I’ve come to think the best writers are wanderers. They stroll blissfully through the mind on an unprovoked quest to find their way through a story, to the end. Each turn is a new beginning, each person a new twist, each thunderstorm a Segway to a new segment of a tale. And the vagabond who galavants through the corridors of the mind, connecting all the dots with glee and then leaving each memory behind, is a truly joyful soul. Continue reading
Yesterday my mom called me and urged me to buy a Powerball ticket. “It’s $500 million. You can’t win if you don’t play.” I sighed, and informed her that the odds of winning are worse than the odds of earning it. I don’t have actual numbers to substantiate my claim, but I’m pretty sure she’s not going to fact check me. (I learned it from watching Romney) That being said, I bought two Powerball tickets and began dreaming of what I would do if I won the lotto. Aside from giving money to family, friends, and charity, what would you do? Here’s my list… Continue reading
While I was re-watching the Wire for the third time, a particular line struck me. “It’s not difficult to kill people who are already in the business of killing themselves.” I know… It’s a little dramatic. Even though the line refers to the murderous cycle of drug using and dealing, it is relevant to our seemingly mundane lives. Like the addict who pours poison in his lungs and veins to temporary escape his own realities, we have become addicted to the fast paced American lifestyle of greed, materialism and the quick win. Continue reading
Foremost, this post was inspired by a conversation I had with my friend and mentor Coach Be coupled with watching the “Marley documentary”
Hip Hop has become a satire of itself. Don’t believe me? Try to make a hook/chorus-line that’s so outrageously ignorant that it’s funny. Did it sound something like the Billboard Top 5 rap songs for the week of Sept 1, 2012? Is it just harmless entertainment? Lupe Fiasco doesn’t think so and I agree. Continue reading
Yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with a friend from Detroit about the declining humanity of the American poor. Close living quarters, lack of resources, and an inability to maneuver the legal system disproportionately devastates low income communities. With murder, robberies and vicious assaults on the rise, it seems the respect for life has been replaced with the respect for status and material possessions.
My friend asked, “Why are so many young men so eager to throw their life and their neighbor’s life away? My answer: For some people, a thug’s life is the path of least resistance. Continue reading
In order to grow, you have to experience everything, but in moderation. -Compay Segundo
Imagine a world where everyone lived in moderation – No hording of wealth and resources from the 1%, and no such thing as the “working poor.” This utopia may never exist but by living moderately, we can achieve an utopian life.
The basic principle of living moderately is to live by two rules: Continue reading
Billions of dollars are spent each year on products and services promising to make you fit, rich, loved and/or smart. Most of these products and services are merely schemes to make you appear “better” but do not even attempt to make you well. The truth is… all of the books, pills, blenders, instructional videos, online courses, and dating websites in the world are useless unless you change your attitude and actions. Continue reading
In March 2010, I moved to Washington D.C.. In my mind it was going to be a fresh start in a new “movers and shakers” city, which was closer to my long-time friends and family. In my last year in the ATL, I said frequently and with disdain, “I’ve outgrown this place!” Well, it seems I was somewhat mistaken. Actually, I outgrew the the Atlanta version of me. Continue reading