tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245477282024-03-20T09:31:37.877-04:00The Me That I AmThis blog is all about the things that I see in life and the way that they affect me. I trust that in some way this blog will give you an escape from life and appreciation for all of our differences.
RAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10529137594128516258noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24547728.post-25353093327819706942018-03-23T18:52:00.001-04:002018-03-23T18:52:09.999-04:00Weed or Nah? The Rahman Experience Episode 4 Promo<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXBiexAZS2M" width="480"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script language="JavaScript">
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</script></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10529137594128516258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24547728.post-30234201325240305742014-06-09T14:46:00.002-04:002014-06-09T14:46:51.025-04:00Just God and Me and God<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was just God and Me and God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TvSqfwxQec4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I guess that’s the best way to describe what it was
like for me in my first zip lining experience. I have seen the videos and heard
people talk about it for years but it was never something that I thought about
or even considered. I guess I had just put in the Steve Harvey “Wonderful
Weekend” category. Steve said, only white folk would “tie a kite to they’re ass
and jump off a cliff”, and zip lining was kinda like that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nevertheless, after celebrating a birthday and
seeing things a bit differently, I wanted to check some things off of my bucket
list. So at the last minute, I jumped in my truck and headed over to the
<a href="http://tallahasseemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Tallahassee Museum</a> for <a href="http://tallahasseemuseum.org/treetotreeadventures/" target="_blank">Zip Lining</a>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After getting there, the cost was pretty nominal, so
I paid the fee and I was ready to go. It took about 10 minutes to get trained
in the group of about 15 new zip liners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hook this to that -- this way. Don’t step on this.
Keep your eyes on that. The requisite safety talk</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e4lFECqQ5atwff78uOfyBlHB9czgh4z27ND0GpQY7mnR-RsoZubnjOzOJnpzFT30zPEqcEZotlO0hsfv11jbsx9_0JKNSLDMwz-UEWgh7Mfl1Ve6gxbIMvzStrLNrGJyJBwN/s1600/SAM_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e4lFECqQ5atwff78uOfyBlHB9czgh4z27ND0GpQY7mnR-RsoZubnjOzOJnpzFT30zPEqcEZotlO0hsfv11jbsx9_0JKNSLDMwz-UEWgh7Mfl1Ve6gxbIMvzStrLNrGJyJBwN/s1600/SAM_0022.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Started</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">gave us tips to stay safe but
I could tell we were filled with part anticipation, part fear and part wonder. All
ready for the journey.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once certified – we headed for the first ladder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXe8Som3EAcnH5sK5I4Dzu4ZIUa_eFbfSPQ1IcXcSDyEWdoxPjN3Zp7OQYTyeaajk4ASKZz93zqAz4luG8p9OoxnyME3F9RdFVF-dr3zbz09U5m93FfOML8NF8WZeR3Wo7CzF/s1600/20140601_175250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXe8Som3EAcnH5sK5I4Dzu4ZIUa_eFbfSPQ1IcXcSDyEWdoxPjN3Zp7OQYTyeaajk4ASKZz93zqAz4luG8p9OoxnyME3F9RdFVF-dr3zbz09U5m93FfOML8NF8WZeR3Wo7CzF/s1600/20140601_175250.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unlike other people in the group, I was there alone.
I had asked 5 or 6 friends to join me and they had all chickened out. I wasn’t
about to let that stop my progress. So to amplify the experience, I let other
members of the group go on ahead and I was the last one up. Just me in the
trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pxswO0UYJcyMyOD-elw-V6y9cIhMEYK7lthQg0F2khC_li7A1AJltLgy7qjb6806L8KWUz373Tm2b5GZD-CEMkCP-OJr3Wp3-6BqFZjTRfJ06RNMzQt3YBwKHPNVKQVSOMGA/s1600/20140601_181249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pxswO0UYJcyMyOD-elw-V6y9cIhMEYK7lthQg0F2khC_li7A1AJltLgy7qjb6806L8KWUz373Tm2b5GZD-CEMkCP-OJr3Wp3-6BqFZjTRfJ06RNMzQt3YBwKHPNVKQVSOMGA/s1600/20140601_181249.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being up there was exhilarating. I imagined what
early man must have left like. Just being alone in nature. It was a rush that I
think I had only experienced in being alone at the beach. There were no actual
words said but the moments that I experienced spoke volumes. With my phone on
airplane mode, functioning only as a camera, I started my way through the
trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although I was attached to a cable, I felt that I was
there alone in the moment. In fact I was just 60 or so feet from the ground.
Still, in that moment the air seemed crisper, the sky seemed bluer and the
tress seemed greener. It was like experiencing them all for the first time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0CycK6v1IEcat1_THzfuOzCeOX2e-ukck5b8zpOKuBdo4DX9x-znPweDHgdvqBNfDS8f0ozvIpN0PMUDl4_BwJuKyAgvHlfbA_kPZ5w8oBnjVht6k-RcJNQpEZFeveSftc0q/s1600/20140601_183400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0CycK6v1IEcat1_THzfuOzCeOX2e-ukck5b8zpOKuBdo4DX9x-znPweDHgdvqBNfDS8f0ozvIpN0PMUDl4_BwJuKyAgvHlfbA_kPZ5w8oBnjVht6k-RcJNQpEZFeveSftc0q/s1600/20140601_183400.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As my journey continued, a young kid at the front of
the group was a little scared to take the first jump. It held up the course for
about 30 minutes but it gave me time to enjoy the moment. Everything happens
for a reason. I wished him well as he found his way down via an escape ladder.
Finally I made my way to the first of several zip lines. I will admit, there
was a little trepidation at first but once I was sailing, I FELT FREEDOM! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the course ended, if almost on cue, a gentle rain
started to fall. It was like I was being baptized and cleansed as I made my
journey back to Earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Later, I spoke to my mother and told her about the
journey. She said, “what you just experienced is faith! If you have the faith
that the wires would hold you up, then you have no choice but to have faith
that GOD will get you through anything. Just have that kind of faith!” Prophetic.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That Sunday afternoon was an experience that I needed.
Something that I won’t ever forget. I suppose for me, zip lining was my church
in the trees. Just God and ME and God! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</script></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10529137594128516258noreply@blogger.com0Tallahassee, FL, USA30.4382559 -84.28073289999997530.2192779 -84.60345639999997 30.6572339 -83.95800939999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24547728.post-25070481379354014062013-11-05T10:29:00.002-05:002013-11-05T10:29:58.234-05:00The Robert Glasper Experiment<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/02/24/arts/ab-glasper/ab-glasper-blog480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/02/24/arts/ab-glasper/ab-glasper-blog480.jpg" width="200" /></a>I LOVE <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Glasper">Robert Glasper</a>.<br />
<br />
As a jazz aficionado, this brother has breathed new life into Jazz. Ala <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Davis">Miles Davis</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebop">BeBop</a>! I can't wait to meet and interview him just to see what makes him tick!<br />
<br />
I "accidentally" ran into him on satellite radio and was sprung! I wonder if he will collabo with other artists who have passed on. I'd love to see him do an arrangement with <a href="https://twitter.com/fatbellybella">Erykah Badu</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Simone">Nina Simone</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Coltrane">John Coltrane</a>. Well one can wish . . .<br />
<br />
Check out this newest video from his new project Black Radio, available now on iTunes. It features <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whoisjillscott?directed_target_id=0">Jill Scott</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.commlawblog.com/uploads/image/FAA%20thinking-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.commlawblog.com/uploads/image/FAA%20thinking-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No longer the Federal Aggravation Administration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From the files of “I Told You So”,
the FAA has finally gotten the message that phones and tablets don’t crash
planes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At one time in my career I was a
VERY frequently flier taking 2 to 3 trips a week. So as you can imagine time
was at a premium. From checking emails to reading newspapers and magazines, my time
in the air was a solace away from the world. It allowed me to actually read
books! Unfortunately, traveling so much meant that I couldn't lug around a library
but I could have different books on my tablet. But then came my friendly
neighborhood flight attendant. Of course they would always STOP me at the “good
parts”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Well during all that travel, sometimes
I forgot to turn my phone off. Sometimes when times got a little stressful I
would even play music (iPod/iPad) during take-off and landing and in all those
times nothing happened. I wasn't trying to tempt fate, it just seemed like a
rule that didn't make any sense and wasn't based in fact. I never really liked
rules that didn't have a rationale, so this one was out of the window. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m glad the FAA has finally seen
the light as well. It will work to calm those passengers that are a bit nervous
about flying and it will work to improve the relationship with passengers and
flight attendants. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Looking forward to getting back
in the friendly skies, with the iPad in tow! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.famu.edu/EssentialTheatre/UserFiles/Image/Jame%20Webb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.famu.edu/EssentialTheatre/UserFiles/Image/Jame%20Webb.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Webb<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 12.75pt;">Years ago James Webb decided that he would change the world
through telling stories and he is living his dream everyday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 12.75pt;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 12.75pt;">Webb
is an Assistant Professor of theater at Florida A&M University and is using
theater to “tell the story” through his latest work, Sibling Rivalry.</span><br /><span style="line-height: 12.75pt;"></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span> “It was a chance for me to really talk about some of
the issues that I have experienced in my own life”, he said.<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> “Many of us have issues, we just don’t talk about them.
Having the discussion through entertainment brings them to the forefront so we
can have discussion”.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Growing up in Moss Point, MS, his days and nights were filled with
family and church.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">“I was one of those six day a week church kids. My only day off
was Friday and Sunday I was there all day”.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">He says that those experiences are what created his destiny and
define his path.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Webb, started out with an undergraduate degree from FAMU. His path
took him to the University of Florida, where he earned an MFA in Theater.
Then it was off to conquer the world. He spent a year in Hong Kong in Disney’s
Festival of the Lion King and has scores of New York credits on his resume. He
even starred in award winning playwright Ntozake Shange's seminal work Layla’s
Dream.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://search.tallahassee.com/files/events/images/87966/lightbox_000_2114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://search.tallahassee.com/files/events/images/87966/lightbox_000_2114.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast of Sibling Rivalry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Even with all of the success he enjoyed, there was still more that
he had to accomplish and as an award winning playwright himself he is doing it
and inspiring a new generation of performers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">“Being at FAMU, I write a new children’s play for our institute
each summer and I am in the process of finishing my doctorate. Having this
opportunity helps me to dig deeper and speak louder”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Webb’s show “The Contract”, dealing with themes of sexuality,
loyalty and relationships, won the Lorraine Hansberry National Playwriting
Award.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">He said that being vulnerable and authentic is where growth
starts, a growth that he hopes to help germinate.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Sibling Rivalry is currently running at the Southside Arts Complex
2525 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Show times
are: Wednesday 10/30, Thursday 10/31; Friday 11/1 – All at 7pm; Saturday 11/2
at 2p & 7p; Sunday 11/3 Matinee 3:00pm</b></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Come on . . . the textbook definition of being a spy means that you covertly gather intel on EVERYONE not just your enemies. I am sure if you were privy to those records you would see that foreign countries spy on the United States as well. It's one of those pot calling the kettle black kind of things. You know?<br />
<br />
Like NSA Director James Clapper says . . . it's par for the course.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
What do you think?</div>
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<br />
Now the family wants answers and no one can tell them why.<br />
<br />
After weeks of protesting for the findings to be released, Johnson's family decided to take it a step further. They blocked the doors of the local courthouse and were arrested.<br />
<br />
The family says that they will keep protesting until they get some answers.<br />
<br />
Here's an update.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/0history/tubman.big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/0history/tubman.big.jpg" width="193" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">March 10<sup>th</sup> is a day that will forever be
burned in my mind. Today is the day that one of the greatest American’s that
ever lived passed away. Because of her, I am here right now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Harriett Tubman, the Moses of her People, died 100
years ago today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Yes, Black History Month is celebrated in February
but truly, Black History IS American History. As I think about it we would not
be in the place that we are today had it not been for her. She </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">didn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> allow
herself to be defined on the way that she was born. Nor did she let physical disabilities
hold her back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some may have forgotten that she was hit in the head
with a weight as a young slave. After that she was pretty much relegated to
what we would now call narcolepsy. She had sleeping spells that would come on
her and put her to sleep for hours or sometimes days at a time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Still she persevered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even with the fact that during her time women were
considered second class citizens, with her Underground Railroad and efforts and
Union Army exploits, she helped to free nearly a thousand slaves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She is most widely known for staunch abolition
efforts along with those of Fredrick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Yes,
she changed history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Harriet_Tubman_late_in_life3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Harriet_Tubman_late_in_life3.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tubman, also knew that women were much more than
what the US Constitution was interpreted to mean. She stood with Susan B.
Anthony and Emily Howland (yes, this black WOMAN and former slave) and
challenged the status quo. Though she did not live to see the results of her
work, the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution is also a
part of her tremendous legacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today as we stand just months away from the Lilly
Ledbetter Act and the resigning of the Violence Against Women Act, I am
reminded of the tenacity and resolve of Harriett Tubman. Just one hundred short
years ago, our world was so different. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I spoke to a young man a few days ago (he was only
20), who believed that things were finally equal. He truly believed that there
was no need for minority rights or anything like Affirmative Action. I smiled
and listened to him but explained why I had to disagree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Without a doubt, I know that the vestiges of institutionalized
racism and sexism still exist. Though I hope I am proven wrong, it will be
generations more before we can really begin to imagine true equality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today I fondly remember one who paved the way for
me. I am because she is. I can sit next to whom I choose and not have to serve
or bow my head. I can choose and exercise true freedom and support women doing
the same. Simply, because one woman chose not to be silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Thank you, Harriett Tubman. Today and always we are thankful and we </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">remember. </span></div>
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Use this to LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><span ><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAzFHKvaKxLwR7j5NZbeoRKBbC5RAhm2sB2inRrqGQhnvaE8LG" border="0" alt="" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 216px; " /></span><b><span ><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><b><span >A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose</span></b><span ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">By: Eckhart Tolle <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ever wonder about your purpose? Answer the Why Am I Here question and so much more. This is not a quick read book. Take your time and enjoy the journey<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre; "><br /></span></div><img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRh2bNG-LMkOXa1Fy99T_IsfbqN0uM7WYWpzLRNmfsz7EwyIbtT" border="0" alt="" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 279px; " /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><span >The Power of NOW</span></b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">By: Eckhart Tolle<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">Experience the sheer JOY of Living in T</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">HIS moment! Here a primer to understand how.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""></span></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></p><img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjPROgGjkC8pS-r1nweZqaVHB6FNLRRkwv8B2FCoVnDAvkyYowUQ" border="0" alt="" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 268px; " /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span ><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; ">Th</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; ">e Fifth Agreement</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p> <div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">By: Don Miguel and Jose Ruiz</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">These are five simple agreements that y</span></p><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">ou make with yourself to help you live your best life!</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; white-space: pre; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre; "> </span><span > </span><b><span >The Secret AND The Power</span></b><span ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p><div><img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPFCNwkIFzrVC3eJ5DoDmqN0R3hzlW9xnRt3McutASOxfLA2i5" border="0" alt="" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px; " /></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">By: Rhonda Byrne</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Learn The Secret then tap into the POWER of being you! Use the lessons and watch what happens! </span></p><div><img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTNP42d0LFb3GSxRHKnzjBV7zS65o1L0yqWBB_ehxQwBpSQPJ4_" border="0" alt="" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 222px; " /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt; " ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; " ><br /></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvVpW0bsi71l0RzD7NzfJ7DNvZikf6dXgL-ECZoJC6sshJDcqIkw" border="0" alt="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 283px; " /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; font-size: large; ">The Alchemist</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">By: Paulo Coelho<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">This fable about a young man’s journey of self-discovery has inspired world leaders and the everyday man! Allow this simple tale to inspire you!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Happy Reading! <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script language="JavaScript">
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</script></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10529137594128516258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24547728.post-67513585831148916662012-02-07T17:15:00.003-05:002012-02-07T17:29:04.994-05:00KNOW YOUR LANE<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOhYLZEgTbJevIxzdBcstNbB4LAiBr8BfNOYGubQHpidvQX5QCpA"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOhYLZEgTbJevIxzdBcstNbB4LAiBr8BfNOYGubQHpidvQX5QCpA" border="0" alt="" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">You know, Madame O (Oprah Winfrey) gave some great advice when she said, in an interview with Piers Morgan, “I know my lane”. Piers’ question was about running for Presid</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">ent but </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">what she said can easily be applied to life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">A rule of thumb for the way I live my life, has been embracing who you are right NOW and experiencing this moment to its fullest. One thing I know for sure is that when you try to deviate from the present moment awareness is when we experience “dis-ease”. It’s like trying to put the square peg in the round hole. It just won’t work and even if you can get it in, it never fits quite right and it hurts like hell going through the process.</span>what she said can easily be applied to life. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">I guess one of the recent things that I have discovered is that if someone knows what lane they occupy and they f</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">unction well there – quite often it’s not for us to try and move them to the lane that we are in or where we think that they should be.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The epiphany came when I was recently traveling in Miami on I-95. While I was driving, it was</span></p><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 264px;" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQaXuwvQiW68A_jrs7iU4GZAiwaE8mrmgfVn-SiAMpAvIplRDn" border="0" alt="" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">my decision to get into the HOV lane, pay an additional toll and move a bit faster than t</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">he other traffic. It hit me! 1) Not everybody is equipped to drive in the HOV lane and 2) some people are content going with the f</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; ">low of traffic around them! Who would have thought that a drive would give me that much insight into life?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">As I drove further, I thought about the exit that I would take. I was headed to Miami Beach en route to a Villa. On the way, I stopped at a store in Liberty City. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Now for those that know the Miami area ---Liberty City is the hood. I love my people and the hood will always be a part of me and my experience but I had a knowing that I would go farther. There are still some people that will get off of the expressway [of life] and be content staying right there [in Liberty City]. Even though, they know full well that only 10 miles or so away are some of the best beaches, most amazing restaurants and luxurious pads in the world. What’s even more important is that you can’t fault folk for knowing their lane and maximizing what’s there. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSS7HKmaJFZPA7N3LR8VKGA3FgTMRIWEi5ZqVYNK2aRwCAdQikX" border="0" alt="" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px; " /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">When you truly know your lane, you can make great decisions about where you are going and where you need to be. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">I will always keep in my mind the directions to MY Liberty City because I know that the food is good, the people are real and there is always a lesson in the trip. Nevertheless, I know that my radar points toward Buckingham Palace and the United Nations and even the White House! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yes, I know my direction and I have no problem switching lanes. How about you? <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script language="JavaScript">
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</script></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10529137594128516258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24547728.post-65242621815307570092011-03-24T18:06:00.001-04:002011-03-24T18:09:49.703-04:00SPRING CLEANING<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 18pt'><span style='color:white; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Lesson: My External Circumstances, Reflect My Internal Condition<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:white; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Last night during a period of meditation, it struck me why things weren't going as I thought that they should. It was less about my circumstances and more about my condition. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:white; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>You see over the winter months, I had allowed my office and bedroom to develop clutter. I thought because I had organized the "stuff" into piles that things were fine. In the end, it was the stuff that was the cause of problems. There were clothes that I hadn't worn in years, files I hadn't used in months and cords that went to who knows what electronic device of the day. And that was just the physical stuff, mentally there were remnants of past relationships that were in the "bin" waiting to be discarded but never went anywhere. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:white; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br/>Regardless if I held on to these things or not, none of the things (or people) that were destined to come into my life could because there was too much other "stuff" in the way! Indeed I was blocking my blessings. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:white; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>I spent the day mentally clearing out all of those places that were dark and cluttered with stuff. I re-gathered all of the hurts, heart aches and disappointments for one final trip. As I went through the sorting process, I made sure that I didn't look at those experiences as bad or negative but tried to learn a lesson from each one! As I cleaned mentally, I cleaned physically as well. I discarded all of the clothes, old cell phones, magazines, papers and anything that took up space and had no value. I even reassessed some things that I thought valuable and learned there was really no value there at all. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:white; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>After that exercise, I feel lighter, better and more in-tune with my environment. I can truly say that I am ready mentally and physically for the things and people that the universe has in store for me. What a difference just a day and a little cleaning can make in your life. </span></p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script language="JavaScript">
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Truly I am excited!</div><div><br />During what can be called one of the most contentious races in U.S. history, I made what some would consider an unpopular decision. Hillary Clinton was my pick for President. I cannot tell you how many calls, emails, MySpace Messages and notes that I received, asking me to either explain or reconsider my decision. I can say some of the language that was used wasn’t the most pleasant. Nevertheless, I am truly proud to be an American, able to have made a decision and stand by it without (major) repercussion. That is the beauty of being an American and why I love this country and the freedom that it offers.<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong, I do not dislike Senator Obama. I have said from the get-go that he is a great guy and an amazing candidate. It’s just in the race for president, I thought that Hillary Clinton was a stronger candidate and I committed to her candidacy. Never mind what Bill said, never mind what people told me – I believed that she was the best candidate for the race. Ironically, when my friends tried to persuade me to vote for Senator Obama none of them would extol me on the virtues of Senator Obama they simply tried to tear down <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-UxCubVBO1pgGmu8JLg_aaTXKID_w5Y6MyKFaS7UdFaPI6Odun6PkEWZrUGT1wN0lRt7kS-dDrKn_CxlOLONaFxXBDLstjj6jhBETiGsYGvE4oEo0nRuRUhjGjhZ6ZR9c924/s1600-h/ObMA+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208014079578741714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-UxCubVBO1pgGmu8JLg_aaTXKID_w5Y6MyKFaS7UdFaPI6Odun6PkEWZrUGT1wN0lRt7kS-dDrKn_CxlOLONaFxXBDLstjj6jhBETiGsYGvE4oEo0nRuRUhjGjhZ6ZR9c924/s320/ObMA+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Senator Clinton. How sad to have to tear down someone else’s choice so that you can make your choice look better. For me when I spoke about the race, I tried to do what I could to talk about all the great things that Senator Clinton has done throughout her career. I even appreciated her support when I ran for office. For me it was a no-brainer to support her candidacy.<br /><br />What was sad was those who pledged their support to her and jumped ship when the roads got tough. Those who said they would be there for her and made changes based on poll numbers. Those are the ones who you do not want with you in a fight. To me it does not speak volumes for their character.<br /><br />You know, from the beginning I have said that if my candidate is defeated or bows out of the race then I will support Senator Obama. I have been getting calls left and right from the Obama Campaign and his supporters asking for my support. In fact a high level staffer called and asked for fundraising help and said something me to that made me smile. She said, “you know I know from the beginning you have been with Hillary and regardless of what was said or done and even when your friends asked you to change you hung in there with her. That’s real. That’s loyalty and that’s what we need in this camp as we go forward. You are the kind of brother, we can truly count on because we know when you are here, you ain’t gong nowhere”. That was real to me because one of the most important traits one can have is loyalty.<br /><br />I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion6WB9XIoRrqgnhnhfTJj9-K4EtJkD1OKt1wbVAhpqkFL8MAy-z9tBEnwYYPLFh0vH8KcGogdduymmPwSSoCZ-cAcA-x5IwTV-fCGu2wNnK0ZtwFn9mY77L5c-mQKIsnEIre4/s1600-h/ObMA+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208014264262335458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="152" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion6WB9XIoRrqgnhnhfTJj9-K4EtJkD1OKt1wbVAhpqkFL8MAy-z9tBEnwYYPLFh0vH8KcGogdduymmPwSSoCZ-cAcA-x5IwTV-fCGu2wNnK0ZtwFn9mY77L5c-mQKIsnEIre4/s320/ObMA+3.jpg" width="108" border="0" /></a>am ready to get out there raise money, contribute time and get Barak Obama elected. I also look forward to Senator Clinton as the Vice-Presidential running mate. I am happy to in the least have remained loyal until the end. I hope that those who couldn’t understand my decision look back and respect my stance. Proudly I went to the Obama website today and signed up. I made my first contribution to his campaign. I am ready to make this thing work. I am ready to be a part of electing a catalyst for change in America.<br /><br />I am Rahman Johnson and I support Barak Obama for President!</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script language="JavaScript">
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</script></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10529137594128516258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24547728.post-34800327378761244842008-04-06T19:57:00.005-04:002008-04-06T20:07:14.575-04:00Greek Love!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuvUDMuPVMv8mJCKNF4ufOMuTclYq2DuBfwLBEeugbWGtIF5zxtgiLimhTFqGNe9fj1SIB02rS3jzUfP_rlY6S6gdL4_DOEuzKlezauraz7GL11sma4QyKtbmKa-iR9QHC36_/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186287938549005202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuvUDMuPVMv8mJCKNF4ufOMuTclYq2DuBfwLBEeugbWGtIF5zxtgiLimhTFqGNe9fj1SIB02rS3jzUfP_rlY6S6gdL4_DOEuzKlezauraz7GL11sma4QyKtbmKa-iR9QHC36_/s320/006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, since this was the first weekend that I had spentin town since the holidays, I wanted to enjoy myself. It just so happened that Alpha Phi Alpha was having their Regional Conference in the city. Now you know with all of the festivities I had to go down there and show the Alphas how it’s done! LOL! You know being the good Kappa Man that I am! LOL! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHoXHPRgigBEytaZ8LbYQDbed79aXIrUMfZdLEWa3Y4XF5JAQFKTlSgWj-2e2uXiq-aBooDUNAoHshu5bEu-bTrYHnCEokc_0VG0I7zFA6Z4dCtGYNIcXwfuQWZulVxLvakIJ/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186286753138031474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHoXHPRgigBEytaZ8LbYQDbed79aXIrUMfZdLEWa3Y4XF5JAQFKTlSgWj-2e2uXiq-aBooDUNAoHshu5bEu-bTrYHnCEokc_0VG0I7zFA6Z4dCtGYNIcXwfuQWZulVxLvakIJ/s320/001.JPG" width="170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, I hadn’t seen while Hilton, Jabari and Derrick in quite a while. They all wanted to go clubbing but you know I was on the same page as Hilton’s Linebrother – I had clubbed out. Never the less we hung out and turned Downtown into our private playground.<br /><br />It was really good to see my boys who I hadn’t seen in a while. I really appreciate their hospitality and look forward to spending time with them again back in the south. Here are just a few pics from some of the fun. I can’t wait to talk about the antics that will surely come once I really get back.<br /><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186287152569990018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="161" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziXTHAkNr07F-gMMTqc2L7vDCQ4D4NJqZM0LSw1Ed6EWmQWua6So3skBsYMA-iaB-JrgqZY3mEHYc7WqzVPJVZfoFlWLGLuICz53mARhLCkBbbNeD3QcQOBQVTmm81SwSpQg7/s320/Rahman+and+Hilton+Kappa+Alpha+Love.JPG" width="234" border="0" />Coming soon the story of the Divine Nine . . . .</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script language="JavaScript">
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