RIP Madiba Mandela: "Terrorist" turned prisoner turned International Symbol of Peace

Nelson "Madiba" Mandela passed away at 95 years old. I started this the day after his death but am finishing it today after seeing the movie "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" based on his phenomenal autobiography. As crazy as it sounds being overly sad at the death of someone almost a century old, it was very sad news for me when I heard it. My first memories of Mandela were learning of his election to the presidency of South Africa and the effect it had on his country and the world as a whole. As I learned more, the most amazing part of the man's story was his ability to forgive and truly push peace and reconciliation after being stripped of everything by the system of apartheid. But until recently (I'm grown now) I still never asked the question: what exactly was he imprisoned for? Not long before his death, I researched and learned that he was imprisoned for actions to sabotage that would be widely considered domestic terrorism against the establishment; such as bombing unmanned logistical targets to weaken government communication or resources. He started out pushing non-violent resistance but was pushed to take a more extreme position after repeated incidents of innocent Black South Africans (including women and children) being killed by Afrikaner soldiers. While in prison, the institution imprisoned and tortured his wife, Winnie, to the point where she took a more extreme position than he had; she was advocating all out war and murder of Black Africans who cooperated with the whites. By the time he was released, it was inevitable that all-white rule could not sustain much longer in South Africa. Violence was rampant, Black South Africans were looking for revenge and expected Madiba to be the military leader for the revenge effort beside his wife. But something unexpected happened in the hell that is prison, Mandela emerged championing forgiveness and reconciliation. This was not popular and drove him away from his wife; however he did what was difficult. And he did what was right. Gradually, the angry population, out of trust for Madiba, followed suit and have formed the much more unified nation. It was a lesson that the world could benefit from and he will always be seen as a foremost warrior for forgiveness and peace. He will never die in our hearts. If I could, I'd rename the Nobel Peace Prize after him. Rest in Peace Madiba.

Stop Me When I Start Lying: Did This Fucker Say Affluenza????

Yeah, you correctly read the picture above. A 16-year old rich kid got behind the wheel of a car drunk and ended up killing for people in Texas. What's his punishment you ask? Well, he's getting rehab and therapy because the judge bought that he had 'affluenza' meaning his parents are so wealthy and privileged that he couldn't be expected to know right from wrong....Are you fucking kidding me? U're telling me that professional experts are taking the witness stand and insisting that affluenza is a defense to keep killers out of prison? I thought the legal system claimed to enforce the law period rather than trying to psycho-analyze why the defendant doesn't know right from wrong. Where was this case for kids whose poor parents were working too much to teach their kids right from wrong? Or kids raising themselves because their parents weren't worth a damn? Is there such thing as poor-fluenza? How about Black-fluenza? This may be the most asinine modern legal ruling I've heard of in decades. I've contended for some time now that in the post-segregation era, money and social status serve as more of enabler or obstruction than race; this is another example. No matter how the judge justifies her decision, what will be taken away from this case for future legal precedent is that "affluenza" is a viable defense if the defendant is rich enough to qualify. That scares me. Like society needs another highly publicized example of how kids born with a silver spoon in their mouths can do whatever they want with whatever punishment their parents can afford (in this case, dad pays for $450K rehab sessions) while lower or even middle class Americans would have been looking at jail time, at least some. So judge, what you actually did by succumbing to the ridiculous 'affluenza' defense was you made the "condition" worse and allowed it to become ingrained in legal precedent going forward. I don't even know you, but I hate your guts. But you probably don't care about my opinion because I'm not rich enough anyway. Stop Me When I Start Lying...

Kanye West: A Study in Fearlessness, Creative Ambition, and Egomania

You remember the kid from Chicago that Dame and Jay found to produce for the rest of the Roc? The one back in the studio right after a car accident with his jaw half wired shut? The one striving to be successful rapping because everyone said he could only ever make it as a producer? Yeah, that's the Kanye West we fell in love with. If you haven't noticed, that kid is hard to recognize in the borderline 2013 version by the same name. He's a deliberate attention whore - in a relationship with a beautiful but talent-less attention whore famous for her sex life - who's wearing Confederate flags, calling himself a God, and vocally challenging everyone from fashion moguls to the Obamas. He seems constantly upset and at times seems to be losing his grip on reality. I never thought I'd say this: but I'm starting to understand him. Not saying I agree with him, or can even vouch for all of his bullshit, but I think I get it. He's acting out in a combination of anger and envy for those who possess the true power and freedom he wants; I read an interesting article referring to this as a Frantz Fanon complex (here's the article, http://ourlegaci.com/2013/12/02/kanyes-frantz-fanon-complex/). Just the way producing was not enough for him when he wanted to rap, hip hop culture itself is not enough for Kanye now. His experimental creativity agency DONDA, named for his deceased mother, is an embodiment of his desire to be an all-around creative genius without bounds;  we're talking music, fashion, art, cinema, marketing, technology, the works. He states that his calling is to leave a creative imprint on the world as significant as that of Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, or Michelangelo. He also thinks Kim Khardashian is the new Marilyn Monroe. That being said, he's on a crusade to increase his global profile to force the hand of those - especially in the fashion and footwear industries - who he believes seek to pigeonhole and marginalize his influence because they can't control him. He doesn't want to be Jay-Z or Russell Simmons running "urban" clothing labels, he wants to be the neo-Marc Jacobs or Ralph Lauren with the power to sell anywhere to anyone at any price as he feels. He's gotten his feet wet in the industry (designing shoes and clothes) just enough to encounter the glass ceiling stopping him from. His focus has switched to getting as much attention, money, and power as he can attain so that no one can ever deny him ANYTHING ever again. Hell, he doesn't care what anything thinks or listen to anyone (except Jay-Z sometimes) now, but he seeks the power that billionaires (or maybe secret societies) possess so that he can bring any idea of his to fruition without needing anyone. Even as rich and fearless as he is, he's already lost $13 million and can't afford to keep misfiring without backers. So to get there, he's frequently pushing whatever bounds exist to stay in the spotlight even when he's not making music; because his relevance is powerful. But that's where it can go off track. It goes as blasphemous as trying to make Confederate flags fashionable or bringing Jesus out on stage. Or something as fearless as wearing women's clothing or giving an album cover vile cover art of his darkest fantasy. Or as ego-maniacal and brash as taking to radio waves calling for fashion protests of those who denied him meetings to "stifle his influence" and claiming he and Kim should be getting all the fashion-related attention the Obamas get. I think he frequently misfires and goes way overboard. How the fuck you really gonna put Kim and Michelle Obama in the same sentence? Michelle is the first lady while the first time I saw Kim it's because she was just the pretty girl spit-shining Ray J's dick on a sextape. Oh word, people are supposed to get over their feeling towards the Confederate flag because you made a song called "New Slaves" and said it's ok? Really nigga?  But rather than dismissing him as a lunatic, I'm trying to see the bigger picture of what he's trying to achieve. He's a dreamer with all the passion imaginable to chase it and I"ll always admire that. He just has to refine his technique. For the record, I hope he creates the imprint he seeks to, I'd love to see what come out of it.

Stop Me When I Stop Lying: Catching Up

Every once in a while, my life gets complicated and I get slack posting on events in real time when they happen the way I should. I'm not apologizing, just explaining. If u were expecting an apology, get over it, you still reading this, ain't u? But I digress, here's a quick rap up of how I feel about some of those issues:

• Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. SMH. I still deeply respect his music, creativity, entrepreneurship, and his boldness (only to a point though). In terms of his personality, I've lately decided that he's not just another cocky celebrity, he's become an all-out blasphemous, attention whore for whom I'm losing the ability to take serious. You're Yeezus and bring Jesus out on stage? You're a God? Really? You've decided that since you made a song called "New Slaves", you can re-purpose the Confederate flag as your own? Really? You're offended that Vogue has chosen Michelle Obama for their cover over your wifey who was shot to stardom by a sextape with Ray J?  Really? You felt that North West was the best name for your daughter? If they make Versace straight jackets, that may be a good fashion move for you; add a confederate flag pin if it makes you feel better. I loved you: your passion, your story, and everything. What happened to you? 
• I've decided that Drake is the in the category of ppl who I admit are good at what they do but whose personalities I can not stand. Just cuz u roll with street cats now doesn't mean u're hard? "Started from the Bottom" fa real? Weren't you a child actor from a middle class fam? "No New Friends", really? Name 2 famous rapper you were friends with in 2007? I guess "Started from the Middle" and "Some New Friends" didn't sound as appealing. And quit starting fights in clubs if you're gonna hide behind Meek Mills when hands start flying. That's why they call your album emotional...
• Although I give her credit for somehow being the catalyst that put twerking back in the spotlight, I can not call what Miley Cyrus does twerking because she has no lower half meat (ass, thighs, hamstrings, etc.) to shake. Eat some steak, do some squats, and holla at me. I'm waiting for reports of footage of Miley either taking or sucking some Black dick; I'd bet money, it's coming. She's already pseudo-twerking, making naked music videos, and doing drugs with rappers, it's the natural next step. Stay tuned...
• Ladies, I'll say this once and keep it brief: Olivia Pope is a well written character on an entertaining show, not a role model. Treat her that way. Don't think YOU can operate without morality or integrity in your personal and professional life and turn out wildly successful and immaculately dressed like her. From the reactions I get from women when I make a "Scandal" comment, you would think I punched a nun in the face or something by not idolizing her too. Chill with that.
• Fuck the Falcons (division rival). Fuck UGA (in-state college rival). I'm glad both of their seasons have been disappointing. Period.
• And yes, finally, the Miami Dolphins "bullying" scandal. More information will inevitably come out on both sides continuing to thicken the plot. But my main point about it is this: In a work environment like the NFL, stand up for yourself. I'm not saying you have the right to hit someone in the face if they piss you off, but walking out on your team is not a good answer. In a league full of hazing and verbal abuse (for lack of a better word) I think Richie Incognito went overboard with each and I don't feel sorry for him getting punished. I don't know how far he overstepped I don't know how much is normal in the locker room. Who's responsibility is it to put your foot down and let him know where the line is? Martin's. Grab Richie and the offensive line coach and have that "Come to Jesus meeting" behind closed doors; get it out and understood. They'll respect you for that. But just walking out on the rest of the team makes it look like you're not mentally tough enough for the uniquely mentally and physically demanding work environment you've chose. Go work for Wells Fargo if you can't handle it. Please believe, the opposition is gonna say plenty to get in your head on the field for the rest of your NFL career. I hope you don't try to sue them too...

More coming soon. Just cuz my shit talking was tardy didn't mean it wasn't coming. Stop Me When I Start Lying...

Do Better: Ochocinco's Lacking Courtroom Manor

Today's study in misunderstanding the situation you're involved in is Chad Ochocinco (formerly Chad Johnson's) recent court date for domestic violence charges. Chad, the biggest self-promotion whore in recent NFL history, had a short-lived whirlwind marriage to reality Evelyn Lozada, who's hot-headed, unstable, and violent herself. What's the worse that could happen, right? Well, the marriage fell apart when Chad allegedly head-butted her during an impassioned argument. Chad's lawyer had worked out a plea deal for probation without jail time; the court appearance was a formality. The deal is finished, what's the worse that can happen? Well, Chad shows up to court in a short sleeved shirt and jeans. And at the end of the hearing, the judge, clearly resentful of Chad and the entire situation, asks Chad if he's satisfied with the deal his lawyer negotiated. Rather than a simple "yes, ma'am", Chad answers with something playful and slaps his lawyer on the ass, prompting the entire courtroom crowd to laugh. This upsets the judge to the point that she rescinds the plea dealing sentencing Chad to a month in prison. Let's break this down, the judge clearly abused her power by reneging on the plea deal (Chad only ended up serving one week), but that's not the story, Chad is. Regardless of whether the judge was an impulsive bitch for her actions, there are things you can't do which Chad did. First of all, you're in court. Wear a fucking suit; you've played over a decade of pro ball, you can afford one. Secondly and most importantly, when dealing with judges, police, or anyone else representing law enforcement or penal systems, take the situation seriously. You don't have to do something wrong/illegal to get shot or killed if you rub such officials the wrong way; ask the countless people who've been wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully convicted, beaten, shot, or worse over a cop's or judge's bullshit. No matter how playful your personality, this is the time to be serious if there was ever one. Furthermore, if you're a young Black men with a less than glossy reputation who's in a white female judge's courtroom for domestic violence, don't expect her to have any extra tolerance for any bullshit. I'm not trying to get butt-fucked in a jail cell somewhere because even though the charges shouldn't have stuck, I pissed off the wrong officer or judge somewhere along the line. I like my sphincter intact and unexplored. Mr. Ocho-Johnson, Do Better. you may still have a job with your hometown Dolphins if you had.

Stop Me When I Start Lying: Riley and Miley: He Says Nigger While She Can't Stop Twerkin'

That's right motherfucker, I'm talking about Riley (Cooper) and Miley (Cyrus) in the same article. In the past decades, hip-hop culture and pop culture have converged. Many white people who grew up in all white environments - these two included - had a choice whether to embrace, ignore, respectfully abstain, or resent the overwhelming subculture the Black community created. These two are case studies in different options. For those who don't know, Riley Cooper (from Oklahoma City, OK and then Clearwater, FL) is a backup wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. At a country music concert at the stadium Cooper was denied backstage access by a Black security guard and was caught on camera saying "I'll fight every nigger in here." Let's break this down: 1) Why the fuck should Riley Cooper have backstage access without proper passes? He's an Eagle, but he ain't no damn star; this wasn't Michael Vick. The guard probably had no fucking idea who he was or why he thought he was so important. He might as well have let my ass back stage, I'm as readily recognizable as Riley Cooper. The guard was just doing his job. 2) I guess since it was a country concert (one of few nigger-free functions in Philly), Riley thought he could let his hair down and unleash the inner racist he's forced to hold inside at work with no repercussions...in 2013? Yo dumb ass, cameras are everywhere, even though your a backup. 3) Before anyone starts the "he can say it since you Black say it" conversation, let me explain my take on that. If he was caught reciting rap lyrics, using it as a term of endearment among his Black friends, or anything else that I could call "a product of coming up in Black culture", it wouldn't necessarily be acceptable but it would be somewhat understandable. But he used it in the pissed slave master sense; like "how dare you nigger disobey me and stop me from doing what I want to? I'll whip you and every other nigger in here." He's gonna have a hard time trying to get anyone to believe that he's never used that word before and he has no hard feelings towards Black people. My conclusion: He was never fully comfortable with/accepting of Black people or the subculture we spawned. He's learned to co-exist with Black people but always had some feelings of disdain/resentment towards them inside which he let slip out. He's supremely fucked up. He's an expendable player in a 70% Black sport in one of the biggest, Blackest cities in America for a team that needs success without distractions. You've lost the trust of your teammates (and many of the notoriously harsh Philly fans) and now depend on their professionalism to co-exist and perform well with you. The fact that his coach, his owner, and even the league's commissioner didn't take a stand on the issue at all is bullshit in its own right, but that's a story for another day. He better keep his head down and ball out or he might be the most athletic worker in a Sam's Club stock room this time next year.

On the other hand, you have Hannah Montana herself. Cyrus, who grew up on a 500 acre farm in Tennessee before making it to Hollywood as a Disney child star, has hit the age where she's rebelliously finding her identity as a grown up rock star. Like many child stars, she has found the "bad boy/girl" temptation-filled lifestyle appealing now than the heavy parent-protected life of innocence and wholesomeness that they came up in. What's interesting is some of the hobbies and friends she's picked up along the way. In addition to the rock star hair, the provocative clothes, and the overall newfound edginess, she has become infatuated with a product of early-2000's club style hip-hop: Twerking. That's right, the dance style born in Africa, refined by the modern stripper/video chick, and popularized by a hip-hop culture that is enamored with watching and feeling (with their pelvic region) the different ways women can shake the meat on the lower half of their bodies. She was probably behind stage on the set of "Hannah Montana" watching Ying Yang Twins and Two Short videos when her parents weren't looking. Now that her country singer dad isn't lording over her and her weight has made it into the triple digits (hopefully) she thinks she has enough meat to take part in it herself. For the record, I've seen the videos, she may be American's most popular twerker right now, but she lacks the meat in her ass/thigh/hamstring area to be an All-Star at the craft; she gets points for her effort though. Hell, she got sarcastically shouted out by Jay-Z about and that fucker's in his 40s. She's popped up on stage at a Juicy J concert to show off her new 'skill' and probably searches for rappers to party with instead of her former Disney contemporaries and some less twerk-friendly music. My conclusion: Like much of young white America, she wants to be not only Black, but borderline hood because she thinks its cool. But she's overdoing it, you can't go from Taylor Swift to Rihanna overnight. Although she clearly accepts and enjoys hip hop culture, but as Jay-Z has said a good little Disney white girl turned bad (and/or ratchet) in the spotlight is among America's worst nightmares. Although it's not what I want when I talk about a truly diverse and accepting country, Miley entertains me. Hell, I can't imagine how middle America is gonna panic when some Black entertainer or athlete starts stretching her pussy out. Call me vile for the last sentence if you want, but Stop Me When I Start Lying...

Real Talk: Two Substance-less Arguments

I argue quite a lot, about a lot of different things. It's not because I'm just randomly argumentative or get off on being right. Many times it's to get a reaction from others or sometimes just to add humor to a boring situation. But even moreso,  I like seeing how people defend their arguments. I can admire a worthy opponent for providing valuable insight or perspective even if we disagree vehemently. You're not going to agree with everyone; you might as well gain something from the argument. But in the last few years, there have been two major arguments that continue to arise which have virtually no substance beyond the superficial. One of them is sports-related (by in large inconsequential) and the other is a much large human civil issue. The first is the "I hate LeBron, I'll never respect him after "The Decision", he's everything that is wrong with modern sports. The other is "I'm so disgusted by the idea of gay marriage, they're such sinners. I could never support that." Yep, I'm going there. But let's start with LeBron. Get over "The Decision" and the pep rally already. It was a "look at me" move - a "look at me" move that raised over $2 million for the Boys & Girls Club), but a "look at me" move nonetheless - and I understand how anyone from Ohio is heartbroken that he left and furious that he announced it on National TV. Everyone else, shut up. But why is noone mad at Dan Gilbert, the Cavaliers owner, who didn't put talent around him (Mo Williams, the 2nd best player on that team, became the 3rd string point guard for the Clippers the year after LeBron left)? Why isn't anyone mad at the other players in that locker room who hid from him the fact that one of his teammates was sleeping with his mom? I wouldn't trust teammates hiding shit like that from me.Why wasn't anyone mad like that when other all-time great players left small market teams to win in larger markets (Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Shaq, etc.)? You mad about what he said at a pep rally? Any high school football team makes outlandish promises at pep rallies. The point of pep rallies is to hype up the crowd, period. Professional athletes (all eras, all sports, men and women) are a bit vain. After all, ever since Bird & Magic brought the NBA back into the national spotlight, players (especially superstars) are praised by those who live through their successes vicariously. Many of the greatest players ever have personality traits much worse than LeBron's - Jordan's bullying competitiveness and gambling issues, Oscar Robertson's condescending obsessiveness, Wilt's selfishness, widespread infidelity across sports, etc. None of that matters to fans then, why does it now? There are professional athletes getting in trouble for drugs, guns, murder, rape, steroids, etc, where's all the anger then? If you don't like him, say you don't like him. He's the best player in the world and has dis-proven everything people said he couldn't do (win, hit jump shots, hit game winners, make clutch plays, etc). If you're a hater, say that, stop acting like there's any substance to your argument. Next, the homosexuality issue. Crazy enough, I'm going to keep this one shorter than the sports issue. Christianity is being used as a reason to oppose gay marriage beyond judgment. But look back, Christianity was formerly used to oppose interracial marriage, marriage across religions,etc. It was used to support slavery, segregation, the ugly process of colonization, and more. The KKK modeled their hoods after those once worn by European priests. The Bible was written in an age when marriages were widely arranged (between teenagers largely), hormones and mental makeup was not understood, there was no thought of equality or fairness towards women or many ethnicities. With caring for your fellow child of God being a key principle of the religion, the Bible was written in a time period which differed from that mightily. Although it recorded the actions and words of God, the Bible was written by men, each with their own flaws, prejudices, and biases. Religion is not flawed because of any flaws with God; religion is flawed because man is flawed, period. Homosexuality is sin...so is pre-marital sex, telling lies, etc. Why is homosexual monogamy seen as so much more sinful than a heterosexual casual sex and the lying that's often involved? I don't believe people are gay by choice, I believe they're gay by hormonal makeup. We now live in an age where marriages aren't arranged, you can marry who you're attracted to and compatible with. So naturally, if those who are gay don't have to deal with the burden of their families telling them who they're going to marry at age 13 during puberty, they have the choice to choose for themselves. If you're attracted to the same sex, you will probably figure that out soon after puberty and pursue that sex. Would you rather they fake it, leaving them unfulfilled and possibly cheating to satisfy their desires outside of the relationship? Deciding to be unhappily married to someone you're not attracted to may make for more comfortable family pictures to send your parents, but leads to much bigger problems. Heterosexual marriages have about a 50% success rate, do you honestly believe heterosexual marriage will do worse? And here's the big one, the question to end all questions before I end this entry. Let's say you're a preacher standing on the doorstep of your church as people walk up to your door, what is less Christian: A) the fact that that two God-fearing women approaching are in love and married? or B) you shunning away a couple trying to get closer to the Lord because you don't like the fact that they're happily married? Real talk.

Stop Me When I Start Lying: The Perfect Celeb Female Friend

Rihanna. Gorgeous man-eater. Femme Fatale herself. Hot-headed Rock Star Queen. Untameable beautiful beast ...best female friend imaginable? Rihanna....let that sink in. Robin "Rihanna" Fenty, 'Femme Fatale' herself. She's like Poison Ivy from Batman reincarnated as a Caribbean rock star. Let's list some of the detractors we've learned if you're a guy trying to make her your lady (Hello, Chris Brown, Matt Kemp, etc). She's erratic. She's impulsive and simple arguments can become fist fights quickly (That Trinidadian in her) . She's a drinking, smoking party animal who's "open minded sexually"; a nice way of saying she fucks who she wants, when she wants, regardless of what anyone (including he boyfriend/main guy) thinks about it. She's a man-eater who'll love you hard and break your heart if you're shooting for hers. I know all this...but if I was in a room with her. That Poison Ivy potion might pull me in too. That's what makes my guy Wale brilliant. I heard him in an interview recently telling why he loves being platonic friends with her and hasn't attempted anything more. Rihanna is always fun to be around, got her own bread, probably provides alcohol and weed everywhere she goes(I don't smoke, but ppl I know who roll with weed always have friends) rolls with other beautiful party animals (probably safer one night stand/fling candidates than her), she seems a little bi-curious (you could be front row to some interesting drunken sights), likes strip clubs, likes sporting events, knows music (also Wale's passion), and got connections worldwide. On top of all that, she can help you make a hit single and she'd probably beat some chick's ass if she hurt you. It's perfect. Whether you're in the mood to see some naked women, a ballgame, party, or just get blown and listen to music at the crib, she'd be the perfect female road dog. By not getting involved in her convoluted love/sex life, you're gaining all the advantages while avoiding the downfall of the Black Widow's venom. I salute you, Mr. Folarin. You've figured out that by being cool as hell with her but not fucking her (probably not the easiest to resist), you may  be one of the first guys to get very close to her without the inevitable heartbreak, unsatiated lust, and distraction, violent episodes, etc. I know, sounds crazy telling someone to get close to Rihanna without getting any of that glorious vagina; it does sound crazy but I don't know if the ends justify the means. Stop Me When I Start Lying...

Do Better: Ray J's Salty Ex Anthem

Brandy's little brother was never a favorite of mine to begin with. I don't know why this munchkin motherfucker is even  famous. He never struck me as an above average artist and God knows he can't act. Yet and still he ended up on TV shows and always proceeded to stink those shits up royalty. I hate his guts and didn't have solid reason why outside of being another relatively talentless famous person who finds a way to make paychecks. But his recent antics, they are more than just cause. He is now in the position so many bitter men have been in where your ex or old fling is now a 'somebody' and has moved on to bigger and better things than you. Kim Khardashian, a relatively talentless beneficiary of the reality TV age herself, was just a pretty face in the Hollywood social crowd until her sex tape with Ray J when viral. Since then, she's become a model, actress (I didn't say a good one), businesswoman, mult-millionaire. She's since dated an NFL player women fight over, was briefly (very) married to an NBA player, and is now with Kanye West, a transcendent music superstar. Who's Ray J dating? Who knows? Better yet, who cares? So what does Ray J's salty ass do? He tries to grab headlines and undermine her current relationship by making a song called "I Hit It First" playing the only card he has in this issue. That's some real weak shit. That's really the only thing that can get you into headlines in 2013? Stop It. News flash: Somebody took Beyonce's virginity...whoever he is, she wouldn't look twice at him now. Security would probably get called on this nigga trying to get within 10 feet of her. Jay's got her as a worldwide icon and entrepreneur  they're among the most powerful couples in the world. Which guy is winning? Same could be said with someone like Gabrielle Union. U think the guy who took her virginity comforts himself by thinking he's better than D-Wade because he got to Gabby first? I hope not; otherwise he's weak as shit too. Would he stand a chance trying to get her back today? Absolutely not. Ray J, let it go. I'm not even a Kim K fan but she's outgrown you and moved onto bigger and better things. Live with it. I'm sure there are still amateur models willing to sleep with you hoping you'll springboard them into the environment to meet some real celebrities (like them women from "For the Love of Ray J" who came on the show pursuing their own celebrity). Keep your mouth shut and move forward, Kanye can squash what little career you have. Do Better...

Some Kinda Way

Disclaimer: If you're a woman I used to date/talk to who complained about my lack of emotion, please stop reading right here. No good can come of you reading this blog entry...

I was never actually sure what the term "some kinda way" really meant; I'm still not sure there is one accepted meaning. I've heard it in a handful of different contexts. But nonetheless, I've found someone that I feel "some kinda way" about. I'm still not really sure how it even happened. I'm usually the dude making fun of "sucker for love" ass dudes, calling em soft or simps. They get open all early, start spending crazy money, jumping through hoops and end up having a woman walk all over them. Let's be clear, I'll never again be a simp, but I'm in a position that's very odd to me right now. This blog is based on displaying the many layers of myself (jock, nerd, musichead, goon, moralist, conspiracy theorist, etc); but noone knew I had an inner romantic, NOT EVEN ME. I feel like one of those dudes in the corny commercials for ED or something.
 I've been dating this woman 2-3 months...I repeat, only 2-3 fucking months... and I'm so blown away that I'm doing things I typically don't do. I've seen so many women use titles to try to control (and at times, terrorize) their men, I've been very careful giving the "girlfriend" title away. We clicked so fast, she had it in a matter of weeks. I've been very anti- long distance relationship because I hated the possibility of being lonely in a relationship. She lives 4 hours away and somehow keeps me company and infatuated anyway; it helps that its driving distance and we see each other every other week. I've always been opposed to letting women leave stuff at my house, her bridesmaid dress and earrings have been here for weeks and I don't mind at all. One time she was here for some days straight, I handed her my spare key so she can come and go as she pleases without even thinking about it; that has never happened previously. I always believed you needed to be serious and deep in before meeting the family; she met mine in less than a month, I met hers a week later. I've since met her best friend, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. I spent all day Easter (church, brunch, dinner) with them. Be reminded, I'm in month 3. I let her plan out MY birthday weekend. Think about that for a minute. I was reading old (like 08) stuff she wrote on her computer to learn more about her and found myself slightly bitter wishing I was the only guy she'd ever had memories with...these actions and thoughts were all previously no-nos. We're acting like we've been together for a year when I hadn't met her when the calender for 2013 changed. I've met and spent time with so many wonderful, beautiful talented women who I truly cared (in some cases, still care) for and was somewhat "hooked on" at some point. It was absolutely nothing like this. That shouldn't be seen as a poor reflection on the women of the past because I cherish my time and experiences with them. But I've hit something uncontrollable in this case; things took off faster than I could've imagined. The word I constantly use is "scary" because I was truly petrified at how quickly things progressed. The old me is still in the back of my mind saying "Slow down homie, how you know she's not playing you? Don't be like some of your boys" But it's like I can't stop. As my friend would say "I've never seen two non-desperate intelligent and attractive people gravitate to each other as fast as you two did."

She has a combination of factors that are somewhat like voodoo to me; it's not the big things - although she is beautiful, intelligent, open-minded, has a nice shape, and a great personality - it's the small things. She's an PhD student who I can talk about all my inner nerd interests with; she's as into some of them as me (we can watch HGTV together all day long). She did something that noone has been able to do for me in years; she made me feel so special on my birthday. She bought me an amazing watch (one of my addictions), she had her family (most of whom I'd only met once/twice before Easter) to make me a lemon birthday cake complete with candles and singing "Happy Birthday". I'm humorous, I'm pretty good at making people laugh, it's a bonus when I'm dating someone who can truly truly make me laugh back. She can make me laugh until my stomach hurts. When I'm having a rough day, she can make all the troubles melt away with just a kiss, a smile, a rub on the back of my head, and a little singing to me; she has an angelic singing voice. In the past, my preferred stress relief method has been slow head; she doesn't even have to. To be clear, slow head is still highly appreciated though; I'm still a man after all. As happy as I am in my relationship, daily I ask myself, "how did this happen to me?" I'm not sappy, I don't commit early. When I've been into a wonderful lady, I often think of them throughout the day. But here I am, going to bed and waking up thinking about this woman. She makes me wanna be better to make sure I deserve her. I see beautiful women while I'm out and say in my mind "Wow, she is gorgeous...she ain't got it like my girl though". I've never truly been in love so I don't know where the line is. But I'm in uncharted waters and I'm hoping I can swim instead of sinking. But even as I'm flailing trying to stay afloat, I'm not sure I've ever been happier.

The Joys of Private School Coaching

For a little over a month now, I've been volunteer coaching at a local Christian Private school as a track coach. A family friend has kids who compete on the team and told me that they lacked someone who could adequately coach the long jump and triple jump; the events that I made my track career on. I was a top-5 jumper nationally in high school, went to Georgia Tech on a full track scholarship, and became an all-ACC and national recognized jumper in college. Now that I'm no longer competing and have settled into a professional life, the least I can do is give back. One thing I underestimated is the culture shock of heading to a small, private school. Being the product of a public school in a fair-sized city (I'm from Charlotte, NC which is bigger than most people believe), I'm used to a certain level of talent, coordination, and athleticism. it's a little different at a small private school. But to an extent, I like the change. I'm an optimist and working with these kids who can not simply rely on their natural talent, they're very inclined to listen and try as hard as they can. That's the most you can every ask for as a coach. I'll take a less talented athlete who listens and works hard over a supremely talented athlete who doesn't listen or work hard any day. As easy as it is to let your competitiveness compel you and compare them to my former self, that would be futile. I'm trying to get them completely our of the habit of comparing to others and get them discovering what they can do and strive towards progress. None of these kids seem headed to be college athletes or win awards for their sports accomplishments. Nonetheless, individual sports like track are great for building self-esteem and work ethic because you get to directly see your hard work reap rewards through improvement in times and jumps. I'm still working on getting the full potential out. But I'm determined to unlock improvement and thus self-confidence in a relatively untalented and athletic but receptive group of jumpers. Stay tuned...

Do Better: Alex Collins' Mother

As big of a sports addict as I am, National Signing Day is one of the few sports-related things I just can't get into; along with hockey, regular season baseball, and pseudo-sports/skilled hobbies like NASCAR (I've had plenty of arguments about that one). However, I do recognize that for a 17-18 year old kid to have a nationally televised press conference revealing where he's decided to play his sport in college could turn out to be the highlight of his life. I was an all-ACC college athlete and I've seen so many athletes let laziness, attitude or drugs still their potential, have devastating injuries, get killed or end up in the legal system, have children and consequently have to kiss their dreams goodbye, or even just not fit into the system they entered. I say all that to say, there are a lot of #1 ranked high school prospects who never made the pros, never won college awards, etc. It's had to keep succeeding as you increase competition level. Combine that with the fact that choosing your college is one of the more important decisions in your life and National Signing Day is huge for a kid at that age. That's why I was so disappointed when I heard that Alex Collins' (#13 RB from Plantation, FL, a Miami suburb) National Letter of Intent never made it the fax machine (this is the only time its likely still used) at the University of Arkansas, because his mother came to his school and took and hid it because she disapproved of his decision. She and the family had been pressuring him for years to attend the University of Miami, less than 30 mins from home. He committed early there at one point, and later de-committed to explore more options. She likely assumed he was still going there, as she drove to his school to sign the letter (he's not yet 18 and needs a parental signature too). When she saw what school was on the letter, she snapped and left with the letter; he had to cancel his press conference and everything. Lady,  this isn't about you. I get that you don't wanna let your son go, it happens to a lot of parents. But it's not your choice to make. I mean damn, he picked as SEC school. He didn't opt to turn down Miami to sell dope, or to try to become a rapper; it was a legitimate alternative. My parents taught me that the difference between being a child and being an adult is the ability to make your own decisions and live with the consequences. For a kid in his shoes, this may be the first meaningful decision that was every truly his to make. He went on visits, he talked to coaches, he made his mind up. And now his mother has not only snatched his nationally televised TV moment, but also his confidence that he could make this decision for himself. How is he going to grow into a man if you won't let him pick the school HE will have to live at, study at, eat at, and play ball at for the next 3-4-5 years? As a man, much of what has given me the confidence to make and stand by my decisions is trial and error; I've made decisions that work, that don't work, and had to deal with the consequences even when they're ugly. It's part of life. My parents, regardless of their personal preferences, have sat me down, made sure that I've thought through my big decisions (which I always do before discussing it with them) and supported my decisions, even when it's something drastic they wouldn't do like going to live in Southeast Asia for 18 months. It's been essential to my liberation as a man. I'm 25 and out on my own, when I'm making a decision , the thought "Are my parents going to LET me do this?" doesn't cross my mind. She's crippling her son to this kind of thought process. Ma'am, let this moment, which was created by your son's talent and hard work, be about your son and not you. He has to start being a man at some point. Do Better baby...

Conspiracy Brother: Black History Month

DISCLAIMER: I almost made this into a "Real Talk" segment and spoke in a serious tone. But instead, I chose to approach this subject from the perspective of my inner Conspiracy Brother and we have a lot on our collective minds about Black History Month. I'm gonna tell you what Ali is yelling about in the picture above. lol.

Black History is part of American history. We shouldn't need to celebrate a separate Negro History month by itself because of how its ingrained in the very fabric of our country. BUT, it makes me mad every time I hear a non-Black person try to make that argument? Why? Because our history still doesn't get taught like American history. You can eliminate a month long celebration ("the Man" gave us the shortest month of the year conveniently) when you start incorporating all of the history taught then in traditional textbooks. But we all know that's not gonna happen. White ppl are more comfortable given credit to so much ancient knowledge (philosophy, mathematics, early medicine, etc) to the Greeks and Romans than to the Civilizations of Kemit (the white man renamed it Egypt) and Timbuktu; these were the African knowledge centers that foreigners often visited to learn but they won't tell you that. It's convenient to say Christopher Columbus discovered America because he sailed for the right people who spread the world, made the maps, etc. Evidence shows that Asians and Africans made it to North America some 75-80 years before Columbus; but of course that's swept under the rug. But let me bring it back to an American level. When Lewis Latimer takes his rightful place in textbooks as the man whose filament was key to making Thomas Edison's light bulb work, we won't need Black History Month. When ppl realize that the people they credit for inventing Rock & Roll (the Beatles, the Stones, Elvis, etc) gained their influence (and in the case of the Rolling Stones, their group name) from Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and little known Ike Turner, we may not need Black History month. When textbooks reflect that the Civil Rights Movement was much more than choice MLK soundbites and acknowledge the contributions of many more involved individuals (including the very misunderstood Malcolm X, pictured above with Muhammad Ali), we may not need Black History Month. Speaking unheralded Civil Rights activism, Ali - as well as Bill Russell, Jim Brown, and others of the time period - brought a social consciousness and  activism in society and politics that athletes are now entirely unwilling to engage in for financial reasons; this should be documented. The first Black millionaire, Madam CJ Walker, should be listed as a great entrepreneur for her success in a time of racial oppression. George Washington Carver should be recognized as one of the brighter scientific minds of the 20th century, he has hundreds of valuable patents, mention more than just Peanut Butter. Benjamin Banneker should be listed as a great Architect and city planner as well. I could go on for days. Our textbooks must shed their current bias and educate our youth more comprehensively about the contributions from people of all colors, creeds, and religions. Mother fuckers need to stop disrespecting my history. Until then, use February to learn yourself and educate others for Black History. Here are the names of 28 ppl I've been posting on Facebook (one for each day) to educate others. If you don't know them, Google them...

• Lewis Latimer
• Muddy Waters & Chuck Berry
• Doug Williams (Super Bowl Special)
• Walter Massey
• Thurgood Marshall
• Stepin Fetchit
• Romare Bearden
• Ruth Simmons
• Pearl Bailey
• Madam CJ Walker
• John H. Johnson
• Jill Elaine Brown
• Ida B. Wells
• Hiram Revels
• Hazel W. Johnson
• Gwendolyn Brooks
• Gordon Parks
• Garrett A. Morgan
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Berry Gordy
• Booker T Washington/W.E.B. DuBois
• Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr.
• Ben Carson
• Alvin Ailey
• Alexandre Dumas
• Charles Drew
• Ralph Bunche
• Benjamin Banneker

A Last Dance for the Ages

That's the storybook ending to a legendary career. Despite the storm of controversy (PEDs, 2000 charges, etc), a mid-game power outage, and a difficult opponent hellbent on coming back, Ray Lewis goes out holding the Lombardy trophy with the confetti falling on him. Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Ray Rice and the rest of the gang win their first championship on a team that's been elite for 5-6 years but could never get over the hump. Joe Flacco comes up big (possibly making himself a lot of money) in the biggest game and earns a Super Bowl MVP trophy. Although I feel bad for Randy Moss and I generally do like the 49ers, this was the Ravens' moment, this was the last moment of Ray's last ride. It was perfect for him...

Wintertime, Beautiful but Annoying

Sarcasm, It's What I Do

I saw this and found it absolutely hilarious but very true. I used to be nice - like supremely, naively nice - I gotten taken advantage of and I grew up. Amongst other things, now I'm sarcastic and at times vulgar often for the purpose of emphasis or humor. Deal with it. As the poster above displays, it's more peaceful and less tense than some of the alternative ways to make the same kind of point. Call me what you'd like, the next fuck I give will be the first. I've Been Called Worse...

My Inner Goon: Baby Mothers

This was hilarious when I saw it. But be careful running around telling everyone that every chick you mess with is a dime. Some guys out fucking up, smashing that fat/ugly/subpar slump buster with no condom and no pull out. That evidence will share you around. Many guys, myself included, have that Inner Goon; you gotta try to be responsible with that nigga though. The word don't need more half ugly children whose dad is slack because he's mad he got an undesirable pregnant. Life is short my ass. Your Inner Goon just signed you up for 18 years of possible misery...

Do Better: Your Debt to the King

I know the title is confusing, keep reading; it will make sense. Yesterday, January 21, 2013 was Obama's second Inauguration Day. I won't besmirch the historical significance of this as this could possibly be the last time we see a Black president inaugurated; I hope not, I hope the Presidency becomes more diverse going forward (race, gender, etc), but it could also be the last. However, even bigger than that is the fact that it was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I somewhat pity all the Obama-MLK comparisons because despite his amazing achievement, the constraints of partisan politics (increasingly so due to bitterness towards Obama) limit his the pace and effectiveness of truly making his desired mark; even as President, King's shoes may be too big to fill. I honestly believe a lot of people still undervalue just how different our society would be without the Civil Rights Movement, which MLK was the face of; no disrespect to Abernathy and all those behind the scenes and even Malcolm X who had a different approach. My entire point whenever I mention this name is not to preach about what he did in his life time, it's about what's he's doing for us today. Those involved in the Movement - particularly King's nonviolent demonstrations - were willing to face arrests, physical harm, and even murder with no reciprocation to attain the opportunities that too many (be reminded, he wasn't just fighting for Black ppl, he fought for all equality) take for granted today. Even if you're slack and can't muster any initiative or motivation out of yourself or even your close support group, there's no way you should be able to look at this man and not feel some responsibility to do better for yourself. Just a generation or two ago, your ancestors didn't have the chances you have now; the institutionalized racism/sexism/other bigotry that's still present is NOTHING compared to the Jim Crow era and its immediate aftermath. You have no excuse, get that molasses out of your ass and make something of yourself. So no, I wasn't telling Obama or MLK to do better, I'm talking to everyone out there who's making excuses to themselves (too hard, takes too long, not fun, etc) not to do something with yourselves. You don't owe it to me, you don't even owe it to yourself, but you owe the ghost of the King and the rest of your ancestors who fought and died so the American Dream could be yours too. Do Better...

Swag Must Die: Ill-Advised Ray Tribute

Yo, I'm excited that Ray's last ride is going to the Super Bowl too, but this man here is over doing it. No grown man should dedicating his appearance to another grown man at this level. Seriously, where the fuck do you work where you can show up like this with no problems? I wouldn't buy insurance from a mother fucker with bangs being used as a Raven's beak. Excuse me buddy, how much did you pay someone to fuck your head up in this manner? Sir, your swag must die...

Do Better: Really Manti Te'o?

I'm taking bets that this is the first star football player at Notre Dame, one of the most obsessed and successful football schools, who could not pick up tangible and certifiable women. Make me an offer, I'd bet almost anything that this is a first; I don't care that he wasn't a Heisman finalist yet when this happened, he was still a starting football player at Notre Dame. I was an athlete at Georgia Tech and the bench riding football players were dating beautiful women just because they had a uniform.  This has been on my mind for days now because it's the only way any of this story makes any sense. It's terrible that some guy and his female cousin set up and implemented a hoax posing at a leukemia-ridden woman (using the picture of one woman and the name of another) to fool a college athlete purely for entertainment. What makes matters even worse is they arranged for their created character to die of her leukemia right after the kid's grandmother (whose real, confirmed) died; it's borderline sickening that people stoop this low for no discernible reason. For him to be naive enough to not pick up on the fact that things were right and desperate enough to feel the need to embellish it, what other explanation is there? Like most guys who are embarrassed about their inability to get women in college (I had a roommate in college who I to this day think was lying to hide his homosexuality), Manti was lying on his dick about a girl he had never even met (or even see on Skype, Face Time, Oovoo, etc). That's why his teammates claim they knew something was fishy before this scam broke. "Stop lying Manti, she's not your girl. You didn't meet her." No Manti, apparently you didn't talk to her for 4 hours a night for 5 months; unless this is the most effective and dedicated con-woman in the history of mankind. She got that kind of time to devote to toying with you? Does she not have a job, kids, or her own life? Unless she's being paid handsomely by the man identified as the mastermind (who apparently ran a similar scam on someone 4 years ago), I have no idea why she continued to participate. I've heard the idea that maybe he was involved setting up the hoax to garner more attention for his Heisman campaign. However this doesn't make sense because 1) Notre Dame was not seen as a National Championship contender a year ago, they didn't even enter the season ranked. We had never heard of him, he wasn't on the Heisman radar and even wasn't after this happened; he got notoriety when Notre Dame started playing good. 2) That would be assuming he started a hoax in preparation of his grandmother dying so he could claim this fake chicks death compounded at the same time. I don't know Manti personally but his reputation is too good and I'm too optimistic to truly believe he'd stoop that low. I realize that certain questions won't be answered (you loved her but didn't attempt to go to her funeral? console her family?) but fuck it, I don't believe he did it. He's meeting with advisers about how to 'respond' to this confusing situation, but I don't think there's anything he can say were he doesn't end looking incredibly desperate or naive; Steve Urkel (the nerd, not his alter ego Stefan) is laughing at his inability to pull women. I have all the advice he needs: If you want to avoid this level of embarrassment ever befalling you again, get your game tight and start pursuing women in person, where they're tangible and confirmed...for him, make sure you're checking for Adam's Apples and nutsacks though. Do Better...

Real Talk: Lance, the dichotomy of a folk hero

This story is about much more than cycling, because Lance Armstrong is much more than a cyclist. Lance Armstrong became a folk hero; had this ugly chapter never taken place, he would've been the subject of Bob Dylan-style folk songs which would've lived forever. He's not famous because he won the Tour De France (who won this year? they still have the event). As a cancer survivor who rode his bike for hours in his hospital room after chemo treatments, he became the superhero who found pummeling the cycling competition easy compared to the epic battle that he won against cancer; that's why he was famous. His foundation Livestrong (whose band I'm still wearing and refuse to take off because of the effect the foundation has had) has raised over $500 MILLION for cancer research, saving an immeasurable amount of lives along the way. I heard Scott Van Pelt of ESPN say "the easiest story to sell is a story that people want to here." If the story ends there, it's a heroic story of epic proportions. You'd see this man in person and want to run up and kiss his feet. Problem is, he'd probably kick you in the face. By multiple accounts from many ppl who have met him or know him personally, he's a terrible person; egotistical, self-centered, merciless  manipulative, deceptive, calculated, and without shame. As the sport's reputation continued to fade due to so many big names being implicated in either PED use or blood doping, they started snitching (I don't fuck with snitches, if you're man enough to cheat, be man enough to shut up and accept when you're caught red handed) on Lance. Then, he told the lie we all wanted to hear; even if we knew it didn't make sense. So here we all were believing - well, more hoping - that in a sport full of dopers, the one guy who's clean is destroying all the dopers. Hell, they can't give away his stripped Tour De France titles, because all the guys who got 2nd and 3rd in those competitions were dirty too. Not only did he lie though (which honestly was understandable at that time), he vehemently and vociferously denied the charges, even going so far as to go on a internationally respected show like "Larry King Live" and used the "I beat a death sentence like cancer, why would I risk my health again?" narrative on TV; that was pretty low in hindsight. He then viciously and mercifully decided to ruin the lives (via lawsuits, defamation, alienation, etc.) of all his accusers and even everyone who disagreed with him; All while knowing they were telling the truth. The truth, or at least what he currently know of it is this: 1) Lance Armstrong admitted in an interview with Oprah Winfrey (a fairly safe person to confess to) to using PEDs and blood doping with what seemed like a very calculated, one-word answer laden, non-contrite interview. He brought his team of lawyers and crisis counselors with him so he didn't overly expose himself. 2) USADA stripped him of his 7 Tour De France titles after their investigation (including testimony from countless former teammates and competitors) led them to the conclusion that he ran "the most sophisticated doping program on the planet." 3) Even Livestrong, the organization that he founded/elevated, has cast him out due to the USADA actions. So which part of his story should last? This is why the dichotomy of influential human beings interests me. I've heard arguments he's still the best cyclist of all time, he was the best cheater (with the best back story) among a sport where every prominent performer was cheating; this is likely the dirtiest sport of them all. Regardless of the actions that lifted his foundation to prominence, the amount of good that Livestrong has done far outweighs the results of bike races. ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, who is fighting cancer, loves Lance for what Livestrong has done and I fully understand how him and anyone else who's dealt with cancer would feel that way. But at the same time, what we've now found - which was irrelevant to us before - is that he's a terrible person who ruined lives to sell the public on his lies. In baseball, those implicated with PEDs attempted to stay secluded hoping not to be subpoenaed long enough to slide into the Hall of Fame. They didn't go to Larry King's desk and use his show on a platform to put their acting lessons on display for their grand lie. It's easy to ask how he slept at night through all of this. I wish I could ask him, but I doubt I'd get a straight answer. This is a very convoluted study in the dichotomy of a man whose good deeds and fatal flaws provoke a twisted polarity. It's on each of us to decide what we believe he should truly be remembered for. Real Talk...

Ray Lewis: The end of an unprecedented reign of MLB

First and foremost, isn't that an ill picture of Ray Lewis? The intensity, the muscles, the grass in his hand, the pyrotechnics in the background. It looks like introduction of the heavyweight champion in the glory days of the WWF (before this WWE business). In a way, that's precisely what it is. Ray Lewis IS Middle Linebacker, no. Ray Lewis IS defense, no. Ray Lewis IS football. He's the immovable object waiting for you. He's that big bad motherfucker who you spent all week preparing for nothing because he's still bringing you the pain all day Sunday. He's brought intensity, athleticism, instinct, and intimidation to the highest level of defensive play for 17 years. SEVENTEEN FUCKING YEARS!! That's like an oximoron when you're talking about Middle Linebacker. Along with running back, it's one of those positions that features so much hitting and punishment that a decade is plenty to call a good career at the position. Ray's played twice as long as Dick Butkus, 50% longer than Mike Singletary, Jack Lambert and so many more of the greats. All this while playing at an elite level (no offense, London Fletcher) in an age featuring the biggest, fastest, strongest, and most skilled players we've ever seen; Ray Nitschke and Chuck Bednarik would need some HGH to bang with these boys. Many of his predecessors even admit that (find a recent "Greatest Linebacker of All Time" list he's not on top of). He epitomizes being the heart and soul of a franchise. He's been the driving force of a Ravens defense that's been historically dominant since it won a SuperBowl back before the arrival of all-Worlds Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed (Tony Siragusa, anyone?). He was SuperBowl MVP despite the slander of his name after getting in potentially disastrous trouble soon before. That trouble now seems like a lifetime ago as he's been a model leader, teammate, and off-field humanitarian ever since. Who doesn't wanna play on a team with Ray Lewis? The only reason he doesn't have a fist full of rings is the team's perpetual unsuccessful search for a true franchise QB; he got Trent Dilfer a Super Bowl ring as a parting gift before he got cut that offseason for his subpar play. He's the Shaq of my generation's football fandom; no disrespect to Wilt Chamberlain (or in this case Nitschke, Bednarik, Butkus, even LT) but like Shaq in his prime, Ray Lewis is the most dominant force I've set eyes in this position. I guess I knew he had to retire some day - even if I was denying it to myself - and honestly I'm thankful that he told us up front that it would be at the end of this year. It was appropriate that his last game at home, Sunday's shellacking of the Colts (poor Andrew Luck, no worries you have time), began and ended with Ray's signature dance, filled with stellar defense play in the middle. Even if it ends as soon as next week in Denver (don't get me started on Peyton's greatness), I'm thankful I was able to witness such an illustrious run from the best to ever do it at MLB. I'll defend my position calling him the G.O.A.T. to anybody, anytime. He made me root for the Ravens when my teams weren't involved. Hell, he had me watching linebacker play when it was so easy to just be focused on offense. I doubt I'll ever lay eyes on another Ray Lewis in my generation. See you in Canton in five years #52.

Do Better: Rex Ryan's bromance tattoo

Do not adjust your computer monitor, you are seeing this correctly; click it for an enlarged view if you feel the need. That is a tattoo of a woman wearing a #6 Mark Sanchez Jets jersey on Rex Ryan's shoulder. Ryan, head coach of the New York Jets, is lucky to still have his job with the Jets. Despite the fact that he's a good defensive coach, his personality and bluster have allowed the team to become a circus. Among his many ill-advised quotes and actions, one of the biggest reasons is his handling of the team's QB situation. He's hitched his future to the sinking ship that is Mark Sanchez (who hasn't seemed to develop, or possibly even regressed in his 4 years). This situation was exacerbated when they decided to get the most high profile, polarizingly divisive, mania-creating backup QB imaginable despite Sanchez's lack of confidence and subpar play; that would be Tim Tebow. Yet Ryan's been fiercely loyal to Sanchez to a fault; at some point, Tebow or McIlroy should have been allowed more opportunity while they were still playing meaningful football. Now as both he and Sanchez are on the chopping block, it surfaces that he has a tattoo of a woman (possibly his wife, who has her own crazy antics. Google "Michelle Ryan foot fetish" or look her up on MediaTakeOut if you don't believe me) wearing a Mark Sanchez jersey. Stop with the bromance and if you're lucky enough to retain your job, do whatever gives your team the best chance to win; even if it means parting with or benching the QB with whom your bromance warranted a tattoo. Rex, for the sake of your team, Do Better...

Django Unchained: Mixed Feelings

Have you ever been disappointed in yourself for being caught off-guard by something? As my logical mind takes back over now that my initial impulsive reaction has faded, that's how I feel about the movie Django: Unchained. From the previews, I fully believed this to be a revenge, shoot em up Western where the protagonist happens to be a former slave rather than an cowboy who goes to rescue the girl; all Tarantino style action (think Kill Bill and Shoot 'Em Up) with just enough flashbacks and vignettes to establish a bit of a storyline. What I wasn't ready for were the lengths that Tarantino would go to establishing the setting of 1850's Mississippi. Setting the movie slave backdrop in movies typically includes some whipping, some fierce talk, maybe inhumane working conditions, etc. A lot of Americans - black, white, and other - don't want to face the true degree of savagery that took place and furthermore it's hard to decipher exactly how graphic you can be about in the cinema for the masses to see. Well, Quentin Tarantino has never had that trepidation about finding the line of political correctness/appropriateness. He seems himself as an artist unbounded by societal standards of political correctness or decency. I'm told that me made a remark saying that "Roots" wasn't realistic enough about how heinous slavery was; I found this out since seeing the movie of course. So he kicked his depiction of slavery up a notch from what you're used to. I'm talking slaves getting eaten by dogs on camera. I'm talking a smiling slave master (Leo DiCaprio) instructing slave fighter to kill his opponent with a hammer simply to stay in the master's good graces. I'm talking a white man with Jamie Foxx's genitalia in one hand and a heated hunting knife in the other preparing to castrate him as he hangs in a device which appeared designed for that very purpose. I'm talking slaves put into a cast iron chest in the middle of a field in the middle of Mississippi summer and left there for 10 days as punishment for disappointing the improvised authority on the plantation. I'm talking a slave master explaining that he doesn't understand why the slaves don't rise up and kill the white people before threatening to bash Kerry Washington's beautiful skull in simply to prove his point that Blacks are dumb and subservient. And more. Then on another note, you had the actors' performances themselves. I recently watched Robert De Niro on "Inside the Actor's Studio" when he said it's not an actor's job to judge the character, just to understand him and portray him. But that didn't make it any easier to see DiCaprio, Don Johnson, and other contemporary actors very comfortably and casually throwing around the N word and cracking offensive jokes. The worst part was seeing Samuel L. Jackson as the ultimate House Nigga, he's the old, surly, foul-mouthed representation of Black self hatred itself. At one point he goes so far as to brag to Django about the different horrendous things that he and his masters have done to Blacks in the past. It was even more uncomfortable when you notice just how hard some of the White people in the theater laughed at some of the jokes I couldn't bear to laugh at. Although I have to admit it was a very well made movie, it was difficult to watch at times; my date that night is still offended by it over a week later. I will admit, there are times were Tarantino strikes comedic genius despite the grotesque periodical backdrop (a scene with the Klan complaining that the eye holes on their hood bags aren't adequate). It is also nice in the midst of that backdrop to see a former slave hero who shoots (and at one point whips) slave masters and will do anything to get his girl back. I had to marinate on this movie, watch some video of the actors speaking about it, and sleep on it and now I've arrived at this: I have to get over it or be labeled a hypocrite. I always say that the first step for America to move past racism is be honest about it, which will involve some uneasy moments; although this wasn't an activist call to face the realities of slavery, this is an example. Although I know that slavery is much worse than portrayed in any film we've ever seen (including this one), something about seeing new atrocities depicted or being taken away into a movie which recreates that period is still unsettling at the time. Tarantino has never been shy about controversial subjects (Nazi Germany, etc) or the even N-word, so it would do no good to try to reprimand him for the controversial nature of the film. But maybe we needed this. It gets people talking. Slavery was similar to a holocaust which lasted 500 years instead of 5; we - particularly white people - must escape the misconception that this was just Africans forced to do volunteer work. Our country was largely built on the backs of a population who were stripped from their homeland and forced through torture, castration, murder, rape, and more to do the dirty work for the businessmen that claim to have made our country great. the sooner we see these things and start being honest about them and their unmistakable effect on our country ever since, the sooner we can move past our taboos and start to build understanding.