My iPodless Life

As I stand on the morning train onward to work in the laboratory, before I put on my mad scientist visage (scientists are so serious sometimes...LOL...people are amazed, or think I'm up to something, when I walk around with my usual smile). I rest my weight against the car door, which is unauthorized, and yet is supplemental to maintaining your balance on the bumpy ride. My bag is placed in between my legs on the floor of the train, where designated personnel has previously cleaned off last nights vomit of a drunk New Yorker who was recently initiated into the unemployment club. I unzip the back hatch and pull out my new Walter Mosley novel. The train begins to fill with more and more people on a mission to make it to work on time and not have their supervisor or boss scold them for yet another late entry; little do they know that MTA has a $1.2 billion deficit, and they're continuously backed up due to passengers that are either arrested by the police, fall ill and pass out, or the executive decision of MTA to throw a train out of service making your fashionable entrance that less trendy...but wait don't they take the same train? Nope.

Observatory is my middle name! So from time-to-time I let my chin, forehead and eyes drift upwards from my book and on to New York's everyday train passenger. I could estimate that around 65-75% of the people on each train has head phones in their ears, which is most likely connected to an iPod, iPhone, or an iTouch. Some are courteous and keep the volume at a comfortable level where their ear drums aren't being mugged by the violent bass coming from their media player. Then there are others that you don't even have to be a mind reader to know what they are listening to, because it's as if there is a streaming sign on their forehead that continuously updates you of the song being played, when it's really exploding from the left and right ear pieces screaming at you to just ignore it, but how can you? And just your luck to have some overly obese Caucasian man hugging your back like a chimpanzee with his consistent, uncontrolled breathe. It's not his fault, or maybe it is (*shrugs shoulders in indifference*). I can't forget about the less than 1% that might be listening to audio books, but let's be real...if you're truly reading a book (well to truly be able to tell visually) you either have a physical book in hand--as i do--or you have those things...what are they called? Ahhh, that's right: Kindle(s). I've seen a number of people with those or some other high end electronic book reader.

In either case, besides the less than 1%, people are going deaf and zoning out on their train ride from A to B. I choose to live an iPodless life in order to preserve my brain and sanity; in order to hear myself think and not have Souljah Boy or T-Pain leading the charge as my thoughts combat problems with a proposed solution; in order to live my life like Rhianna and T.I. said; in order to REALLY enjoy the fact that God has granted me the ability to hear at all; in order to FOCUS (since I do zone out myself sometimes, since people these days are becoming more accustomed to a short attention span or recently acquired A.D.D.); in order to be ready for the unexpected!

Then everyone's attention is averted to the disheveled man who enters the train with a newspaper in one hand and a plate of sun-dried brownies that smell oh-so-good; but dried as bottom soles of a desert wanderer's feet. He commands his own space in a nerd-esque voice tone and sits next to a woman with child, who after she gets a whiff of his body odor slides to her right to find some fresher breathing room. If you're paying attention to the facial expressions as I am you will crack a smile, because some are disgusted, others are confused wondering if he has mental issues, and a few don't pay him any mind in the normal New York fashion.

As I continue to walk along my iPodless life I wonder what it will feel like being one of the only people without a cochlear implant? Because if this continues people are really going to go deaf. I don't want to be one among that large number. I want to hear for as long as God allows me to. How about you? LOL

"Thrilla in Manila " and Why Ali is the G.O.A.T.

Earlier this month HBO aired a new documentary on one the greatest, if not the greatest, boxing match of all time:

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
"The Thrilla in Manila"

They cover Ali vs. Frazier I & II, take a glimpse of Frazier vs. Foreman, Ali vs. Foreman, and finally Ali vs. Frazier in Manila. The documentary was great, but my overall opinion of it was to somehow take away a little bit of the flare that comes to Muhammad Ali and why is known as the "greatest of all time" when it comes to boxing.

Ali was bigger than boxing itself. It spoke for a people during a time when they needed him most. He was an idol and an icon when people needed someone to look up to. He was important during a time when African-Americans weren't seen as being important or worthy of the common freedoms America gave to everyone else. He was very intelligent and he might have been manipulated by the Nation of Islam, but most of what he did was for his people, who cried out for him.

I wasn't born until 1984, so this documentary gave me a glimpse into what really went on during the time. Ali portrayed Joe Frazier to be this "Uncle Tom", ignorant, and unworthy opponent. He always played head games and many times it was taken personal when deep down Ali really didn't mean any of it all. His life was like Reality Television Show 24/7. He was putting on his show for the people; that's who he was. He was good looking, charming, outspoken, and seemed to have no fear. He was a superhero to the African-American community, except to Joe Frazier. From all of the years of Ali calling him a gorilla, out-matched, ignorant, and an Uncle Tom, Joe Frazier has never had any respect for Ali. You can't disagree with him though, because Ali never physically apologized to Joe face-to-face. Even to this day Joe Frazier says that he's responsible for the condition that Ali is in, because Joe is doing quite fine.

Their first fight was won by Joe; hands down. Ali and his corner crew disputed it saying that the white judges gave it Joe, since he was an Uncle Tom. Ali refused to give Joe his respect. Soon Joe lost the title, that he had taken from Ali, to George Foreman. Then Ali and Joe had their second fight in which Ali won, but Joe and his corner crew disputed the victory because Ali was holding Joe more during their second match, which negated a lot of the body damage Joe was able to inflict in their first encounter. What shocked the world was when Ali defeated George Foreman. Foreman demolished Joe, who was the first man to give Ali his first loss. The Thrilla in Manila was scheduled soon after. This film might have been an attempt to label "Smoking" Joe Frazier as the true Greatest of All Time. Don't get me wrong, Joe was a fierce fighter and will always be mentioned in the same breathe as Ali, for that was his most formidable opponent. As much "Ali-bashing" that was being done during the documentary, what I took from this film was what made Ali great was for him to take so much punishment from Joe. Any other guy that fought Joe and was hit with the same punches that Ali was taking would have fallen and not gotten back up before the referee got to the 10-count. In their first bout Joe hit Ali with one of his strongest hooks in the 14th Round and sent Ali to the canvas. Ali got right back up in 2 or 3 seconds. Joe was definitely surprised. No one else would have gotten back up.

Even in The Thrilla in Manila. Ali and Joe were going blow for blow and they both were spent. Ali almost had the fight called at the end of the 14th round. He asked his gloves to be cut off, but no one noticed and his corner crew refused. It was Joe's corner that chose to stop the fight even with Joe's refusal. Ali won. That last fight should have been a draw in my mind, that is if they both would have lasted the final 15th round, but Joe's corner called it off.

In an era where boxing has lot all of its glamor and stake as one of the premiere sports in the world, Mixed Martial Arts is taking its place, and Soccer remains to be on the top, Ali will always be known as the greatest of all time and we all know it will be in the sport "formerly known as" boxing. Now all fans can do is wait for Fight Night Round 4 to be released in June and see what it would be like to have Ali in his prime fight Tyson in his prime. Hmmmmmmmm?

Act Like A Man, Think Like A Woman

Many say the company you keep says a lot about you. I would agree, so I've chose to go beyond just my fraternity brothers, family, friends and place more positive male figures in my company by going to church a lot more and working with the men within.

An interesting question was posed and I listened. My post title is the underlying theme of what I heard.

Men...most of the time when faced with problem always think try to formulate a solution, because of it is just within our make up. If a man's significant other tells him she needs to get away and the reasons why, he will have formulated a solution two seconds into the conversation; instead of letting her finish and take a step back and look at this problem from a distance even further than where he is currently observing from to see all angles.

The question posed was, what is it that drives us to make the decisions we make and how often do you step back and think before making a decision?

My opinion is that we all make decisions based on the experiences in our lives and how we were raised. Those young, sponge-like years of observing and absorbing things done by our older siblings, parents, and family members have long since passed us by and molded us all into the individuals we are today. They tell you what is wrong, what is right; what is good, and what is bad. We develop our own personal sense of fashion. Most importantly, though, we learn how to handle certain situations (e.g. if someone smacks your cheek you would either turn the other cheek or choose to reciprocate).

Perfect example in regards to me: I was raised in a single parent household where my mother made sure that I was held responsible for every decision I made. If I was ever confused I would ask her opinion, but she always said, "What works best for you or what do you think?" She made me take a step back and take a look from the outside in.

Not everyone's parents allowed them to do that. There are parents that make every decision for their children even when they're adults. Some parents don't care what decisions their children make at all, and see it as they have left the womb, so they are on their own. And there are those select few that take the responsibility of teaching their children how to think on their own and to be accountable for every decision they make on their own. Sometimes we hit that fork in the road with an opportunity or a setback. If it's an opportunity some people just think, "It's more money, may require more of my time, and overall it's what I want." When they should be thinking, "Maybe this isn't the right time for me. I have a new born and the mother of OUR child needs me to be around more." If it's a setback some may sulk, and wallow in the result of the unknown. What did I do wrong? What am I going to do now? It might just be set back where your true passion is found and finally pursued. The common theme is that you have to take that step back, think, and review the situation from all angles and ask a higher power. Asking God to me is like asking my mother. He'll give me the same response, "What do you think and why?"

I like to think that I'm a pretty good listener, but I know I'm not and I could be a heck of lot better. Going into a situation thinking I need to take a step back and see it from all angles and not jump the gun or jump to conclusions/solutions will make me a better listener and a better man. Hopefully it can help you too.

Disputing Grades in the 21st Century

"If 30 is the new 20; is B the new C?"

It amazes me how we can be so accustomed to formal schooling. First there's Pre-K, followed by Kindergarten, 1st through 8th Grade (Elementary School), 9th-12th Grade (High School), and finally College (Undergraduate & Graduate). I can remember either an old mentor or some article I read referring to the school system as a bunch of bull crap. It was described as so, "They teach you how to jump through a set of hula-hoops until it becomes pretty easy and you won't need any assistance. After that is accomplished you move onto another set of hula-hoops, but this time the orientation and degree of difficulty is bit harder (i.e. the hula-hoop may be on fire or have 600 volts of electricity running through it). After learning how to do all this fancy stuff your let out into the real world and it doesn't take long to realize that everything you do has nothing to do with jumping through hula-hoops at all! What sense does that make? None at all. It's funny but that's how it is.

Random thought:
If I had children right now I would have them home schooled. Some may say, "Well they'll never learn how to get along with other people." My reply is, "That is only if you keep them sheltered." I wouldn't do that. They would still have more than enough time to explore the world, and their neighborhood and interact with children in the area. This is a whole other post though.

I digress...The point I'm really getting at is in reference to a recent NY Times article about students disputing grades in college, and with some saying that if they come to class as well as completing all the mandatory things asked of a professor they should receive nothing less than a "B"! That's crazy! That would make a grade of "B" the new "C". I'm a firm believer in getting what you deserve. What you put in is exactly what you get out. Attending every class, and speaking to the professor in-and-outside of class won't cut it either. It's all about understanding the concepts and furthering your knowledge.

The only time in college I ever had to dispute a grade was once. It was the end of my freshman year in college and while I was checking on my Spring Quarter grades before I was to head home I saw that for Calculus I received a grade of "D"! This was a total surprise because on all the exams I received nothing less than an "A" and quizzes nothing less than a "B". The funny thing is when I went to the professor's office and told him of the mistake he probably made, he said he's sure he didn't make a mistake, but he reviewed my marks and noticed that he forgot to put in my grade for the final exam, which was a large portion of your final grade, so if you missed it you would most likely receive a very low grade. When he entered my final exam score my grade shot right up to an "A".

Besides that, there were plenty of times when I received a "C" and knew that's what I deserved. There were certain classes I didn't like, so I may not have put in the same effort as I would have for a class I thoroughly enjoyed, and there were some classes that were extremely hard. This article let's me know that those lazy, entitlement seeking students that think the red carpet should be laid out for them all the time still walk amongst us.

Some people are perfectionists and can never receive anything lower than an "A" while others go with the flow and never let a grade define their knowledge in a given subject. Many of the greatest minds today were told you're not cut out for this field by someone once or twice within their lifetime, but they didn't listen to them or a grade. They kept it moving and worked harder and harder. This is just sad though.

Final Thought:

I agree with the closing remarks of a professor, who hopes that students of the future will go beyond just worrying about what grade they receive in a class and more of interest in their field of study. Can you blame though? We live in a society where being accepted to graduate schools and high paying jobs come with a requirement of a certain Grade Point Average (GPA). "Common sense" always beats out "book sense" (or book smarts). The two are like natural instinct versus conditioned instinct.

If you have time take a look at the article:
"Students Expectations"

Why I don't TWEET or will not be seen on TWITTER

A recent NYTimes article has solidified my perspective on Twitter and the process known as "tweeting".

People are overjoyed about this new outlet for celebrities, athletes, and politicians to be within the reach of a short 140-character text message. I refuse to put the application on my BlackBerry or even get involved online. That's too much and it's kind of phony, but that's my opinion.

Yes, people use it for networking and have good intentions, but others just use it as a marketing tool. I'm quite all right without twitter in my life. I wouldn't be inclined to divulge on my every actions in life.

What's kind of sad is how a mentor sent me an email where someone "tweeted" that they were recently given a job opportunity with Cisco Systems and how boring it was going to be. Little did that person know that there was a Cisco higher up that saw it and was able to see her name, picture, and whatever else she forget to put as private. I'm pretty sure that job offer was rescinded...smh...it depends on your field as well, but I have no use for it. It's sad that certain people aren't the one's that are writing the material that is displayed on their Twitter accounts though.

Article - NY TIMES on Twitter

Additional Article (Added 04.22.2009) - I'd Rather Die Than TWEET...LOL

A Woman's Worth

"Pray to God you can cope

I stand outside
This woman's work
This woman's world
Oooh, it's hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father"

If I could sing I would write my own rendition of Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" and title it "This Woman's Worth". I've come across some great women in my lifetime, which includes women who have been friends, more than friends, acquaintances, or family members. Since the day I was born I only had my mother. After her it's been my two sisters and all of my aunts, which I have a lot of. Uncles are few and far in between. My father died when I was four. There really hasn't been one male person saying, "Hey! I'm gonna make a concerted effort to be in your life." Not to say I needed that because at the end of the day my mother was always in my ear of saying that my true Father has always been God, of course. Let it be a woman to tell me that, right.

"I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left"

It is ironic however that most of the women that have had so much of an impact on my life are the very kind of women that I like, which are: Aggressive, Opinionated, Self-Motivated, Decisive, and, not so much masculine, overbearing qualities that a woman can have. It's darn right sexy to me. I've had nothing but strong women in my life, but as I have gotten older I have been a witness to them letting their gaurd down a little bit, which was not the case in the past. Don't get me wrong they still do their thing. It's just when you come of age you start seeing and hearing a lot of things you weren't able to be aware of when you were younger.

Whatever the case women are strong individuals; men are too. Analogy: If one individual had to hold the weight of the world on their shoulders it would be a heavy burden. That is true. If a man were holding that weight and he would soon tire he wouldn't ask for help from another man, because he would want to be the one that is known for holding the weight of the world. Now if a woman were to hold that weight, and she would tire she would ask the help from another just until she gathered her strength back. It would soon turn into not only her weight but the weight of a multitude. The beauty of life is that through some form of relationship a bond can be formed that will beat all the odds and never falter. If two held that weight it would be a great deal easier than the latter.

"I should be crying but I just can't let it show
I should be hoping but I can't stop thinking
All the things I should've said that I never said
All the things we should of done that we never did
All the things I should've given but I didn't

Oh darling make it go
Make it go away
Give me them back to me
Give that little kiss
Give me your hand"

Women are precious individuals, and some don't realize the power that they have. It should be women and not men that rule the world. Why? Because at the end of the day nothing can ever get done without the permission of a woman. That's why I applaud Steve Harvey for writing his book [Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man]. When he was on the interview he said the exact same thing I have always had implanted in my brain, and that is, "A man cannot kiss a woman without her permission. A man cannot have sex wtih a woman without her permission..." Etc etc etc. You get the point. The ball is always in the woman's court. We're just waiting to see you're gonna shoot the jumper, drive to the basket, or post us us [I hope you like that Basketball reference].

That's one reason why I've never been too aggressive when it comes to women. I usually just show my interest and if it's to go any further I need the "greenlight" from her.

Women are precious, but not every woman knows that. Some are raunchy, rude, inconsiderate, nasty, negative, and any other word you can muster up. If you know you're a catch; you are a catch. If you know you're successful; you are successful. Your character should be overflowing so much that others feel it. It is absolutley breathetaking to meet a woman, or to even have one in close company, who just excudes many positive qualities. I'm sure women feel the same way about men, and if you're GLBT, I'm sure you feel the same way about whoever you are attracted to.

Some people feel life is nothing but a lonely road, but it's all about relationships; LOVE-ing relationships. I learned that first-hand from a woman.

"I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a little strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a little strength left

I should be crying but I just can't let it show
I should be hoping but I can't stop thinking
Of all the things we should've said that were never said
All the things we should've done that we never did
All the things that you needed from me
All the things that that you wanted from me
All the things I should of given but I didn't
Oh darling make it go away
Just make it go away now."

"Watch your mouth!!!!"

Just the other day, my cousin wanted to stop by American Apparel and buy a v-kneck t-shirt [which came to an excruciating $26...lol..."you know it's hard out here for a pimp"; right?]. After he purchased the t-shirt we were quite hungry. one of my cousins went to chipotle mexican grill, and me and my other cousin went to Koronet which is a pizza spot on 110th and Broadway. I heard about the spot all the time and couldn't wait to get a slice. Little did I know how huge the slices were [see image below]. These things were humungous...lol...they were quite good. So good I had two slices each for $3.25, which wasn't a bad deal.

As I finished my first slice, though I received an email with a url of a clip of Bill O'Reilly when he snapped off-air due to the lack of tech support for a recording. I clicked on the link and began to watch it on my BlackBerry Storm [Shameless Plug]. I thought that I had it loud enough for my two cousins and I to enjoy. When it was over though a young man approached our table, and I think he was Jewish, but he was White, and said to me very politely, "Excuse me, but can you turn that down a little bit, just for the little kid over there. Thanks." I replied, "No problem."

What's funny is that before he even approached our table we had previously joked about how the pizza was just as big as the little kid at the counter--a good two meters away from our table. There was a little profanity in the clip:



I didn't think it was that serious, but the fact of the matter is he was right. I should have been more courteous of the young child in the vicinity.

What's even funnier is the conversation my cousins and I had after this encounter when what just happened really sunk in. One cousin said, "Man he really has balls." We're three black gentleman: I'm light-skinned with Hispanic/Arab/very mixed features, my other cousin is Jamaican, very dark with long dreads, and my other cousin is light-skinned very tall with a skate-boy-P kind of look. Basically, it doesn't happen that often that one single White individual has the courage to approach a group of Black Men and tell them that they're doing something wrong; not to be racist, but completely honest. It doesn't happen often, but my cousin said, "He must have a Black girlfriend or he just has balls." Whatever the case I'm glad he approached and informed me of my ill advised lack of character.

It's deeper than hip-hop...nah it's just deeper than race relations...I don't know.