I Need the Game

When I began this blog, I envisioned it as a place where my spirit could breath and my mind could be free. I just knew it would be a great place for me to hone my writing skills and communicate with my core group of family and friends as well as the masses. I believe in some ways I succeeded, but feel as though I failed also. It has forced me to look DEEP (think James Earl Jones when you read) within.

As failure is often in the beholders eye, for the sake of not coming down on myself too hard, I will deem these self-perceptions as missteps. 2008 was a hell of a drug. The "F" your couch type. I was the couch and D.ave C.happelle's feet represented almighty life itself.

I do realize that I wasn't alone, but I am only speaking for self right now when I say, thank God for times past! I received a comeuppance of sorts in '08, especially towards the end. When they say, "you don't miss the water 'til your well runs dry", I believe they forgot to address it directly toward me. Suffice to say, I made it through and my gratitude overflows to those who helped me mentally, spiritually and financially; I definitely have some angelic and loving people amongst my intimates right now. But, its time for me to get back on the right track, back on the "right side of life" as I like to say (smiles to mom, The Lady).

Yes, I have a "good payin' job" (sarcasm). But, I miss the those things that I'd been living to do, the "do what you love and the money will follow" types of moves. Those closest to me understand where my passions lie. While I've always felt that the game needs me, I now completely understand, that I also need the game. Without it, I am not motivated, I feel dejected at times, out of sorts with myself and my surroundings and just downright powerless. Granted, the game wore me down at times, broke my spirit, but looking back, it wasn't so bad and had I truly focused and adjusted my plan as needed.......BINGO!

I try not to cry over spilled soy milk, so I'm taking these lessons and preparing to apply them once again to my game, THE game.

I've been pondering the idea of one doing what one loves, for a few weeks now. I've asked friends, like my boys at B2G Sports, as well as complete strangers, if they are doing what they love and would they have it any other way. The answers have come with a resounding yes from most, and I use that as wind beneath my wings, because seeing is believing and I have great examples and I know its true. I've also been reading the blogs of others, like , twentyeight30, Dallas Penn and my man FreeMan Press, who is enlightening in a very in your face kind of way. Check him out, he is not playing in these streets!

Today, I read a quote that said something to the effect of, "if you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time." So, I remind myself constantly, that is the reinforcement I must give myself. I gotta get back to all that I know and love, and that includes my sports, my literature (I'm gunnin' for the latest J. California Cooper book), my gardening and especially my writing.

I hope you come back with me, because if you missed me a little, I missed you tenfold!

The Maven

Green Day

This is about golf. I don't know how to play, but after spending my work-related day at a lovely course in Malibu the other day, I am convinced that I must learn. First off, this is Southern Cali, so the weather is usually "boss".

It was an absolutely beautiful day, the tournament was charity driven and the participants were all accomplished and very pleasant urban professionals. One of the best elements of the day for me was the peacefulness. Ladies, if you're trippin' about the hours upon hours that your Squirrel spends on the links - just STOP. I completely understand why he's out there.....its relaxing and serene and he gets to chill with his boys, drink brew, compete and talk BIG shtt for an ENTIRE day. Trust me on this, for a man, this is major. They love us, but a day without "lip" or "mouth" is priceless.

I can speak on this because, although its a mans world, I can navigate it. I don't intrude, I blend in. Chameleon style. So perhaps you can join me for those lessons and get your weight up too. Plenty of our female counterparts already know this (shouts to my BFF, Dr. Dill) and they are playing and playing well. Plus, the networking, socially and professionally, is priceless.

Now, I will sit up and watch T Woods, but I have never been a golf "fan". I'm just convinced that all that beauty and quiet I felt whilst driving my cart around the course all day, has to be good for my mind, soul and spirit.

Be good,

The Maven

Game Notes

And then there were four. The Eastern and Western Conference Finals are finally upon us. Boston vs. Detroit and Los Angeles vs. San Antonio. Home court advantage did what it was supposed to do for the Celtics and the Lakers, it delivered a win for each.

The Lakers barely pulled theirs out though. Smooches to KB24 for throwing the dagger in the end as a MVP should. Your first half antics, or lack thereof can be forgiven. I'm catching up on all the highlights on Sportcenter as I write since I was in class for the duration of the game. L.O. blocked The Big Fundamentals twice! I saw Pow Wow getting his block on too! The Spaniard is never scared!

In Tuesdays Celtics - Pistons match up, it was clear that Sugar Ray's mojo had resurfaced. Damn, that man can shoot the rock. Anyway, this will be a hard fought battle, and if Boston can't get on the good foot at The Palace of Auburn Hills (they are 0-6 on the road this playoff season) they are gonna be home pickin' toe jam sooner than they would like. And how about RoDney StuckEy? He could be the X Factor for Detroit. I love an X Factor. I love that the playoffs are an amazing opportunity for a youngster to strut his stuff. Besides, he's learning from Chauncey B., it doesn't get much better than that.

The draft lottery netted my home town team the number one pick in June's Basketball League draft. Go Bulls! Don't screw this up, OK? Your track record on fostering and securing talent has been suspect for many years now. Of course, I will recommend taking the home grown talent in D. Rose. South Side. The Meon. How can you go wrong? However, I'm sure either way you go, Rose or Beasley, it will be a good look. After that's out the way, please go out and get a Big Man! 2008 is the year of new beginnings. Take note.

I think the O.range J.uice and Mayo.nnaise saga is gonna get worse before it gets better. The mere thought of any wrongdoing in this situation screams for the need of regulation and reform. I will get into my thoughts on the bigger picture at a date.

Fine ass Al P.ujols was doing serious damage tonight in San Diego, literally. First he unintentionally hit a pitch on C.hris Young that hit Young in the face, causing blood to gush like a crystal geyser. Prognosis, broken nose. Then, he unintentionally slid into home plate and steam rolled over the ankle of catcher J.osh B.ard. Prognosis, The Cards won the game, but Al seemed very remorseful in the end. They will be in LA for a few days to play my second home team Dodgers. Maybe I'll dip to a game at the stadium for a closer look at his Dominican goodness.

My Baseball League heart belongs to The Chi White Sox and they are killin' it right now with the seven game dub streak. Much love to J.ermaine D.ye (my girl A. Renee J. adores you) for coming up big in Cleveland with the two homers.
South Side forever!

Note to Football Leaguers............the owners are gonna bend you over in 2011. Stand tall. Stay strong in the struggle. Demand your worth. Most importantly, send Eugene packin' as soon as possible! I don't think he's your friend.

The Maven

A Monday Mind

.....it's was rough last week y'all.......

We Wear the Mask

We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!

-Paul Lawrence Dunbar

Mary Jay

Just came home from a great concert. The Heart of The City Tour to be exact. Yes, that's right, Mary and Jay, a sixty degree L.A. night, The Hollywood Bowl, and box seats. Ridiculous!

The Maven



I've seen Jay countless times (terms of endearment for my connect), but this is the first time I've seen Mary perform and The Queen of hip Hop Soul did NOT disappoint.

Let me holla at the ladies for a minute.......I don't know about you, but I feel like Mary and I grew up together; not in a same 'hood, 'round the corner kind of way, but in a Kool Aid to Cognac kind of way. When she hit the airwaves, I was running the streets with my girls, going to parties, and kissin' and tellin'. Mary's songs represent every stage of my life, and it is clear that she has weathered her storms and become a G-A-Dub (Grown Ass Woman). She looked flawless. The hair was laid (of course), the 'drobe was fly, and homegirl is in great shape. Now, I am a true slim goody, but Mary makes me wanna adopt a regular fitness regimen. She ain't playin'! She ran through some old faves and then hit us with an ode to Anita Baker by scatting to "Been So Long". I loved it! She then took it home with her newer hits (she had me in tears with "Be With You") and danced and kicked it like we were at a party in her back yard. Gotta love her.

Once Jay came on, he rolled along seamlessly through his catalog, with the highlights being his stint at the turntable with his DJ, where they played snippets from about 10 songs, each one making the crowd go crazy, the other highlight was his a capella performance of "Minority Report" while photos of the disaster displayed in the background; the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina will never be forgotten and the response by our government will never be forgiven.
Each time I see Jigga perform, I am reminded just how incredible his swagger is and how solid his offerings have been over the years. The man has HITS!

The show ended with fireworks and the last of three duets performed throughout, with the fitting "Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love)".

This was the best Hump Day I've had in a long time. I just might hit the show up again on Friday.

Thank You, Kanye

When Kanye West released the album, Graduation, "Homecoming" was instantly one of my faves. Shout to Chris Martin for adding the icing (smiles).

This cut takes me back to the "City of Wind" with the fondest of memories. In this video, you see the infamous Chicago skyline, a housing development on State Street, The Dusable Museum, The Tribune Building, Michigan Avenue, Soldier Field, the "L" , winter bare trees, chocolate city-worn faces, The Chicago River, Cloud Gate at Millineum Park aka The Bean , and the ever increasingly handsome, Common.

I have to say that growing up in Chicago was an immeasurable blessing and an unparallel experience.

This video is a wonderful ode to the city. Job well done Kanye!

The Maven

Dodger Blues

I just got home from the Dodgers game. That's right folks, the 50th Opening Day at Dodger's Stadium, seventy-two degrees, sunny and clear, iced cold Tecate and Dodger dogs. Oh yeah!

Ok, enough of that, now lets get real. The Dodgers organization needs that booty whipped. The parking arrangements are ridiculous and inconvenient (they could really benefit from some sort of shuttle service), the concession stands are mediocre, the restrooms are too few and far between, plus, they're old and poorly lit. Also, the stadium's usher staff is hard to find.

Granted, The Dodgers were victorious and sent the SF Giants packin' with a goose egg, but it was a lackluster experience at best. Maybe I'm just spoiled when it comes to sporting events. I attend my fare share, so I have a lot to compare this to. I also felt bad for my colleague and friend, because he just moved here from the East coast and I think he was expecting more.

The home team's faithful and diehard fans were out in droves, all dressed in Dodger Blue. It was a full house, which means only one thing.........drunkeness. My friend and I commented on how difficult it is to bring children to large sporting events because of all the lewd behavior. Folks really need to pipe down.

All in all, it was a lovely day, and I truly enjoyed connecting with my old friend. He tells GREAT stories that always have me laughing.

I think I'll wait for the hype of the new season to subside before I return to another game (probably when they play my home team White Sox). Baseball can be and should be a peaceful, relaxing experience. Someone should remind the big-wigs in the corporate offices.

The Maven

Pac-10 Journey

Yesterday, I spent my day at The Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament. Big ups to my connect. I've attended in years past, but for some reason, this year, I was more observant of my surroundings. It's tournament time all over the country, but it is an exceptionally exciting time for basketball here in L.A. The Pac-10 Tourney is a "future star" showcase. There is boundless talent 'round these parts, so consider this Conference the land of plenty.

The Staples center was an array of young, old, short, tall, female, but mostly male (did you hear that ladies?) people, of many ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Of course you had your casual fans, but the highlight of the day for me were the "arena refs", as I like to call them. They call plays, chastise players for mistakes, use profanity, argue calls, and get down right indignant. It's a beautiful thing to see! Then you have the team allegiances, highlighted by the lively bands, some better than others (Cal's band was groovin'), the mascots and the sea of tees, sweatshirts, and hats. During TV timeouts, they showed casual fans in the lobby singing their favorite school's fight song, which was kinda cute, until they booed a woman who had to read the words from a book. She really was pitiful, though.

The atmosphere resembles a glass menagerie when you interject the presence of the "The Life"; this group includes the proud parents, the university big wigs, the pro level general managers and scouts, the agents, the managers, the marketing companies, the endorsement companies, the financial advisers, the sports writers, and the lifestyle managers/personal assistants (wink and smile).

I was in attendance during the second session, which consisted of two games. The competition was varied. USC battled Arizona State in the first game. It was cool of course, to watch O.J. Mayo handle his business, he's smooth. But it was also nice to get an up close look at a few guys whose names are not as "household" yet. I liked the Sophomore guard, Daniel Hackett, from USC, and the Freshman guard, James Harden, from Arizona State. The UCLA-Cal game, was not as good. Actually, it was a blowout. UCLA has the big Freshman Kevin Love, who was a fan favorite. They are lead by the finesse PG, Darren Collison, and showcase one of the Shipp Boys, Josh. I also got the tip from a colleague to keep an eye on the skills of Cal Freshman forward, Ryan Anderson. He's solid all around and should get a good look at the next level, whenever that time comes.

I didn't get the chance to hang around to watch Stanford eliminate Arizona, but I'm quite happy with the outcome. Go Cardinal!

All in all, I had a great day. To those of you who get paid to sit and watch basketball all day, bless you. Can we switch?

The Maven