The Ingenious

What do our readers want to see more of?

2011-05-10T14:34:00.003-04:00

The Ingenious will be taking a big turn once summer hits..

bringing you more than what is presented now..

but before we make that move we'd like to hear from you.

What would you like more of? It can be a number of positive things..such as videos from us...behind the scenes..word from the street...any suggestions? That can make this site even better...

WE NEED TO KNOW :) The readers make this possible so you are just as apart of The Ingenious Fam as we all are.

So this is your chance to SPEAK UP!

Leave your idea below in the comment box!

-The Ingenious

Insecurity Will Destroy You

2011-05-06T07:43:00.001-04:00

"Insecurity will destroy you.”

I don’t remember where I read this quote but the moment I did my outlook on things immediately changed. I mean not only is it true but it is an excellent piece of advice.In terms of relationships, one thing I always try to avoid is insecurity. What’s the point of being in a trusting relationship with someone and be filled with doubts and uncertainty? In most relationships insecurity leads to jealousy which is fueled by “stalking”. Yes I said it, stalking. However being that society today is obsessed with technology, traditional stalking has evolved. I’m not saying that stalking still doesn’t occur because in fact it does but it has taken on a more modern form. Social network stalking. Creeping. Or whatever term you want to give it, is the new way to ‘check up’ on your significant other. Everyone is doing it and if someone tells you otherwise, I’m almost certain they’re lying. I will argue that ‘stalking’ is in fact healthy because we as humans are very inquisitive beings but at what point does healthy turn into obsessive, that’s when insecurity occurs. Constantly checking his tweets, analyzing all of her FB posts, adding or following boys/girls who constantly engage in a convo with them, hacking pages, sneaking to look at their phone & countless other things. Again I can admit to doing some if not all of the creeping traits but I’ve reached a point where I realized I was only destroying myself and my relationship by continuing to do these. It was becoming sickening, disease like. I had to stop. Make a change not only for myself but my future.
To my fellas and my ladies, the only way to dissolve these insecure feelings is to gain trust, remain honest & keep in constant communication. Without those three things your relationship will be filled with nothing but doubt, lies & constant assumptions. And who wants that? I know I don’t. I made a pact with myself to cut out the doubts and keep my stalking to a minimum with a potential guy and I must say I’m doing excellent in my current situation. Although I can also state that he hasn’t given me any reason to be insecure which is a whole other topic within itself.
Anywho, stay strong! Do not. I repeat do not let insecurities destroy you. You will end up a lonely cat lady or dog man, LOL.
Peace & Love.

Thoughts? Comments? Hit the email: edotnicholle@theeingenious.com

Nights Like This

2011-05-05T21:42:00.003-04:00

Its nights like this that I long for a kiss
or 11:11
to make a well needed wish.
Pupils to the planets searching for a shooting star
because hopefully that rare occurrence
will bring forth the rare appearance
of that arrow slinging angel.
Head on my pillow switches my focus to the ceiling.
Trying to imagine that “having someone special feeling”,
and that somewhat special feeling
when the feelings that your feeling for that someone is evident without revealing.

Its nights like this that make you remember the last night like this
or that last night you took part in romantic bliss.
Missing that sensation of elation making an art out love making;
Spending every waking moment wanting to be in it
or up on it.
Its nights like this where you would give anything to not be lonely

Its nights like this that keep your mind moving double time
idle thoughts kill everything excluding time,
nights seem longer as you think to yourself
“Why do I have to be home alone in bed all by myself?”;
after that question, its nights like this that make you look at and inside yourself! Attempt to reexamine your & reevaluate your worth…
then you come to realize this should been done first!
Nights like this are

… To be continued?

#BeIngenious

~PoetikPicasso

-The Ingenious Squad
Feedback/Comments leave below leave your email poetik@theeingeious.com

Tupac Shakur: Between the lines

2011-05-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

Hey Ingenious Fam I wanted to give you all a heads up on a article I'll be writing about the American Icon Tupac Shakur. I recently received this book from a friend of mine a few weeks back and I was really grateful for such an AMAZING read. This book touches on various parts of Tupac's life and not only am I in admiration of Pac's life...it takes you back to his history...his roots and what developed him into the man we all knew. I'll also be adding my personal view on some things that stood out to me...and hopefully I'll create more understanding for people who had a mixed view of what Pac was all about. So stay tuned!!

-SKY (The Ingenious Squad)

Soulja Boy Foolishness

2011-04-29T15:21:00.002-04:00

So recently I heard through the grape vine that rapper Soulja Boy decided to remake the classic movie "Juice" which starred rapper/actor Tupac Shakur along with Omar Epps, Khalil Kain, and Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkins. I don't know about ya'll but for those who have seen the movie knows for a fact that NOBODY could act out the roles again...especially Bishop which was played by Pac. This movie can't and shouldn't be touched. To me it's disrespectful for Soulja Boy to even consider it.
Call me what you want but for a rapper who probably has no knowledge of anything pertaining to this world [correct me if I'm wrong] nor the persona of Tupac not even talent close to him to try and mimic his style is beyond disrespectful it's like he's making a mockery of all that Tupcac worked hard for...let alone voiced about when it came down to the struggles of his world.
Check out this article on the blog "The Gray Way" they did some breaking down on this whole foolery and shared their viewpoint of this. Click Here

However, isn't this something...in the article he pointed out something that made my jaw literally drop. I did my research to see where it came from and I found that Soulja in a interview for the magazine Rap Up [Proof] back in 2008 he made a statement saying "Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we’d still be in Africa. We wouldn't be here to get this ice and tattoos"

WOW! And here he has millions of fans that support his pointless "music" and his behavior ... WE GOT TO DO BETTER!

Let me know what you think! Really! Leave feedback/comments below.
The One & Only,
SKY (The Ingenious Squad)
Follow me on twitter @lusciousAnatomy

Too Black?

2011-04-28T14:10:00.001-04:00

(via Tumblr)

As I go down the list I realize how real these statements are. I couldn't help but share this with my peers because this is exactly how we are viewed when it comes down to our race as African Americans. I'm so lost for words that the only thing I can say right now is "Deep"....this is deep with so much meaning. The one that sticks out for me the most is "If I stand up for myself I am too.. DEFENSIVE." I was just talking about this with my mum a while back about how I wanted to discuss something about my pay check at work with my supervisor...and the first thing that came out my mouth she was like "NO, need for the attitude." Wow, I never that expressing how I felt in a respectful manor would get me backlash ...and who knew that being an African American in the working world would instantly get you labeled as the "Black One". Let me know how y'all feel about this...

Feedback/Comments leave them below.

The One & Only,

SKY (The Ingenious Squad)

Kissing 101

2011-04-27T14:51:00.000-04:00

To all my lovers out there...who love to KISS this post is specifically for you. Just a little text I received from my best friend and she threw in how this guy she's talking to isn't a good kisser. HAHA! Talk about a downer of it all. I think kissing is the most important factor when you finally become intimate with someone that you like. It's like the "teaser" before you get to the next step of things. For example if you see a play there is always a teaser show you can go to that gives you a glimpse of what it will be like. So if you kiss a person for the first time and it isn't good do you think you'd want to go back for more?

Just a funny little post that I think a lot of people can agree with me on. However, I'm sure folks are like "Well, what if I don't kiss often"...I don't know what to tell you about that! I feel like kissing is just a thing that comes natural...and if you don't know "how to" kiss then watch some movies w/ kissing scenes or find a person you can practice kissing with *wink*

Here's some tips I found online if you really don't know how to:

Click Here You sucky kisser

The One & Only,

SKY (The Ingenious Squad)

Get Organized Tip #9

2011-04-27T08:48:00.001-04:00

Morning Kings & Queens

I'm working on getting SUPER organized and I came across an article yesterday at work.

Here is a tip I'll be using often.

Tip #9 Each morning, make a list of 3 things you need to do today.
By limiting yourself to only 3 things, you set yourself up for success. Also, it means you have to go through your lists and decided what is most important. And don't pick more than 3-most days don't go as planned, and you need to be easy on yourself. By only picking 3 things, you give yourself the time necessary to do those other things that come up. -Regis Hadaris in "Getting Organized at Work"(source)

If you every want to be successful in anything that you do..being organized is the first step to it! Hope this helps - SKY

Sabali means Patience -Damian Marley ft. Nas

2011-04-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

I've been playing this song "Sabali[Paitence]" for a week or so now..and each time I listen to it I try to read between the lines to really understand the meaning of it. I found the official video and I must say there is a lot of symbolism through out it. I'm curious as to what different religions were represented as well...overall interesting video and message.
I love the lethal combination of Damian and Nas. Real music!

Standards..

2011-04-22T16:41:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: Although this post is for my fellow men, I'm sure women will read this and become quite offended. It is important to realize my job is to educate. Being enlightened is no longer enough, you must apply.

Finally, it's heating up outside. Because of the beautiful weather (minus the pollen), this causes a lot of conversating about life, women, sex, cars, money, and sports. During a pow wow with the guys, one particular guy (who will remain anonymous lol) described one of his sexual escapades with a female on campus.

A few minutes later, she happened to walk by and he said "there she go". Now, to put it bluntly, she wasn't attractive. Being the person I am, I said "dude, she don't even look good". His response is the inspiration for this blog.

"she got a fat ass tho"

"................................."

Fellas, we have to stop this. We have to have standards in the women we choose to be with or have sex with.

There are some women walking around thinking they are hot sh*t when they are cold as ice.

Imagine this: A woman walking around who isn't in shape. Now, she's not completely fat but she could tighten up her gut a tad. She got back. Now, because us black men are slaves to a round and plump booty, dudes constantly try to spit game at her. By the time, I get to her, I'm not going to be attracted to her. BUT, if I say "hello" to her she's more than likely going to hit me some attitude because every dude previously gassed her up.

We should up our standards for women. I mean, they do the same thing for us, dont they? Majority of women want a dude who's physically attractive first. I mean, that's why the majority of them end up in crappy relationships because they never get passed the physical.

Standards...

1

Ced

-The Ingenious Squad

#blogkiller

His name means Lie

2011-04-22T12:56:00.000-04:00

He's like a villain in disguise
With every word that is spoken becomes venom that seeps in your mind
He said that he would never tell lies
But he becomes your addiction and you keep searching for that first high
He thinks with his fake persona he'll get by
You allow his evil acts take grasp of your soul, what was once young becomes old
What was once new becomes used
His words of wisdom are flowing out of a mouth that doesn't even abide by the rules
What are you going to do when you realize that he pretended that his heart never chose you?
What are you going to do when he removes his mask to show that this whole time he took
advantage of you?
What are you going to do?

-SKY (The Ingenious Squad)

Are You Optimistic About the Future of Your Career, Life, and Country?

2011-04-19T12:18:00.001-04:00

The Article

I came across a good article on Black Voices that spoke on young Americans/blacks and our dedication to finding a career after college. It open my eyes to a few things that I wasn't aware of I learned from the article that

Social Security may not even exist when I'm older.
Everything will eventually cost more.
The economic crisis within the last few years has eliminated nearly a fifth of Americans' net worth.
African Americans and Hispanics were more likely to be left broke, jobless and concerned that they lack the skills needed to gain profitable careers

However, with that news doesn't put a downer in my path...I'm still going to work hard towards my goal and definitely complete college with a degree higher than a bachelors. This article was about the optimistic younger generation and I was amazed to see that even though we as a generation are getting approached with bigger issues as far as the economy goes than our parents did we still have a content feeling towards it all...which is shocking but in a good way. Click the link up top for the full article and I would love to hear ya'll opinion on it...Are you optimistic about the future of your career, life, and country?

- SKY ( The Ingenious Squad)

Comments/Feedback leave below. Got a topic? Email: Sky@theeingenious.com

Morning Quote of The Day

2011-04-19T12:00:00.001-04:00

There is a place in God's sun for the youth "farthest down" who has the vision, the determination, and the courage to reach it.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Introducing Royal

2011-04-19T00:42:00.000-04:00

I'd like to introduce are new added member of The Ingenious; Royal. She is working as our PR Manager as well as lead of our Street Team. We look forward to having her apart of the squad and can't wait to see what great ideas she brings! We appreciate her for taking on such a big task, thanks for supporting the movement! You can catch royal updating tweets for our twitter @The_Ingenious or get in touch w/ her at Royal@theeingenious.com for business inquiries. Below is some info about her. =)

Paige also known as Royal is an open minded woman that resides in Maryland. She has a very different perspective that stands out from the average person. She is currently working her way towards obtaining a degree in Anesthesiology. She likes to make a positive difference about how people think and observe things. She works part time and goes to school full time. She enjoys traveling, collecting Hello Kitty items, theoretically thinking, and spending time with her boyfriend.

Morning Quote of The Day

2011-04-18T11:47:00.000-04:00

Love your enemies, they hate it.

Rev Run

He's Got It- Part 2

2011-04-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

I am continuing what I've started in Part 1 I touched on men getting involved with a woman; putting on this persona as if they know what they want but in actuality it's just a front. No, I am not saying all guys are like this keep that in mind. Moving forward on to the lecture.

Lecture-Specifics
Now I go by this saying "You are what you get." You can relate this phrase to many situations in life but I specifically connect it to the love life. When I say "you are what you get" it mainly means if you present yourself in a positive manor you'll attract positive...right? I find it hard to believe now that that saying is 100% accurate because although we have woman out here that are well put together somehow we manage to attract the complete opposite in a male...why is that? I don't have all the answers but I feel like as every human being we all have that "soft spot" that tends to get us caught up. To get more in depth, with this soft spot leading our decision making we let the guy who is labeled Mr.Wrong get the role of Mr.Right.

I'm not saying that nobody deserves a chance but what I'm saying is to look at the specifics of the situation. Get to know him better as far as what he is expecting out of this relationship let alone is he looking for one if ya'll are just dating. Don't grill him with questions because that would scare anyone away haha...but just be open w/ what you are looking for from the beginning and if he's a real man he'd respect your honesty. That's where some slip up not just men but woman too. We don't take our time out to ask questions and to get to know who we are getting involved with, it would say us a lot of trouble...if we knew where his head is at. Don't allow that 1% of being desperate to have someone misguide you not to be harsh but that's the reality. Yeah, woman this is about you too...sometimes we get caught up in the idea of having someone that we settle for anything. Slowly work into things...slowly figure out the specifics of it all...

Feedback/Comments leave them below. Want to get in touch with me email: sky@theeingenious.com

The One & Only,
SKY (The Ingenious Squad)
Follow me on twitter: lusciousAnatomy =)

Dating via Internet

2011-04-17T20:10:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhh, the Internet...it has become a fixture in our young modern lives. I'm almost certain today's youth resorts to the Internet for just about everything...from plane tickets to FB posts. Where would be without the Internet? But I've been noticing a new trend amongst my peers and that's dating via the Internet with the help of social networks and dating sites. I mean with the vast range of sites such as eharmony or blackpeoplemeet even to FaceBook, people are citing that these places are prime places for meeting new people & sometimes even their soulmates.

Dating sites have always intrigued me & I even gave eharmony a go one time when my cousin was filling it out. I must admit, they ask a whole lot of questions & it seems as if you are matched with just some random Joe. And my cousin paid & did all the good stuff but still no luck. Plus we checked out blackpeoplemeet just for giggles & ladies and gents if you are looking for comic relief definitely check that out. The people on there will amaze you to no end.

I mean don't get me wrong there were some potential on those sites but I just don't have the patience let alone the funds to play such a risky game with my heart.

I often hear complaints of "there aren't any good men where I live" or "I'm tired of getting hurt, I need something new"...but it honestly all goes back to, you get what you put out. So don't be surprised if all you attract are no good losers when you yourself aren't at the best you can be.

Dating to me should be face to face not through a computer screen until you both are ready to interact in person. I mean where is the fun in that? I want to look stupid, take chances & just get to know my potential partner on my own, not with the help of some random computer program. I am most certainly not a fan of dating via the Internet, but hey if it works for you...so be it.

Thoughts!? Comments. Leave Below or Hit the email: edotnicholle@theeingenious.com

Peace.

Morning Quote of The Day

2011-04-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome.

Arthur Ashe

Morning Quote of The Day

2011-04-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it... I know fear is an obstacle for some people, but it's an illusion to me.

Michael Jordan

He's Got It -Part 1

2011-04-11T17:29:00.001-04:00

A touchy topic was addressed last night while I was on my personal blog. I wrote a post about guys and how most of them don't know what it is that they want not only in life but in a woman. Well, I raised all hell when I said that. So, I'm here to break it down as to what I mean when I made that statement. There will be 3 parts.

Lecture-Low Down

I've met a few guys that were interested in me throughout my single life and I took time out to get to know them. However, I always noticed something off about them. It was like they would know what they wanted but instantly would go back on their word...it's like a button was being pushed in their brain to take back everything they just said because being real, genuine, and showing emotion makes them less of a man. It would be wonderful conversations of past relationships, lessons learned, life experiences and future goals...then suddenly a few weeks past; they're nothing like you thought they were. Why is that?

Is it against male code to be a man? or should I said to be well put together, to know what it is that you want in life and in your future?

As we get older there is a point in time that you have to start thinking about your future husband/wife. Maybe it's a woman thing...I don't know. But, I'm not saying go out and marry the first person you meet but those qualities that you want your life partner to have should always be in question when you meet someone that you are interested in.

Tell me what you think ladies and gents?

Leave Feedback/Comments below

The One & Only,

SKY (The Ingenious Squad)

Follow me on twitter: @Lusciousanatomy

Morning Quote of The Day

2011-04-11T07:54:00.000-04:00

I think education is power. I think that being able to communicate with people is power. One of my main goals on the planet is to encourage people to empower themselves.

Oprah Winfrey

Y-O-U Spells YOU Not Them

2011-04-08T12:55:00.003-04:00

A few things crossed my mind lately as I explored a few social networking sites. I just wanted to understand the difference in them as far as the people that frequent it daily. I realized of course there would be a big difference in the audience each website attracts but then it hit me. These social networking sites are a place for people to express themselves..Right?

Lecture
Well, wrong in my opinion. The point I'm trying to get at is not a lot of people are being themselves in the real world anymore. People sit behind computers creating this fake persona and altering things about them that in real life aren't even realistic. What happen to allowing blogging to be a way to share what's on your mind instead of something that everyone does just because it's "cool". Or what about these people who take on teams such as light skin vs. dark skin thinking that it's the next new thing to be apart of a group that promotes ignorance and is literally creating more ciaos within our race that is already divided amongst ourselves. I have grown men who literally and proudly represent #TaylorGang #Teamweedheads whatever obscene fake "team" they can think of...and it goes for my woman as well. It's sad to see my ladies out there reppin' things that shouldn't even apply to them and that would have our ancestors rolling over in their grave.

What I want to get by is don't fall for the hype. Just like a team that's on the roll for a couple of seasons...they are bound to have a couple of loses. Pick a team that you can grow with and learn from and even when you take the lost it's a learning experience within it's self. That you pick up and keep going strong.
Create a positive outlook for yourself because you are who you surround yourself with. Don't fall for the bait of self destruction.
If you are apart of the older generation you got to remember that there are younger children who look up to you BE a positive example. Positive is the KEY WORD.
For my people who live off of being like a certain celebrity why not evaluate your life and work your way to accomplishing your own goals. There is nothing wrong with a celebrity being a role model but that does not mean you act and do like them. Go out and create a name for yourself. Work on your SELF image so when you look back you feel good about where you are in life because you stayed true to who you are.
SET GOALS! Be your own motivation.
Lastly, there is nothing like someone who has confidence and is genuine not only around others but most important to themselves.

I felt to bring this up because I have a few people around me who aren't living for THEM. They live off of others...find who you are don't let others figure out for you because at the end of the day it's your life and theres. SEPARATE.

Feedback/Comments/Questions leave them below.

Want me to write about a certain topic hit up our contacts tab for my email.

The One & Only,

SKY (The Ingenious Squad)

Morning Quote of The Day

2011-04-07T09:57:00.001-04:00

Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.

Kobe Bryant

To Mr. Tyler Perry

2011-04-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

Mr. Tyler Perry,

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you for all of your success. There are very few successful black men that are put out on the front lines to represent us. Especially in the film industry, I mean, besides Spike Lee, there aren't any other African-American filmmakers that I am aware of. Although, there is a high probability you won't be reading this, I feel like I need to get this important point off my chest.

Although I haven't seen all of your plays, I grew to appreciate the few I've seen and the positive message they conveyed to the black race. Topics on relationships, God, money, family, and much more have all been acted out to perfection. Along with some gospel and soulful singing, it was a very positive influence.

Finally, you were recognized for your work and obtained some kind of directing deal of your movies. Of course, the black race and people of other races and cultures came out and supported your work.

But then something happened.

Maybe it's just me, but I have began to notice your movies have many negative connotations hidden within them. I understand that many of your films are for mostly black women but why do the majority of your movies focus on degrading black men? With the exception of a few of your movies, just about all of them have some kind of negative black man who is financially successful who abuses women.

Now don't get it twisted, I have no problem with that because people need to see that, but there's much more that needs to be explained about that topic. There two sides to that story. Not only are there black men who mistreat women, there are also black women that have done the same thing and possibly worse.

Everything needs balance Mr. Perry. Also, why do you make all of the men who treat women right poor or barely making it? Movies such as "Daddy's Little Girls", "Madea's Family Reunion", and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" all have men in them who are in a constant struggle financially. I know these kind of men exist and this is no disrespect to them, but there are not the only kind of black men that exist.

Maybe I'm looking into it too deep, but who am I?

Signed,
An Ingenious Intellectual

#beingenious

#becool

1

Ced

-The Ingenious Squad

Relationship Reflection

2011-04-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

Poetik, one of my fellow blog mates posed a question to all of our female readers. That question was

What happened in your love life that has effected the way you deal with building and being in a relationship today?

And I figured I answer that question and generate a blog post while doing it. A little two for the price of one dealing. Lol.

Anyway, "what happened in MY love life that has affected the way I deal with building and being in a relationship today"? Hmm, so at first glance this question is a bit hard because it causes me to reflect on negative or

failed

relationships when I really don't wannnnaaaa.. But we learn from our past right? well.. some times, but that's a whole different topic.

To answer his question and reflect on the negativity of my past, CHEATING...LYING...DOUBLE LIVES...FAILED COMMUNICATION... are the main topics that continue to pop up when I take that stroll back down relationship lane. I mean no body is perfect and there are going to be lies and failed communication in relationships but the cheating and the double lives are way too much to handle. I've been cheated on and have done my share of

cheating

in my past but I really have nothing to show for it but a broken heart or a bruised ego. The double life factor was a recent phenom for me. I was caught in a love triangle for about a year and a half and I DO NOT know why I allowed myself to stay trapped. Yet that is all in the past, behind me.

Now how have those factors affected the way I deal with building or being in present relationships? A whole bunch. I'm terrified of being hurt again. Being lied too. Cheated on. And just broken. But I can not allow that to stop me from building a new relationship. I am currently in the process of building a new relationship and I must say I have not had to worry about any of these things happening and I am not quite sure why. I want to base this feeling on our communication because I honestly don't hold back anything with him. I tell him EVERYTHING from how I am feeling about us or just things in general. Now some may object to this but lack of communication was a huge failure for my past relationships and this just feels so right.

In closing, I believe that the open lines of communication will play a huge role in the development of this relationship and will hopefully (fingers crossed) cancel out the negatives such as cheating and lying. Communication is key is slowing becoming my life motto.

Thoughts? Comments?

Hit the email: edotnicholle@theeingenious.com

Peace & Love. :)