Sports,Sex,Sneakers & Other Shit

The Man Who Hired Booker T.

2012-02-03T14:47:00.002-06:00

Very little is known about the man pictured below and it shouldn't be this way.

via wikipedia.com

His name is Lewis Adams. He was born in 1842 in Macon County Alabama. Lewis was born a slave. However, he didn't let that fact deter him. According to Absolute Astronomy, Lewis could read, speak different languages, and write despite receiving no formal education. He had sixteen children with his wife Sarah Adams. Lewis provided for his family by serving as a shoemaker, tinsmith, and harness maker.

In 1880, two white approached Mr. Adams. Why did they approach him? They were running for Senate seats in the state. The men wanted his endorsement because Mr. Adams was a very influential man in Macon County. Being a man with an idea and vision, he brokered a deal with the Democratic Party. Mr. Adams would help get the blacks in the county to vote for the two men in exchange for a favor. Instead of accepting money, Mr. Adams asked for funding for a Negro Normal School in Tuskegee. In 1881, the Alabama legislature approved funding for the school in the amount of $2000.

Later in May 1881, Mr. Adams contacted General Armstrong, an acquaintence at the normal school in Hampton, Virginia. He was looking for someone to serve as principal of the school. Gen. Armstrong recommended one man: Booker Taliaferro Washington. Washington went on to document his beginnings in Tuskegee in his autobiography Up From Slavery. The book was first published in 1901. Since their time together at the Negro Normal School in Tuskegee, the school has grown into Tuskegee University. Booker T. is widely known and regarded as "a man of and for his people." What about the man who hired him?

Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Adams
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Lewis_Adams

To read more from Washington's autobiography, click here.

Great First Dates

2012-01-27T14:15:00.001-06:00

As a member of social media (Facebook, Twitter, G+), I've seen many stories about horrible dates, exes and bad experiences. Throw in the fact that my friends and colleagues have shared some of their horror stories, I've heard some stuff that would make others give up on dating. However, today I want to discuss great first dates.

The first great first date happened in 2009 with A.W. Background info: A.W. and I were introduced to each other through a mutual friend. I was getting over a relationship when my best friend called me saying, "Listen bro...I have someone you need to meet." Fast forward a couple of months, A.W. and I had been in a long distance relationship for a few weeks when I decided to spend the weekend with her. The weekend also coincided with my 26th birthday. I arrived,to her residence around 3pm and we hugged immediately. She smelled and looked great. For the first couple of hours, we talked with each other and laughed. Around 9:15 pm, we headed out for dinner. The restaurant was dimly lit and had amazing chicken fingers. Yes I went to a nice sit down restaurant and ordered fingers. In my defense, A.W. convinced to order them when she told me "the fingers are half the size of your hand and melt in your mouth." I was sold.

Following dinner, she took me bowling. I love bowling! We spent two to three hours bowling, talking with other couples, laughing, drinking. etc. (SN: between dinner and bowling, I bought a copy of Melanie Fiona's album and was blown away.) The next day started off with us making breakfast together, having morning alcohol, and relaxing. That afternoon we went to Joe's Crab Shack with a couple of her friends and had an amazing lunch filled with laughs and great conversation.

The second great first date happened this past October. This date involved a wonderful woman named Sharon. Sharon and I met each other in July. We communicated frequently and developed great chemistry. Since she resided in another part of the state, it wasn't easy to spend quality with each other. One evening while I was unleashing my inner history nerd, she mentioned that she would like to visit the Rosa Parks Museum and Library. After discussing logistics, we met in Montgomery. As soon as I saw her, I hugged and kissed her which filled me with electricity. We checked into our hotel and got things squared away so I could show her parts of the city. Later that night, we went to dinner at an Italian restaurant. The next day started off with a great breakfast followed by her and I visiting some historic sites in Downtown Montgomery.

Our first stop was the Parks Musuem. While we were there, we talked about how it feels growing up near the epicenter of so many things. I told her "it shaped me tremendously. Mrs. Parks and I were both born in Tuskegee." We continued our musuem tour and purchased some memorabilia before departing. Our next stop was the Civil Rights Memorial located in front of the Southern Poverty Law Center. About 20 mins had passed when I looked out of the corner of my right eye and saw her near tears. All I could do was walk over and hold her. Later on in the tour, we shed tears together when we looked at pictures of little boys and girls who were murdered. That moment will remain with me forever.

After such a profound moment, Sharon and I spent the rest of the day watching college football, movies, and laying around cuddling. It was great.

Days like today, I sit and reminisce.....

All Hail!!

2012-01-22T17:35:00.002-06:00

When it comes to the X-Men Universe, Magnus is my favorite mutant. Why? In my opinion, he is a perfect balance of intelligent, ferocious, persausive and charming. Ah who am I fooling. Magneto is the shit. All I have to is All Hail Magneto!!

via comicvine.com

When it comes to everything Cybertron, my favorite is Megatron. Sure, he is the bad guy but he is so damn likable with his "fuck it" attitude. All Hail Megatron!!

via theoptimusprimeexperiment.com

Online Personas vs Real Life

2012-01-19T13:22:00.000-06:00

With so many Americans using social media like Facebook, Tagged, and Twitter, I have often wondered; "Who are you?" I can see your FB posts, your tags and/or tweets but who are you? The reason why I ask is I've had the opportunity to communicate with a few individuals outside of their places. In those cases, their online persona isn't congruent with who they are in real life. The same goes for me. My tweets are just my thoughts at this particular moment.

With that being said, I'm gonna share some of my thoughts on some of the trends I've seen recently. First, if you're interested in someone, step up and say something. All the subliminal flirting isn't needed. This is problematic for women for a number of reasons. However, what is the worse thing that can happen? He says, "I don't look at you that way" or "I'm taken." Secondly, stop treating people like their best friend on your TL and then ignoring them in real life. Actions like that makes you an user and self-centered. It also frustrates the person you've befriended. They maybe in problem situations and need your enthusiasm.

Third, if you're married, stop trying to intervene in a single person's life if they haven't asked for your thoughts and perspective. At first, it seems genuine and is well received. However, if over time, the married person starts displaceing their anger and frustration, it becomes toxic. Finally, if you're don't understand the context in which someone is speaking, ask them for clarification.

If you asked for clarification, you wouldn't need to fill out a hurt feelings report. Back to the original thought, if your TL, FB wall etc doesn't represent you completely. However, if you spend your time seeking the attention of the same individuals continously, understand that others will see you as attention deprived, thus an attention seeker. Before you go what about...., your observations aren't subject to that scrutiny. Why? Oftern when people sense something isn't right, they will ask "what's wrong", "is something wrong", "are you okay?" etc.

So I ask are you the same online and in real life?

photo via bigstockphoto.com

The Rules Of Threesomes

2012-01-13T12:50:00.002-06:00

Fellow blogger Feminista Jones who runs and writes knobslobbingfeminism recently got together with XD of the XD Experience for sit down chat about threesomes. The video is insightgul, thoughtful and may help you discuss the topic with your significant other. For more discussions on all subjects sexual from a knob-slobbing feminist's perspective, check out her site as well as XD's site thexdexperience.

Architects Needed

2012-01-04T10:03:00.001-06:00

via residentialarchitects.us

As you can tell, I'm an unapologetic Southerner. I accept it and hasn't allowed it to jade my thoughts. I've used it as motivation to seek out knowledge about numerous. While listening to "The Microphone" by Slaughterhouse, Royce starts it off by saying: "Too many Indians and no chiefs." With that be said, let's get done to business.

As a Southerner, I get pissed off when talent leaves the region. Why? We need the talent to stay home, start businesses, encourage others by their examples and improve the overall quality of life of everyone. Often times, the talent experiences some setbacks and becomes deterred. I know this feeling firsthand since I haven't worked since April, but I digress. However, the things that differentiate me from other educated colleagues are a) my passion, b) willingness to sacrifice for and work to help the next generation, c) knowledge of history and how it affects everything, and d) entreprenuerial spirit.

My passion is to help others overcome obstacles. The obstacle can be illiteracy, depression, or having no creative avenues. My willingess to sacrifice for others is attributed to being reminded of the actions of Ralph David Abernathy, Medgar Evers, Rep. John Lewis and others from puberty. The elders in my family, many of whom have vivid memories of those days, made it a priority that we have an accurate view of what men and women like the aformentioned did to secure a better future for me and my generation. Add to the equation the fact that Rosa Parks and I were born in the same town and that Dr, John Henrik Clarke was born in my hometown, I'm more appreciative of their work and sacrifice.

History wasn't and hasn't been kind to the state of Alabama, but imagine if the Bus Boycott, the Bombing at 16th Street Church, the March from Selma and more happened in let's say....Kentucky. There's a great chance that KY's image would forever be tarnished, regardless of whatever changes it made.

Lastly, entreprenuership is the backbone of the U.S. and capitalism. Books are filled with examples like Cornelius Vanderbilt, Madame C.J. Walker, Mary McLeod Bethune and Hank Aaron. All of these individuals had the vision to recognize an opportunity, courage to take the challenge head on and as a result of hard work were rewarded handsomely. Of course, Vanderbilt's fortune outshadows the others but that's not the point. What I'm trying to say is there's just as many opportunities in your town, city or whatever, but the only thing you and us (the South) back is you.

Oh who am I kidding. Its like Budden said, "Too many blueprints, not enough architects."

Getting Started

2012-01-03T14:44:00.001-06:00

A mind-boggling question/issue that causes men headaches is: How do I keep turning her on? Sure, a well-timed kiss during a racy movie work, so does a well cooked meal. However, when you're trying to think of something new and need info, she may say "I can't believe you don't know me after insert amount of time you've been having sex. After you take time to regroup and calm down, you still need to a new way to turn her on. Here's a suggestion: sex toys. Yeah I said it sex toys. By using toys, it gets her warmed up and gives you (the guy) the feeling of knowing she enjoys it and may orgasm easier. Below are some of the toys available.

photo via instrumentsofpleasure.com

photo via amazon.com

< The Hitachi Magic Wand

Rabbit Vibrator >

From what I've been told, using either of the above works pretty damn well. Next thing you know she will have your toes curling.

...But That's the Past??

2011-12-29T13:23:00.006-06:00

photo via theb2xexpress.files.wordpress

Here's something I've told told friends and colleagues of both gender and heard many times myself: Stop bringing up the past. For a good number of my friends, hearing this inevitable triggers an argument of fight (verbal; we don't support domestic violence) in which one or both parties say inflammatory things that can't be taken back or forgotten. They may forgive but they don't forget. Why does this happen?

Often time, individuals in all types of relationships think & speak one way and behave another In other words, we say that we want our significant others to approach us respectfully whenever they need or want to discuss something, which is fine. Problem is the media in which we choose to utilize. During my undergraduate years, I read on about the theory of media richness. Click here for more info on the media richness theory.

For the purpose of this discussion, I'm gonna focus on one particular aspect of the theory: face-to-face communication. By talking face-to-face, it gives each party the opportunity to receive, read, interpret and send nonverbal messages and cues (i.e. body language). Face-to-face communication also allows the parties to key in on things like speech patterns, pitch and variances in tone.

Now back to the subject at hand, bringing up the past. Bringing up old resolved or unresolved issues at inappropriate times signals to the other party that you have some underlying issues. The underlying issue may not have anything to do with the individual...its the manner in which we process information, handle our tempers, etc. For me, the most reoccurring theme I hear about is flirting. I explained to my last girlfriend that me talking to women about romantic/intimate issues is a key part of my existence now. The field in which I aspire to enter is dominated by women. So at some point, I may something borderline romantic, sweet, thoughtful or compliment another woman without any intention to go beyond that.

The last time her and I got into an argument and she said, "Like that time you kissed that other bitch", I responded, "...but that's the past?" *shrug*

Let's Explore Shall We??

2011-12-20T09:24:00.000-06:00

via ashrayaindia.org

I wanna thank @Child_of_Favor@SayDatAgain and@InTheBleachers for their feedback on sexuality and relationships. I really appreciate it. Why? I am a complex person and so is every other person walking this earth. Yes, I like to being charming, complimentary and romantic when it comes to the ladies and thinking about the positives of being in a healthy relationship. However, there's thing called reality that may not agree with those aforementioned things. In my eyes, the thing that makes me standout at times is my ability to express myself in a fashion that challenges conventional thinking or personal beliefs and/or preferences.. My personal top goal in life is to never stop growing. When I say grow, I'm referring to the mental and emotional aspects of my being. Coincidentally, when someone tries to stifle my growth in any fashion, I go into fight or flight mode. Most often, I choose to stay and fight.

Nowadays the most problematic thing for me is meeting all the necessary requirements a lady has when I'm courting her. Too often in my experiences, I've found the women who clutch their pearls during this discussions of sexuality are incompatible with me. Why? I view sexuality as a positive force within an individual. When it is nurtured and allowed to blossom freely, so does the individual. When it is not nurtured and shamed, the individual doesn't blossom and may experience cognitive dissonance regarding hers or his sexuality. The prevailing societal norms (political, religious, cultural) play a tremendous part in shaping our adult views on complex subjects and issues. Whenever our individual view clashes with one of them, we often times experience negatively and receive negative feedback & questioning. (see my previous post regarding me not wanting kids).

So the next time you or I try to avoid a subject, let's ask ourselves why in depth.

For more from In The Bleachers, check out his site http://www.inthebleachers.net. You can Child_Of_Favor at https://twitter.com/Child_of_Favor. For more of SayDatAgain, go to www.theblackguywhotips.com.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

2011-12-14T13:54:00.000-06:00

Photo via alphanumeric.com

In the last three weeks, I have been engulfed in serious conversations regarding relationships. In some cases, I was fishing for information on the individual to make an informed decision on whether or not to pursue them. In another case, the point was to get information to aid in deciding whether or not to continue down a certain path. One thing in particular was reoccurring: my desire to not have kids. The reaction I got ranged from "Oh! Okay...why?" to "Why not? Kids are great" to "are you gay?" Needless to say after hearing this so often, my self-image and self-esteem began to decrease. (Sidenote: About 4 to 5 years ago, I did want to create TJ with a specific young lady. Once she said she didn't wanna another child then broke up with me, the desire for kids disappeared.)

So to the counteract the effects of the #BEATEMDOWN (Shouts-out to Bomani Jones), I sought out a friend of the blog, podcast, and life in general: SayDatAgain aka Karen. Karen and I share similar viewpoints regarding kids: we don't want them. Since she's happily married, its even more surprising for some especially women who are mothers or want to become one. Long and the short, everyone isn't cut out or meant to be parents. Some people think of children as a panacea for the issues regarding unconditional love, self-esteem, trust etc. in my opinion. What's even more troubling for me is the fact that some women penalize me for not wanting to create a child and being held responsible for the development. I've heard or read countless stories from parents- -married and single - about how difficulty being a parent is, how they wish they could have more personal time, how no good their child's mother or father is etc.

Add to those factors my lack of a relationship with my own Dad, seeing my Mother struggle paying bills and giving me what I wanted as a child, makes me not want to damage another person let alone an innocent child. More importantly, my life goals such as getting a doctoral degree before age 35, travel to events and places when I feel like it, and continuously re-inventing myself in and outside of the bedroom can be hampered tremendously by having kids. Let's be real. Once kids enter the picture, "I'm tired", "make sure the baby is asleep", and "I just don't wanna do it" is said more. I do not wanna deal with that.

In conclusion, what I'm saying is this: One size doesn't fit all.

Hip Hop Roundtable Pt. 1

2011-12-13T10:15:00.000-06:00

Over the past two to three weeks, I have been a panelist on the Single Simulcast Hip Hop Roundtable series. The idea was contrived by a long time Twitter follower and a guest of the podcast, Rashanii. While checking my email, I came across one from him discussing the concept he had in mind. It would bring together five to seven people to discuss hip hop artists/ rappers from each of the four major US geographical regions: Midwest, West Coast, the South and East Coast. The panelist include Evan_B, Delphrano, RichNice2k1, Bokeen and Mr. 6'5" 250 himself, LarryLankLank. Here is the first installment of the Single Simulcast Hip Hop Roundtable

Random Thoughts

2011-12-07T13:13:00.001-06:00

I know its been nearly a month since my post, but I've been busy trying to write a book, get employment, and basically improve my life as a whole. Throw in the fact that my laptop, which was purchased in August, has a broken hinge isn't opening, my ability to post has been damn near eliminated. During my hiatus, I have had a number of thoughts regarding a number of issues and topics. With that in mind, let's get down to business.

1. The NBA is back!! When news broke that a tentative agreement had been reached, I leapt off of my sofa, fist pumped like Tiger, and started clapping. I love the game of basketball. Its my favorite sport. My team is the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, I can talk trash to every Celtics fan, bandwagon Heat fan, and anyone else who wants it. *clears throat* Fuck Boston!!

2. Where is T-Mac? Back in 04, my boy J.D. literally argued with me every chance he got that McGrady was better than Kobe. Throw in the fact that he plays like T-Mac and is a better ball player than me, I felt compelled to slander McGrady every chance I got. When the Magic blew a 3-0 lead in the first round, he avoided me for two days. On the third day, while playing a game of 21, I said "Let's hope you don't blow it like T-Mac." Fast forward seven years and will someone tell me: "Where In The World is T-Mac?"

3. Herman Cain is an idiot. Do I need to say more?

4. Michelle Bachmann is bat shit crazy.

5. Emo Rap. Following an appearance on the Single Simulcast Hip Hop Roundtable, I got the chance to listen to Charity Starts At Home and listening to the show, I have this question: If Drake admits that he wants to be Phonte and makes emo music, does that mean Tigalo is an emo rapper/artist also?

6. Are there any Asian men on Twitter? Whenever I see tweets with the word "Asian", 98% of the time its followed by women or girls. Most of the identified Asians on my timeline and the timelines of the people who I follow are women.

7. Closet open relationships. If someone is married and having an affair, they are in a closet open relationship.

8. Bokeen is ratchet as hell. If you're not familiar with Bo, follow him on Twitter.

9. Free Will and Justin. I need Rod to end the lockout of Will and Justin. Justin's ratchedness is sorely need along with Will's defense of sword owners. #EndTheTBGWTLockout Lol!

10. Mmmm boobies.

Marketing and Support

2011-11-09T10:46:00.000-06:00

via simplemarketingblog.com

After reading Morgan P. Campbell's article about the marketing rise of Manny Pacquiao, I started to wonder: How do I go about marketing my book? In real life (the one outside of Twitter, blogs and podcasts) my first book was released on July 5, 2011 through Publish America. In the subsequent months, I have done interviews on several podcasts, created a Facebook page, used my Google Plus to alert those in my circles and the circles I'm in that its worth reading. I have posted statuses on G+ and FB asking people to either like it, leave an Amazon review if you have read it, and tell a friend. So far, the book has sold less than 50 copies. To say the least, I'm disappointed.

Why? I have had received a number of "I'm gonna check it outs", "I would get it, but I only read e-books" etc. I smile and say, "Its cool" even though inside I'm saying, "Really ma'am or sir??" The one that pisses me off the most is, "I don't have money." *exhale* Some of them have forgotten that I have Xbox Live, so I can see when you buy NBA 2K12, Batman Arkham City, Battlefield 3 and Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 3 at midnight and don't go to work the same day. On occasions like the aforementioned gaming one, my typical inner monologue goes like this: "So, you didn't the money to buy a book about young, educated, African-Americans who aren't ghetto and have baby mamas galore but you can buy insert game title. The book is $9.95 on Amazon and insert game title was at least $59.95 on day one."

To be completely fair to the gamers, there are individuals with whom I've known for five or more years who hadn't shown their support through spreading the word by mouth, through social media etc. Many of those individuals have depended upon me for educational help (I was their study buddy and/or tutor), advice on relationships, the unapologetic friend who says what you need to hear vs what you want etc. Many of my long time friends and colleagues also said, "I'm gonna check it out:", "I will get one when I get paid", etc. A few days later while talking on the phone, they say "I went shopping and bought insert item" OR "I took my insert affectionate name used by them to describe their significant other to dinner." My inner monologue is filled with expletives and sheer disbelief,

My questions to you, the reader, is this: What kinds of things do you think I need to do to market the book better? Am I tripping?? Please leave feedback through the blog email address sportssexsneakers@gmail.com.

Links:
The Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Young-Black-and-Educated-A-Collection-Of-Stories/123351944425995

The interview with Sherry from Scarcasm Live:
http://scarcasmlive.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sl139-ggr-review-the-young-black-and-educated

Walk Away

2011-11-05T11:21:00.002-05:00

via freelancefolder.com

Over the course of this week, I've been a very busy and stressed fella. I've been studying for a license exam, in the process of starting a new job, hoping to gain admission into a graduate program so I can obtain a Master's in Counseling, organize and schedule a book signing and develop a healthy respectful relationship. Last night, I got into an argument with a young lady. The circumstances and details are not as important as the epiphany I had: never talk to an individual who's clearly mad at you.

I know this flies in the face of conventional wisdom that says talk it out now. However, the downside: someone's feelings is undoubtedly gonna get hurt. Why? We all say mean hurtful things when we're mad. So in the spirit of "Fuck Arguing!! Let's Cuddle", I submit this idea/approach: walk away and allow others to walk away. By walking away and allowing others to walk away, the individuals are given the opportunity to clear their minds, rethink the way they interpret things, and communicate.

Personally, I call my long time friends and colleagues whenever I'm hot and most likely to throw low blows. The benefits of doing this, for me, are: a) I get the chance to "simmer down"; b) crack jokes and c) gain needed perspective from a third party. My third parties have the ability to listen first, think critically, use humor and incorporate their knowledge of me, my thoughts & points of view simultaneously.

So, my advice to you is this: "Walk away from the argument; go relax for how every long it takes and then discuss the issue as mature adults.

Fuck Arguing!! Let's Cuddle

2011-10-30T12:39:00.002-05:00

via 123rf.com

Hi folks! How are you doing? I know its been a minute since I posted a discussion (I’ve been off researching and writing for my second book, which is in its infancy). So today I am going to talk about long distance relationships. Depending upon each individual’s definition of “long distance”, I’ve been in quite a few. 20 miles away? Check. 50 miles away? Check. 100 miles away? Check. Over 100 miles away? Check.

Each of my long distance relationships followed a similar formula: talk and/or text as often as possible, discuss things so that’s there no gray areas and communicate all thoughts and emotions in a mature fashion. In my opinion, all relationships (FWBs, open, marriage) can benefit from these simple but effective actions. Why? Effective communication improves the chances that a relationship will work. For example, my last girlfriend would consistently fuss at me when I didn’t return calls or respond to her texts within a reasonable amount of time. For her, it was 10 mins.

To avoid unnecessary arguments, I would type messages such as “Sorry I didn’t respond earlier. I was insert what was going on. After a week or so of doing this, the arguments were cut dramatically. The time we would have spent arguing was replaced with things such as cuddling and love making (aka sex). What relationship wouldn’t benefit from extra time spent doing either of those?

Culdesac

2011-10-29T14:29:00.002-05:00

The third installment in my Tape of the Week series. My recommendation for this week is Culdesac by Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover. This mixtape is filled with good songs, dope beats and lyrics. You can download Culdesac here. Better yet, go to the official site here, so you can listen to and download the album.

Cut Throat

2011-10-18T23:07:00.001-05:00

via hypnotize-minds.blogspot.com

Here's my second Tape of the Week recommendation...Cut Throat. Its from DJ Smallz, Juicy J and Project Pat and hosted by the Drama King himself, DJ Kay Slay. The tape has that old Hypnotized Minds sound that help garner HCP respect and attention. The tape has guest appearances from Webbie, Dorrough, Lil Wyte and others. You can download it here and here.

The Preview

2011-10-13T16:32:00.001-05:00

I am coming up a new series of posts for the readers. Its called Tape of the Week. In this post, I will highlight a mixtape (or album) from the past that I feel my readers should listen to. First up is The Preview by DJ Drama and Ludacris. Drama does a great job of combining beats from a variety of artists like UGK, Rick Ross, Prodigy etc and combining it with Luda's flow and lyricism. If you think Luda can't rap, doesn't have bars or any other nonsense, check out this tape and then get back to me.

You can get it here and here.

Throwback Sneakers Pt. II

2011-10-12T14:07:00.000-05:00

Here is the second installment in my trip back down sneaker memory lane.

via sneakermestupid.com

< - - -Chris Webber Air Max Sensation. These were released back in '95 while C-Web was playing with fellow fab 5'er Juwan Howard, Rod Strickland and others in Washington. I remember friends and family members rocking these.

via reebokeasytone.blogspot.com

< - - -Reebok Blast. These were worn and endorsed by Nick Van Exel. That's right, Nick the Quick. The shoes debuted back in '94 while Nick was a rookie point for the Lakers, alongside Eddie Jones. The shoe looks like someone just splashed white paint on a pair of black shoes and put the Reebok symbol above it.

via niketalk.yuku.com

< - - -Nike Junior Seau. These were worn and endorsed by Junior Seau back in '94. At this time, Junior was considered the prototypical linebacker: smart, fast and fiery.

via nikeblog.com

< - - -These were worn by the best baseball player of the early 90s, Ken Griffey Jr. In the early 90s, no player combined charisma and god-given ability like Junior. His childlike smile and backwards hat endeared him to many. If these sneakers are re-released, I will definitely cop a pair.

Herm

2011-10-10T12:23:00.000-05:00

Someone I follow posted this Herman Cain 21 Things You Don't Know. Its an article mentioning 21 things we don't know about Herman Cain. For me, Herman is a paradox. I applaud the fact that he is a viable candidate for the Republican Nomination for President of the United States. I applaud his accomplishments such as numbers 8, 13 and 14. I give a standing ovation to things like numbers 15 and 19.

With that being said, it must say his intention to hit unions hard disturb me. Many members of his generation were and/or are members of unions. The unions existed to protect the working man from unfair business practices such as working in unsafe conditions, low wages, no pensions etc. The article states that Luther, Herman's dad, worked three jobs. It sounds to me that Luther would have been a member of an union, if he was offered the opportunity.

To make things even more complicated in my opinion, he is a proponent of tougher immigration laws. Quick fact, Herm "grew up in the segregated Atlanta of the ‘50s and ‘60s, one of two sons of Luther Cain, Jr." Its perplexing that someone who has experienced segregation and discrimination first hand is now supporting measures that that may unfairly target individuals of Hispanic descent. In my eyes, Herman is a symbol of that part of the Black or African-American community that fought through the bullshit policies and discrimination to achieve things "unheard of." The problem is that segment of the population became, dare I say it, conservative in their positions on certain issues. Sure they accomplished amazing things and made the lives of their children better. What about their grand and great-grandchildren, though?

What You Need To Know About His Penis

2011-10-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

photo via 123rf.com

Since I'm discussing sex (as I usually do), here's an article for the ladies. Sex Help: The Package Deal is a slideshow about giving women facts about the one of the most misunderstood organs: the penis. The slideshow is filled with great info on the penis. I hope the laydees check it out.

Should You See A Sex Therapist?

2011-10-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

photo via http://dr-nyx.blogspot.com

While doing my routine checks of sites and blogs I find interesting, I came across Should You See A Sex Therapist? Now I must say I have aspirations to be a therapist so, my opinion isn't without bias. However, if you read the article and couple that with the proven effectiveness of psychotherapy, I feel you would make a good informed decision.

Classic Sneakers

2011-10-04T15:19:00.002-05:00

In my previous post, I spotlighted forgotten sneakers from the 90s. Only three shoes were mentioned by Nice Kicks.com has an extensive list of sneakers that they would like to see brought back. Here's the link 20 Best 90s basketball shoes to bring back. With that in mind, I would like to spotlight come kicks b.k.a sneakers that I personally love.

photo via ru-crazy.com

1. Adidas Shell Toes These shoes are iconic. Run-DMC made a song about them and wore them faithfully. On top of that, they look great with nearly all casual clothing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=virlWcB_G-E

photo via simplysneakers.com

2. Nike Air Force Ones Just like Shell Toes, Air Force Ones have a song about them. They also look great with all casual clothing and are available in a variety of colors so your kicks can match your hat, shirt or accessories. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfzsMQGqrt0&ob=av2e

3. Pumas I never owned a pair of these, but sneaker heads love.

photo via mymorningjoe.com

photo via onlineshoes.com

4. Reebok Classics Another low top sneaker that goes well with all casual and athletic clothing.

5. Starburys You read that right. The shoe has a nice clean look that goes well with a variety of clothing. The price makes them something you have to check out.

Throwback Sneaks

2011-10-02T15:31:00.004-05:00

I was sitting around today thinking about the sneakers or "kicks" from the 90s. Of course, everyone has fond memories of Air Force Ones, Jordans, the Answers etc but does anyone remember the following:

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< - - -These were endorsed by the Admiral himself. David Robinson's shoes were released by Nike. From the look of them, I find it hard to believe many people bought these. First, the large thing on the side, resembling the Reebok pump, doesn't scream "you gotta buy these son!!" in my opinion. (Sidenote: I don;t like high tops so my opinion is biased) Check out the commercial for them while you're at it...Mr. Robinson's neighborhood

photo taken from nicekicks.com

Photo via kicksaddict.com

Next up, the Kamikazes from Reebok. Shawn Kemp, then one of the most explosive ~~players~~ dunkers, endorse these shoes. My problem with the shoe is the design. From the side, it looks a series of mountain tops and valleys or in the words of KRIT "Highs and Lows." Here's link to the commercial that ran for the Kamikaze http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVDuF8s5yrw. I'm guessing, by wearing them, I would be able to defeat animated foes in a game of 1-on-1?

< -- - - -Final stop on this trip involves those. Fila burst on the scenes during the mid 90s with the release of this shoe. Worn by All-Star Grant Hill, they were a huge hit for the company.

Spare Me the Lecture

2011-09-26T19:40:00.001-05:00

Moments ago, I saw the following tweet: "Is it wrong i dont trust people who dont hang out wit other races than their own?" My response is complicated for several reasons. My thoughts are as follows: In an Utopian society, diverse groups would be the norm. In reality, we hang with those with whom we feel most comfortable with. This idea has been supported by many scientific studies.
It is possible to assemble a diverse group of people. For example, while at Troy University as an undergraduate, I hung out with my male classmates in the psychology department quite often. Our ages ranged from 21 to 33 at the time. We all represented different ethnic groups, particularly Black, White, and Asian. (SN: during the years of 2002 to 2006, there were no more than 10 Black males whose major was Psychology.)
Without the security that come from being in a progressive minded department, we may not have ever hung out together. As a matter of fact, we discussed taboo issues daily. We openly discussed sex, politics and religion. We conducted research on those issues. We did it in the name of Science and with the hope that our research would help usher in a new way of thinking. Consider this fact also with regards to my argument: my hometown is a minority-majority area. Blacks make up 73% of the population. My hometown is located in Alabama's Black Belt. The nickname first referred to the rich black soil that exists throughout the region. so opportunities to hang with people from other backgrounds were scarce. Throw in the fact that the whites went to schools outside the county made it even tougher.
So spare me the "diversity is key to life" lectures or attempts to link mutually exclusive factors such as trust and diversity. How would you feel if an entire group of people are constantly moving away from you? What actions would you suggest to someone like me?