Yo Blog World I'm Back/Rachelle Farrell is On Point

Hey blog world, I’m back! What you want me to do I’m sorry. Now show me what you got!

Yeah, yeah. I've gotten the e-mails, I've heard all the hating and I'm so sorry it's been such a long time since I've had a chance to actually sit down and blog but I'm happy to be at it again. There have been so many things that I’ve wanted to talk about and things that happen all over the world and in my community and my life so I've got a lot of catching up to do.

First, the shooting of the Senior Citizen in Atlanta. I could not believe that officers shot and killed a 92-year-old woman who was alone in her house. I know older relatives of mine who still have guns. Those relatives I'm sure would have done the same thing that that she did if someone broke into their house in the middle of the night yelling. In some way there seems to be some drugs that were sold from her home earlier that day but it didn't merit the force that was used to enter the house. In fact I believe that the detectives should have investigated the surroundings before making the decision to enter the house. They claimed they had no knowledge that the an 92 year old woman lived there. This is evidence that they didn't do their homework! What's more interesting is that it seems really odd to me that when animals are on the loose we tranquilize them but when Law Enforcement is dealing with people we use deadly force and ask questions later. Something to ponder.

This brings me to my next topic the fiancé that was gunned down in New York. I can't really comment on that story right now until I get all the facts but more and more it looks as if the police have again made a mistake.

Finally, I had a chance to hang out with jazz and R&B wonder Rachelle Farrell. She gave an amazing show at the Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum in Jacksonville. Truly her voice is the first instrument and she is one of the most beautiful and intelligent women I have ever met in my life. Since hearing her rich voice I have been a fan of her music and his sensibility. I even love her unique high-pitched laugh which gives her childlike innocence. After the show I had a chance to hang out with Rachelle and really talk to her. I can say for sure that she is on stage just like she is offstage -- DYNAMIC!

There have been so many things that have been floating around in my mind so trust me I'm back and I'll make sure that they are here on my little space in the world. Again, my heartfelt thanks to you for continuing to read my musings.

Light!

To Tell The Truth - A John Kerry Story

Why should John Kerry apologize? Personally, I think he has no reason to apologize to anyone for anything.

Obviously this election season has been quite interesting. The Democrats are close to regaining control of both of the U.S. House and the Senate. They have been sending their top dogs to campaign all over the country. Recently in a speech Pennsylvania Senator John Kerry was quoted as saying, "education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and make an effort to be smart, you do well, if you don't you get stuck in Iraq".

This one simple comment has caused a maelstrom of both criticism and distance from Democrats and Republicans alike. This has got to stop now!

Talk show host, Don Imus even commented that John Kerry was about to lose it for the Democrats again.

Do people not understand underlying meanings? Obviously not. What the senator was saying is that the President did not do his homework. Had the President done his homework and looked into possible situations that could occur after invading Iraq, he would have had some type of idea on the kind of insurgent issues that would come with occupation. Further, he would've known how to deal with issues of weapons of mass destruction that didn't exist. In fact he would have known how to help the Republicans control the House and Senate and gain some decent approval ratings. But like John Kerry said, he didn't do his homework!

John Kerry should not apologize because when you don't do your homework you don't succeed and you get stuck in a situation with no exit strategy.

I support the soldiers in Iraq. I have friends who are serving there right now and who believe in their country and believe in the democratic freedoms that we enjoy in the in the United States but they do not believe in the premise of the war. The statement that was made by John Kerry first of all has nothing to do with the soldiers that are serving but has everything to do with their Commander-in-Chief. For those that listen to the spin that the Bush administration has put on Kerry's statements, it makes me think that they have no idea of what's going on in the world.

Katharine Hepburn once said, "how can I take NO from someone who is not qualified to tell me YES"? Her quote is so applicable to the situation. The president took John Kerry's words and twisted them to fit his audience. Nothing that Senator Kerry stated was remotely derogatory to the soldiers in Iraq.

This weekend will be truly a telling situation. It's time for a change and Republicans have had quite a while to make a difference and not a mess. It’s time to straighten out the mess and get America back on the right track.

Florida-Georgia Weekend: Wet and Wild

Well, as most people in the free world know (especially those from the south) this week Jacksonville hosts the annual Florida Georgia weekend. This is the time when the football teams of University of Florida and the University of Georgia square off for bragging rights and all night parties. The game always happens around Halloween every year and the local Fair comes to town. But the antics that happen around the Florida Georgia weekend are something to behold.

The game and the parties are always known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party! I think it should aptly be renamed, THE WORLDS LARGEST GATHERING OF DRUNK REDNECKS WHO ARE WILLING TO HOLD CONVERSATONS WITH ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN AND WANT TO GET NECKED AND WET AT A MOMENTS NOTICE!

I have a love-hate relationship with the game. Number one I enjoy football but the city goes into gridlock every year. Number two people can be fun except for the fact that open container laws are suspended for outdoor activities during Florida-Georgia weekend and this rarely happens when schools like Florida A&M University, Southern University or Bethune Cookman College come to town. Quite often I believe that it is a double standard. But again, the antics are truly off the chain.



So against my better judgment one of my partners, INFINITI, called and told me he was going out that night and I should tag along. I thought about it and decided my Thursday night was pretty clear so I went and I'm still laughing today.

First we ended up at downtown spots - Mark’s, TSI, and The Dive Bar. These were supposedly the hot spots and a lot of the Florida and Georgia fans were already there and drunk. Again, with no open container laws in place for the weekend, they were all outside having a ball. That's where the interesting night started.

Mark’s was supposed to be an upscale joint and for the most part it was. I guess you could call it a watering hole for the high class and the want to be high-class. The DJ wasn’t the best but he wasn’t bad either. Anybody who can mix David Bowie's Let's Dance with Will Smith's Get Jiggy Wit It deserves some kind of praise!

Now those of us who have friends that are Caucasian know that once they get a beer or heaven forbid some liquor in them, things become a whole new territory. I met a guy there named Christian. This guy was interesting and I will have you know that he spent 30 minutes trying to apologize to me for slavery! At one point, I thought he was going to cry and offer to be my slave! He went on to tell me about all the black friends that he'd had during his life and he even wrote his number down and began giving it to black people in the club saying, “Call me let's hang out sometimes, I'm cool”. Had I not been there witnessing this with my own two eyes I wouldn’t have believed one word of a story like this. Even as I left, trying to get away from the apologetic white man, he continued to apologize for the perils of slavery. I thought unless you are going to give me back pay right now – get the heck on!

So I go down the block to this joint called TSI. It was pretty cool except it was very dark inside and the night was called Hip-Hop Hell. Now I don't know about you but I'm not one to tempt fate, so I really didn't want to go to any place called "anything- hell". Once I got inside I saw a couple of rappers that I knew. It was pretty cool. I even bought a CD from DJ Therapy (he’s mad on the wheels of steel). I can't wait to check it out. But it was so dark inside and there were these spinning red lights on the wall. Ominous, huh? So I decided however to stay for moment and all of a sudden as I turned to my right, there was a white guy sitting there with locks, yes dreadlocks! But that wasn’t the interesting part. His face was completely deformed and melded into a weird shape. It was obvious there was some kind of cleft palate issue but at that exact moment when I turned to him it looked like a demon was staring back at me! Mind you the place had hell in the title – needless to say DADDY WAS OUT! Yep no offense but I was out.

Finally, I ended up at the Jacksonville Landing. It's a mall on the riverfront where people hang out and all of the Florida Georgia fans congregate during the weekend. In usual form, everyone there was drunk. Not just regular drunk, NO staggering piss drunk!

Club Paris, which is in the venue, had a Halloween party. Truthfully I don't know what the white girls are drinking in these days but there were some that were fine as all get out. (I still love my
sistahs tho!) All of there costumes were seriously skimpy and of course breast flashing was the activity of the night. But I digress.

Now in the center of the landing there is a fountain that spouts water about 10 feet in the air. Well, something told one of the Georgia girls to go jump in the fountain and get completely wet. Now far be it from me to tell her to stop because she was making a fool out of herself. In the end the joke was on me. I pulled out my phone to take a picture of her in the fountain, she saw me smiled started screaming loudly and came over to me and before I could move she gave me the biggest hug. she could muster. Her wetness was all over me. I wasn't completely drenched but my entire ensemble was ruined because of this frolicking, friendly, country nymph! I laughed and even had a few other conversations but it was a done deal for me.


The night ended with a tirade from a drunk that I luckily got on tape. Thank goodness for the video camera phones. He was crazy as they come.

Now don't get me wrong, I love to have a good time but that was overkill. I'm having a party tonight at the Leopard Lounge and hosting another one on Sunday at the Ocean Club. If the Florida-Georgia fans show up, I know I'm in for something crazy. The one thing I do know however, is that there is no water spout there, so hopefully things will be okay.

I’m off.

*To new slave boy* - “Now come boy, carry these packages”!

Al Washington - Remembering A Great Man

Daddy
a poem for Al Washington

(written after seeing Tim Burton's Big Fish)

Daddy, you was an enigma
wrapped in a riddle at the crux of a lie
So for you I cry.

You were my should and my couldn’t, my never would be and all that I was
Looking toward you for the answers,
The truth came wrapped in gold upon a bed of silk
Societal expectation had retrained my mind to seek much less.
I love that which I knew and longed for that which I knew not

You was my baba
Your lessons began in a story and ended in the truth
A truth that I was often too young to understand, and even now I find myself pondering your words for revelation
There was some of me in you and some of you in me,
I ran from the me that I was destined to be.

Without reservation . . . I loved you still

Those who you love, I loved too not knowing why
And the secrets that you held close were the mysteries of your untold generosity and the extent of your unconditional love.

I loved you for being with me
I hated your for leaving me way too soon
You were way too young
And though you are not here, you watch me still
Your stories make me laugh, still –
You live, still – within me, through your stories, by your tales
My Daddy,
My Angel –
MY TRUTH!

Maddona and Malawi: Trapped in Transition

So the story is out, Madonna plans to go on Oprah tomorrow to talk about the baby that she adopted from Malawi. Why is everyone all up in arms about Madonna adopting David Banda?

I understand what many people are saying about the fact that Madonna has money and therefore privilege and was able to side step the system but she's helping a young boy in need. In fact, according to her she has been on this quest privately for more than a year. Madonna helped the country of Malawi by building hospitals and orphanages and has vowed to be a benefactor to this impoverished nation. She has put her money where her mouth is.

Why does everyone want her to take the child back? Back to poverty, sickness and very little education. Like Anjolina Jolie, Madonna has promised to ensure that the baby knows of his Malawian roots. She has vowed to take him back to the country and hopes to be even more beneficent to the people there. She even sat with his father Yohane during the adoption court procedures.

Nevertheless, people from all over the world are speaking out and saying that she shouldn't have taken this boy from his surroundings.

I look at the possibility and the opportunities that exist. In doing research, I discovered that this boy's two other brothers both died of malaria his mother also died leaving his widowed father to fin for the family alone. The father not knowing anything else put the baby in an orphanage and though he visited him frequently he knew that a better life existed if the child was adopted. In fact, the father even tried to get other relatives in Zambia and neighboring villages to take the boy but no one was interested. Now, that an international superstar has stepped in to help – everyone has something to say.

Young David will be well-educated about his country and the ways of the west, he will be cared for as Madonna's own son and optimistically he will go back as an educated son of Malawi to help that country realize its full potential. More than an adoption this is opportunity.

This is somewhat personal for me, because one of my goals is to adopt a child from an African nation, as my own. This charge on my life was prompted by an article I read in Essence magazine. The article told of one young girl who at age 12 was taking care all of her younger brothers and sisters because her entire family had been wiped out by HIV-AIDS. Here in America, if something tragic happens to a child’s family, there are a great deal of services and programs to help that child into maturity. These things don't exist in Africa. I wonder if when I'm financially and emotionally ready to adopt a child whether I will go to the same struggles as Madonna.

I hope that when Madonna goes on the Oprah Winfrey Show, people see her as a caring loving woman who wants to give love to the world. Even the boy's father was initially accepting of his son going to the west. Now these so-called human rights groups have poisoned the father into questioning his decision.

It's not so bad that this child has a chance to transcend his surroundings and truly be a citizen of the world. If no one else is stepping up to the plate then get out of the way and allow this boy to experience his destiny.

A Few Days Away, More Lessons Learned

It has been a few days since I've had the chance to blog. So thanks for all the love to everyone who sent e-mails and gave phone calls wondering where the heck I was!

The last few days have been pretty cool. Nothing really major -- just the usual. But you know life for me has never been usual!

I had an audition this week that went pretty well. While I was at the production facility, I had a chance to hang out with the receptionist which was an interesting situation. Quite often, I meet people we begin to talk and it is as if we have known each other forever. She was telling me about some of the things that she had experienced as far as love was concerned in the past year or so. The key thing that she said, was that only when she decided to let go and just allow her life to evolve, did she really experience true love and a fulfillment in life. I think that's a lesson for all of us. We often forget that “it is all” predestined. So do what you must but don’t sweat it.

Since I had been on the road for bit and was extremely busy, I had not had time to go get a hair cut. I used to cut my hair myself, especially when I did the bald thing. But right now, a trip to the barbershop was extremely necessary. As usual, my boy FRESHCUTZ always makes sure that the hair is on point. Unfortunately, my barbershop is located in a major shopping mall. Now the good thing about this is – that you can go put your name on the list and go to the mall to shop! The bad thing about this is – you can go put your name on the list and go to the mall to shop! The receptionist calls you when you are up. Needless to say, I had to hit up the mall for a few post summer sales.

I wish that more people could see the finer points of ensemble coordination. Just because something is on a mannequin does not mean that you need to wear it all together – at the same time! Old Navy can be hot when mixed with couture. Open your mind and use some style. But we’ll get to an etiquette and style blog later.

Anyway, FRESHCUTZ called me on the cell and I made my way back to the shop. While I was getting my cut, a dude came in with a mohawk. Now it's hard to explain this mohawk and I tried to secretly take a picture of this mess but couldn't. He had on some TOO TIGHT Capri Jeans, a pair of Chuck’s and a shirt that came just above his navel and looked painted on. Need I say more! FRESHCUTZ of course cannot control himself and is snorting and laughing like he is about to bust a gasket. Now the dude’s mohawk was as knotty as yak mane. So FRESHCUTZ whispers, “Damn what the hell is that, a FRO-HAWK?”! I did my laughing got my fresh cut and was out. The barbershop is always an experience.

After picking up a few more things I didn’t need (mostly gifts), I hopped by Starbucks for a Decaf Grande Extra Hot Soy Cappuccino. When I walked in I was stopped by a young cutie. She was with other friends but quizzed me about my phone. This Dolce Gabbana Razr gets me more play than I know what to do with but I am not complaining. Then in walks these two high school chicks in 70’s hippie gear -- complete with wigs and all! Of course I had to take a pic! Do I remember those high school days? Damn, it was sooooo long ago.

The day was close to ending but one of my boys had just moved to the state was having a house warming and I promised to get by. Anyone who knows me knows that I love to get and give gifts. I think that it is important to give not just any gifts but gifts that are thoughtful, intelligent and unique. Sometimes the stuff I give can be off the hook. This monstrosity that I put together featuring raffia, a wicker basket wineglasses and a great bottle of White Zen was one of my best. When I delivered the gift, I was planning only to stay a few moments. Being more than fashionably late, when I arrived - the party was over. Well my man and his crew wanted to hit the clubs. Since he didn’t know the area very well, I was asked to be the “entertainment host” of the night. I obliged.

As usual, the club scene was what it was – THE CLUB SCENE. I am really over that part of my life even though I still can throw a tight soirée! During the night, a few phone numbers came my way but truly they held no interest for me.

Interestingly enough though I met a beautiful young lady from Long Island and our conversation melded from social issues to politics to living in Los Angeles. Most New Yorkers are really cosmopolitan and her conversation proved that point. In fact, she made my night! In modern trend, we exchanged email addresses and vowed to keep in contact.

I suppose that I'm getting older, I mean the club was fun and don't get me wrong I can still mess them up on the dance floor but social interaction and meaningful conversations hold much more for me than who can “make that thang hop”. It was a good night and even though I reminisced fondly upon my every week club hopping days, I am glad that they are over or at least are few and far between.

The ME THAT I WAS – was awesome.
The ME THAT I AM –Reigns supreme. I look forward to – THE ME THAT I WILL BECOME!

Denny's Is Bad - But The Day Was Good

Okay, yesterday was one of those I got a blog about it days. It was truly unexpectedly eventful!

One of the good things about living in Florida is the fact that usually the weather stays around 80 or so degrees. Yesterday was no exception. I know that all of my friends in the Northeast and Midwest are hatin right about now but my doors in Florida are always open to you. Tank tops and flip-flops! You know how we do.

Nevertheless, yesterday was pretty dreary and it rained a lot so once I finished some of the administrative stuff that I had to do I decided to treat myself to breakfast at Denny's. So since it was raining cats and dogs, of course I had to walk into the coldest Denny's on earth. I swear the thermostat that must've been set at 40 and I was seated right in front of a vent. So I sat there and I sat there and I sat there and I sat there some more. In total I sat there at this restaurant for 45 minutes and still no one came over to offer me a piece of ice. I was livid!

What was even more surprising is that even on my worst days, I do stay pretty well put together. Today was no exception. However other white patrons that were grungy looking were served and even offered beverages prior to me even being questioned. So I left and called the manager of the Denny's who happen to be African-American. All that she said was, “I'm sorry, what can I do, let me check on that”. Now being that I am a former elected office holder in my city and don't like to see people disrespected in any way, I had half a mind to go back inside and open up a major can of whip-ass and pull out my best Jesse Jackson meets Al Sharpton. But keeping with better judgment I decided to keep it rolling and resolved to write a letter later.

Since I hadn't eaten I was somewhat cranky so I decided to go to one of those buffets to get some fresh veggies and a salad. Now this usually isn't my speed but it was cool because I knew one of the waiters that worked there. He was from Haiti so it gave me a chance to work on my Creole while having a pretty healthy lunch.

Of course I really wasn't in the mood for conversation, but while I was there I got a phone call from my agent. I had booked a commercial that I had yet to be paid for and she was telling me that I was going to get paid well below the fee that I usually receive. Now I have worked hard to get to the point where I am in my career so I expect to be paid for what I do. I had to make sure that my agent understood that. So again, I was forced to again regulate.

After then call, a brother who was having lunch there as well came by my table.
“Excuse me”, he said. “I don’t mean to be rude but you look familiar and I heard you say something about acting on your phone call”. Of course, I was a little shocked at first. What’s up with checking out my call? But he seemed mad cool and just had a few questions about the industry. So he joined me, I gave him some pointers and finished my lunch with great conversation.


Truthfully, I had no reason to be at that restaurant yesterday but it goes back to my belief and mantra – “I am where I am supposed to be”. I had a healthy meal, I was able to give some information to someone who really needed it. Someone who will probably use that information to become successful. Yesterday was one of those days, strangely productive and enlightening.

Sammie Lee Davis - One Grand Man

I recently went to the funeral of a relative and it was one of the most amazing events that I've ever attended. I'd never thought I would see the day I was happy to attend a funeral but I was.

My uncle Sammy Lee Davis, L.F.D. was really not my uncle, he was my grandfather's first cousin but he has always been close to the family. At 90 years old he was one of the oldest living members of the family but he was still the grand man that he has always been. Since the age of 14, he had been involved in the funeral industry. As a matter of fact he was one of the top embalmers in Florida. He was truly a legend. Although his formal education was in Mortuary Science, he was also one of the finest musicians in the state. Many soloists requested his skills even though he never had a formal day of musical training.

As a kid I remember going to Uncle Sammy Lee's house was always fun because he was a great cook and was just cool to be around (for an old guy). He had five kids and was married for too many years to count to his wife Inez (she passed on in 2002). Even though I was just a little child he was really good to me. What is most prolific about him was the fact that he loved to dress. Anytime that he stepped out of his house, he was coordinated from head to toe. Hats, socks shoes and all were always tight!

He had recently moved back to Jacksonville after living with one of his children in Palm Beach. I was happy that he was back here it would give me a chance to see him when I was in town. So the day after he moved into his new senior care facility, I was there. We hung out and talked for hours. You would think at 90 years old and this guy might forget some things but he had a better memory than me. In fact I called several older relatives on my cell so that he could speak with them and he spoke to them reminiscing about old times and talking about getting together again.

Little did I know, less than a week later he'd be gone.

I really wasn't sad when I was told that he had passed away, because I knew he lived a full life. And I knew just having seen him, how happy he really was. But the funeral was classic Uncle Sammy!

The services were pretty normal lasting only about an hour. But afterwards was when the pomp and circumstance began. Waiting outside of the church was a glass carriage with velvet draped upon the windows. The carriage was drawn by two coal black stallions. This was how he was to be transported to his final resting place! The cortège traveled behind the stallions and the coffin for more than 20 miles to an exclusive cemetery near downtown. On the trip many onlookers even came outside their homes to look and see what was going on. Truly it was a procession to behold and just like him, it was -- GRAND!

When we arrived at the cemetery, he was gingerly transported to a mausoleum then in a beautiful ceremony befitting a head of state the entombment procedures began. In a final salute, two white doves were presented to the family. Each family member was asked to whisper something to the dove as a final good-bye to Uncle Sammie. The doves were then thrown into the air and they circled in a choreographed dance. At the same time a shout was given from footman of the carriage. The coachman who stood erect in the center of the carriage and the horses took off galloping away in full speed as the carriage driver tipped his hat in the final salute. With that the birds flew straight up into the air and disappeared from sight.

Just as he lived his life, Uncle Sammy made death an event. His funeral was full of laughter, great stories and people reminiscing about a great and loving man. He died softly in his sleep and that was befitting for him. He went out like he lived . . . with style!

Def Comedy Jam - Keepin' Em Laughin

It has come back to life. Def Comedy Jam has returned to the airwaves (a few weeks ago).

Back in 1992, no one ever thought that a revolution was about to come to television. Saturday Night Live was in control for comedy even though quite often the show wasn’t even funny. Still Lorne Michaels had the audiences tuning in every Saturday Night to laugh. But Russell Simmons was an innovator. He had an idea and a vision. He pulled in friends like Stan Lathan and Def Comedy Jam was born.

Who would've thought that televising some of the raunchiest, boldest and up-and-coming comedians would really be one of the shows that put HBO Original Programming on the map? But Simmons knew and his formula was a success.

I remember at 14 or 15 years old sneaking up in the middle of the night to creep into the den so I could turn on HBO and see Def Comedy Jam. Like most of us, I wasn't supposed to be watching the show. But, I knew that if I didn't watch everyone at school would know what was going on and I wouldn't. So it was a must. I guess my parents know now! It was the forbidden thing to do but it always kept me in stitches, even though sometimes I had no idea what the comedians were talking about.

This show launched the careers of some of the great ones. I remember a story that was told by Bernie Mac. You remember his catchphrase that took the country by storm, "I ain't scared of you mother fu#$#&(^*". That tirade really wasn’t planned. It came about because someone in the crowd was heckling the comedians and had booed someone off the stage. Mac refused to be booed and made history!

Since we (African-Americans) arrived in this country, we have had to use laughter to keep from crying. Whether it was the fact that we were underrepresented in government or that our children were disproportionately murdered. Maybe that we were used for government experiments or couldn't get a decent job after fighting along with White Soldiers in wars – laughter was the best medicine. From Pearl Bailey and Moms Mabley to Adele Givens and Sommore the tradition continues.

I was happy to see that Russell Simmons brought Def Comedy Jam back after such a long hiatus. Maybe for me the luster is gone since I can legally watch it and not worry if my parents will get up and catch me. Aries Spears is funny as is Arnaz J. and the rest of the crew but Mike Epps will never be Martin Lawrence and Chris Tucker's antics can never be repeated. I appreciate Def Comedy Jam and the impact it has made on American life. And even though the comedians have made me laugh, the new Def Comedy Jam ain’t what it was.

Nevertheless, we have to thank Russell Simmons for continuing to push the envelope and reminding us that sometimes to get by -- we just gotta laugh!

Looking for the King of Scotland

Okay so here is, I have a love hate relationship with my city. I spent most of the day looking forward to going to the movies tonight. I worked out at the gym, ate right and made sure that everything was on point so that I could go check out a movie.

When I went to fandango.com to buy my tickets, it (my movie) wasn’t there.

So I had to ask myself, was it my city or was it the movie? I wanted to see was The Last King of Scotland, about Ugandan Dictator Idi Amin starring Forest Whitaker. I'm hearing that this movie is already getting some Oscar buzz so I was really looking forward to putting my two cents in. We'll obviously that didn't work out.

That's why I spend so much time on the road. I like to be able to bask in culture at all levels. Sometimes living here makes me think I am not in the real world. But then again I love this place it's a place away from the rat race that is the “real-world”. I guess because I'm a Gemini the dichotomy of a place like Jacksonville is attractive to me.

Since I had planned to go to the movies tonight, I'm not quite sure what I'll do yet. Maybe The Grudge 2? Maybe Jackass 2? I know I want to see Man of the Year but I wasn't planning on seeing it tonight. By the way is it just me or does Robin Williams really need some Prozac – but I digress.

Even though for me last night was one of those "I need a Mary J. Blige song" days, today has been pretty uneventful. You know what I might just have to settle for old trusty Law & Order. It's always there when you need it.

Lil' Kim Is Off The Chain Gangsta

When I speak of Lil’ Kim you probably think I’m talking about recently released Hip-Hop hottie and self proclaimed Queen B but she is tame compared to Kim Jong Il, the Premier of North Korea.

At 5’3, he is arguably one of the shortest leaders in the world. It's reported that he wears platform shoes to make him seem taller. Maybe that has something to do with the reason that he feels the need to show his might by testing nuclear weapons.

Korea, a communist country, is one of the poorest and most impoverished nations on the earth. Quite often citizens lie dying in the street with no food or potable water but the Premier is known to regularly have fresh lobster flown in to him. He constantly lives in luxury while his people suffer.

When I woke up the other morning watching CNN and discovered that Kim Jong Il had tested a nuclear weapon I was horrified. In a manner of speaking, it almost spells the beginning of the end of world peace as we know it.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with nations defending themselves and making sure that their capabilities are up to par. However a race to arms is one of the things that pulled the world into the last two world wars. Even if the North Korean government could develop an advanced nuclear weapon, their long range missile capabilities are limited and it would not reach the United States before was destroyed. So why provoke the world?

In the words of Malcolm X., "it seems almost as if the chickens have come home to roost". Our government has spent countless resources and a great deal of time in Iraq searching for weapons of mass destruction. To this day there have been no weapons of mass destruction found or evidence of any nuclear capabilities in Iraq. The invasion of Iraq was supposed to prevent an international incident. Now because of paying close attention to one threat and not enough attention to another, the problem of a rogue state having a nuclear arsenal is a real threat.

Even more disturbing is the fact that North Korea could sell these capabilities to other states that really should not have this type of technology. That is the major problem.

Even on a more basic level what irks me is the fact that soon after the nuclear test several earthquakes were felt off the coast of Korea. Do you not think underground nuclear testing had something to do with the seismic activity?

Even further still, quite often I feel as though there’s a double standard when it comes to the United States reaction to issues in different countries. I mean look at Iraq. The United States went in to rid that the country of a dictator and establish democracy. Yet right now the entire region is in chaos and Iraq itself is involved in Civil War. In the case of North Korea we not only have a dictator and an impoverished country but also evidence of nuclear capability. However because of the fear of China we won’t do anything but impose sanctions on this country that could push the world into World War III.

The solution to this problem is to ensure that China stop supporting North Korea at all costs. North Korea must be prevented from selling this technology to terrorist organizations. These types of issues can prove disastrous for the world unless it is immediatley brought to a halt.

This is only round one of a saga that will play out over months and months. It is almost sad that the new Secretary-General of the United Nations will have to start his tenure with this kind of cloud hanging over his head.

It’s all because a small man, in a small country is having delusions of grandeur. I’ll say it again, Lil’ Kim is off the chain!

Monica - The Makings of Me

She is back and back with a vengeance. Monica returns after a hiatus with a smooth effort that is not getting a great deal of love but it is truly full of surprises. It’s been three years since she has recorded a studio album but her life experiences have made her sound all the richer.

It’s hard to believe that this sexy siren has been in the music business for fifteen years. She was discovered by Dallas Austin who put her in front of Clive Davis and the rest was history.

In the last few years, she endured the suicide of her fiancé, becoming a mother and dealing with the disorder Micro-valve Prolapse (a condition which occurs when the mitral heart valve swells and does not close properly, letting blood return into the left atrium).

Nevertheless, through all of that she comes through with The Makings of Me. This is her best and definitely most “grown up” release to date.

This album featured super producers Jermaine Dupri and Missy Elliott and a few other hot producers. One of the tightest tracks on the LP is Dozen Roses (The Makings of You). This Missy produced track contains a sample of the Curtis Mayfield song the Makings of You. This track is a fresh look at the past and gives a smooth spin to love.

Being from Atlanta, she had to put some “crunk” on her album and she does it with the first release Every Time the Beat Drop featuring Dem Franchise Boys. It is the going to the club gotta get right track of the season.

Monica says that this is her most personal LP to date.

“I was able to share my journal and poems with some of the producers on this project and they made this happen for me”, she said in a recent interview.

Her favorite track on this album is called Sideline Ho. The track, she admits will probably not be a single due to the extreme lyrics, talks about the other woman in a relationship.

“People who have been in relationships and have gone through these things understand the pain that this causes in a relationship. The record was about me being in a relationship years ago and somebody just disrespected to the fullest”, said Monica.

Monica’s Makings of Me is a must have for any music lovers collection. She has truly grown into her self and her vocal prowess and mature lyrics prove it. She seems to have a calm otherworldly serenity about her and this means that Monica is only just starting to reveal her unlimited potential.

Mark Foley: What Was He Thinking/Time for Change

By now the news has been reported and re-reported about Mark Foley.

But seriously, what the hell was he thinking.

I live in Florida and have been pretty involved in political circles around the state. And the fact that Mark Foley was gay was pretty much common knowledge. It came up the last time that he was preparing to run for the U.S. Senate and it didn’t really seem to bother many people. I know that seems like a shock for many since he is a Republican but the rule was “we won’t ask and you don’t tell”. So it was under wraps, until it was revealed that he liked to talk dirty to little boys.

First, I am appalled that Foley got his rocks off conversing with and looking at pictures of young boys. I think that most people could care less who he slept with or if he came out but it is the fact that he had sexual conversations with a child that is the issue.

When I taught Middle and High School English (in another life), for me it was an honor to be there helping to develop young minds. I can tell you for sure that I have been flirted with and “tried” more than once by students. You know how forward some students can be these days. Usually their advances ended up earning them a trip with me to the Dean’s Office. I didn’t take them there to get them into major trouble but just to protect us both and show them the severity of their actions. But even more important than that, there is NOTHING A MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CAN DO FOR ME! Sexually, emotionally and intellectually they are still zygotes. They are learning and discovering their bodies and brains. For an adult, an authority figure to take advantage of that innocence is sick.

Second, he [Foley] has now come out as being gay, revealed that his clergyman molested him as a young child and said he is an alcoholic but said that none of this is an excuse for his actions. So why did he reveal it? The answer is simple, he wanted his alcohol abuse and the homosexuality and the molestation to make reason out of insanity. That however, is impossible.

I understand that he never actually had “sexual contact” with these young pages but in a fit of irony he is the one that proposed legislation to prosecute sexual predators on the internet. Even though the blow is supposed to be softened by the fact that he never had relations with the kids it doesn’t make his acts any less dastardly.

Finally, the leadership of the House and the Justice Department should be ashamed at the fact that this issue has only started to be investigated fully. Reports state that questions were raised about Foley’s improper relationships with Pages as early as 2004. Even the advocacy group that turned over the email sent it in several months ago. What was happening during that time? Even though Republican leaders in Congress knew about the emails and IM’s they urged him to run for re-election in 2004. Not because they were solidly behind him but to keep a safe Republican Congressional seat safe. Who knows what else this investigation could reveal but it could have all been avoided had someone followed through on solidly investigating these allegations. Even though people are saying that Dennis Hastert should step down; lest we forget that Tom Delay was The Majority Leader during that time. Do you think that had any reason for this thing staying quiet for so long? Hummmm?

I am sure that if we searched a little deeper there will be more that is revealed but the sad thing is the fallout for victims of abuse, recovering alcoholics and homosexuals. Although the former Representative said that these things had nothing to do with his actions, the timing of his announcement will direct people to infer a connection.

It’s just emails and IM’s (that we know of) so I am confident that there was minimum psychological damage to the pages. They are who are most important.

And I must digress just a bit. President Clinton was impeached for not revealing specifics about sexual relations with a consenting adult. Former Representative Foley, is in rehab (we assume) and no charges of any type have been filed.

Ahh, the issue gets more transparent by the moment. And you thought you that really knew who stood for family values. Only a few weeks will tell if all of America has gotten the message that it is time for a change.

Kirk Franklin -- A Pimp (Positive Image Making Progress)

It is hard to picture Kirk Franklin as anything other than a gospel music artist. From his hip-hop meets church boy demeanor to his impeccable sense of style the King of Soul Gospel says what he means and means what he says.

In the middle of the second week of his HERO tour with Mary Mary and Philadelphia based Da Truth, Kirk pulled into Jacksonville, Florida ready to rock the house.

Years ago a gospel concert consisted of a microphone, an artist, a drum set and a whole lot of shouting! However, Kirk opened a door for a new wave of showcasing gospel music. Taking the best parts of major tours including state-of-the-art sound, choreographed lighting, a mechanical stage and dancers – his show rivals some of the biggest pop and R&B artists today.

Spending more than an hour and a half on stage, he wowed the crowd of babies to seniors. Even for a man of 40 years, his enthusiasm and stamina were amazing. From his trip down memory lane with traditional gospel to his-hop personal story SHOUT, he gave everyone in his audience something relatable. That is why the beauty of Kirk Franklin and his message is so infectious.

It was a wonder that Kirk had any energy after a show like his but he was in the halls of the concert venue making jokes with fans and the crew after the show. Back here, he was just one of the boys. But his light was evident. So when, I was invited in the dressing room for our interview, it was like talking to someone I had known for years.

He had just finished his after show ritual of calling his wife and children and making sure everything was well on the home front when I entered. Sipping peppermint tea, he seemed just as home there as he did on the stage ministering to the masses. And it was me and Kirk kicking it like old friends.

Rahman Johnson: You are from the south (Texas), do you feel that your southern upbringing has really influenced your style and what you bring as a gospel artist.

Kirk Franklin: You know, it does but I think that it is more about the soul of the music. I know that growing up in the church and the choir and all of that put the soul in me and the love of God as well. That’s what I put in the music and I thank God for that.

RJ: What makes Kirk Franklin who he is? There are many doors you have opened and others who are great but what puts you where you stand?

KF: First and foremost it is God. He put within me the inspiration to be all that I am today. But I don’t see myself as greater than any other person or performer. It’s like this I look at Martin Luther and Billy Graham and others like that are links on a chain. And on God’s chain there in no link that is greater than the other. It takes all of these links to make the chain strong – I am simply just a link on the chain.

RJ: Nah, you are more than that. I know that it is God who put you where you are but your entrance onto the scene with your type of gospel makes you more than ordinary and I thank God for that because you can touch more people.

KF: Yea, you know he is the reason that I do what I do.

RJ: So I know with a concert like the one you just did, you won’t be retiring any time soon but where do you see Kirk Franklin in 45 years.

KF: Well I hope that I have slowed down a bit by then but I will still be me – probably chasing my wife Tammi on the beach somewhere!

RJ: Well we know that’s a long time off before you even talk retirement. But you know from your song SHOUT which was one of my favorite parts of the show, I see a great actor. A lot of the action in the song was portrayed on screens behind you. Do you see yourself bringing it to the big screen or maybe to television?

KF: You are the actor man, but thank you for the compliment. But, if that is what God has for me to do then I am open. We have to be ready to do what ever he needs whenever he needs it.

After spending some personal time with him, I could truly say that if anyone regardless of any reason doubted how serious Kirk was about his mission, they would be wrong. He is man on mission and God’s got his back. Like he said from 1993 – it’s about God’s Property and Kirk Franklin represents the property well.

Autumnal Equinox

Saturday evening was the Autumnal Equinox. This marks the official end to the summer season.

In many ways I will miss this summer but as always look forward to the future. Now is the time to look forward to the cloak of fall and winter. Time to dismiss yesteryear and prepare my cocoon of retreat. Time to hibernate and take must needed rest to prepare for the constant journey. Time to embrace the flame and emerge unscathed as the phoenix of tomorrow.

As I look back on the summer here’s just a few things I have learned:

· Two Urban Licks- the food was good but the company was even better
· The death of my uncle – I met a new sister at his funeral; damn she’s already begging for money
· Atlanta – Metro PCS is off the chain
· The Urban League Conference has lost its luster, or did I just grow up
· It’s OK to have a memory box – yea I am a real MAN and I got one --- SO!
· 30 ain’t so bad after all – I still look good don’t I? Don’t I? Answer me???
· I think I can fall in love with Connecticut
· You mean another class reunion is on the way, we just had the last one!
· It’s almost time for a new computer
· A Mercedes Benz E500 is not a practical vehicle – but it is great to look at!
· Really, I care less what YOU think about ME . . . REALLY
· I miss my grandmamma (she died last year)
· 30 is the new 20 and when I get 40 . . . 40 will be the new 30!
· I still love Law and Order in any form
· You can never forget your first love . . . ever
· You never know where you will find a friend – just be open and available
· I knew this one but it is always reaffirmed – GOD LOVES ME

I am thankful for the me that I was and I am glad that I am The Me That I Am. Fall is allowing me to be and grow. I look forward to all that it is and is not. I at look at the past and am thankful that it is just that . . . the past!

I am headed off to the set to shoot a short film project. As usual there are always stories on set. Stay tuned for the 411!

Light!

Julius Mainor is Awesome!

Julius Mainor is awesome! Some time ago, I met one of the most amazing cats in the world – Julius Mainor.

I met him about 12 years ago right after we had both graduated from high school. I had just taken my first full time gig on radio and was excited. He was just excited to be living and that is what made him amazing to me.

Julius grew up with Cerebral Palsy. Because of this debilitating disease he has spent his entire life confined to a wheelchair. He has endured painful surgeries and just living without the ability to do the things that many others take for granted. Nevertheless, Julius struggled on and was able to graduate from high school on time with excellent grades. Not withstanding the fact that he could not write one note and had to take all exams orally. Even more amazing Julius did not attend a high school for special needs students – he went to regular old Edward H. White High School. He attended school functions and parties motorized wheelchair and all!

In fact, I met him at a party that I was hosting and he was on the dance floor with one of the tightest females there. See, J was that PIMP (positive image making progress)! He would never allow a disability to make him disabled. Every concert – he was there (usually backstage as well). Every party – he opened and closed it. He knew everyone and to everyone – he was just Julius.

Since, I left town I hadn’t seen J in quite sometime. Then, at a local poetry set who pops up but Julius. We reminisced for a few about old times and he brought me up to speed on what he was up to. Since we had talked last he was living ON HIS OWN is an apartment, had a job as a youth counselor and had just completed his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice! He had left a job as a school security officer a few years before! He told me that just as when he got his High School Diploma and Associates Degree – he actually walked down the aisle to get his degree. For him this was a challenge and he had to train for months – but he did it. He gave me his email address so that we could keep in touch and told me that he had been through a lot. All of a sudden all of my issues and problems became even more trivial. Even illness has its meters when compared to others.

When we finally talked he told me that he had been through three major surgeries in the past few years. One of the surgeries even left him completely paralyzed from the neck down for some months. The little mobility he had was gone. Doctors even told him it may not return – but Julius doesn’t believe in never!

In Julius there in an unwavering spirit of perpetual optimism. In the twelve or so years I have known him, never once has he complained or felt sorry for himself. His attitude is always can-do and will-do. We can learn a lot from my friend. Its resolve like his that brings peace and creates the unthinkable. Those of us, who don’t have to deal with debilitating conditions like this, take life for granted. To me Julius is the one who is normal and we are the messed up ones.

I am glad that I saw Julius. I am excited that he is doing awesome and happy that he continues to break barriers. I have never once felt sorry for him and I never will. He is the man that many of us aspire to be. Cool, confident and radiantly wonderful – regardless of his body says completely a real man. Julius Mainor is awesome!

Celebrating Single

I have so many things to blog about today but in the essence of trying to maintain continuity I will take my time and hit other topics on other days. By the way, I am an incurable fan of the most supreme John Coltrane. I write this blog as I listen to his classic, A Love Supreme. I must take a small journey on the “Trane” everyday. Just click the PLAY icon on the player above to take today’s journey with me. I hope to one day visit the ashram of his wife Alice in California. This man was so far ahead of his time.

Today is the beginning of National Singles Week! I am sure you ask, why be so excited? For me its cool. The celebration of being single!

Today I flipped through a list of celebrity “singles” and was shocked to find that Charlize Theron is actually listed. Now technically, she is single but has been in a committed relationship for over five years.

Maybe they should change the name of the holiday to National Unmarried and Unattached Persons Week. If you have someone in your life then you can’t be down. I’m serious, single means just that – by yourself and loving it.

As for me I know that whenever it is time for me to be in a stable committed relationship then I will be ready. Right now, I date me. I take myself to great restaurants, movies and of course trips. I go to see shows, take walks on the beach and do things with me. One friend told me that doing that wasn’t healthy but it does it’s do whilst I wait!

I don’t want to be like other friends I have had that are serial daters going from person to person never enjoying alone time. There is something to be said for really getting to know yourself all over again. It helps you to fall in love with your insecurities! That’s right, find what you consider to be your best feature and fall in love with that. Watch the difference it makes. Anyway, I also know that I will never be one of those individuals who are so jaded that they are suspicious of anyone that comes around showing genuine interest. So messed up inside until they chase the possibility away. Like my grandmother used to say, “How can I invite you in my house if it’s dirty inside?”

In essence, I love the me that I am. My daily evolution into being fuels my fire to always want and discover more. For now I am single but I envision myself as a committed father and husband ready to deliver A LOVE SUPREME to those in my life.

Notes from the Bottletree

Addae Moon is amazing! This brother and playwright from Jacksonville has only been back to Jacksonville for a few years but he brings culture with him. His work Notes from the Bottle Tree is currently running so I had to make my way to see it.

Moon is currently an instructor of Creative Writing at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

To truly understand the play, you must understand a bottletree. A Bottle Tree is not grown it is created. In folklore, it is the southern tradition of hanging bottles by string all over a large tree. This was supposed to keep the evil spirits from coming into a home. It was a usual occurrence to see these “bottletrees” in the yards of many southern rural homes.

Moon took this reference and used the tree to rid two siblings of the evil that plagued their lives in the loss of a father. He wove family, friendships, harsh memories and relationships into a symphony of thoughtfulness. The photos by master photographer Billie Anderson, were also essential characters to the show. Each photo showed meaningfully beautiful glimpses of southern living.

I knew that some of the attendees in the audience were not ready for the subject matter but you could not help but to respect the presence of this masterpiece. The stars of the show were Stephen Anderson, Denise Nicole and my friend Al Letson. Al’s energy is always full of chaste power. I can’t wait to work with him one day. We always vow to work together but the stars just haven’t lined up yet. It’s coming.

After the play, I deiced to stop by THE CYPHER! My good friend since high school hosts a bi weekly cipher at her home. It is a bohemian set for artists to get together and share art thoughts and experiences. This was my first one and it was truly a wonderful way to end a great evening. There were poets, singers and just great times and she had a ROOM FULL of FOOD and best believe the girl can burn. Frijoles Negroes (Black Beans) and Rice, salad, baked chicken, fresh green beans – just the works! In fact Wylie’s birthday was that night and he celebrated there. I had not seen him in five or six years. He let us hear a few tracks from his soon to be released LP. The years have done him oh so well. His voice will be a welcome addition to the smooth R&B scene.

This day caused me to think a lot about the future and my place therein. I am in awe of the talent that surrounds us in this world. I can only hope to do justice to the gifts that God has given me. If you don’t use them, you loose them. So I must do more. I will. I will do more, starting now!

Cool Slideshows

Today

The last few days have been eventful to say the least – travel and work have taken up most of the time.

This week I just signed the contract to officially co-star in a new film project. I am at a point in my life that I really am not into taking roles that don’t challenge me. I think that it is important right now for me to take roles that speak to me. Sometimes people take roles just to work but I want to be much more than that. However, getting the role is not the interesting part.

Several months ago while I was at the American Black Film Festival down in Miami for the Actors Boot Camp(click HERE to see the blog), I met some really cool people who ended up being like family. In fact there were a few who decided to do our own thing after class for a more intense session. One of those people was Diva K. Diva K is very kind, sweet and extremely talented. We exchanged numbers and managed to keep in contact since that time. Well it just so happened that Diva K and I happened to be talking and found out that we were cast for the same film. She and I work so well together. The only thing that we could say was look at GOD! There was a reason we met at the workshop and kept in touch. It was all a divine plan coming into fruition.

So after talking to my girl and saying that we couldn’t wait to work together, I knew that “it” was starting to happen. The future was unfolding.

So, I had to go hit up Target for a few things! I actually went for one thing and spent a few hundred dollars – don’t ask!

All in all today was cool, I’m rushing out to check out a friend and author, launch his new work. It is a play called Notes from the Bottlenut Tree. I’ll let you know how it goes.

When To Let Love Go

Whitney Houston in Days Past

I never thought that I would see the day but it happened officially yesterday.

After fourteen years of wedded um er ah – “bliss”, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston have called it quits. According to Whitney’s publicist they are legally separated which will lead to an October divorce.

We have all seen how Whitney has loved her man through jail stays, extramarital affairs, drug binges and just extreme craziness. The Whit has been a trooper and she has always been there for her man. I am sure that as she prepares to emerge and reclaim her superstar status, it is difficult to imagine life without Bobby.

Over and over again, you have seen her say that the love between her and Bobby was forever. She is right love is truly forever but you have to know when to say when.

This begs the question, when is the right time to let go?

In relationships it is pretty easy to think that love is the only thing that you need and everything else will just fall into place. But in reality sometimes we love so hard that we miss the fact that the love is destroying us.

I remember a time when I hung like four flat tires with a best friend. Frequent meals, trips and daily conversations made me know that this was truly my brother. As time progressed, I noticed that when he was in need I was always there but when I needed he was busy or nowhere to be found. Being a loyal friend, I chalked it up to conincidence. Then things started adding up and I had to distance myself from my boy. Now although, I love him – it was an unhealthy friendship and I had to back away. Interestingly enough when I backed away and revaluated my life, shortly things began to change. Opportunities presented themselves and I was able to reach higher heights and move beyond being stagnant. Although, I still care for my friend – I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes people are placed in your life or you in theirs for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Once you discover the purpose or time, then you can truly be productive.

I can’t wait to see what Whitney comes up with. I am sure all of her joy, pain and hope will be put in her next CD. I know that right now she is hurt but she has started the healing process by shedding the old and embracing the possibilities of what is to come. We may have laughed at Whitney and wondered what she was thinking through some of her antics but I know God had a reason for allowing her to experience what she has been through.

There is no magic time to know when to let love go but one line in the movie love jones sums it all up for me. “When people say that they have fallen out of love, it’s not that they have but that they have exhausted all of the possibilities”.

Well here’s to NEVER exhausting ALL of the possibilities and knowing when to bow out with dignity. Here’s to real love. . . loving yourself first!