Making Strides

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On Sunday October 18, 2009 @ Prospect Park West, 9th Street Bandshell I will be participating in the 2009 Making Strides of Brooklyn, NY Breast Cancer Walk ( Event Directions Event Map )

recently did the AIDS Walk in March and felt so honored that I could take part. I personally didn't know anyone with AIDS/HIV but participated an donated. This Breast Cancer walk is a lil different for me since someone very dear to me is suffering through this tremendous battle. It does not only affect the sufferer but everyone close to them. I see the pain that they and their immediate family goes through and I wish I could do more. This to me is something so simple to honor that person as well as help others who suffer from this disease.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is your opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, remember people we have lost, and raise funds and awareness to help end this disease. Making Strides is not a race; it is a celebration of survivorship, and a time to share in the camaraderie of thousands of other people like you in a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. There is no registration fee or minimum fundraising amount and people of all ages are welcome to participate. If you'd like to participate my good friend Jazmine set up a page (Jazmine's Personal Page) where you can sign up as well as donate. She states:


  • Dear Friends,
    I've signed up to walk in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and I’m hoping you’ll support me. There are a lot of breast cancer events out there, but I choose to support the American Cancer Society because funds raised through Making Strides find cures, help people stay well and get well from breast cancer, and empower all of us to fight back today. Together with the American Cancer Society, we can save lives!
    Every donation really does make a difference. I know that times are tighter than normal for many of us, but if you can spare even $5, that will help:


  1. More progress will be made toward finding breast cancer’s causes and cures. The American Cancer Society has played a role in nearly every major breast cancer breakthrough of the last century, which have led to the discovery of lifesaving breast cancer treatments like Tamoxifen and Herceptin. You will help us find more.

  2. More people in our community will have the information and tools they need to help prevent breast cancer or find it early.

  3. More people with breast cancer will have a place to turn around the clock to help them through every step of their cancer journey whether it’s a free ride to treatment, a place to stay, or just talking to someone who has "been there."

  4. More women like our mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers will have access to lifesaving mammograms and treatment.

To support me in my efforts, please visit my personal page. If you’re going to be in town, I’d love for you to join my team and walk with me. If not, please make as generous a donation as you can.
Each of us has our own reasons for caring about the fight against breast cancer … whatever your reasons, I hope you’ll choose to make a difference, make history, and make strides with me.
Sincerely,
Jazmine Catuy

So hopefully I will see some of you there and we can finally do something on a weekend that doesn't involve drinking & smoking. Let's all try to make a difference for once...

September Footlocker Friends & Family 30% Off

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Fall is officially here so time to set ya feet up to match them hot fall fashions. So you know I love kicks & I share my obsession with you so peep, the Footlocker family (Footlocker / Champs / Footaction) are having their September Family and Friends 30% off again. The deal can be used in stores & online with the special code unlimited til Sunday Sept. 27th. Check the coupons out below:

Footlocker - Code: FF99B345
Champs Sports - Code: FF99B624
Footaction - Code: FF99BA24


I already hit them up today so get off ya ass & spend some cash. Recession??? Fuck that!!! I gotta stay fly... New Money

Legal Prostitution

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Well I was reading an interesting blog today while avoiding my actual work. Shout outs to the girl TiffanieNYC.

So by now you guys know my take on dating so I wont bore you. This particular blog was about who should take the lead on paying for the dates. My take is whoever initiates the convo on chilling/going out/seeing each other needs to step up when that black leather is slipped on the table. But i digress, the main point of this blog is based on what one commenter said after the blog and I quote:
  • "I am a WOMAN and I think I should never have to pay for anything when I go out with a man. If he’s trying to get my goodies, I’m rolling for free. If he can’t deal with it, then he should find some girl who ain’t worried about paying AND laying."

Now I'm going to start by saying I know this is not a snapshot of the majority of women but this is an indication of a large group. I say large because if more than one woman thinks this way this is a damn shame. Now I know some good girls and to hear them make a statement like this I would cut them off ASAP.

1st thing is that your a prostitute straight up. If you basis for sleeping with a man is whether or not he bought you some IHOP or some Cheesecake Factory I guess imma see you over there by the Galaxy Motel on Pennsylvania Ave (that's Brooklyn folks)

2ndly he's trying to get in your pants regardless and now he knows the magic combo (wings & a debit card).

3rdly you will never be in a healthy/upstanding/beneficial/long relationship. You will constantly move from man to man based on his income and by the time you realize the error of your ways it will be too late is what I will say.

Now the girls who ain't worried bout laying & paying they have their own issue. They now deal with only men that obviously don't have anything to bring to the table. That my friends is what we call a loser/lame/suss pro.

Women are worth much more than just some goodies. I tell women all the time you don't know how good you got it & why the hell do you even deal with us men. I believe women are the standard of beauty and what is good on earth only if they knew it. This girl obviously has self esteem.worth issues & I hope she realizes it soon... Cuz ain't nothing less attractive to a man than a chick who just brings some pussy to the table (even though you can eat it).

True Intention

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Now everyone knows me for my honesty as well as my ability to actually talk about what others don't. When I write my blogs its nothing against anyone in particular its just how I'm able to get past certain things and not allow them to affect me past that day. So with said disclaimer I proceed.

I recently had a conversation with a good friend about why am I still single being that I have a good heart, am unafraid to be honest & will do what it takes for my future wife to be happy. She came to the conclusion that it must be something I am doing that has these past relationships (girlfriend, jumpoff, potential) ending the way they do. Now I have no problem taking blame for my mistakes. If I never got top from that girl during the break me & my ex were on it wouldn't have came back to bite me yes but also she shouldn't have broken up wit me 6 times in 2 years. But whatever you know that's done (always venting). But what my friend fails to realize is that women put me in situations such as this

  • I have this friend, real cool chick. Met her years back. She friends with my boys, she knows my cuz all that. Always saw her at parties, texted back & forth. She was boo'ed up didn't really care to know her BF (he never liked me anyway). So we text flirted for a long time, seen her at parties & caught some mean dubs but always remained respectful (hey if u got a man & u flirting with me what can I do, I owe that dude nothing). So recently she broke up with her man and I took the opportunity to swoop in cuz I always had a thing for her maybe it was more sexual cuz of the party situations but whatever. We started chilling & really getting to know each other. I had a bigger thing (more so than sex) for her now cuz I got to know her without having to take her out (see previous post). But something said don't get into her cuz she just broke up with her man & I'm usually good with these toss up decisions but like I said we were friends 1st & it remains that way. So she tells me give her time cuz she really likes me but things are weird which is understandable (but in the same breath calling me boo). Fast forward a lil and we at another party, had no idea she was gonna be there but was actually happy to see her cuz we disconnected a lil bit. So I wait for my opportunity to get next to her and we talk a lil, I make her laugh (which I'm good at) & we dance. While were dancing said "ex" walks up & says something to her which changes her mood. Now she telling me she cant be next to me, giver her like 15 mins. Granted. Now I see her again and she shying away from me cuz he stalking around her. So my vibe for the party was done cuz I was drinking & my brain works overtime when I have liquor. I'm like I thought this nigga was done & I'm next on deck. Guess not. So party done I go home. Next day I hit up shorty cuz I wanted to apologize if I embarrassed her in any way cuz she wasn't returning the texts. So we talk & she tells me she never was really done wit dude & its still complicated. I'm not a dumb dude, maybe a lil blind sometimes but that's most people, I cant say I didn't know they weren't done but maybe I enjoyed the attention she gave for however brief. I'm understanding to her situation & I tell her that. I just wanted to be told the truth cuz now I feel like I lost something & he gets it undeservedly just cuz they got history.

Is it fair for her to lead me on knowing that my feelings were growing? She cant say that she didn't know cuz I was always honest with her & I wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to the opposite sex. I give what I give & I ask for the same in return. I don't like to be used in any way shape or form. I feel she used me as the rebound guy which is definitely not cool. Can we go back maybe can we move forward definitely but not together.

So to my good friend to answer your question I still don't think its me cuz I gave you this situation, the situation involving my ex & the situation of the girl who went through my phone. Believe it or not that is 3 situations of many and you know me so what else can I say. I do not front on any level. Women will be women & some cant have a good thing when they do they try to prove the dude is not what he seems (accusations of cheating, checking his texts & voicemail, asking a friend to flirt with him).

This was just me venting on a situation that was on my mind and in no way is this an indictment on the person involved cuz they read & support my blog. I am who I am. When I find her she will love me for me & not who she expects me to be.

That said I forgive but never forget...

Criminal Minded

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Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with a person who seems to not be able to stay out of jail/the system. I use the term opportunity loosely cuz I was incarcerated for 3.5 hours of my life unfortunately.

I always asked the question: Why do people keep doing the things that land them in jail? When I sat in that cell all I could think is when am I getting out & how do I proceed from now on to never return. I had always thought that maybe they are used to jail/prison life and cant function on the "outside". I mean America punishes its criminals harshly. Beyond rapidly rising rates of imprisonment, offenders leave jail or prison only to be subjected to a variety of continuing restrictions, some lasting for life. In certain cases these restrictions reflect reasonable concerns. Who, for example, would argue that convicted child molesters should be allowed to work in schools or day-care centers? But many other restrictions on ex-offenders seem aimed more at extending punishment than serving society. Take the Higher Education Act of 1998, which bars ex-felons from eligibility for Pell Grants, the largest type of federal student loans. How can ex-offenders build better lives for themselves if they are not allowed to compete for the same kinds of educational opportunities as everyone else? So why not return to the place that has housed you for an extended period with food water shelter, no bills no concerns?

But these reasons are for harsh offenders who do serious time. I asked the dude who was booked with me what got him in there & subsequently on his way to Rikers possibly for more than 3 months. This dude is a career misdemeanor. He keeps stealing from retail drug stores. While in there he lets me know that he has a wife & child.
So I ask why? He tells me he just cant help himself even though she said if he gets knocked again don't come home. Risk not seeing the woman you love & your child for a few dollars that can be made working a job that he thinks is a waste of time. That's one of the problems in America, certain jobs are looked at as to below some standards. We make fun of hardworking immigrants who come here and do the jobs that we don't want to do, that's beneath us but yet go to same restaurant or cleaner they work at. Without them who would bus your table or fold your Rock & Republic jeans??? Those people are doing what they need to do to survive & take care of theirs. Maybe you should. Damn off a tangent again.

To end this I'm happy I was able to ask this dude these questions cuz it allows me to know the thought process that goes on in some criminal minds. Maybe one day I will be able to sit down with a person who did hard time.... hopefully I'm not locked up wit him... Ya dig!

Fear

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Originally this post was written on my Sprint Palm Pre @ 10pm after a concerned & caring phone call from my colleague, a few tears & a long ride home.

Now this is a post I wish I never had to write. At this present moment I am typing this on my phone after being arrested for assault. The reason I am doing so is to share some insight on a part of me I have no one to share with.

The story goes like this: As I am leaving work to head home to relax & watch some football my colleague tells me she needs to go to Rite Aid. I tell her I need to stop by the cleaners & I will meet her there. After I pick up my dry cleaning, from outside I see she's on line. When I walk in I see this jerk of a security guard. No acknowledgement. So I proceed to the register.

Now a bit of back story:
Last year I was stopped & accosted by this same security for shoplifting. Did I steal anything honestly no. A misunderstanding by an overzealous guard lead to police being called. To allow me to go home I signed a paper saying I was to never return even though they had no concrete proof like video or witnesses but I just wanted to go home. About a month later the manager of the store stops in to my bank and clearly says that the incident was a misunderstanding & that jerk is a lil to aggressive. He lets me know that its cool to return cuz he knows me.

Back to present day, said jerk proceeds to wait till me & my female friend are leaving to hop in front of me and ask me over to the side. I ask for what reason he gives no answer but that I wasn't to return. I proceed to let him know that the manager allows me back in. Now its been a good year since the incident. I proceed to leave he proceeds to hem me up which leads me to be passive aggressive and request he release me. No go. He proceeds to try & drag me in the store. Now the cops have already been alerted so I got a good 5 mins to get outta there. As he is physically trying to drag me, my coworker is there, my clients from the neighborhood is there so quite embarrassing no? As the dragging continues I grew tired of these events & I take this dude down.
Now quickly I'm 6'6 197 this dude had to be like 6'4 250 so I had to have that adrenaline pumping. I was scared that I did that. So now we on the ground he got my collar I got his neck with both hands. I again request he loos me. No go. I proceed to choke this dude. As I see his eyes turn bloodshot & his grip weaken I had a joyous feeling within me. As I squeeze and squeeze to try and subdue him I'm enjoying it. Then the fear sets in and I relax.

I stop here cuz this is where the cops came & cuffed me nearly breaking my wrist. After that is routine cop BS. I try so hard as a black man to avoid the system. No excuses ever made by me to the fact I am black. I take my life as it is & I live. This dude was black himself and he was hell bent on getting me knocked.

I also stop there as to reflect on the sheer enjoyment I felt when I had this guys life in my hands. As many of you know I am usually a cool calm & collected dude. Everybody's friend & part time acquaintance. But deep inside is this animal that I must not show cuz I have tried so hard to keep it contained. I fear the most that I will spend the rest of my life away from the ones I love cuz I couldn't control myself. I am my worst enemy & it makes me weep. I cried when the one I loved left me & I tried to mutilate myself. I cried when they tried to break my family up. And I cried when I sat in that cell. Not that I was sad or afraid of the police but because I didn't know if I would be ok within. I have limited close friends so I fight this demon alone. As I write now I wanna cry right here on the train & end it all. When I get home I will cry again. I write not only to help others but for rehabilitation on my soul.

When its all said & done you have just yourself in the end. This is my gift to you, a look into my heart, my soul, my mind so take me as I am & wish me well... Until I self-destruct...

Backhanded Compliment

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Air Jordan XI - Space Jam

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November 27th, 2009 is a very important day for all of the Jordan fans out there such as myself. The Space Jams don’t release in retailers until the 27th for $175, but we get more of glimpse of the packaging as well as the kicks. The anticipation time until they officially drop is killing me. My SneakerHead status is official with my collection well over 115 pairs so safe to say these will be added to the bunch no matter the cost.



Pride

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Now as you must know this last Monday was Labor Day & on that day comes the all important West Indian Day Parade.

This year I really wasn't feeling it but my peoples kept talking bout it (Jay, 100k) so I went out there decked in my 4 Haitian flags.
I am so glad I got out my house to go with that beautiful weather we had but most importantly I was so proud when I saw my Haitian people.

Why was I so proud? Cuz I love being Haitian. When I tell people I am they are so surprised (maybe cuz I understand Creole better than I can speak it). Both my parents are from there while I was born here. I grew up in a time when Haitians were looked upon as dirt but I never let it affect me cuz I love who my family is.

As we came together on Monday and just vibed with each other as well as the other countries it just makes you forget all that's affecting you and warms your heart...



One day I wish to go back and do something worthwhile for my people cuz they struggling down there with no help from any other country (no oil, no money to support war) every year the island is ravaged by hurricanes & the people suffer through it with the most corrupt government established. But as for now just wanted to share a lil something about me.
Shouts out to all my Haitians ( Jen, Yannique Telly) my fam who check for my blog & whoever else got pride for theirs.... Love Ya!!

The Dating Game

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Well I have been off for a couple of days enjoying the Labor Day weekend. (Ironic side note: I was celebrating this holiday with alot of unemployed people, just funny to me)
As per a request from a friend to get back to my purpose Ive decided to write on a topic that seems to afflict everyone young & old.
The topic is dating. First off I would like to point out that I personally am against "dating". Reasons why:

  • Very lopsided in terms of benefits.
  • Can be a huge waste of time - either on one part or both.
  • Doesn't achieve the results needed to truly learn about someone.
  • Both parties are on their "best behavior".
When I meet a girl/woman (based on her intellect/personality/views) I don't ever ask them out on a date. I much rather sit and talk with them in a non-descript venue IE: my place, her place, the park (Union Sq has been good).
The reason I choose these places is I personally believe people cant be real unless they're out of their element. I'm known as a habitual line pusher. You put a line in place & I will push that shit back to the most uncomfortable position then you can tell me how you feel.

Don't get me wrong when I was young and dumb I actively took or tried to take women out and as I grew up I noticed a few things.
  • Conversation was useless unless talk of date was mention within 1st 5mins.
  • Length of "dating" that particular person was based on length of monetary assets.
  • Feelings and excitement was only generated on said date.
As my dating expertise grew I figured that taking women out was so unnecessary. Why? Because my personality is what I stand on and that alone is worth your time spent with me. Honestly do you want someone to like you for you or where you can take them.
Now when women meet a man that they are interested in they tend to expect a night out you know dinner, movie, dancing all that jazz. Why? Because women live by what society deems a gentleman and what their friends/ strangers might think. But have you ever asked the question are you worth the time & money spent to find that out. Most time no your worth much less. Women always want to play the miss independent card and say she never needs a man to take her out. Granted there is no need but there is a want. You want a man to take you out and show how much you mean to him in material aspects. plenty a time Ive gotten that screwed up Gremlin face when she asks where we going and I firmly respond no where. I much rather spend my time getting to know you and learning what makes you tick then be at dinner & learn your an idiot or you learn I'm a jerk. Granted before you go out with me don't you wanna know I'm not gonna waste your time.

They say "dating" is to find that special someone: someone with whom to build a life together. Much of the time it leads to unrequited Love: you may find someone you adore who simply doesn't share your feelings. Conversely, another person may be madly attracted to you but elicit no such feelings in return.
Example: I was told of this girl who met this guy. Both attracted to each other yes. Only difference this guy would do what ever he could to sleep with her & she would do whatever it takes to continue getting attention and gifts. He continued the payroll & she continued the lure of the pussy. This in a nutshell is "dating". One person foots the bill the other takes advantage (Men do this as well don't get me wrong).

I've read "dating" is a chance to have fun and try things you might not have before. Even if you don't click with the other person, it can still make for an enjoyable outing. That is retarded if you don't click with them how can you possibly enjoy yourself. You re going to be counting the mins until you can end this misery.

At my age I would love to settle down, have a home, kids the whole nine. Hell when I was younger I thought I would have achieved these things already but alas so much more life to live. I know finding that one girl who doesn't lie just to lie, who actually doesn't care what others think of her, who says whats on her mind is gonna be a task but knowing that should I settle for someone who enjoys my company & wallet or someone I can grow old with. Through my trials & tribulations with the opposite sex I've learned that not dating allows me the chance to see the real her. She doesn't have to abide but these dumb ass rules of:
  • How long she should wait before having sex.
  • Not ordering a big meal as to not look greedy.
  • Pretending to laugh at my jokes.
  • Making me wait at least 10 mins.
Honestly women stop reading Cosmo it rots your common sense. I haven't been on a date in about 6 mos and honestly the last date I was on I really caught feelings for that girl, she was special to me but as you can see since I'm using past tense she is no longer in the picture that way. Wish it went further but so is life. So that's just my take on dating hope it finds you well...

Leaders Of The New School 9.2.09

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Brought to you by my peoples @ Forty Fresh x Sosa Management x FRSH PULP.
If you missed this then I dunno what you were doing but I can bet it wasn't as live as last night.

This has to be the livest full show I seen ever since I been running with Frsh Pulp / I.M.G. Straight shouts to the artists as well as Boss Lady A, 100K, D. Thornton, Dave, Jenny F, Kraff Swag & especially the audience who stayed live.

Videos below so see a taste of what you missed. Remember Stasia I wanna be down no matter what...

Shalea



Eric Sosa



Wordspit



RIP MC

The Air Jordan History of Flight Lookbook

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Was perusing the net as I do everyday at work (Drastic voluntary inactivity) and came up on something very interesting.
As a devout SneakerHead this lookbook is exactly what exemplifies why we go through what we go through for our beloved J's.
Take a look and learn some interesting facts about obviously the best sneakers ever made... Now back to work...

The Air Jordan History of Flight Lookbook