"Read (to) Me!"

I was reading the Black Journal of Higher Education from last week and took a keen interest in the stat of the week. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

50.5% Percentage of all white 4-year-olds who are read to on a daily basis.

20.5% Percentage of all black 4-year-olds who are read to on a daily basis.

The larger question is why such a large gap, which can be attributed to a number of things, most notably mass media and education. The following topic reminds me of a research paper and presentation I did in graduate school. Here are some of the findings.

Using the social learning theory model, research findings suggested that mass media influences young people's attitudes and behaviors. In fact, multiple media usage (computers, phones, television) coupled with young people's ability to find the time for them negatively impacts the state of their academics.

One may be thinking, what does this have to do with a four year old? Everything! Because one could argue that the four year old and their parent (s) who falls in the 20.5% range probably watches more television in addition to hearing and seeing way more than an average four to five year old is suppose too. The following translates into large educational gaps.

The solution? Well, I'm not the expert but a good friend (what up LH) from high school's father wrote a book titled “It all starts at Home.” And I agree. While many us are able to make it without living or growing up by this ideal, there are still some who don't and they produce children who intern produce more children who eventually slip through the cracks as well.

I'm not saying you have to read to your child everyday but the internet, television, or radio shouldn't be a substitute guide for how a child is to live their life.

“Just Say No…”

…to TEXTING while driving. This Public Service Announcement caught my attention a few weeks ago. Although this video is fictional and was dramatized in another country, it’s a sad reality that occurs all over the world.

So what made me post the video? One, to raise awareness especially with so many young people driving these days. And two, a cop was texting while driving on our way to church this morning and thought to myself some things I will not post on this blog…but you are more than welcome too!

I’m not judging, but we have to do better.

"Get Off the Bus"‏

What is the world coming too? Some of the places where parents think the least harm could be done to their kids are just not safe anymore. Don't get me wrong, this is just another isolated incident, but too many of these strange incidents are popping up all over the place.

A shirtless stranger slash weirdo ran onto a bus and took control of it, scaring the driver to the back of the bus (that's another story, but i wasn't there so no speech is necessary). It's unclear what his motives were, but he soon would realize that he had stepped onto the wrong bus. Reports state a student then ran toward the steering wheel, prompting the man to fight. Students fled the bus, many using the back door emergency exit, and onlookers subdued the man until police arrived.

By the time the already shirtless man was arrested, he was complete naked only wearing a ...(you have to read the story, it's sickening). I don't even want to imagine what this guy was thinking. It's a blessing that no one was seriously injured.

Click here for the full story.

"Show Me the Money"

Click here for video.

Well, not me, but him. I'm referring to Solomon Jackson Jr., a South Carolina native who hit the $250 million jackpot a week or so ago. With a name like that, he probably done been through some stuff. Don't his name alone just sound deserving of $250 million or a one time lump sum payment of $125 million?

When you wake up in the morning a millionaire and the only thing you can think of doing is mowing your neighbor's yard, I'd say you're probably as deserving of that money than anyone else. I like the fact that he kept everyone in suspense for about a week in addition to not telling folks much about himself. But as a advocate of higher education, I do appreciate his honesty of why he bought the ticket, explaining that the least he could do is buy a $2 lottery ticket to support South Carolina education. Jackson was quoted as saying it's a beautiful in South Carolina and it's a beautiful day for higher education.

I challenge him to support both of those endeavors.

I'm looking at this lottery thing all wrong because all I be thinking about is what kind of house I'm going to by my mama, taking all my family and friends on a trip they will never forget, and buying New Orleans Saints season football tickets.

“The Winner”

This feel good record by Drake got me thinking about a few things. Humbleness, working hard, and the idea that everything can’t be about you or me. Think with me about the following:

Imagine how life would be if more educators, students, athletes, musicians, and everyday people would humble themselves. What if it didn’t matter how many degrees you have or what prestigious university you work for (Prof. Gates).

Yes, a world where we congratulated people often and we looked at defeat as a humbling experience instead of an excuse not to tell someone…”job well done” (Lebron).

Why does it matter that someone doesn’t call you as often as they do someone else. Or that they blocked you from being their friend (Facebook). So what you make a certain amount of money because remember, you are human, and it all can be taken away at the blink of an eye (Mike Vick).

Since when did children become a come up (Kelis) because to me, a lifestyle is nothing more than a perception, because you don’t have to be rich to live a prosperous life (get a job).

I could go on, but I won’t. What if we lived in a world where none of the aforementioned things mattered?

Plain and simple, we would all be Winners in the biggest competition of all…LIFE

"I'm so Fly"

It's 106 degrees. Two, she is on vacation. And three, stop hating because you over 40 years old and you can't wear shorts anymore.

If you haven't heared, our first lady was photographed getting off the Air Force One with one of her daughters in some shorts. Some folks are suggesting that because other first ladies never wore shorts (at least in public), her doing so is very inappropriate.

However The Today Show's poll on whether she should have shown that much thigh got one of the show's biggest responses ever, with 83% pro-shorts. Good for her!

As for those who disagree, it's a sad realization that some folks can't come to grips with the fact that we have an African American family flying in the Air Force One and living in the White House.

Click title for full story. For more photos of Michelle Obama, click here!

“Maaaan…I just Don’t Know?”

No pun intended. Then again, I’m lying.

Just when you thought that Usain Bolt and his record breaking performances was going to be the main topic of the track and field season…guess again. About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct a gender verification test. Track and field’s ruling body said Caster Semenya was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman.

I'm not saying that it's fair...but by the looks of that picture…well, I don’t know, you be the judge.

You know the drill, click the title for full story. For more pics, click here!

“How Far(ve) Will They Go?”

To tell you the truth, I’m so sick and tired of being sick and tired of hearing about Brett Farve. To make matters worst, the Vikings signed this dude to big money (2yrs-25 million).

It’s evident to me that his heart is not in football. If his heart was into it, he wouldn’t have retired after playing an inconsistent year with the Jets. In fact, he wouldn’t have retired the first time. I just think that he really has it out for the Packers.

Either way you look at it, he won’t make it through the year. I think the Vikings went from a good team to a mediocre team with the signing of Farve. The last time I checked, as Fran Tarkenton put it, “football is a team sport.” The Vikings got a circus on their hands.

Did they not learn anything from the Jets last year?

The Bad News…"Raiders”

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4405681

Ron Artest charged the stands in Detroit. Steve Smith of the Panthers sucker punched his teammate and cornerback Ken Lucas. In 2003, Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski punched teammate Marcus Williams during practice, shattering Williams' jaw. Williams later filed a civil lawsuit and was awarded $340,000 in damages.

Also, there was former coach Bill Callahan calling his players "the dumbest team in America" in 2003, Randy Moss quitting on his team during his two-year stint in Oakland, and former coach Art Shell benching and then suspending receiver Jerry Porter for insubordination.

And now Raiders head coach Tom Cable “allegedly” punched his assistant coach and breaks his jaw.


According to AOL Fanhouse, Cable hit Hanson on Aug. 5 for unknown reasons. A report filed with the Napa Police Department describes an unnamed 41-year-old assistant coach being treated at the Queen of the Valley Hospital for a jaw injury, which the victim alleges was caused by an unidentified member of the Raiders coaching staff.

I’m just curious to see what the No Fun League (NFL) has to say about this. In the mean time, this is what I have to say about it,…”Yeah he did it!”

What is the sports world coming too?

"First in the Family"

Open publication - Free publishing

She is in her own right. In fact so is he. Together this week they embark on a journey of their own. The struggles, the frustration, the excitement, the joys. The wins and the losses.

College.

The easy part is getting in. The second most difficult part is sustaining and going back after year one, two, and three. The goal is to graduate. And the hardest part of it all (after graduating), to survive in a world where nothing is free and everything is dependent one’s self…motivation, confidence, restraint, love, and respect.

And when you finally make it, the best part of it all will be the smiles on the faces of everyone who’ve helped you along the way.

Best of luck to the both of you. Best of luck to you all!

"Flying High"

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4398165

In a room of four people, there was only one person overly excited to hear about Michael Vick’s signing (shout out to Philly’s favorite daughter). Key word here is “overly.”

There is no doubt in my mind that Vick deserves a second chance. No need to blog about that, we’ve done that already. My concern is why the Eagles. I could name at least 3 other teams where Vick would have been a better fit.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

* Donovan McNabb tomorrow and in the coming weeks will express how happy he is that Vick's playing for the Eagles.
* McNabb will have a crappy couple of games, then benched, Vick will replace him
* Vick will play and a QB controversy will arise
* For an answer to what happens next…ask Terrell Owens!

As much as I hate the Carolina Panthers, I thought Vick would have been a better fit. There were also talks of him joining the Ravens, which also could have worked out with an inconstent Joe Flacco. The Eagles drafted a quarterback out of Houston two years ago. And their 3rd string is also a former starting quarterback. Me...---> SMH!

Maybe it’s not for me or anyone else to figure out. I just hope he doesn’t “overly” disappoint the Philly faithful. Best of luck young man!

“Google Me”

No, I’m kidding…seriously, I really am kidding! The blog title is a preview of the episode to come on the T.O. Show in which Kita, one of his friends/publicists questions another female as to who she is, as if she is not good enough to be with Terrell Owens. And the female response was basically if you don’t know who I am, “Google Me!” Now that’s hilarious! http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1618571&vid=426768

This topic was suggested to me over the weekend, so shout out to Shack and IJM, not to be confused with MJG (shout out to Birmingham, AL). At first I was like nahhh, but after watching the most recent episode of the T.O. show in which his other friend/publicist (Mo) was very rude to his ESPY’s date, for no apparent reason, it got me to thinking.

So I guess I will put it out there: What is it with females discriminating against one another? Why should it matter who she dates? Where she works? Where she doesn’t work? Where she bought her dress? How she bought her dress? How she wears her dress? Where she lives? What car she drives? Is that her hair? Her shoes don’t match her clothes? The color of her skin, who cares? What school she went to? Where she’s from? Why she talk like that (Shout out to Tiny and Toya)?

And then to add fuel to the fire, they go and make a show called the Real Housewives of Atlanta, New York, New Orleans, New Jersey, New England, New Hanover, New Bern, Newport News and New Rochelle as if there isn’t enough female competition going on in the world.

Good luck and may the best lady win?

“Unnecessary Roughness”

Every now and again I like to post videos that may not have anything to do with higher education, sports, or music. Some are funny and amusing and aren't meant to cause any harm. See July blog archive for those.

And then their are videos that are not so funny, but important for people to see because just maybe there is a lesson that can be learned from it.

I'm not hear to judge, I've said that before. Read more on the full story, then you can form your own opinion of the video.

Although after watching such a video, the full story sometimes just ain't worth reading.

“I am a Witness”

Over the weekend I had a chance to watch one semi final game and the finals of the SJG NC Greater Pro Am Basketball League (http://ncproam.com/). As their website puts it, “The Rucker of the South was held on the campus of NCCU. As a huge college basketball fan and follower, summer basketball right up close in person was a nice change of pace to the summer schedule of…well, just let’s say work. I came away from the tournament with a few observations:

* I’m officially adopting Kinston, NC as one my cribs (what up Roc). Jerry Stackhouse on two different occasions politely let the officials know that, he was in fact from Kinston. And if you are from K-Town or ever visited, well, you get the point.
* As expected, former Tar Heels Jawad Williams, or as his biggest fan put it, J-Dub (shout out to A-Dub), Ray Felton, and Stackhouse played well.
* I’m still shaking my head at JamesOn Curry, both at his name and what he did in HS
* Felton dominated the championship game
* Courtney Fells could have been an all American at UNC, too bad he went to State
* Myles Plumlee (Duke Basketball recruit) walked every time he touched the ball
* Don’t mess with DPD, I wonder whatever happen to buddy
* I think I saw someone there with a sign that read…”Hey Ref, this tournament is not about YOU”
* And last but not least, John Wall will be the #1 Pick in next years NBA Draft…

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a top ranked basketball recruit play before he or she entered college. The last time was in 2005 when as an 8th grader, Skylar Diggins dominated guys and girls who were six years her senior. After officiating her basketball game, I reached out to a friend (what up KQ) and said she’s going to be a # 1 recruit when she graduates high school four years from now. Need I say more? http://www.hoopfeed.com/content/2009/07/16/notre-dame-signee-skylar-diggins-named-national-high-school-athlete-of-the-year-parker-and-moore-win-espys/

The same goes for John Wall. It’s a shame we (UNC-CH), NCCU, or even NC State could not snag him. I would have paid to enter any of those gyms to see him play. Instead he’s headed to Kentucky where John Calipari is as shady as those stock brokers on Wall Street (no pun intended). Nevertheless Wall will be able to do whatever he wants and like many other young athletes before him, it will be the deciding factor on how the rest of his life plays out.

But for now, I am witness.

“Carry On”

It’s a story of hope. Inspiration. Loyalty. Friendship. ESPN reports on Outside the Lines a real life touching story about two young men overcoming obstacles with the help of one another.

A fellow blogger and friend (what up Jovizi) recently blogged about her friends helping her move when they didn’t have too, but they did. She titled the blog “Friends, how many of us have them.” I think she and her friends would agree that their act of gratitude pales in comparison to the story of two high school wrestlers, one blind, the other with no legs, who discover the meaning of true friendship.

You Would Have Too...Right?

President Barack Obama recently announced that "the worst may be behind us," referring to a job report indicating the first drop in unemployment rates in 15 months. Still their are millions without jobs.

With that being said, who would have thought that someone could carelessly loose $800dollars cash and then have it returned in a thoughtful, yet fascinating way. Blessed that couple's heart. You would have too...right?

Click link below for video story. Also, to read more about the President's annoucement, click the title of Blog.


Couple Tracks Down Owner of Lost Money

Shared via AddThis

“Who’s Real?”

Before I get started with this one, as always I have to give shout outs. Some of my blog topics have come from conversations I’ve had with family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. This one is no different. As I was hyping up Jadakiss’ latest CD, which is a classic to me and explaining to some folks how I was unimpressed with a few of Eminem’s latest tracks, someone recommended that I hear the Ruff Ryder Remix to Jadakiss “Who’s Real” song featuring OJ the Juiceman. So big ups to JF, JS, and DL (don’t read too much into the initials, you will drive yourself crazy trying to figure out who these people are).

I’m going to date myself here a little. When I was high school, I was just becoming a fan of east coast music. Jay-Z was cool, Biggie was dope, and I couldn’t understand anything the Wu-Tang Clan was saying outside of “cream get the money,” so they were just…ok. I was from the bottom (see blog titled Uptown). It was Cash Money all day, more so Juvenile, BG, and Mannie Fresh…Lil Wayne was aright at the time. I was a huge not only because of their music, but because they was a click. A family. They were “real” to one another because they all came from nothing and at the time, I could definitely relate.

And then, just like the Bad Boy, Roc-a-Wear, and Wu-Tang families, Cash Money split. Interesting enough, some if not all of these groups split when their respective labels were at the top of the music game. Probably because these label execs was not being honest with themselves and their artists. They were not being real, sort to speak. (Uncle Diddy has been robbing people for years).

But the Rough Ryders are still in the picture as it relates to being a real “click” while an older Lil Wayne fights to put Young Money on the map. The double R has had their differences, but they did something with this “Who’s Real” remix that I haven’t seen in a while with RAP “clicks” and that’s collectively as a group, remix a hot song.

Any thoughts to the best rap click of all time?

"Fair Game"

Too bad freedom of expression isn't what it use to be. I probably would have tossed up here a lot more videos that some of my friends (shout out to NS and Roc) recommended to me. Let's just say this, I hope Soulja Boy Tell Em is saving his money and the purpose of riding a train is to...well ride, and not be on top of it. Did somebody say FIRE! If freedom of expression was in fact free, I'm sure many of our social networking sites would either be non existent or out of control.

The following leads me to the whole Mariah and Nick Carey, i mean Cannon versus Eminem squabble. Let me say this first, I don't think it's right for Eminem to have gone after a woman in that manner, maybe even at all. Not cool. But what gives her the right to go after him in her music video and not expect him to retaliate?

If you are not familiar with what's happening, here is a quick synopsis. Nick marries Mariah, Eminem cracks a joke in a record. Nick tweets back. Mariah responds with obsessed video (youtube it). Em responds with a pretty hard dis record called "The Warning" (found on youtube or rapbasement.com). Nick tweets bible versus (click title)! SMH!

You can argue that Eminem in his videos have been making fun of people for years, most notably Brittany Spears. So what's the big deal when someone does it to him? My point exactly, it shouldn't be, unless you are Mariah Carey and you're married to Nick Carey, oops, I mean Cannon...sorry!

Bottom line, Mariah may have been the best he's ever had or the worst. Whatever it is, she has a hold on him like no other. I'm thinking they could have been a nice power couple if they would have lasted. Bigger than Jay and Beyonce? HAHA! Maybe!

“Join the Club” - Jobless graduate sues her college

It is a club of sorts, I guess, albeit membership is not a matter of choice. Or is it? The number of recent college graduates who are unemployed is not that alarming compared to 20-24 year olds who do not hold a bachelors degree. Richard White, director of Career Services for Rutgers University, explained back in March 2009 that the unemployment rate for recent graduates entering the job market is 4 percent while members of the U.S. population ages 20 to 24 face a 12 percent unemployment rate if do not have a college degree. White also suggested that while education plays an important role in the job market, it’s not an end in itself but a means to leading a productive life and career.

While the employment rate for recent college grads is not great, it’s not the end of the world either. In fact with the economy in the state that it’s in, it makes more economic sense for employers to higher entry to mid level employees to do the same work as someone who’s been working 10-15 years for half the price. I wouldn’t recommend that, but in reality, it’s happening all over the country.

The question at hand is does this student have any merit to bring legal action against Monroe College for not putting her in a position to find a job (Click title to read article). At what point do you put the onus on yourself to go out and compete for a job. Finding a job can be a lengthy process. It can be even longer if you spend your time worrying about the things you can’t control instead of seeking out resources that are available to help you succeed in finding a job.

“Tweet(le) dee Tweet(le) DUMB”

San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie was reportedly fined ($2500) for tweeting about how bad the food is at their training camp. This is even after players on the team were warned by coaches and others that they would be fined for tweeting about team issues.

Must be nice to just throw away money like that. SMH as I think about what I could do with $2500. Is that ignorance or does he really have a point? To read the tweet, click the title!

"I'm on a Boat"

There is no denying that YouTube has taken the idea of freedom of expression to an entire new level. A million YouTube hits can sometimes mean instant success, just ask Soulja Boy Tell Em. Or in Scarlet’s case (see blog titled She should have known better), it also can mean instant shame depending on how you look at it.

Some postings will have us asking why (Stephon Marbury). For those of us who do post videos every now and again, it’s something to remind us of where and how far we’ve come. For others, a harmless post, like a hand stand gone wrong in Wal-Mart, is meant to make someone laugh and or smile.

The following brings me to the following video (to watch click title). We can debate the topic of music all day long. In fact, my friends and I do it all the time how well an artists can lyrical rhyme, sing, dance, and everything else you can think of. From the “tootsie roll” to the “stanky leg.” “You a jerk” to now…”I’m on a boat.” Yes, I said…”I’m on a boat.” Big ups to AY for telling me about this one.

Click the title above for the official music video of “I’m on a boat” by The Lonely Island (yes, that’s their name) featuring the ever so funny, the clown himself, T-Pain. The video below is of T-Pain performing live the hook to the song. Parental Advisory is in full affect.



Also, please see below for the “I’m on a boat” parody called “I’m on a plane.” Parodies and spoofs are popping all over YouTube and I actually enjoy a good number of them.




Feel free to tell me what you think of YouTube as well as the above videos.