness Book finna run outta pages
Friend first
Those words that started this whole candy spree
You and me
Now a brotha so focused
Gotta call this one the good doctor’s opus
Orchestrated better than the latest Ocean scheme
Woven reality from a string of my dreams
I mean, from snippets of my love I made reel affection
Roll that beautiful queen footage
Do it in one take
Agape crepes
Furniture dessert to go with the drapes
Love is the action that shaped
Past present and future times
Made out of a few lines
Let’s recline…

The Good Doctor

Koopa Kids

2006-09-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

Another reason why Wikipedia and Google are the best 1-2 punch since Jordan and Pippen.

Well, this made some of you smile...enjoy your day!

In Today’s Edition of the Good Doctor Times

2006-09-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Front Page News:

Popeye the Sailor Man suffering from effects of E. Coli; Oyl seen around town with Bluto

Gas goes down so everything else can go up

Reader of Black Love One Growth actually hates black people (strange, but true)

Bush speaks; no one listens, nor can they understand what he’s saying

Front Page Entertainment:

Timberlake tries to bring ‘Sexy/Back’, finds it never left

Fiasco tries revolutionary tactic in music tomorrow with release of new CD: actually making good music

Front Page of Sports:

Panthers' Gamble celebrates Ohio State’s win over Cincinnati by doing Wycheck impersonation, should keep his day job

Notre Dame hype machine breaks down after Weis mistakenly uses cooking oil to clean gears

T.O. breaks ring finger; may cause extensive damage to marriage with Cowboys

Coughing Up Words

2006-09-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Hope you guys enjoy.

I’m so melancholy mayne I can’t even write
But I write at night to illuminate the day
But what if the day comes when you’re unable to pray
Pray anyway, even if in your mind
Because in your mind lies some lies, but underneath lies the truth
And truth will be truth even when you’re betrayed by youth
Youth meaning the underaged or now becoming of age
Don’t let rage come with age, being familiar shouldn’t make you mad
Mad meaning the don’t let the same ol’ pain make you sad
Sad? Dry your eyes, open a window
Remember though when you open the window don’t put your head out too far
Because I know you’re inclined to head out there when you’re looking at the stars
The stars? It’s night remember, I’m working on coaxing the sun
The sun smiles bright at the sound of the words
But my words are blurred even though I say I’m undeterred.
Word.

To Clear Up Any Misunderstanding from the Precipice

2006-09-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Jig: How can you advertise belief to people that don't feel you recognize their struggles
The Good Doctor: persistence
The Good Doctor: and empathy
The Good Doctor: it's just like the girl you keep calling...
The Good Doctor: and calling...
The Good Doctor: and calling...
The Good Doctor: you have hope for the future, but you have the conviction, the belief that eventually, she just might pick up the phone
The Good Doctor: that's all i can go on
Jig: Maybe so, but even Christ met the woman at the well at her need
Jig: not with persistence
Jig: I mean persistence works
Jig: but you can't just look over people's needs and status
The Good Doctor: i'm not doing that at all
Jig: cuz they feel like you don't have anything worth merit to say
The Good Doctor: where did i say that?
Jig: right here:
Jig: So often, I tend to address the symptoms of the (failing) heart of the matter instead of the heart of the matter itself. For example, why address people’s addictions and shortcomings when the heart of the matter can be derived from their belief system (or lack thereof)?
Jig: I'm not saying your'e totally wrong
Jig: all I'm saying is addressin the need is the best entry point
Jig: cuz that's what makes the faith real for them
Jig: where it's practical application is
Jig: and feeling like God sees their turmoil
Jig: by addressing their struggles
Jig: if they're thirsty, don't just throw the Book at them
Jig: but give them water too
The Good Doctor: you're right. that's not how i meant for it to come out, but that's how it reads

The comment in question reads:

So often, I tend to address the symptoms of the (failing) heart of the matter instead of the heart of the matter itself. For example, why address people’s addictions and shortcomings when the heart of the matter can be derived from their belief system (or lack thereof)?

In hindsight, it should read:

So often, I tend to address the symptoms of the (failing) heart of the matter instead of the heart of the matter itself. For example, why address people’s addictions and shortcomings when the heart of the matter can be derived from their belief system (or lack thereof)?

We should address those addictions and shortcomings because it is important, while being persistent in the purpose of God's work, to also be empathetic with those who might not share those desires, or not as strongly.

In the past, my persistence in the absence of empathy has cost me some friendships, which I am slightly regretful for. Not because of the desires of my heart, but because of the means I wish to express myself.

I'm not going to let the pride of thinking I'm right get in the way of touching the lives of people that actually need it, so, good lookin' out Jig.

Later.

On the Precipice of Greatness…

2006-09-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

September 15, 2006; 2:42 p.m.

Listening to Hall and Oates…

And just thinking to myself that I let too much of the day slide by…

Got up at 9 a.m. to do an interview at 11 a.m. for the Standard…came back here at 12...got some clothes washed, but for the most part, feel like I could’ve done so much more…

At any rate, the past and the future feel like they’re coming together in the present, which is like the ultimate feeling of having all control and having none at all.

Anyway, the day before was, if nothing else, all about making moves…

Got a haircut, went 90 minutes upstate to visit Denzel’s school, then we went another 90 minutes to go shop and hang out, then came back an hour to hang out with family, then I went another 2 hours back to the crib.

The reason I came back? Eh, to make moves, like always…

Don’t know why I’m rambling, but I do know why I feel like I need to get up, get out and do something…

1. Because I don’t feel like I was made to sit around on this computer, or playing video games, or IMing…

I was made to move. That’s why yesterday felt so good (even though you guys didn’t get a blog). I was moving like the NYSE; thoughts rushing in and out like the change of periods at a high school. So even sitting here typing this seems infinitely less interesting, at this particular moment.

2. Because I’m tired of trying to be a hero, I want to be a legend.

For those of you taking that as a bout of cockiness, you are only partially correct (and even that partiality is waning.)

Was talking to Jig about this particular topic, and this is what I came up with:

So often, I tend to address the symptoms of the (failing) heart of the matter instead of the heart of the matter itself. For example, why address people’s addictions and shortcomings when the heart of the matter can be derived from their belief system (or lack thereof)?

Or why I aspire to writing, teaching, studying…all for the purpose of my own pleasure and quest for respect, only to fall on my face?

Therefore, the only solution is to play it like my favorite writers, David and Solomon (former Kings of Israel)…cast fear and doubt on him, and tell him the desires of my heart, and allow them to manifest themselves, with him getting the glory…and like Solomon (I Kings 3), receive things I never asked for.

So, that’s where I am.

Also, looking at AHS on the precipice…they face the No. 2-ranked team in Georgia’s Class AAAA tonight at the friendly confines.

A win, my friends, would be monumental.

He is the King of Kings, so who are the Kings (and Queens)?

You are. We are, I do believe.

Hey Doc, You Got a Freestyle In Ya?

2006-09-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sure, why not...

Quick!
Thinking amidst ups and downs like a roller coaster
Makes you sick
Mad enough to where I have an empty holster
Bang bang!
Who shot who?
Well I'm still here rhyming
So I guess that's you
With the holes in your logic
But gunplay and such isn't how I really frolic
So let me scribble through this...
Why am I so pissed...

Quick!
Draw McGraw
I'm thinkin' like a kid
So why go and talk about my flaws
Pause
Why go and question my cause
When you have no clue of the effect
Granted, I'm tired of thinking like a kid
Time to demand respect
Eh, don't like this either
So let me scribble through this...
Why am I so pissed?

Quick!
Where you at?
Shhhhhhhh! I'm working on deadline
Deadline as in the paper
Or deadline as in my rhymes
Frozen rope I throw in hope
So catch the pass
Even if you running slanted
No excuse to drop one in the grass
Don't look inside your hands
Look inside yourself
Or maybe just look up top
If you need some help
To the man that screams and shouts
The next play is a fade route
So don't miss this one
Because it's fourth down
Or if you drop the ball, fourth down and out...

The Little Intracacies of Work...

2006-09-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

See, this is how you guys know I love sports a little too much...

I just got the biggest kick out of voting for the Class A-AAAA football teams in the State of South Carolina...I don't know...it just feels good that I have a say in determining whom I believe has the best team in the State.

As it stands, AHS is third, in my poll...Byrnes has won four straight state titles...grrrrr...and Gaffney was the last team to beat the Rebels, if I'm not mistaken.

Anyway, the Hornets and the Rebels won't meet in the playoffs this year; readjusting to Class and Division determined that. Oh well...

To all my South Lak folk, hope you guys enjoy...

Class AAAA
1. Byrnes
2. Gaffney
3. Aiken
4. Summerville
5. Stratford
6. Richland Northeast
7. Spartanburg
8. Conway
9. Spring Valley
10. T.L. Hanna

Class AAA
1. Clinton
2. B-HP
3. Greenville
4. Timberland
5. Myrtle Beach
6. Georgetown
7. Chester
8. S. Thurmond
9. Marlboro County
10. Greer

Class AA
1. Cheraw
2. Abbeville
3. Manning
4. Pendleton
5. B-L
6. Dillon
7. SB
8. Pelion
9. Broome
10. Barnwell

Class A
1. B-H
2. B-E
3. Carvers Bay
4. Lamar
5. Great Falls
6. Baptist Hill
7. Ware Shoals
8. Lake View
9. Timmonsville
10. Allendale-Fairfax

The Good Doctor

P.S. For you guys looking for an explanation to the Panthers' loss, I don't believe in excuses, but...

1. Dang all these injuries! (Wharton's out for the year, you know Steve Smith didn't play, and Dan Morgan knocked himself out again. Dan Morgan...is like the little kids that don't look where they're going, and they run into walls...ok ok j/k, get well Dan...)

2. Jake Delhomme pitched a bonafide fit on Sunday, and I'll let an onlooker at a South Aiken practice on Monday describe how I feel about the situation:

"Don't sit here being angry, go out there and be a leader."

Well dude, there you have it. And the reason why I'm not saying more is because teams should stand behind their starters (I'm saying this to all the Falcons fans that'll want to throw Vick off the boat midseason. Thanks guys...)

3. Play-calling. Yep, I said it. Dang it, man, you're down 13-6 with the chance to tie the game and you get a little something going in the passing game. Why not keep at it? The running game isn't working out...

Later, you're down 20-6. Ummmm...look, let's stop running the ball here...

This is what I'm saying. Charlotte doesn't have the best fans, we've seen this in the fact that we've lost our last three openers, all at home. I wish I could smack all the 20,000+ upside the head and say, "Look, we have a Super-Bowl contending team here, let's not give up on them in the first half," but I can't.

So, this is what you do. If the running game is working, throw (no pun intended) a few pass plays in there. See if that gets the fans fired up...don't just let the Falcons jam up the run, and then have the defense out there all day. No balance...just all run, or all pass...ugh!!!!!!!!!!!

(Mother says I should take Fox's job. Can't call it...but hey, no fear. Squad is 0-1, only down one in the NFC South, and the boys in the Bay looked worser (heh heh) than we did.)

Panthers fans rejoice! We started 1-2 this season and ran out of gas on the road in the NFC Championship game...we can go 2-1 this year and be on the right track. Let's all just chill...

Thinking at Indescribable Speeds…

2006-09-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while/I shouldn't have left you/Without a dope blog to step to (step to)...

Hello everyone,

My apologies for missing you guys for the past few days...had to catch up on some sleep, and work got in the way of some blogs. No worries though, I mean to make up for the time lost. First off, gotta let you guys know what's really goin' on...

Saturday night, I was frustrated because my mind was moving at thespeedoflight, but my body didn't want to keep up, so as a result I just kind of moped. Missed church this morning, which wasn't good, and only served to fuel my present frustration.

Then...and I don't know if it was the events of Saturday night, or...if it was the Panthers playing with no emotion, or if it was the current state of affairs at my church…

But I got really ticked with things…and angry even moreso because no one wants to do anything about it.

Well, all of this happened…and then I had to go to work, which fueled the anger even more.

These type of emotions happen with me periodically, and usually what happens is that I tend to do my own thing, working doubly hard on everything I seek to accomplish until that energy eventually runs out…

Not on this day, though. On this day, I decided to seek the help of God to help me accomplish the things I needed to, and to let His will be done.

Long story short, had a great day at work, and am seeking to take care of the aforementioned.

It seems just as I fully accepted that peace of mind, it started to rain…now I love the rain, and am able to think better when water’s flowing…some of my best ideas come to me in the shower, or when it rains…or when I’m near running water…the flow/the flow/who knows…

Anyway, I went outside when it started to rain at work…and I kind of look around…saw some greenery…and thought about how easily the blue skies turn grey.

Not that I mind it though…and it made me think of a friend of mine. I mean, her favorite color is green, and green to me represents life…and my favorite color is blue, which I associated with clarity, beautiful skies and the aforementioned flow.

Now, some mind the grey, but I don’t…because I know that you need a little grey sometimes to bring the rain…to renew life, to seek changes, and to stay strong…

Yeah…a little grey to blend in with the blue, and some black and white…

Just like the Panthers, I suppose…

The Good Doctor

P.S. Panthers are 0-1, don’t remind me, I already know…all that matters is, “Where will your team be in January?” Heh heh heh, later guys….

Not So Fast, My Friends...

2006-09-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

(…was the name of Wednesday Night’s Bible Study Lesson.)

Hello everyone,

…I suppose the title could also apply for a number of things, aside from being a catch phrase for ESPN’s Lee Corso.

It could refer to the knuckleheads (heh, heh) who think they have me beat because I’m dead last in the Pigskin Prognosticators game at the Standard…but I have a little something for them this weekend (though I’m still mad at MIA for staying in the locker room after halftime…)

Or it could refer to this particular scripture:

On Wednesday night, though, the statement was meant to address the young ones, and how it seems that in the world we live in, the folks that do dirt seem to get away the cleanest.

*dramatic pause*

Not so fast, my friends.

Psalm 37 shows us that those who do dirt won’t prosper in the long run, and as Christians, that’s what we’re focused on anyway, right? Not short-term success, but rather staying consistent in what God wants us to do so that we may find the peace and understanding that comes from a relationship with Him.

Well, here’s the lesson:

-----------------

One of your peers last Wednesday asked a question that was very interesting, and it is a question that we often ask ourselves from time to time in the Christian experience…

“Why do people that do bad things get away with so much?”

It’s true that, in today’s society, it appears that drug dealers, pimps, the sexually promiscuous and the profane get away with everything from lies, murder, sex, and do so while at times acquiring large sums of wealth.

In Bible times, the prophet Jeremiah asked God a similar question in the 12th chapter of the same book, asking in verse one:

Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

David, the author of Psalms, did something that we also do in the Christian experience from time to time, and that’s to envy those who do get away with gaining the pleasures of the world (read Psalm 73 in its entirety).

We do the same, whether it’s a result of seeing the glamorous lifestyle of celebrity, or feeling as if we can get away from such activities as premarital sex.

While we want these things, the Bible tells us they won’t last, and in the pursuit of such worldly treasures, we will be separated from God.

Add’l chapters/verses:
I Kings 3
II Chronicles 1
Mark 4
James 5

-----------------

Enjoy your weekend!

The Good Doctor

Kickoff...

2006-09-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Enjoying yet another off-day at the crib…actually posting this blog as I’m watching the NFL Opening Kickoff game between the Steelers and Falcons. Tonight, I’m going to post some a list of things that will invariably be brought up during the course of the season…

1. The issue of Reggie Bush.

Now ladies, I know that you all love Reggie, and for what it’s worth, he may be the next Gale Sayers (which, I’m sure doesn’t matter much to you all).

Sadly, I have a little beef with Mr. Bush, and I’ll explain why for all the readers.

First of all, ladies, Mr. Bush plays for the New Orleans Saints. Now, don’t get me wrong, I hope the best for New Orleans, concerning the rebuilding and all, but I don’t think if the Saints go 12-4, it’s going to do much in the way of the city’s success, especially with Ray ‘Nag(g)in Foot-in-Mouth problem’ as the mayor…but I digress.

The Saints, and my beloved Carolina Panthers are division rivals.

That’s right…contemptuous foes. That means, and I know I’ll hear comments on this, I kinda hope that Reggie literally breaks a leg during one or both of the games we play against them (ok, ok, maybe not break a leg), but I really hope that he does little or nothing against whom I believe will be the 2006-07 NFL Super Bowl Champions.

2. How Colts fans responded to that last paragraph.

My folks from Indianapolis, I know you guys are thinking “Ok, this has to be the year. I mean, we’ve lost every conceivable way…this has to be the year.”

Well, you guys are wrong…

There’s still the Super Bowl loss that you guys have to endure.

Now, don’t get me wrong…I think you guys will make the Super Bowl, and truthfully, if Nick Harper had just run to the sideline, and not smack into Ben Roethlisberger, you guys might be SB champs right now…but, this isn’t the year either.

Let me explain. Now, I think Peyton will be Peyton, and I hope he is, because he’s my starting fantasy football quarterback…but losing Edgerrin James will mean something in the long run…just you guys wait and see.

3. Well, I don’t have a three yet. Dang, man, I’m trying to watch the game…

Go Panthers!

The Good Doctor

P.S. Just playing. Here are my playoff predictions…or whom I think will make the playoffs.

AFC: Miami, Indy, Baltimore, Denver as Div. Champs...New England and Pittsburgh as Wild Card teams.
NFC: Cowboys; Bears; the NFC South, NFC and Super Bowl Champion Panthers, and St. Louis as Div. Champs...Falcons and Redskins as Wild Card teams.

Off Days

2006-09-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I tell you what...

It's harder posting on off-days than it is when I have a truckload of stuff to do and have to go to work...I can't explain it either.

All I know is this...

It's Wednesday night, and I had a great day.

Played hoops well, came home, talked to friends, then went to Bible Study (oh, I'm posting the lesson right behind this), came back, hung out with Jig, and talked to more friends.

Had some great conversations, and got to talk to the youth on some real stuff during the 90-minute session...just telling them how important is to have a relationship with God...

But yeah, I don't get Wednesdays and Thursdays...it's like, any other day, I have something to post on, and post it with the quickness...

Oh well, I guess even I have to enjoy my off days, eh?

But I had to break you guys off with a little something...I know it gets hard when you're at work with nothing to do... :-) So...you guys have two things to read tomorrow.

Keep ya heads up...

The Good Doctor Loves the Kids...

2006-09-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

(but even sometimes he needs a change of scenery.)

Hello everyone,

Hope you guys enjoyed your Labor Day…I’m still stuck on Sunday, though… :-)

Normally, I just teach Wednesdays…the man Jig teaches on Sundays, and that’s that.

I was walking in the back to fellowship with the 15-18 group when one of the preachers approached me to teach some of the younger kids…age 9-11.

I didn’t hear him at first, and thought he was asking me to teach one of the adult classes…ha ha ha…I tensed up something serious, and could only get out the words “the-the Adult class?”

He was like ‘naw, naw, this class’ as I breathed a quick sigh of relief.

Went in there and saw these little guys bouncing off the wall, one of them being a little cat named D.

He's cool enough…he’s about to turn 11, and is already a great drummer; in fact, he’s played in front of the church a number of times, and plays during devotional, and has played for a number of choirs.

Got to do an interview with him for our Youth Newsletter at church (hey, I can’t get enough of writing), and he says he wants to go to FAMU or BCC (hey, I’ll see what I can do to steer him in the way of Tallahassee).

Anyway, I’m in the class now, and they are bouncing off the walls…so I have to calm ‘em down as fast as possible.

They’re not too different from the 12-18 class I have on Wednesday, except they actually talk less, but what they lack in quantity, they certainly make up for in sound volume…

Joking, joking (well I’m not, but…let’s talk about what is wonderful about the young ones).

First of all, they have so much energy, which is great…and they laugh a lot, which is contagious (I love to laugh). Also, they were more apt to listen, possibly because it was my first time in the class, but also because they haven’t reached the point of being so terribly defiant…

But I think the best way to describe it is with my relationship to my brothers.

Now, understand I love both my brothers, which goes without saying, but one is more apt to listen than the other.

Younger brother is not that brother, let me say that.

Not to say anything is wrong with that; in fact, I think it’s more of a sign of the times. Think about it…

I remember when I was at FAMU for three years, younger brother pretty much fended for himself, and also took care of kid brother as far as making sure he got to the babysitter.

It’s like he made executive decisions, so why shouldn’t he have an executive mindset? It’s not like there was something in place to temper that; I mean, there should have been something during early development…

Which is where we come to kid brother. I’m not hard on him, but at the same time, I feel it’s imperative that when he even feels like talking back or anything like that, it’s gotta be checked. In the class with the young ones, you can tell that they are reaching the point of defiance, and well, it’s gotta be checked. :-)

The class went well enough… we talked from the book of James, had some open dialogue and I even got to know everyone’s name. Good times, if you ask me…

Still, I just wonder what really changes between one step (young kids) to the next step (older kids), and then I realized, nothing changed.

Which is a problem that I hope God works through me to fix.

Labor (Day) Not in Vain

2006-09-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
--I Cor. 15:58

Hello everyone,

Figure I’ll let you guys know how my labor day’s gone before I have to go into work…

Yeah, work. Well, someone have some barbeque for me, or whatever it is that you do…

I had a little fun today though. Got up for the hoops matchup with G, and had a decision to make early…

Should I listen to the radio, a music CD, or to yesterday’s sermon?

Yep, our church is blessed with a media ministry…so you can get a tape, CD or VHS to listen to the previous Sunday’s sermon all over again…and the teachers get the media tools free, so the Wednesday night warrior gets his dub for the low-low…

But yeah, I chose the sermon, and it’s something I’ve been doing a lot more recently…so instead of getting pumped up on pop culture, I got pumped on the sermon…

Got there, and some other guys were at the court, so we all decided on 21.

Two guys got off early, and Grease actually had 12, 13 and I was stuck on 3...but of course, had to keep laboring, keep it moving…

And, sure enough, shots started falling. And falling. And before you know it, those little three points turned into the lead, and with the lead, immeasurable confidence.

I missed a free throw at 18, so I had to go back to 15, but still came up with the win over the guys with a 20-footer from the corner…

And I mean, I can't say it was me at all. I mean, me, The Good Doctor, was laying bricks like a man looking to quit his dayjob and take up masonry. The game went on, and in due time, He came around and some shots fell.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to take some credit, but then I realize with hoopin', with writing, with whatever I want to do, I'm working on takin' my name out so He gets more of the credit.

I don’t know. Maybe you guys think I talk about sports too much, but like I said in ‘Cien Things to Help You See In’, lessons learned in sports can correlate to my everyday life (No. 51), which I feel is changing for the better on the daily…and I feel like if I keep working, while you guys are awake, or while you guys are asleep…I’ll be where God wants me to be, and that my labor won’t be in vain.

Well, off to work…

Everyone enjoy your labor day!

Breaking the Sunday Silence

2006-09-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to share with you guys a lesson that I drew up for the young ones at our Wednesday Night Bible Study at GYZ…

I initially inquired about whether I should post bible study lessons/notes on sermons, but then our Pastor did a lesson today about ‘Sin In Silence’. Once I listen to it again, I may break it down as well…but the lesson came from II Kings 7, if you’re interested.

Anyway, the lesson Wednesday was on ‘Turning Things Around’…

My friend,
I hope this is a blessing to you. Enjoy!
Me

Turning Things Around

First of all, you have to know what’s going on in order to turn things around…(James 1:8, 16; 4:8)

How do I know what’s wrong with me?
(Proverbs and Psalms)

Take a look at your life…think about the things that you are strong in and you are weak in. Then look at your relationship with Christ.

1. Do you have a relationship with Christ? (John 3:1-7, 16-17)
2. Do you talk to Him as much as you talk to your best friend? (Prov. 17:17-8, 18:24)
3. Do you talk to Him as much as you talk to your parents?
(Proverbs 1:8-9)
4. Do you talk to Him about the things you are strong and weak in?
(Proverbs 1:20-33)
No. 4 ties in with the desire to knowing the importance of turning things around.
(Proverbs 1:1-7)

Next, work toward change and pray for change.
(Philippians 4:6-7, James 2:14-20, 24)

(Change might not come when you want it, so here’s a little something that might provide patience…Phil. 4:11-3)

Once you’ve found change, share it with others…
(Mark 1:15-27, Matthew 28:18-20)

Hopefully some or all of the things said were a blessing.

Be blessed!
The Good Doctor

Cover 2

2006-09-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

*In football, the ‘cover two’ defense is a zone coverage with a pair of safeties playing deep and covering half the field each.*

Hello everyone,

Just thought I’d share with you what it is I do at the Aiken Standard during Football Friday night.

Actually…

Let me explain what I did LAST SEASON.

Last season, I would go to the games, stay in the press box, keep play-by-play and statistics. At halftime, I might take a few crowd shots…nothing more, nothing less.

This season?

I still do everything up top…but now, I’m on the field, pretty much serving as the photographer for whatever game I’m covering…and well, it’s a lot, especially trying to keep stats and all.

Well, for what it’s worth, it’s worked out pretty well for us…which brings us to the Cover 2.

Ever since I’ve worked at the standard, there’s pretty been a ‘free safety’ and a ‘strong safety’.

On Friday nights, the ‘free safety’ is yours truly, the guy who goes out and covers whatever needs to be covered, then come back to the office, and do whatever needs to be done there.

The ‘strong safety’ is the sports editor, who lays out pages, takes phone calls, and makes sure that everything gets to the back on the plates.

Folks ask is it a lot of work to do all of the things we do…of course it is, but to be honest, I enjoy it a bunch…and it’s always nice to see the results of a job well done.

And I’m certainly not saying we do everything by ourselves…I mean, there are a number of folks that make up the ‘zone coverage’. But when it comes down to it, the pair that makes sure everything goes well and that things don’t fall apart in sports…

Yep, you’re hearing from one-half of that cover two.

The Good Doctor

…Oh yeah, the sports editor is part of the prognosticating game that G and I are in…and well, he’s doing pretty good right now. All I’m going to say is…I really hope Miami beats Florida State…take care you guys.

G and Greece: The Desire to Compete

2006-09-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hey e’rybody,

USA lost. Again. In hoops…and it makes me pine for the ‘92 team.

Honestly, it’s not even a question if I would’ve put up more of a fight…and I don’t know if it’s the money they make, or maybe they simply underestimate their opponent(s), but it seems like they don’t understand that EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE IN THE WORLD guns for the U.S., in athletics or academics.

Now, I don’t wish to imply that the U.S. is the greatest at everything; you know, exude that pride that gets us into trouble sometimes as a country (see Bush, George W.). I don’t even want our success in international competition to create some sort of domineering ‘best in the world‘ attitude, even though that concept is certainly idealistic. But for the sake of competition, I would like to see us fight a little harder when international status is at stake.

That brings me to G.

G is my co-worker, who I talked about in a previous post. Much like myself, G is a competitive guy; in fact, we play basketball against each other 3-4 times a week, and the matchups are always pretty good. I mean, I’ll win some, he’ll win some, but the desire to win is always there, and it transcends being tired or other distractions.

In fact, it’s pretty much like that with everything between us…not saying we aren’t friends, in fact, G's one of the coolest cats I’ve met. Big Steelers fan, nice guy, really loyal person. But the friendly rivalry began with fantasy basketball…

Yeah, I see you guys laughing. At any rate, we battled through the regular season, and winded up in the finals…and yeah, he won. It kinda ticked me off, because he declares that he prefers football fantasy, and even though fantasy sports require almost as much luck as skill, I just wanted to win.

Fantasy baseball…we tied last week, and well, I’m pretty sure we’ll meet in the finals again (I’ll let you know how that goes…), we also have a local prognosticating challenge that we’re both in (so the whole city knows who’s the best), and fantasy football is coming up.

On Thursday, though, we played a classic game of hoops.

I won the first two (heh heh), and we played a third and final contest.

We play to 11, all by ones, so long-range shots count as much as lay-ups. He got off to an early start, and was up 6-2. Yeah, looking bleak for the home team…but then I went on a 6-2 run to tie things up at 8, which set up the big finale.

So, I come down and drain two jumpers, no problem, to make it 10-8. Now, I’m thinking I’m just going to go ahead and make this last J to send him home…

Not a chance. That’s the thing I like about Adrian; you can never count him out. He made two shots to tie it, and then made a third for what should’ve been the game winner…

But we play deuces, meaning that if there’s a tie at game point (which was 10), you have to make two shots for victory (kind of a tennis concept). So he had the advantage, and well, that’s when I went off.

He had the shot to win, and it just rimmed out… “Awwww, come on…” he said as I played like life depended on it.

The miss caromed to the right, and I grabbed the ball and darted across the baseline. He knew what I was going to do, so he came over to defend, and I flipped over a nice little shot.

Then I made a jumper, and got the advantage.

Finally, I went left for the win, and of course *smirk* made it…and I must say, it felt pretty good to come back for the win.

I wish I could say the same about the basketball team that the U.S. sent to the FIBA World Championships.

I went to ESPN.com today, and in horror, read the ‘World of Hurt’ headline as I saw that the Americans lost to Greece 101-95.

I mean, I’m not going to go over with you guys what mistakes the team might have made during the game or either during the development of the team, because I really thought they were going to prove the doubters wrong.

All I know is, this trend of losing is continuing in international play, whether it be the Ryder Cup (golf) or the Olympics, and all I’m saying is it’s about time those teams step it up and have the pride of say, two guys who don’t compete for a dime, just for the sake of saying they were the best at that moment…even if that desire to win is nigh-compulsive.

Hey, it worked for Jordan, and it works for Tiger.

Catch you guys later,
The Good Doctor

Voyage to Atlantans, the Return of the Kia

2006-08-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

(By the way, Imperial March is one of the best fight songs ever. It’s just a crunk song…hoping no one ever goes and samples it for some weak record, unless they do a really good job with it…as the light bulb goes off in Jermaine Dupri’s head. Dang it!!!!!!)

(Oh, what is Imperial March, someone just asked in the back. Well, Imperial March is the tune that Darth Vader marches out to in the Star Wars movies, and with that, all of my trilogy/Star Wars/ buzz has been killed. On with the story…)

…where were we…ahhh yes.

THE TRUCK HALTS.

It’s all good, though, truck starts back up and we get on our way.

Now, during the course of this 45-minute journey from…Lithonia, yeah, that’s where we were…Lithonia to Stone Mountain, I got to know a little bit about this guy Andre.

He was a cool enough guy, young brother, 26, dark-skinned with a scraggly beard. Figuring to pass the time, I asked him some things, like where he was from, how long he’d been with the towing service, things like that.

Well, ‘Dre was from the NC-VA area, moved down to the A looking for opportunity, and was ultimately looking to becoming a rapper.

Now, this is the part where everyone puts their head down, and is like NOT ANOTHER RAPPER. I used to be guilty of such an attitude, but as a writer, I believe I understand why so many brothers want to be rappers.

A lot of it has to do with the get-rich-quick desires of the world, and basically wanting to be famous. However, there was something different about ‘Dre and so many young brothers like him.

I think him, and myself included, just want to be heard…and that’s pretty much the only medium a lot of folks see as far as being heard…is rap. The truth is, and I never told this to ‘Dre for a lot of reasons, but there are so many forms of expression, so many ways to be heard, and you don’t necessarily have to be a rapper to express yourself.

At the same time, if you’re good, hey, do your thing.

Anyway, ‘Dre and I got to talkin’, he lit up a cigarette, so I’m figuring he was comfortable within the conversation and just talking things out…and then he also talked about wanting to go to a technical school, or a truck driving school, basically wanting to own his own business.

All of this, of course, deriving from the fact that he hates his current gig (who doesn’t, ha ha ha :- ) , and he also talked about wanting to find something other than his current occupation.

Like I said, we talked for what was seemingly forever (because, people, it was forever, but that‘s another matter), and then we finally got to the Kia dealership in Stone Mountain.

Got out the truck, thanked him for the lift, gave him dap…

And funny enough, some money appeared in his hand and a little glean in his eye.

“Keep your head up, mayne…” I told him as I dapped him again.

Got to Kia, and a wonderful young lady (of Ohioan descent [is that how you say it?] ) named Kim *smirk* let me know that everything was taken care of, and that it wouldn’t be that long of a wait.

Psyche!

Anybody that’s ever been to a car dealership/repair/service facility knoooooooooooooows that’s not how it’s going down, and the boi had to get real stern.

First of all, dude asks me “am I trying to keep the car at Kia overnight?”

Uhhhhh, no.

Next, they ask me what’s wrong with the car, like I haven’t told this story enough to win the Pulitzer.

So they go to work on the car, and I’m sitting there and sitting there…

For an hour. Then I ask Kim to go to the back and check on things…

And she does...

And then I’m sitting there and sitting there and sitting there.

Well, finally (ok, 2 hours) the car is fixed, but they tell me I have to pay.

Ummmm, you mean I have to pay for the negligence of a Kia worker? (nearly verbatim of mighty mighty mighty I)

Yeah, because it’s not our fault, you have to take that up with them (not their words, but mighty mighty mighty clooooooooooooooose)

So I paid (and please believe as soon as I got to the crib I got my money back), and went to pick up the fam, in a different direction that I did when ‘Dre was driving the truck…he kind of took us the long way. Like 15 minutes, but it all worked out for the best, true?

So I pick up the fam from the mall (at least they had fun), and head home…which was an assortment of daydreaming, fighting sleep, and enjoying the journey.

Hope you guys enjoyed it too.

The Good Doctor

Voyage to Atlantans, Part 2

2006-08-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

(Oh I know a lot of you guys were mad for leaving you hanging, but ha ha, I see you came back.
Always a pleasure to have you guys around.)

…where were we…ahhh yes.

THEN THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON.

It comes on, and I really didn’t panic that much.

I mean, if it would’ve been just me in the car, I wouldn’t have worried too much, but I had the fam, so I had to stop and check things out.

Tried to make my stop, and well…the steering wheel started to stall, and Mom was being…Mom.

Now, if Mom’s ever around when I tell this story, and she says she was under control…she is telling a story.

“I told you that your car was smoking…and so on and so forth.”

For what it’s worth, though, she was aiight…everybody was real cool, because I convinced everyone that I had the situation in control.

Fortunately for us, we pulled off on the Stonecrest Mall exit, and there was plenty of stores around for the rest of the fam to go to while I took care of biz.

Understand now, it’s July. Hotter than July, if there are any Stevie Wonder fans out there. Anyway, Target was about a block, so I footed it in that direction while Mom and the gang went shopping.

I figured the only problem was that the oil was low, so I went to buy some Castrol GTX to put in the car, and get on my way.

On the way back from Target, I’m feelin’ real good about myself…feeling like a breadwinner, the son that made good on everything the ol’ man taught in.

I pour the oil in, and I’m like ‘awwwww yeah, we finna go home’…

And the oil is coming out from the bottom…all over the tires and everything.

I’m sunk, and eventually what happens is that Mom comes back, gets a number and calls Kia Roadside Assistance for my brand-spanking new 2005 Kia Spectra.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh…

But let’s look a little deeper into that engine…

Now, all of this was especially surprising to me, since I got an oil change exactly seven days ago from my local Kia dealership, Kia of Augusta (that’s right, I’m telling you right now never go there. Ever.)

Turns out the guy that changed my oil filter and all forgot to cap the filter, so guess what?

And the oil is coming out from the bottom…all over the tires and everything.

So, I was kind of hot, but not as hot as the asphalt or the engine, and I’m kind of fortunate that I’m still driving that Kia, for what it’s worth.

Anyway, the verdict is that we have to get the Black Sheep (name of the car now) towed. So…Mom and the gang go shopping while I wait with the car.

Tow guy gets there after about 45 minutes, and it turns out the closest Kia is about 45 minutes away, so here I go with this tow truck guy…

Named Andre. Cool enough guy, but the truck he’s driving is kind of busted…and it stalls a little bit at first…

And then it stalls a lot. And then…all of a sudden…

The truck halts.

And that, my friends, is why Voyage to Atlantans is a trilogy (don’t be too mad, I’m posting tomorrow!)

The Good Doctor

Voyage to Atlantans, Part 1

2006-08-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Yep, KB has been to the A, as well.

Rewind to about…well, almost a month ago.

After a long Sunday at work, rather, a stretch where I worked about 9-10 consecutive days of work, I decide to pull, of all things, an all-nighter before heading down to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

Why, you ask?

Who knows…could’ve been the adrenaline build-up from working all those days in a row, but truthfully, just wasn’t tired, and I was kind of in anticipation for the aquatics.

Growing up, I always though life under the sea, rather, underwater was pretty cool…I guess it has a mysterious aura, yet it seems to work out so well. You have an assortment of sea anemones, crabs, whales, starfish…all of that stuff.

Anyway, we got up early…well, not I…I took a 45-minute catnap before the 2 and a half-hour trip to Atlanta, so mom, the brothers and I went to the GA.

Nice trip down, wasn’t sleepy at all…I guess I was excited to be able to go somewhere with family, and of course, to make kid bro happy.

So we got to the Aquarium, and well, it’s a really nice place, and KB is lovin’ it off the top.

Mom graduated with the Masters in Science, so she’s diggin’ it too…younger brother thinks it’s alright, and well, I did what I usually do when I go somewhere that I’ve never been before…

My mind races.

Like I said, I like the aquatic life, so I went into verse after verse of rhymes and things like that…that’s where Bubble Love was born, pretty much…

Anyway, we enjoy the aquarium exhibits…got there about 7, so we left there about 10-11...and still had all day to visit the A.

So we did what most visitors of the A do…go to Lenox to window shop, then keep it really real and spend your loot at South DeKalb in Decatur, yezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzur!

South DeKalb Mall was wonderful, I mean, wonderful. Usually, I don’t go on about shawty this and shawty that, but it’s nice to go to a place and be able to feel the vibe. My mind would’ve raced about the vibe, but then the lovely patrons kept smiling as I went by…which YB had to commemorate the occasion by yellin’ ‘Cake Cake Cake’. All laughs, all laughs.

But yeah, I was loving the whole atmosphere…low prices, hospitable folks with Southern demeanors, and the smiles and styles to match.

So we head back to SC around…eh, we’ll say 4...figured I’d get back and enjoy the rest of my off day…

Riding back on I-20 Eastbound, Mom says the car is smokin’.

I’m like ‘Ma, the car can’t be smokin’, it’s a brand new car…’
Sure enough,
The car is smokin‘, ya’ll.
Yeah, so I pull over, and check things out…no big deal…figure I’ll get some oil and rectify the issue.

Then the oil light comes on.

And that my friends, is why this story needs a second part.

Ya’ll be cool,
The Good Doctor

Makin' Moves

2006-08-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by a multitude of words.
--Ecclesiastes 5:3

Hey e'rybody,

Truthfully, part of me was even hesitant to write this blog…yeah, the part of me that seems hades-bent on holding us back.

Yes, us. Oh, you guys thought I was crazy looooooooooooooooooooong before this post, so don’t go acting surprised if I say ‘we’ or ‘us’ during the course of this conversation.

Anyway, let’s talk about him. Yeah, him. He’s always tired…he’s the one that does just enough to get by, the one that doesn’t mind coming up short just because everyone else does.

He is me.

Well, not me. I don’t know where he came from; I figure maybe he’s a bi-product of my failures, my anger, your failures, your anger, all of those things formed into one collective.

He flares up a lot mostly after I leave work, or when I see unkept children, or a young single mother, or when I want to write ANYTHING, not just a blog…pretty much when it’s time to get to gettin’.

And well, I’m kind of tired of that guy, because he’s really heavy, and I gotta get him off my back…

So here we are. I must say I’m kinda pleased, because that lil’ monkey usually latches on pretty tight, so…either he’s gettin’ weaker, or I’m gettin’ stronger…

Let’s see…it’s about 2:30 a.m. … actually talking to a good friend of mine that’s looking to make moves.

I first of all want to say that I pray and hope whenever a friend offers to share their ambitions with me, because I truly hope that God gives them the desires of their heart.

But then sometimes it seems I’m forever talking to someone that’s just…well…talkin’ about making moves… but not really doing anything, and that frustrates me, because…

Well, it reminds me of me.

Yes, me. Oh you guys knoooooooooooooooooooooooow I’ve said I wanted to do things on this website, and the list of things I haven’t done that I said I was going to do…well, in about 60+ blogs here on the site, I could make a blog or two about the things I haven’t, ha!

Why am I saying all this, you ask?

I don’t know. This is Black Love, One Growth, and well, I figure with all this time spent, it’s been time to do some growing. So this is where I am…

The last few days have been great, because I haven’t made any lists or put stuff down or said I was going to do something, because I didn’t want to even give myself the chance to not do them.

I just did them at the point of thought, which is how I’m doing this blog…no posturing, no clever wordplay, just inhibited ME.

Well, us. There’s that US again, but I’m not so crazy this time…because I want to change.

But I’ve already said too much, according to 5:3.

And well, dwelling on the past is about as useful as a closed bible.

I just want to do.

I’ll holla at ya’ll later,

The Good Doctor

Bubble Love

2006-08-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just finished enjoying a Wednesday and Thursday off…leading up to the big Football Friday Night extravaganza, but had to tell you guys about this new joint I dropped…

Normally, I would’ve just written something and posted it here or shared it with friends, but this one I decided to do a little something extra with.

Jig and I actually did a collaborative effort on this song…put it on wax, so to speak...he did the beats and production, where I provided most of the lyrics. It was cool to do, because I really haven’t done too much open mic, let alone drop a verse. At any rate, here was my contribution to the song…

Hook:

Based on a true story
About mermaids and manatees
Meaning that everything ain’t what it seems
But you haven’t seen anything yet
Time to get wet…

1st Verse:

Submerged in this verse
I make my descent
But I can’t tell up from down
So I take a look around
I enroll in this school
Of fish, and there’s so many in this pool
There was one who blended well with the coral
And this is where we get the moral
Of the story, story, story
Normally folks would call this puppy love
But for the sake of this song we’ll call it guppy love
An aquatic frolic seemingly the same
But through a different world like Whitley and Dwayne
Wade in the water
Think in the drink about the things that I aqua
Do to prove you I’m concerned
Nice to see you do the same in return
So we explore the reef
Things begin to get deep
Learn about the rock she came from under
Why did my momma name me Plankton she wondered
But as sure as we start to synch
Things begin to stink
We start to lose our porpoise for swimming’
And the once-clear water is startin’ to tint and
I’d rather not end this on a bad note
So I concur with her so hope floats

2nd Verse:

Now some of ya’ll listen and glisten
At the innuendo that I’m spittin’
But I only rock the boat to keep it afloat
You can ask my boy Yancey
I live to enhance, not to be chancy or fancy
Then again, I don’t care what folks think
Just so long as me and her don’t sink…

--Break--
Don’t pop/don’t drown/don’t pop/bubble love
Pop-gurgle-/don’t remember what it was…
--Break--

Extra Stanza:

She didn’t want me no more/So I wash up on shore
*Cough cough* and all the sand dollars in the world
Can’t buy me back into the sea
Can’t buy back that feeling for me…

Kind of a tragic story, but it worked out for the best…got the motivation for this one after my trip from the Georgia Aquarium…I don’t know, though…maybe a re-recording or two, maybe I’ll get up the courage to leave a track on the site for you guys to listen to…I’m sure that would be interesting. Talk to you guys soon…

The Good Doctor

Lil' Panther

2006-08-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Mom,

First of all, I just want to say, if kid brother hurts his ankle or has
something going on with his feet because of those Michael Vick
(sacrilege...) shoes you bought him, you're going to have one mad
Panthers fan on your hands...

19.99...blah, blah, blah...

I'm just playing. I love you Mom...

The Good Doctor.

Hey everybody,

What's happenin'...told you guys D was having the best month ever...and in an attempt to clinch the award for 'best brother of the year', yours truly and the Prodigy went to...

Carolina Panthers training camp in Spartanburg, S.C.

OH YEAH. Yep, your 2006-07 NFC and Super Bowl Champion Panthers weren't even an hour away from my aunt's house, which is where I was hanging out with kid brother and mom for a couple of off days.

So yeah, I shot upstate late Tuesday, woke up Wednesday to this guy's face, who had his arms out for a hug...yeah, I obliged...

For all of you sayin' 'awwwwww' right now, excuse me for not being more sentimental. It was about 7:15 in the morning...and I got in the bed around 3 a.m. Yep, ya boy was cooked...

But I got up and told kid brother I had a surprise. Here's how the conversation went:

The Writer of this Blog: Hey man, we're going somewhere cool. You want me to tell you now or you want to find out later?
Kid Brother: *jumping up and down* I wanna know now!
T-Blog: Alright, alright. We're going to Panthers camp.
KB: Carolina Panthers camp?
T-Blog: Yep.
KB: *overly dramatic* *faints and slides off sofa*

But I got a lil' crunked up too...because, after all, it was KB. And
it was the Panthers. So we got dressed and went to the 'Burg...

Where it was really nice. Understand that Carolina's a first-class organization, and I'm not saying that because that's my squad. I'm saying it because the training camp was free, they had awesome vendors outside the facility, and you actually saw the players. (Sorry if I'm a little excited here, as you can see, it's my first time attending camp).

KB had fun too, and he got to see his favorite player, Steve Smith...also got him a football and a little Hot Wheels Carolina Panthers Escalade with a Julius Peppers trading card...real nice.

I also signed KB up for the Panthers Pal contest...basically, they take five kids from the ages of 6-13, give them a t-shirt and other goodies...but more importantly, they let you meet the players.

Yep, I said it. Meet the players...

So, they drew five names out of a huge pot...and I was thinking 'golden ticket, golden ticket...'

Not to be. Eh, it happens. Anyway, we enjoyed the rest of camp and headed back...

That was Wednesday. KB's first day of the third grade was Thursday...so, that was a heck of a way to finish up the summer, ha?

More to come...

The Good Doctor

Turn the Lights On

2006-08-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

I didn’t even have the jones at first.

Maybe it was the rigors of work, worrying about my fantasy baseball team, or making sure Team USA didn’t mess up the rotation during exhibition play.

Anyway, I didn’t even have the jones until a couple of minutes before I was scheduled to talk to Aiken High’s football coach.

That feeling, combined with pleasant memories of high school and pleasant memories of last football season just came at me all at once.

It was crazy…I was in a hallway with some lockers, and I started to catch a beat…just beating on the locker…real quiet, mind you…but I had IT.

Started flippin’ my pen like I was a FAMU drummer…had that feeling all over again.

If you’ll remember, the last mention of Aiken football came on a Black Friday, and ended with me dappin’ up and consolin’ then-sophomore Romon Williams.

(Disclaimer: To readers of this blog and the Aiken Standard…understand that my affinity for my alma mater in no way affects my work or interactions with football teams all over the area. Pick up a paper, man!)

Well…how things have changed.

Checked out Aiken’s football team, and talked to coach…and of course, all the coaches are going to have preseason humility…or as we call it ‘round here, playin’ possum.

Fast forward to the Aiken County Football Jamboree, which was last Friday, actually.

The Jamboree is an event that showcases eight of the local football teams, and it’s the event that annually breaks the high school football hiatus, so fans really enjoy it.

At any rate, the more things change, the more they stayed the same…a bunch of coaches, including South Aiken’s old coach, changed teams…it was more like an NFL offseason, without all the player changes.

Anyway, Cal played in the second quarter for South Aiken…and he’s a little more stoic than last year. Don’t know if that’s for better or for worse…but you’ll hear about it, to be sure.

But yeah, the Hornets. Coach Johnson had me thinking Aiken was going to lay an egg, or something like that against North Augusta, which is the old South Aiken coach’s (Pippin) new team…

Not a chance.

Man, fireworks…just fireworks. Romon scored twice, and the Hornets looked really nice on both sides of the ball, long story short.
That went well, but that was only one of the things going on this week.

Kid brother's been living it up this month, and I’ll have to talk to you guys about that sooner.

The Good Doctor

Who is this Angel?

2006-08-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

Alright, alright. Now, everyone here at the B.L.O.G. is going to presume that you all have seen Ray, yes, that Ray, the movie that Jamie Foxx won the Oscar for.

Now. Remember the point in the movie where Oberon (the smaller guy at the club in Seattle) gave Ray the card from Jackie at Swing Time Records?

Fast forward to Monday night.

Finishing up at work, I get an e-mail telling me about a job opening at the biggest paper in the state.

As much as I’d like to take credit for the e-mail, it was actually an assist from a very dear friend of mine.

Yep, V makes another special guest appearance on the site, this time as the point guard who threw the best alley-oop since Jason Kidd had Kenyon Martin in New Jersey.

It’s not that I don’t get it…it’s just that…I don’t get it.

I mean, time after time, there she is…she seemed to care more about my birthday than I did…just a trip. A pleasant trip.

She’s cool ... and she’s also a revolutionary of sorts…just hearing her talk about the job and the adjustments that can be made reminds me of…well, me sometimes. Anyway, it was cool for her to do that, and I guess, with God working through her she started the biggest revolution of all.

The revolution that starts within yourself.

Anyway, speaking of turning things around…big ups to this young lady…

And normally, I wouldn’t do this, but just this once…

Go here and vote for the best ‘black’ blog.
Vote for someone who would appreciate your vote more than Bush.
Vote for the one whose name means ‘talents’ in Swahili (East African descent).
Vote Tabia.

Take care folks,
The Good Doctor

Daydreamin' in the A (Tell Me When to Goooooooo...)

2006-08-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

Well, gotta tell you guys...

The A was a trip. I went there last Monday, and had my share of ups and downs...which you'll likely hear about very soon. Anyway, I just want to share with you guys a daydream I had while returning from Atlanta...

(Disclaimer: This may be one of the most eccentric blogs ever written here...The Good Doctor must be craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-zaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay...)

May 10, 2007

My friends and I decide to have a surprise birthday party for one of our friends, even though he insists we not.

Anyway, the crew and I get together to think of a clever way to have such an event...

And we figure on this...it sounds kind of eccentric, but we figure the only way we'll get him out of the house is by force; kinda jump him, and then take him to the party or whatever.

Sure enough, we do just that...there's five of us, and we sneak up on dude...he never sees us coming. We grab him (we're wearing ski masks or whatever), and we head off to this surprise party.

I know, kinda crazy...but it's great once we get there...

Once we get to the place, he's all hollerin' like 'let me go, let me go', and we're kinda laughin'. It's funny though, because once we let him go, he sees what's going on.

Everybody's like 'SURPRISE!', and everybody at the party has afros on.

I mean, it's the best party man, all the soul food, people, good times you can imagine. Just an endless supply of good eats, everyone there is just having a good time.

So, after that's over, we figure we have to give dude something to commemorate the event.

One of my homeboys comes out the back with a 24-inch rim with a spinner on it...no, not a tire...nothing, just a rim.

So dude spins it, and we're all rolling at this point, including the guest of honor...and as it's spinning...

Everybody starts dancing. Ya boy goes off into the thizz dance, I mean, the scene is just crazy...and I can't stop laughin'.

But yeah, that was a crazy scene. Anyway, it's a long way from here, but enjoy the 24th, man.

The Good Doctor

P.S. You guys will find out why I'm worried about next summer REAL SOON... ;-)

The Original

2006-07-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Will the real Michael Jackson stand up?
Will the real MICHAEL JACKSON stand up?!?!?!?!??!?!

Had a thought this week...(other than wanting to name this blog "For Fake :-D" )

Why spend 9.99 on the new Pharrell, when I could have...

For 14.99?!?!?!??!

Yes, 14.99. Why have someone imitating Mike when I could have the original/speaking of MJ's/it's something about those initials...

Yeah, I bought a Pharrell CD once...ironically enough, Clones...and it wasn't bad. It seemed like back then he wasn't trying to sound like Mike either...hard to say though, looking back.

It's just that I hear "Number One" and hear a megamix of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You". Or I hear Pharrell on this "Margarita" song with Sleepy Brown and hear a more upbeat "Off the Wall".

Seriously though, the music...man, the music. Ya'll know it's slackin'.

Still waiting for a summer jam here,
The Good Doctor

P.S. — My girl Cyndy says she likes Corrine Bailey Rae. Hmmmmm....I'll peep that, but right now "Human Nature" has the world on lock...See that girl/she knows I'm watching/she likes the way I stare...yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah, I'm smiling.

Love.

Word to a Mother

2006-07-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Tabia,

Here's just a little something I freestyled off at work. This blog game is getting straight transcendant...and I'm glad it's making work more fun instead of making the blog more like work. Well, enough of that...enjoy young one...

Word is
Your kids
Aren't around
And you're down
Well guess what
So am I
Meaning your brother's in town
And we 'bout to hang out
Like old times
Reminisce about T.R.O.Y.
In our minds
Remember when
We used to hang out with friends
And pretend
We would roll around in the Benz
But now we mostly spend
Time moping or on the bottle
Or wasting energy trying to find someone to coddle
Initially cuddle
But I really don't wanna talk about struggle
How bout this
Come around 7
Greet you with a kiss
And hang out for an evening of bliss
You wish
Well, why you wish
I'm down for the weekend
With my friend
Reality
I know you have this friend
Fantasy
Why don't we rendezvous
At this place
Call dreams come true...
Hello...
Hello?
Tabia this your brother
From another mother
And before you pull the cord
Look out!
I'm already at the door...
Somebody cares! (1)

The Good Doctor

Coach

2006-07-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Audrey T., former Aiken High School point guard)
University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith (left) and the Writer of this Blog enjoying the 2006 Nike Peach Jam Invitational.

------------------------------------------------

“I don’t want these shoes, I wanna GO HOME!”
--Diana Ross in ‘The Wiz’

Also, something you ABSOLUTELY won’t hear anyone at a Nike Basketball Camp say.

Hello everyone,

…Well, I enjoyed myself at the 2006 Nike Peach Jam Invitational, as the above pic shows.

Such a small world, isn’t it?

Fresh off this year’s Masters, ya boi was fortunate enough to be able to go to another national tournament. The Peach Jam, which was held from Wednesday, July 12 to Saturday, July 15, is a national high school basketball tournament that features the top 24 Nike Elite teams in the nation, teams laden with the best high school talent around.

In turn, a number of college coaches and scouters head out to the event, and it’s pretty big…just 10-15 minutes from the house. (I don’t get it either, our little Central Savannah River Area is jumping with major sporting events…oh well, more for the boi to cover)

But yeah, shout to my friend Kimani, who would’ve gotten the lead quote except for my late viewing of the Wiz Thursday (July 13) evening (sorry Mani).

“Have fun.”

To hear that was especially great, because the first day of Peach Jam stunk because things on a professional and personal level fell through in a big way on Wednesday, the first day of Peach Jam.

Truth is, it happens sometimes. But no one bounces back like the Writer of this Blog, and…Kimani’s quote, you ask?

Yep, that’s what I did in full…talked to a lot of coaches, shook players hands, did an interview with Tyreke Evans, who’s actually on the front of the SLAM Streetball magazine…(speaking of SLAM, and I won’t take long with this, I won a lifetime subscription to the magazine last Tuesday (July 11)…yeeeeeeeah, that’s right)

Well, the subsequent Thursday and Friday were fun, and I’m going to drop some highlights from Thursday action:

Thursday

(Well, much like any Peach Jam, there were an assortment of gifted players from all over the country…but for time’s sake, I’m just going to tell you that a team of players from Indiana and Illinois ran stuff…in fact, THREE TEAMS from that region ran stuff…most of all Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon. If they both go to Illinois, I’m telling you right now, it’s over. But, that’s not what’s really important…)

Seems like I’m always backtracking…

Wednesday…
Wasn’t such a bad day at all because one of my fellow church members was competing for the South Carolina Ravens team…

Jerel Stephenson, a gifted and intelligent rising junior at Glenn Hills High School in nearby Augusta.
The Ravens were a team made up of South Carolinians and Georgians, and they played in the 16-and-under division at the Jam.

(For clarification, there were two divisions, the 16-and-under, and the 17-and-under…the 16U tournament was a new addition to this year’s play.)

On Wednesday, the Ravens were down at halftime before ‘Rel came out in the second half, and absolutely dominated the game in all facets…his play really got the guys going, and the Ravens got the win.

Now, before I continue, I have to tell you ‘bout ‘Rel’s skill set…

I mean, what can’t the kid do? He’s savvy and experienced, and that was before he started playing basketball on AAU teams and the like. He can shoot efficiently from 20 feet and within…he can handle the ball, is ok for defense for his age, has quick hands, can play inside and outside…and…

He has COURT VISION.

Court vision, as I was telling my friend Faith once, is my favorite trait of a basketball player. Even moreso than someone who has great defensive prowess…because court vision implies such a great awareness of what occurs on the basketball floor…and it’s bigger than making a pretty pass.

Those of you that really know me know that I’m a fan of Spider-Man…and now that I think about it, one of his greatest powers is his premonition, his Spider Sense.

On the basketball floor, it’s no different…it’s getting into the passing lanes, it’s making the extra pass, it’s playing so fundamentally sound in these days of me-first hoops that it makes the casual fan coo and the intelligent fan wonder and wander to a different place and time.

That’s ‘Rel in a nutshell.

Yeah, he’s only 16. But I think a conversation had by myself and a number of youth at GYZ tells the tale…

(paraphrasing, of course…)
The Writer of this Blog: Yeah…I saw Jerel at Peach Jam…he’s really good.
‘Doubting Thomas’: Yeah, I’ve heard he’s good, but is he really good?
Witness: Yeah, he’s good…
TWOTB: Yeah, you know, we all talk junk…everybody think they got some game, but yo, dude can play…I mean he’s hooped everywhere…
DT: Yeah, but I want to see him play me…I think I could get him…
Everybody else: Naw, man…*subsequently followed by laughter*

Fast forward to Thursday…

And the Ravens are playing like…(insert expletive here). I mean, really…as a collective, they are playing horribly. It’s a miracle they aren’t getting blown out…even in the second half, it’s clear that whatever the coach said at halftime WAS NOT HEARD.

This coach…aside from being too emotionally involved…just looked to be outcoached and outclassed…

Too emotionally involved?

Yeah, I said it…
There is a such thing.

Being a coach is like being a good father (as far as I know)…you have to stay attached to your players, but stay detached to the mistakes that they can make some times…you can’t become overly emotional to the things they do, and you always have to do what’s best for the team, the family…and that means having your best five on the floor for a certain situation.

How did I learn such a lesson?

Funny you should ask…
Only a few years ago, the Writer of this Blog was coaching a team of 12-13-year-olds…around that age group. And guess who was one of my players?

Small world, isn’t it?

He was a great player then, but we had played two games…single-elimination…and won the second game BY A HAIR. So to start out the third game, I sat our hero for the whole first quarter, to rest him, I guess…but I kind of forgot he was there…

HOW DO YOU FORGET HE’S THERE?!?!?!?! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, DOC...
(old Good Doctor talking to young Good Doctor...)

The good news is, where I messed up, the Father meant for good. When he came off the bench, he was LIGHTS OUT. We were down by a bunch in the first half, but we came back with a vengeance. ..

We lost the game. Yep, championship game. We lost it.

That game, even though I don’t look at it too analytically, serves as a reference point to a lot of things. Anytime I think about mistakes that I’ve made in this lifetime, that game always comes up. I mean, sitting ‘Rel was one thing, but there were some many things that could’ve been done differently.

Do the memories of that game hound me? No, of course not. Just helps me not to make the same mistakes again.

Anyway…the Ravens coach does the same thing…sits ‘Rel DEEP INTO THE SECOND HALF…I think Jerel might have sat out 9-10 minutes of a 16 min. second half…pretty much sat out an eternity.

So…Jerel came off the bench, and you guessed it…LIGHTS OUT.

Finding people, making steals, helping the team to the cusp of victory…

They lost the game.

(As it stands, they would go 2-1 in the tournament…but wouldn’t advance out of pool play…a shame, because that team was loaded.)

After Thursday’s game, I talked to ‘Rel’s mom…and I asked her did she remember the Game back in the day…

She was like “Yeah…”

Then I said…”it wasn’t ‘Rel, it was the coach.”

She was like “Yeah, but there were so many other things…”

Hmph. Listen for that name, though. Jerel. Stephenson.

Anything else interesting about ‘Rel? Not really…he’s just Jig’s cousin.

Yep, that Jig.
Small world, isn’t it?
-----------------------------------
So yeah, I had a lot of fun.

But about that pic (which was taken on Friday)…

It’s cool enough that I was able to take a picture with someone that I consider a role model, and someone who represents so much as far as not only Kentucky basketball, but the college hoops landscape itself. It was refreshing talking to Coach Smith…I was able to tell him that I was from the area, working for a local paper, and funny enough, he asked me about my middle school principal…

“Do you know Rose Berry…yeah, I know the family…”

Small world, isn’t it.

Well, sometimes it gets downright miniscule…

Look closer. I can’t help but smile when I realize that 1) a recent Aiken High graduate took this picture, and 2) I wanted to take this picture with the wall in the background, but Coach Smith tells me to move over…right in front of an elevator. Now, understand, we’re on the first floor. And it just seems fitting to me that at the climax of the Peach Jam, after meeting Coach Smith, that this picture would be taken somewhere where I feel like I am in my life…on the cusp of moving up.

Next floor please…

The Good Doctor

Punching the Air

2006-07-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

(AP photo)

Hello everyone,

…As the major count sets its mark at my favorite number (11)…

Here’s to a man who listened to the spirit of his father and not the doubters.

A man who, on Sunday, was so on his game that he aimed for greener pastures and didn’t even have to watch as he pressed toward AND HIT the mark, time after time.

A man who responded to tragedy with convincing triumph.

A man who put that silly little grin on my old man’s face, and come to think of it, everybody in my household and probably a few households just like mine.

A man who’s internationally known and locally respected…like I aspire to be here very soon...with the ability to emit global shockwaves from what most see as a simple fist pump.

Now, will somebody go shine up the cup?

Welcome back, El Tigre.

The Good Doctor

The Day(s) After

2006-07-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Day(s) After

“Life is not a movie, that’s why I don’t stick to the script.”
--the Writer of this Blog

----------
Thanks to J. Dot and Deener for being such wonderful hostesses in Charleston, thanks to V for all the B-Day love, and thanks to everyone who sent b-day wishes and cards.
----------

Hey everybody,

The quote up top seemed simple enough, seeing as how some of you were looking for a ‘Coach’ blog…

Be cool, it’s coming.

In the meantime, I figured I catch you guys up on how I spent the b-day.

The 18th was cool enough…

Tuesday, July 18

Woke up at 8 a.m., thanked God, saw kid brother up watching Madea, so I made him cut that off and watch cartoons.

What’s an eight-year-old doing up watching Madea anyway? I’ll never know…

I tell him I’m going to Charleston, and he’s BEGGING me to go.

Not now, not now, maybe later…no, going to take some time off…

----------
By the way, I can hardly write this blog as we speak because kid brother is a dancin’ fool…always dancing mouth agape like he’s Chris Brown or somethin’…and he keeps jumpin’ on my back and stuff. Well, it’s an off day, all good…
----------

Anyway, I feel bad initially because I left little dude…but, I’m taking him to the aquarium in ATL in two weeks, so he’s gonna just hafta be cool this time around.

Head to Columbia first to pick up some shorts for the 23 party on Wednesday, found some nice LeBron joints, so that was cool. (It’s the little things, really)

From Columbia to Charleston…roughly a 90-minute drive, I was trying to find a song on the radio other than that new joint they always play on the radio.

I forget the name, but it’s something like Me and You Hustlin’ Everyday while Shoulder Leaning because It’s Going Down.
I knooooooow you see it, errrr, heard it.

Anyway, pop in an old Outkast CD (one of many Dre-Boi rotations on this trip) and ride out. Get to Charleston in good enough time, and head on out to the beach.

Went to Folly Beach in Chucktown, and first of all, it’s refreshing to know that there’s a beach just 2.5 hours from the crib.

Nice place to relax, and nice to hear nothing but my thoughts and the sea.

Hmmmm…let’s see, did some shopping, had dinner with the homey J. Dot, and watched Family Guy with Deener, drove home around midnight, got home about 2:30 a.m. on the sounds of Stankonia. Yep.

Wednesday, July 19

Woke up pretty early again, and got a haircut for the 23 party that’s supposed to…

Oh wait. Dang.

Found out around 5 p.m. by my own doing that my lil’ homey, who was born six years to the day after I was born, is going to be a no-show. Fan-frickin’-tas-tic.

No need to get warm about it…just called everybody and told ‘em the party’s off.

Went to teach Bible Study, and had a great lesson with the young ones. That was the one thing about going to the beach…it helped clear my head a little bit, and I was able to talk with them especially well this particular Wednesday…and that was good.

Not to get off on a tangent, but this younger generation trips me out…it’s slightly awkward talking to a 12-18 group that’s open about being sexually active, and this is something that Our Hero is working on. I’ll try to keep you guys posted on that.

After bible study, one of the students came back to talk to me about a certain situation in her life, and it was interesting because it was her first time at our church. I guess it’s also interesting that she was Caucasian, and, to be honest, she’s only the second or third white kid that’s come through B-Study since I’ve been teaching.

No need to jump on any race discussion here…I mean, being brothers and sisters in Christ should transcend all that…as thoughts of still-segregated Churches dance through my head. Anyway, we had a good discussion, and I was pretty pleased…glad things went well.

Left B-Study, and…well…forgot to call some people. Whoops. Worked out for the best though.

Turns out I forgot to call the homey V back, and her and her husband, affectionately known as Ice Cold were chillin’ up at Ruby Tuesday’s. Well, I decided to head on up, and they paid for dinner. Good stuff.

Anything else? Eh, not really.

Thursday, July 20

Wished my aunt a happy birthday…yep my favorite aunt and I were born 48 hours apart…well, not 48 hours. We just have birthdays really close together…which explains a lot.

And…got another day off, which I spent playing mini-golf with the Brothers in the latest edition of the Good Doctor Invitational.

…well, that’s that…be back later.

--The Good Doctor

Technical Difficulties

2006-07-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Over and over you can be sure
There will be sorrow but you will endure
Where there's a flower there's the sun and the rain
Oh and it's wonderful, they're both one and the same
--Frankie Beverly and Maze, Joy and Pain

This blog is momentous because it's actually my 50th blog here at Black Love One Growth.

It's kinda ticking me off though because I can't post my 'Coach' Blog right now because of some TD's at the house...I'm actually putting up this little prompt for the faithful BLOG readers at work.

Yep...living dangerously...but I'm not going anywhere. Hope to get things back online at home ;-)

Meanwhile, the folks here at work...I think they have a cake or something for me, which is really cool. Happy b-day to me...well, tomorrow, the 18th.

I'll be back soon folks,

The Good Doctor

Coach, 'Doc', and the Road to 23

2006-07-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

(Disclaimer: Understand that the title of this blog does not imply IN ANY WAY that I am a fan of Mike Krzyzkewski or Duke Basketball. In fact, any savvy college hoops fan that knows me knows that my opinion in reference to college hoops is that you can’t have Duke without UK. Christian fricking Laettner…ugh…)

Hey everybody,

Don’t mind too much of that in the disclaimer…that’s just me having fun on the eve of my 23rd birthday…
Yep, here I am on July 17th around 1 a.m. talking to friends and enjoying life.

There won’t be too much to say here in this blog, as I’m setting things up for a three-part blog series that will be starting later today.

The three-part blog consists of the sections you see in the title above…the three sections aptly named Coach, K, and…the Road to 23.

What’s the Road to 23, you ask?
(*announcer voice* a gimmicky way to keep folks coming back to the BLOG…)

(*wham* *pow* *oof*)

Who said that?

Anyway, the blogs are going to speak on the week in review (Coach), some self-evaluation of myself that I’ve had recently (Doc), and everything leading up to and after my b-day, which I’ll likely do in a nice lil’ poem collection (the Road to 23).

What inspired this, you ask?

Well, pretty much anything and everything...

And well, it's inspired me to keep it comin’. Once again, that's the phrase that I like to use, and I keep biggin’ up my lil’ homey for sayin' that to me every time the blog drops, or something to that poetic effect.

And the truth is, I’m glad to say that everything that’s happened in the past few days, weeks, months, has helped to dissipate some of my lazy ways, and to be more aggressive as far as following that mantra.

So, I supposed I’m thankful for everything and everyone that has inspired me to keep it coming, whether friend or foe. See you guys soon,

The Good Doctor

P.S. Those of you that didn’t understand what I meant by A-Z for ‘the Answer’…A-Z represents the rhyme scheme I used. Sorry for any misunderstandings…thanks for the reviews on it though, take care you guys…

The Answer

2006-07-11T01:37:00.000-07:00

You’re crazy :-) … it’s often the (brilliant?) mind that’s the most misunderstood…
--My friend Yesterday

Hey everybody,

Hope everyone’s doing well…today was a great day…I picked up some nice Muhammad Ali Adidas for 40 bucks, yo, and reconciled with an old friend. Really nice day…

…and an interesting week. I’ve had a lot on my mind, and hopefully, we all will be the recipients of such progress…

This new joint is called ‘The Answer’, and I take a lot of pride in it because it involves an eccentric rhyme scheme. I did the first 26 lines of the poem (not the SHR intro) in A-Z format, and did the next 26 in reverse. Yeah, I had fun with it, and this is the result. It’s kinda based on a true story, depending on who you ask. If you ask ME, the story I’m about to present to you isn’t over, and that’s for the best. In short, don’t call me crazy, baby, just call me brilliant, ha ha!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Answer

Three is the magic number…
Yes it is…
A man and a woman
Had a little baby
Yes they did
And there were three-e-e
In the family…
Three is the magic number…

--The Answer--
The truth, to be honest
I don’t care if this poem rhymes
The truth is, today
All I care about is you and I
Finding a solution to this equation
That is driving me crazy in stages
Tired of going around in ovals
More like elaborate ellipses
Running lackluster laps
With no water break
Some nomadic wandering
In your outer space
Not in tune with your satellite
And I grow weary
Maybe I should just outright leave
I mean, I can have it all but your heart
You discard me with little concern
But you, my significant selection, binds me to this strange affection
Something like a sadomasochist
But the pain in brain is mostly from the rein
What kind of pull happens when opposites DON’T attract?
This kind of gravity I don’t need
I just want to clear this cloudy crystal ball
To better see where we are going
Is that so wrong?
To truthfully want to consider you a blessin’…
----------------------------------
But what is the question?
The question is what I’ve been asking all along
Are we stagnant or are we growing?
It’s hard to tell with my back against the wall
And my insides are starting to bleed
And fear and doubt begin their attack
While no one can explain to plain Jane why this dude is decaying
Woman, it’s because he wants to feel your kiss
Provide protection while moving together in the right direction
And thus this man burns, yet Jane doesn’t learn
And every day it seems they’re right back at the start
But despite this disease the man continues to believe
At the point of his eyes becoming teary
Thinking he’s doing right
Doesn’t care about his losses, all he can see is her face
And she says she loves him, so he stays up pondering
Which road to take
And as he’s about to snap
Ready to give up on the missus
He makes a proposal
Stands up tall, so courageous
Finally tired of inane rotation
And the young man cried as he looked in her eyes
JANE, DO YOU CARE ABOUT ME IN THAT WAY
And she stammers and can’t answer, but the time
Oh the time, is now upon us
--The moment of truth is here, you have nowhere to scamper--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See you guys soon,

The Good Doctor

Black Star Power/My Heart is Like A Marchin' Band

2006-07-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, this blog is my Speakerboxxx/Love Below...

Shouts out to AP on the pic.

Hey everybody,

So glad that the King Papers are in a safe place. Peep this out:

USA Today Article on the King Papers

You guys read the title and thought I was talking bout BET, ha?
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeck naw.

I'm talking about the Ghana Black Stars. Yes, this wonderful bunch made it to the second round of the World Cup this year, and knocked out...yep, the United States to do it. Fantastic, not mad at ya.

What I am mad at is that Brazil knocked you guys out, then laid an egg against the French pastries.

It's all on you now, Thierry.

-----on to My Heart is Like A Marchin' Band-----

My heart is like a marching band…

Yes it is. And yes, Jig, that is officially my new thing…

Hey everybody…

How ‘bout a little bit of relevance and irrelevance…

But first, a moment of silence for my friend that had a seizure watching the Lil’ Jon ‘Snap Ya Fingers’ video…yeah, I know.

Well, lemme just throw it all in one blog and see what everyone thinks…

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere we goooooooooooooooooooooooooo…

Uhhh, we here at B.L.O.G. are taking up money for the Evander Holyfield collection…yes, this brother is about to go back to boxing. It’s always the punch-drunk ones, I tell you…he really needs to calm it down.

Just saw Madea’s Family Reunion on DVD…when Aunt…Aunt Rose? Or something like that…when she rung the bell at the family reunion, did anyone other than me stand up, pull a Dap (don’t act like u don’t know) and scream ‘WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE UPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!” ?!?!?!?!?!

The Fugees…is that a new song they have out? Man, I can’t call it…it sounds like a lost track from Lauryn Hill’s Unplugged CD. And we know how well that did. Speaking of, Andg, lemme get my CD back…sike.

And don’t the Fugees have a SCORE to settle? Or at least something like it…

If I ever got on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, I hope if I decide to call you, Meredith and I don’t get:
“This wireless number you are trying to reach on the (fill in the blank) service is temporarily disconnected.” Had that thought while watching Millionaire…wouldn’t that just be…ugggggh, let me just take the money and run, thanks. *my high is blown*

The NBA draft…oh the high comedy. Hope none of you are Knicks fans…I see where you drafted a guy named Renaldo Balkman in the first round!!! Spectacular choice…ummmm, I’ll just say it like this to the rest of you. I’ve seen this guy in person; yeah, he’s pretty tall. But ummm, I just didn’t get that ‘first-round draft pick’ vibe from dude…and if you ask me, for the season, I thought he was the third/fourth-best player…on his OWN TEAM. Keep up the good work Isiah!

Man, this has to be the wackest summer ever…no summer jams…

Yeah, I SAID IT, got dang it. “Everyday I’m Hustlin” is NOT A SUMMER JAM. It’s no ‘Hey Papi” (Who remember that? You remember that…), and it’s sure as heck not the instant classic us Earthlings call “Summertime”. I didn’t say it wasn’t a good song…ok, I’m saying that too.

All this talk of white though…Scarface and his brother Pat Riley must be pleased…

Ok, ok I’m digressing.

There aren’t any summer jams, and as I’m doing this blog before I see Superman Returns, there have been no summer blockbusters.

As I’m typing this…we’re entering July…big month for me…all I’m saying is watch for the 23 party; it’s coming real soon…we haven’t had anything to really make noise this summer. Until now.

Hot Summer Jam - Sign Me

Ya’ll listen to the joint called “Sign Me.” Ummm, that’s the new summer blockbuster.

And uhhhhh, I think I’m gonna be on the remix.
I don’t think you guys are ready, to be honest.
Allow me to reintroduce myself.

The Good Doctor

Now that I’ve had my confidence fix for the day…(eyes bulging out, left side of my body won’t stop shaking…)

The other day, I had a great epiphany, which is why my heart in many ways is indeed like a marching band right now.
I was in my car thinking about life and how some of the things in my daily existence aren’t going the way I wanted them too.
It was also around 95-100 degrees outside in this lovely state we call South Carolina, so I had a little conundrum.
Anyway, I rolled up all the windows, a big risk at the time considering the aforementioned (no AC), and CALLED OUT TO GOD.
No, not one of those small whispers…not one of those quickfast prayers you pray to God like you just saying what’s up.
Naw, we had a real good discussion about some things, and ummm…stuff’s starting to work out.
Now I’m not saying I had a hiatus from Big G, I’m just saying that we hadn’t really talked like that in a while, and I’m thinking we should do that more often.

There’s really so much more I want to say about this conversation, but my mind’s starting to block up…so I know someone’s a little busy. That someone will remain nameless because I’m not trying to give any undue credit…I just want to encourage you guys to call out sometimes if you really need to clear your mind and spirit…if you really aspire to some peace of mind. Def.

Ahhhh, let’s see.
Oh yeah, covered a golf tourney this week, ummmm…had a camera in my hand and a press pass tucked in my shirt…

Still didn’t keep some charming Southern gentleman from asking me “are you one of the caddies for today?”

Wow, being a caddy must be really hard these days.

Not only do you have to carry some guys’ bags for little or no pay, but you also have to show him the way around the golf course, give the best advice you possibly can, keep up with the number of shots…things of that sort.

Today’s caddy is also apparently expected to take elaborate pictures of other golfers, preferably those in the lead, taking swings, going through their rounds, etc., and also expected to keep close tabs on the leader board to see where my respective golfer is as well as other golfers.

Also…

Today’s caddy must keep a recorder to collect quotes from avid golfers and golfing tournament directors alike, keep a steady list of the sponsors of the tournament, and report his (or her, wow, let’s make sure today’s caddy isn’t closed-minded, heaven forbid) findings to the local paper.

Hmmmmm…but if someone asks me if I’m a caddy again, should I:

a) Take my father’s advice, and tell them ‘Sure, to carry your bags and to complete such duties, you’ll have to pay me the same thing that my job at the Aiken Standard pays me for a week, or:

b) Do what I did, which was slowly pull out my press pass, lift my camera ever so discreetly, and explain to this Southern gentleman that I’m a sportswriter for the Aiken Standard, which will always and inevitably be followed by some stammering, and a lame excuse to why I could be mistaken for a caddy…

Hmmmm, I’m going to go with c, actually:

c) Keep showing up to work. Keep smashing these stereotypes. Keep…

Keep it coming…that’s what my friend(s) tell me. Super shouts out go to the Earthling they call J. Dot and my dude Bobby Drake. It’s a lot of ya’ll out there who support ya own, but I gotta show love to the folk ‘cuz they keep a blogger breathin’. If you didn’t make the short list, don’t be jealous…chances are I’ll get to tell you in realtime if you would COME AROUND SOMETIME, ha ha ha ha…let me stop. Ya’ll be cool.

The Good Doctor

Breaking the Hiatus

2006-06-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

--Man, wish I did a Father's Day blog, but I didn't. Still, happy
belated Pops Day to all, and dang Tiger, I was really looking for a
MJ-in-96 end to the U.S. Open...but Phil Mickelson doing his best
Shooter McGavin impression was good enough for me. See you at the British, Eldrick!

Hey everybody,

Let's start from the top...

NBA FINALS...

Wow, D-Wade.

Whether you were rooting for the Heat (got dang all of you on that bandwagon that refused to break down) or the Mavericks (folks dealing in common logic that may/may not have believed that the series would go to seven games -- or thought that the series was a conspiracy), it was an incredible Finals for this gentleman from Marquette University.

Thing is, I always thought the kid had juice. Now don't get me wrong, I think LeBron's going to be the best from the '03 NBA draft class when it's all said and done, but lemme tell you this story first...

I was hanging out at Iceman's apartment (formerly in Northern Florida) watching my beloved Kentucky Wildcats basketball team play for a bid in the Final Four against, yeah, you guessed it, D-Wade's Marquette squad. Didn't need to know much about him at the time, seeing as how I figured that this punk kid was gonna take an early exit anyway. But the game went on, and he eliminated Big Blue en route to a triple-double. That's right, friends, D-Wade eliminated my beloved Wildcats that year.

Long story short, I've bet against this guy three times (against Kentucky, the Pistons series, and the Mavs series), and yep, burned me. Three times.

Anyway, fast forward to the present.

Heat down 2-0, Wade steps up, refs get a Miami fetish, Shaq gets fourth ring.

Did I miss anything? ;-)

Oh, sure I did. I still think the Mavs have the better team, and that team basketball just took a step back. Like I said, I just think that LeBron will win more championships than Wade...unless, as a funny co-worker of mine said, they both join the same team.

That, my friends, would either be truly sinister, or just another pick-up game on NBA Street Vol. 3. Who knows, really...

SHUG'S BLOG...

Here's the link:
http://shugaorspice.blogspot.com/2006/06/have-we-failed-you.html

And here's my response...well, part of it. Man, been so busy...
But never too busy to speak my mind.
Check this out...

Intelligent Woman

Intelligent woman
Nearby lover
Mother of my children
Speaking presently or in the
Nearby future
Tense
With questions of
'Have we failed you'
No.
How so?
What exactly your stat quo?
What exactly your role?
Intelligent woman
Nothing can paint such a picture
But scripture
And the absent deed
Of forgetting to read
Is our lone fault
Sorry if I speak Chinese
But I'm thinking and Dim Sum
Aren't you tired of this same beat
Banging on the same conun-drum?
Intelligent woman...
The one I sought after
Yes I will gladly provide you with laughter
And vice versa
I apologize on behalf of my brothers
Whom neglect you
Disrespect you
And misdirect you
Let me protect you
Treat you better
Knock the apple out of the hands
Of the one who wants to
Deceit you whether...
It is at the cost
Of pride, prejudice or being poisoned
Because I presume I will see you next lifetime
As chivalry
Alive and well
I'd just like to rendezvous
At Barnes and No-bles
Intelligent woman
Intelligence being relative
To your stage presence
Your kind essence
Whether you are an engineer, dear
Blessed with the knack to persevere, dear
Or if you are just great at listening, here
You are welcome...
To listen to this
Our present state of affairs
doesn't make you any less phenomenal
Just like the snowman
is really not that abominable
It's all in our minds
The pressure from this mental struggle
And how the world tries to put you in a crunch
But look what it's done for your abdominals
I know, it's kind of a stretch
But I have nothing but respect...
For my proverbial twin
My baby girl
Disregard things said by the media
Lady I still need ya
I miss my friend
Together we will unite to right this world
Again
...

The Good Doctor

...take care of yourselves now...

Good Times

2006-06-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Singer Janet Jackson and an unidentified companion watch Game 6 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Friday, June 2, 2006, in Miami. The Miami Heat beat the Detroit Pistons 95-78 to advance to the NBA Finals. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Hey everybody,

Maybe it was just me, but that cutline by the Associated Press made me laugh too much…maybe the AP just doesn't acknowledge rap moguls…who knows.

At least they knew Penny from Good Times, though…and discussion of this particular pic and cutline around deadline on Saturday night brought a little laughter to the newsroom…

Know what? I really haven't told you guys much about my folk in the newsroom, ha? Well, for one thing, I like working Saturday-Sunday because it's a lot looser, and the news crew is a lot more fun.

One of the guys that works Saturday is the guy I call G ... who I've also started play pick-up hoops with in an attempt to get back in shape. He's a cool cat; we have similar interests, he's in to sports, and like the writer of this blog, he's uber-competitive. I like meeting cats like that, because I always feel like people that have (tempered) pride in themselves will give their all in a situation.

J's a guy who left us about a month ago…and where G and I have similar interests, I feel like J and I were separated at birth. Like the same music, like the same football team, pretty much a spitting image of each other…guy just got married, so he decided to make some adjustments to accommodate his cherie amour. Good stuff.

V's a great person; sweet person, and was the one that actually started going off into song when she heard about the cutline…

Keeping your head above water
Making a way when you can…
Temporary layoffs
Good times
Easy credit rip-offs
Good times
Stratchin' and survivin'
Good times…

Jack's the new cat…the Kobe Bryant fan just touched down in the newsroom about 3 weeks ago, and he's cool enough…we trade a lot of jokes and mischief…just all around good times.

(!!!PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BLOG!!!)
Not that it's really important, but three out of the a-four-mentioned (hyuk) are White. Not that it's really important, but you know that the writer of this blog is African-American.
Those of you that know me know that I've met enough people from all backgrounds and races, and I understand that the transcendant factor in meeting people are just learning more about them, and enjoying being around them…and hopefully being a factor in their existence in some way.
I guess what I'm saying here is that eventually, hopefully on a world front, we'll be able to get past the BS and be there for each other.
(!!!PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BLOG!!!)
(REMIX!
REMIX!
REMIX!)
:-)

Oh…but back to this pic. Man, Janet and JD were at Game Six of the Heat-Pistons game…and I gotta talk about the Finals here.

You have the Heat-Mavericks in the finals…and I saw the Mavs there. The Heat? I don't know…I mean Pistons rhymes with fishin', but I did not see DET laying an egg in the Eastern Conference Finals. Oh well.

On the West Side of things, I know my homeboi Iceman is hurting, because he was rooting for the Suns. Well, Iceman, joke's on you…you know a team that doesn't have any semblance of a defensive mindset-smirk- in place isn't going to make the show. Just isn't happening.

Anyway, because you're my friend, Iceman…I decided on something to make the summer go by a little faster…

Iceman's Soliloquoy

My Suns, why hath thou forsaken me?
My heart melteth in the wake of your downfall
I hath midsummer night's dreams
Of rings and things
Celebrating with peers
But now I am only left with mine tears
My Suns, why hath thou forsaken me?

Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all night.

Hmmm…anything else? Let's see…

Oh yeah, I was talking about the Mavs-Heat final with a friend of mine last night, and I had to give this cat the breakdown on it like I was on ESPN…I will save you guys that breakdown, but my friend was saying that I should be a coach…

Not a bad idea. Truthfully, I've thought about it before, and I was a basketball coach of one of my church teams once that made it to the finals (we lost, arrrrrrrgh…). Thing is, I would rather coach girls than guys…for this simple reason.

Girls listen, guys don't. Ok, let me not be that vague; sound that ignorant.

I just think girls are more adept at grasping to the team concept, and I blame society for why guys don't do the latter.

Truth is, all the And 1, isolation-plagued American hoops have forced the fellas into a situation where they'd rather take it down on a 1-5 break, spin baseline, throw down a one-handed jam, land, and then snap their fingers, then lean and rock while their opponent goes down the other end of the floor for an uncontested score.

Yeah, the kind of thing that makes a coach want to go and grab a player off the floor like your momma did back in the day when you was talkin' back to her.

With the young ladies, it just seems a little easier to look at a player and say, "Look, we both know that you can score, but it would be more important to us if you made sure that the other team's best player doesn't SCORE A SINGLE POINT.
"Truth is, you're pretty athletic…you play hard on defense, and I'll make sure that we find you in transition." See that would work…
Or, you take say a hard-nosed player that's used to taking all the shots…scoring like 25 in her church league, and running 1-on-5 practice drills so that player can understand that it's not all about scoring a bunch of points, but creating a rapport with teammates and being an unstoppable fist instead of a pointing index finger.
Truth is, five will always beat one, and eight will always beat two. It is what it is…

Hey, maybe I should be a coach…

And hopefully, my friend LeBron here will bring back the proverbial Fun Police, so that folks will understand that court vision is so much cooler than any jumpshot or dunk.

Alright, one more thing, and then I'm throwin' deuces…

One of my closest friends and fellow blog writers had this to say recently:

I gotta get to another level...I got something I gotta do and I don't know how to let it out...I don't even know exactly what it is, but I know it's there...

To that, I think I might have found a solution…

Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

As this friend of mine said, the path to following God isn't that easy, but this is what I'm choosing to do. The way I see it, if I'm all for God, why not do what He wants first, then see what he has for me. It's likely that what he has for me far exceeds any existence I can think for myself, and judging by what gifts he's given me, I'm only shorting myself by trying to do things my way.

I figure that's the solution, to get to another level, and to have more of the good times.

Ain't we lucky we got 'em.

The Good Doctor

Jig on Trial: The Cross X

2006-06-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, finally...

Yes, I have gotten around to doing the cross-examination on the five songs that Jig's selected...

Hmmm, let's take a look here and see...
1) Anita Baker - Just Because
2) Luther Vandross - Here and Now
3) The Emotions - Don't Ask My Neighbors
4) New Edition - Can You Stand the Rain
5) Jagged Edge - What's It Like to Be In Love

Uh oh Jig, i'ma tell ya right now, you know it's going to be trouble on five.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere we goooooooooooooooo...

5 - Look at me...starting from five and heading to one...
Well, I personally think Jagged Edge's best song is 'Gotta Be', and the concept of the video didn't really motivate me to want to listen to the song, but Jig likes it.
Let's see here...let me check out the hook...
What's it like to be in love?
That's all I been thinking of
And I was just wondering, will love ever know me?
And my heart is open, and I've been hoping
To find what it is everybody keep on talking 'bout
Not bad, not bad at all...
To be honest, it's nice to see a guy keep the faith; not give up on love just because past relationships haven't gone the way he wanted them too. Big ups.

4 - This song reminds me of the second or third episode of Family Matters. I don't know why...maybe because every great R&B group of the late 80's-early 90's touched down on Urkelvision like it was American Bandstand or Soul Train. Anyway, Johnny Gill batting leadoff speaks for itself, followed by...

Well I need somebody/who will stand by me/for the good times and bad times she will always/be right by my side...

Ya'll better sing along...

Sunny Days, everybody loves them, but tell me baby, CAN-YOU-STAND-THE-RAIN
(can you stand it...i hear ya'll in the background!)

Hey, I mean, the truth is, storms will come, and this we know for sure. It's just a matter of whether you can roll(ing thunder) with the punches in a relationship.

3 - Man, Jig did the Castrol GTX thermal viscosity breakdown on this one. Don't know if there's much more I can say, but I'll try...
One of my pet peeves about relationships is that we always seek advice from other people instead of feeling our way through a situation. If your intentions are true, and if the love you have for a person is true, let it ride...see where it goes. No middleman necessary...and sometimes,

--you'll find I love you--

So no more asking neighbors. Please.

2 - All I'm saying is, if Jig didn't put a Luther song in here, I might have to re-evaluate my friendship with this cat...joking, of course.
What you have here is the ultimate ballad of dedication and commitment. (Dang, I liked that sentence...I'm stopping while I'm ahead.)
(No, I can't)...I'm actually going to try to compare this song with another famous wedding ballad...Freddie Jackson's "You Are My Lady". Actually, I can't...truth is, Freddie's title is a little more possessive, but it's all to the good because he's basically talking about how much his lady means to him. Luther goes beyond that, and not only says what his lady means to him, but also says what he's going to do in the relationship. That's Luther for you, always taking it to the next level.

1 - Because I really don't need a reason. I have to send this one out to everyone that asks 'why' in a relationship. Why ask why? Why not let words say what a touch can't convey, and why not let a touch prevail where words might fail? Why not let love be uninhibited and exhibited, why always try to find love's derivative? Why not stop asking questions because my answers are my actions, and why ask why? The fractured truth you receive is only a small fraction...
Eh. You guys see what I mean.
Something else...Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills...this is to you two...you guys are really slept on, and folks need to recognize.

Another slept-on pair...Floetry. If you don't know, DO PICK UP A COPY of Flo'ology...it's like spoken word and ballads all in one, yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah boy.

Alright...don't say goodnight...when you know...I gotta have your love...(first person to comment with the artist gets mad props,)

The Good Doctor

Oh yeah, I'd like to thank everyone who sent in comments and e-mails with their favorite lyrics...it was fun and enjoyable, to say the least. Everybody continue to take care and enjoy the summer, yep yep...

Five in the Name of Love

2006-05-29T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

First off, let me say that it took ENTIRELY TOO LONG for me to turn over this blog.
(I’m scolding myself; don’t mind me.)

The title of the blog might be pretty definitive, but the subject is not…and will always be open to changes, trust.

My counterpart and best friend Jig at Romancexpress (see the link on the right, folks) are posting up five of our fave love songs. The discussion was interesting, and we threw a lot of songs out there, and it was cool just to look ahead and think back at what we considered definitive love songs.

His list is already up at Romancexpress, and once I drop these five, then I’ll get to cross-examine his top five.

Hopefully, that won’t take another 1-2 weeks.

Love you guys, thanks for your patience as always, and I’m convinced that if I had a secretary, and if my job paid more, and if…

Eh. Whatever.

Here’s the five, off the top, while I ease the mood with these Yankee Candles…
Roberta Flack’s ‘Feel Like Making Love’, Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s “If This World Were Mine”, Kem’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, Raheem Devaughn’s “You”, and Da Muzicians’ “Camera Phone”.

Well, there’s one of those that just doesn’t fit, ha? Hmmm…looks like you’re going to have to read this one out to see where I’m going…

But c’mon folks, it doesn’t stop there. You know a brotha’s got to break it down…these are love songs, after all.

--My girl Bert—-
First of all, I bet a lot of you guys are sleeping on my girl Bert. But let me tell ya, she can hold down a song all by herself, and the songs that she’s done with Donny Hathaway…put it to you like this. They’re the best 1-2 punch since Marvin and Tammi, Meth and Mary, Shaq and Penny/Kobe/Wade (speaking of, Detroit finna go fishin’, but I digress).
Concerning the song “Feel Like Making Love”, this has been one of my top 2 love songs for a long time because it’s very short (a little too short for my tastes) and concise…

Strollin’ in the park/watching winter turn to spring/walkin in the dark/seeing lovers do their thing/ooh ooh ooh/that’s the time/I feel like making love to youuuuuu

Hey, when you’re by your lonesome, and you see a pair of significant others, that’s a pretty defining moment, I must say.

Speaking of…
Saw two lovers kiss/I thought about you/Had to hold back the tears/I thought about you

Same concept from Luther Vandross’ “I Thought About You”…we miss you Luther.

Speaking of…

--Luther and ummm…wow, what happened to her?—-

I just don’t know. I mean, if I do a duet with Alicia Keys, I’m thinking that’s gonna jumpstart the boi’s career…episode on Cribs, blah blah. Not Cheryl Lynn, though…she just pulled out the one-hit Wayne Wonder on us. But man, she sounds incredible on…

If this world were mine/I would make you a king/With wealth untold/You would have anything/If this world were m-iiiiii-ne/I’d give you each day so sunny and blue/And if you wanted the moonlight/I’d give you that too/If this world were…

Alicia Keys said what on “You Don’t Know My Name”!?!?!??! She was kicking what game to this ‘Michael’?!?!?!? It’s sounding like white noise right now, Mos Def.

Oh, but Luther wasn’t slouching…

If this world were mine/I would place at your feet/All that I own/You’ve been so good to me

Love this song because you have that chemistry between two ‘lovers’, and they’re sacrificing all to each other. You guys know from reading the 100 things about me that I believe love is sacrifice, and Luther and Cheryl hold that department down well in this one.

I don’t know how I’m supposed to make a clean transition from Luther to…oh wait, I was just talking about Kemistry, I mean, chem.-*ahem* that’s good enough.

--Love Calls—-

Yeah, “Love Calls” was ok, but this song…whoooooooooo! Don’t you just love it when you hear something fresh from a new artist, then their second single is just…whoooooooooooo! Yeah, but Kem…guy is really talented, and this is a great song..

I think about the day I met/the perfect stranger/I think about us/I think about the day I got wrapped/around your finger/I think about us/the sun was shining on you/the Lord was smilin’ on me/and love was callin’ us/I had my mind made up

Basically, my man chronicles his relationship with this woman that he can’t stop…well, loving…and it gets worst through the track…I mean, he’s basically feenin’. But I like it because, for one, I haven’t heard this much emotion from a new jack since Fantasia on ‘Free Yourself’ (shawty from NC was singing for choir robes on that one), but my man is DYIN’ on the second verse…

There will be no more lies/somebody tell me why/I feel like I’m dyin/(editor’s note: told you)/Lord what’s come over me/Ooh baby can’t you see/That I/Can’t stop/Lo-vin youuuuuuu

By the way, this is the only song that if you have my cell phone number, and we cool like that, and you have an XX chromosomal set and 19.99, a brotha will sing for you.

You…ha ha ha ha, now we got some transition here…

--The Ludacris look-alike—-

Raheem DeVaughn. I ain’t gon’ lie, I was sleepin’ on this cat…my girl Neika was talkin’ bout him earlier, and I heard dude on Brown Sugar soundtrack. Eh. But this song…well, I’ll let him tell you

You
got me (you)
thinking (you)
of you
for you
got me
telling my mama (you)
and my friends
all about
you
in my daydreams are
you
touching (you)
holding (you)
kissing (you)
as I’m sweaty with (you)
came right on time (you)
hey you
every word in this song

EVERY word in this song’s gonna be about you. EVERY word in this blog…oh, look at me getting carried away. I’m really sorry about that. But that’s what a good love song does…you have a nice beat…you know, the beat that you hear it, and you automatically go back to that situation, or that situation ;-) then the words come in, and they melt on your heart like butter, and then before you know it, you’re singing in the shower on the freeway with headphones on while people are looking at you. Or maybe all of those things, just separately.

Now, I know I breezed through the first four, and I might not have been as serious as a love song blog should dictate (blah, blah, stop ya cryin). But I’m about to have to take a deep breath for this one...no transition needed…all I need to say is…

--Jeff, you a fool for this one—-
--Love Togetherness and Devotion—-

Now, see, I can hear it now.

I should put Lenny Williams here. How dare you not put Marvin Gaye here…no Isley Brothers…I thought they was your favorite group…(man, footsteps in the dark…). I KNOW, people. But ya boy Jeffrey Osborne and LTD (group formed in 1968 in Greensboro, NC..4sho) got it.

I’m start this breakdown from the end of the track…

And what we have is much more than they can see/So much more now/What we have is much more than they can see…

The second-most beautiful thing about love to me, other than two people sacrificing, of course is transcendent love. I mean, love that can’t help but grow no matter what. I tell you what…you find me two people that make their own executive decisions in a relationship and don’t listen to their homegirls or homeguys…I mean, two people that know that what they have is…Jeff, talk to the people!

--What we have is much more than they can see—

Thing is, Jeff evolved during the course of the song to get to that point. I’m telling you, the man broke down love like Oprah broke down James Frey, like Wade is breaking down the heat, all of that (I said I was going to be serious, I’m sorry.)

Love/I never been so much/In love/Before/What a difference/A true love made in my life/

I’m just going to say it like this. “Love Ballad” is, for this moment in history, my favorite love song because it’s a guy describing how love changed his existence, and he understood that people’s opinions couldn’t measure how he felt for his companion.
And when we walk hand in hand/I feel so real…
Lovers come and then lovers go/that’s what folks will say/don’t they know/they’re not there/when you’re loving me/holdin, sayin you care…

Man, I had so much fun with you guys today! Let’s see here…about 2:30 a.m. on a Tuesday early-early morning…figured I’d cut loose with you guys and enjoy myself on the blog tip. Love you guys, and hopefully there’s more where this came from in the upcoming weeks.

The Good Doctor

Lookin’ for lyrics…the Good Doc went here to make sure he had his right…
http://www.lyricsdir.com

P.S. Pretty girl, I hope you’re happy. And ummm, if you want to share some of these love songs…oh wait, I’m sorry. We’re in public; we’ll have to talk about this later.

Sundays in May

2006-05-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

First off, I want to jump off this post by saying Happy Mother’s Day in advance to my mother, if you’re reading this ma, I love you!

Since she’s probably not though, and since she probably already knows, we got moms some perfume (Beautiful by Estee Lauder)

Oh yeah, here’s a poem I wrote about a year ago to all the mothers entitled "Sundays in May"…you guys check this one out:

To mothers, mommies, cousins, grannies
Guardian angels, aunties and nannies
Second Sunday
In may
Waking up at 5
Just before mother will arise
Usually I work from sun to sun
But today I am the one
Making breakfast
Preparing for church
The one to search
For dad’s socks
Putting sugar blocks
In tea
I know it sounds country
But I do it for mommy
Because from birth to birth
I never misunderstand the value of a woman’s worth
Not to place my mother in roles
Mothers are the soul
Of a family
Emotional ties are hard to deny
And that’s why
I write on Sundays in May
To my favorite lady
Who’s been taking care of me since I was a baby
And this year I decided to extend the gift
To mothers all over the world to close the rift
Just in case your loved ones were short on the paper stack
Or couldn’t find a nearby clothing rack
Making sure that the lovable poet has your back
House of cards are usually flimsy but this is a hallmark
To a mother’s love that feels like a day in the park

Hope you guys enjoyed that one. Truth is, I wanted to do this post to open up some discussion on mother-daughter relationship (by request) :-D Here’s what one of B.L.O.G.’s insightful readers said:

You should do a blog on mother-daughter relationships…(concerning) the struggle to find one’s identity when you have been raised by a strong, independent black woman. (It’s especially a struggle) when you greatly admire them and their opinion really matters to you. This causes problems because you make a lot of decisions (based) on what you think they will approve…until you (search) to gain some sort of independence.

That was just the tip of the iceberg for one of the readers, and hopefully the beginning of conversation. Ladies, I’m curious to receive some input on mother-daughter relationships, in the hopes of better understanding how certain relationships work.

The reader was inspired to start such conversation based on my ‘Fathers and Sons’ blog, and to be honest, it would be interesting to see how you guys (errr, ladies) respond. Hope to hear from you all soon,

The Good Doctor