Notes from a Friend's Town

1.  Dreams money can buy, three racks just spent on my Marty McFly's     Now I’m back to the future, my career deja-vu you     When you muthafuckers thought I would hardly survive - Pusha T This isn't the time for me to be impressed with lyrical compositions and coded speech. Alas, I'm lightly amused. Escapism done right, in my humble opinion.  2.  Subgenres in Hip Hop as mythologies for inter-cultural groups. 3.   Too much of a good thing and it ceases to operate in a productive manner. 4.  Too Short spoke like a Pimp. Where is the problem? Ahh yes, the editors went public with his ramblings. Ethically responsibility and journalistic intergrity don't apply to print media centered around lifestyle marketing and consumerism, in short, there is no church in the wild. 5.  Soo many elephants in the room, the Ringling Bros. are jealous.  6.  When you only have what you want, much is lost.  7. I love how y...

1. My ever evolving understanding of masculinity in the American context, as that is where I am based and where I make my observations, has a recurring awareness of restraints and adherence to limits. The continuing designation between the civilized and the savage is refined when the former exercises restraint where the latter does not. Restraint. 2. Summer fail : Neighborhood bar in New Orleans with a booze sponsored event & a broken AC. Definitely won't tell anyone how to run their business but that's not the way to have customers return. 3. Last week, my pride took a hit. I'm well aware of the absence of respect modernity has fostered amongst us. This decline in interpersonal interactions has in part been aided by the expansion of interpersonal communication systems. You can imagine my disgust when an engagement I arranged was essential canceled within 2hrs of the agreed time. I was only made aware of the cancellation because I need to switch venues at the last...

1. I've a sixth sense that I'm reaching minute 10 of 15 re: my charm in a new exchange. Lets hope my knowledge aggregation skills keep me relevant. I don't doubt that they will but I'm humble enough to hope. 2. I still don't understand the pricing logic for men's clothes. Yes, the large portion of men shop infrequently because they collectively find the task laborious and rife with an abundance of options that need not be made available. That accounted for, updating a wardrobe, in a very minimalist manner shouldn't easily near one to the $600 range. Not only is that absurd, it's not even the great pieces, just the "basics". 3. I went to one of my preferred watering holes last night for an engagement. In the event the party joining me had been lackluster, I might have been inclined to never return there again. The service was the worse it's ever been. I'm no "Mr. Consumer" who voices every gripe ever birthed from a less tha...

1. I've been told these times build character, that they enrich the soul by imparting life lessons. They've matured me beyond my years and now I struggle to see the surface for constantly examining the implications of the ideas and attitudes that create these scenes. 2. We don't agree, rather, I don't agree on the matter. I present my objective views on the matter and the logic that guides you contradicts all that's been presented. My spent breath resonates as wasted and you leave to do as you desire. 3. Can you survive against all odds? 4. I've washed my hands of you, cleansed my laptop of you. Yet if I look at a calendar too long, I can recall conversations we had years ago around the date my eye falls on. It's as though my mind won't completely rid itself of you despite my desires. Despite your cold shoulder, your indifference, your absolute absence of compassion, my mind still finds something of value in the memory of you. It is in these moments...

1. I've become agnostic. Perhaps, I've been here for sometime and didn't realize that i was. Regardless, I'm still developing a sense of what it means & how I'm going to verbalize my developing understanding. 2. I thought after x, I'd be able to do y with more focus. Not so. I'm still mulling over the essence of what is necessary to complete x, which I'm realizing I haven't yet accomplished. This still leaves y unattended. Hence a (new) dilemma. 3. In my youth, I wished for a summer where I would be able to read as much as I wanted. No camps to attend, no yard work to do, nothing. This summer looks like that dream a little, I just wish the circumstances were much different. 4. On the way to movies with my brother last week, we were discussing a long bankrupt local grocer, Canal Villiere & the many time we walked the mile between there and home when we were much younger. The discomfort that was at the essence of those experiences came back...

1. The exterminator is a chill as dude, when he ain't spray poison all over the place. 2. Jose Torres-Tama performance was amazing. It was assertive, aggressive, compassionate, & at some points comedic. It's amazing how the phrase "Illegal Immigrant" only focuses on group of such people. 3. I respect the notion of a uniform, it makes things a tad simpler in the morning. However, it's remarkably disappointing to see throngs of adult men bound to the blue shirt/blue jeans, blue or white shirt/khakis, & the polo shirt/khakis combo. Sadly enough, these men genuinely don't see a thing wrong with such subversive conformity. 4. Where are the moderately attractive women hiding? There's appears to be an abundance of the respective extremes, but shortage of middle ground. It's like having your mouth set on a sandwich but you walk into a bakery, not a deli. Being a resident of said middle ground, I'm sure I didn't move into a foreclosed subdi...

1. Pulled a Larry Byrd without a foul rose up snatched my Guinness off the ground & hit him with a pound and told homie hold it down - AZ 2. I respect the distance for it preserves the integrity of the moment, it aims to allow nothing to interrupt the truth. I miss you though & there's no substitute for that. So instead I tread forward facing the pass, sights locked on the difference as the whole system becomes a clear image. 3. Mary came by today & she sat with Moms for hours. They talked around each other like three decades hadn't pass that they were friends throughout. She filled the cracks in her voice when I asked how was everything & I pretend I couldn't hear the putty. 4. Modern man needs the wilderness, he needs to know that he can throw all of his might at nature & it not even ripple past where stands without him harnessing fire. He needs to exert his strength so he can discover his limits & view the blessing that is a boundary. 5. The r...

1. I retract the declaration made recently to "let them see a proper asshole at work". It remains highly unlikely, that a generally well natured man as I, could ever begin to emulate the truest essence of a "proper asshole". It appears I made assumptions based on less than solid observations and experienced as a result of said observances, quite more than a few lack luster forays into the dating world. The better approach, most importantly the one I intend on taking, is to focus my efforts on refining my understanding of the world. I'll leave the romantic endeavors to the romantics. 2. & it's amazing, that I can still sing this song, so simply, about you. 3. A few notes on etiquette: • When invited to grab a cocktail with some one, you should ask when the invitation is extended whether or not you may bring along a friend. You do not make mention of someone else joining you after being notified that your host is running a tad behind schedule. • You d...

1. I woke up the other morning with a whirlwind of ideas passing through my mind as I reached for my glass of water. It was far too early to call anyone, so I spent part of my morning ritual talking to Chewy. Mind you, he only looked attentive in the moment I mentioned food. 2. Less than 30 days away from my least favorite holiday and I'm dreading it already. I can't stand shopping for anything during this stretch because those crappy decorations abound. 3. Even though it's a huge investment that constantly needs more funding, I'm quite excited to hear my friends talk of buying a house soon. 4. There are times when the use of "tact" greatly undermines the urgency & the essence of the message. Ahhh, the things we do out of concern for our fellow (wo)man. 5. It's been requested that I restructure the blog. In particular, that I post more critically engaging essays about current events. I'm reviewing the idea and have considered even starting a 2...

1. Once you begin to develop a feminist understanding, especially as a man of color, it becomes very difficult to view things outside of that context. More often than not, the lens of scrutiny causes the most discomfort when you place your familial reality underneath it . 2. It's amazing the shit you'll accept when you think a dream has come to fruition, even if the dream isn't actualized in it's entirety. What kind of dream doesn't come true completely? It's unfortunate that fear & emotional issues prevented the possibilities from being explored completely, off paper, in the five dimensional world. 2a. Fuck niggas, bitches too, all I trust is my pride & this'll do. 3. The quickest way to compromise contentment is to introduce the situation to inquiry. 4. What's the score with the false friends?? It shouldn't be that much of a chore to maintain a vested interest in the person you declare your friend. It shouldn't take an act of congr...

1. Well, now that that's done & yes it's quite early, but trust me on this one. I'll take something brown & old on ice. Cheerio!! 2. She called & we walked thru the civilities before she proceeded to let me have a piece of her mind. No banned words, no front row seat to the resurrections promises. Her voice was calm, her breaths measured. My head hung in shame as though she stood before me. 3. The more I understand how it works, the less mystique lies in the whole of the experience. I'm very much a fan of the mystique and appreciate the enrapturing nature of the allure. 4. Once I take care of the people on my Christmas list, I'll be good. It's not that I don't want anything, it's that my most immediate need is one that I'll take care of soon. 5. Never underestimate the physiological effects of a physical place on your productivity. I once thought it foolishness until I started paying attention to how much was being accomplished at o...

*These are actual Japa Mala beads 1. Many thanks & much love to all who celebrated my birthday. I'm still receiving cards & gifts which means I'm loved much. That holds much weight in my world. 1a. When I invite you to a gathering of my friends, don't attend if you plan on just sitting on the side w/ your friend and not engaging the group. If I wanted to bump into you & your home girl, I wouldn't have invited you out. I would have asked where you were partying tonight & met you there. 1b. Don't you ever, ever, ever waive a gift in front of the birthday boy & then tuck it away like it doesn't exists. I'm a gentleman so I'll behave accordingly but I know some less than gentlemanly men who aren't inclined to respond so kindly. 5. There comes a time when you should consciously & actively begin separating fiction from reality. This usually begins around the age of 12/13 or immediately afterward when puberty comes into fu...

Who going to make that cake happen for real?!

1. Stepped out this weekend on two consecutive nights & discovered much to my surprise that I'm not as rusty as anticipated. I suppose somethings are never forgotten. 2. Opium addiction accounted for, Sherlock Holmes is one bad ass dude. Shaft was a towering brother whose presence alone would cause encourage your complete cooperation. Holmes is an average built man, whom you were under no inclination to acknowledge until he started rambling about most personal matters of your life after having met you for merely five minutes. Each dangerous in their own right but certainly not equals. 3. There's nothing like coming very close to losing your mother to put all of life's trivialities into perspective. It all became clear as a bell within 2hrs. 4. I'm asked ever so often what makes up the substance of my dreams. The honest answer : I dream of the days when all of my friends, near & distant have succeeded in accomplishing their goals and the most stressful conversa...

1. There exist, most certainly within the range of the appendages of my arm's appendage, all that my soul, mind, & body require to operate as a efficient & content collective. 2. Detachment doesn't always indicate a negative response. There are times you must employ a bit of distance to respond effectively. 3. Walking sticks should always have character. I don't look forward to the days when I'll need the assistance of one but I do know without an ounce of question that my walking stick will undoubtedly be the "coolest" walking stick two eyes could fall upon in that part of the century. 3a. I'm most interested in an excellent walking partner for that time as well. Quite frankly, much more than I desire the previously referenced apparatus. I suppose one must earn one of those much earlier in life though. 4. I have heard from trusted sources & tortured souls alike that in routine, there exist comfort. That we revert to routine in trying times ...

1. I'd really like to learn acoustic guitar & study Arabic. Summer's soundtrack may sound like unconnected noise but at least I'll now what it should resemble. 2. Finally caught Clooney in Up in the Air. The man is damn good. I'll leave the film geeks to elaborate on that more. The scenery was dull enough to make you focus on the story itself and it was done so smoothly. The film highlighted the personal element of the impersonal. 3. Non-Academic research interest don't always translate well into funded research. The lesson learned is substantive even if the grant isn't. 4. Once this health care bill hits the fan, as it will, there will be a strong bit of backlash. I don't want to prevent anyone from going to the doctor but the reality is being healthy cost money & the more the state covers, the more sway they hold in dictating public opinion & minimizing rebuke. 5. Distance = Comfort 6. Festival season is nearing & I'm ready to spend my...

1. It should be noted that I strongly despise being vindictive. There is, in my humble opinion, no reason for reasonable adults to conduct themselves in a manner akin to the antics of grade school children whose good will has been quite readily ignored. The sad fact remains that I am indeed human & as a result, occasionally relish in listening to all that the silence carries to my ears. 2. There are blogs which exists for a purpose & blogs which exists for the author air their grievances with the world in the hopes that some like mind person will offer their sympathies & echo their frustrations. This blog, for the most part, is neither. 3. One of the most annoying things about being recognized by your peers as "brilliant" is that until you achieve something monumental, they will not find acceptable the minor accomplishments that encourage "ordinary" people to smile. The notion of impressing your friends is akin to the notion of impressing your mother, ...

1. It's raining major life events all in my calendar. Weddings, births, & funerals are literally popping up every week, more so than usual. Not only am I alive & well, apparently so are my social networks. 2. In the same manner that one person can't be the scapegoat for all that goes wrong, nor can one person be the explanation of all that goes right. Grant it, the latter is more attractive than the former, it's crucial to maintain the proper perspective. 3. Knowing when to ask why but electing not to do so is wisdom. Hopefully I'll receive the answer to my inquiry without formally making one. 4. It's always easier to walk away. In some instances, it's actually the action to take with respects to self preservation. However, when life & limb are not compromised, it is often a favor to your character for you to remain. More so for the others involved than for yourself. 5. The older I get, the less I appreciation I have for cynicism, especially in the l...

(this bus can't be for the Kindergarderner's?) In the interest of encouraging an engaging discussion on what the nature of the boundaries of a society are I've put together a brief list of arguments that beyond a shadow of a doubt, can not be won in my presence. Ladies & Gents, grab your legal pads and commence your deconstructions. 1 . Any argument in defense of selling crack, heroin, meth, etc. Let's face it, there's no justification for having your hands in this sector of the black market. The jury is still out on guns, natural resources, & plasma TVs 2 . On refusing to adhere to basic tenets of personal hygiene while working/existing in close contact with the majority of the population Clearly a pass is given to the homeless , whose life's circumstance prevent such personal upkeep from occurring. Hippies, Anarchists, jam banders etc have nooo excus e 3 . The sale of children in impoverished countries to those rich enough to make charitable cont...

Editor's Note: We've hit  200! ! Thanks again for stopping by and send your friends on over! 1 . There are times when I reflect on the people whom I hold near and dear as they embark on the seemingly wonderful road that is a relationship. Not the casual, I'm juggling 3 or 4 people road but the "Umm, yeah, I'm not going to be able to kick it with you this weekend, I've got spend some quality time with the significant other" & I get a little jealous, no lies and then  one of these calls takes place.... W: Yo, whats going on? B: Man, I'm pissed. She done lost her mind! W : (laughing quite loudly) Whats good? What happened like that?! B: Man it's a long story (sigh)!! Jealousy annihilated, I can do without telling those stories right now. 2.  I'd love to tell you the reason for my arrival but I have yet to fully rest from my journey... 3.  Black History Month is upon us. Although I'm not big of the lets wait until February to learn so...