The World According to Wonder

Kanye West --- "Heartless" Video

2008-11-12T09:44:00.002-05:00

808s and Heartbreak.
Cannot wait. I am loving what I am hearing from this album and I feel like I relate to this album very well.

BARACK OBAMMAAA!!!!!

2008-11-12T09:32:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Barack Obama!!! I know it's late, but it cannot be said enough. Historic and like Kanye said, "You can't tell me nothing."

Since Barack began campaign he has turned into a global brand. His brand has turned up a lot a merchandise and other things that help spread his message of change and hope and to permeate popular culture. Barack's has touched everything iconic and put his name on it. "Barack is the Future" playing off "Back to the Future" , the classic movie of the 80s to Barack as Air Jordan on many streetwear t-shirts. But now Barack has touched territory that I would have never thought he could touch and that is the classic Super Mario Bros. game. The classic game has been spun as Super Obama World, where Obama is Mario and goes on a journey through Alaska, stomping on the heads of pigs with lipstick and lobbyist. Though I have not played this game much, it is fun and kind of funny. A great way to waste time at work or in class. Barack is really reaching all levels of the world and is easily the most culturally relevant president there ever was.

"...I don't express"

2008-11-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

Even though this is old now and has been out for about two weeks, I still love it and have to share it. I think it maybe one of my favorite commercials every. It is hilarious and if you know me, you know I love Nicole. Great work Nike.

Quote of the Day: "Individual Creativity"

2008-11-12T09:23:00.002-05:00

"There's room for everybody on the planet to be creative and conscious if you are your own person. If you are trying to be like somebody else, then there isn't."

--Tori Amos--

BE YOURSELF. Simple.

Long Time, No See

2008-11-12T09:17:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile. Though my mind has not stopped wondering, I have just been incredibly busy with school and life. Despite the busy times, life is great. Idle hands are the devils workshop. So I am very glad to be busy and learning new things about life, myself and others each and everyday. I have a lot of exciting things going on in my life I plan on sharing really soon. But that is it for now. I am going to try my hardest to be more frequent.

Timothy Berg --"Tasty Treats" Exhibit

2008-10-26T12:49:00.006-04:00

This exhibit is extremely cool to me. When I first saw this art, it definitely stuck out to me as something that was different and something that I would put in my house. However, what makes me love this art is what the artist, Timothy Berg, says inspired him and what these disappearing ice cream treats really allude to about our culture. This meaning is what makes this art stand out to me and it is something I would have never thought about until reading the inspiration for these pieces.

Tasty Treats

Things disappear.
Sometimes things disappear as the result of an accident.
Sometimes neglect causes things to disappear.
Sometimes things are intentionally made to disappear.

One's understanding of disappearance is the result of a specific perspective. In reality, most things do not disappear they simply transform. When they are transformed beyond recognition they are said to have disappeared.

My recent work revolves around notions of cultural consumption. I intend to create a tension between what is fun and what is grave in order to pose fundamental questions about the consequences of overconsuming. I employ humor and metaphor to simultaneously disarm the viewer and challenge them to evaluate the larger implications of our culture's habit of making things disappear.

Timothy Berg Website

Guitar Hero World Tour Commercial

2008-10-26T12:45:00.001-04:00

Funny commercial for what might be a great game. Kobe is funny and looks mad awkward to me in this one.

Quote of the Day--- "The Future"

2008-10-26T12:37:00.002-04:00

"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future."
--Yogi Berra--

I hate times in my life when everything is getting uncertain and I am not sure what the next hour, next day, next month or next year is going to bring me. The more I try to figure it out, more out of control I feel. I am starting to enter a time of great excitement, great confusion and hopefully not to many troubles. I am trying to do my best to enjoy it all and hope the future holds something great for me.

Beyonce---Put a Ring On It

2008-10-16T15:24:00.001-04:00

Love this video. Especially when they run up the stairs. Still can't put a ring on it though.

All-Nighters

2008-10-16T12:58:00.003-04:00

I have never been the one to pull an all-nighter and I have never really believed in them. Recently, I have become more and more frequent. Then I asked myself, "Am I the reason for this?" I came to the conclusion that sometimes it is just necessary only when you have began something already. Starting something the night before and pulling an all-nighter is stupid. But I have found that they can be pretty productive when having started a project and you want to end with a strong finish. So, discovering this I have figured out there is an 'art' to pulling an all-nighter. They need to be planned for. I googled all nighters and found that there is an array of how to steps to puling an all-nighter and studies on the success of all nighters. The rate of success if very low. Anyways, I found interest in it because I simply want to get better at it. Ithink it is an added tool or competitive edge for the work world. Besides, the only all-nighters I have pulled in my life is trying to beat Super Mario Bros. 3 when I was little or at the club.

How to pull an all-nighter

My Favorite Scene from E.T. (One of my favorite movies.)

2008-10-16T12:48:00.002-04:00

I was watching E.T. last night and realized how hype I get when I see this scene.

Richmond Folk Festival

2008-10-16T11:58:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, I went to the Richmond Folk Festival and had quite an experience. It was my first time going to the Festival and I definitely enjoyed it. I did not know what to expect or what it would be like, but when I got there I was more than impressed. A wide array of people were there, which is something I did not expect. I saw a good amount of performances, but my favorite was the Irish music by this group Laiden. They must have been pretty popular cause the stage area was packed when they were on stage. People were dancing and they had the Irish dancing, which was cool. It reminded me of an dancing lesson, I took when I went to Ireland awhile back, I definitely was not good at it. The Folk Festival is something I would definitely go to again, though I did not stay as long as I would have liked, it opened my eyes to some new experiences and views of the world.

Richmond Folk Festival

Quote of the Day --- "Creativity"

2008-10-16T11:47:00.002-04:00

"If you define your personality as creative, it only means you understand what is percieved to be creative by the world at large, so you are really just following a rote creative template. That's the opposite of creativity."
--Chuck Klosterman--

If you are something you should not have to say, it will show and others will tell you. Most of the people I look up to as being extremely creative, do not even consider themselves that creative.

Aston Martin Takes it to the Next Level

2008-10-08T11:31:00.004-04:00

Aston Martin One-77

"the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque"

"One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world’s most desirable automotive art form. Based on a sophisticated carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body, this 7.0 litre V12 super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers."

"77 examples of the £1 million coupe will be produced and customers will be able to customize the bespoke supercar to meet their individual tastes."

The Aston Martin DB9 have always been my favorite car, even though this is even further out of my rich, I think the DB9 has been replaced as my favorite.

What's in a Name?

2008-10-08T11:12:00.002-04:00

This short commentary was thought provoking to me.

"Just as Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner titled a chapter in their 21st century classic, Freakonomics, ‘A Roshanda by Any Other Name. How do babies with super-black names fare?’ The authors tell the story of a father named Robert Lane who decided to call his son Winner, thinking it would give the kid a boost in life. Three years later, he had another son and out of freakish amusement decided to call him Loser. Punch line of the story is: Winner Lane ended up as a loser in life and became a petty criminal living homeless on the streets. Loser Lane, on the other hand, graduated from college and became a sergeant with the New York police force. Long story short, you either overcome your name or you fail to live up to it."

I am currently studying advertising and this just made me think about brands, who spend a lot of time creating their name, logo and tagline to appeal to people, but are they living up to these promises these names give us. Some do and some don't. As it is soon to become my job to make sure that they do, I was just forced to think about myself and am I living up to what my name represents and what I was raised to stand for? Just something to think about.

To me there is nothing really in a name, it is what behind that really matters.

Kanyes West -- Love Lockdown

2008-10-08T10:55:00.003-04:00

New Love Lockdown video by Kanye. I like this song and this video. It is definitely something different, but that is why Kanye is my favorite artist. He is always trying to challenge himself and create new things and he does not care what anyone says about it. He does what he feels and is unapologetic about it.

Quote of the Day --- "Light"

2008-10-08T09:34:00.002-04:00

"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being."
--Carl Gustav Jung--

Watching the news and observing the things that are going on in our world on an everyday basis, I feel as if I am watching our world deteriorate right in front of my eyes. The world is full of darkness, selfish and greedy people and lacks any type of moral responsibility or character. It is up to us to try to restore in anyway we can the substance and character that is need for our society to succeed and to reestablish itself. We must all be a light, even though we have our own conflicts and flaws, we must truly work hard to become better ourselves and not be part of the problem everyday.

Pharrell - "I' A PC" Video

2008-10-07T14:25:00.002-04:00

I like this video even though I am not fuly convinced that Pharrell is a devoted PC user. haha.

Quote of the Day --- "Competition"

2008-10-07T14:20:00.002-04:00

"Winning doesn't satify us---we need to do it again, and again. The taste of success seems merely to whet the appetite for more. When we lose, the compulsion to seek future success is overpowering; the need to get out on the course the following weekend is irresistible. We cannot quit when we are ahead, after we've won, and we certainly cannot quit when we're behind, after we've lost. We are addicted."
--Stuart Walker--

The spirit of competition. There is nothing like it. To be successful, we need to embrace it. If we shy away from confrontation and competition, I find it hard to be successful.

Universal Mind Conrol --- Common Feat. Pharrell

2008-10-06T16:32:00.002-04:00

New Video from Common featuring Pharrell.

This is definitely a new direction from Common. I kind of like it though. Creative concepts and not to far reaching from Common's image. I like the new edge and risk he is taking on.

VA. State Fair...Rodeo Time

2008-10-06T09:26:00.007-04:00

This was the most expensive hot dog and fries I have ever bought and was also the worst tasting.

The Bull pen at the Rodeo.

Trying on the protective Bullriding vest.

Professional Bullrider Dan Welsh

The Bullriding event at the Rodeo. No one lasted the whole 8 seconds unfortunately.

Last week, I attended the Virginia State Fair. I must say that I was not extremely excited about the Fair even though it was my first time there in about ten years. I went during the day, so there was not a great amount of people there. I did not get on any rides, simply because I do not trust portable rides, but it was cool watching people enjoy these rides. The highlight of the day for me, were the pig races and the rodeo. I loved attending these events because I have never experienced anything of this nature ever before. The pig races were hilarious. These over sized pigs, running around a track, with hundreds of little kids screaming for them was a scene I have never witnessed before. It was truly exhilarating.

The rodeo was great too. I am sure there were better rodeos out there, I was still impressed and amazed by rodeos and the culture of cowboys. For a class project, we are exploring the culture of bullriding and seeing what it is all about. Seeing the bullriding event was great. I have a great respect for these athletes, the bull and the rider alike. The sport which is growing in popularity is crazy and a true adrenaline rush. After the rodeo, my group members and I got to meet Dan Welsh, a professional bullrider, and he talked with us for about an hour about bullriding, the culture, where he got started and why he enjoys bullriding so much. Intially, I thought bullriders were not really athlete and there was not a great amount of talent that wnet along with this sport, that is was just simply people who were half way out of their mind. All in all it was a great day, and I am definitely looking forward to learning more about bullriding and attending another rodeo in the future.

Here is a quick look at what Bullriding is all about:

Quote of the Day --- "Feelings"

2008-10-06T09:04:00.002-04:00

"You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings."
--Pearl Buck--

No, you cannot. I find it hard to make myself have feelings. I have been taught and have lived to have the minimal amount of feelings. Most people in the world do not care about your feelings or care how you react to certain situations. With that said, I find having feelings about certain things to be pointless and hindering. Well, being attached to feelings and having them control your actions is down right stupid in my opinion. As far as doing right in spite of your feelings, I do not really understand that phrase. When I read that it tells me to overlook your feelings in order to make people feel better about something or to cater to others feelings. That may be true in some cases, but I definitely disagree with doing that all of time. At the end of the day, you cannot make everyone happy.

Monticello.

2008-10-02T16:15:00.007-04:00

Thomas Jefferson

Kris and I admiring TJ's Gravesite

TJ's front door

The Beautiful Monticello

Closer look at TJ's Grave

For my Cultural Exploration class last week we were to visit Monticello. It was quite the experience. Monticello is the dream home, mansion and plantation of our nation's 3rd president and the author of the Declaration of Independence. I was amazed by the home and how much of the original structure and furniture was still there. The smell of the house that was built back in the 1700s was still strong and the floors squeaked with every move. The mirrors were aged and the1500 books in Jefferson's library looked as if they would fall to pieces if they were slightly moved. The house a great and really showed off Jefferson's smarts and imagination with many of the creations in the house as well as things seemed to be run in the home. What I found so amazing about the home was what was underneath the house, where the operations of the home was really run. The kitchen, the slave quarters, the ice house and the wine cellar where wine was pulled through a pulley system to the dining room for guests. I was truly amazed that back in the 1700s that there was that much thought and inventiveness put into a home. Jefferson's house by far could be considered a modern home on many levels, in my opinion.

There were a lot of thoughts going through my head as we took the tour through Monticello. I felt like a little kid. I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. The experience was humbling and just opened my eyes that there are so many things out here in the world that are fascinating that I have yet to experience. Monticello, even though the weather was not the best, was a great trip and I learned a lot. Seeing these old home of one of the men who shaped our country and is responsible for what we are today is truly great and inspiring. It's inspiring in the sense that it makes me want to do something great in the future that will be remembered by people. I enjoyed this visit so much, I plan to visit Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, in the near future.

T.I.--- What Up, What's Happenin'

2008-10-02T15:53:00.002-04:00

I have not been a big fan of rap music lately. This is simply because no one has been saying anything worth listening to and sometimes that just hurts my brain. Then I heard this song and saw the video, and my interest was sparked. I am not a big fan of T.I. I like him as an individual and what he stands for as a man and as an artist, but I am not a fan of his rap style. Anyways, this song, even though it is not the greatest artistic work of art, it is saying something and serves as kind of an anthem. I listen to it and it serves as an anthem for me. When I hear it, it speaks to me to just say true to yourself and to keep going no matter who tries to hold you down or put you down. That is a message that I think is important to learn one of the hardest lessons in life to grasp. I said all of that to say that T.I. is doing his thing and that rappers can create music that has a message and a meaning. For the majority of the rappers out there, they should take notes and strive for that type of work.

Quote of the Day---"Trust"

2008-10-02T14:35:00.001-04:00

"Never trust a man who speaks well of everybody."
--John Churton Collins--

"Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very light acquaintance and without any visible reason."
--Alexander Pope--

"Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement."
--Alfred Adler--

Trust is a topic that has been on my mind recently. I have found that I do not trust very many people. Maybe it's because of the experiences I have had in my life that causes me to not trust most people around me. I do not think that I am someone walking around in a box, shielding myself from the world. Its just that I don't expect everyone to be trustworthy because the truth of that matter is that most people aren't. The way I see it is if you don't expect someone to be held in the highest regard you will won't be disappointed. However, with that said, it may seem that I would never give someone the opportunity to be trusted. Trust is earned and with my current outlook on the issue of trust, it puts more pressure on the person who wants to earn that trust to earn it, making that trust more valued once obtained. I may have a pessimistic view or a backwards take on this situation, but it is what I feel right now when it comes to trust and maybe one day that will change.

What is Microsoft Doing?

2008-09-24T12:16:00.004-04:00

First Commercial Featuring Jerry Seinfeld

Second Commercial Featuring Jerry Seinfeld

New Commercial "I'm A PC"

Pharrell Williams is an Apple User

Microsoft is a brand that has been losing a lot of ground to Apple recently and have decided that it is time to do something about it. While I commend their effort to put a halt to the Apple's dominance, I find it terrible the way they are going about it. First off I do not find Jerry Seinfeld or Bill Gates to be great spokespeople for the brand. Why? Well, Seinfeld is known to be an Apple user and what about Seinfeld has to do with Microsoft and its products. Seinfeld does not make Microsoft cooler. Bill Gates is no longer with the company. Even though he is seen as the face of the brand, he is in the past and it is time to move forward. For that reason alone, Bill Gates should not have been used. Microsoft, who is spending $300 million for this campaign, received a lot of criticism for these ads. Also, another problem with these commercials, is that it's not clear what the message the consumer is supposed to take away. It is not really that clear it is a Microsoft commercial really.

The "I'm a PC" ad is a better move in the right direction. I like the "Life without Walls" tagline. It gives the brand some crediblity and a message to send to its consumers that they can connect to. However, the problem I have with this commercial is that some of the celebrities that are used that claim they are a PC are in fact, avid users of Apple products. For example, Pharrell Williams has videos where he has confessed his love and loyalty to Apple products, such as his famous gold iPhone. This is not good for Microsoft because a lot of people know what these celebrities use. When I saw this commercial that was the first thing I noticed. A lot of these people use Apple products on a regular basis. This can only mean one thing. Microsoft is sendind mixed messages or they are that deseparate to create an image. In my opinion, there can be no half stepping, people will call bullshit on this immediately and Microsoft will find it self in even more trouble. While I love the message, the exectuion was half done. Go out there and find some people that really do use PCs. If there are none, get some footage or something of Pharrell and other Apple users, using a PC. You have to be authentic and that is what I feel Microsoft has fallen short of with these new ads.

Terry Richardson: My Favorite Photographer

2008-09-24T11:39:00.011-04:00

T-Rich and Obama

Megan Fox from the Oct '08 GQ
(These photos made me fall in love with this girl, who I really did not care much for in Transformers.)

Skateboard P

The 3-Way Kiss

"Terry Richardson is an international celebrity as well as one of the most prolific and compelling photographers of his generation. Known for his uncanny ability to cut to the raw essence of whomever appears before his lens, Mr. Richardson's vision is at once humorous, tragic, often beautiful, and always provocative."

I really like Terry Richardson because he goes away from the norm of what you would normally see in most photography. He has a great way of catching the edgier side of his subjects, but still maintain the image they have set for themselves. His photos are racy, yet classy. They push to the edge without falling over. I admire anyone who does their own thing and brings their own style and is unapologetic about it. That is what I see in Terry Richardson's work, just a man doing what he loves and doing what he loves how he wants to do it. Much Respect to T-Rich.

Terry Richardson Website

Speechless....

2008-09-24T11:34:00.002-04:00

I saw this picture on the internet and I was not sure how to interpret it. Having lost a friend in the Virginia Tech massacre, I definitely get mixed feelings when I see this. Not sure of the statement he was trying to make.

Quote of the Day --- "Style"

2008-09-24T11:27:00.002-04:00

"Do not conceive that fine clothes make fine men, any more than fine feathers make fine birds. A plain, genteel dress is more admired , obtains more credit in the eyes of the judious and the sensible."
--George Washington--

Simple thought in this quote, the clothes don't make the man. This day in age it can never be more true. But what struck me more is who said this quote. George Washington, the first president of this country. It is weird to me that he was making a comment of this nature back in the 1700s. When you think about it though, the world and its circumstances do not really change, just the people. What we are dealing with today is what people were dealing with back in the day, just in a little bit different capacity. Interesting.

Quote of the Day --- "Talent"

2008-09-23T07:42:00.002-04:00

"Everyone has a talent. What is rare is the courage to nurture it in solitude and to follow the talent to the dark places that it leads."
--Erica Jong--

I believe we all have special talents, but these talents we have can really distinguish us from others and that can be a scary thought to many of us. It takes courage to be set apart on your own and to fulfill your destiny becauseyou do not know who is really going to be accepting of you. I encourage to follow your destiny and to be the best you can, those who are true friends and really want the best for you will support you in developing your talent and becoming the best person you can be.

Main Source--"Fakin' The Funk"

2008-09-22T17:49:00.002-04:00

Lots of people out here are fakin' the funk. This song is in my head while I am in class right now.

CLASSIC Jam from a CLASSIC Movie .... Featured on the "White Men Can't Jump" Soundtrack

Read To Them

2008-09-22T08:21:00.004-04:00

For my Cultural Exploration class, we are going to be creating a branding campaign for, Read To Them, an organization that reads to kids and encourages kids to read. In order to prepare for this assignment, I had to do my own research and actually go out and read to kids. So, Friday afternoon, I went to the VCU Child Development Center and read to a class of toddlers for thirty minutes. It was quite the experience. I am not a big fan of kids, though I like them, I just never mesh well with them. They always seem to be intimidated by my height and my monotone voice, haha. However, this experience was quite different. The kids took a liking to me quickly and were not shy at all. Though many of them could not talk very much, they were very engaged in my story that I was reading to them and me. They were climbing all over me and trying to take the book away from me and throwing new books for me to read at them. It was pretty funny. When I left the class, I was attacked bythe class giving away hugs to these little toddlers. Kids never fail to amaze me and one thing I learned from the experience is that children really need to be nurtured. There purity and innocence is something that should be cherished and preserved. Kids are a thing of beauty and their interest in everything around them is to be admired. My experience Friday really inspired me and will make me work my hardest to develop some good work for the Read To Them program.

Quote of the Day---"Procrastination"

2008-09-22T07:26:00.004-04:00

"The world is full of human lobsters; men stranded on the rocks of indecision and procrastination, who, instead of putting forth their own energies, are waiting for some grand billow of good fortune to set them afloat."
--Orison Swett Marden--

This quote is basically a note to self, to be proactive and a go-getter. Not to sit around waiting for things to happen because if I do that, nothing will happen. Make goals actionable and wake up everyday with a set of things to accomplish and don't rest until those things are acoomplished. Hold yourself accountable and develop a strong discipline.

What I'm Listening To...Smashing Pumpkins---"Cherub Rock"

2008-09-21T19:49:00.006-04:00

It may be because I have been playing Guitar Hero for awhile and this is my favorite to play on the game, but I can't stop listening to this song right now. It puts me in a weird sort of mood, on edge yet mellow, kind of like I am calm and confidently ready to handle anything that comes my way. This is a classic song in my opinion. I could see this beat being sampled for for a hip-hop song sometime, I wish I had that skill cause I would definitely do it. Strong message in the song to if you listen to it, definitely something I can relate to. LET ME OUT!!!!

Federal BMX

2008-09-21T08:32:00.003-04:00

Federal BMX Team in Paris

I started riding earlier this summer in my free time and just to have something else to do. BMXing is definitely a challenge and something that takes a lot of work, but it is fun as hell. Anywho, any time you start something new you have to find someone to look up to and to look to for inspire. The riders of Federal BMX from the UK are definitely that for me. Their style and the fun they seem to have while riding is crazy. They do a lot of daring tricks and have a care free, go for it attitude about them. What I like about the team is their trips to scenic cities like Paris, London and Cologne where they just take over the streets and landmarks and go crazy. That fearlessness and energy excites me and is definitely something I try to resemble when I am riding or when I am doing anything else in life. The video aboce is from their trip to London. Check Federal out on Youtube as well as on their website.

Federal BMX

Wifey Shirt: Offensive?

2008-09-21T08:15:00.002-04:00

Do you find this shirt offensive? I have a friend who wore this shirt recently and caught extreme heat from some people who observed the image. I was kind of shocked at the backlash, he recieved from it and it kind of bothered me. What I see in this image is pure humor, it is simply funny, nothing more. This sends no negative message in my opinion. Of course, you would not wear this around kids and families, but there is nothing else to this shirt to me but humor. I find the shirt funy because seriously, is she really wifey material? If you really want to analyze this shirt, it probably comes from the saying , "you can't turn a hoe/partygirl into a housewife" no matter what you make her do, her roots are forever instilled in her. That is a message a lot of guys feel and live by, and that message is simply expressed through this humorous image on this shirt. A part of a lot of urban streetweat and urban street culture is taking these common phrases and philosophies we hear in music and in everyday life and flipping them on their heads in a humorous way. It is not meant to be understood by everyone.

It's unfortunate, but most people are only going to see that this is a naked girl on your T-shirt, and it is a corporate brand trying to make a joke and show the stupidity of today's youth. I disagree. Some people are just so closed minded and controlled by the thoughts of others that they are afraid to step out and make a statement. Yes, making a statement comes with a price sometimes, but should we live and do things everyday trying to avoid a price. I don't know. I guess I am in search for another perspective. It is quite possible that I may be mixed up in the head. Who knows. If you find this shirt and image offensive, let me know why? I want to learn.

Quote of the Day--- "Argument and Debate"

2008-09-21T07:53:00.002-04:00

"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
--Joseph Joubert--

"Men are apt to mistake the strength of their feeling for the strength of their argument. The heated mind resents the chill touch and relentless scrutiny of logic."
--William Ewart Gladstone--

"There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees."
--Michel de Montaigne--

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me."
--Dudley Field Malone--

I know I have a lot of quotes today, but they all mean something to me and is something that I deal with on a regular basis. I am a person that loves to disagree or to bring up controversy. Sometimes I just pretend to play the other side because it makes things more interesting, but at the same time I get a bad rep for having my own mind and expressing the willingness to debate my opinion. I have learned that argument and controversy can be where you learn the most about yourself and test your beliefs as well as learn new things about other people and other thoughts. I feel too many people look negatively on argument and debate and take things to heart to soon. Seriously, if everyone agreed with each other, if everyone saw things the same way, if we all attempted to be happy by simply pacifying each others egos and opinions by not challenging each other and ourselves, life would be so boring. Argument and disagreement are extremely important to our lives and society, and those who think otherwise, I feel leave in a world that they are the citizen. If there was no disagreement, the country as we know it, based on democracy, would not exist and there would be no interest in politics or elections. I encourage people to disagree and to debate, it is one of the most exciting and educational things we can involve ourselves in and should not be shyed away from.

Mellow Mood for a Saturday Day Night

2008-09-20T22:48:00.003-04:00

It is a Saturday night and I don't feel like doing anything. When I get in these moods I usually just lay on the floor in the dark and put on some of my favorite music. What I put in tonight was Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution , one of the greatest albums of all-time. Purple Rain is also one of my favorite movies. What I love about this album is the vast amount of musical instruments and the live band elements that brings the album to life. My favorite track on the album is "Darling Nikki" followed by the title track, "Purple Rain". Great music from one of the greatest men in music history.

The Generational Gap

2008-09-20T21:38:00.004-04:00

The generational gap is something I never thought was that big of a deal. With a little discussion, teaching and exploration about certain misunderstood topics the two differing generations could gain better understanding or at least agree to disagree. Recently, this train of thought has been derailed. I have come to realize that this gap is sometimes impossible to bridge. Maybe it is the fact that both parties think that they are right, the fact that both parties think they had it a little bit harder or the fact that both parties are just closed minded to the learning they could obtain from another generation. I do no know what it is, but recently I have found it hard to communicate the cultural aspects of my generation to those generations before me. Even after an in-depth explanation of certain topics of discussion, these explanations are usually only met with blank stares or eye rolls that suggest that these thoughts being shared with them are absurd and pointless.

But as I think about it, a lot of the topics and discussions I have with older generations, the view points are not that different. Even fact as I look and listen closely, many ideas are born out of the same mindset and attitudes. Truth of the matter is we all face the same obstacles and circumstances, but through different stages of life we have different feelings about certain things. Everyone wants to be right and have their point of view reigh superior. In my opinion, we are both right and each generation has that thing that defines them and different aspects that influence their thought patterns. However, as I said before the feelings and points of views usually come from the same place you just have to look and listen closely for them. I admit it is hard to listen and to digest somethings that you feel go against how you feel and what you seen in your everyday life. But if you think about the generation you are talking to probably said the same thing about the generation before them and vice versa. To bridge the generational gap, we have to listen to each other and really try to see where they are coming from because at the end of the day, you could really learn something about yourself or someone else that can impact your life and the world around you.

Quote of the Day---"Individuality"

2008-09-20T20:51:00.002-04:00

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting."
--Edward Estlin Cummings--

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."
--Friedrich Nietzsche--

We are encouraged everyday to be ourselves, but how much of the world really allows you to be yourself. There is a mold or a shape everyone has to play to and if they don't they will pay a price. So, if something is truly a part of a person we are must hide it or cover it up sometimes just to be accepted or to maintain function in society. It just makes me wonder, how much are we really supposed to discover for ourselves and if we discover something unique or that isn't the norm are we supposed to hide that? Being yourself and an individual is one of the greatest most rewarding things in the world, and being successful while maintaining your individuality in this close-minded, stereotypical, form fitting world is something to be commended and something I strive for everyday.

DIDDY: Swagger Like Puff

2008-09-19T16:08:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I cannot decide if I am a fan of Diddy. He is definitely a success person, but I ask myself why is this man so famous. I then see this video and realize that I am watching the reason why this man is who he is. It is simply because he tells us who he is so often, so frequently and in some of the most convincing type ways that we have no choice but to believe him and make him rich. This video shows precisely the great self promotion and self branding that Diddy has mastered and what has made him who he is today. Like him or not, you have to respect his hustle. This video is funny and he rhyme kind of nice on this song, I wonder if he actually wrote these verses or if he just wrote a check to pay for these verses. Hmmm...

Quote of the Day --- "Inspiration"

2008-09-19T16:08:00.002-04:00

"None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson--

To be great and to do great things, we have to be inspired. I believe inspiration is all around us, but it is a matter of being in tune with yourself to recognize these things that can spark intersts in our minds and desire in our hearts and lead us to places and to do things we have never done before.

Being Batman.

2008-09-18T22:19:00.003-04:00

When The Dark Knight was first came out in theaters, I saw it three times. Each time I was amazed noticing something different about the movie or being fascinated by some spectacular thought or stunt that I witnessed. But like a little kid, in the back of mind I asked myself, "What if I was Batman?", "Wouldn't it be cool to be Batman?"

Don't laugh it, everyone has had that thought, I am just not afraid to admit it. haha. Who wouldn't want to drive the hottest car on the planet? Who wouldn't wanted to be feared by every person you encountered? Who wouldn't want to jump off buildings and glide through a city to kidnap a criminal? Anyways, I came across this article in Forbes that tells a little about what it takes to be Batman and how much it would cost. Its pretty expensive. Take a look at the article it is interesting and if becoming a real life Batman is your goal, you are one step closer to knowin how to do it.

Full Article

Shoes For Thought

2008-09-18T21:28:00.016-04:00

Nike HyperDunk Gold Medal Edition

Nike Dunk Hi Back To School
"I WILL BE GETTING THESE VERY SOON"

Nike Dunk Lo Wingtips

Nike Blazer SB

Air Jordan 6 Rings White/Black

Nike Air Penny 2
CLASSICS

Nike Blazer--Elephant Capricorn

These are just some of the kicks that I will be obtaining and adding to my collection very soon.

Recycled Toy Furniture

2008-09-18T21:28:00.006-04:00

In one of my classes, we just finished trying to rebrand Toy 'R Us and for like 3 weeks all I have been talking about is toys. Then I see this exhibit. Why didn't I think of this? This exhibit by Greg Lynn, features recycled children's toys used as bases to create pieces of furniture. The pieces won awards at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Cool uses of plastic things people just step on to create peices of furniture people just sit on and rest their glasses.

Quantum of Solace Trailer # 2

2008-09-18T10:21:00.005-04:00

The second trailer of the long awaited Quantum of Solace. I cannot wait to see this movie and this trailer spikes my interests in this movie even more. Daniel Craig, in my opinion, seems he will seal the deal as the best Bond of them all. Check out the trailer.

Quote of the Day----"Work"

2008-09-18T10:21:00.002-04:00

"Work is the true elixir of life. The busiest man is the happiest man. Excellence in any art or profession is attained only by hard and persistent work. Never believe that you are perfect. When a man imagines, even after years of striving, that he has attained perfection, his decline begins."
--Sir Theodore Martin--

As I read this quote I came to realize that I am just beginning to learn what hard work is. With that, I am also learn that it is nothing to be afraid of. When you begin to embrace hard work, it becomes a part of you and is displayed in everything you do. It becomes habit. To work hard, really brings out the best in me and really makes me feel good about myself. To accomplish things, I thought I could not. To keep getting better knowing that I will never be perfect, but still trying to obtain that. It's funny how people still try to when a battle that they know cannot be won and that striving creates some of our greatest figures and people of all time.

Quote of the Day---"Forgiveness"

2008-09-17T18:16:00.002-04:00

"To err is human; to forgive, divine."
--Alexander Pope--

Forgiveness seems to be a hard thing for some people. Some people just don't have the thickest skin and are really bitter about certain things. Maybe the fact that they choose not to forgive makes them feel stronger by condemning one who has made mistakes or done them wrong. No one is perfect and I really see now that the ability to forgive is something everyone is not born with. Whether people see the full picture of one's actions and not just how it makes them feel, I believe that people have to learn to forgive. At the end of the day, holding things against someone else is only hurting yourself.

Graffiti Artist: Banksy

2008-09-07T16:23:00.011-04:00

The thing I hate the most about advertising is that it attracts all the bright, creative and ambitious young people, leaving us mainly with the slow and self-obsessed to become our artists. Modern art is a disaster area. Never in the field of human history has so much been used by so many to say so little.
-Banksy

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly.

-Banksy

"Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a fucking sharp knife to it."

-Banksy

"Banksy is a well-known pseudo-anonymous British graffiti artist. He is believed to be a native of Yate, South Gloucestershire, near Bristol and to have been born in 1974, but there is substantial public uncertainty about his identity and personal and biographical details. According to Tristan Manco, Banksy "was born in 1974 and raised in Bristol, England. The son of a photocopier engineer, he trained as a butcher but became involved in graffiti during the great Bristol aerosol boom of the late 1980s." His artworks are often-satirical pieces of art on topics such as politics, culture, and ethics. His street art, which combines graffiti writing with a distinctive stencilling technique, is similar to Blek le Rat, who began to work with stencils in 1981 in Paris and members of the anarcho-rock band, Crass, who maintained a graffiti stencil campaign on the London Tube System in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His art has appeared in cities around the world. Banksy's work was born out of the Bristol underground scene which involved collaborations between artists and musicians."

I just heard about this graffiti artisit and I am amazed by his work. More so, when I was looking for more information about him and found so much uncertainty about where he is from and how he came to be who he is today, I am even more intrigued by his mystery. I am for anyone who does what he loves without being apologetic and one who is true to himself. That is what Banksy is. He really tries to inflict change and thought upon the world around him with his work, not for glorification or fame, but simply for the love and the need.

Banksy Website

Google attempts World Domination

2008-09-07T15:03:00.003-04:00

Google has the search engine game on lock and when you are as powerful and such a strong brand like Google, there is nothing else to do but expand. That spells trouble for the competition and puts brands under pressure to get there game together. New products to challenge Wikipedia, Firefox and a slew of other internet services and companies Google is set to really take over the game and establish itself as a brand that can't be tocuhed. Only time will tell if they are able to do it. With there innovative and entrepreneurial prowess as well as there strong brand culture to attract the best talent, Google ina very short time will be an unmovable force.

Full Article from Complex

Quote of the Day ---"Reality"

2008-09-07T14:42:00.002-04:00

"The pessimist complains about the wind;
The optimist expects it to change;
The realist adjusts the sails."
--William Arthur Ward--

This made me think about reality and what it is really to be a realist. Does a realist just sit back and let things take place and live with how they are? Or does a realist realize what is happening and try to change it?

Hmmmmm....

2008-09-06T22:37:00.003-04:00

FYI-MAG.com

N.E.R.D. x Common Tour

2008-09-06T22:10:00.004-04:00

"Seeing the Invincible Sounds of Summer" Tour
Featuring N.E.R.D. and Common

This is going to be a crazy tour. This could be on the same level as Kanye's "Glow in the Dark" Tour. More dates to be added. Check out the new Common and Pharrell Video- "Announcement".

Tour Dates:
September 9 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater
September 10 - Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
September 14 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
September 15 - Anaheim, CA @ Grove Of Anaheim
September 17 - Vancouver, BC @ Malkin Bowl
September 18 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
September 19 - Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheater
September 20 - Berkeley, CA @ Berkeley Community Theatre
September 21 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
September 23 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
September 27 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
September 29 - Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
October 1 - Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
October 2 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
October 4 - New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
October 8 - Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
October 9 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Cafe
October 10 - Miami Beach, FL @ Fillmore

"The Art Of Music" presented by Scion

2008-09-06T21:55:00.004-04:00

"Every music style has its own visual identity that manifests in accompanying artwork and can elevate a great record or band to iconic status. "

This could not be more true, especially back in the day of records when some people's only reasoning for purchasing a albt is on the cover or within the sleeves. This exhibit celebrates this mode of self-expression for artists, music and art alike, and the link between these tum was the art work on the record cover. Today, we even identify some of our favorite albums by the art thao art forms.

Full Article at HighSnobiety

New Hot Music

2008-09-06T21:39:00.004-04:00

The Dream--- "Put On Freestyle"
(He might have killed Jay, Jeezy and Kanye with this one)

Solange Feat. Wale --- "Fuck the Industry" (Remix)

"The Voting Fad"

2008-09-06T14:36:00.003-04:00

Something that I do not understand is why people do not vote. I hear a lot of people complaining about the things that are going on in the world, but at the same time they are part of the problem because they do not do their part in helping to solve it and that is simply to vote. Many may argue that voting does not change anything, that all politicians are the same, that their one vote can make no difference. I could not disagree more. Yes, you have one vote, but if there are a million people who have that same mentality that is a million votes that are left out there and a million votes can definitely change things. Also, why not exercise your right as a citizen. There is an enormous amount of people that would do anything for the right to vote and have a hand and controlling the destiny of their country. By not taking advantage of this privilege, you are in a sense disrespecting what so many people have struggled to gain. I feel a lot of people refuse to vote just go against the norm or just to be different. Though that sounds stupid you would be surprised of some of the things people say to defend their position on why have not registered t vote or have not gone to the polls to vote. Voting is not a played out fad or fashion that comes around every couple of years. It is your voice to change the world and to influence what is going on in the world around you. Unless you have done your part, it is not right for you to complain what has or has not been done. Vote it is your voice. It is your right. It will make a difference.

Miss Independent (She Got Her Own Remix) --- Ne-Yo Feat. Jamie Foxx and Fabolous

2008-09-06T14:25:00.003-04:00

Miss Independent Remix

I don't get excited about to many albums these days, but like I said before Ne-Yo has stepped his game up and "The Year of Gentleman"(I love this concept especially with the low quality of music and the even lower quality of personas in the music industry today) about to be a sick album. This remix is crazy and proves to me that Fabolous is one of the best rappers in the game right now.

TADO

2008-09-06T14:13:00.004-04:00

This is some interesting art here. I love art and anything that is completely weird. That is the beauty to me. One person can see something that no one else can see and idea or piece of work can inspire someone to do something totally different. This duo call TADO, pulls their inspiration from so many places and come up with some art that is compelling, interesting and is art that no one else could think of. Look around everyday with an open mindset, you can be inspired to do anything that has never been done before.

"Mike and Katie are the perky British duo known as TADO (tay-doh). Their love of meat, puppies, and cute, spiky characters brought them together in their art school days and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Their work includes graphic design, illustration, animation, toy design, and everything in between. There newest release is a double feature, comprising a multiples critter series called the Littlest Cannibals, and a 7” psycho little Miss Fixitby by the name of Tulip, thanks to Kid Robot. You can catch TADO and their touring show this fall at various toy shops across North America including Magic Pony in Toronto from August 28 to September 14."

Format: Ancient myths and legends are full of weird little creatures. Are there any mythologies that you guys look to when starting on a new character sets?
TADO: We tend not to do any specific research for characters, unless we’re working to a brief on a subject. We’re continually taking stuff in all the time on a day to day basis—our ideas can come from anywhere really, from a funny looking dog in the park to vintage advertising.

Full Article (Taken from Whores Never Learn)

Quote of the Day --- "Greatness"

2008-09-06T14:04:00.002-04:00

"The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment."
--Elbert Hubbard--

Criticism is a necessity in life. It keeps your humble and always working hard. Some of the greatest people in history have been the people who have been criticized the most. We have to take criticism and use it as our fuel to keep moving forward. It's motivation.

Twitter: How will it make it?

2008-08-25T17:21:00.003-04:00

Twitter to me is an interesting brand. It has been around for a couple of years, but its reaching its point where just being a cool technology is not enough. People are ready to make money off of it. I personally have not used Twitter, but know its story and use to an extent. From what I know, I think it is a cool thing, a fad, but serves no real purpose. Twitter is a brand, that is trying to find its way into the social networking phenomenon, but unlikeBlogger, Myspace and Facebook, it serves no real purpose of benefit right now, its just a cool thing to use for some. Until that changes I do not think Twitter will turn a profit, especially since popular sites such as Youtube have yet to turn a profit. The articles from Fortune explain what Twitter is and its struggles. I am going to start using Twitter to see what its true benefit and value is, I could be totally wrong about it.

What is Twitter? Article
Will Twitter make it ?

Ne-Yo ---"Miss Independent"

2008-08-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

I am not usually a big fan of Ne-Yo, but I must admit that I love this song. Ne-yo came out with a new album that he said would not be based solely on urban and R&B roots. This video has features from Lauren London, Gabrielle Union and one of my new favorite females, Keri Hilson. This video has been out a couple days, but I had to put it up.

2008-08-25T11:31:00.009-04:00

State Capital of Virginia, Richmond
General Assembly Building

Statue of George Washington and other contributors to the
History and Government of the State of Virginia

The Black History Museum of Virginia

The People of the Jackson Ward neighborhood in Richmond, VA, 1950s

This weekend I visit the State Capital in Richmond as well as the Black History Museum and I learned a lot. It's incredible how much history and culture is in the city that I know very little about. Everyday I pass by these monuments and landmarks and have no idea their significance and the role they played in building the city that I live in today. I have been to the state capital before as well as sat in on some general assembly meetings, but it is great to see and visit the place where all the laws and rules that keep our state civilized are created.

The Black History Museum was great as well and featured exhibits on black inventors and fashion in Richmond during the 1950s. The main exhibit showcased Richmond's Jackson Ward area, which was known as the Harlem of the South and was the home of the legendary 2nd Street aka "The Deuce", where great black figures such as Joe Louis, Willie Mays and "Bojangles" visited on a regular basis when they came to Richmond. It was amazing to see how this neighborhood created great business for itself and sustained itself during the times of Jim Crow. Richmond has great history dating back to slavery and this trip definitely has inspired me to learn more about the culture and significant of my home city.

Finding the Next Gear...

2008-08-25T11:11:00.003-04:00

Usain Bolt put on a world record performance at the Olympics and a performance that really inspired me. In the 100m, he won convincingly easily and dominated the competition. The 100m was an event that Bolt had to beg his coach to compete in and was not considered his strongest event. In the race, Bolt started out rather evenly and after about the first 30 or 40 meters, Bolt seemed to find his next gear and to quickly accelerate way past the competition.

Recently, I have been looking for my next gear and the meaning and motivation to create that next gear. In order to have that next gear, it takes hard work, dedication and an undenialable will to be better than everyone else and to better yourself. No one knows the countless hours and dedication, time and circumstances Bolt went through to prove to himself and to train to become one of the most dominate sprinters in history. Bolt is a history maker no one expected and its all do to his hard work and the ability to create that next gear that no one else was able to obtain. I think everyone can create that gear for themselves to be the best that can be and to stand out from those around them. I am ready to create that next gear for myself and have found the meaning that leads to the motivation to find that next gear.

Quote of the Day - - - "Motivation"

2008-08-25T10:54:00.005-04:00

"Without a compelling cause, our employees are just putting in time. Their minds might be engaged, but their hearts are not. Meaning precedes motivation."
--Lee J. Colan--

To be successful, it is important to have a purpose. Without purpose or meaning, its as if we are walking around aimless with no end in sight. Set goals and the motivation will come naturally.

I AM STILL ALIVE.

2008-08-21T09:29:00.001-04:00

I have been on a slight hiatus, dealing with somethings, making some changes or what not. I have not left forever. I will make my return very shortly. Until then God Bless and Stay True.

Wonder

Nike Designers

2008-08-08T14:17:00.003-04:00

Article from HypeBeast about designers from my favorite company who have designed some of the styles and sneakers people spend all their money to get. Interesting article. Find out some of their inspiration and what drives them creatively.

Full Article
Nike Sportswear Beijing Website Relaunch

Beijing Olympics 2008 Begin Today

2008-08-08T13:38:00.006-04:00

The Opening Ceremonies for Beijing 2008 is today. I wish I was there. I love the Olympics. When I was younger I used to want to be in the Olympics so bad. My fondest Olympic moments is watching the Dream Team in 1992, demolish the competition with such class and Micheal Johnson breaking the 200m record in 1996 wearing the gold spikes. I must ask though, are the Olympics still relevant? Do they still mean the same thing as they did in the past? With all the drug scandals and the social issues that plague the Olympics these days, is the celebration of competition and pride in one's country tainted by individuals? I am a true fan of the Olympics and believe their is no greater honor to represent your country in front of the world. It is the only sporting event that is not completely celebratory of the individual, where the team and the country is the most important thing. With these scandals going on, are athletes completely aware of what the Olympics mean and their purpose as representatives of their country. I hope the Olympics, the chance to experience the once in a lifetime experience is not overlooked by these athletes. Along with that, I hope that the world does not overlook the meaning of the Olympics and does not disregard the display of the true beauty of sport at its highest level. I believe the Olympics are very relevant and I hope that this great event is treated with the respect it deserves from all parties.

Hmmmmm....

2008-08-08T12:06:00.005-04:00

I love this. You will think about this every time you even thought about driving drunk.

The Think Movement

Extremely Disappointed.

2008-08-08T11:53:00.002-04:00

America's Best Dance Crew definitely lost some credibility last night with dismissing the season's best crew. I am not sure what needs to be done or what people are voting for, but how does Fannie Pak not get chosen to compete in the finale. They consistently wowed the judges and audiences and performed two great numbers last night that were extremely creative and entertaining. I was also very surprised that the judges, who had to make "that hardest decision" they ever had to make, chose Super Crew over Fannie Pak. I cannot wait to hear their explanation for their decision. Anyways, congrats to Fannie Pak for being America's Best Dance Crew and representing your unique style and taking creativity to a new level every week. Truly inspiring.

Quote of the Day --- "Virtue"

2008-08-08T11:41:00.002-04:00

"The glory that goes with wealth is fleeting and fragile; virtue is a possession glorious and eternal."
--Sallust--

Nothing is more important than the good things that you do in life and your mark you leave on the world. The things that we obtain are only temporary and can be easily taken away from us, but what internal excellence and belief can live forever.

Is the Joker really that Crazy???

2008-08-07T15:53:00.003-04:00

"The only sensible way to live in this world is without rules."

"When the chips are down, these civilized people, they'll eat each other."

"I hate plans. Yours, theirs, everyones....[Everyone is] Schemers trying to control the worlds. I am not a schemer. I show schemers just how pathetic their attempts to control things really are...It's a schemer who put you where you are. You were a schemer. You had plans. Look where it got you. I just did what I do best-I took your plan and turned it on itself...Nobody panics when the things go according to plan, even if the plans are horrifying...Introduce a little anarchy, you upset the established order, and everything becomes chaos. I am an agent of chaos. And you know the thing about chaos? It's fair."
--The Joker--

I saw The Dark Knight for the second time the other night and it is truly a great movie. I was even more engaged into what was happening the second time around. Seeing this movie the second time gave me great admiration for Heath Ledger's Joker and how great his acting in this movie really was. Seeing this movie the second time also allowed me to focus more on the underlying themes of the movie and meaning of those themes, many of which were brought to life through the Joker. Everyone I have talked to has said the Joker is the craziest, scariest villain they have seen in a movie. His ruthless ways, his way of thinking and his demeanor are all crazy. However, I looked closer and wondered is he really that crazy?

What drives the Joker to be such a great villain is his realism and his understanding of how society and people are. Some of these ideals seem twisted, but they are really rooted in how society behaves on an everyday basis. Everyone does things that are messed up and to benefit themselves. Everyone looks for ways to get to the top and belittle those around them. Everyone has their own plan and attempts to manipulate situations to fall in line with that plan. Simply that is how the world turn unfortunately. It may be sick to uncover these imperfections in society the way the Joker did, but as far as being crazy, I do not think he was. Maybe he was just someone tired of how things were and acting out of anger. I don't know. I really appreciated how this movie made me think and how the Joker brought many things to life that effect our society today. Everyone has a plan and does messed up things to execute that plan. The only way you will survive is to be in that plan and play your part accordingly. Plain and simple. You can live without rules, but you will be taken out quickly because people usually only look out for one person; themselves.

N.E.R.D. feat. CRS and Pusha-T : Everybody Nose REMIX

2008-08-07T15:05:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite songs of the summer now has a video and it is CRAZY. Pusha T is one of the best rappers in the game. He kills this. CRS (Kanye, Lupe and Pharrell) need to get that album out ASAP!!!!!

"A hundred dollar bills look at you, look at you... a hundred dollar bills this ain't new, this ain't new..."

Quote of the Day---Pride

2008-08-07T14:52:00.002-04:00

"To know a man, observe how he wins his object, rather than how he loses it; for when we fail, our pride supports; when we succeed it betrays us."
--Charles Caleb Colton--

This is an interesting perspective and one I have never looked at for. I have always looked at how a man loses to define they character, but winning can really be a more honest look into a person's character. How we act when there is nothing against can reveal who we really are. Maybe in many of us there exist two different people? The person who wins and the person who loses.

Get Nooka-fied: Nooka Watches

2008-08-06T15:44:00.006-04:00

I love these watches and their is a great story behind the brand. Check out their webpage.

Quote of the Day --- "Solitude"

2008-08-06T09:51:00.002-04:00

"Only the misfortune of exile can provide the in-depth understanding and the overview into the realities of the world."
--Stefan Zweig--

"The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till the other is ready, and it may be a long time before they get off."
--Henry David Thoreau--

Solitude is not necessarily a bad thing. We find ourselves in situations where we are alone, I believe, to better ourselves. Sometimes we need that time to ourselves to gather our thoughts and find meaning in our thoughts. Sometimes we need that time to ourselves to let go of the baggage and dead weight, whether it is people in our lives that are holding us back or situations that we have failed to deal with. Solitude is a positive necessity that should be embraced in order to make us better, stronger and more intelligent people.

Jordan > Kobe

2008-08-05T12:58:00.002-04:00

Kobe or Jordan? This has been the argument ever since Jordan has retired and Kobe has emerged to be the best player in the league. Every one has their opinion on the matter. Personally, Jordan is the best to ever do it, and Kobe will maybe be second best and thats only if he manages to get a ring without Shaq. But when asked at a basketball camp who would win between him and Kobe in his prime, Jordan pleads there would be no contest and I would have to agree. No one has been able to kill teams night in and night out like Jordan could. He is a basketball genius and a master of the game. For that simple reason alone, he would demolish Kobe much like he used to do the Knicks and John Starks back in the day. Take a look.

Air Obama Shirt

2008-08-05T12:11:00.003-04:00

The Obama brand is becoming a pop culture icon and is really influencing people's clothing decisions. The is a new shirt from Robust Flavor. I love it. The best part of this shirt is that Obama's face actually rests on the body of the Jumpman logo. Got to get this one.

Shoes For Thought.

2008-08-05T11:51:00.009-04:00

The Creative Recreation Italian Collection

New high end collection from Creative Recreation. I am feeling these sophistication and sport combined with just the right amount of flare. I want to rock these with a suit.

The Air Yeezy
Kanye is teasing the world with these sneakers. No release date or price on these yet, but everytime you see Kanye he has on a new colorway. This is one of the most recent colorways. I cannot wait to get these.

Nike Dunk Lo Olympic Ring Pack
I am a big fan of the Olympics, but have not found a shoe to celebrate the epic event. These could do the trick.

Nike Air Max 97 and inspired Air Force 1 Pack
Nike is really getting a dude's pockets with these packages. They are expensive yet so tempting. A classic running shoe. A must have.

Jordan Fire Red Countdown Pack.
This pack comes out with the 18s, but no one really cares about those. These are on fire and the stitched 23 on the side makes these more and more tempting.

2008 Vanity Fair Int. Best Dressed List

2008-08-05T10:56:00.006-04:00

Ivanka Trump

Michelle Obama

Kanye West

Daniel Craig

The 69th Vanity Fair International Best Dressed List was released last week and here are some of the notables I found on the list. I was very surprised Michelle Obama made the list. Maybe its because I do not really look at her as a style icon or whatever, but I guess from the standards of the women of the political world, she has raised the bar. Daniel Craig is on the list and that is only natural as he is James Bond, who is one of the best dressed males in the movies. Ivanka Trump was a surprise to me as well, I always thought she was a great dresser, but it surprising that she is receiving great attention to it. Lastly, Kanye made the list and I think it is very deserving. Kanye really shows what it means to use clothes as a expression of your personality and mood. Kanye does this better than anyone and he is never afraid to try something different and stand out. One person that I thought may have made the list, but did not is Andre 3000, who, like Kanye, is know for his self-expression through his style choices. One thing I did notice on this list were the people that were chosen have an distinctive aura and personality that really enhances the clothes they where and actually brings their clothes to life. Their personality, demeanor and character works for the clothes and at the same time the clothes work for them. I think this is the key to true style. Is there anyone you think should have made the list?

69th Vanity Fair Best Dressed List

Flyleaf

2008-08-05T09:58:00.005-04:00

Flyleaf ---"I'm So Sick" Video

Flyleaf Interview ---The impact of their music

I have been listening to this song repeatedly and I think it's "sick" in a good way. The song makes me feel energized and inspired. When you listen to the words it really means something and is not just noise, which a lot of people may describe alternative rock as. This band is also very unique in that they are all Christians, but do not define themselves as a Christian band. To me they don't want to be identified by their beliefs, but just want people to know where they inspiration comes from and they make their music to touch people. I find this amazing because a lot of artists say they are led by God and their music shows a completely different direction. Flyleaf is an example of artists making music to make a real difference in people's lives and not just saying God because it is the right thing to do or it is what they think people want to here. This quote from an interview explains the bands philosophy and is why I like them so much.

'"This faith influences their music, but lead singer Lacey Mosley doesn't necessarily believe that makes Flyleaf a strictly Christian band. "We all share the same faith. And so when we deal with the whole 'Christian band thing,' we kind of think about something P.O.D. says, like, 'If you're a Christian, it affects everything in your life. So if you're a plumber, does that make you a Christian plumber?' " Mosley said. "I don't know the answer. We're a band, it's part of who we are, so it comes out in our music, and it's the fuel for what we do. And finding faith saved my life. So I'm not ashamed of it at all. And most of our album reflects that."'

Flyleaf Website
Flyleaf Myspace page

Quote of the Day --- "Friends"

2008-08-05T09:45:00.002-04:00

"A man should choose a friend who is better than himself. There are plenty of acquaintances in the world; but very few real friends."
--Chinese Proverb--

A real friend is someone who is friends with you for who you are, not for what you can do for them or a certain image they are attempting to portray. I have come to realize that a lot of people that I considered friends are truly just elevated acquaintances. The only person they are a friend to is themselves and they would never put themselves aside for anyone else. The only thing they are concerned about is the image they portray and what everyone thinks about them. There comes a time when you have to accept that and it can be painful sometimes realizing that you are a true friend to someone else and they really never were a friend to you. To move on, you have to cut ties with those people and let them learn for themselves that it is impossible to be successful without true friends that have your back no matter what and that no one likes a selfish taker.

Searching for my motivation

2008-08-04T22:46:00.003-04:00

Lately, I have been struggling to find my motivation, my get up and go. I don't know what it is. I feel like part of me is always thinking of new things, ideas and ways to better myself and the other half of me is just stagnate to move toward those things. I do not know what it is. Everyday I think about what it is that fights me from going forward and holds me back. Sometimes, I think it is fear. Fear of being successful. Fear of discovering something new. Fear of being better. A lot of people talk about acheiving their goals and doing new things, but achieving your goals comes with new challenges and responsibilities. It forces you to be better and to expect more from yourself and at the same time people expect more from you. I am realizing that I have been living in this space between the fear of failure and the fear of success. I do enough not to fail, but I do enough not to fully success or to reach my fully potential. I finally recognized that I am growing tired of it and it is draining me. Eventually, I will have to choose one day or it will be choosen for me. You cannot live life in fear or run away from yourself and your talent because eventually it will catch up to you. I guess my motivation has been the fear of failing, while the fear of success has been holding me back. It's a weird thing, but something I am still trying to figure out. I am still searching for my true motivation and when I find it, beware.

Quote of the Day --- "Life"

2008-08-04T17:07:00.002-04:00

"WHAT IS LIFE?
Life is an Adventure...Dare it
Life is a Beauty...Praise it
Life is a Challenge...Meet it
Life is a Duty...Perform it
Life is a Love...Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy...Face it
Life is a Struggle...Fight it
Life is a Promise...Fulfill it
Life is a Game...Play it
Life is a Gift...Accept it
Life is a Journey...Complete it
Life is a Mystery...Unfold it
Life is a Goal...Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity...Take it
Life is a Puzzle...Solve it
Life is a Song...Sing it
Life is a Sorrow...Overcome it
Life is a Spirit...Realize it"
--Anonymous--

Recently, I have been contemplating the meaning of life and what it is? I guess these questions have come from me questioning myself anf thinking about a lot of the decisions I have made in life. Sometimes we all run into an obstacle or fall into a hole and we have to battle ourselves to keep on moving and to not give up. There are so many things that pull at you and try to pull you off focus. It can be hard to not give in and it can be draining to not give in. A person's true character and determination is challenged when things in life come and try to stop us from achieving our goals. Anyways, I came across this quote and it speaks to what life is. It gave me some motivation. What do you think the meaning of life is? Or is there a meaning to life? What is life to you? I think answering these questions or attempting to make us better people in life or worst depending what way you look at it.

FANNIE PAK!!!

2008-08-01T12:59:00.002-04:00

I have recently become a fan of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. I used to not like this show at all. Lil' Mama used to annoy me and I thought JC from 'Nsync was not a credible enough dancer to judge others on their dancing. However, this season, especially after the success and the popularity of last season's winners, The Jabbawockeez, I have paid more attention to the show. As I have been consistently watching the show this season, I have realized that these dancers are putting their heart into this art and how much work and perseverance these guys and girls put go through every week. I have definitely gained a new respect for this art.

From the beginning of the season, Fannie Pak, have been the underdogs and my favorite group. This group's style and persona is right out of the 80s and they received some hate for being a "gimmick". However, they stayed true to themselves and their style and each week have incorporated their unique style and creativity into their routines resulting,in my opinion, with the most consistent showing of all the groups in the competition. Last night, Fannie Pak, represented and gave one of the best performances the show ever had and got the first standing ovation from the judges in the show's history. The performances was truly creative, it stayed true to their style as well as full grasped the concept of Missy's "Get Your Freak On." I found the performance motivational and inspiring because this group has proved that they are not a "gimmick" despite all the hate and that they just might be America's Best Dance Crew. Goes to show that staying true to yourself can lead you on the road to greatness.

Quote of the Day --- "Individuality"

2008-08-01T12:50:00.002-04:00

"Insist on yourself; never imitate...Every great man is unique."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson--

There is no greatness being the same as everyone else. To truly stand out and make something happen, we have to be different and have the courage to stand different and persevere. People are afraid of what is different, but when they overcome that fear and seek to understand they develop a love for you. Everyone wants to be recognized, but fit in at the same time. I do not think that is possible, to be great you must be unique and not be afraid of it.

Lego Beijing Replica

2008-07-29T12:28:00.010-04:00

I know this post takes up a lot of room, but I thought this was cool as hell. As a big fan of the the Olympics and Legos, I thought this was a cool design and took a lot of work. I was never able to put together anything like this with Legos, I am kind of jealous of this. This design has a great amount of detail and really captures the excitement of the Olympics.

Complex Blog: Lego Olympic Effort

Nike Hyperdunk Released

2008-07-29T11:26:00.004-04:00

The Hyperdunk came out this weekend on Saturday and I did get a pair. These are taunted as being the best basketball shoe ever as well as the lightest and strongest. I cannot really comment on being the best basketball shoe ever because I have yet to play in them, but they are definitely the lightest. You can barely feel them on your foot and they fit the foot extremely well. I think they are pretty stylish. I love all the Olympic colorways for the individual teams. I cannot decide which country, I want to get, so I will stick with the stealthy all black for now.

Accompanying the release of the Hyperdunk is the advertising that goes with it. I really enjoy the ads for the Hyperdunk and there humorous approach. It kind of reminds me of the "Fun Police" ads they had way back in the day. However, three of the ads have been pulled for the fact that some of them may be deemed homophobic. I don't think any of the ads are homophobic at all. I mean, anyone who is part of basketball culture will understand the punchline of the advertising and the fact that is making fun of one of the most embarrassing parts of basketball: getting dunked on. No one would think these ads were homphobic, until attention was actually brought to them for being homophobic. I think that is absolutely ridiculous, but what can you do.

If you are not able to catch the ads, take a look at the website, the Hyperdunk Recovery Center. It is very interactive and entertaining, portraying as a sign-up website for victims who have suffer from Hyperdunk (getting dunked on). I spent about 20 minutes on it yesterday reading the content that is pretty well done and laughing at the victims of Hyperdunk. Nike has done a great job positioning and releasing the Hyperdunk, establishing as a shoe with a sort of superpower and creating a lot of buzz with the viral video of Kobe jumping over a speeding Aston Martin while wearing the Hyperdunks. Whether it was fake or real, the video got a lot of attention and a lot of free media coverage.Nike genius at work.

Nike Hyperdunk ads pulled
"Marty McFly" Hyperdunk Release Event
Nike Hyperdunk Recovery Center Website

Quote of the Day --- "Intelligence"

2008-07-29T10:54:00.002-04:00

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
--Aristotle--

Agreed. Being open minded is a quality that really lacks in our society today. When people encounter something that is different, something they do not understand or think is stupid, they are quick to label something negatively and to disregard it all along. All things, if rooted in some intelligent thought or background, should be thought of and considered before just ridding yourself of it. There is so much separation and negative energy amongst people in society today because people are not open minded. Not that all things need to be accepted, but all things should be thought about. Even if one does not agree with something, an educated mind should evaluate how to make that something better or put their own spin to it. A close minded attitude is the downfall to our society and holds back a lot of individuals from gaining their true potential.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! I am back. Rejuvenated and Focused.

2008-07-29T10:11:00.011-04:00

D.J. and Me.

Oak and Me. Oak stays coming out his outfit and ends up with the beater.

Me, Robbie-O, Oak and Fortune.

Haha. They put on my favorite song "Get Money" by Biggie and followed it up with "All About the Benjamins". I had to wild out. If you know me, you know I love that old Bad Boy music. Take that, Take that.

Nev and Me.

Some of the crew having fun.

My Birthday is today. YAAAY!!! haha. I am not really that excited. Actually, with every birthday that creeps up on me, I feel more pressure to better myself and to make something out of my life. Not that I am not on the straight and narrow, but I just want to get to where I am going. I guess I think of my birthday as a day of motivation, a day to get things right and assess where I am.

I also believe that life is about balance and you should celebrate your birthday. I always try to use my birthday as a time to get my friends together since we are always doing our own thing now and don't get to chill as much as we used to. So this past weekend, I have been celebrating and is why I have not been on this blog thing in a couple days.

Here are some pictures of the celebration that took place at Ultrabar in DC. We had a VIP table, but who can really wants to be own a couch all night. Like Cormega said, "I'm in the tunnel with the crowd, f**K V.I.P..." Everyone had fun, and I definitely recommend Ultrabar. My first time there and it was definitely enjoyable and they treated me and my party with great service. Thanks to everyone who came and I hope everyone had fun.

I got a lot of stuff I want to put up here, some of it is old matters, but are things I had some thoughts about and wanted to express. Been busy having fun, back to the grind now.

The OBAMA Brand

2008-07-24T17:10:00.002-04:00

Barack Obama is becoming more than just a Presidential candidate, but he is quickly becoming a brand. There are a gazillion t-shirts bearing his face and every month he is on a different magazine cover. Will this brand endure if he happens not to win the election? I think it is too early to tell. I am interested to see how many true supporters Barack has or if people just feel the Obama brand is a fashion statement or the cool thing to do. I think this will all come to late as the election pulls closer. If the Obama brand last past the election, especially if he loses, I think Barack will have really accomplished something truly special.

Branding 101: Barack Obama

The Ting Tings

2008-07-24T16:40:00.003-04:00

I went shopping at Urban Outfitters and bought some shirts and the cashier girls puts this sampler CD in my bag. I look at the case when I get in the car and I have no heard of any of these bands. So, I pop in the CD and the first track is pretty good then I get to track 3 and I am blown away by the simple beat and the catchy rhythm and hook. I pick up the case and search for the track. It reads "Great DJ" by The Ting Tings. I play the song repeatedly for 45 minutes until I arrive home. The next day, I am watching MTV Hits and I hear this song and the sound is familiar and sounds a lot like the song I fell in love with the day before. I wait for the credits at the end of the visually simple yet stylistic video and it reads "Shut Up and Let Me Go" by The Ting Tings. I immediately become a fan. So I had to find out more about this group.

"The Ting Tings are an English indie-pop band, consisting of two members: Jules De Martino (drums, guitar, vocals) and Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass drum). They were originally from Leigh. They formed in 2006 while based at Castle Irwell, Salford. They have released 3 singles on their current label Columbia and the single "That's Not My Name" which charted straight at Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart on May 18 2008.The album We Started Nothing was released on May 19th, 2008 and also charted at Number 1 in the UK."

"Katie White and Jules De Martino needed a name for the "unintentional band" they'd created in 2007. For the sheer fun of it, Katie (vocals, guitar and bass drum) and Jules (vocals, drums, electronics) had begun writing songs together and doing impromptu shows as a two piece. Suddenly, they were generating massive excitement at a series of house parties at Manchester's Islington Mill, a derelict cotton mill from the Industrial Revolution converted into a thriving underground artist collective housing painters, filmmakers, writers, sculptures, musicians and more.
At the time, Katie was working in a boutique with a Chinese girl called "Ting Ting," which is also Mandarin term for a "band stand". "I thought it was lovely," Katie remembers. "It can also refer to the sound of innovation or an open mind. Like the 'ting' you hear when you get an idea."
Jules also loved the idea of becoming the Ting Tings. The name had two Tings "and there were two of us." And, like the sonorous peal of a bell, the new moniker held the rhythmic perfection of onomatopoeia."

That's a little bit about this new and emerging band. Check them out, they are different, but it is definitely music you will appreciate.

The Ting Tings Official Website
The Ting TIngs Myspace
Great DJ by The Ting Tings
Shut Up and Let Me Go By The Ting Tings

There Can Only Be One.

2008-07-24T16:31:00.003-04:00

Sick shirt by Undrcrwn depicting Tupac and Biggie. There can only be one best rapper to ever live. In my opinion, Biggie, but that is another discussion. Concept taken from the NBA playoffs advertising campaign. Not sure when this will be available, but this will definitely be a must-buy that everyone will have.

Quote of the Day --- "Mediocrity"

2008-07-24T12:07:00.002-04:00

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
--Albert Einstein--

There are always haters and those who hater are usually those who are jealous of one's superior accomplishments and mindset. Mediocre minds love anything that makes them feel better about themselves, which explains their attempts to derail and damage a great minds achievements.

Barack Obama: HOPE; John McCain: NOPE

2008-07-23T13:12:00.003-04:00

I love when someone cleverly flips a concept. Self-explanatory.

Young Jeezy Feat. Kanye West --"Put On"

2008-07-23T12:46:00.002-04:00

My song for the summer has finally got a video. I must admit that I am kind of disappointed in the concept for the video. I was expecting a lot more especially since this song is such an anthem and Kanye would have some input with his creative mind. I guess they just decided to keep it hood and simple. I like Jeezy a lot, but Kanye gets him on this one. One of Kanye's best verses of his career.

"I feel like there's still niggas that owe me checks
I feel like there's still bitches that owe me sex
I feel like this but niggas don't know the stress
I lost the only girl in the world that know me best
I got the money and the fame and that don't mean shit
I got the Jesus on a chain, man that don't mean shit
Cause when the Jesus pieces can't bring me peace
So I need just at least of one of Russell's nieces
On...I let my nightmares go
I put on for everybody that I knew from the go
I know these hoes that was frontin' when they knew we was broke
They say damn, Yeezy Yeezy, you don't know us no more
You got that big fame homie, and you just changed on me
You can ask big homie, man the top so lonely III....
So lonely III....
Let me see what we have tonight (what we have tonight)
I'm high as a satellite (satellite)
I see those flashin' lights (flashin' lights)
Cause every night (every night)
I PUT ON!!!"
--Kanye West--

Brandon Jennings vs. The NBA Business

2008-07-23T12:08:00.003-04:00

When the NBA implement it's new rule that players had to be one year out of high school before they entered the league, I felt it was completely unfair, unnecessary and beneficial to only for one thing: the NBA. When this rule was implemented, I also knew that someone would come along and challenge this rule in some way because it is simply unfair. That is where Brandon Jennings has done. Jennings who is one of the top point guards in the country and would definitely had been a lottery pick in the is years NBA draft is debating skipping college and playing overseas for money until he is eligible to enter the NBA draft. Jennings, who has a scholarship to play at Arizona, may not be eligible for college becasue of his low SAT scores. Jennings has also made it clear he is not big on going to college. So here is where the option of going overseas to play comes in. I ask however, why should Jennings be forced to make that decision if he does not want to go to school and just wants to play basketball? and Why should Jennings have to settle to play overseas when he is good enough to play in the NBA?

The NBA says it has implemented the rule to create a more mature and stable NBA player and to prepare young players for the riggers of NBA life. I think that is just a cop out. The NBA is has implemented the rule for one reason and that is to control its players and to control its business. The NBA does not want to risk its image and money on young players, who could possible get in trouble or who may never reach their potential. They rather invest there money into foreign talent or older players, who are less talented, but have a better image. This is unfair to the young high school players, who are good enough. These are still young adults that should be allowed to make their own decisions. One year of college is not going to make someone more mature or a better basketball player. One year of college can essentially do the opposite in both regards. Why should these players be forced to attend college when their hearts are not into attending college? If their hearts are into basketball let them pursue their dreams.

Either way its a gamble. If a player goes to college or to the NBA, its a gamble. However, its less of a gamble for the NBA if they do not accept players who are out of high school. It's not a question of maturity. A person can be any age and be immature. Look at the behavior of some of the NBA's veterans (Shaq's Kobe freestyle). Young people are not scrutinzed in othee professions or held back from making money. Taking acting or music, Miley Cyrus, Lil' Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Rihanna, these are all college aged or young students making millions and millions of dollars and no one is questioning their maturity or encouraging them to get an education. They are doing what they love and we all praise them for it. But when it comes to a basketball player, who wants to make to make a decent living for his family and himself, he is immature and needs to get an education, and the NBA pretends that they have their best interest at heart. I praise Brandon Jennings for his courage to do what he wants and to bring up this unfair issue again. I just hope he isn't blackballed by the caring NBA business for his decisions.

Obama Lincoln

2008-07-23T11:58:00.004-04:00

Obama Lincoln Exhibit in Boston done by artist Ron English.

This is a color depiction of the faces of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln merged together. I wonder what Ron English was thinking and the message he is trying to communicate when he developed this concept for this exhibit. This is the first time I have seen Obama likened to Abraham Lincoln, who was a legendary president, who did a lot for blacks as well as the American people. What does this exhibit make you think? Many people see Obama as a savior for America. Personally, I do not think that is fair. It will take a lot more than one man to change America, but I do think Obama will be one to lead us in the right direction. I just think this is an interesting concept and leads to a lot of thoughts and interpretations. Let me know what you think about interesting idea.

VCU: 8th Whitest Network on Facebook

2008-07-23T10:16:00.004-04:00

The popular blog Stuff White People Like (they also have a book) has just created a Facebook application for the social networking site. In honor of the launch of the application that released a list of the whitest networks on Facebook and my current school, VCU, came in at number 8. This was very surprising to me and really made me think. I was completely oblivious to the fact that my school was that "white" especially when walking across campus, I definitely do not get that feeling. I guess it was enlightening (and kind of humorous) to be reminded of the environment I live in and to stay aware of that.

Article on the blog Stuff White People Like
Full list of Stuff White People Like

I have always wondered if the creators of this blog are black or white and would that effect the popularity and impact of this blog. Considering that fact, how do people feel about the Black versions of this blog, Stuff Black Educated People Like and Stuff Black People Love. If you knew the race of the creators of these blogs, as a black or white person, would you receive the satire of these blogs in the same way or would you think of these thoughts as slander? Something to think about.

Quote of the Day --- "Pain"

2008-07-23T10:00:00.002-04:00

"Nobody's life is entirely free of pain and sorrow. Isn't it a question of learning to live with them rather than trying to avoid them? The greater part of human pain is unnecessary. It is self-created as long as the unobserved mind runs your life. The pain that you create now is always some form of nonacceptance, some form of unconscious resistance to what is. On the level of thought, the resistance is some form of judgment. On the emotional level, it is some form of negativity. The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of resistance to the present moment, and this in turn depends on how strongly you are identified with your mind."
--Eckhart Tolle--

When I read this quote, it really struck me. Basically, our pain is a result of our own inability to face what we have been handed. Our resistance of our given circumstances and our connection that we have with ourselves and our minds, directly correlates with the amount of pain we must deal with. I take from this quote that we must be in tune with our minds and our inner workings and emotions to not question, but to accept and strong deal with the situations we have been handed. We do not have the ability to change the past or what has happened to us, but we can definitely effect how we feel and the future that lays ahead of us. We just have to take time and employ courage to face ourselves so that we can face our unwanted circumstances. In the end, we will be better off from it.

No Blacks Allowed.

2008-07-22T11:35:00.002-04:00

The Olympics begin on August 8th and are supposed to represent the world coming together as one to compete on a friendly stage in athletic competition. However, it always seems that the Olympics are always used as a stage for discrimination, racism and prejudice of some sort. I was reading this article, that says that blacks will be banned from bars in China during the Olympics and bar owners were forced to sign an agreement that they would enforce these rules strictly. It is appalling to me that this is even an occurring. It is 2008, and people still have to deal with this sort of racism. To me it is just a reminder that racism is very much alive and that no matter who you are or where you are, you will more than likely have to deal with it on some level. It saddens me that at the Olympics, which is a place where the world is to come together, people are forced to have to deal with this kind of treatment. Will it ever end?

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