Lack of Black Love [pt. 2]

Second entry:

23 Dec 2010

For some reason I was never keen on reading Hill Harper’s book The Conversation. I picked it up the other day at the book store [since I do have much time on my hands]. The beginning of this book amazed me. I honestly thought this book was written for the whining females and impatient men who cannot have genuine relationships. Which I guess is true to an extent for it does focus on fostering healthy communication. BUT the driving factor for this book was based on our crisis of the black family. Yes a crisis. Read below:

"In 1966, more than 84 percent of all Black children were being raised in two-parent households. in 2006, just forty years later, fewer than 33 percent of all Black children were being raised in two-parent households. That’s a precipitous 51 percent decline. We could blame it on the change in attitudes about marriage over the past forty years, but that still would not explain why, in 2006, more than 80 percent of Asian American children, nearly 75 percent of White American children, and close to 70 percent of Latino American children were being raised in two-parent households."

This is more than complaining about the black man or woman. These relationships that we put NO kind of strength into effects our future. And literally. It effects our children. Who are our people of the future. Our relationship seeps into our babies. Their minds. Their characteristics. Their whole entire being. And well if mama did it alone, so can I. I can hold my own. I don’t need a man…. Catch my drift?

This is a problem.

Lack of Black Love

This was a blog I posted on my tumblr. Wanted to share and get some feed back on. Tried to organize my thoughts without being to long winded or by rambling. But it was hard:

14 Nov 2010

My best friend. Her boyfriend. Very much so in love. They had a problem. Sat down to talk about it. Said a few things that might have hurt one another. No raised voices, yelling, or screaming… Realized that there are some things that they both needed to work on. Internally. There wasn’t any external factors involved. None whatsoever. After the discussion, they went on to cook dinner, talk some more, clean, go to bed finishing off with an I Love You. End of story.

They are both African Americans. Attend a majority school. Now sadly to say, if you were tell someone a story like this (in my environment) to your homegirl and n*gga (a term that we commonly use with no guilt) they wouldn’t believe it. That’s the perfect relationship. “Ain’t no body have all dat.”

This pains me to no end. Why is it so hard, painfully hard, for black love to exist. I’m pro-interracial dating as well. But black love - we have a problem here. And its internal. I have a beginning to the unsuccessful black relationship (in the environment that I am in), but no end. So help me out here:

Education and black love. Back in the day, when African Americans finally had the right to attend universities and colleges they pushed themselves to do better and be better. Thrived in academics. Made a point that I can be just as smart as anyone else lighter than my skin color… We attended HBCUs to be surrounded by amazing black people who too wanted to do something for themselves. Blacks found comfort in their profound people. Wanted to look for a spouse, who the same, wants so much more and BETTER. And then today’s generation decided to slap its disease in our schools. I love my HBCU but I can only count two genuine and heartfelt relationships on this campus. No one comes to school thinking “I’ll meet the one who aspires to be like me or greater…” Because half of these schools are starting to fill with individuals who have no business being here…

50/50. What I have realized within HBCU’s (today and near future) is that there are two crowds. The one who came here to surround themselves around educated beings of the same race and color. The ones who did amazingly well in majority schools. The ones who wanted to find something within their race. Something profound. And there are the ones who got in with there 1.9 GPA and lack of vision in their future. The more-than-a-handful crowd that got in because… well… we wanted more people. So now you have the talented ten looking for another talented ten spouse in a pool of, excuse my words, incompetent individuals.

No pain, no gain. Now our talented ten, who have amazing potential in this society of ours, do not feel the need to push so hard. Because we already know this handful of people are 100 times better than the ones who slipped in, so why give it an extra push to be better and do better when, naturally, I AM better… No more academic pain in our systems. Sad but true. Even I feel the lack of competition in my field. Even I’m guilty for my shamming and effortless work. Which then trickles into the way we carry out our daily deeds. We become lazy with people. We have no patience to work things out with the good people. Because there’s others around who won’t give us so much trouble. We don’t need the difficult. The lack of trust begins. Then society takes over our insecurities with that lack of trust… And then females become crazy by “policing” our men with their every move. And now men not having the patience with the one female who wants to take her time, because there’s another next door that is quick to let you have whatever. it. is. that. you. want. There’s no more “good” pain in our society because we’ve become impatient with it…. Hence we have no great gains in our relationships.

It’s one thing to see it with a group of people who don’t know any better. But this nasty disease is trickling into our own being. We have no healthy relationships. Not even the healthy minded and educated souls of our race have the patience anymore.

That story up there of this “perfect” argument is far from perfect. It’s being real. It’s about understanding. Our relationships die so quick because the minute we get into an argument we leave the option on the table for the other person to walk away. But why does every relationship have to end? Why can’t it just grow?

Now why am I relating this to school? College years are our prime years. Where we grow and we learn and we fall and we jump back up… If this is the example we set in our school… Why would it change when we leave?

My HBCU builds us up for the real world, but slowly took the hope of amazing healthy relationships with our people… I’m trying to figure out when and how it will reverse. Change of action? Change of thought? It’s an aching pain for me…

That’s all for now.

——————

**Side note: I speak from attending an HBCU and seeing the difference in successful relationships after leaving here verses attending a majority university.**

Feed the World

A lengthy piece, but definitely worth the watch. -LK

Discussion: The Pathology of White Privilege

"From the DVD:The Pathology of Privilege Racism, White Denial & the Costs of Inequality. For years, acclaimed author and speaker Tim Wise has been electrifying audiences on the college lecture circuit with his deeply personal take on whiteness and white privilege. In this spellbinding lecture, the author of White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son offers a unique, inside-out view of race and racism in America. Expertly overcoming the defensiveness that often surrounds these issues, Wise provides a non-confrontational explanation of white privilege and the damage it does not only to people of color, but to white people as well. This is an invaluable classroom resource: an ideal introduction to the social construction of racial identities, and a critical new tool for exploring the often invoked - but seldom explained - concept of white privilege. "



special thanks to Damany Jenkins.

Documentary: Corporations

Corporations.

Banning Burqas

Interesting topic that hit the news and global views.

I just was curious about other people's views. Overview: France has banned women from wearing burqas (the black veil that covers the whole body) that predominately targets Muslim women. Now in my opinion, why would you take a right from anyone? The covering of a veil is not a privilege, it's a right. I feel like France crossed the line to become in between people and their cultural beliefs. I'm sure no one would appreciate the government telling them what to do based on their tradition. It does no harm to anyone else.


[Read more.]

Sharing a Thought

written by: Gaby Blanco, HonduranQueeen

Though I haven't posted a blog in a hot minute, my creative writing has not ceased. I owe no one any explanations, or "excuses," therefore I will not bore you with my life; however, there is a thought I would love to share. Especially with all of the ladies who read this blog.

Here it goes: since life is a movie and you are the leading role, why don't you make the effort to co-produce the script?! Why not be an OWNER of what you present to yourself?

I notice a lot of my peers suffer from what I too have become a victim of in the past, and that is feeling sorry for yourself. Though it can be healthy for the ego (maybe twice a year to almost once every few years), I see more women into their superficial selves and what their heart desires rather then cultivating EXACTLY what they want for their future and well-being.

To all of the those who believe in FAITH and the divine (not necessarily on a religious level) you cannot under mind your efforts in meeting God halfway with what God has planned for you. <<< & that is for EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND on a universal level actually, just THINK. >>>
Personally, I've become irritated and slightly annoyed when a woman voices out her weaknesses. And I do not wish to offend ANYONE!.. btw just know I can understand where you are coming from because I too have been there. Those thoughts are more of my timeshare rather then my vacation home now. I visit only when I have invested into feeling/thinking that way because I've placed myself in a situation where the outcome leads me DIRECTLY to that spot. It's never because I seek attention or want a pity party. That is far from a good habit for a lady to have, and I KNOW this. Whenever I notice myself getting down, I think about WHERE MY CONFIDENCE LIES. I know better then to think I require validation from anyone outside of my world, my mind, my spirit. My family cannot even tell me who I am without me KNOWING where I am heading first. Constructive criticism is healthy, however what others feel like YOU should renovate should first be mutual, and second be respectful. Know yourself because you ask and receive advice.

Be an OWNER:
What I mean by BE an owner is, when creating and enforcing a relationship (whether friendly, romantic, or business-orientated), know what you are getting into. Understand your feelings when getting involved with anyone. Understand every step that you are finding challenging to step on. Understand that nothing in your relationship with a person will have you in %100 full control. As women, we are vulnerable, however stronger and more intelligent then a man. Understand THIS! I shouldn't have to say, "only you make yourself happy," BUT I also extend my hands to those who want and need help. Trust me, I lack communication in the "help-me" department, but I kindly let myself know, I am simply getting ahead of myself. It doesn't make me or anyone weak when asking for help. It makes me stronger actually, and trust me, it should make you feel the same too!
Do not be an actor to what you want to call reality, because then you are just as superficial as a wax doll. What it is, is what it should be taken for, at all times. The truth isn't meant to hurt. It's mean to soothe and heal. It meant to set you free, and if you feel at any bit "sorry for yourself" then I challenge you to answer me this question: Where does your confidence lie?

Love yourself, better then any person can ever. Have high expectations when it comes to matters of your heart. Do not C H E A T yourself in believing something because it's easier to handle or swallow. CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SEEK CONFIDENCE. Everything in the light shines onto your personna, your aura, which then snowball effects to your overall attitude and perspective of things. Life is truly as beautiful as you are and you MAKE it be.
I speak highly of love because I know that is the one element of freedom that is often manipulated for power. You don't have to believe in God, Jah, Allah to know that love exist at your sole core of your being that is your heart. Don't allow for your heart to trick your mind. You are more powerful then you {THINK.} LOVE is more powerful than any of us wish it was. Everything good, positive, loving, intelligent, resourceful, questionable deserves you energy. When you put your energy into light, knowledge illuminates your heart, spirit, mind, and core.

I want all of my peers& readers to know that CONFIDENCE is the one things no one can ever strip you of, unless you have never been in the face of adversity or humility. Don't become a victim of your circumstances because of your past. Remain humble, pick your battles, and KNOW when to shine! Look forward and be EXCITED to know that you possess the POWER to change your every curve on your body, every feeling in your heart, and ever negative thought in your mind to work for Y O U! The beautiful you is given the privilege to continue to seek your passion and live out your dreams.

Set your confidence meter and create a humble limit, and check it every day. Your ego will thank you later for it. Stay up even with knees bent!

Be at Peace. Cultivate Love. Consistently Complete Tasks.

Video For Thought:

This is a typography project for the Citizen Cope song Let the Drummer Kick.  The songs speaks volumes in itself but add the animation and it really brings life to the words.



-International DA

Waiting for "Superman" Trailer

Jon Stewart vs. FOX NEWS vs. The 'Ground Zero' Mosque

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Extremist Makeover - Homeland Edition
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Artists and Social Responsibility

Did You Hear the One About the Iranian-American?

Comedy can break down walls.... This is good stuff!

Be Like Mike: In The Zone!

POWER.

I think that even today, we are approaching a new age of identification conflict; The prospect of "becoming" or our state of "being" is in a sense dependent upon our environment. Sociologically, for one to be self actualized, the full potential of his/her character must be unraveled. In seeking answers to problems that are at this moment products of causality, we must undoubtedly embrace the 'questions' which have eluded us [or us them] so. Questions like 'how do me and my surroundings affect the one another', or inquiries such as 'who I am' are linguistic veils which are discoverd in the establishment of our sociopolitical identity. However, in a world that is becoming increasingly synchronized, neither the role of the identity nor its path to self awareness coincide directly with the interests of a modern day unified, clandestine empire. This new found crisis of awareness lies as a resultant factor of a systematic expansion on a global scale. Before we delve any further to view the juxtaposition of identity and power, The contextual meaning of power from a philosophical standpoint, can generally be derived from Hannah Arendt's definition of power and strength:

"...Power corresponds to the human ability not
just to act but to act in concert. Power is never the property of an individual; it belongs to a group and remains in existence only so long as the group keeps together. When we say of somebody that he is "in power" we actually refer to his being empowered by a certain number of people to act in their name. The moment the group, from which the power originated to begin with (*potestas in populo*, without a people or group there is no power), disappears, "his power" also vanishes. In current usage, when we speak of a "powerful man" or a "powerful personality," we already use the word "power" metaphorically; what we refer to without metaphor is "strength,"

*Strength* unequivocally designates something in the singular, an individual entity; it is the property inherent in an object or person and belongs to its character, which may prove itself in relation to other things or persons, but is essentially independent of them. The strength of even the strongest individual can always be overpowered by the many, who often will combine for no other purpose than to ruin strength precisely because of its peculiar independence. This almost instinctive hostility of the many toward the one has always, from Plato to Nietzsche, been ascribed to resentment, to the envy of the weak for the strong, but this psychological interpretation misses the point. It is in the nature of a group and its power to turn against independence, the property of individual
strength..."

The definitive structure of the persona is inadvertently connected with the aspect of strength, whereby strength is an intrinsic property derived from the individual. As power is only conditional, it is only natural for it to reach a state of unified equilibrium. Whether or not we see it as a continuing process through globalization, or an already overt structure in the form of the esoteric mean little in the grand scheme of things; for the conditions of true power are met through one governing body, one governing law, so on and so forth.

Hypothetically speaking, if we were all part of a unified government right now, the idealistic view of the "person" would then be considered defunct, as inner strength seeks to naturally be absorbed by the constant coagulation of power. The constant need for power to be in concert as an infrastructure of people, or systems, compels it to either destroy, or assimilate the 'identity'. In such, as the true "self" is contrived of behavior; it is also composed of the potential action that person would commit in his or her future. Of course, there could be a lot of argumentation that challenges the definition of identity; but if the real world actions of the self are not actions of the 'self'...would that person still be a person?

History has shown many times over that actions which are manifested behaviors of real, individualistic thought is generally met with opposition if it does not appeal to the agenda of a global power. Leaders, terrorists, heros, villains; are all determined by their position as it plays in respect to a moving agenda. In conclusion, the self/system conflict of consciousness is a battle which must not be lost if we are to herald in a new stage of life for our future sons and daughters, as it leaves us today to define our "todays" not in terms of "the powers that be", but in the words of our own.

THINKperiod, Eric D.

Black People = Natural Geniuses

Comparison of African and European Pyschomotor Development

1. Two (2) days old, with head held firmly, looking into the face of the examiner; the European child (8) eight weeks.

2. Seven (7) weeks old, supporting herself in a sitting position and watching her reflection in the mirror; the European child twenty (20) weeks.

3. Five (5) months old, holding herself upright; the European child nine (9) months.

“The Black man being the first man to walk this earth, to establish civilizations, to build institutions, governments and so forth, I think it’s still genetically represented in the Black child.”

~ Amos N. Wilson (author of Awakening the Natural Genius of Black Children)

What you see above are some of the results found in a study on the development of black and white children. If the three comparisons that I posted don’t paint a certain picture for you, I’ll go ahead and paint the obvious one.

What’s obvious about the research revealed in this study is that black babies develop faster than white babies showing the possession of natural genius. Now, isn’t this something wonderful to hear? I think this is great news … but wait! Black people are natural geniuses, and we compare ourselves to our white counterparts for evaluation. Why do we compare ourselves to people who are naturally inferior?

Examining yourself on a scale that’s beneath your full potential places you on a scale for failure. We shouldn’t compare our intelligence to that of others because their best is less than what our best could be. We need to develop standards that do not include or compare to white people. If not, we’ll always fall short .

Last note: If we’re natural geniuses, you must wonder how do we fall behind as children. The study revealed that black babies can do many things before white babies, but black children fall short because the genius isn’t stimulated. I know you’ve heard relatives talk about their babies saying “they’re too grown” or “they’re too fast.” The truth is that they’re too smart. Too smart because they’re little geniuses.

The little black geniuses fall short at about age three (3). This age is when language becomes important. Many blacks don’t speak standard American English well, and they pass this on to their children. I’m not saying to let go of e-bonics and other dialects that are prominent in our culture, but if black children are to compete for survival in this country, this is something to think about.

Lastly, if you’re a black adult, it’s not too late to stimulate your genius either. Read a book!

Until next time.

Peace, Love & Transcendence.

~ Kemi Lotus

The American Dream

George Carlin - The American Dream

"You have to be asleep to believe it."

A short excerpt from the video "Life Is Worth Losing" (2005).

WTF is in the WATER?! The LITHIUM debate... and more

I hate to come off in a negative light or even appear to be a "FEARmonger" but I believe that if we pay attention, there are moves being made without consent of common people that will affect EVERYONE. It's 2010 and it's a very important time to pay CLOSE attention to the decisions being made on every level that will affect us. Once we research and understand these decisions, we must next ask ourselves the PURPOSE for these decisions and the CONSEQUENCES.

The following video featuring Alex Jones of www.infowars.com speaks about the content of the water supply and how we could all be put in serious danger by the consequences of things that are being put IN the WATER that can have an extremely hazardous affect on your health, judgement, and free will as a human being.

This is SERIOUS:

I've also placed a few links below that talk about the Lithium in the water debate:
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/05/lithium-in-drinking-water-has.html
"In Japan's Oita Prefecture, cities with higher levels of lithium in their drinking water experienced lower rates of suicide. The study, in the British Journal of Psychiatry, made me wonder if governments should add lithium to the water supply.
Hirochika Ohgami and colleagues at Oita University found a slight, but statistically significant correlation after analysing suicide rates in 18 municipalities between 2002 and 2005. "


http://www.drudge.com/archive/128142/doctor-floats-idea-lithium-water-supply
"Georgiou does not explicitly call for adding the mood-stabilizing drug to the water system, as suggested by Japanese researchers, but she does not denounce the proposed practice. Instead, she says the draconian proposal is a "very interesting concept."
Interesting?
Agreed.
Well, ...in the Arte Johnson sense of the word.
Very interesting... but stupid."


http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/15/lithium-water-suicide.html
"I do not think [cities should start adding lithium to the water supply], because our study is a preliminary one and further studies are required to establish evidence."


PLEASE, LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS AND MAKE THE CONVERSATION RELEVANT WITH OUR FRIENDS, FAMILIES, CLASSROOMS and SO ON.

This is an issue of life and death..

20 Things to do in Your 20's

The twenties are an amazing time in life. For most of us it is the first time that we are truly on our own and free to choose our own path. It is an age where we essentially get to start with a clean canvas and begin painting the type of life we have dreamed of since childhood. It is an opportune time to try new things, new jobs, develop new habits and enjoy the lifestyle that comes with having little responsibility and endless amounts of energy.

The twenties are also foundational years for us and should not be wasted or lived unintentionally. With the help of some friends and mentors, the following are some of the best things we could think of to do in order to make the most of your twenties:

1. Surround yourself with wise mentors – you don’t know how to get somewhere you’ve never been. that’s why you need mentors– insight and help from people who are where you want to be. None of us know the answer to every curve ball that life throws our way, but with the help of others that have been there, our chances of making the best decision grow exponentially. Choose a diverse group of mentors and utilize their experience.
2. Become a lifelong learner – as mentioned above, the awesome thing about your twenties is that you gain a tremendous amount of freedom to pursue whatever direction in life you choose. With this freedom comes an opportunity to study things for your own enjoyment rather than because you were told to. It’s easy to think that because, “school’s out for summer,” that learning is out as well, but keeping your mind active and continually challenging yourself are key parts of living well and developing these habits in your 20′s will help keep you from becoming dumb and irrelevant.
3. Travel – the practice of leaving home to experience new locations and cultures is fundamental, and one that nearly everyone I posed the idea of this list to told me to include. There is something magnificent about traveling that goes beyond just snapping a few photos or placing thumbtacks on a map. Traveling helps us understand that life is much bigger than ourselves and inevitably leads us to the wonderful question, “why?” as we notice the differences from place to place. It is this lifestyle of “why” that is so valuable as we learn to question the way we all live rather than just taking everything at face value.
4. Learn to listen and handle criticism well – if there’s one deadly mistake I’ve seen made by many of my peers over the past few years it is the inability to receive criticism. Guess what, all of us have things we could do better at, especially in our 20′s. Toughen up a little and have enough maturity to realize that criticism is a healthy part of life and doesn’t require a poor attitude, excuse or rebuttal on your part. Most importantly learn from criticism.
5. Develop an active, healthy lifestyle – by adopting healthy habits such as eating well and exercising regularly in your 20′s you are setting yourself up for a much better quality of life. No great experience or event matters if you are not healthy enough to enjoy it. Learn to cook healthy meals and join a gym…if you’re really adventurous, run a marathon. Developing these habits at age 24 is far easier than age 44.
6. Read a classic – even though we are required to read a few classics here and there throughout school, if you’re like me you have forgotten most of the characters and plot twists by now. Take the time to read something by Dostoevsky, or if length is a big issue for you, try something like “Catcher in the Rye.” The issue isn’t so much the specific book, just developing a habit of reading for personal enjoyment. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this list made by my friend Brett at Art of Manliness.
7. Go on an overseas missions trip – Traveling is wonderful, but it is possible to travel the globe without ever really stepping outside of yourself. Some of the moments that have changed my life the most came serving others in the poorest and most broken places in the world such as helping in the rebuilding effort in Thailand after the devastating tsunami in 2005. It is well-known truth that we often find ourselves the strongest when we spend our lives in the service of others.
8. Create a monthly budget – often the big advice from financial planners for young people comes in a cheeky remark about cutting back on the Starbucks lattes. Well, I love Starbucks and don’t plan on giving up my coffee. Instead I’ve built them into a monthly budget. Building a monthly budget is foundational to a healthy financial life, by starting one and living by it in your 20′s you can ensure a solid financial situation for years to come.
9. Start a Roth IRA – I know of no better retirement vehicle than the Roth IRA. A Roth is unique because your money grows tax-free meaning at retirement age (currently 59 1/2) when you finally decide to pull out the money you have accumulated, you don’t have to pay any taxes on any of it. For a layman’s guide to the Roth IRA including how to start one, read my post on the subject here.
10. Buy a used car – it may be tempting to show how independent you’ve become by pulling up to your friend’s house in a brand new car, but fight the urge. You are losing thousands of dollars the second you roll out of the dealership parking lot. Even buying a year-old car will save you tons of money while still providing you with a relatively new vehicle. I mention this for twenty-somethings because I’ve seen so many of my friends bury themselves in debt over a car, one of the few “investments” in the world almost guaranteed to do nothing, but depreciate during its lifetime.
11. Understand basic investment principles – there is no doubt that financial illiteracy is rampant among young people mainly due to it’s weak to non-existent standing in secondary school curriculum. Most people do not truly begin understanding the basics of investing until they are at an age where it won’t make much of a difference anyway. The three principles I have written about here at Schaefer’s Blog which I think every young person should know include: 1) Time Value of Money 2) Pay Yourself First 3) Dollar-Cost Averaging
12. Go to a concert – Ever noticed that many people’s fondest memories start with, “One time we got tickets to (fill in the blank).” There is something amazing about live music and thousands of screaming fans that turns up the volume of our lives in all the right ways. Whether it’s Coldplay, U2, Celine Dion (my wife drug me to her show in Vegas and….it was actually pretty good) or Willie Nelson (one of the best I’ve seen) pony up and buy some tickets to a good concert.
13. Learn a foreign language – there’s something wonderful about communicating with someone in their native tongue; it breaks down cultural barriers like nothing else. The 20′s are a wonderful time to learn a new language as you travel the world and immerse yourself.
14. Start a blog – the ability to communicate one’s ideas in writing is an incredibly valuable asset. Blogging is similar to journaling, but with the added bonus of exposing your ideas to the scrutiny of millions of eagle-eyed online viewers. It’s amazing how quickly your writing improves when you realize that people will actually be reading your work. For more great reasons why you should start a blog read here.
15. Get your college degree – according to a recent report from the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau a college graduate can expect to earn approximately $900,000 more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. Whether you like it or not, a college degree is one of those things that society considers an entry ticket for most well-paying jobs. Instead of lecturing everyone on why a college degree is overrated, just take the time to get one and save your lectures for the classroom.
    
16. Pay off credit cards – We’ve all heard the alarming stats yet few seem to be changing their behavior. The average college graduate it now entering the workforce with approximately $3,200 in credit card debt. Add to this student loans and it is easy to see why most in their 20′s take the attitude of, “I’ll deal with it later when I’m making more.” The problem is credit card debt can affect things like qualifying for a home loan, saving for retirement and building a solid credit rating. If you can’t pay off the full balance of your card every month then do yourself a huge favor and don’t use one in the first place. Secondly, whatever debt you do have, pay off as soon as possible – it will save you a lot of headaches in the future.
17. Stay in a hotel that costs over $200 a night – My wife and I had a debate about this one. I said you should do this in order to see that it’s not that much better than the $89-a-night Holiday Inn down the street. She disagreed, stating it was normally much better and one should stay in a nice hotel at least once in their 20′s just to treat themselves with a nice experience. So, I guess whatever way you look at it, staying in a nice hotel is something every twenty-something should do.
18. Read the Bible cover to cover – no other book has been cited by others, recounted in the arts, or debated in the public arena more than the Bible. And yet, very few have actually read it cover to cover. Being that this book covers so many fundamental issues central to life such as the role of God, man, sin, death, salvation, etc. it is something every person should read for themselves instead of relying on hazy quotes from the university philosophy professor or television evangelist. Man’s decision of what to do with God is one of the most integral he will ever make. Better to make this decision based on a personal encounter rather than off-hand information.
19. Explore your family of origin issues (positive and negative) and pursue growth – so many studies in sociology always end up pointing back to one’s family life growing up as the major factor in their growth and development. No doubt some of us experienced a wonderful family life while others went through something more akin to a nightmare. Either way the 20′s are a key time in understanding any family issues that may be holding you back and taking the necessary steps to find healing. It may require some counseling or may be as simple as calling your parents and telling them how much you love them.
20. Figure out the type of person you want to marry – I happened to get married at the age of 22 to my beautiful wife. This may seem young to many, but it has worked well for us. While I don’t think getting married in your 20′s is for everyone, it is definitely the time of life to start deciding what traits and values you desire in a future spouse. I’m not saying you need a 3 page checklist, but deciding on some of the non-negotiables will allow you to narrow in your focus and keep you from jumping into one poor relationship after another.

original article can be found at: http://www.schaefersblog.com/20-things-to-do-in-your-20s/

The Fence

"The grass is greener on the other side"
Yes?... No?... Maybe so?... Who knows?
Only the wanders at mind and fearless at heart.
It takes more than just energy to hop it...
That Fence...
In fact, energy is what is needed least.
Intrinsic insights of Inspiration serve as the Fuel to motivate one
To take The Risk...
The Ultimate Risk...
to hop it and See...
Just how green that grass is.

You never know what you have until its gone, of course
But you never can enjoy what you don't experience, right?
So, what's worse?
The Joy of the Jump?
Or the Agony of the Apathy?
You tell me...
There's no Right or Wrong
Just do... what feels...
Best
And only then can you be content and peaceful at heart.

Now, I'm not sure if this is reversible...
This, Risk of Leap
But, I am sure
that great triumph can be found in fortifying the Ambition...
To explore
So either way, you win... At least once.
...Sometimes twice
Which is better than stagnation
Which does nothing but make the mind wander, wish, and hope
You lose at least once that way...
...Sometimes twice.

So the answer is clear:
Don't wish... DO
Don't see... EXPERIENCE
Don't wonder... WANDER
Don't limit... LIBERATE
And whatever you do...
Don't straddle the Fence... It could hurt you.
It is always greener... Somehow... Someway.

-TeeL

The Dream State Tracklist and Snippets

click to enlarge

This is the second installation of the two-part Beautiful Mind projects. The first one dealt with my life and all of its harsh realities. Part 2...The Dream State takes more of an imaginary approach, all the while dealing with my real life. Part 1 was where i WAS in my life, and Part 2 is sorta where i need to be. I've poured my heart into this project for the last 3 months and i'm finally ready to release it. Here are some 30 second snippets of each song. Part 2...The Dream State due out August 13th! Get your iPods ready!

1. Inception (Prod. by Project Prospect; Co-Prod. by Terrence F)

2. What Love Is (Casual Part II) (Prod. by J. Dilla)

3.A League of Our Own feat. Cosmo (Prod. by The Stuyvesants)

4. Detail feat. Stevie Crooks (Prod. by Michael Uzowuru)

5. Bring The Horns (Prod. by The Stuyvesants)

6. Interlude (Prod. by The Stuyvesants; Co-Prod. by Terrence F)

7. 4:24 am feat. Exquisite (Prod. by The Stuyvesants; Co-Prod. Terrence F)

8. Fame (Prod. by The Stuyvesants)

9. Deficiency (Prod. by Freddy Finger; Co-Prod. by Terrence F)

10. The Ills of the World (Prod. by Myke Forte)

11. Someone (Prod. by Freddie Joachim)

12. The Dream State feat. Taryn Loren (Prod. Freddy Finger)

13. Build & Destroy (Prod. by Kelley 'TKS' Chapman)

Dream State Snippets by HipHopSince1989

Be an IDEA

Just DECIDE. Once you do that, the universe will move out your way.

Truth

Complacency

"Complacency is on its last leg."


-Q Tip

A Conspiracy of the Universe

"Every event is a conspiracy of the universe--now. Knowing this, let go & let flow."


- Deepak Chopra
http://www.deepakchopra.com

Kymatica

If you're worried about the global tyranny, natural disaster, or the future, this is a great film to watch.

Give it a chance, and I beg you to make sure that you are thinking for your SELF.

Hidin’ Like Thieves in The Night

 

Stop hidin' your face. -LK

www.lkallday.com

Self-Interest

"In this relationship called society, every human being is cutting himself off from another by his position, by his ambition, by his desire for fame, power, and so on; but he has to live in this brutal relationship with other men like himself, so the whole thing is glossed over and made respectable by pleasant-sounding words. In everyday life, each one is devoted to his own interests, though it may be in the name of the country, in the name of peace, or God, and so the isolating process goes on. One becomes aware of this whole process in the form of intense loneliness, a feeling of complete isolation. Thought, which has been giving all importance to itself, isolating itself as the `me', the ego, has finally come to the point of realizing that it's held in the prison of its own making."

- J. Krishnamurti
http://www.jkrishnamurti.org/

The Art of Being Receptive

Being receptive is just as hard as it is necessary. Just as desired as it is elusive. Just as rewarding to attain as it is punishing to pursue. But it can bring you closer to not only your dreams and desired place in life, but God and all things associated with inner peace.

Let me start by saying that I'm not in any way shape or form perfect or 100% receptive, but I try each and every day to get better, and I have, am, and will.

This Earth we live in and on is full of energy. A universal, powerful, and fascinating energy that affects every single inhabitant through a marvelous synergy events, people, and thoughts. This energy, in my opinion, is God. The ultimate orchestrator of all things and Earthly dimensions (plus Time, the 4th dimension).

The reason why we can't understand or come close to fathoming exactly what God is or does can be explained relatively simply. Doing research one day, I came across a book entitled "Flatland" by, Edwin Abbot Abbot, that had an excellent explanation of the 4th dimension, or God. He explained that trying to fathom God could be compared to trying to explain to a person living in a 2 dimensional universe (one with just length and width) what a cube or a sphere was. Impossible, don't you agree? Yeah, me too. It just wouldn't work, its literally beyond the 2 dimensional person's realm of understanding, and could never be grasped. Period.

Now, we are just mere 3 dimensional beings to God, who can control and fathom all 4 dimensions (length, width, height, AND time). With this being said, I feel that it is important to always remember that things are constantly happening around us that we don't understand, and that these things aren't meant to be understood at all. Have you ever heard that God works in mysterious ways? We It does and its in a way that is mysterious, to say the least.

This is why being receptive is so important. Don't confuse receptive with passive, because they are two totally separate things. Being receptive and taking a more holistically observant role in your life can lead to awesome results. This combined with prayer can put any and everybody on their chosen path to meet with their destiny. Keeping in mind that things actually DO happen for a reason is extremely helpful because it allows you to live in the moment and follow your thoughts and inklings with little or no regret.

Whether you're a 25-year old virgin filled with purity, or a 5-time felon that steals and kills, God is a part of you, your thoughts, and the people in your life. Next time you pray, don't pray for a sign from God, or a miracle. Instead, ask for a receptive and discerning spirit that will allow you to take heed to the many signs, opportunities, and warnings that God gives us all constantly.

Its not always what you can do with your Life, its mostly about letting your Life (God) lead you to your destiny.

Stay strong y'all,

-Teel

"There is a universal fear, that of a lack of confidence in yourself."

Could YOU touch the sky without hands? Really? This Outlier did just that:

Do what you LOVE (no exceptions)

Do MORE choices make life BETTER or WORSE?

We all value our freedom of choice and boy do we have a LOT of them. But, with so many different choices on the market all the time, it's makes it a little more difficult to make decisions; it also puts the blame on ourselves if we don't find perfection. Barry Schwartz talks about this Paradox and gives some creative insight.

.::We are the Facilitators::.

Black life today means less than when we were slaves. Now that we're "free," we hold less value to caucasians, seeing as how they don't own our very lives anymore. So a black life owned by a black person is worthless. Time and time again, caucasians' and their corrupt system show and prove to us that our lives mean nothing. We live in a society where you will get more time for dog-fighting (Michael Vick) than you'll get for the unprovoked, unjustified MURDER of a young, black male.

Caucasians love their animals, but they hate us niggas.

We live in a society where black people get more time for non-violent crimes than caucasians will get for violent crimes! We live in a society where a black and a caucasian can get arrested for the same crime, but the black person will do a longer sentence (if the caucasian does time AT ALL). We live in a society in which a caucasian girl that goes missing gets national coverage, yet the black got who went missing at the same time, got NO coverage (and was found dead). Today's society is no different than that preceding and during the "Civil Rights era."

Never forget that being black/brown is a crime punishable by death, here in the wilderness of North AmeriKKKa.

We live in a society that will allow a caucasian to go free, after that caucasian is VIDEOTAPED unlawfully MURDERING an innocent, unarmed, held down black man in his back. Black life means nothing to these people.

We are harassed, dragged, raped, threatened, brutalized and murdered by these "people," yet you defend them. You throw yourself in front of them to defend them, and as your back is to them, they stab you in it... Repeatedly.

Time and time again, they take our lives and we do nothing. Black life means NOTHING to caucasians... But as little as it means to them, how much can it possibly mean to us, when we sit by and allow such tragedies to take place?

We are the facilitators of our own demise. We are the facilitators of our own genocide.

More to come.
Written by: Genesis/Queen Tiye


*author note* These are the thoughts that just came to my mind, as I contemplated this INjustice. Remember Oscar Grant.

Oscar Grant . . .

I'm not here to tell you what I think. What do YOU think. I want this to be a place to express yourself. Please do; Comment Below.

How to Power the World Without Polluting it

Lonnie Johnson, Creator Of The The Super Soaker Watergun , is on a mission to figure how to power the world without polluting it. They have created a battery 10x more powerful than batteries on the market.

Drive your car for 1,000 miles without stopping. . . if they can only get funding.

He's also invented the J-Tech, an engine that turns HEAT into ELECTRICITY and it "has a good chance of being the best thing on earth."

Check it out

A Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

What would you do if you knew the end was near? Pray? Shout? Cry? Mourn? Well, Professor Randy Pausch continued to get the most from life via a trademark display of courage, aplomb and humor. His Last Lecture is a TALL act to follow:

What We Do and Why We Do It

Do Our Schools Kill Creativity?

One of the Coolest Things I've Ever Seen

BIG BANG BIG BOOM - the new wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

This video is one of the most intricate pieces of art that I've ever experienced. They had to think outside and around the box and ultimately just throw the box away and it tells a story about evolution that's pretty deep too.

Check it out! You might want to play some of your favorite music while you watch it too..

Progression Recession

The time has moved forward 
but we have not progressed
The only change is growth 
from a womb to bassinet.

It is interesting how we have 
learned but neglected to teach
Putting a future bright enough for 
the blind 2 see 2 far out of reach.

Our kids shouldn’t fall pray to 
the same mistakes they we haven fallen 2
We learn so they can prosper but we have failed to foster
Foster a home filled with love and encouragement
Instead we are our child’s biggest discouragement

Sometimes a battered household makes for the hero
To government created capital punishment

The years have changed but the time has remained the same.
Clothes have changed but minds have stayed the same
From Bugle Boy to Polo to so and so and no one knows
Because as we are learning and they have always known
That it matters not what is on your back 
but when you keep in your head 
And it seems the only thing to sticks is
A nice pair of jays or what’s in between 
a nice pair of long brown legs.

Or the staple event of a Thursday night Smackdown
Am I loosing u, well hold on 2 ur seat while I bring it back around.

What happened to giving, teaching, being able 2 pass along?
Why is no one mature enough to acknowledge where they went wrong?
Instead we have displaced aggression and anger toward ones who
Did nothing but be born victim 2 things that we did wrong

Instead they are the one who takes the 
repeated blows to the face. 
A face that has been bruised and 
battered and a head filled with chitter chatter
So now the only things we can see
are dreams that have been painted 
With words that stick in our brains because when u can’t
See hearing is the only thing that matters.

Because the future as I mentioned not 2 long ago
That future bright enough for the blind 
2 see being put to far out of reach.
I can now clearly see and that is why 
I give the gift that GOD has given 2 me

Because I won’t be the reason 
the next generations changes but stays the same
The clothes get different names but the actions remain.

As this flows from my brain, 
the back of my eyes feel w/ pain

I jus encourage brothers n sisters 
of the revolution of an evolution of the mind state
To be the teachers and educators, 
griots whatever you preferred 2 be called 

If we have been invited on the excursion of knowledge

Why not bring our offspring along?