Leave a comment Posted on current events, sports

The End of True Dominance

Growing up I was privileged to watch the most dominant players in their sports, in their eras. They were all-time greats, not just specialized greats. They were players who transformed their sports and made things look so simple and easy.

We are seeing the end of the era of dominance and transformation right now. With the retirement of Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter,  Jeff Gordon, Kobe Bryant, the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and the pending retirement of Tiger Woods, we are seeing the end of what was transformational dominance.  If you take each of these men individually in their sport you truly realize how amazing they were.

Now we have LeBron James, Jimmy Johnson, pick your baseball player, find a football player and no real tennis player, in my view, aside from Serena Williams, but she’s not retiring yet. All respect given to these individuals, but I’m sorry LeBron is not an all-time great to me. The era he plays in today is bitch basketball. Jimmy Johnson truly is the closest thing to revolutionizing NASCAR right now and Serena Williams, well is Serena and when she retires she will go into this pantheon of players I am speaking of.

I think it was such a treat to have been able to watch the greatest player in the game, Michael Jordan, his heir apparent, Kobe Bryant play the game of basketball for over twenty years. To have watched Derek Jeter and how he played the game and inspired so many players who were taller than the normal short stop to want to play the position as and excel. To watch how Dale Sr. before his passing was absolutely dominant and made NASCAR what it is today. And watch his heir Jeff Gordon dominate the sport for so long was truly awesome.

What more can be said about Tiger Woods other than during his prime he absolutely was the best player that ever existed. He won at a clip that was insane. He dominated the game like no one has ever done before. He made the prize money in Golf reach these crazy numbers that they are today. He was partly responsible for the inception of the Fed Ex Playoff system. He was the reason that all the Golfers of today have these major endorsement deals. Before Tiger, Golf was an old white man’s sport with very little notoriety beyond the old greats.

The truth is if you are lucky to be around to watch these players who transformed their sports you get to appreciate what athletic greatness is all about. One thing that I don’t do though with these players, is make them a deity. They are great athletes and they have helped to make many, many people very rich and famous and allowed for millions to live comfortable lives, but they are human just like the rest of us and when we forget that, that’s when we glorify them for the wrong reasons.

I’m sure that many may not agree with the group that I put together, but this 31 year old can only go off his own eyes and gauge of athletes he has seen in his lifetime. For me the folks listed above are in the Mount Rushmore of their sports and I’m sure at some point there will be someone else who joins that group as their always is, but I truly think we may have seen the end of that dominance in the sports that these respective players played and retired from.

My hats off to all of these folks for being the absolute best at what you do and the games you’ve played will not be the same without you, but undoubtedly they will go on and new legends will be made.

 

Leave a comment Posted on dating, lifestyle, love, real talk

Fears of Love

You know as I’ve had time to sit back and reflect on the recent things that I’ve gone through the past couple months, I have a new found appreciation for how much loving a person can make someone live in fear at the same time.

I know that to some that may sound crazy or may not make sense, but if you really understand what love is all about it can make anyone’s inner demons and insecurities come out because you fear that the person that you love would leave you if they know your truth. I think that this issue is a growing problem in this society because so many people aren’t comfortable enough with themselves to truly love someone.

As I look out towards the truth even surrounding folks close to me, I see how much past pains and hurt have led them to have such a fear of loving with all their might. See, they feel as if that something bad will happen or they will be heartbroken or embarrassed for loving someone with all that’s inside of them. I think that what people do is get so caught up in not only their past pains, but also the pains and trials of their friends.

Someone really needs to talk to me and tell me why what someone else went through in their own relationship is affecting you in your own personal relationship. No two people are the same and no two people go through the same experiences. While, you may experience similar things because you get treated a similar way by different folks. the truth is each relationship is its own entity and no one should be basing their love life off that of those around them. It is a falsehood that makes one think that they will truly gain their knowledge about how to handle their own affairs from hearing the issues of a friend or family members love pitfalls.

The other thing that I think is absolutely ridiculous, is that everyone wants to spend their time fixing the love life of someone else but they don’t truly take enough time to fix their love life or fix themselves. One day people will realize that when you are always trying to fix someone else’s relationship, your relationship suffers because all you do is bring the problems of their relationship to your own, if you’re not strong enough to separate the two.

Love is rough and requires the utmost attention and focus. You must realize that to love is to be selfless. To love is to give yourself to that one who you trust with all your might. To love is to understand that your home must be in lock step before you work on another home. Love means that when things happen you deal with them and let them go. Love means that you learn to compromise when needed and be firm when required. All of these things that love is and requires is what makes the fear so strong. Because we get so caught up in roles and positions and who should pay what and who should control who, that we forget about the love. Hence, the fear that always hovers over the relationship.

Are you in fear? Or are you in love?

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Political Pussy’s

Yes I know that my title is bit vulgar, but if you know me, then you know that’s just who I am. I write with great imagery and color. Now let’s get to what this title is all about.

Once again after a controversial shooting of a young, unarmed, black man, we see government officials make a decision based on the outcry after the fact and not the facts before the outrage. Someone needs to tell me why the fuck Rahm Emanuel didn’t review this prior to the dash cam being released and the public being outraged? Why, again, do we see politicians hiding behind the “independent investigation” bullshit, instead of having the balls to fire people and make a statement.

I think that Americans all over the country are tired of the corrupt police departments covering for their own people over and over again. Let me again be clear, I have a great respect for all of the men and women who wear the uniform to protect and service the communities in the United States of America. But let me also be clear: Dirty cops fuck it up for those who truly go out here every day to make a difference and protect us from dangerous people.

We are a nation that likes to hold civilians accountable for their actions, but we don’t want to hold officers of the law who are breaking those very laws they took an oath to defend. Also, these sneaky ass folks holding office who are covering their own asses by covering up the wrong doings of some of these dirty cops need to be punished. I think that one of the great problems of our time is that we don’t take our duties to vote and be aware of what our elected leaders are and aren’t doing.

We must accept the fact that we must be responsible to our fellow man and hold everyone accountable for their actions. It is a necessity. And I’m sorry if the police officers and unions are uncomfortable because their “comfort” is being challenged, because we are tired of the endless and pointless killings of unarmed and innocent people, then do the work to clean up your ranks and maybe the public wouldn’t be clamoring for heads to role.

Lets all wake up and do our jobs because when we all do our parts we are a better nation and a better people.

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To Serve and Protect

Ah, we sit here again as we face another round of tragic horror stories of police officers in America, killing young, unarmed, innocent, Black men. From Illinois to Minnesota and other parts of the nation, we are again dealing with this crisis.

America, I am the first man to say that we need the police men and women whose jobs are to protect and service the members of the communities that they are sworn to protect. But the facts are the damn facts. Too many damn unarmed, black men are being shot and killed needlessly. I’m tired of hearing of how the police are ready to say, “Since people want to record and hold us accountable, we won’t do as much protecting and serving.” That is a line that has been said by many leaders within those ranks.

I am really sick and tired of Police departments covering up the injustice and wrongdoing. I really annoyed that leaders of these states aren’t forcing the police officers and precincts to release these videos of the shootings taking place. I’m tired of seeing all the disturbing videos that show police brutality and abuse.

All over this country police officers are taking things into their own hands a little too much and the people who they are suppose to protect and serve are being killed and buried. Far too often we are hearing the same fucking line of it was self defense. Since when is an unarmed man a deadly threat to you? With the ability to taze a potentially dangerous individual or the ability to shoot them and debilitate them, why are so many officers of the law just choosing death.

And before you think I don’t understand, I do. It can be very difficult to be a cop and determine what level of force is needed at times, but I’ll be damned if the only solution is to always kill someone. Fuck that, take them down and all that shit, but I’m tired of seeing cops get off for murder just because the argument is: “it was in the line of duty.”

An officer of the law is supposed to be a servant, not the judge, jury and executioner as often as we see it. Yes accountability is suppose to be at the top of the list for all people who work in America. You are suppose to be accountable to whatever the customer is that you serve. So as I said once before, damn the self defense argument. There are so many great cops who get overshadowed because the macho cop wants to be “the man.”

My response, put that ass in jail and make them do time for the crimes they commit and we will surely see less of this all powerful cop business we see so much now. Oh and by the way, if you get some responsible officials in office who are ready to be fair to all, then we can get somewhere.

Leave a comment Posted on current events, Politics, real talk

The Shame of America

Ladies and gentlemen of this great nation, I completely understand and realize that those partisan people who love Republicans will blindly support the demeaning, defamatory, prejudicial comments and beliefs of the candidates for President, but please wake up. I realize that people think that Progressives in this country are invading on your personal rights and making the government too strong, but stop this nonsense.

For the life of me I can’t understand why folks want to continue to argue that this country is worse off now than it was at any point in our history. Yes, we have more threats to our safety and we are struggling to have wage equality and opportunity equality professionally, but we are a nation that is much better off now than we were just seven short years ago.

I want all of you to take stock of where we were as a nation just seven years ago. We were going through the biggest downturn in the economy since the Great Depression. The banking sector, housing sector, financial sector, automotive sector were all in freefall. Jobs were being lost hand over fist; government employees were forced to take days off without pay; pensions of millions of Americans were being eviscerated due to the stock market crashing.

We were caught up in two wars with endless amounts of money being spent and countless American soldiers being asked to go to war over and over again. We were dealing with crisis at every turn. Gas prices were up and down, gouged through the roof and the prospects of recovery seemed bleak at best.

Now, the economy is stronger from a jobs perspective than at any time honestly, we have a stock market that is strong and thriving, the financial, banking, automotive and housing sectors have rebounded with resounding strength and surpluses being generated. The issue we really need to address is wages and opportunities at job growth for ordinary Americans.

See, I’m a realist I know that we will not be able to get anywhere with wage increase unless we get more Democrats into office, both locally and nationally. America must wake up and realize that Republicans do not and have not created job growth when in control of the White House or Congress in the last thirty years. Damn people, are we so beholden to our “ideas” of our party alliance that we can’t see the value in voting truly on issues and not historical “ideology?”

We are always going to be a nation that is always split because we are made up of great people on all sides of the aisle. But one thing that needs to be remembered is that our country doesn’t succeed when we talk down our success, but rather when we coalesce around our great possibilities.

Wake up America, the doom and gloom isn’t necessary

 

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How Thankful Are you

Let me honest, this holiday season has been one of a mixed bag. Where it is tradition that I go home and see my mom and the rest of my family for this Thanksgiving break I get from the office, this year I’m still here spending the time with my other family.

It has been a little bitter sweet because the truth is I am a Mama’s boy, no matter how old I am, and I miss her a lot. But the truth also is that I’m always able to speak to her and this year does seem fitting, for the most pat, that I spend the holiday here.

One thing I can say that all year long I have said that I’m thankful for the job, people and opportunities I’ve been given. It doesn’t take for this time of year to come around for me to give Thanks to God for the great things in my life. And even though there are some things that I’m truly unhappy about, I’m still thankful that I have the ability to be of clear mind and soul to feel and think about these things on my own.

I am so thankful that I have a wonderful partner to share and grow with in my life. I’m thankful that I have close friends who love and care for me. I’m thankful for the extended family that I’ve spent years growing and developing. For all the things I don’t know that have happened to keep me safe and all the things that I do know that God has brought me through.

If you really know that you are a person who has a lot to be thankful for, it shouldn’t take this week or tomorrow for you to tell those around you that you appreciate them, or that you show whatever deity you believe in that you’re grateful. I always say that we are a nation that doesn’t really hold strong to the family aspect of this great nation, because we are too busy working and dealing with the stresses of life.

So yes, while I do think that we need to do a better job of showing our thanks all year long, we most certainly need to take this time out and make sure anyone who means something to you knows that you love them, you appreciate them and that you are thankful to have them apart of your life, because they didn’t have to be there.

 

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Paris We Stand With You

As I have watched the coverage of the horrific tragedy that took place in Paris yesterday, my first thoughts are to say my sincere and heart felt condolences to all those affected by this heinous act. I can only imagine just how devastated, shocked, and saddened the people of France must be. To the Americans that were involved God speed and to all those individuals from nations across the planet may you be safe and protected through this difficult time.

Secondly my thoughts immediately go to this: The price of freedom is ever growing and those who disagree with us would rather see us dead than find a harmonious way to coexist. To that thou, I also say Paris, be strong and all of the world be strong. We cannot allow the acts of savages and extremists to control ourselves. I love how the French President has come out with such vigor and strength.

I can remember back to September 11, 2001, when America was attacked and President 43 vowed vengeance. Unfortunately it took until President Obama came to office to get the man who we wanted, but his words were much the same. And the extreme vigor with which we struck back was amazing. But, more importantly, the strength showed by the people of this great nation was amazing. Now France you must respond as a nation united. As a people that can put differences aside to show those who mean you harm that you will not destroy your country.

ISIS, ISIL whatever you want to be called, you may have done damage but remember a painful, damaged nation of people combined with partners who want to take you out can do one big thing: Galvanize the world to want to take your sorry ass out. I guess you never heard of the phrase to “let a sleeping giant rest.” Well guess what, I think you’re about get something that you really didn’t want. And that’s a pissed off nation of people that want to kick your ass.

I fully realize that terrorist have one simple mission and that’s to disrupt the way of life of the people they wish to terrorize. I also understand that fighting violence with violence isn’t the preferred way forward. But when you know that someone doesn’t wish to settle things peacefully and they want all of you to die, well I say give them bitches a taste of their own medicine.

All of this being said, America we must do better. See our politics and the loose and disrespectful nature with which we allow ourselves to talk about the leader of our country and those we disagree with, it creates a climate to foreign nations that say its ok for them to do what they’re doing because we don’t have the common respect that should be given to leaders who aren’t like the majority of our countries leadership.

I have always said that we must be respectful to one another because someone is always looking at what you do to find justification for what they do. And so all this being said, here is what I have to say to all of us. America we must continue to live as we normally do. France and all nations around the world you must continue to act normally. You have to show these bastards that despite their efforts to scare your leaders and you as citizens, you have to stand up and say you will not terrorize us from what we do.

May God and whatever deity you worship continue to bless us all.

Leave a comment Posted on lifestyle, real talk

The Power of One

I know that I may have touched on this before, but you know recently my pastor preached about the ability to grow by yourself. And you know for some people that might be too much to handle, because so many folks are afraid to be alone long enough to evaluate themselves and make the necessary changes to them and in their lives to prevent from going through the same things over and over again.

It is a definite sign of maturity and strength when you can allow yourself to pull away from the world, for a time. long enough to realize that you need to grow up and become a better individual. See one thing we must all realize is that while we can seek out those who have more experience and wisdom in the world to gain knowledge and understanding of the things, but you still must be able to take the information and apply it your way and style so that you can be the best you that you can, not the best someone else.

Change must be something that you realize on your own needs to happen. You can’t be forced into making changes, nor can you be so lucid in your beliefs that you let people change you. See there is something to be said about not even allowing love to change you from the core of who you are.

Remember that real change usually occurs when your by yourself. Even if you are in a relationship, you have to know that self growth and motivation must still be the basic premise for changes, not just because you love someone and want to be with them. From this guys perspective, I’ve always made the best changes when I’ve isolated myself from people. I think that people have to have a solid understanding of yourself to know that self development is so very key.

Not a lot on this, but just a little refresher to update this. Tell me your thoughts, let me know how you feel.

Leave a comment Posted on current events, real talk

Still Second Class

Now that a little time has passed since all the goingson at the University of Missouri, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my opinion and perspective on the situation. One of my co-workers and I were talking about the conflict and she is from Missouri and support all things Univ. of Mizzou; but we talking about how the reality of the situation is that if it wasn’t for the football team stepping up to support the cause and the young, Black student who was spearheading the peaceful protest, this would have gotten very little traction and you would have likely seen even similar to that in other parts of the country when there has been racial prejudice and injustice.

My honest opinion is that if it would have been the drama club or some other campus organization that was not a big time revenue generating group, then this protest would have lasted a lot longer and all the high profile resignations would not have occurred so quickly. It still remains a fact that one, Black folks are still considered second class in certain parts of the country and money will always talk. This is a lesson in peaceful protesting, but also just how powerful a football program, that generates large dollars for a school, can be when they decide to band together for a cause.

I am very proud of the actions of those athletes and of the other students in the school who stood up for what was right in the face of adversity, fear and danger to themselves. I am so excited to see that we could gather together and show the world that not only do we know how to burn shit down to get our point across, but we still know how to organize and rally support. We know how to come together and articulate ourselves, and show everybody that we aren’t second class and we’re not just to be used for our physical gifts.

But one glaring thing is still very obvious, and that is that we are still second class in the eyes of so many. Why is that in 2015 are we still having to deal with the prejudices of College or University presidents and administrations because of their beliefs that we aren’t still equal to our white counterparts. It is a very sad commentary on this country, that as much as people like to stick their chests out and say we’re post racism when you look at all the very public racial incidents within the past couple years, it’s very apparent that we have a long way to go.

Thank you Missouri students, and the football team is included in that students. Remember they are student athletes. What are your thoughts. Lets talk.

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Eccentric Doesn’t Mean Feminine

You know one of the biggest misconceptions in the gay community, especially the Black Gay community, is that if your eccentric or you have color in your hair then you must be feminine or somehow not as masculine as a dude who has muscles, or one solid, low-top hair color. So I don’t understand how that’s actually true. Because if I’m completely honest, there are sooooo many gays who have the “masculine” look in a picture or in physically, but you let them open their mouths and they are as gay and flaming as they come.

See I think once again we’ve been brainwashed by “society” to think that somehow if you have a different look that makes you stand out, you automatically have to be deemed feminine or not masculine enough. If you have pictures that aren’t just of your dick and chest or your ass and chest you aren’t manish enough. You have to either be fully clothed, or flippin the bird in the picture. You gotta be blowing smoke or displaying a gun or gun sign in the general area of your photo. You have to be a dread head or have the low cut with waves all the way through.

I wish someone in this lifestyle can help me understand why in this day in age when are in such an uproar for equality and freedom. When so many Black men who are gay want to be judged based on their content and not who they fucking, why do they still stereotype each other because one doesn’t look like what the world has said for ages must be the look of a masculine man?

Could it be possible that we still suffer from Post Traumatic Slavery Disorder? Damn right I said it. The reality of the situation is that in every cultural dynamic that exists in the black community we seem to preach this idea of a man being hard and niggerish. Having this rough exterior and talking with little respect for their fellow gay men. Why is the community so accepting of a man who sags his pants down to their kneecaps and is tatted up; but the man who is sharply dressed business professional or the eccentric musical stylist or artist is somehow not quite as manly?

I understand why so many black gay men choose to date men who are Puerto Rican or Asian or White or any other ethnic makeup; because they realize how stereotyping and cynical the Black gay community can be. We bitch and moan so much about not being treated fairly and unfair labels being placed on us, but do we ever stop and realize that we do so much damage to ourselves by always wanting to match up to what the hetero world says we should look like to be deemed “masculine”.

Tell me your thoughts America. Lets have this dialogue.