Clash of the Titans (1981) - Rated PG

Growing up, I didnt' watch a lot of Television (TV) or movies. It was probably due to the fact that from age 10 - 14, I was in a boarding school and prior to that, my parents just didn't buy a lot movies. In addition, at the time, there weren't many movie theaters around the city where I grew up. That said, one of the movies I watched at least a dozen times in my childhood was the 80s flick, Clash of the Titans.

Clash of the Titans in essence was the movie of my childhood and if you've seen it, chances are that you grew up in the 80s and maybe early 90s. I hadn't thought much about it until about two weeks ago when I stumbled unto the trailer of a remake coming out in March staring Liam Neeson as Zeus. The trailer got me all pumped...so much so that I went to Hasting and purchased the original in attempt to get ready for the remake. It cost me a small fortune- $11.79 after taxes to be exact and it was totally worth it (nostalgic valuation applied of course).

Now, for personal reasons, I do not make movie recommendations especially movies that I saw "a long time ago" but if you decide to see this movie, I will warn you that it does contain nudity which surprised me since I watched it with my siblings many times. What was also surprising was it's PG rating.

Overall, I found it still entertaining although the clay-mation and pseudo-animation was laugh inducing. The acting was actually better than I expected and the storyline was interesting to say the least. I am looking forward to watching the remake in the theater next year. There are movies that should never be remade in my opinion but this is one flick that I believe is due for a remake.

The Sound of 1:53am

I got into my car after walking Amy to her door; We had just returned from an OU Texas A&M blowout in Norman. I started making my way home at 1.53am and I did something I usually do when I am by myself in the car which is listen to public radio. It took a second but then the most beautiful song started...

It was a female vocalist singing in a language that I couldn't identify yet alone understand. And I she sang, the only instrument I could hear was an acoustic guitar. As I listened practically in a trance, I tried to imagine what she was singing about...something positive, perhaps, I thought to myself. Sweet sounding songs should be positive...or at least optimistic or about something, hopefully someone...love maybe.

I realize something about myself. I tend to write or compose when I am sad or my life is in disarray which is why I am yet to compose anything meaningful in almost two years. Now, that doesn't mean that life has been a bed of roses. Actually, save for a few bright spots, it's been quite tough and challenging. The difference this time is that, I recognize that everything I need to get through this life has been provided to me by God and I am surrounded by it all...friends, family, nature, life, the seasons and my best friend.

So since I can't compose anything, I am going to indulge in those who can. The song I hear a little over an hour ago was sung by a lady named Sarah according to the announcer at the end. I don't know where she is from nor do I know what she was singing about. I prefer it that way...otherwise, I could find out that she sang about war, famine, poverty and sorrow. I think I'll take my ignorance bliss to go and thank her for the tunes in my head that will eventually put me to bed.

Learning through Coaching

I don't think too much about being a dad someday. I don't think too much about it because I have never thought I'd make much of a good one plus the fact that I am unmarried makes the concept so foreign. I think about parenthood as a way that God shows you all your flaws in one instance but yet at the same time he shows you all the grace he has towards you...that is of course, if you serve him.

I have spent the last 7 weeks helping coach a group of 15 6th graders...well, 14 6th graders, and a 4th grader. I accepted Joey's job offer as an assistant coach because I wanted to show up the other teams with my knowledge of football. Problem is that no one told me that to be able to coach 6th grade football, I would have to attempt to understand 6th graders. No one told me that to understand them, I would have to put aside my own selfishness and sense of self worth. Well, we have played five and won a total of zero.

Now we did have a tie and last week, the team we played billed as the best needed a safety to win. On that play, we played with one less player than they did. Okay...that's getting me away from the point I am trying to make which is, we haven't won a game yet as the season winds down, I realize just how much I have learned from trying to teach. So what have I learned.

1. To be a parent, coach, friend, leader...half the battle is showing up...over and over again regardless of the results. They know you care when you are there.

2. 6th graders have the attention span of well...6th graders and it's about 6 minutes long so be straight to be point and quick about it.

3. 6th graders care just as much as I do about winning but they move on from losses a lot quicker.

4. You can go a longer way with an encouraging word than you can with a critical one. "You are playing hard but I need more out of you" sounds better than, "why did you miss that blocking assignment"

5. Coaching to their strengths is beyond just a talent issue; sometimes, it's more of a mental issue.

6. 6th graders can also be on emotional roller-coasters and it is okay.

7. Most times kids act up just for attention but sometimes that's why they try hard too.

8. Kids want you to be interested in other parts of their lives...yes, the one that you don't care about.

9. This generation of kids will be the smartest of all generations to date but if you don't do them right, they will turn out to be the laziest. They need mentors and fathers like never before.

10. Perhaps most importantly, I learned that there are much better fathers out there...Bob Romine has a way with them like you won't believe. Basically, you are never alone as a parent unless you want to be.

11. I also learned that I have a lot to learn...yeah, that's shocking, right?

At the beginning, I thought to myself that this isn't something I'd ever want to do again but I think I want to do it again next year. It's a sacrifice of time and energy but it's rewarding for the kids who have turned into my teachers.

So who even comes close to being like God?

Who has scooped up the ocean in his two hands
Or measured the sky between his thumb and little finger
Who has put all the earth's dirt in one of his baskets,
Weighed each mountain and hill?

Who could ever have told God what to do
Or taught him his business?
What expert would he have gone to for advice,
What school would he attend to learn justice?

What god do you suppose might have taught him what he knows,
Showed him how things work?
Why, the nations are but a drop in a bucket,
A mere smudge on a window.

Watch him sweep up the islands like so much dust off the floor!
There aren't enough trees in Lebanon nor enough animals in those vast forests
To furnish adequate fuel and offerings for his worship.
All the nations add up to simply nothing before him—less than nothing is more like it. A minus.

So who even comes close to being like God?
To whom or what can you compare him?
Some no-god idol? Ridiculous!
It's made in a workshop, cast in bronze,

Given a thin veneer of gold and draped with silver filigree.
Or, perhaps someone will select a fine wood—olive wood, say—that won't rot,
Then hire a woodcarver to make a no-god
Giving special care to its base so it won't tip over!

Have you not been paying attention?
Have you not been listening?
Haven't you heard these stories all your life?
Don't you understand the foundation of all things?

God sits high above the round ball of earth.
The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
He ignores what all the princes say and do.

The rulers of the earth count for nothing; Princes and rulers don't amount to much.
Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
Like flecks of chaff, they're gone with the wind.

"So—who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy.
Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
Counts them off, calls each by name—so magnificent! so powerful!—and never overlooks a single one?

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.

He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out
Doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired
Gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out
Young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired
They walk and don't lag behind.

Isaiah 40: 12-31
The Message Bible

The 4th Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong....2009 Edition

Yes! It is back...the often imitated but never duplicated Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong. This will be the fourth edition. Not that anyone is keeping score but over the first 3 years, I have managed to go 36/54 which is a tidy 66.67%...

Now without further ado...here is your "Predictions Sure for go Wrong for 2009!"

1. Gators!!! Yes...the Florida Gators will beat the Oklahoma Sooners in the biggest College football game of the year and be crowned National Champions!

2. The economy will get worse before it gets better. However, the DOW Jones Industrial Average, an index that acts as a barometer for the health of US Companies will finish the year above 10,000.

3. An annual pick...the San Diego Super Chargers will be Superbowl Champs! Okay...fan pick but did you see what they did to the Colts? If they replicate that game play this week...it will be hard for the Steelers to win that game.

4. Apple will come out with another version of the iPhone and there is a very good chance they'll sucker me into getting it.

5. There will be scandals galore when the spending of the bailout cash doled out by the US Treasury last year are reviewed. Some business executives and or politicians will be fighting for their careers.

6. The defending NCAA Bball National Champion, KANSAS JAYHAWKS! will find away to make the tournament but the Tar Heels of North Carolina will be Crowned National Champions in NCAA Basketball...they are too good not to.

7. Sam Bradford sadly for him will declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft and yes be snagged by the hapless Detroit Lions. Hopefully, the money he makes will buy him happiness.

8. Yahoo Inc. will be acquired by someone...maybe Microsoft, Time Warner maybe, but someone will acquire Yahoo

9. Chrysler will merge with GM to save themselves from going under

10. I will be stuck within these boarders again for the 3rd straight year...the longest streak since the one which ended in 1995...so sad.

11. Assuming Tim Teebow, the all world QB of the Gators stays in school, those Florida Gators will face the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 version of the BCS Championship game.

12. The BCS will announce plans for a plus playoff scenario for College Football.

13. I will be a licensed Certified Public Accountant...wish me all the best.

14. Book this one...one of my many friends that I have stood by as they have tied the knot will be another expecting father.

15. You've heard of Stephon Curry of Davidson, right? Well, remember this name...Seth Curry. You will come March as Liberty University...yes, the Flames will be there and Seth Curry will lead them there.

16. Oh...I'll probably be involved in someone's wedding...haha. That's me coming out of retirement.

17. Now for the Hail Mary of the Day...the Chicago Cubs will finally break the curse of the Billy Goat and make it to the World Series! Now, I don't like the Cubs so I figured I'd ruin their season before it starts.

Let me know what you think...send comments or emails. I took more risks this time and I expect this to be the worst here yet but hey, we'll see this time next year. But for now...GO GATORS!!!

Happy 2009! To all of You...Predictions for 2008 in Review

In the words of my good friend Jean K. Jean, France's own original Def Jam Comedy Import "IN-CRE-AH-BLE!" That's how you describe the year that was 2008 in virtually every facet. Wow! Name the topic and 2008 was a year to remember! Best of all, the Kingdom of God is still expanding and the gates of Hell shall not prevail.

For the fourth year in a roll, I am going to write a note tagged "Predictions sure to go Wrong in (Insert Year)" but what I like to do the first day is review the Prior Year's predictions. Here is the list...

1. Barack Obama will win the Iowa Caucus for the Democrats, and Huckabee, the Republicans Sure happened as I said so 1/1

2. That same Obama chap will pull off the Democratic Nomination and go on to be the first Black POTUS…hey, don't hate the messenger. Ditto...wow was it exciting...so 2/2

3. LSU will beat Ohio State and be crowned as National Champions in the NCAA Football Bowl Series World. 3/3...I am on a roll

4. The San Diego Chargers will shock the Pro Football World and win the Super Bowl (fan pick, I know).
Okay...first strike but they were one game away from the big one...3/4

5. I will end the year with my weight below the Mendoza Line (for those who don't know, the Mendoza Line is 200). Okay this one is tricky because until my eating binge this past few days, I did but whatever...3/5

6. Microsoft Corporation will come out with or plans for a superdupermagnastastic device (no, not Surface) and my money is on a new phone to compete with the iPhone. ...bit the dust on that one. They did manage to crash all Zunes! 3/6

7. I won't be involved (in any significant manner anyway) in any weddings period. I am retiring from all that stuff (for the year anyway). I succeeded...now I am going to unretire...4/7

8. The US Economy will teeter on the brink of a recession…but it won't quite hit one. Boy did we hit a freight train of a recession or what...wow 4/8

9. I will be forced to stay in the country again without any opportunities to leave for the 2nd straight year and it will be sad and I may cry (I am kidding on the crying part). Sadly, I was right...5/9

10. Florida and Oklahoma will be chosen to meet in the 2009 BCS Championship Games. Now this has to be the call of the year! Trying to pat myself on the back but my arm is sore 6/10

11. Oil prices will end the year below the $100 a barrel mark. Thankfully so! 7/11

12. I will be on the verge of finishing one book or start writing another. Lets move on, shall we? 7/12

13. Doug will have another opportunity through the hands of God to go to another country which he hasn't been to before. ...did he? I don't recall. I'll put an incomplete here and someone let me know

14. Facebook will overtake MySpace as the most popular Social Networking site (not necessarily by numbers but by Q Rating) Right on again...Facebook is taking it to Myspace like "insert NFL team" took it to the Detroit Lions this season 8/13

15. Apple will come out another version of both the iPhone and the iPod sticking it to anyone who care to buy the biggest and latest coolest technology out there…fools like me. They do it all the time...it was a gimme call 9/14

So 9/14...64% completion rate! That would land you in the Pro Bowl at QB. Well...I will be writing up the next round of predictions later and keep an eye out for it.

PS: If here is a link to the original predictions if you care enough which you probably don't. Oh and if you have something you want me to make a call on...leave a suggestion in the comment and it might make the list.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&FriendID=48086692&blogMonth=1&blogDay=5&blogYear=2008

News Flash..."It's not about Me...." or you for that matter...

In the midst of a rough couple of weeks, I found myself reluctantly reading a book by Max Lucado called..."It's not about me". I know what you are thinking...that I need to read that book because I am very selfish and self-centered. Well, I'd have to agree with you there.

While I am not done yet, what I can say about what I have read so far is that I am ever amazed at the "cannot-comprehend-able" bigness of the God that we serve...and how He loves us. That last part blows my mind because I realize that I am not good enough, never have been and never will be. The best part of it is that I don't have to be! If it was about me, then it will be up to me to figure out this life...and all it's whys and God knows (literally) that I have no shot at that. But it is all about Him (God) and His son (Jesus) and as a result, I can find my security and my identity in Him.

Well, that's all I have...I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter where you are or where you've been or where you are headed, the moment you let go of you...the moment you stop looking at the mirror...the moment you let go and let God...it changes everything. I am not there yet or even close but I am working on it.

Like a Toothache, I am ready for it to all be over...

To me, this has been the longest political season of my life! It has lasted almost 21 months in my head. Don't get me wrong, I follow politics year around in season and out of season. I think it is because my dad exposed me to the news early and often as a child. It is strange because I have begun sounding like a pundit and most of my analysis seems to be on point with the mainstream media.

But, that said, I am ready for these elections to be over! It certainly isn't because I can't take more of it or because suddenly I have lost interest. It is because that I have a life outside of all of it!!! I have a major exam coming up two weeks from today...I have a day job and most importantly, because of my relationships.

Listen, I love my friends! That's it. I love my family and I also love my church family! The problem is that, these debates between everyone concerning the two presidential candidates (sorry Cordell, I have no respect for third party candidates) is getting way too personal. It is so bad that other than a select few people, I refuse to have a conversation about it.

To anyone whom I have offended by my politics and my positions, I do not apologize but I want you to know that I don't care where we live or under what circumstance...I love you and you mean more than that to me. Let us put aside what separates us and unite around what is important to us which is Jesus Christ and building the kingdom of God. Because, Obama and McCain will pass off the scene but the Kingdom won't and it is our job to see to that.

That's really all I have to say because no matter who wins tomorrow, when we face our maker at the end, it won't be what political ideologies we believe in or what party we belong to, it will be about what we did with the Talents and opportunities God gave us and if that helps expand the Kingdom. Please vote as is your civic right and responsibility. Let God be your guild but in the end, the outcome won't shock him. You are not big enough to mess up God's plan for your life or this country.

Now, later, I might blog on how I think things will pan out in terms of the elections. Maybe...

Back by Popular Demand: Why October is the Best Month of the Year!

Every, I re-publish a list of why October is the best month of the Year. Most of you have seen it and are probably tired of it. But I am taking a walk with a certain special somebody yesterday evening and the weather was simply amazing and I started to talk about October and it position as the aforementioned. Number 12 on this list is brand new!

Well, needless to say, I decided to go ahead and republish it...so here it is!

1. October undoubtedly has the best weather. It gives you everything, heat, cold, rain, dryness. If you love the heat and its cold, the sun is usually out to toast your buns a little. Nature is great in October...that's when the leaves begin to change colors and looks and ah ya ya...it makes you feel alive!

2. If you love sports, well congratulations. Why? Because Baseball is in its post-season, Football is fully in season and so is soccer (European Leagues) and if you love basketball and hockey, they are in their preseason. All major sports are on and even some minor sports are on.

3. Students, you've probably settled into the grove of school but grades are not an issue yet. I mean, you have two months to get through whatever slump you are in and to get into a grove (this is a shout out to Jon Sperry. Hang in there my friend). If you are a parent, your kids look more confident and have more moxy or mojo.

4. For all you ladies out there, you entire wardrobe is open to you. Short Sleeves, long sleeves, sweats, dresses, shoes open, shoes closed, flip flops, no shoes...

5. If you love the outdoors and love doing stuff outside, you can do whatever you want to do and don't have to worry as much about the heat or getting sun burnt. Go to the park, take longer walks, runs, lose weight. You can go Sky Diving, jump off a bridge, para-sailing, scuba diving. The list is endless.

6. Candy galore because of Halloween. I mean, candy calories in October do not count because it is an accepted practice. You get to dress funky for Halloween and no one thinks you are a dork. Yes, Spidy outfit is only hot in October if you are a grownup.

7. Christmas is around the corner but far enough away where you can plan and budget and not feel rushed. Plus if you buy something for someone and your relationship changes for the better or worse, you have enough time to make the appropriate changes.

8. Gas mileage is best in October. Why? You don't need your A/C to combat the heat and if you never had A/C, turn on the fan and a nice breeze. You don't have to deal with warming your car up yet so you can hold off your jealously for those with Auto start.

9. Sales, Sales, Sales. Sales on everything you need next summer are great in October. From a New Car (from dealers trying to makes space for the next year's Models), a Motorcycle (prices drop because no one rides in the winter), summer clothes, summer vacation, the list is endless.

10. Nigeria's Independence day is October 1, my parent's birthdays are both in October...the World Series is in October...what more do you want!!!

11. Everyone is nicer in October, why? Because of all the reasons above. Cops smile more, service in restaurants are great, moms, dads, kids are all gleaming with the October buzz.

12. (NEW!)...It is peak of Political Coverage during election year! If you love politics, every major election, you will be tickled pink during October! If you don't like politics, the above 11 are still reasons to be uber excited about October. For those like love politics...debates, yard signs, negative ads, SNL skits, positive ads, mud slinging, poo slinging...all in anticipation of that first Tuesday in November.

"Oh, by the way, my birthday is October 26 in case you forgot. ;-)."

Blogging Time! Olympics, Job Update, DNC, CPA, Obama and the Fleeting Fall Season

Ah! Been so long since I have blogged but I have a lot to cover so I will get on it! For whatever reason, I feel fired up this morning...it may be the little sleep and coffee working me but that is the story of my life. So I got a few topics to cover so let's go!

Olympics- Simply put, the 2008 Beijing Olympics were the best in History, period! Okay, take away the allegations about societal oppression and the smog laden city and yes, BEST OLYMPICS EVER! Maybe the smog wasn't so bad because World and Olympic Records was getting toasted like flaming pop tarts...in all sports. The two stories that will resonate beyond the Games would be the domination of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt in swimming and track respectively. Between the both of them 8 world record fell...EIGHT! These guy weren't just winning, they were embarrassing the record books. Case in point with the 9.69s record in the 100m set by Insane Bolt...he did it while having time to spread his arms and thump his chest before crossing the finish line. I have to admit that as much as I pulled for him, watching him run with so much ease was sickening. I still say that his feats will resonate worldwide more than Phelps but both are equally impressive.

Job Update- Job is going well...

DNC- Now that Olympics are over, the Party Conventions will dominate my TV screen (when I have time that is) for the next couple of weeks. Right now, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is going on and I will tune into some of that but it is really interesting drama with the Clintons. I am looking forward to the acceptance speech I must say. I know...geek alert.

CPA...2 exams down, two to go. I was lucky enough to have almost a 3 week break. Problem now is breaking out of the break which is 3 days overdue. My life is effectively over till the 12th of November. But we press on.

Obama- I want to say something about this dude. The GOP has done a GREAT job painting this guy as so many things negative. Some personally outlandish and downright silly. I guess what I want to say is that you can learn a lot about a guy from how he has raised his family and if I am judging between both presidential candidates on that, I have to go with Barack still. I think Paul says in Timothy (paraphrasing here), if a man can't take care of his family, how can he lead in the church and I think there is a parallel with running a country. But what do I know.

Fall Season- Football, Futbol, Changing Leaves, Great Weather, Baseball Playoffs, Heroes, Presidential Elections, My birthday...these are a few of my favorite things!

John McCain Jokes...All in light humor

Okay...I am going to share some John McCain jokes. Most of the are not original but they are funny. I will give credit to their sources. Please no hate mail this time. This is all in good humor. Senator McCain even went on SNL and made fun of himself. With that said...enjoy!

"Barack Obama said today that he is going to fight for votes in all 50 states. Yeah. That's what he said. Meanwhile, John McCain said he's going to fight for votes in all 13 colonies." --Conan O'Brien

"This week, Barack Obama, true story, campaigned on an Indian reservation and the tribal chief adopted him. Yeah, the Indians actually prefer Obama to John McCain, because they still remember when McCain took their land." –Conan O'Brien

"Barack Obama's staff and John McCain's staff are busy now negotiating when the presidential debates will take place. That's good, yeah. Yeah, Obama wants them to be in September, and McCain wants them to be after his nap, but before 'Wheel of Fortune.'" --Conan O'Brien

"Did you hear about this? Two State Department employees were fired -- this is a bit of a scandal -- because they were looking at Barack Obama's passport file. Not only that, but the same person was also looking at John McCain's Civil War records." --David Letterman

"You know who I like is that John McCain. ...

He looks like the guy at the hardware store who makes the keys.

He looks like the guy who can't stop talking about how well his tomatoes are doing.

He looks like the guy who goes into town for turpentine.

He looks like the guy who always has wiry hair growing out of new places.

He looks like the guy who points out the spots they missed at the car wash."

--David Letterman


Trust me...there are plenty more

Just assume the Mic is always on...

Since my last post, here are a few things that have happened...

- Approximately 9.6 million babies have been born in the world
- My mom has come to visit and has gotten home
- I have left Watco and taken a job at Martinous Produce Company
- I have had a week off to do nothing...but study
- I have taken one part of the CPA exam...exciting, I know
- I have chopped off my mane...my luscious wannabe fro
- The microphone (note to all public figures) and the camera are always on (Hello, YouTube).

So those are a few things still going on. Yes, I have started a new job as a Controller at a small produce company called Martinous Produce Company. I am very excited. I still have no life save for this week while I take a break from studying for the CPA exam.

So, I took the first exam on Monday and I walked out trying my hardest not to say any of the words going through my head, I couldn't help but feel relieved that one part is over (hopefully forever). I started to think about things I would rather do and the thought hit me...a list. Here are 10 things that are comparable to studying for and then taking the CPA exam...

1. The Chinese Water Torture
2. Water boarding as performed by the CIA
3. Getting a CAT scan again (this is a tough one but ultimately, I was eventually able to pee)
4. Being stuck in an elevator with Bill O'Reilly
5. Jail time
6. Have a conversation with Tom Cruise
7. Gouge my eyes out
8. Live without my iPhone for a month
9. Live in Canada
10. Watch a movie with Mark Walhberg as a main character

Anyway, so you understand the title of this post, Rev. Jesse Jackson thought he was off mic when he made some derogatory and offense comments about Presidential Candidate Barack Obama...he was wrong and has caught some flak for it. With the advent of YouTube, Facebook and the like, why can't people just assume they are being tapped at all times and get on with the program.

Tim Russert "Signs Off" at 58

Tim Russert Dead at 58

I am truly saddened today. My favorite Newsman in all of TV, Tim Russert, moderator of Meet The Press passed away today at age 58. I always enjoyed listening to Tim and especially enjoyed his analysis throughout the primary season which began last year. Tim was always so professional and objective. He asked tough questions of anyone and never backed down. His show, "Meet The Press" was one news show that I followed semi-religiously on NBC at 8am CT every Sunday morning. Until I had the ability to Tivo it, it caused me to be late to Church many a Sundays. I would save copies of the podcast on my computer and iPhone so that I can watch them again later. Tim also hosted the Tim Russert show on Saturday mornings at 11am CT, which I also followed throughout the primary season.

Tim seemed to be a family man always talking about the importance of his father in his life including writing two books about family. The News business has truly lost the very best. He will surely be missed by all those close to him and those of us who wished we knew him in person.

Lifestyle of the...CPA Candidate

Many of you do not know this but I am currently a candidate for the CPA exam and I hope to be done though all the sections this fall. Now, I am sure there are a few people that think, "Oh, Congrats" or some sort of position emotion towards that news and to them I say, are you nuts? Now for the normal people out there who understand the ramifications of the phrase, CPA Candidate, you may have an inclining towards what I am going through. No sympathies please...

I must apologize to my friends though for how often they see me i.e. a few minutes every week. I also want to warn you that it will pretty much be like this till November. I am only writing this on here because my parents do not have access to read my blog. I am somewhat trying to surprise them. They have been on me about it since I graduated and about once every other week, I get a call trying to persuade me to take the exam to which I respond, some day in the distant future, I will.

My study schedule is like this (if you are ever tempted to do this)- 2 hours every day from Monday to Thursday (likely to increase) and 6 hours on Saturday and an additional 3 - 4 on Sunday. Now, I can understand this as a schedule if you watching grass grow or paint dry...but studying accounting?

I think this should be the punishment for terrorists whether or not they can read. I mean, you make them study and sit for the CPA exam and I guarantee you, they will renounce extremism. Just tell them, hey, pass this and you are home free and they will be there for a long time. If they on their 20th try pass, yeah, I don't see them strapping C4 to themselves ever again.

Congratulations Senator Obama…Americans, Be Proud

*Warning, if you are overtly and insanely partisan and a Republican, stop reading right here to avoid being annoyed and ruining our relationship.

I would like for first congratulate Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton for a hard fought campaign. I think it was good for the Democratic Party and the nation in general that a woman and an African American man were vying for a major party’s nomination for President. More importantly I want to congratulate Senator Barack Obama for winning that battle. Tuesday, the 3^rd of June 2008 was a truly remarkable day in the history of the United States. I don’t care who you voted for, who you support now or who you will vote for in the upcoming election but the mere fact that there is a black man representing a major party should make all Americans feel proud for taking one more step to at the very least diminish the effects of this nation’s ugly history with regards to race. I think it sends a message not just to the generations to come but to the rest of the world that equality with regards to race and gender is a true goal of the citizens of the United States in general.

Many of you dislike Obama for policy reasons and other issues that may or may not be legitimate. Regardless of that, I think most people will agree that this event is historical in a very good way. I think it raises the stakes for African Americans who are growing up in terrible situations. It lets them know that they can individually beat the odds and that the future isn’t set in stone. It should also be an encouragement to children of single moms as well as single moms themselves.

Now, I know a lot of people will credit so many other things for the success of the junior Senator from Illinois. Some may credit the timing of his campaign, a nation thirst for some level of change from the current path that the country is on. Some may highlight the polarity of Hillary Clinton’s nature. Some may even credit the proportional rules by the Democratic Party in the allocation of delegates. Regardless of the validity of all these opinions, one thing is for certain, when it comes to running for the highest office, you need more than luck or chance. You need to be well prepared and determined. The saying “Chance favors the well prepared” couldn’t be truer in this case.

Again, Congrats Senator Barack Obama…Senator John McCain, it is game time.

Few Phrases that need to be retired

This blog is strictly for laughs or at the very least a chuckle…for me anyway. Here are a few phrases I believe need to be retired and for that reason, I have added them to my daily repertoire to hasten the nature of their uselessness and over usage. I will like to say that they still crack me up when I hear them or say them. What can I say, I am easily amused. Feel free to add yours in the comment section and I will sure to consider it for the list…

1. Taking care of business – As in “I am just taking care business:” Usually used by someone trying to feel important. Also used in attempt to display, “I am busy, don’t mess with me.” Other uses exist but this is what comes to mind.

2. Keeping it real – As in “I am just keeping it real” or “let me keep it real with you.” Originated in the black community (at least that is what I think) and used in place of, “I’m just being honest with you.” While the genesis of those two phrases had great intentions, they have slowly begun to tether on the line of political incorrectness (with regards to prejudice of varying kinds) or just mean spiritedness. Sure other connotations exist. However, most of the context usually ends with one person being really upset and another thinking he has just done a favor.

3. The aforementioned “I’m just being honest with you.” Needs to be retired for all the above reasons. Other variations of the phrase include, “let me be honest with you” or “let me be frank (to which I say, why)”

4. Making things happen/ Getting things done – on the same line as the first one but I usually think “sinister dude” when I overhear this. Drug dealers make things happen. Mafia guys make things happen and so do dictators and scam artists. So please, let’s move on from this phrase.

5. Chief – Now this isn’t a phrase but nothing says, I don’t know your name and I don’t care like being called Chief. Variations include sir, Mr, dude (I like dude though)…many more

6. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger- either that or more bitter…time to go.

7. Superdelegate- Birth as a result of the Democratic Party, given life as a result of the elongated democratic primary. Now that it is over…they just need to go away.

8. It’s not you, it’s me – well, in that case enjoy the dialog below…

"Gwen: It's not you, it's me.

George: You're giving me the "it's not you, it's me" routine? I invented "it's not you, it's me". Nobody tells me it's them not me, if it's anybody it's me.

Gwen: All right, George, it's you.

George: You're d**n right it's me."

Seinfeld fans, that’s a favorite.

Well, that’s it for me…I may add more in the future in form of a new blog. I will also in the near future post a blog on “Dudes I do not want to be.” Here is a teaser…”Constant Bluetooth Headset Dude”

The Faithfulness of God

Sometimes, things happen that remind you of the faithfulness of God and the fact that he is alive and very much interested in our everyday lives. I still don’t always get why but God is still involved in all of our lives. Now, I am not referring to feel good nature stuff like, oh, the sunset on the beach, the glorious mountains in the Alps or even the beauty of new life in that of a newly born child. I am talking of when God meets you when you need Him but aren’t expecting Him. He may not solve your problem at the moment but He comes and reminds you that yes, He is still involved.

Moses never made it to the promise land but at every “darkest hour” the faithfulness of God was evident even when his wasn’t. What am I talking about? Well, yesterday, in the midst of my own personal and selfish storm, my lack of faith became evident to me. But that was before I popped in over at Pop Dan’s on my lunch break just to check on him and maybe cheer him up. For the next 40mins, God spoke to me in clear and concise terms through Pop Dan and for a good portion of that time, tears simply flowed.

Many of you know that I am not an overtly emotional guy except when anger is involved but this was different. Pop Dan doesn’t know what is going on and still doesn’t know but nothing he said was off point, nothing. Before I went to bed two nights ago, I had written a sentence in my personal journal (not going to share what it is). It was a simple sentence but straight to the point. I think God read it and led me to Pop Dan (a decision I made yesterday). I thank God for a couple of things…1. His faithfulness is beyond comprehension. 2. I thank God for moms, dads, grandpas and grandmas for answering the call of God to be prophetic and to pour their lives into people like me.

Some Days I wonder

These last few days/weeks/months/whatever have been...well, lets say the sunny days have been few and far between. Too many things going on personally and in the lives of people that I care about. I know I tend to mask things really well on the outside but the mind games, the mental struggles eventually get to me. If only life were like a game were you could call a timeout in the bad stretches so you can regroup and get back out there.

Somehow God prepares us though for the days ahead because before the tough times come, he know how tough it is going to be. That's why words that were prophesied four years ago can still be and are still relevant today. The truth is that no matter the situation on the ground, He still is speaking if I would only listen. It's like when Elijah was running from Jezebel and God's angel woke him up a couple of times to feed him to prepare him for the rough days ahead.

I wish my thoughts could come out in English, but often times and certainly more than not, I feel it but I can't speak it. I wrote this poem almost exactly two years ago...seems like something I just wrote...

Some days I wonder

Some days I wonder what
What’s the point?
What am I still doing here?
What am I living for?
What the heck is going on?

Some days I wonder why
Why is life so difficult?
Why should I care?
Why don’t I care?
Why I am still here?

Some days I wonder who
Who really cares?
Who do I really live for?
Who would notice?
Who needs help?

Some days I wonder how
How long I can go on
How much longer I have
How He did it
How it affects me

Everyday, He knows
He knows what
He knows why
He knows who
And He sure as heck knows how

The Wright Move by Barack Obama

Until yesterday, Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has a potential millstone tied to his neck and threatening to cripple his campaign if not downright sink it. That millstone was Barack’s former pastor and a person who played a role big or small in his spiritual upbringing. As most people know and have seen, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, the man in question made several inflammatory remarks about the United States, her government and on the issue of race; some with credence such as social injustice in the nation’s history and others that were just ridiculous.

Now, if the most outrageous statements that I have made over my short life and even in the eight and a half years that I have been serving God were looped in short 30 second intervals, I would probably be ostracized by many. I believe that is certainly what happened with the play of the issue in the media when this first broke in March. That said, if that were the case for me, I would like to believe that there would be some repentance on my part if my inaccurate and inflammatory statements clearly wounded people (a common occurrence in my life I might add). Instead over the past few days, Rev. Wright seemingly sort to exploit the attention to further his own personal ventures at the expense of the effect on his church and a friend in Barack Obama who stood by him in light of the statements that were made.

When Barack gave his reverting speech on race in the United States last month in Philadelphia, I applauded the fact that he refused calls to disown his former pastor choosing instead to separate himself from the remarks and give Wright the benefit of doubt that he was grossly mischaracterized based on 30 seconds of the worst things he has said. Former Republican Presidential Candidate and Baptist Pastor Mike Huckabee even came out to his defense citing the era in which Wright grew up in, the sixties where racial tensions and divisions were unlike anything I have ever or probably will ever face. There was a personal element to it for me. I am close to my Pastor and he has helped shaped the person I am today and will be tomorrow and while my pastor might unintentionally create laugh lines for a couple of my friends (you know who you are) with his command of the English language, that is a far cry from the Black Liberation Gospel that Wright subscribed to.

Don’t get me wrong, the church is supposed to stand up and advanced the message of the bible and not adhere to all the practices of our culture. We are called to be in the world but not of it and certainly what is preached goes to that effect but not to preserve a culture that is outside the kingdom of God. In essence, from the leadership down, we strive to protect and enhance kingdom culture wherever we go. I have laughed with my pastor concerning this issue and the prospect that I may someday want to venture into the public eye and that he should watch what he says. But the truth is that I know him and he is a man of character and someone that I can follow now and 30 years from now regardless of whatever position I might be in society, be it a janitor or the CEO of a large corporation.

Back to Rev. Wright, it is clear that with his performances and antics over the past few days, that he was unrepentant for what he said and further yet, he showed no sensitivity to Obama’s campaign and what it was striving to do i.e. lift the conversation of race from one that preyed on hatred to one which found a way for us to begin to close a dirty chapter in this nations history.

For now, it seems like the breakup is complete. It saddens me that it had to come to this. I believe that this is emotionally one of the hardest things that Barack Obama has had to do in his political career but sometimes, the hardest thing to do and the right to are the same…in this case, this was the Wright thing to do.

Rant 2…Hard to go Green without Green

I was inspired by a reader to continue my rant on the issue of going green or for people who don’t understand the lingo, using less energy and taking care of the environment. The same argument could also lend itself to getting people to eat healthy and a host of other issues but for now, let’s talk about being green.

First of all, I would like to say that I am one of the suckers that does believe in global warming and that man does play a role as a catalyst to this effect. How big a role? I am really not that sure but I believe it is a big enough role that it does tip the scales. For those who aren’t believers, I suppose you have a right to your opinion but I would say this…what a man sows, he will reap and it is hard to make the argument that the constant increase of CO₂ and his bitter cousin carbon-monoxide can’t possibly be without consequence and a prime example is the smog you see in large cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, two cities that I have driven into with a rude shock as to how dirty the air is. At the very least, if we take care of the environment which God has blessed us with and global warming is a fallacy, what do we lose? However, if we continue at this pace, and we destroy irreparably our environment, it is our kids and their kids that pay the price.

Now all that said, I think the governments of the world (yes, not just the United States) and corporations as well as individual citizens all need to be a part of the effort. It doesn’t have to be this uber inconveniencing effort and it could potentially be very rewarding to all there parties involved in the long run. How? Well, for the companies, new revenue stream, for the government, the ability to create new jobs and for the citizens, well, new jobs and the feel good aspect of it. Governments should invest in small businesses that are working on developing these new technologies that reduce dependence on non-renewable sources of energy using tax incentives and protecting their intellectual property better than they are right now. Big corporations should make it financial feasible for customers to actually consider green alternatives. For example, don’t make the hybrid car significantly more expensive than its less fuel efficient counterpart. Don’t charge significantly more for the more energy efficient bulbs when you don’t have to.

I know what the corporate excuse will be…”we are trying to recoup our investment.” Well, that maybe the case but do you not realize that people will buy more if you make your prices more reasonable? Also, you have a case now of cheaply made fakes coming from places like China and that hurts your brand. Don’t charge people to recycle…period. It makes no sense and at that point you are appealing to the “decent nature” of people and listen, they want to help but in hard economic times, no one cares more about being green than getting or keeping more green. Well, this is starting to seem more like a term paper than a blog so I think I will end there.

Before I am done, a word to fellow citizens considering going green, do some research and you will discover amazing things that you can do to cut both the cost of going green and increase the value. Energy efficient light bulbs are great but so it making sure you use less power but turning off everything that doesn’t need to be on. Just a thought and certainly something I need to do more of everyday.