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

A Monday Mind

Football is magic. Pizza is magic. Beer is magic.

I'm catchin' flicks this coming weekend y'all! The Family That Preys, The Women, and Righteous Kill all open on Friday. Can't wait!

Speaking of movies, is Laz Alonzo gonna be a breakout star after his performance in Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna? Looks like it to me.....

A.ndrea K.ramer, who was once a poster child for the plain janes has stepped up her fab game once again this season, while my girl P.am O.liver missed her weave chair appointment once again. Damn, I swear she's one of the baddest in the sideline reporting game, but she could use a glam squad (no hate). M.ichelle T.afoya is my girl too. All of them are incredible, actually.

Will eating fresh baked spinach and swiss croissants and having a glass of bubbly every Saturday morning contribute to the increase of my rumpshaker (by the way, that's a good thing for me)? If so, I'm on a roll, 'cuz it has become a weekend ritual. The cute, young, tender French boy who sells the croissants at the Farmer's Market doesn't help either......

So, my cousin and I give Game's CD top billing over Wayne's joint. Besides, I barely understand what Wayne is saying half the time.

This natural hair care is no joke, but DAMN my hair feels good! I'm always lovin' up on my scalp. LOL!

If you have never stepped before, find a class. There is a Steppin' community in most major cities these days. Chicago is sharing! You will love this dance.

Serena Will is that deal! Congrats on the Open victory and welcome back to the number one spot babygirl, you are overwhelmingly deserving.

......as for the opponent Jelena Joke-a-witch, get some tact about yourself. You used your first appearance at a Grand Slam event to make an absolute fool of yourself with your immature antics and poor sportsmanship, during AND after the match. For a minute I thought commentator Mary Carillo was gonna go upside your head with her microphone.

While I'm checking folks for their behavior, I would be completely remiss if I left out Serena's father's.....ummmmmm, lady friend. Her romp on the tennis court after the match was uncalled for and borderline embarrassing. You were not at the Rucker.

I stopped by theybf.com to check out pics from the VMA's red carpet and my question is this......"what's wrong with people?"

When are Squirrel's gonna pull their pants up? I DON"T WANT TO LOOK AT YOUR ASS!!!!

When are Squirrel's gonna take full rows of jewelry out of their mouths? Is that hygienic?

I love the new Swiffer commercials with the "baby come back" mariachi theme. Hilarious.

The gov-ment just took over Freddie and Fannie? Who's next? When will we rebound from all this shht? I feel sorry for our children.........they will look back in history and say we were irresponsible and spineless for allowing the current administration and the, "whichever way the wind blows" media bend us over at will.

Say-Rah Paid-lin is giving ONE damn interview?? Are you kidding me? We're really going for this? WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!! We need to be on her raggedy, lying tail like they were and still are on B. Rocka.

My Auntie Day, back home in The Chi, said she cooked some collard greens yesterday. Now, I want some. But, they take SO long to cook, properly.

F.OX News is scary. I repeat, F.OX News is scary.

I'm trying my hand at an indoor plant. I got an orchid. Cross your fingers.

Does any one watch A.rmy W.ives? Is it good? I need a new show.

What are you reading these days?

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Maven

P.S. When I use period's within words, it is deliberate and serves a purpose. I'm not crazy. :)

Yes, Barack IS Enough

Imagine a scene in a movie when they show a character, in slow motion, in a crowd of people or amid some type of hurried activity, but the sound is off, and all you hear is the character's breathing, while they look around at their surroundings.

Is that what Senator Obama felt last nite when he took the stage? Did he have a moment of peace and calm wash over him as he stepped boldly into his destiny?

I certainly hope so. I hope he took one moment to take it all in.

The speech was was fluid and confident. Purposeful and succinct. Obama came in like a verbal marksman and picked off his detractors with skill and GQ style.

Now, after bringing the funk, some are still asking, "what now?", "can he deliver on all those promises?", "is he ready to lead?", "is he qualified?". To those people, I ask, what is good enough? To those people, I say, don't worry so much about whether Obama is ready, ask yourself if you're ready. What role will you play? Will you sit idly by again, like we've mostly done during this awful Bush administration? Your answer should be no. I hope you get involved and help Barack hekp us all.

This man has laid it all out for you....his family tree and humble beginnings, his ivy league education and his selfless sacrifices to uplift others after graduation, his amazing choice in a spouse, whom he unashamedly references as "the love of my life", and his beautiful, all African-American little girls, who are just as normal, grounded and cute as some of your own.

His choice in a running mate is more than respectable, it is decidedly brilliant. His ability to move the crowd will be legendary.

I have resolved to ignore the naysayers and negativity. Some human beings are never satisfied. Everyone cannot be made happy and all are entitled to their own opinion. I say this though, get out the way if you don't want to get on board because this train is rolling full steam ahead. Change is here and it wasn't attained by ill-gotten gains. This change is of divine order.

I know there are a great number of people who won't vote for Obama because of his race, and some won't vote because they are still bitter about Hillary. Obviously, some are staunch Repubs and cannot fathom crossing party lines, but I think that the majority of those who are unsure are simply afraid of something different. To those individuals, I say, there is no better time than the present to face your fears, and if you're that damn scared, hit me up, I'll hold your trembling hand.

The Maven

Those Annual Sports Awards 2008

I think the most memorable moment of the night for me was at the end of the show when the camera went to a shot of D Fish after Jesus Shuttlesworth slyly remarked "another win in LA", as the C's accepted their award for Best Team. Fish looked like he was gonna meet Mr. Allen in the green room and lay hands on him. There was clearly an elephant in the room at that moment, certain to be dealt with next season in a three-point barrage by Fish against the C's. Might not work though, seeing how Sugar Ray has the sweetest stroke and counter-attack in all the NBA. Look up the art of shooting baskets and you're very likely to see his smiling face.

Another momemt of note was the look on young Eli's wife's face when the so-called host was clowning her man about winning the Bowl and coming out of his brother's shadow. Embarrassing.

Overall, the show was decent. I am not a Timberfake fan, so that made it just a bit unbearable to watch, besides, his constant references to Memphis and Kansas were annoying. Get over it already, will ya?

It was great to see Kevin Everett walk on stage to accept his Jimmie V award, God is good all the time! It was also wonderful to see Ms. Robin Roberts and the Chicago homie Stu Scott there present the award. They are both brave and amazing in their own accomplishments and respective battles with cancer.

The honoring of Tommie Smith and John Carlos with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award was a proud moment indeed, as they seem to have put behind them, a few disagreements and hard feelings that have tainted their legacy over the years. It is likely that we shall never again see a black fist raised in a display of solidarity and black power, ever again. I feel an ESSPIN original movie coming.....

As for the "fits", everyone looked fairly nice. A man in a well-tailored suit NEVER gets old. Adrian Peterson looked VERY nice. Thumbs up to my girl Q, for her styling prowess with Mr. Whitaker and the Lady Baller, Ms. Parker.

The Maven

Hump Day House Music - Home Edition

Yo! I'm headed to the crib in the morning! Can't wait. I get to see the smiling faces of the two who gave me life! I need this break, badly. Haven't been to the crib in a year and I'm homesick. I need to recharge. See my best friends, old friends and loved ones....Wake up to see deer running across my Pop's lawn....Taste The Lady's home cooking....Eat some Harold's, Curt's and Giordano's....See the Skyline....Roll on Lake Shore Drive....Walk down Michigan Ave....Hit up the Taste of Chicago and the Old Skool Picnic and listen to some House Music... Go to Hyde Park.... Make my rounds in London Towne....Go to church (TUCC)....Get some steppin' in somewhere on Stoney Island....Maybe get in a Sox game....

I will be checking in while I'm gone, but just know that this is EXACTLY how I will feel when I get off that plane.......

A Monday Mind

What goes through an opponents mind when they are staring at Venus or Serena or Venus and Serena (doubles matches) from across the net?

How do you know the difference between being in love with "the one" and being tested in preparation for "the one"?

Pets and children don't have bills. Can I return in my next life as one or the other?

Baseball season is really holding it down for me right now. The Windy City Series did not disappoint. Its a little strange living in a city far from the hometown and watching said hometown teams wallop on each other for six games. I wanted to be there. Go White Sox!

Football season is coming! That means my Fantasy League begins, Season 8!

I'm just gonna put it out there.........if for some reason I end up dating outside the race, and it becomes serious, and my future in-laws disapprove of my chocolate goodness, then I'm bailing on dude before things get out of hand. I love my life. How insane is it that a grown arse man would concieve of having his daughter-in-law, the mother of his granchild, ICED? Predjudice and racism is a muthaskunna. To my Indian brethren, your skin is brown. Get over it. Besides, black folks are that deal!

Sleep is underrated.

I can't say this enough. Ladies and Gentlemen, mani-pedi's are your friend.

Warning.....hold off on going to a new restaurant within its first few weeks of opening. They're still working out the kinks and you're probably gonna be irritated and turned off by the ambiance, food, and/or service. Trust me on this one. I've worked in a new retaurant and I've patronized them too. Good things come to those who wait.

Speaking of restaurants. As a hostes, why would you wear stripper shoes to work, knowing that you have to seat people all night? Hostess Girl, you were a great source of entertainment, as I was sure that you would eventually fall and bust your butt while tippin' across that slick floor.

Its probably a good idea to learn Spanish and/or Mandarin, and teach your children too.

How did we become so desensitized to human suffering?

I know its Monday, but hang in there!

The Maven

Eric Roberson's Freestyle for Obama

Funky!

Before My Very Eyes

Have you ever watched someone you love and admire blossom and excel into the very thing you always knew they could be?

That's how I feel about my little brother. Granted, he's a grown man now, but to me he will always be the one I doted over and kept my girls away from (or tried to, at least).

Seeing this video, made by Sam's high school classmate, brings back great memories of his college games when the family would trek to Normal, Illinois and sit out in the brutal, midwest cold or the scorching heat to watch the games. Just so you know, he is a shut down Corner! What a special and magical time! It was a pleasure watching Sam and his teammates, some of which he is still cool with (what up Mondo, what up Wayne!), play their hearts out and battle for each other on that turf week after week.

What I love most about my little brother is that he is not a quitter. Yes, he had his brief stints in the NFL, but he never gave up and has made a place for himself in the CFL (I've since grown to adore Vancouver). He plays in Winnepeg now, on the same team as his college roomie, the then and now team QB, Kevin Glenn. They have grown to become remarkable and upstanding gentlemen and for that I am very grateful. They're in camp now, working hard and preparing for the coming season, and I can't wait to watch their games. Go Blue Bombers!

As always, Sister loves ya!

Hold it down!

The Maven

Hump Day Music - Ride With Obama

Blissful. That's how the moment felt for me. To hear Barack declare himself the Democratic nominee was bittersweet. To see he and Michelle standing strong together......there are no words. I am SO very proud!

Now, the real journey begins. If ever the Obama's needed our support, they really do now. I implore you to pray with conviction, encourage others to involve themselves in this historic political process, stand tall, donate to the campaign, and take all of this VERY seriously. You have witnessed history! Black History! American History!Be proud and express to your children, your relatives and friends, the importance and relevance of this time, just as our parents did for us in terms of The Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm, Martin, Shirley Chisholm, The Kennedy's, Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Jesse Jackson, Motown, etc......

It's Chess Not Checkers!

Personally, I AM LOVING THIS!

They are standing there lookin' like money, baby!

It is yet to be seen how pivotal this moment will be for the Obama campaign, but DAMN if it didn't send chills down my spine! There is no question, that as individuals, these cats are like gold and sunshine. But together, their swagger quotient is blinding! Barack already had my unwavering support and of course, my vote. If he adds John Edwards to his ticket (I know I'm jumping ahead), IT'S A WRAP! The White House will instantly be GQ!

Hillary is officially somewhere shredding her pantsuits and cussin' Bubba.

Got Hope? Got Pennsylvania?

Wood Harris and Rebekah Harris entered an ad contest in support of Barack Obama.

Check it out and vote for it here!

Thanks Rebekah for sharing this with me! Great job!

Go Obama!

The Maven