Note From The Book

Apparently I’m Irresponsible for not Watching My Cousin’s Every Move

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:26:00 PST

My Mom comes in her going off on me because she was informed that My cousin had stolen my Brothers money. This was just as new to me as it is to her. My Brother told My Dad & I earlier today that his $200.00 and his bucket of change was missing.

My Dad Informed my mom on her ride from work. So she came in her yelling at me telling me to Stop what I was doing so she can tell my cousins mom, She also asked Why Did I Let him walk around this house, She also called me irresponsible for allowing it to happen.

My mom feels that I should have been walking around the house to see what my cousin was doing. I told her that I didn’t realize he was in here until after he told me something. Our home is technically a free to roam house. I asked my mom, how do you expect me to see everything he is doing? because she blamed me for not being responsible. I told her that I had no clue he went in my brothers room because I didn’t when he came IN the house.

This all happened while I was occupied with some things in my room, While My Brother was sleeping. Suddenly My cousin came through here After leaving his job… I think he came through the front door because I had just looked the side and back doors. But anyway, he came in and saw me in my room and said “Josh where you about to go” ,I’m like “Nowhere”. and he was like “I'm about to go wait for this bus” he had just gotten of work. So I went to set back at the PC. At this point he must have roamed the house then Left for the bus. Between the time he Saw me, and the time he left, He went in my brothers room while he was asleep and stole the money.

The Irony of this happening is that earlier that day My cousin came over and Because we know he Steals, I was asked to lock my brothers door. I did so because we didn’t want my cousin to go in my brothers room while he was not here. Please note. this was at 2pm, my cousin didn’t have to go in for work till 6. he works till 10. he came over 3 times that day. The last time he saw the opportunity to steal. so he did it.

My Mom called his mom, and and got that straightened out and he will be repaying my brother what he stole. because he is wrong for what he did. My cousin has a job, my brother does not. Why do you have to steal money if you have a job?. it’s just wrong.

I Feel Basically that I should not have to keep my eye on Company of any kind. My cousin WAS welcomed here. The problem we have is that he’s over done his welcome once by using this as his Chill & break spot during work Hours. Now you steal? okay… bye

I started to go on his job and ask for the money. but I didn’t want to cause him no trouble in that way.. In fact I’d be the one going to jail for it LOL But I’m upset for that reason. What made it worse is that my mom accused me for being Irresponsible for Allowing him to come in and do what he wants. The crazy part is. I didn’t Let him in the house. Who did? I have no clue. but he shouldn't’ have been in here regardless It was 10pm he should have been at the bus stop heading home.

…..Looks like he wont be here for a while though.

Incriminating the victim is a crazy practice.

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:02:00 PST

I totally understand Ronald Serpas’ reason for publishing rap sheets of those caught up in criminal activity. He likes the Idea that it gets the people talking. The problem with that is, The information release is not only of the person who committed the crime, but the victim and their families as well.

Making us aware is one thing, but the way they go about doing it has the general public talking negatively about everybody rather than having sympathy for the victims. Which is why In my opinion, only the background information of violent criminals should be published.

I’ve Recently done it myself in reference to the Ainswoth profile. Why? When I saw that his arrest record. and then looked at the photo they had of him. I wrote in a comment the first thing that came to my mind which was. He (Ainsworth) Looks “Crack Bound” but they didn’t need to make it public.

On my part I should not have mentioned my thoughts on him looking “Crack bound” because it got me some feedback where I had to explain myself. A Guy told me basically that It’s Not fair to judge someone based on a photo. (that wasn’t is exact words) but I totally understand. although I had also mentioned how I felt about the info released. my initial written response was based on the photo and the info from his rap sheet. I was wrong and I apologize for that.

With that said, IT’S THE EXACT REASON why they shouldn’t make a victims arrest record public. What I Did there is also commonly done beneath articles on the Local News Sites. The big difference is that those commentators tend to blame the victims. Many also make general assumptions which incriminate the victim or blatantly refer to every black man profiled as a Thug. That’s commonly done without seeing an arrest record.

No Doubt Most of the times the victims in these cases are Just as much a criminal as the person who killed them. But when there are case where the victim is a good Samaritan It makes no sense at all. That’s exactly why I feel that arrest records should only be made public If the victim was a violent criminal. That way we can have an idea of the Cycle of crime they were involved in. Otherwise when any other information about that person’s family should not be made public unless their family member directly contributed the crime.

At the end of the day, I’m advocate of what’s right and what’s good for the people. and I as one of these people. Think that releasing Ainsworth’s info was a bad move.

Crazy how everything looks when the Lights go out

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:21:00 PST

There was an outage around here and everything was pitch black. yet with the reflection of the moon, it looked pretty much amazing in the darkness.
I called up my sister on the road to tell her to be careful, but the lights are back on now.

I really don’t have much to say other than the fact that The Scanner radio has come in handy too! lol

The Band Community’s Lost Another Legend

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:39:00 PST

Southern University Long time assistant Director, Arranger, Composer & Professor. Mr. Carnell Knighten died yesterday In Southern University’s Music Building. Although it’s been said it was likely a Heart attack or Massive stroke, At this time the actual cause of his death is still unconfirmed (at least to my knowledge)

I received the news of his death via texts message prior the confirmation. Along with that, seeing all the Facebook post about it had me at a loss for words. I got calls from a few friends who were his students who were still trying to figure out if it was true. and it’s sad for me to say that it is true.

It’s a Sad day in HBCU band history. Mr. Knighten was Legend, he Knew it but he was modest about it. I probably was among the many who have talked to him and told him that. I’ve played this man’s music, both written by hand and digitally and those tunes were some of the greatest I’d ever played. Starting with #1 Which was Paula Abdul’s Cold Hearted. That was the first tune I’d even Seen & Played in band. and to me, playing THAT was something big because I knew I was playing College music even though I didn’t quite understand it back then.

Knighten’s music Practically Defined 90’s era New Orleans bands. It makes me wonder if he Knew how big of a roll his music played on us. As Gerard Said, He Supplied us (New Orleans bands) with the Ammunition He was our Armory.

I spoke with G. Howard who had gotten confirmation from SU band director Mr. Jackson prior to calling me. Which led to conference call with Myself, G Howard and some others discussing the legend that was Carnell Knighten. Although We were all not Students of Knighten, We were among the many who have gotten a chance to p[lay his music. With what we knew of him we were able to express our thoughts about His impact on the Band community in our cities or just personally.

One of the guys Guys on the call was a formers student in the mid 90’s who had worked with and among Mr. Knghten in recent years and You could hear it in his voice that he was sheading tears talking about it. I would be too if I was that close to him. and That’s the wild part. Because as I said on twitter. Most of anyone who played the man’s music or Saw him direct or even got to briefly talk to him (such as myself) mainly knew him by his work. Yet His students and colleagues knew Him as a man, as family or even a father figure to many and My condolences are with them all.

It’s still unbelievable just sitting her talking about it. I don’t think its going to sink in till I hear some of his tunes live and he’s not there directing them.

Once again, My Condolences to the Knighten Family, as well as the Southern University Bandsmen and woman.

Rest In Peace Mr. Carnell Knighten and Thank you for your contribution to music.

The Book

My Condolences to the Ainsworth Family

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:40:00 PST

According to what I’ve seen in the news, Harry “Mike” Ainsworth was awaiting a bus with his kids before putting his life on the line to save a screaming woman from being carjacked. Among those who saw him die was his kids. which is very Heartbreaking to know.

It’s Also one of the many reasons I’m fed up with the Crime in this city. Week after week I get on here and blog about how much I hate the crime and killings in the city. and Since last fall. This new breed of Monsters have roaming the streets in total disregard for humanity and are willing to do anything to get their way. I hope the fool is either Caught or turns himself in.

Once again. My Condolences To The Ainsworth Family, Especially the Children who witnessed their father die.

It’s not there

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:02:00 PST

I’m fooling around with this phone and I’ve put so much on here already tat I'm getting a full memory message, majority of that was contact information. i’ll try to get rid something to make other things work.

I installed Voxer. it’s a nice program
I finally fully Activated the Google Voice App with a new number. That’s Great!
I’ve already talked to a few people which brought me to this..

I was sent one to a buddy of mine and although it’s good to talk to her, It feels kind a funny. maybe its because thing have changed on another level with her. *sigh* but it’s always great to talk with her lol.

All of The’s I’s I’m always talking about myself.. LOL

Whopper!.. no cheese… WHY?!! lol..

when I figure out how to use this phone with no problems i’ll be straight LOL

Maybe It Was Me

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:31:00 PST

I got the call today telling me I’m done/ maybe it’s because of what I said or did while there vs what was told to us afterwards. Also, it’s likely I was looked up and they saw my Facebook or twitter or even this blog. Which has made me question my own profile in the past 30 minutes. \

For one, I Say some unnecessary things with I blog. lots have to do with my own personal whereabouts. the easy way to keep a low profile is to stray away from doing that. But hey. that seems to late. when you Google me, I’m the top 5 links. That’s not necessarily a good thing.

Although I don’t say where I live. I technically tell folks everything that goes on in my day when I’m not here. That could serve me well in one case and work against me in another case. Especially after listening to the things i’ve heard over the past month.

Maybe me not being selected only maybe 15 hours after being selected made me think pretty hard about What I blog about as well as How I blog. This was a learning experience that have allowed me to be open minded and pay a lot of attention to small detail. and Obviously I wasn’t being mindful of my Actions while there, as well as words and posts.

That’s a bad thing on my part and I will Fix that slowly but surely this year. in the end, I’m glad I don’t have to work any cases.

I, The Book Book am Evaluating Self.

Blogging From The Mother ship

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:44:00 PST

Today was a long day, but at least lunch was good. LOL I really didn’t want to be there yet I was selected. At this point that’s all I’m going to say about it. 2 more days of this and I’m good. I was in there tweeting the whole time, shame on me tomorrow. I’ll save that for the rest period.

My new Phone is in!. I’m Excited yet I realize that my bill is still like the same as it was this month as it was last month. I realized something was Raised. yet now I’ll be paying an extra 4 dollars so my bill will be $90+ and that’s too much. yet its all in what having these phones are about. Now I have to transfer apps. I don’t think I’ll bring the Laptop but my phone will be all access for me. I guess my issue is that blogging will suck from my phone. but I'm not sure. I have to test that out in a few.

Oh and Correction, the name of that place was Mama’s Cooking not Kitchen..I had a Shrimp Sandwich with a new selection of Drink this time!. Today, I had a V8 Splash.. 3 of them to be exact. one with the sandwich. one while leaving the place. The other while on my way home. Although I was looking at both the cranberry juice & the Apple juice, for some reason, I think The V8 splash was the proper choice… and besides I needed something a healthier choice.

That Brings me to the fact that I must lay off the Carbonated Beverages all together. same as the Fried stuff because It had me feeling extremely bad in the stomach and chest yesterday . and for a while there I I thought I had to do #2 but it was All fluids, im glad I slept through some of it… maybe those gases needed time to process but I’m feeling better now. I should’ve taken some Pepto Bizmol today. We have that Fake Mylanta in there. I had some of that. otherwise I drunk some milk ans water prior to sleeping..

Once Again, this year will be the year of Do. and one of my Do’s will be to make Healthier Choices when it comes to food. I have Cranberry Supplements coming in the mail and I sure will take them with Cranberry Juice. I was given a sign and I’m taking heed to it.

The Book

Should be getting my new Phone

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:53:00 PST

New That I’m able, This time I got insurance on my phone. Hopefully I’ll have a job to pay my own bill though. I prefer to do it that way. honestly I’ve leaned on my dad to pay my bill since like 2008. that’s too long. he does enough for me with that and since it IS my time. I’m just going to have to make it happen on my own…

AHH MAN THE HEAT MUST BE ON IN THUS HOUSE! (goes to turn it off)

*I’m back* .. YEP IT WAS ON! SMH… … Now back to this phone thing..

I’m getting something with Android 2.2 on it. It’s kind of old but its really a start up phone. being that I already have an android device, Adaptation to this one should be pretty easy. This is great though because I’m a google user and I’m familiar with Linux whether it be Fedora or the Android Mini-pad. My transition should be easy.

It’s about time I throw this blackberry clean out. it’s a Blackberry 83xx and it’s heavily damaged. Somewhere inbetween I had my windows phone which sucked due to the lack of apps. and then it was an old version too so that made it worse. but with this new phone coming I’ll be pretty much Up to date. Can’t wait to get them apps ready.

Ahh.. There was more that I wanted to say but my Mind needs a break.. lol

Fun House: One Game Show I’ll Never Forget

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:37:00 PST

Honestly I did forget the name of it, but I remembered the general concept of the games and I do remember The group “The Boys” being in it simply because my sisters taped that particular show. And here it is.

Fun House: A real simple name, with a really well known host of that time I remember him also hosting a few shows other shows Like Masters Of The Maze which was kind of “power ranger / VR Troopers” feel.. I guess miming the other popular shows. but FUN HOUSE itself was The HOTTEST kids game show in its time according to Wikipedia. I can believe that because it aired on network television on the weekends, not on cable LOL.

Here’s a Clip from the episode with singers “The Boys” where they perform before The girl groups go on

I used to always want to go on that show. I believe they changed up the Set during the very last season. but I don’t remember. It kinda just “stopped” .. lol

It was one of the many Game shows I remember watching all the time as a child in elementary school.

The Duty

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:22:00 PST

Wednesday In Jury Duty I was in the 2nd Set of a group of 200+ people who were called in the process of being selected for a case. I wasn’t selected to be on the jury. but this process took 2 days. I believe it’s because during the first day, other’s had to meet up in the jurors room.

When my group was called up, I was like “Wow”. It was a large number of people selected. Although I was confident that I wasn’t going be selected, I was nervous because I of the questioning they do. of course I assumed everything would happen that day, it did not. Because of it It was a 1st Degree Murder case; They have us a questionnaire and told us come back tomorrow.

On day 2, which was Thursday We got there and waited till call time. When the questioning started I got nervous because it was simply one thing from both the Prosecutors side and the defendants side regarding the same thing. Our Views on the Death Penalty.

When It came to my turn, I answered Yes or No fort the most part. as it related to my questionnaire. which I think they may have had a hard time reading because my handwriting is bad. But basically they asked what kind of thing would convince me to vote for death, I mentioned that Mass Murders like the Columbine situation would make me sway that way. otherwise I oppose of the Death Penalty, and either way I still may not be able to come down and say “I choose death” because of my religious views. Also stated that I couldn’t have another man die on my watch. That kind of stuff would ruin me.

With that said they’re looking for the most reliable person who would likely be able to work the case and have no real trouble if having a case result in death.. There was a about 3 people who kind of kept the questions going when truthfully they didn’t have to give an extra detailed point of view. The woman sitting in front of me had somewhat of a prolonged discussion with both parties giving the “well I feel’s & Maybe If’s ”. In my head I was like ..” Ma’am, we all have morals and compassion for humanity, but if you’re going to say no to it, just say no..” lol but I also agreed with how she feels.

There was also another group of folks who stated that it depends on how heinous & heartless the murders were. otherwise everything was all stated on the questionnaires, they really didn’t HAVE to give prolonged answers.

I personally was ready to go, I just couldn’t see myself doing it. It made me nervous thinking about it. Maybe they aren’t selecting me because I am unemployed. I assumed that they didn’t like my handwriting. I don’t like my handwriting so that’s just the way it is. Otherwise I’m glad I wasn’t selected this time around. I still have 3 more dates on my card for this month too. I’ll be preparing for that soon.

I can’t wait til this process is over. February’s going to be Big for Me!

I’ve inspired my cousin to play Tuba.

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:39:00 PST

The Irony of this post is that it relates to my cousin Chanel who was killed back in 2007. … It’s her little Sister I've Inspired. It Makes me feel good to know that.

My cousin “Tugga” was born in 1996. It’s the same year I began playing tuba in Middle school. By the time she was around 4 or 5. she had seen me in high school playing the tuba in Parades, football games and in the neighborhood. She even used to mimic Me by marching around my grandmas house with her hands over her mouth as if she’s playing the tuba. Her mom & a few cousins originally told me about it long before I actually saw her in action and I thought it was hilarious to see. “This is how you be playin’ that round thang…” ..lol

But now she’s in that age range where she’s decided to get in the band and play the Tuba. That amazes me to know. I may have to go and chaperone with the school she’s marching with. The crazy part is. she wanted to do Roots of music but I think she’s too old now. it amazes me though.

I love my lil cousin. I’ll probably teach her how to unleash the power! lol

I won’t be making it much to church on sundays

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:03:00 PST

I May have to start attending bible study at the church rather than going on Sunday. This morning on my way to Jury duty my dad told me that he didn’t want to bring me to church anymore. and that I decided to attend the church & I should find my own way to get there.

The way my he told me had me dumbfounded for a minute because He knows that I was attending the church before it moved to that location and I want to continue going. I had already assumed he didn’t want to take me 2 weeks ago when He left out the door while I was waiting to bring me.

This Morning while he was talking to me in while on my way to the court house, while taking about how Me nor my mom doesn’t respect his Time. as well as how he feels that my mom shouldn’t catch cabs to work because the Bus is cheaper … that’s when he came and basically told me “You too because… chose to go to church out there, you need to find a way there or tell somebody to come pick you up Because I can’t be going out there… (and so on and so forth)”

Everything else at that point was kind of a Mind block because at that point I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get there at all because I’m Like …Well why can’t you bring me? but I know that this man does not like bringing anybody anywhere. He as a car for Him and only Him…

I totally understand that I’m taking away from his time that he could be resting. Driving there for him is like going to his job. and The Church I attend is near Causeway Blvd. & Jefferson Hwy. That’s technically Far from where I live.

My problem is that I don’t have a vehicle, and I can not Drive. Also, The Bus does not go beyond city limits. I’d have to Walk 3 miles after catching the bus to get there because Jefferson’s bus system does not provide services on Sundays. I’ve also never had to catch the bus out that way, yet I’m willing to do so to get where I need to be.

For that same reason is why I refuse to work outside of Orleans Parish, I’d Never be able to get where I need to be. yet In New Orleans there’s no real “Jobs” for somebody like me who can not do hard labor due to my back problem. Aside from that, I have no degree’s so I’m just out of luck until I finish school or some kind of special training.

I’m glad that In February I’ll be taking the test to get my Drivers License. I hope and pray that I pass, and when I do. I’m going to rent cars to go places until I’m able to buy something. I don’t care How much They Dislike it. I have to do what I Need to do. to get to where I Need to be. and besides I see that can’t depend on anybody to get me where I need to go not even the bus because waiting would keep me late. lol

With that said though. I informed Ben that I may not be attending service due to lack of transportation. he had a good word for me on that note. I told him I’d attempt to get their on my own but I know it would take nearly 3 hours and that’s longer than church so I won’t make it at all.

I’ll just begin to wake up early on Sundays and making it a day to have time to myself. unlike any other day where my time is everyone else's time.

I’m about to Take a nap now that I’ve got this out of my head.

Letting Them Participate

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:09:00 PST

This is the entry I was going to write about the other day. Its technically cut and past but It is in a general sense. a point that I made that others have kind of looked at as being “The One” that made sense.

Basically in this thread was a discussion which asked if Failing students be allowed to perform at band events. and my answer was no. but to expound on the issue, I mentioned that many times the band programs are used as a way to escape their issues at home. Which is also why I believe that parents should be more involved to know what’s going on with their child.

Here’s The Full Thread My Response Below

A student could be failing due to their home situation and may not want to show it, In many cases the parents don't care. especially when the student has an uneducated parent. the Kind that may support the child but they'd present themselves as people who can't do simple tasks on behalf of their child, Then there are those who Don't necessarily care how good or bad they're Children doing in school As long as they're at School. So they complain In defense of their child or in defense of their home situation

They ask..."Why won't you let my baby March in the band?" ...

Because (one or multiple reasons)

He is failing, and has to improve
He isn't coming to practice
He has behavioral problems
He hasn't paid his band budget

And their answer is a sob story, because they made some life choice that ruined their lives, and its Reflected upon their students who aren't getting enough support...

IM SORRY MA'AM WE CANT ALLOW HIM TO MARCH UNTILL HE IMPROVES HIS GRADES!...

Sob Story continues ... Yet she answers her iPhone in the midst of her sob story. "Going Off" as if The director is wrong and about how she can't afford to Keep up with her kids...

Y’all see where I'm going with this ( i know y'all deal with this every day)

These Bands provide them an Escape route from many situations in and around their home. and if that's where they want to be. Their parent HAS to be involved somehow. Their parent has to know what their kids are doing so they can "HELP" them.. some parents are NO HELP.

I'm not a Band Director, but I've assisted before and I've seen similar happen.

I Didn’t do anything special on MLK Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:47:00 PST

I Declined going to a Battle of the Bands in Biloxi
I Didn’t go to either parade that happened here in N.O.
I Talked to Josiah, Kandace and My Brother
I’m Thinking Up Some other Things As well.
Briefly talked with Darren via bandhead after he read my recent blog entry and some stuff on Facebook.
This dude Jarius is a Camera Guy now, thats great.. i went to middle school with him.
There’s a Group I joined on Facebook of Black Men United To Save our Youth. Basically it’s a group addressing the issue and discussing solutions. It should be public rather than secret though.
I’m coming up with ways to make Bandhead.org better
Gotta repost something I wrote on Bandhead the other day it relates to the bands though of course..

You’ll see THAT NEXT.

Blame The Environment of the Criminal

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:00:00 PST

Residents in our metro make blaming N.O and projects a habitual excuse. No doubt that in many cases they’re right. I also feel that they don’t have to constantly remind us of it. That’s what This Blog is About. It’s Not only about how they Deny their own issue by remind us that Their Crime problems are because of N.O. But simply for us as residents of N.O. to acknowledge the primary cause of the problems in our city.

At one time I’d respond to comments on nola.com via my blog in regard to comments where folks would blast their chops about what they feel caused a crime and Who they blame for it. but now I hardly even read the comments because it makes me want to explode. Maybe I should start doing so again because i hate to see how folks in Surrounding Parishes in denial of their own criminal element.

Here’s a prime example by the kind of denial I’m referring to.

So, I’m sitting here watching the news about that guy who drove into a canal while attempting to flee police.. all I could do is shake my Head. and it wasn’t because of the events taking place because things like that happen on average.

What got to me was it was the woman who they interviewed who said this “ You don’t see this a lot, especially in Metairie….Very good and quiet neighborhood. umm I was Shocked! I was Just like Wow!”

THAT IS PURE DENIAL!

She said that as if where she was standing was a happy go lucky place, but it’s Not!..And That’s exactly how the folks on Nola.com respond in reference to criminal activity in and around the Metro Area as a whole.

As Residents, we all have a right to complain about the crime in our neighborhoods. But putting the blame directly on public education, Public Housing or New Orleans alone as a whole now days is insane.

What we are dealing with in New Orleans, and have always dealt with is lack of community in these neighborhoods. Community goes beyond school and neighborhood Living. its about the interactions between neighbors and neighboring Institutions like churches, schools, Police and recreation facilities to ensure that their grounds are safe. It’s supposed to be a NETWORK OF COMMON UNITY.

Folks Blame the Schools for problems with their children it’s not the Schools job to teach your child everything they need to know about Life. It’s up to the parents to teach their kids to to stray away from Criminal element.

Here we have Momma’s getting on TV after their child’s been caught up in something bad. They say things like this “The public school system has failed my child”. NO, YOU FAILIED YOUR CHILD. You allowed your child to roam free in the wilderness with a lack of guidance on your part. When these kids have on real role models within their homes, they become influenced by what's said by entertainers and what’s done on the streets.

I’ve lived in the Projects 20 years of my life and I’ve avoided being influenced by The Criminal Element. It’s not easy to go live through but it is avoidable. I’m not trying to make the projects look Good, but when I was coming up in the projects, kids had a lot self invested activities to occupy their times and to keep them out of trouble. There was always the Criminal element but It was avoidable depending on how that child is raised.

My Siblings We were given the opportunity to play with & associate with our Other kids no mater their in home situation. These were the things that kept us occupied. All of it wasn’t good, but they all were experiences that allowed us to make our own decisions about who to hang out with or why we shouldn’t be in their presence.

I have seen kids grow up to be murders, and were murderers themselves. a Few lived in good homes with 2 parents yet were influenced by the Thug Life. Some were living with it in their homes, so became thugs, sold drugs and ended up dead. As for the many that are still living thing. That may be great for them, yet they still live a life that will lead them to their graves. I survived that environment it because I wasn’t engaging myself in criminal activity. Yet as we have seen in the news in the past 7 years you don’t have be living the Thug life to end up as a victim.

Which Brings me to the fact that Buildings don’t create criminals. It’s the mentality the child which is instilled in them while being raised. Parents control what goes on in their homes. Between school and home, It’s like sending your child into the the wilderness. And If the child is raised by the Beast of the wilderness, he or she will behave like a beast of the wild. It’s the parents responsibility to teach that child proper decision making and general life skills that would keep him away from a dangerous path.

Once a child walks out their door they encounter many things that they can possibly bring into their homes. They could even possibly be in trouble with the law. They don’t have to be walking through “The Hood” for that to occur. As mentioned before, It’s a Parental priority to teach that child to not be influenced by the environment outside of their homes. and If your home is that place where the child is experiencing these troubles. YOU as a parent should to be IN JAIL.

What we are dealing with all over the city as as well as across parish lines is partially due the gentrification of New Orleans neighborhoods. (Not in a Racist way) But as wanted by people who blamed the Projects for all of the problems in the City.

Prior to Katrina people who didn’t live in or around public housing complained about the projects being crime infested neighborhoods & that should be demolished. Katrina came, they got what they wanted. They also inherited the problems that would eventually come their demand.

I Believe that a number of those who demanded the demolition of public housing were among the folks fighting to reopen the projects. They were the folks who realized that Their Neighborhoods would eventually become crime infested. Maybe it wasn’t all of the protesters, but I personally believe that it may have been the internal reason many of them assisted in the fight for fair housing. They predetermined the outcome. They now are witnessing It.

Pre-Katrina, New Orleans crime was centralized to neighborhoods within certain areas of the city Many which includes public housing. When those areas were deemed no longer Inhabitable, they were torn down.

At this point, criminals and potential criminals were then being housed throughout areas where violent crime was Seldom. Crime went up in those neighborhoods simply because criminals are running from Area to Area searching for somebody to Rob, Kill or deal drugs. and the retaliation factor followed.

My point of Repeating it so much is Because Its a fact that rebuilding new neighborhoods do not the environment beyond its appearance. It Takes a Village to raise a Child. But If the Village is corrupt, the child will likely become corrupt. Especially if his parents allow him to be a product of that village.

All I could hope for is that young parents would educate their kids and raise them to live right. The school and the neighborhood can’t do it for you unless they are willing to come together as a community and be totally against the state or corruption which is killing our Kids.

I could go on and on, but I’m ending it here.

Note From The Book

Maybe We Do Need the Guard

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:26:00 PST

Although I’m Totally against the presence of National Guard Assisting in Crime fighting. maybe their presence will intimidated criminals. I think its pretty sad that its January 12th and over 24 people have been Shot, some multple times, Some Died. It’s just terrible to read about. Especially when involving Kids.

The 12 year old girl sitting on her porch, shot 6 times. There’s the 11 year old who died when the bullet went through the glass. The Situation after the Easton Basketball game involved teens. it’s sad. There was also a Whole LOAD of other shootings across the city involving grown folks THIS IS INSANE!

It’s about time the OLD Curfew gets Put back in place, I don’t think it would actually Protect Anyone from the shootings that occur at Day time. but it would help keep the number of young victims down and may put young potential criminals behind bars.

The Old Curfew was much different than the one they have set for the French Quarter / Marigny Area. Back in the Marc Morial Regime, the curfew during school days began at 8pm on School nights, 9pm on the weekends. In the Summer, It was 9pm on Weekdays, 10pm on weekends. it also shifted back during daylight savings time.. (9pm on school days .. etc.)

We also had a school time curfew where basically young people could not be on the streets during school hours or they’d be detained til school is over. Students relieved from school at an early time frame had the opportunity of roaming the streets with no problem, but they had to show their status which was printed on School ID cards. It was just that simple. Crime was down during the Morial Era and a BIG part of it had to do with the curfews set in place and being enforced. Now days, Nothing gets enforced. it’s just commonly known. and if a person could get away with it. It Just is what it is…

Another Situation I wanted to mention before I go. was the Shootout that took place near Nelson Elementary. Now that all the Gunman have been caught, the people are talking out and speaking out As if the School was wrong for now letting them know what went on till they got there. my thought was .. WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? JUST BARGE IN AND GET SHOT TRYING TO FIND YOUR KID? ..THOSE KIDS WERE SAFE ON LOCKDOWN AND YOU SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN!

Apparently one of the gunman ran though Nelson Elementary while evading NOPD during a shoot out. According to sources, The principle made an announcement soon after the shots were fired, she put the school on complete lockdown and asked everyone to get drop to the floor. It was shown on the news that students were being released. they even interviews some staffers and parents about how they felt..

The Principal & staff did right to handle that situation as they did. I’ve only heard little from the public. but is sad how Folks have reacted online ..Some speaking as if The School somehow wrong for having the kids locked down. or for the kids to see what the SWAT team was doing... I feel that they took the proper measures in securing the kids. Maybe it wasn’t “organized” according to some. but my question would be to those who doubt it is. How organized could anyone be in panic mode?

If you can’t answer that, just think about what you do when Someone's shooting in your neighborhood or apartment complex. You don’t leave out of your house. Right? .. Its common sense to Duck down and Lock your doors until and you don’t think of standing up until you feel it’s safe CHILDREN DON’T KNOW THAT so they have to be told. If you were at your workplace and told not to leave the room you were in because theres a madman running wild… you Do so until further notice. because if you ignore it you put yourself in more danger.

What else could be done to Prevent it.. maybe Security at the door. but Schools are not prisons either. They should feel safe without being in fear of criminals Nor being incriminated against.

Maybe Security will work Yet they’d have to be on guard and in position at al times. But going back to what i said in the beginning. Maybe they DO need the National Guard here to do things like that. People are getting bold in N.O. and there has to be a better way to prevent these kind of things from happening. it would equal 1 less person dead in N.O, i mean hey the year is ony 2 1/2 weeks in and We’re already seeing High levelse of crime… I just don’t want to have to deal with that military presence because New Orleans s not a war zone. It’s a city of Misguided Young folks though.

I just pray nothing like that happens at any other schools in this city or any where else.. I’m also Tired about hearing about all these shootings and murders. its senseless it’s Horrible. It’s Evil.

To save Lives, we must act now. These plans for the future equal more victims.

I can’t even speak on it anymore

Note From The Book

I’m about to ditch the counter and change a few things

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:55:00 PST

If had that counter since august 2005, at one time I checked the visitation daily, then it became weekly to never. Closing it will do just fine, because I no longer care how my viewers got here basically ..LOL when i first started it. it was just for me to figure out who’s viewing. and it did wonders. but I hadn’t truly paid much attention after about 60,000 views.

Aside from that, it never added up to my monetized information. which that was added after Katrina and would have been less anyway. Overall I could care less about checking visitation traffic now. I think im satisfied with where I stand in blogging aside from my inability to write right. LOL overall i’m okay though.

It’s time to let the counter go. Also its time for the Katrina Survivor Thing to go as well. Those years have gone by and Im beyond it.. I was also thinking about doing dynamic viewing also. it’s nice. i like it, yet i prefer the classic model blogs now. if thats what you want to call it lol

Dah well. Changes are coming.

Occupy Self

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:59:00 PST

In Lght of that Revelation, I find that Curbing Interest is hard, yet i know also that I have other thing to do to detour that mind frame. I have a library of movies to watch, and a game system to play. I also have Books to read. which reminds me that I need a shelf.

What I’ve been looking into is ordering a flash as well as a Mic. for my DSLR. This will happen soon. but first I want to begin paying those people their money.

It will Happen in 2012

And So We’re Back From Outer space…

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:01:00 PST

I Just came from Jury Duty after a long wait of doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

AS you all may know, I didn’t get any rest last night due to waking up at 5pm and stay up till call time… I fell asleep in that thing..

I went to have lunch at Mama’s Kitchen on S. Galvez and Tulane, I saw a few places of interests such as the drivers education place and a printing company I’ll check them out soon.

At first I walked Clean past the place assuming there was another nearby eatery. Honestly, I forgot about the recommended kitchen on broad street. so I walked down Tulane assuming I’d run into a restaurant… Long walk from Broad to Galvez Right?.. WRONG! I NEEDED THAT WALK LOL!

All i could think was that Man I should have brought my camera.. great building, Old and damaged but great. even for the area where the new charity will be. … that whole area is crazy though.

Anyway. I had me a good Shrimp on bun Dressed with fries and a Tahitian Treat! hadn’t had one of those in YEARS!… i don’t get out much.. to me they’re not all that, but it is one of those drinks that many N.O folks connect to their childhood or pastime of having po-boys and things like that.

The Sandwich was Grand!

So We got back from lunch break and they let us go for the day.. AHH! I should have just went Home! other than that. I caught a ride home. Seems like somebody’s always there..G.I. JOEEEEE! lol …Ever so Grateful

Oh Man.. This girl re-added me on her other page again today.. i don’t understand why she has these multiple pages. i accepted again a few minutes ago… but this time i see a message on her page and i hope its not about me its the only thing on her page…

Here’s what it reads

I’m just goanna pretend i didn’t see that. It’s too much for my fragile little mind.

I’ve been Thinking about getting a New Phone, one that doesn’t have all the fancy features. and besides. I don’t use them anyway. with that said. I’m downgrading to save money!

I got my new Debit cart with the Fleur Di Lis on it..it’s not the saints version but it’s good enough. I can’t wait to start this process and get it over. I believe the opportunities will come to me ASAP.. all i have to do is act upon it.

I really and truly need to hit the sheets. but before I do. I just want to say that I'm glad Bethany is okay and I think God she’s alright.

and Just because I’m Tired.. I’m closing out with THIS…

AAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Getting Ready to head up and Out this morning

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:25:00 PST

Today I sit and wait again at jury duty, This time I’m bringing my mini pad. I can’t be bored going in today. lol! I’m about to hit up the store in a minute too. got to get a energy drink in before i make my way there.

Hopefully I get there in time lol I got to be there for 9. AHHH! oh and this fool that always wants me to do things for him hits me up to tell me im acting like a H** because im telling him no… The fool doesn't know how to do things for himself.. Till then, The Word is No.. I can’t do for you when I'm trying to help myself.

getting all these free things out of me doesn’t make sense. 2012 all that stops. and well.. Look at the time I GOTTA GO!

Sermons about Safe Sex

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:15:00 PST

I was reading a Thread on bandhead in regard to a blog entry on a black news site which basically talked about Safe sex and passing out condoms in the black church and if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. Here’s how that conversation went so far.

In Viewing the thread off top, My initial thought was that there are fornicators within the church, so it’s best to be safe than sorry. I don't think its the church promoting sex. We are human beings tend to Feed our worldly / fleshly desires which will sometimes outweigh or spiritual needs.

My Next response came After a guy named Chris posted this

Families have been falling apart for decades, no one is preaching about it.
Single mother households are becoming the norm, no one is preaching about it.
Teen pregnancy rates have been on a constant rise since the 60’s, no one is preaching about it.
STD’s have been on the rise since the 80’s, no one is preaching about it.
Placing a bowl of condoms in the church won’t prevent anything unless the church changes its message and rebuff what’s been feed to naive people by society. And the church isn’t exactly known for dealing with any truth that may piss people off and reduce the giving.
Mom and dad should have the knowledge BEFORE having a child to teach the child how NOT to fall prey to negativity. If they're to stupid to realize that they're to silly to raise a child properly then the child is doomed from the womb.
When there's a problem, you should know how to solve it. Are you horny? Move away from the situation... You don't go to some government boondoggle that tells you how to have sex when they should be telling you not to.
Why people continue to look to the church and government is beyond me, they have clearly failed.

My Response was In concurrence with That Post. Because It’s true that Big Time Ministers aren’t bold enough to preach the truth, because it will cause them to get Ridiculed by the mainstream media. Such as what happened with Jeremiah wright. after he spoke the truth publically He stepped down from Obamas Campaign because of all the media attention. eventually causing the Obamas to cut ties with Rev Wright and his Church.

Yesterday, 2 others responded, one guy deleting his post. I responded the thoughts of The Girl who replied in giving my thoughts in slight disagreement. yet overall agreeing.

Her Response

Safe sex? Bible believing Christians should teach what the bible ACTUALLY says. No sex outside of marriage. If one wears a condom in marriage that's them...but sex outside of marriage + Christian + condoms+ church + sermon shouldn't even be in the same sentence unless one was preaching about sex and marriage (and why people who aren't married wear condoms).

Although I completely understand. I had to basically repeat myself little saying this

There are people within the church that feel like it’s a minor sin, yet no sin in greater than the other. Even those who claim to be the holiest of the holy don’t completely obey the scripture as if the Lord will excuse their Sin.

I Also Said that basically, Ministers know that even the Holiest struggle with temptation because it’s human nature. They can preach against sex before marriage forever, but it will not prevent the Act.

These Ministers know they’re Dealing with folks who are influenced by music that tells them to go out and have sex with every girl IN THE WORLD. Those same people are Ignoring God, they don’t want to hear the WORD of God, But they Do hear Lil Wayne.

Pastors are looked upon as leaders in the community. So They have right to educate the people about Sex just as much as public schools do. Also Just as much as the music these folks listen to that promotes promiscuous behavior.

I feel Personally that a church is not the place to hand out a condom. But it is the proper place to discuss and to preach abstinence. It could help a league of people refrain from the acts. Teaching it would eliminate the spread of STD's among the youth who are out there Living in "The World" and not in "The Word"

At the end of the day, the sinner will sin, The act will be done, babies will be made. Somebody has to tell them to use a condom if their parents wont do it.

I Also Added that Hey, We’re on a site that folks feel its inappropriate to discuss These kinds of matters, yet what we do saves lives and we have the right to discuss “what’s real”

And that’s basically how I feel about it. At the end of the day, Church can’t save you. but hearing the right message about the matters can help a person. I mean hey, look at how it helped awaken me from a sinful slumber.

There was another reply a guy who deleted his post, I won’t post it but basically he gave reason to why he isn’t having sex before marriage and how he felt that it somewhat promotes the idea of having sex by throwing a bowl of condoms out there.

There was also The last post by a guy named Patrick

Of course we know the hypocrisy and contradictions that surround religion are exceedingly overwhelming. The Church loves to condemn, and then attempts to justify their actions because they believe they'll be forgiven. Honestly, I was thinking about this earlier, because I've grown weary of listening to avid churchgoers magically becoming holy and sanctified on Sunday. Yet, throughout the week simply disregarding the values of what their doctrine dictates.
NO sex outside of marriage, period.

There were no Replies after this.. but I can agree but like i also said in the prior entry, We all must evaluate ourselves and take action from there. I agree with Patrick too. Ill wait for another reply before I respond though.

The Book

Taking Steps Toward Deliverance

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:16:00 PST

I’m writing this In light of clearing my head or personal matters. I’m doing this out of respect for myself, the folks who read this may call me all kinds of names for admitting it, It was something that over the years had become of an addiction that I’ve never admitted to till now. No I’m not A drug addict, never have been, never will be.

Owning up to this mistakes & eliminating it from my life is a step toward moving in the right direction. I’ve Prayed against it many times in the past, and Most recently I’ve taken the one big step by Shutting by shutting down the email account which Housed the Issue.

I Don’t mean to sound like Kirk Franklin when I say this but, What I’ve eliminated from my life is an archive of pornography. All of it was stored on in a note file of an email that wasn’t even originally mine.

Long ago, back in before i started blogging, and before i had a girlfriend. I was busted having these links from yahoo groups in my personal email but after being busted. I began to reroute those links to an email address which i had stolen from someone else, using It as a bookmark to cover it up my own actions. I would search the net up and down for nastiest junk I could think of, saving them to see or watch over and over again. I had eventually saved so many links that they were getting repetitive.

On a number of occasions I had gotten rid of links, but I'd keep a few and go back. At some point I stopped using the account completely I had a Girlfriend and was talking to more females. but eventually I broke up with her and I began to access the account again. sometime after that I think it became an Addiction. It was so bad I began organizing the links by name of the “Stars” . Although at times I had prayed against It. By Going back to it I was putting myself in a deeper hole by holding on to the Gateway which housed the porn links.

With that said. As of today I’ve shutdown the account. and will be praying for myself to no longer desire the need to search for or house links of porn. whether it be on my pc or saved in an account. I pray against the demon of temptation as well to never Bring me to that place of negativity. For god knows my flesh, God knows my Mind. Yet he also knows my Spirit. and I pray for Forgiveness in The Name of Jesus to be completely delivered from That Place of Evil.

Sometime before the year ended, I prayed hoping to do something better in my life in 2012. and to rid my life of the things which hold me back. While in the tub a few hours ago the thought came to mind to just eliminate The account all together. even after recently saving links there. It just hit me. and I Logged right in to the account and Shut it down for good.

As of Now, I Pray that God Asking for Forgiveness as he cleanses my soul, and free my mind of the thoughts. I’ve Done this out of respect of myself and the Faith that I claim to.

I think this all goes back to this morning where I was writing on a Thread in regard to Condoms being given out in church I’ll Expound on that in the next Entry. But I think that my own reply was part of my reason for eliminating the problem.In order to resolve a problem, you have to make changes. I’m currently taking the steps to better my life.

To anyone who is reading this Entry, Evaluate yourselves before criticizing me on the mistakes that I have admired to. I’m making strides in the process of a deliverance. What are You doing? Is there wrong in your life? you don’t have to tell me, nor address it publically in a blog like myself. All you have to do is Go to God with your mistakes. On my part. Blogging is how i clear my head. so no matter how You Feel about me. Know first that I’m FREE. I am FREE! and I shall REMAIN FREE IN THE EYES OF GOD AS HE DELIVERS ME FROM THE ISSUES THAT HAVE VEXED MY SPIRTS!

The Book

Just Upped & Left

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:30:00 PST

So I was up ready for church and at 9:45 my dad just up and left out the door. Note, That’s the time we both normally leave. He could have told me yesterday that he didn’t want to bring me. I wouldn’t have gotten up so early. I seriously gotta get a license so I can get a car, rather than depend on rides. because I’ll never get anywhere on the bus. lol

I know when he gets back he’s going to tell me something about not being ready. but I was ready when He was ready. I was just waiting on him. man. I’ll have to get up for like 7 to get to church next week.

On top of that, I got Jury Duty tomorrow. I guess I’ll take off my clothes and go there with what I have on today. Man I plan on passing that driving thing this year. ain’t nobody gon stop me cause I need to get it or I won’t be riding anywhere.

Atmosphere!

noreply@blogger.com (The Book) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:26:00 PST

Hmm.. It’s so cold in the D.. lol

That Saints game was LIVE! last night.

I think I’m going to play cityville til I fall head to bed. I should plug in the book thing. I'll be straight with out it.

There’s been many Shootings since the year began and it’s only day 8. Sad, Few Died. 1 was a Kid. it’s just terrible. I hate this kind of thing.

I really don’t have much to say other than I’m happy to be doing things my way.. Hopefully It’ll help me do things a better way.. I’m off.