Tuesday, February 9, 2010

tatt it up!


Do you know the profession where 91% of its employees has tattoos??

Take a guess...

Yep! The NBA!!!

I came across this random stat the other day. And later that night I watched a game that featured the Denver Nuggets. It seems like EVERYBODY on the team has at least ONE tattoo!

I don't think the head coach does. But I wouldn't be surprised if he did. They might be the most tatted up team in the NBA.

JR Smith

Chris "Birdman" Andersen

Kenyon Martin


Carmelo Anthony




The more I watched these cats, I realized that that I'm never gonna get a tattoo. I went through my stage of wanting one. I don't knock those who do. I was supposed to get one when I was in college. But it didn't happen. I may get one...one day. But it'll be ONE. I can't look like this. I wonder what these dudes will look like at 40 yrs old? 50 yrs old?
What about you?
Got any tats?
If so, where and how many?
Hollatchaboi

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

12 radio


Join me tonight on BlogTalkRadio.

Tonight's topic...State of the Union...What's Wrong With Us?

An indepth look at the plight and direction of our people.

Tune in at 10 pm EST/ 7pm Pacific/ 5pm Hawaii

Not sure what time it airs in Samoa

Be there!

http://bit.ly/9hsYwe

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

whutwouldudo


I am loyal person...

Extremely loyal...

Especially when it comes to my crew.

You don't get a stronger bond. The crew always sticks together...no matter what. The way that we roll...if you disrespect/mistreat/break up with one of us...we all will cut you off.

Which leads me to this question, if somebody mistreats your best friend but then makes an attempt to be friends (or establish a business relationship) with you...what do you do?

Hollatchaboi!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

12 radio


It's back...

The second episode of 12th Planet Radio

Tonight's topic...Men are from Venus...Women are from Mars (issues of dating, relationships, sex, and understanding)

Co-hosted by The Jaded NYer

The show will air at 10pm EST/ 7 pm Pacific

Tune in...call in...and be a part of the show

Here's the link...

http://bit.ly/bo1RXH

Monday, January 25, 2010

diversity


We had a staff meeting at work the other day.

We all gathered in a large conference room so that we could eat lunch during the meeting.

The meeting was conducted by the CEO and the joint venture partners. As they reviewed the forecast numbers for the year, I paused for a second and scanned the room.

There were 33 people in the room.

13 white men

13 white women

3 asian women

3 black women

1 black man


I had to ask myself...is this really diversity?

I'm happy to be in the room but how far do we have to go??

Hollatchaboi

Friday, January 22, 2010

12 radio


It's been a long time...

It's been a long time coming...

After months and months of negotiations...months of pulling teeth...months of debate...

It's here...

The 12th Planet is going to the internet radio airwaves...

Tune in tonight...11pm on blog talk radio

http://bit.ly/7IdPDY

Tonight's discussion...Hip Hop's Mount Rushmore...Top 5 MCs of all time (don't leave your answers on this blog...save them for tonight)

Tune in...listen...call in...be a part of the show!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

laces





Sports can teach you life's lessons

I learned that early and I'm still learning it.

I remember my high school football coach, Virgil Wells, telling me...

"Son, your job is to catch the ball. You have the ability. When the ball is the air, you treat it like it's yours. You focus on it. No distractions! You don't wait for the ball to come to you. You go and get it! Your focus on the ball should be such that you see the laces on the ball the moment that it's in the air."

Coach Wells' words have always stuck with me.

When I was younger, I used to wonder if he was talking about football or life's opportunities?

Now that I've gotten older, I realized that he was talking about both. Opportunity is just like that ball. Focus.

Even though Coach Wells is no longer here, I'm glad that he told me.

And I'm glad that I listened. Thanks Coach

Monday, January 18, 2010

sex tips...for women


Every now and then, I get these emails from Men's Health magazine. I just got this one and I thought I'd share this PSA with the y'all. LOL

Ladies, be honest: when your sex life becomes a little humdrum, out comes the mental catalogue of all the ways your partner isn’t quite measuring up. Guys tend to get a bad rap when it comes to understanding women’s bodies and what turns us on, making them easy targets in the blame game when sexual satisfaction starts to wane. And sure, they make their fair share of bedroom errors. But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango. As it turns out, top sex and relationship experts say that women make plenty of sex mistakes of their own. Here’s what they have to say about the six most common mistakes women make in the bedroom and what you can do to get the satisfaction you so rightly deserve.

Sex Mistake #1: Not Initiating Sex With Your Partner

It’s 2010 and still, many of us worry about ladylike behavior. We don’t want to appear pushy or come on too strong for fear of being labeled aggressive. According to Les Parrot, professor of psychology at Seattle Pacific University and author of a new book called Crazy Good Sex, failing to initiate sex is one of the biggest mistakes women make.

“Most guys feel like they are always the initiator and that sets up disequilibrium on the passion scale in the relationship,” he says. Generally, men want to be pursued by their partners just as much as women do."

Show your interest by taking the first step from time to time. Your partner will likely appreciate it, and you may find a new level of satisfaction in taking responsibility for your sexual experience.

Sex Mistake #2: Worrying About What You Look Like

Thinking about how you look during sex stops you from enjoying yourself and ruins your chances of achieving an orgasm.

“Don’t think about the fat on your belly or the makeup on your face,” advises Dr Ruth Westheimer. “Concentrate on the pleasure of the act. You must give yourself permission to have an orgasm.”

“Men want their wives to abandon themselves in sex play, and that’s not likely if she is anxious about her physical concerns,” Parrott says.

Helen Fisher, PhD, a cultural anthropologist at Rutgers University and author of a new book called Why Him, Why Her, says men don’t notice half the things women obsess about anyway.

“It’s amazing what men don’t notice if you’re enthusiastic, energetic, interested in them, and flexible minded.”

Fisher believes we should all let go of old-fashioned notions, such as women are not sexual or that sex is just sex to men. “For some men, sex is a very important act. Don’t minimize it.”

The research, says Parrott, supports the idea that both men and women find sexual intimacy in the context of a committed relationship to be more satisfying.

“Numerous research studies make it very clear that the people who have the best quality and most frequent sex are married couples. That says a lot about the inadequacies of ‘casual sex,” Parrot says.

In a study being conducted by Fisher and her colleagues of university students engaging in one-night stands, the numbers show that men are just as serious about sex and relationships as women. In fact, more than 50% of women and 52% of men who went into a one-night stand, according to Fisher, reported that they did so hoping to create a longer relationship. One-third of them actually did so. What’s the lesson?

“Never assume that a man is not romantic,” Fisher says. “Two huge mistakes in this culture are that women are not sexual and that men are not as romantic [as women].”

Sex Mistake #4: Believing He’s Always Up for Sex

Sure, most teenage boys are ready and willing just about any time you ask, but not true for men. The pressures of everyday life -- family, work, bills -- can zap a man’s libido. This comes as a big surprise to many women, and often his lack of interest in sex is something we take personally.

“It comes as such a shock [to women] that they just don’t believe it,” Fisher says about the reaction many women have when their partner says they aren’t in the mood for sex. “They know themselves that they are not always interested in sex but they still love the man. But when they discover he doesn’t want to have sex, they think, ‘he doesn’t love me.’ Not true. He just doesn’t want to have sex.”

Sex Mistake #5: Not Giving Him Guidance

Talking very directly about sex, what we like and don’t like can make us feel uncomfortable, even with a partner we’ve been with for a long time and otherwise feel close to, says Parrott. But it’s the only way to achieve a satisfying sexual relationship.

“A woman must take responsibility for her sexual encounter,” says Westheimer. “No man can bring a woman to orgasm if she doesn’t take responsibility for her sexual experience. Even the best lover can’t know what she needs without her letting him know.”

The good news, according to Fisher, is that men very much want to please women.

“If you can tell them in a way that doesn’t kill their ego, they will appreciate it,” says Fisher. She advises women to sandwich what they don’t like in between five things they do, because he’s listening. “You won’t find out until the next time you’re in bed with him. But men do listen, particularly if you’re quite clear about it.”

Sex Mistake #6: Getting Upset When He Suggests Something New

After a couple has been together for a while, it’s natural to want to spice things up with a little variety. Just because your man wants to try something new doesn’t mean he’s unhappy with you or your sex life. In short: Don’t take it personally.

Still, it’s important that you tune into your comfort zone says Parrott.

“Nobody should ever feel obligated to do something they don’t want to do in the personal and intimate area of sexuality,” Parrott says. “If your man asks you about trying something that’s outside of your morals, make it clear that it’s off limits for you and explain why. Of course, do this in a loving way as best you can. If it is something that is not really a moral issue for you but you still don’t want to, again explain why. If it is a simply a startling request and you’re initially uneasy about it, try not to overreact. Instead, let him know you need some time to think about it.”

Did you take notes?

Hollatchaboi

Friday, January 15, 2010

da approach





He's standing on the corner.



But he's not alone. He stands on the corner with 3 of his buddies.



He see's her approaching from from about 20 yards away.



They've made eye contact before. He thinks she's cute. She feels the same way.



She's walking toward him and the crew. She will have to walk past them on her way to the store



He wants to approach her...but doesn't know how



Should he say...



1) Hey! What's yo name...what's yo sign?



2) Whussup Ma? (or whussup shawty)...depending on what part of the country you live in



3) Let her walk past and comment how fine she is to the fellas



4) Say nothing...stare at her ass!



5) Grab her by the arm



6) None of the above



7) Ask for her number...and if you don't get it cuss her out



8) Ask her for some money (just to spark the conversation) then ask for the number



9) ??? U tell me!



Hollatchaboi

Thursday, January 14, 2010

high tech


I was rude

Well, it wasn't my intent

A friend pointed out to me that it was rude of me to be at lunch with co-workers...but on my blackberry the whole time.

I didn't think I was being rude. I can carry on two conversations at the same time. LOL. Was it rude? I guess. Maybe the conversation on the blackberry was better than the one I was having with the stiff co-workers? Of course it was.

I'd be the first to admit that the advances that have been made to modern technology has spoiled me. I'm spoiled to the point that I'm somewhat lazy. Am I the only one? Nope. You are too! Have you ever...

- spent 5 minutes looking for the remote control to the tv because you were too lazy to have to "manually" change the channel on the tv?

- spent more time texting a man/woman that you like than talking on the phone....

- sent a text message to someone within 10 feet of you...

- spent more time loading your ipod with songs for you to work out to...than the time you actually spent working out..

- refused to watch certain channels if they aren't in high definition (I do!!)

- cooked a full course meal...with a microwave

- left your house...then realized that you left your cellphone at home...and you could not function for the day?

- grabbed your laptop or cellphone before you got outta bed?

- sextexting

- used the GPS on your phone and the GPS in your car...at the same time

If you've done any of the above, you've been spoiled by technology!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

showyahluv

Most of the time when I sit down to write I know what I'm gonna say...

Not today...

I needed some direction. Mind was racing. I turned on some music...

Hip hop group Little Brother's song came on..."That Ain't Love". The first words came on and jumped out at me...

Yeah, love
You know we always, we always talkin 'bout love
We always thinkin 'bout it y'know
I'm in love, I want love, I need love, whatever
But like sometimes I wonder
With all the hurt and pain that people that supposedly love you put you through
Is that really love? - Phonte



That got me to thinking. Thinking about love. You could ask 20 people about their idea about what love is. And I'd bet that you'd get 20 different answers. Why is that? There's so many different types of love. There is the love that you have for yourself...love for God (or what/whom you may worship)...love for your parents...love for your spouse...love for your siblings/family...love for your children...love for your friends, etc. It's safe to say that the people who are closest to you...the ones that you love the most...can hurt you. And the pain is far greater from a loved one than from somebody who you don't care about. Yet, we all need love and want to be loved.



As humans, we are different from other animals in that we have the ability to reason. We also have the ability to love. I'm not saying that animals don't love each other but I doubt if bears love each other like how I love my family. LOL. Nevertheless, love really can't be defined. It's indescribable. It can be tremendously painful when it is lost.



Which brings me back to Phonte's verse...



With all the hurt and pain that we go through for love, we lay it all on the line for love.



And it's always worth it.



And if it's not, you need to question if you really need it or not.



Now let that marinate.



Hollatchaboi

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

manlaws



We all live by laws.


Most laws are meant to be broken.


Except manlaws...


What are manlaws? Manlaws are the laws that we as men live for. They are the laws that bond us as men. These laws have their own interpretation. Since 90% of the people who will read this are women, I don't expect you to understand or agree. LOL


I would be violating a major manlaw if I posted each manlaw so I'll give you a few...


#35) No man should ever condemn another man for doing something like having "transgressions." (ie...Tiger)


#87) When using a public restroom, there should always be one empty urinal between two men at all times unless the restroom is crowded.


#233) No man should ever call another man...nor refer to any of his possessions or gear as being "cute".


#328) A man should never date one of his boys' ex girlfriends


#573) If man A slept with a woman...his friend...man B...can only sleep with the woman if it's actually propositioned by man A


#980) A man should never watch shows American Idol or ANY movie on the Lifetime network


#1129) A man should never sit on the same side of the table as a woman while just the two of them are dining. You must be seated across the table from your date.


#1212) A man should never turn down free alcohol


#1329) If a man breaks up with his girlfriend, his best friends must "break up" with her as well


#1578) You can never utter the words..."I don't like sports."


#2000) If your best friend gets caught in a lie (ie cheating) and he says that he was at your house...you repeat the lie to your best friend's girlfriend...verbatim.


#2109) You never comment on how pretty your boy's girlfriend is. And you can only ask him questions about sex with the jumpoffs...never about sex with his girlfriend.


#2328) If you're riding shotgun in a car, you are NOT allowed to yell out the window at females who are walking or at the bus stop. *Rule was implemented after TLC made the song Scrubs


#3278) You can never complain about being the wing man to run some interference...unless she's not cute.



As I said before, these are just some of the rules that we live by.


If you don't understand...you're not supposed to.


Haaaaaa


Monday, January 11, 2010

off tha dome


random thoughts...

Is it just me but did swine flu come and go just like SARS did?

One day you will come to this blog and find a nice poem. I'm gonna write one...someday

To say that I "have a way with words" is an understatement...

The Dallas Cowboys FINALLY won a playoff game after not winning one for the past 13 yrs. *sarcastic clap*. You gets no love from me. Go win another one! Haaaa

I like martinis but I don't like when they serve it to you in the "girl glass." Put mine in a beer mug, son

5 words that a woman WANTS to hear...I'm in love with you

5 words that a woman DOESN'T want to hear...Are you sure it's mine???

I enjoyed yesterday's service at church. You gotta love it when a preacher isn't up there all day!

Should you really be playing Tupac while leaving the church parking lot?

Obama is always rockin a fresh tie. I love ties. So, you can put that on your Christmas list to me.






Brandon asked "could he go outside and play in the BIG snow?"

It's almost MLK day and you STILL have your lights and Christmas tree up???? C'mon son!

What's 6 x 2???

I laugh everytime I see a dude walking with his girl and he's got his hand in her back pocket. We KNOW that's your girl. You don't have to squeeze her ass to fend off other men.

Ladies...what's a good restaurant for a 1st date?

Anybody seen Shabba Ranks lately?

Shoutout to Foxy 44, The Ritz, and the Silver Spur...#collegeclubs where I used to throw down!

I'm going to TRY to stop biting my nails. I only do it when I'm nervous




I've noticed that how you love snow as a kid. But as an adult and you have to drive in it...not so much

I peeped Charles Barkley on SNL the other night. Funny! I thought he did a decent job

I have yet to see Common, The Roots, or Foreign Exchange in concert but I plan to see em this year

Anybody seen Avatar yet?

I heard that it's almost 3 hrs. I dunno about that. The best 3 hour movie that I ever saw was Malcolm X. And it didn't seem that long at all...

Football season is almost over. Time to step my DVD game up!

I'm a firm believer that it aint hard to speak to somebody...especially if they speak to you!

No matter how dumb Gilbert "Stay Strapped" Arenas is...there will be another athlete/celeb do something even dumber than him.

Soooo...Lil Wang is going to jail, huh? Poor fella

Ever notice how these rappers who get busted with weed, pills, guns...it always stems from a "routine traffic stop."

Despite being a great person, I'm incredibly shy and humble




Michelle Obama...Michelle Obama...Michelle Obama...



~FIN~




Friday, January 8, 2010

birdznthabeez


I think it might be that time...

Time to have that talk...

Time to talk about the birds and the bees...

Or is it too early?

All of you who know me and those of you know who me through this medium, you know that there is nothing that I enjoy more that being a father. Being a father is the most rewarding and challenging jobs that I'll ever have. It's the most important job that I'll ever have. I'll always be a father to my 3 sons. My oldest son, Deion, is 10 yrs old. He's a very unassuming kid. He's very outgoing, the kinda kid that everybody likes, very smart, very perceptive, very witty... (a chip off da ole block). He's not far from puberty. He's at the stage of his life where he doesn't say "ewww" when you talk to him about girls. He doesn't have a girlfriend yet and I think he's a few yrs away from that.

I think at some point in time this year...he and I will discuss the birds and the bees. I will talk to him about sex.

At the age of 10 or 11...is it too early to talk to him about sex? I don't think so. I was having this discussion with a close friend of mine the other day. She told me that she has already talked to her daughter about sex and she's 10. She also told me that she is STILL waiting on her parents to talk to her about sex. LOL. That was a conversation that never happened. Well, it won't go down like that in my house. It's up to me to talk to Deion, Kameron, and Brandon about this. It's not something that I can expect my wife to talk to them about. No...this a conversation that must go down between us. The men.

I will tell Deion many of the same things that my Dad told me. Besides the act of sex, "you treat a woman like you would want a man to treat your sister, cousin, or mother." He also said not to "sleep with just any chick...make sure that she's special." I would like for him to wait until he's mentally and emotionally ready. Sex changes things. We, as grown ups, can have a hard time dealing with sex! It's even more complicated when you're younger. I'll talk about and show him how to put on a condom. And I will make sure that I answer any questions.

I want to make sure that he knows that he can talk to me about sex. He's not gonna talk to my wife about it. I want to may sure that I leave that door open so that he knows that I'm here for him. I don't want him to find out about sex in the streets or on the Internet.

What do you remember about your conversation about the birds and the bees?

How have (will) you handle it with your child?

Hollatchaboi

Thursday, January 7, 2010

anuthaupdate


Time for an update...

I told you that I would keep you posted...

Remember my friend who was having the affair that I talked about here. Well here's an update on her...

She recently found out that she's having a little girl. Initially, she wasn't sure about who the father of her unborn child was. She wasn't sure if it was her husband, Jalen or her former boy toy, Amir. She has all but convinced that it's her husband's child. Although she and her husband USED birth control and she and Amir DID NOT use birth control, she thinks that her husband is the father of the child. How? She said based on cycles, ovulation, and when they slept together. That's how she came to the conclusion. It left me perplexed but I wasn't gonna argue about it. A person's perception is their reality. So if that's what she believed, then there was no need for me to tell her otherwise.

Her relationship with Amir has deteriorated. He still wants to be with her but she doesn't want to be with him...well...that's what she says. Amir wants Rachel to have a paternity test so that he can be certain that the child is not his. She told him not to worry about it and she was sure that it wasn't his child.

She and Jalen are working on their marriage. They haven't gone to counselling but Jalen has vowed to stay. He wants to keep his family together. They've had their arguments. But he says that he's committed and wants to stay.

Yesterday, Rachel asked me to do her a favor. She had found 2 unfamiliar cell phone numbers on the phone bill that she shared with Jalen. She said that the numbers appeared on the bill repeatedly and she didn't make the calls. She asked me to call the the numbers to see if a female would answer the phone. What? Are you kidding me?

Rachel : So, you're not gonna do it for me?

Me : Nope. I don't do drama. And neither should you.

You'd think she would've learned her lesson by now...

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

do tha numberz

Business Statistics was the class...

Dr. Beraho was the professor...

He uttered these words on the first day of class in his African accent

"Numbers...statistics...can be manipulated to display any medium that you want to work in your favor."

Those words always stuck with me. I'm not saying that numbers don't lie. However, you can make the numbers say whatever you want them to say. Just the other day I was surfing the 'Net and came across a header that read...ABC NEWS : Why are 42% of Black Women Not Married?

Hmmm. The title alone was intriguing to me. I proceeded to go to the website and watch the 7 min video segment on youtube. They proceeded to throw out even more numbers...like... BLACK WOMEN OUTNUMBER BLACK MEN BY 1.8 MILLION.

Word? No kiddin'. Gee...I didn't know that.

The man focus of the piece was to focus on 4 black women, all of whom reside in the city of Atlanta, as do I. Each woman was well educated, successful, young (early to mid 30s), driven, ambitious, and attractive. Qualities that most men would want (black or white). The one thing that these women had in common is that none of them were married and they were concerned that the prospect of them getting married is dwindling away. Does that sound familiar to you? It does to me. I know at LEAST 10 sistas who are JUST like these women. We've talked about this subject so many times that I'm almost tired of it. My perspective may seem somewhat skewed because I am married but I can speak from the conversations that I've had with single bruthas. We're talking about sistas between the ages of 25-34. Let's take a look at the numbers...

42% of Black Women are Not Married. Hmmm...how many women did they poll to come up with that number? Did you survey regions of the country? Did you use consensus numbers? Call me crazy but you can't just throw numbers at me and exepect me to believe them unless you explain HOW you got them. Just because you may be between the ages of 25-34 and a single black female doesn't mean that you fall into this category. For example...the government doesn't define someone who doesn't have a job as being "unemployed" unless they are ACTIVELY seeking employment. If you don't have a job and you are not looking for a job, technically you're not unemployed. The same goes for this "study." Not every black woman who is single is looking to get married.

I think that another reason why SOME sistas aren't married is because they are too picky and have unreal expectations. I said SOME because the ones that I know have those qualities. There is nothing wrong with having standards. We all should have standards. But are they fair to you. If you have a Master's degree, should your man have one to? If you're 5-8, should your man be 6-5 and have the body of a linebacker? We all should pursue what we like. However, if I said that I wanted a sista who had to have a Masters Degree, size 4, no kids, making 6 figures, cute face, and big booty...is that realistic? Probably not. There's nothing wrong with knowing what you like but you have to be practical about it. I'm not exaggerating, tho. I remember trying to hook up one of my female friends 5yrs ago. She told me to introduce her to one of my former college teammates. They were both single and didn't have any kids. I told her that I was hesitant about it because I knew how picky she was. Before I introduced them, she asked if I had a picture of him. I emailed her a picture that we took in college. Her response..."He's cute...but his ears stick out kinda far." Whut? Are you kiddin me?

That was five years ago

I never introduced them. He's about to get married to someone else

And she hasn't had a man since that day!

The moral of the story is that you can make the numbers to say what you want them to say! Is there a shortage of good black men? Hell yeah. Is it hard out there for sistas? Hell yeah. However, I think we all need to be more practical and definitive about what we want and then we'll get to where we wanna be.

Hollatchaboi!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

allergic2crazy




I don't have any allergies...

Well...I do have one

I'm allergic to crazy people. Crazy women in particular. I had an allergic reaction to one. Wanna hear about it?? Of course you do!

Back in '98, I was a young bachelor who had just moved to Atlanta. Since I was new to the city, I felt the need to branch out and meet new people because I didn't know anybody. I was working for a finance company at the time. I liked the environment and I liked the potential growth.

One day at work, my supervisor advised me that we would be having lunch with some clients. I really didn't feel like going to lunch with the clients that day because I figured that I'd be meeting with a bunch of old stiffs who wanted to talk about the stock market all day. I wasn't interested but I had to go. To my surprise, there was a young lady at the lunch meeting. Her name was Toni. I was surprised to see her because the lunch meetings usually consisted of men. Toni was cute, too. We sat next to each other during the meeting. She told me that she had graduated from Spelman College. She was enrolled in the Masters program at Georgia Tech. When she saw my championship ring, she asked where I played football. She told me that she was a big football fan. Over the lunch, I realized that we had a lot in common. After the meeting, we exchanged phone numbers.

I took her number because I wanted to get to know as many people as I could. I wasn't looking for a girlfriend. I had just broken up with my girlfriend (now wife). So, I was a free agent, right (lol)???

Toni called me a few days. We talked on the phone for 2 hours. The conversation started out on a professional tip. She changed it quickly made it personal. I was ok with that. We discussed our likes/dislikes and previous relationships. We talked the next day for 2 hours. I learned a lot about her. And I'm sure that she learned a lot about me. A few days passed...I didn't hear from her and I didn't call her. That was cool with me. I was busy with work. Then, one day at work...I got 2 voicemails while I was at lunch. The voicemails were from Toni. I'm not sure why she was calling. I was swamped at work that day so I didn't get a chance to return her calls.

I worked late that day. It was a Friday. As much as I wanted to kick it with my boy JFresh, I was tired from work and I wasn't going out. I got home at 7:30. When I checked my caller ID box (ole skool), I noticed that Toni had called me 5 times. She didn't leave a message though! I found that to be weird. I sat down on my couch to watch tv. All of a sudden, I heard a knock at my door. That was strange. Nobody knocks at my door because nobody knew where I lived except JFresh. I lived in an a gated apartment complex. I dunno who it was. I opened the door...and it was Toni. I was shocked!

Me : Toni!?? What are you doing here?

Toni : You told me that you lived on Candler Road. I was in the area so I figured that I would stop by to see you.

Me: How did you get into the gate?

Toni : Oh...the gate was broken. I drove around and I saw your car. I saw an old man outside and he told me where you lived

Me : Yeah, that was my dude, Amos. So...why are you here???

Toni : Do you want to hang out with me tonight? Do you want to go to dinner or something?

Me : Um...

Toni : You don't wanna hang with me? Is there somebody HERE? *she starts to look around my apartment as if she was my momma*

Me : Nah. It's not that. I'm 'sposed to be hanging with JFresh. He just broke up with his girl and he's gonna need somebody to talk to. Tonight is not a good time. I'll call you later

I proceeded to PUSH Toni out of the door to my apartment. I couldn't believe that she tried to blow up my spot like that. Keep in mind that I had only known Toni for a total of 6 days and 4 hours of telephone conversations. Ten minutes later, my phone is ringing. It's Toni. I don't answer the phone. She leaves me a nasty voicemail...

"Kyle...this is Toni! I don't know what your problem is. I thought you were different but you're just like the rest of these men around here. You didn't even have enough manners to walk me out to my car! You aint shit! You're just like the rest of them! *CLICK*

Wow! Maybe I should have walked her to her car because Candler Road in Decatur, Ga is STRAIGHT hood! However, I don't know how I got to that point with her. I guess she was right...I'm like the rest of them.

Allergic 2 crazy people!

Are you allergic 2 crazy people and have had a situation like this? Holla at me!

Monday, January 4, 2010

off tha dome


random thoughts...

Let me be the first to wish you a safe, prosperous New Year!!

If 2009 was the year of change, what will be 2010 be?

So...we got dudes on planes who are on the security watch list but they're allowed to get on planes? Word? That makes a lot of sense

I fly alot and if there's ever a terrorist on my plane, pleeeeeze believe that he's gonna get his ass kicked. That's why I always wear my Timberlands. They will get stomped!

Ever wonder why we say Happy New Year?

Ok...ESPN do you have to remind me every night that you're broadcasting from Los Angeles? WHO cares???

Good job Prez O. I think that you've done a good job. I think you've got the country moving in the right direction



Notice how racehorses wear blinders. Many racehorse trainers believe this keeps the horse focused on what's in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race and not the distractions around him. Hmm...maybe we should invest in blinders, too!

I don't watch a lot of tv and I've figured out. There are no shows that reflect me and my experiences! I can't relate to this crap that's on tv. Where are shows like A Different World, The Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, etc? I can't do Atl Housewives, Ray J, and American Idol.

I heard the new pick up line for 2010 the other day when I was in the airport. Dude said it 3 times. "I just got back from Iraq."

Honestly, I've never used a pickup line. Never had to. <---Was that an arrogant statement?? Of course it was...but true. LOL

As the temperatures drop, don't complain about how cold it is. Be thankful that you don't live outside.

"Hold the person that you love closely if they're next to you, the one you love, not the person that'll simply have sex with you."- Immortal Technique

I'm feeling that new Jay Z video. I wonder why people scrutinize his videos. They should scrutinize half of these terrible videos that are on tv.

Btw...BET...don't think that I won't continue to boycott your coonish station. I ain't lettin up in 2010.

Mental stimulation...get you some!


The 12th Planet is about to go virtual to Blog Talk Radio. Stay tuned...


Have you ever had that one friend that is NEVA ready to go when you come to pick them up?

I hate Sprint. I really do. Yet, I have not left them and I really can't explain why...



I upgraded to this phone. I was going through my address book and I saw 2 contacts who are no longer alive. I just can't bring myself to delete them. Is that strange?

If a man/woman tells you that they're trying to find themselves...and they are over the age of 25...leave em alone. That's a headache that you don't want

I laugh when people ask if "I'm gonna try for the girl?" You don't think 3 boys is enuf??? LMAO!! No thanks

I need the Boondocks to come back on tv...quickly

Speaking of tv, can we get a movie of The Wire???? Soooo necessary

Ladies...open toed shoes in the winter time? C'mon son! Please explain.

Is it necessary to get shoes AND the purse to match, ladies? I don't understand.

Fellas...I understand tattoos but not on your neck! When you're 50 yrs old and you have grandkids, that's not a good look. Fa real!

Washington Wizards Javaris Crittenton and Gilbert Arenas drew guns on each other in the locker room over an outstanding gambling debt! WTF! Men...guns...money...bravado...not a good mix.



I watched Love Jones again for the 20,000 time last night. Hey Nina :)


I really do hope that we get better music this year. Last year, there was a lotta garbage.

The Pro Bowl being played the week before the Super Bowl?? Fail...Fail...Fail

Think Tiger Woods ain't coming back? You're crazy. He'll comeback and dominate like he did before. I wouldn't bet against him

Speaking of Tiger, I'm tired of talking about this dude's personal life. Some people say that I'm defending him b/c I didn't bash him. His personal life is just like mine...nobody's business. I choose to share what I want. And he should do the same...if that's what he wants.



One of my favorites on tv...Robin Roberts

As always...thanks for reading. Hollactchaboi!

~fin~


Thursday, December 31, 2009

ask yourself


Ask yourself these questions at least once a year:

1. Am I achieving my objectives?

2. Have my career objectives changed?

3. Am I doing what I’m good at and what I enjoy?


Personally, I don't make resolutions. I don't knock those who do. As we turn the page on a new year, I just try to focus on being a better person. Better than I was the day before. If I do that, then I'll be a better father, husband, son, brother, friend, homie, etc. I think it's important that you ask yourself questions.

Ask repeatedly if you have to!

Why should you ask yourself?

You can lie to the world but you're less likely to lie to yourself.

May 2010 be a blessed, safe, and healthy year for you.

Monday, December 28, 2009

best hip hop group?

Group- any collection or assemblage of persons or things

That is the definition of a group...according to the dictionary.

As we celebrate hip hop week, I am reminded that we've seen our share of great groups. I have always had a great deal of respect for hip hop duos/groups. They have helped mold and shape the hip hop culture. You gotta respect those dudes even more. I imagine that it's hard to stand out as an MC when you're in a group. Sometimes your skills can be overlooked when you're in a group.

Over the years, we've seen some great groups...

Run DMC
EPMD


NWA
OUTKAST

WU TANG CLAN

DE LA SOUL

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST


Just to name a few!

But if I had to pick ONE group as the best of all time...I'd say Public Enemy!

And that's hard to say because the groups that I just mentioned are great groups. But when I measure their impact on the culture, lyrics, and album content. I gotta say PE.

What about you?

Who is the best hip hop group of all time?

(And you can only pick one!!!!)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

can i flow???

I'm a fan of hip hop

And I know you're a fan of hip hop

And in every fan...there is an emcee! An emcee that's dying to be unleashed!

Have you ever stood in front of a mirror and lip synced the words to your favorite hip hop song? Have you ever put on an instrumental track and tried to freestyle? If the answer is yes, then you're a true fan. If the answer is no, then you a probably lying. LoL

One track that immediately comes to mind is Brooklyn's Finest by Jay Z featuring Biggie. Those are two of my favorite MCs. I would chop my arm off to get on that song to rock with Big and Jay.

What about you?

What song(s) would you love to rap on featuring your favorite MCs?

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

gimmedatbeat

Dope beats...dope rhymes...what more do y'all want?

A young LL Cool J told you that he needed a beat

Don't we all?

When it comes to hip hop, most people hear the beat long before they hear the song. That's natural. Hip hop beats are so distinctive. They run through you. They move you. They make you move. Some of the songs with the dopest beats often intrigue me. I wonder if the lyrics came before the beats. Or if the beats inspired the lyrics.

When I think of some of the best beat makers in hip hop...a few names come to mind...

Jay Dilla (RIP)

Dr. Dre

Timbaland

DJ Premier

Neptunes

Just to name a few.

When I hear a beat like the beat from Biggie's song Dead Wrong...my head starts knocking. But that's just one beat.

What about you? What beat moves you?

Who are some of your favorite hip hop producers?

Monday, December 21, 2009

ladieezfirst

It's hip hop week...again

Time to celebrate a passion of mine.

And I have to start with the ladies...


It goes without saying that women have played a HUGE role in hip hop. From the onset of the genre, women were very influential in molding the art form. If you ask any male pioneer in hip hop, he'll tell you that one of the reasons that he picked up a mic was to impress a woman.

Much like those before me, I've always appreciated a woman who was into hip hop. Especially one who was knowledgeable about it. Over a period of time, we've seen some great women in hip hop.


From the early days of Roxanne Shante'...Salt N Pepa...Queen Latifah...MC Lyte...to the likes of Lauryn Hill...Lil Kim...Foxy Brown we've seen some great women influence the hip hop culture. They have helped changed the way that men view them and how the world viewed young black women. Over a period of time, things changed. The images of female MCs like MC Lyte and Queen Latifah gave way to a new generation. During this time...more than any other time...women in hip hop became the focal point of a man's desire. At that time, their male counterparts were lacing their songs with lyrics calling women "bitches and hoes". But the game really changed when females started to perpetuate those images in their songs and videos.

Then came the age of the video vixen. There was time in hip hop when the music video was a direct correlation to the song. In the age of the video vixen, that concept went out of the window. It seems like every video has some scantly clad woman jumping around. Don't get me wrong, I like looking at a beautiful women as much as the next guy but when you see the same "formula" for every video...it gets redundant. As we've gotten older and we make an attempt to introduce our children to hip hop, it gets harder when you see that it bares little resemblance to what you fell in love with.

So, where do we go?

Where are women in hip hop? What is their role? One of the biggest female influences in hip hop is Debra Lee, who is the VP of the train wreck called BET.

What is the state for the women in hip hop?

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

birthdayboyz



There aren't many things that are certain in life.

For me, one thing is certain At 12:00am on December 9th, my cellphone will ring.

It'll be my mom calling me to wish me a happy birthday!

It never fails. She knows that I never liked for people to make a big fuss about my birthday. She told me.

"Boy, we're gonna celebrate every year. That's what you are supposed to do. I don't care if you don't want nothing. You'll at least get a cake and a card."

And she never disappointed me. She knows that's all I've ever wanted. A cake and a card. So, every year she sends me a card. The card always contains a dollar. Why? Not sure. But that's my mom and I love her to death.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the best birthday gift that I ever received. It was December 10th, 2006. My right hand man...the man who runs my house...the man who I haven't been able to win a stare-down with...the life of the party...the youngest in charge...Brandon! Look how you've grown over the years. Daddy loves you, man.





.
I wanna thank all of you...my family, crew, friends, fellow bloggers, twitter fam, and fans (LOL) for the birthday wishes. I really appreciate the love. I'm 37 years old. I look good. I feel good (like James Brown). And I'm blessed to see another year.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

12 on Tiger



Errybody and their momma has given their 2cents on Tiger Woods

Did you think that I wasn't gonna do it, too?

If you think that I'm gonna use this post to blast Eldrick Woods...I'm not. I'm gonna offer a different perspective. Peep the following excerpt that sheds some light on the situation.

words by Bill Tisdale (www.HitBooks.com)


My observations about Tiger Woods is the subject of my book, "Walking With A Tiger." I wrote the book years ago and preached a sermon series about my son and I attending one of Tiger's tournaments. He's in a bit of a pickle now to put it mildly. What do I think now?

Tiger did a low down despicable thing. I think the same thing that I said a few years ago in the issue, "So What About Jesse?" That issue was about Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton, but it also could have been about David, Solomon, Samson and tons of other leaders, pastors, priests and public figures. As a pious pastor I should only say, "How dare Tiger to do such a low down despicable thing!" Many write in prayer requests when their spouse has been unfaithful, "What was he or she thinking?"I have a good idea what he was thinking. I would like to be pious, self-righteous and perfect sounding but I can't. I can't because if I am perfectly honest with myself, I'm not sure if I could hold up under star pressure. I'm really not sure. You ask, "What do you mean you're not sure that you could hold up? You're a pastor! Of course you could hold up!"As Joan Rivers used to say, "Can we talk?"

These are Tiger's circumstances:

1. He is an Alpha Male. This is a man used to winning. He has a passion and drive to win. He practices unceasingly. He is a. They are us perfectionist at his game. At his best he is undefeatable. He is the best at his sport in the history of the game. He is the epitome of the alpha male.Alpha males are biologically driven by testosterone, the male hormone. The SAME hormone that's usually responsible for aggressive drive to dominate and win is the SAME hormone that's responsible for "guess what?" Yes, that too. I've counseled with a lot of couples, and I see the hormone at work. Men who are highly driven are usually highly driven in all areasually the ones whose wives complain their husbands had an extra-marital affair. They rarely complain of the men's lack of interest in amorous activities.Men who are rarely tempted don't seem to be as highly testosterone loaded. When sitting across from their wives, the wife is likely to complain about her husband's lack of interest and/or performance in "that" area. Is this an over simplification? Sure, but the general principle is what I've observed. So Tiger is an alpha male. That's pretty obvious.

2. He has more willing beautiful women presented to him in one day than most men will have available to them in a lifetime. Women, let me ask you a question. Who is the world's most handsome and enticing man? Now imagine a different one just like him after you every day. That's what Tiger faces.

3. He's the first billionaire athlete. A billion dollars can do wonders for your looks, but Tiger is a good looking man without the billion. So couple a billion dollars, world fame and good looks and you've got a proverbial super chick magnet. As a matter of fact, a million or two will line them up and a billion is a thousand million.

4. He's in awesome physical shape. I occasionally play golf. It's not my favorite sport because it's too passive for me, but walking 18 holes and doing all that swinging is a reasonably good workout. Do it every day plus hit a few hundred practice balls on the range and it keeps you in excellent shape. Better shape equals more testosterone. More testosterone equals...

5. He's young. Enough said.

6. He's away from home a lot. His work causes him to travel a lot. That means sleeping in a lot of hotels (alone if he's strong) all over the world. The isolation from your wife (and that assumes that the relationship is good and that you really miss being away from your wife) in strange lonely places can do things to a man. If you say "Not so," then you aren't speaking from an honest man's perspective with a good drive (I'm not talking about a good golf drive either). People think that Tiger's greatest battle is his PR image and the wrangle with his wife. I don't think so. I think his greatest battle will be with himself and the tons of women who will now throw themselves at him even more.

7. His greatest battle will be to not do the same thing again. None of the above mentioned factors will change but two new ones are added.

a) The women now know that Tiger is vulnerable and that he makes errors in that area. Like sharks smelling blood, they will be drawn more and circle even tighter.

b) Affairs often bring an increased coldness into the marriage. When a wife has been hurt seriously, her heart freezes and it takes a long time (if ever) for it to thaw. Hurt and the fear of repeat may keep her heart cold. So Tiger has two intensified problems. The forbidden women will be hotter, more forward and willing, and his wife has the probability of being colder. That combo is not good. It is not good at all. So Tiger's internal battle with the same thing will likely be harder and any line once crossed is much easier to cross again. Am I a weak man? No. Have I ever cheated on my wife? No. Have I ever been seriously tempted? That's another book. If I were in Tiger's shoes past and present, how would I do? God only knows about me...but perhaps you would be much stronger in those circumstances. In super extraordinary circumstances, it takes supernatural Divine power to sustain you.

The strength of an ordinary man is not enough.

Even the strength of a tiger is not enough.

Note: Two out of three married men and half of married women commit adultery at some point in their marriage. Those are the non-celebrity, non-billionaire stats.

Monday, December 7, 2009

street cred

"My money is funny. And my credit...won't get it." - Martin Lawrence on an episode of Martin

That sentiment can apply to a TON of people in this country.

The big C

Credit...good or bad

As someone who has spent the last 10yrs in the mortgage industry (7 as an underwriter), I'd like to think that I know a little about credit. I do. I look at it every day! I've seen some horrible credit reports. I've seen it all. Fortunately, I'm looking at great credit reports now because bad credit doesn't exist.

Or does it?

Of course it does.

So, what is credit? What is good credit? Great credit is when your credit score falls between 700 and 850. When I talk about credit, people always ask me..."Kyle, how does credit work and how do I get my scores up?" Credit scores are merely a statistical analysis of a person's credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of that person. A credit score is primarily based on credit report information, typically sourced from credit bureaus. You get your scores up by making payments on time on the debts that you owe (house, car, credit card, student loans, etc).



We're in a recession. Unemployment is at an all time high. Foreclosures are weakening an already unstable housing market. People are having to make tough decisions. Do I pay this mortgage or do I eat? Do I pay this student loan bill or do I pay my rent? Do I pay this car note or should I resort to riding public transportation? Lending institutions have tightened credit guidelines. Years ago, almost anyone could get a house or a car no matter their credit. And that's partly why we are where we are. We're in a hole and we're not getting out anytime soon. I think, at some point in time, lending institutions have to get the credit flow going again. It has to be monitored and regulated, though. It wasn't before.

I've always said that I wish that every report that I read had come with an explanation. There's a story behind each situation. I think that 95% of people want to pay their debts. I know I do. I think there are some circumstances that sometimes prevent that from happening. If you go through a divorce, you're credit is prolly gonna take a hit. What if you have to take care of an ill family member? Somethings gotta give. More often than not, it's a bill or an expense. The only advice that I can give you is this...

* get your credit pulled as LITTLE as possible

* be smart with credit cards and your credit limits

* if you can't pay a debt on time, notify the lending institution. they may be able to offer some other solutions for you.

hollatchaboi!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

lemmegivusumadvice


Love Jones

One of my favorite movies of all time.

I watched it the other day for the 2000th time (i guess)

One of the most important scenes in the movie was when Nina decided to take the advice of her best friend, Josie.

(for those who haven't seen the movie...I'll break it down for you).


Nina was beginning a synergetic relationship with Darius. She gets approached by her ex-fiancee who invites her to leave Chicago and move in with him in New York City. She is confused. Should she stay and build on what she has with Darius? Should she move to NYC to see what has left with her ex. While neither she nor Darius would classify their involvement as a relationship, they both knew that they had something special. However, they both described it as "just kickin' it."

Faced with a crucial decision...Nina seeks the advice of her best friend, Josie. Josie is single. Nina has a man. Therein lies the problem...



Why would you seek the advice of somebody who wasn't riding in the same boat that you were in? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Don't get me wrong. As a friend, they are there for you no matter what. But could she really speak to the situation with a clear understanding because she was not in a relationship?

For example, I'm married. I have friends who are both married and single. In fact, some of my boys are single. As a married man...could I ask JFresh or Clark a question about marriage when they've never been married? Both dudes are very cerebral and could give me a great deal of insight on how a female may think or act. But would I really seek their advice on marriage???

Which brings me back to Love Jones.

Don't you think you should seek advice about your relationship(s) with friends who aren't in a relationship?

Have you ever gotten bad advice from a friend?

hollatchaboi!