Monetary Values

I Know You Gonna Miss Me...

2010-06-21T22:09:00.002-04:00

Luckily I am not to far away...

My blog has now officially moved from Blogger to Tumblr

It was great while it lasted but I'm on to different things so check me out over there

http://monetaryvalue.tumblr.com/

Old Fashioned

2010-05-03T22:46:00.002-04:00

Women have a real weird/odd/dumb way of looking at things...

So I was having a conversation wit my homegirl and she let me know bout this dude trying to get in her pants. Obviously I wasn't surprised since that's life in general nowadays. She let me know he asked her to take him to dinner. She was obviously thrown off guard cuz why would a woman pay right? Well that wasn't the point, what threw me off was that she told him "I'm old fashioned, he's courting me so he should pay". I instantly sucked my teeth and looked away.

First off what man still courts a woman and how can you possibly be old fashioned when you weren't born in the 1930's? I'm totally fine with women wanting men to pay just be real don't bullshit. The only women that should be claiming old fashioned is OLD women. This all goes to that Miss Independent when you want to be shit. If you like a dude suck it up and take him out.

Courting is done & chivalry been dead. No man is dropping his coat in a puddle to save your shoes. Are there still gentlemen? Yes. But lets be straight any man doing nice things when he first meet you is to get what he wants from you. I tell all my female friends, you find out if the dude is really into once he gets what he wants (whatever that may be even though its usually one thing).

Trust me a man wants to know his time and money and sanity is not being wasted on someone who isn't worth it. Men who trick or do whatever a woman wants off top is a man who doesn't trust in being honest with said woman.

If This Is The Last Time...

2010-05-02T02:58:00.002-04:00

When I first met you I knew you were gonna have an effect on me for the future.

Never did I think it would be the effect many others have had already.

If I could rewind time and go back to your first smile, our first date, the first time I felt jealousy cuz of you, our first kiss & our first goodbye knowing it would lead to another hello.

We have issues. Never thought they couldn't be resolved. My sensitivity your insensitivity.
I always referred to you as my yin to my yang. Our differences is what lead to my love. Love is empty if not shared equally.

Our love was never solidified in a physical form. To me you are the perfect woman.

Lack of communication leads to misunderstandings & I don't believe you truly understood the feelings I had for you.

We were comfortable with each other. Relationship not for growing together but for convenience.

Now I must get comfortable with not being able to speak to you for the first time in 19 mos. For that time you were my number 1.

That ring on your left hand symbolizes more than promises. It was a holding place. A place where the wedding band would have a lasting home.

My love is eternal. My greatest fear in life is to be alone. My greatest fear of the present is to never hear your voice, your laugh, see your smile & hear those three words that are so meaningless to others but a way of life to me... I LOVE YOU
Past Present & Future.

Groupie Love

2010-04-08T20:13:00.003-04:00

So here we go again. Another reality show (can there be any other form of television). This time it focuses on wives/girlfriends/divorcee's of NBA (in some cases wannabes) players. Its different but yet very similar to any other reality show. Take a look below:

VH1 TV Shows Music Videos Celebrity Photos News & Gossip

I recently read a newspaper article reviewing this show and I couldn't help but laugh to myself. It gave me the run down of the particulars but what caught my eye was the reasoning of executive producer Shanie O'Neal. Basically her point was to show that these women are more than just women attached to NBA players and they have their own dreams & aspirations. Why would I laugh?

I know it was just a trailer for the show but I knew the show would mostly involve them drinking & partying. They don't have kids? I know Shaunie popped out 5 of them.
If we all know Shaq is divorced & why he is divorced why does she still keep his name. For the fame? publicity? or just because no one would care if she used her real name?
They talk about all these groupies out to get there men & these groupies should have some self respect & not allow a man to pay their rent or take them on trips... One of the stars of the show is a dancer who dates random NBA players. Cmon... lets be serious the reason your with these men (especially Erik Williams or a Michael Olowaknandi) is for the fame, gifts & houses on the beach.

This is just another show that's good for entertainment but not for self achievement. If this is the life future stars like John Wall have to look forward to just go the Derek Jeter route... Stay single. But if you don't at least VH1 will be there to chronicle your downward spiral.

Lost

2010-04-07T23:35:00.002-04:00

I've been told that I'm a cool/chill individual. The reason for this I believe is the fact that I basically can get along with anyone in any situation. I consider myself a social chameleon. On any given day you can observe 4 different Me's. These 4 sects include family, friends, work & relationship. In 1 day I can experience 1 or all 4. Some would take this as a gift not knowing the work that goes into this feat.

In keeping all sects separate you might lose your true self. Most times these separations are easily managed since some sects don't mix. In a perfect utopia I would want all sects to interact with each other for example: relationship should merge with friends & family. But what happens when issue arise within sects that can not be discussed with others. Family issues should not be discussed with work individuals and most relationship issue should be handled in house.

How can your true self be realized if throughout the day your not the same or allowed to express yourself freely across lines? Those who know me know I'm all about openness & honesty. I also try to make everyone happy which is my nature as a Cancer man. The problem arises when individuals within sects are naturally quiet, seem emotionless or choose to close themselves off and allow issues to fade (but still fester within & explode at a later time). So open individual has issue with closed person in one group but can not express amongst others. This leads to uneasiness, self doubt, loss of confidence & eventually unhappiness. These issues I can only handle alone until that party finds in themselves to open up. So while I wait I become closed off & pretend things are fine. When things are good I try to extend that positivity by not expressing the issue that might breed negativity.

One day we will resolve but til then I can not truly be honest within sects & bring the happiness each one deserves. I can not be who you need me to be, until I truly know who I am...

Good Shepherd Clothing

2010-03-15T20:31:00.003-04:00

Monday March 8th marked the release event for Good Shepherd x Shin Tanaka hosted at Las Chicas Locas (ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel). The turnout was amazing at the low key inviting space.

Why is this important.. Good Shepherd was founded by one of my college classmates Rahim Babar in 2006. Its safe to say when people I know are doing big things I support. To see where he started and where he is at now shit is amazing.

Good Shepherd clothing is a product of his creative thought. Good Shepherd blends street trends with high-end fashion to provide quality product for the conscious customer. Good Shepherd clothing began as a small t-shirt company based out of New York City. In 2007, Good Shepherd clothing was picked up by high-end boutiques, mom and pop shops and retail stores.

For looks into these fresh designs check GoodShepherdWorld.com & check photos below.

Monetary Upswing During Economic Downturn

2010-01-29T10:23:00.004-05:00

Taken from FrshPulp.com (which I wrote)
An exclusive New Money lesson on saving money & making it work for you ... See theres a benefit to my 9-5

What’s my 1st step?
Your mattress can only hold so much funds, so first things first, open a checking and savings account. Why use a bank? Keeping your money in a bank is safe and convenient. They’re federally insured and take liability in case your funds are accessed illegally. A checking account will allow you to have the safety of the bank as well as access to your funds 24/7 through ATMs and online banking. Savings will be where your extra funds go to earn you interest.

How do I know which bank is best for me?
Any given day in NYC you can take a walk and see at least 15 different banks. I’m partial to one in particular but that’s just me. Most people choose based on proximity. Close to my house, job, whatever. You must dig a little deeper and these questions will help you decide:

Is there a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees? All banks require a minimum opening deposit. Most banks also require a minimum balance to avoid fees. Avoid balance requirements and instead choose an activity driven account such as direct deposit, debit card purchases or online bill pay. Remember we’re trying to save.

Are there ATM fees? The #1 fee paid by consumers to banks is the ATM fee. You must choose a bank that has accessible ATMs. Every bank charges fees for using another bank’s ATM, so find one that stands out.

Does the account pay interest? Obviously you’re going to want free money so this is self-explanatory. Interest is more important savings account wise because that’s the account we need to grow. Every bank has a rate sheet so compare one to another.
Is there overdraft protection? Overdrafting is the #1 issue consumers have with banks. It occurs when your purchases/withdrawals exceed your balance. This results in fees equaling hundreds of dollars. You must keep track of your balances. They will not do it for you.
Is online banking available? This is necessary to account for your money wherever you might be in the world. Online banking allows you to receive alerts (texts, email) on your account, as well transfer funds when the bank closes for the day. It’s easy, straight forward as well as FREE!

Where do I go from here?
The next step is to get your finances in order. Primarily, your monthly expenses. Your balances can not grow if you spend more than you make. That LV bag and those Prada shoes can wait. You must eliminate debt, such as credit card balances.

Figure out necessities and eliminate luxury – Phone, food, rent are necessary. Excess parties and new shoes to add to a closet full of shoes. Unnecessary.
Make a budget – Total your monthly bills and make payments on time. Figure out what your daily living expenses are and make changes accordingly.
Leave your self a cushion – Pick a specific amount – $50 or $100 – treat it like a no-spend zone. That way a small mistake won’t leave you broke.
Increase savings – Funnel extra funds into your savings account. Rainy days are always around the corner, so you must be prepared.
Stick to it! – The #1 issue people have with saving is will power. With so many credit cards out there and all those sales dipping into savings is dangerous. “Oh, I can replace the funds on my next check.” Yeah, until you see that credit card bill. One tip: forget you have a savings account. Out of sight out of mind.

There has to be a better way to make my money grow?
Whether you’re looking to save money for an emergency, dream vacation, new house, or education, banks and other financial institutions have a variety of accounts to help you meet your financial goals. Basic savings accounts allow you the ability to put money towards a specific goal and access your money when needed. But the old adage comes in, “scared money don’t make money.” Risk is inevitable, so a little must be taken to reach your financial goals.

Certificate of Deposit (CD’s) – A CD is an account where you’re provided a fixed rate of return over a specified amount of time. The risk here is that you can’t access these funds over that period. You must be willing to not touch these funds because a penalty will be enforced if the CD is broken.

Investment – Nowadays the word invest strikes fear into the heart of even the savviest investor. The risk varies based on stocks, bonds, mutual funds or a portfolio that contains all the above. Fees can be assessed upfront, over time or not at all based on holding period. For the recession weary consumer, banks offer customized solutions which allow you to diversify while having your account professionally managed. You receive the guidance you need while investing efficiently.

Future Planning
Now that you finances are in order and you’re saving some money, you have to start thinking towards the future. Retirement seems far away, but if you don’t start now when it’s time to retire you will be searching for part-time employment to survive.

Should you open a Roth IRA? A Traditional IRA? Or put a little money in both?
Generally, a Traditional IRA can be beneficial if you’re eligible to make deductible contributions, and you expect your tax rate during retirement to be lower than it is today. On the other hand, a Roth IRA may be a wise choice if you expect your tax rate to be the same or higher during retirement. The answer really depends on your unique situation. So contact a Financial Adviser to help you choose an IRA that’s right for you.

So what now?
Get your account in order, set a budget, prepare for the future, and don’t do it now—DO IT RIGHT NOW. Fixing finances helps financially as well as mentally. So go get that peace of mind.

True Haiti Relief

2010-01-25T20:51:00.003-05:00

Ever since the earthquake in Haiti happened on January 12th 2010 I have seen the true goodness within everyone. From endless events to raise money, to corporations & celebrities donating their ill gotten gains to just regular people I encounter wishing upon me & my family their blessings. It just makes you feel good to know you are in so many peoples prayers.

But that said I still feel bad for my people. To not knowing if those donated funds are going to get to people that most deserve them (lets be serious the Haitian government is not the most trustworthy, you think the politicians here are terrible...) to thinking even when they rebuild another disaster will come through and sweep us away again. They have suffered so much from multiple disastrous storms to a 7.0 quake right into a 6.0 & numerous aftershocks.

With all that said comes a story that shows true leadership & an offer that can not be matched by any other country. Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade called for Africa to make room for victims of Haiti's earthquake to restart their lives on the continent. Truer statements could never be said:

"The repeated calamities that befall Haiti prompt me to propose a radical solution -- to take measures to create somewhere in Africa... the conditions for Haitians to return."

"They did not choose to go to that island," (referring to the mass deportation of African slaves to Haiti, then a French colony, from the 16th century.)

"It is our duty to recognise their right to come back to the land of their ancestors."

This offer amazingly is not the 1st of its kind. Back in the 19th Century the African state of Liberia was created by freed U.S. slaves. In 1847, 25 years after the first successful colonisation, they proclaimed an independent Republic, which they named Liberia.

I believe this offer should be taken seriously as well as moved along as a responsible measure. I have yet to visit the nation of Haiti but I feel very drawn to it & I cant help but feel that it may be cursed. Of all the nations in the Caribbean it seems to be hit with disaster after disaster & to have family there and know at any moment they ca all be washed away it puts a hole in your heart. I see the worry in my mothers face, I feel the pain in my friends hearts & something must be done.

If standards aren't changed in Haiti, from government to construction to jobs to social divide, Haiti will be no more & all the donations & heartfelt offers like those from the Senegal President will all be for naught. Haiti is beloved by the my Haitian people but who will love us enough to truly help...

All American Racism

2010-01-25T20:13:00.004-05:00

So the other day I was forwarded an article from the Augusta Chronicle regarding a new basketball league that was to set up shop down south. It is known as the All-American Basketball Alliance & it intends to start its inaugural season in June and hopes Augusta will be one of 12 cities with a team.

I said hmmm new basketball league coming after NBA dollars. Didn't we learn from the CBA & USBL? Well whatever, whats another league right? Well this one has a small twist... It is to be of rosters made up exclusively of WHITE Americans. Oddly enough it didn't have a warm welcome.

Here is a few quotes from commissioner of the AABA, Don "Moose" Lewis (c'mon look his nickname)

"The reasoning behind the league's roster restrictions is not racism"

"There's nothing hatred about what we're doing, I don't hate anyone of color"

"People of white, American-born citizenship are in the minority now. Here's a league for white players to play fundamental basketball, which they like."

"We wants to emphasize fundamental basketball instead of 'street-ball' played by 'people of color' "

"We need a local person ingrained into the community to make this successful"

"The white game of basketball, which is essentially a fundamental game, works"

I am gonna make this short and sweet, there is no other basis to this man starting this league other than racism, point blank. It can only come from hate to associate "streetball" with people of color. Does the NBA at times have players who shy away from fundamentals to go toward more flashy plays yes. In today's game there is a need for both styles. & the most successful NBA players have had a nice mix.

For this man to say that White people are a minority is true but only sports wise but that's there fault. They haven't moved with the times as well as you could of just left us in Africa & we would of been good. No one wants to watch pure fundamental ball, that shit is boring plan & simple. You do not see Princeton University basketball with any shine on national television.

Lastly he has no sense of basketball history. From John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Pistol Pete Maravich & Larry Bird, these were some of the most flashy ball players ever & influenced the likes of Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Kobe Bryant & Lebron James. (definitely check the links for highlight reels)

This type of news story needs to not even see the light of day in this day & age but alas this is what gets headlines. What do you think: Racist or a money making idea???

Maximize The Effort

2010-01-15T19:47:00.002-05:00

I will be collecting donations all weekend long to help out with the effort over in Haiti. This cause is dear to me because these are my people & I still have family over there that are unaccounted for.

Thanks to good people over at my parent company JPMorgan Chase whatever I collect will be matched by this gracious company on top of the $1,000,000 they have already pledge to this cause.
Check out American Red Cross:Corporate Giving so you can know that this is legit.

Here is their official statement:
On Jan. 12, 2010 Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Hundreds of thousands of people were injured and displaced by this disaster. The need for aid is large and immediate. JPMorgan Chase has committed up to $1 million in disaster aid to address this calamity. JPMorgan Chase will match employee contributions to The American Red Cross and CARE up to a total of $250,000. Please give generously to help now.

I am accessiible everyday if you wish to contribute & double your generosity. Any denomination is acceptable & appreciated. I will travel to collect. Get in touch with me:
Email: robert_fortune@hotmail.com, strechman1@gmail.com, robert.x.fortune@chase.com
Cell: 347.528.3088
Twitter: @NewMoneyFortune

You can also definitely deposit to my Paypal use email address : robert_fortune@hotmail.com

Thanks in advance, wish the year started off differently but we cant change the past just affect the future.

Haiti Relief Collborations In NYC

2010-01-15T18:29:00.003-05:00

Taken from my homie Carrie Pink's blog ... Please take note she is doing something wonderful.

HI EVERYONE!!!

Ok Pretty World Inc has joined forces with students from SIX different schools and TWO other organizations to facilitate a major outreach in NYC to collect, pack, and ship Relief Items to Haiti as soon as possible.

To dispel the rumors. Yes it is almost impossible to ship anything to Haiti right now as an INDIVIDUAL, so OF COURSE THE FIRST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO DONATE MONEY TO A REPUTABLE ORGANIZATION, Email me for a listing, Once you donate what we are doing is aggregating items together across all the participants and working to organize a mass pick up and ship to Haiti VIA The Bedford Haiti Association in Brooklyn who is working directly with THE RED CROSS, one of the few organizations allowed to export at this time.

We will also be reaching out to AMERICACARES.ORG regarding their ability to SHIP.
Additionally we have been in contact with Councilman Mathieu Eugene in Brooklyn and Manhattan Deputy Borough President Pierre-Louis for their political support of our efforts. Below is a list of approved AND NECESSARY items to ship.

CLOTHING:
Sneakers

Socks
Underwear - BRAND NEW (AND FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS)
Baby clothing - anything you have

SHELTER:
Sheets
Blankets
Towels
Tents
Tarps

POWER:
Candles
Flashlights
Flashlight Batteries - D Cell
Matches/Lighters

Lanterns + Lantern oil

MEDICINE:
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Iodine
Bandages
Gauze
Aspirin
Soap
Baby diapers

If you have items to give please contact Carie Pink or Mekaelia Davis. The Bedford Haitian Community Center has asked that items arrive packed in barrels already ready to ship to help expedite the process so if you only have a small amount of items please contact us so we can compile them with items from others.

Additionally we will be accepting items Saturday January 16th at Columbia University, Uris Hall 1st Floor from 10am to 3pm, that's 116th and Broadway in Manhattan, during the Pretty World Inc Seminar
Sunday January 17th some friends of mine from Hunter College will be driving around picking up donations throughout the city from people who want to give but cannot bring to Columbia on Saturday.
Monday January 18th there will be a Disaster Relief Drop Off box at Hunter College, 3rd Floor, Thomas Hunter Building. Locations of the drop off stations at other schools will be released as the information becomes available.

Please email or call me if you would like to help by giving donations, packing barrels, driving to help pick up items or would like to collaborate your efforts with ours!! There is power in numbers people!
askcarriepink@gmail.com
347-623-4964

Injustice Served

2009-12-15T20:44:00.004-05:00

So once again I come across a story that involves one party's tale over another that land the latter in jail. And once again it involves a man imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit due to the lies of a female.

Recently read a story of a man who was locked up for 4 years because a woman said she was raped by him. According to her touching testimony she lied to friends, doctors, police, prosecutors, grand jurors and jurors about how the man and his friends kidnapped her from her parked car when she was blind drunk and attacked her. Apparently what actually happened was she had gotten into a car with the man and his two friends and kissed him -- but grew afraid after she blew off his further advances and he erupted in anger, cursing at her and threatening to dump her out on the street (which is where she belonged). After he dropped her back to her friends she told them she was raped because her friends were upset she had left them with no warning. So instead of looking like a flat leaver she sent a dude to jail. Hmm seems rational. Based almost solely on her testimony, he was given 20 years in prison and spent the past three years serving time. This man is only out now because she told her priest who forced her to tell the DA. Even after all this the man is not upset with the woman & praised her for coming forward finally. A better man than me I suppose...

I cant help but be upset at this situation since it is known that a woman's word is worth gold against a man in almost any situation where she is deemed hurt by said man. This dude was put away with no evidence, no rape kit, no eyewitnesses. Shit is sad cuz it could have been any man. These stories keep popping up and innocent men keep being put away especially if they are part of a minority group or had some type of run in with the law previously (damn on both counts for me).
Other such cases included the Hofstra freshman who dropped 4 men in jail with her wild reckless story of being raped in a bathroom all because basically she didn't want her man to know she was a huge freak. (Twisted Motive Behind Rape Story).
Or the well accounted for story of the Duke Lacrosse team (Duke Lacrosse Case). As we all know the 2006 Duke University lacrosse case was a scandal that started in March 2006 when student at North Carolina Central University who worked as an exotic dancer and escort,accused three Duke University students of raping her at a party. The accuser was black and the three lacrosse players were white. Many involved in the case, including the prosecutor, called the alleged assault a hate crime or suggested it might be one. Obviously she was lying and the lives of these three men were never the same.

Unfortunately most of us don't learn the lessons we are taught at a young age like don't cry wolf. These women believed they could get away with these lies because no one believes a man when rape is involved. I mean look at Kobe Bryant (Bryant Assault Case) even thought he was unfaithful he was no rapist. I mean how could he be his accuser kept multiple semen samples in her panties. The point is until women such as these are prosecuted as harshly for their perjury as the men are for these alleged rapes this epidemic will continue. It gets to a point where you cant just pick up a woman for a decent fling without having some people over to watch to protect your ass ... literally. These men are out of jail but who really knows how many innocent others are actually behind bars for rapes that didn't occur due to these well rehearsed stories that make many shed a tear at the plight of liars.

Privacy

2009-12-02T20:04:00.003-05:00

As many of you know there has been a popular story regarding Tiger Woods in the media lately. I personally was a little tired of hearing about it already since I dont know the man. But my take was requested by a loyal reade so the story goes like this:

During Thanksgiving week Tiger Woods was involved in a car accident around 2:30AM. Homeboy was dashing down his driveway and ended up hitting a hydrant. And he didn't just hit a hydrant and tree. He crossed over a curb, onto a grass median and hit a row of hedges before driving into the hydrant and tree. His wife Elin, apparently had to bash out his back window and pull him to safety. By the time cops came neighbors were around & he was slipping in & out of consciousness. Cops took it as a routine accident.

Now this was all well & good till the media got a hold of this. In the days past leading up to Tiger now saying that he has had "trangressions" against hs family & that he regrets with "all of my heart." "I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves." What lead to him making this statement about his private life. Lets list the media reports shall we:

First it was said that there was extramarital affairs by Tiger & domestic violence within his household (unclear from which party).
Then it was said his wife was chasing him with the golf club and she bashed the whip.
Then several papers stated that he has been & continuing to sleep with Rachel Uchitel. She flat out denied it & had a 2 page story in the NY Post that really was an extended phrase of I didnt fuck him... She get the side eye
Then more women come out saying they slept with Tiger including some chick who was on Tool Academy on MTV & some chick who has voicemails of Tiger calling her, telling her to take her name off her voicemail & texts saying he would give her the business.. BOOM!
Now apparently his wife called one of his side pieces & said "You know who this is because you're fucking my husband"

Today I was on my Twitter & this topic had the tweeps all in a buzz with trending topics such as "sidechickawareness" & "why men/women cheat". Alot of it was hilarious & actually some good tips apparently. But some where just giving info away that wasnt neede to be known bout them.

And this is where I make my point on privacy. Homeboy is a human being, he's not some sideshow that we look to for giggles and laughs. Infidelity is a huge problem nowadays. Regardless if he is sleeping with or slept with these women thats his life and him & his wife have to work through that, not them & America. When Joe down the block fucks some next chick shit aint news. And now shorties & dudes on Twitter putting they business out there. Just keep your life yours & let others mind theirs.

Lastly my take on it is nigga was arguing with his wife, he was upset shorty chased him around the crib, she grabbed his 9Iron, he split, she pursued, he tried to get in the whip & she took some swings, homie tried to break down the driveway & he crashed. Honestly where the hell else you goin at 2:30 in the AM but to catch a bootycall or split from ya crazy ass spouse on Thanksgiving.

Friends & Family Starts Tomorrow - Save 25%!‏

2009-12-02T20:03:00.002-05:00

Nuff Said... Get To It!!!

50 Best NBA Slam Dunks

2009-11-27T01:30:00.003-05:00

The big NBA fan that I am I just had to post this. The crew at Complex Magazine has compiled the 50 best dunks of all-time into one tight little package.
Now this being their opinion there is going to be debate, so don't get excited for the rankings
Would of served them better if they compiled the best 50 in no particular order (I'm particularly fond of #4 & #11 but that's just me) with that in mind, check out Complex's list of the 50 Best NBA Slam Dunks, a collection of humiliating, in-your-face jams.

The-50-Best-NBA-Slam-Dunks

Book Spotlight: Mode One

2009-11-24T17:26:00.007-05:00

People always say "you should read more". Honestly my ADD will not allow me to sit and read books if they don't interest me. My interest include basketball, music, women & money not necessarily in that order. So imagine my disgust when my boy hit me up telling me about a book he just read. I was skeptical but in the end it solidified the conversations we were having regularly.

What book could have peeked my interests so well? Mode One (Let The Women Know What You're REALLY Thinking) By Alan Roger Currie.
If you search this book on Amazon its listed under Psychology & Counseling and grouped with many other "How To" dating books. This book is so much more. There are many books on the market that profess to teach men how to attract and seduce "any woman they want to" or "any woman they meet." this book makes no such "hyped up" claims. Currie's approach is all about upfront, straightforward honesty combined with non-manipulative, highly self-assured behavior.

Mode One teaches men that sometimes, being rejected by women is actually a good thing. Especially if that woman is nothing more than a highly skilled manipulator looking to waste a man's time, and take advantage of him financially. We all know women like this and the sooner you can identify this type of woman you can get closer to avoiding this hassle.

The biggest lesson to be learned in Mode One is that men should avoid playing the role of the "well-mannered nice guy" in the hopes that their pleasant, lenient, overly-accommodating, and ultra-flattering behavior will be somehow rewarded later on with a woman's romantic and/or sexual companionship. Everyone knows that women don't want "nice" men, and men don't want women to use them. This book shows you the effective way to communicate which can be used not only to attract women but in your everyday life. Men & women have manipulative personalities.

I myself have never been one to be shy on saying whats on my mind. I have been blessed with avoiding those women (or people in general) that are looking to just get a free ride or pass some time with a guy that they are not interested in. Like the lyric goes, when you see the snakes in the grass then you lean on they ass, so when I feel like someone is trying to use me I put them in they place. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it just put in perspective the way I normally do business. Honesty has always and will be the best policy.

If this book interests you can check it on Amazon (FYI there's a PDF version that can be downloaded on the net, LimeWire & Torrents for you intellectual thieves - cant post that here don't need another case...)

Click Here To take A Peek Inside The Book

Get To Know You

2009-11-20T20:35:00.002-05:00

How can you expect someone else to give you what it s that you want when you don't even know yourself?

I am a big advocate of relationships... healthy relationships. I also am deathly afraid of being alone. From as far back as I can remember I craved companionship. Maybe being the last born of 3 children & being the only boy, maybe growing up with a distant father in the house I just needed that attention. I clinged to other family members and absorb their circles as my own. The more attention the better. As I grew up this need allowed me to be taken advantage of cuz I felt their happiness was more important than my own. It lead to me either dealing with multiple women or me dropping everything important to me for that one selfish woman. Once out of that situation I had 4 years to my self. That lead me to understand what it was that truly made me happy. Yes I still had women in my life but it was on my terms, no advantages no disadvantages. Now I feel ready to give my all to another woman cuz I'm happy with myself, flaws & all.

This little back story is due to a convo I had with a good friend. She is currently in another potential destructive situation. She has a man, he doesn't treat her as she should be, he doesn't open up to her & he uses her. She has another suitor but he isn't good for her either cuz he has a family. While we spoke I commented that she needs to not be with anyone else. That was met with some opposition. The reason I gave her such advice is cuz she doesn't actually know herself. She has been in back to back to back long term relationships that end up awry. She's contemplating cheating on dude, which is what usually happens to her. Trust is big & she doesn't even trust herself enough to be faithful. I believe a little time away from needing that other person to express how they feel bout her (whether physical or emotional) would do wonders and allow her to explore how she feels bout herself. As we all know women are attention whores & it comes about from having qualms about themselves. Once she becomes truly happy with herself then the choice can be made from potential suitors who truly have her best intentions in mind. Now that I'm happy with me, I want to make my significant other smile as much as I do inside.

So what do you think ... Is being alone that unbearable if the time spent leads you to true happiness in the end???

Battle Scars

2009-11-13T21:14:00.003-05:00

There are reasons to why people give the advice of never do what doesn't make you happy. Happiness is a rare and treasured thing. Without it you are just a shell being pushed by the waves and swells of life.
Everyday you are tested and challenged. Once you feel you have passed then comes another & another till you just feel like whats the point. But you must persevere through the tribulations. Many a time I believed I failed only to be blessed with what I longed for. For years I yearned for that brass ring that seemed so far till this past October when I was at my lowest I reached up & grabbed it & I will never let go. Finally happiness but alas it didn't last long... My trials at work I have documented but I must take you back to '05 for you to understand why my heart pains for a job most wouldn't give 2 shits about.

Back in '05 I was living at home, recent Baruch grad, unemployed but very much in love. So in love was I that the dreaded M word danced in my head. Yes marriage. Now the upstanding gentleman that my mother raised me to be I knew that I had to do right by my future bride. Cant get married sleeping on a twin bed can you? So I pursued employment with all the time I had. I mean trips to LI everyday for interviews, combing the job sites all cuz I had a ring to buy& to find a place for me & mine. One day I went up to Baruch to see my beloved and my boy told me of the employment he just secured. Salary, commission, benefits - all that a husband needs. The company JPMorgan Chase. So I went to this interview like all the others, confident & assure. Met the Branch Manager (hell of a lady) then the District Manager (big time douche). I still remember that day, I was asked to sell him my watch & by the end he was trying to take it off my wrist. Job secured, got my girl - happy. Fast forward a lil - training done but girl lost. Sent to a my branch in Greenpoint for my 1st official day. From day one I had to deal with trails from racism to people not liking me cuz I tell it how it is. When the racism came to light I was asked if I wanted a transfer but the loyal dude I am I said no cuz I would have been abandoning the one person who allowed me to get my life on track. I mean cuz she chose me I was able to increase my savings 9 fold. I'm talking low 4 figures to high 6 figures. As time went on I increasingly got happy again- women here & there but I was able to do anything I wanted, buy what I want & get my place.

Fast forward to '09... economic downturn leads to Chase changing focus. They say they out to help the customer but its all about dollars. Again chance to leave but I stay cuz my loyalty comes into play. By this time I have a core of customers that depend on me. I have helped so many people either set their lives up or turn it around that I get thanked to this day from 3 years ago. Should I look at these people as dollar signs? If there's no commission should I just chuck em from my desk. That's not me. I took this job cuz I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives & I feel I have. Now full circle cuz I'm being targeted by a racist manager who will stop at nothing till all the minorities are out. I returned from vacation 10/23 to find out she was actually telling my co-workers she wanted me out. I mean WTF...

From family members with life threatening diseases to getting arrested to an abortion to almost losing that special girl '09 started rough & progressively gotten worse & now I may start '10 outta work... No bueno
But through this all I have had the admiration & well wishes of many close to me that have kept me sane. I stay strong for them cuz we equally need each other & I cant be selfish by abandoning them... I am battle tested & I will win out in the end.....

Support: Bizzy-Free Lunch

2009-11-02T19:59:00.002-05:00

First & foremost shoutout to the dude Bizzy
I have been blessed to know this dude & seen his hustle.
Words from the man:

Free Lunch" the mixtape from BiZZY! became available for download Oct. 31 at www.BlackGeniusInc.com. Be one of the first to witness the real. The mixtape is authentic in that it is meant to capture the emotions that we all juggle on a daily basis. "Free Lunch" will be the soundtrack for that late night train ride and early morning bus trip alike. It encompasses the struggle that we all turn into triumph and it highlights both our failures and successes because these things are what makes a free lunch...free. This is for him, her, them and us. R U BiZZY?

Check the site: BlackGeniusInc.com
Link for download: Bizzy -Free Lunch Mixtape

God Don't Like Ugly

2009-10-31T23:48:00.002-04:00

Now Ive had this story for a lil while ... When that green eyed monster enters

Recently I was shocked and amazed at how lil someone who I cared for took our friendship. This person thought so lil of us that they couldn't make a phone call to discuss something that affected us both. Whatever, after speaking to family & expressing my frustrations on Twitter I came to realize what she did wasn't life threatening.

So me being the bigger man I seem to be more times than not (big heart in this 6'7 frame) I contacted this individual to see if we could move on. She was concerned cuz of my recent ailment so we met up to talk. Not gonna lie to you the lil over 2 hours spent was excruciating. The awkwardness, the silence just wasn't natural with someone who came to know me & I know them as well. As our time ended we split ways with a hug, now I'm thinking we gonna meet up again another time so I let it pass.
Couple hours pass by, my boy Jay comes through to watch that Yankees World Series Game 1 when I get a text from shorty. So I'm like she texting me to let me know she got home safe. This when the hate flows. So here is the text breakdown with my feelings in parentheses:

Her: Please don't tell me the girl on ya page is the girl you talkin to!!!
Me: Y? (Confused)
Her: Because you can do so much better than that! (Like you I bet). I'm not even sayin me I'm sayin in general. (Sure) She not even pretty, she only has an ass. (1 plus over you)
Me: Where did that come from?
Her: It came from Facebook, your Miami pics... I said OH HELL NO... I expected her to be gorgeous... (well your not gorgeous so I guess that's why your not my girl)
Me: Honestly that is very rude. I never settle. If I deal with her then she special. Your entitled to your opinion but watch your mouth. Way to ruin my opinion of you.

She continues on but what she wrote had no bearing on my thoughts. But she did let me know she made a comment on Facebook. So I go online and she writes on her status: is officially close a chapter in my book that i may not go back 2!! Now that's cool except that chapter was never written. Just cuz we had no chance because of how you are then that means you gotta dump on another girl cuz she has better qualities than you since I spend my time with her.

Now this "Hate" epidemic has spread so wide that honestly people don't even know they hating anymore. At no point have I ever, ever gone online to look through ex's photos to see who they dealing with now, wrote my status to take pot shots at another woman & disparage her current. If you got something to say just say it, don't send me a text or Twitter bout it. Especially since those photos been up a week & half before we spoke. I know you see that shit on the Live Feed.

People if you have an issue with someone keep it off the Internet, just speak to them. Be a human being. I write this now because I have spoke to her so this is just me venting like I always do. Oh also if you gonna make your status to make you look good make sure the info is correct. You might have closed the chapter but should've glanced at the Prologue cuz your chances of being my girl were slim, maybe closer to none...

Corporate Benefits

2009-10-31T23:36:00.003-04:00

As most you know I do promotions/marketing on the side for adidas (no one contact JPMorgan Chase). Everyone needs several hustles so lets say I have mastered my time well.

Here I have an offer for my people (& whoever else rolls past the blog). A lil late on this one but I'm busy so get off my back. Still 2 days left just print out & head by the Soho store (Broadway & Houston) or ball out online til Sunday night 11:59pm.

If this doesn't benefit you this weekend below I provide Friends & Family. If you my friend you my family so...
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I would like to extend to you my Holiday Friends and Family Discount. Enjoy a 40% discount off an entire purchase at any adidas Sport Performance, Originals or Factory Outlet store from November 5th through November 8th. To redeem, simply print this email with the coupon below and bring it to an adidas store. Again closest one is in Soho...

Happy Holidays....

I.M.G. Celebrates Launch of FRSHPulp.com‏

2009-10-29T18:30:00.003-04:00

Who: Imperial Marketing Group
What: FRSHPULP.com Magazine Launch
Where: White Rabbit, 145 E. Houston Street (Bet. Forsyth & Eldridge)
When: Thursday, November 5th @ 9:00 p.m.

Brooklyn based lifestyle agency, Imperial Marketing Group (I.M.G.) will celebrate the official launch of new online magazine FRSHPulp on Thursday, November 5 at White Rabbit in New York City. Sponsored by Wealthy Hostage Boutique and The Goodie Bag, in partnership with ILLBANGER Thursdaze and Good Wood NYC, the event will feature free giveaways and an exclusive preview of Good Wood's new collection as well as the first unveiling of the new website, FRSHPulp.com.

FRSHPulp will launch with five sections: ftured, sndz, hstle, threadz and evntz. Each section representing one of the 5 elements of freshness: people, music, fashion, career x money management and events.

Now I have been working closely with I.M.G. & I can tell you that they (we) are on to big things. Come out & show support cuz its definitely going to be a good look.

Choices

2009-10-24T12:43:00.002-04:00

Thank God October is almost over. Thinking of taking a trip to PR or a special trip to Jamaica. But before that can be done Ive had a situation on my brain. Take a read:

There was a guy who had a relationship with this girl. They met thru unconventional means and had a spark since the first conversation. 1st time they saw each other was at his home & she slept over. They didn't fuck til he took her out (cuz she let him know that was the only way). Time passed and they grew closer. She was the type of girl who had many things going on in her life (school, design, unfulfilling job) & maybe a lil immature. He is the type who is established but has side hustles & is extremely honest. He told her honestly how he felt bout her and what it took to be his. She decided to ignore those things or look past them cuz of her busy schedule. But in the same breath she constantly accused him of seeing people behind her back & being a male whore. He couldn't fathom where the accusations came from especially since he always told her of his other jumpoffs. She always said he was all about sex but they had nothing else to build on since she never had time. She was extremely attractive (tall, long legs, nice behind, pretty face) so he never apologized for wanting to hit it when he saw her. She eventually couldn't handle the way things were but building past that stage would be difficult. He considered her as a future & she did special things for him but never gave him what he truly needed. Time. Its like having a long distance relationship within the same borough (Asinine). She left. Time passed, life went on. He decides to see if she is OK cuz he believed they were still friends. Never did he think she would have been keeping a secret. She tells him that she was pregnant for him & decided to have an abortion. He was upset that she didn't even give him a call to let him know even though it is ultimately her decision. The kicker on this story is the baby was 4 months in the womb... She says she didn't know (side eye).

Should he be upset? Should he want to never to see, deal or hear from her again?

Me personally, I believe your life is a destined path. The choices you make right or wrong lead you down the line. You are who you are supposed to be. The issues that arise are to teach you lessons along the way. Problems arise when people outside of your path make choices that affect you. Its like that movie "The Butterfly Effect", one choice leads to another & your future just might change drastically.

People tell him not to be upset cuz it probably wouldn't have worked out between them & basically that's why she made the choice she made. It is her body & her life but some choices don't only effect you but also those around you & the ones you say you care for. She could have at least called him & had a discussion. Maybe things would have changed. You cant assume he would be a deadbeat or that problems would arise between you two. Lets not forget 4 months is far along in a fetus' development. Who would agree to such a thing. Do me a favor hit Google & check photos of what is going on inside a woman's womb after 4 months. Hell check 3 months. (Google Images)

Now he cant help but feel that maybe his life has changed drastically & things would be & will be different. What if he never has kids? What if he has just one & that child grows up resentful that they never had a sibling? Long shots... hmm possibly but everything is possible. What if she lying? What if she made it up? What if she actually has the kid? Ahh forever questions.

Life lesson: never assume what could or couldn't be. Always be honest, upfront & real. People may surprise you...

Life.. Happiness Deterrent

2009-10-22T23:08:00.003-04:00

What makes you happy? Its many things to many people:

Money
Women
Alcohol
Drugs
Social Situations

For me its so simple ... Piece of mind.

October has been a very stressful month for me & its not a good look for the end of the year. Several court dates, possible termination of employment, almost losing someone special to me.

I recently took a trip to Miami & I was hoping this would bring me some joy for at least a week. Boy not with my luck. My main reason of going was to somehow rekindle the magic I had the previous year with a special person. Her smile calms me down & gives me that piece of mind. Well safe to say we weren't on the same page, avoidance was made & stress ensued. All I wanted was a lil alone time & not for what you would think (pervs). One party felt actions didn't match the words being said & the other felt honesty of feelings might just put us on track. Conversation was had & I thought shit was cool but perception isn't reality...

Then I took a short trip to Georgia to see my family. That was cool. Saw my sis, my aunt, my cuz, my lil cuz (such a lil lady & so cute). Fun was had laughs were made til... I decide to contact am old friend on AIM just to see how she's doing. Well my luck she gives me information that literally made me want to punch her in the face. I will save that tidbit for another time since I am still upset about it but safe to say it ruined my day, week & possibly life.

Then I come home to see the ones Ive missed.. had plans, those failed. Go to work and find out that my manager is plotting to have me removed from my job. I mean WTF can I have one piece of my life go right this month. What kind of manager, let alone adult talk behind a colleagues back to plots & scheme to get them fired. If you have an issue with me just tell me. Then I got HR asking me bout my arrest. Damn who wants to be me??

I know life isn't fair and every obstacle is a lesson learned but '09 was great til 10/1. All I want is a lil happiness but it doesn't seem anytime soon or at least til this fucking month is over...

Outside Looking In

2009-10-16T22:18:00.002-04:00

So today I was hanging with my sis at the mall. Good times, went to eat, saw a movie... good time.

Afterward we went to meet up with her co-worker at the Express (small chick 28yrs old, has 2 kids one of which is 13yrs old but that's for another time). So while in there they flirt with this dude who works in there. Now I'm a lil creeped out that my sis would flirt with a dude right in front of me but whatever I peeped game just for kicks. What occurred was generally interesting ...

1st off I don't know if everyone notices this but when women go from having a conversation with a person they know to a conversation with someone they want to know the tone & pitch of their voice makes a drastic turn. Every time my sister flirts her voice gets more sultry & she has this dumb ass laugh. You women think we don't notice this and it actually allows us men to "g" you a lil better. SMH
2nd she told homeboy her name was Aisia. Her name ain't Aisia. I have come to notice that every woman has an alias. For what reason do ya not want to use your real names is beyond me. I can never have a chick come up to me ask my name & I go "Hey I'm Steve" or "Hey I'm Derek". WTF is he gonna find you by just your first name. While I was in Miami some shorty even had the audacity to ask me if I want her real or alias. I want neither, fuck out my face.
3rd this dude made a cardinal sin when it comes to picking up girls. He tried to keep em both interested while trying to see which one would give him play. Safe to say he crashed on both ends. Its much better to alienate one chick while going after the one you want. It will show her your interested in her and that no other chick matters at that time.
Lastly he gave up his number. Needless to say we all know that he will not be getting a phone call on that number except from his mother.

Just a quick scenario wrap up on the interactions between the sexes. Only if he knew what was said bout him after we left the store... He would wanna kill himself. He just seemed like one of those insecure dudes. On the behalf of my sis... I much rather kill myself than watch her flirt again..

A Wise Woman Once Said...

2009-10-16T01:03:00.004-04:00

Coming to you straight from da ATL. I'm down here this week visiting the fam (haven't seen em in like forever... literally).

Was fortunate enough to sit with my sis & one of my fav aunts and speak on relationships. Clearly I was asked whats up with my love life and I Chris Brown'd all around that topic. I have one Per Se but that info for now on whether its good or bad is mine for now. So my sis who likes to throw me under the bus mentioned one girl she loves to bring up to company. She mentioned this girl who I had a casual sexual relationship with in the past. She loves to use this example for some reason to portray me as a dog. I believe she likes this situation cuz she allowed the girl to weasel into her life to stay close to me. She allowed the girl to make her believe she tricked on me. So I told my aunt like this straight up, Ive been taking care of myself financially since I was 14 & this girl tried to buy my love. I told shorty from jump what it was gonna be, didn't want her to be my girl before we ever had sex, just friends. She saw my point but asked if I normally have sex with my friends. I said no but when I do I handle it by separating emotions. I told her women have a tendency to mix up love & sex. Just cuz a man sleeps with you doesn't mean its more than that. Communication is key so lay the guidelines. She saw my point but still thought I was a dog.

Now the topic of dating came up. Now we all know from previous posts my take on that topic. What was interesting was that this older Haitian woman had the same views on dating as I did. She was married before, has 2 daughters, 4 grandkids & a long distance "boyfriend". Now my sis keeps telling her she needs to date because my sis is of the mind that is the only way to meet someone & settle down. My aunt stated "Dating is a waste of time". This surprised me cuz in my family all the older women are married have kids stay married no matter the situation. She doesn't want to have to go out and sit down & act a certain way to try to impress some dude who she probably wont connect with. I believe she was hurt by her divorce which in part keeps her introverted as well as less connected to the dude she has partly now. Why put her self through the torture. I will say it again if you want to get to know someone take em out their element, get them uncomfortable and see how they react.

Then I was asked about marriage. Now on marriage I am a bit softer cuz I want that one woman to be with forever, except more times than not forever tends to be a bit shorter than expected. Now my aunt never wants to get married again which may make her a lil biased. We spoke on another fam member who has a girl, which is carrying his baby, who he has yet to propose to. Now we all have theories bout said girl, mine is she just isn't right for him. Now should he change multiple lives & marry her just cuz she pregnant? Of course not. Too many women (men too, no bias here) are looking for someone to take care of them instead of being in love. I plan on getting married once, if shit don't work out a bachelor career is my ticket. Making sure she's the one is key & this is where the sage advice comes from:
She told me once I decide on that one woman to make sure I know the divorce laws in whatever state I'm in. Prenup is a key. I was shocked that an older woman is telling me this. Most women I speak with when the topic of prenup comes up they face scrunch up, body starts to shift like I'm asking em to go clean a septic tank.

Funny thing is I just had the same conversation with my homegirl re: marriage & where to & not to get married. NY safe to say is the worst place to get married for a man plain & simple. If you like L's this is where to take em..

To end my rambling all I gotta say is when women speak open ya ears cuz they will surprise you every now & then. Guess this trip was worth it after all ...

Hiatus

2009-10-14T23:49:00.002-04:00

As many of you know I have been away on vacation so posting has been a task for me.
The good thing is my mind has not stopped working while I was away and I have some ideas at work in my head.
Miami was a lil rough for me at times (actually broke down one night)... So just stay tuned and I will be back with thoughts that give you a glimpse into my psyche...
Oh & before I left I had a great meeting with my team on some new opportunities that I am extremely excited about so I will hit you with that as well

Till then stay up....

Soundcheck @ Santos Party House 10.2.09

2009-10-08T20:19:00.003-04:00

Live from the MIA... I know people been looking for my next blog entry (100K) and I apologize for the delay

Well earlier in the month I had the pleasure of being invited to the latest Soundcheck event @ Santos. Shout out to the homie BreyKing. The main reason I went was to see my homegirl Overfab do her thing.

First of we had to see a couple of performances. 1st off we were blessed wit a couple of performances/randomness:

Rock/Rap band Anton Glam: Honestly for an event called Soundcheck this performance did not take advantage of the option of checking levels & volume before their set. To honestly make a decision on this group would be difficult since I could not make out what their lyrics were.
Next we were blessed with a producer by the name of Shatek. He played some of the hits he made for some major artists such as Cassidy, Fabolous, DMX, Joe Budden & up & coming rapper Vic Damone. Was good to put a face to the person who help make some of my fav joints through the years.
Next was a performance by Rockstar Society. This group knew how to play to the crowd especially the ladies but again the lyrics and overall song quality was lacking.
Next was a random ass fashion show by Kissed By Rain/Pink Elephant. I'm not even gonna comment.

Then came why I was there, my homegirl Overfab. This girl puts on a show. Skits, dancing (shout out to my homie Dana) and raps. If you check my previous blog (Death Of AARP) you know the girl goes in. Check the videos below:

Soundcheck Overfab 1 from rob fortune on Vimeo

Soundcheck Overfab 2 from rob fortune on Vimeo

SoundCheck Overfab 3 from rob fortune on Vimeo

Benefit plus I got to see my fav new group ShinobiNinja. This group has been on my mind since I seen them at out 1st FrshPulp event. Check the extra vids below to see what I mean...

SoundCheck-ShinobiNinja from rob fortune on Vimeo

SoundCheck-ShinobiNinja2 from rob fortune on Vimeo

So all in all was a good show, saw my homie rip it down, saw Shinobi rip it... Man good thing I'm going to be doing this more often... Stay tuned for my next endeavor...

Sorry Ass Excuse

2009-10-01T23:11:00.002-04:00

Just a random thought...

When did being a man involve not sticking to your word/actions? Do we really live in a world where we can make statements or act out & not stand by them? Do we automatically forget what was said/done because they uttered 5 letters - SORRY?

I live by one rule if it wasn't meant it wouldn't have been. I'm a strictly unapologetic person. Not to say I'm a dick & I do what I want no remorse. I just stick to my actions/words & take the consequences accordingly. If I say something its cuz I went through a thought process & that's how I meant it. If I do something I take responsibility & see where that leads. No need to bitch up and expect to be forgiven forever.

Case in point: I have friends who promise to come see me/call me/whateva. They don't follow up on their promise & expect me to treat them the same. Man fuck ya sorry for real. Be an adult, don't say shit you don't mean. Honestly that shit gets put in memory & sooner than later I'm just gonna neva speak to ya ass again.
Now if your hurt in any way by my actions I feel bad that your upset/hurt/bewildered but I'm not sorry. Its just words floating in air. Does it mean I will be more careful next time, probably not cuz I don't tip toe around feelings but you will adjust to me.

Jus a random thought at a random time...

Making Strides

2009-09-29T13:13:00.004-04:00

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:

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.

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

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."

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

2009-09-25T21:01:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-22T14:08:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-20T03:14:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-16T17:31:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-14T23:30:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-12T12:25:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to write a post to thank all the people who have been reading my random views on life & things important to me.

You guys are the reason why I continued to write this blog over the past 4 months. Those of you who follow me on blogger you rock & those who do not and just read the email link you rock as well just not as hard (join the site, create a damn profile & leave a comment or 2 - if you can do it for Facebook, Twitter, Match.com, Fling.com, BlackPlanet, etc. you can do it for me)

I really appreciate the love and the feedback you guys have given me to increase my range as a writer. Special thanks go out to my boy 100k(http://thoughtsof100k.blogspot.com/), my boy Jay B. & my inspirational & development consultant Jennifer F.(http://girlshesgottahaveit.blogspot.com/)

Now if your wondering "Why would Rob name a thank you post Backhanded Compliment?"
Well after you read my post its not necessary to tell me you assumed I was a jerk/douche/asshole. Is it so amazing that I can formulate thoughts and ideas in a thoughtful sometimes sensitive manner? I have been giving most of you advice for a while now & asked to maybe write a blog, now that I have you guys tear me down with your love.
Me being a Cancer I am sometimes overly sensitive... Sorry

Keep reading....

Air Jordan XI - Space Jam

2009-09-10T11:01:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-09T20:14:00.006-04:00

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

2009-09-08T14:09:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-03T19:45:00.006-04:00

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

2009-09-03T13:27:00.003-04:00

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

True Beauty

2009-08-31T20:52:00.002-04:00

On Page 194 of Glamour's September issue, one photo of a near-naked woman has become a hot topic. All because of one little pot belly.
Plus-size model Lizzie Miller, in every other way a perfect specimen of humanity, is seen smiling broadly as her stomach hangs out over her underwear. (More At Glamour.com: Read About The Photo) Now most people, men & women, would be disgusted by this no? Within hours of hitting the stands, the magazine's switchboard lit up with calls from astonished and delighted readers. I myself when I first saw the pic was amazed that a Fashion magazine like Glamour who usually show unnecessarily skinny women on its pages all the time would publish this. I feel just like Ms Miller "I think this just shows how people are so hungry to see these kinds of images in magazines."

Whether you like it or not most women look like this, if not for the time they don't have to hit the gym or from the greatest gift they can give a man - having a baby. I myself have slept with women like this recently and was not disgusted. It comes with the territory & I enter that region repeatedly. Who wouldn't love a woman like Ciara or JLo or Halle Berry but it ain't gonna happen always. Those celebrities have expensive trainers & meal plans. You not gonna look like them no matter how many celebrity endorsed workout DVDs you buy. (You hear me Natalie)

Now some think Glamour is advocating obesity or unhealthiness but no cuz Miller is 5'11 & a sz 12-14. Far from obese or ugly. She is comfortable with her body which is the ultimate sexy. I cant tell you how many women walk the streets all day long afraid to be looked at and don't understand how beautiful they are. Think they gotta look like Paris Hilton or L. Lohan. Those chicks are beautiful in their own way as are woman who are short, tall, fat, skinny. No matter what you look like you have something worth giving and someone is out there for you & if not fuck it live your life.

I applaud this woman & hope that it opens the eyes of women & America. Like they say big girls need love too.

Windows W/ The Blinds Down

2009-08-31T20:18:00.005-04:00

Now we all know how marketing works. Hell I took it as my major in college. When in certain markets you make the ad attractive to the culture/people/demographic that your targeting.

Which is what Microsoft was aiming for here. Now can anyone tell me the difference in these 2 photos? I'll give you a sec.....

Yes correct they changed the black man out of the ad for Poland (Now I work in a predominately Polish neighborhood & I can tell you these MF'ers are racist to the core). That's all good you know stick to what sells, can't be mad black people have always been looked down upon

So you ask "Why write the post?" Well if you were a bit more astute and really looked at the photo you would have noticed that its not that they changed the black man to a white man... The jerks at Microsoft photoshopped a white man's head on the black dude's body. The US ad, meant to showcase Microsoft's business IT software, features a politically correct ethnic mix of a white woman, black man, and Asian man seated around a conference table. In the Polish ad, however, the head of a white man replaces the black man. If the ad's designers were more adept at Photoshop, less lazy, or just weren't racist no one would have noticed. But the software geniuses forgot to swap out the black man's hand, which is clearly visible in the ad resting on the conference table.

Poland's predominately white population might have been a factor in doctoring the image. Indeed, the largest non-white group in Poland is the Vietnamese, which account for around 3 percent of the country's 38 million citizens (which is why the Asian dude was left alone). Moving to quickly squash the racially charged mistake, Microsoft apologized and said that it was "looking into the details of the situation." So we all know that some dude got fired for just carrying on the normal day activities of Microsoft. The company also removed the ad from its Polish Web site, and replaced it with the original ad which I guess shows that they like black people

Now am I gonna get rid of my Windows OS & jump to Apple, no but it does show you the inner workings of a main US conglomerate & yes they are not the only ones. Unfortunately this is just another example of present day racism.

Wordspit... The Coolest B-Boi Stance Mixtape

2009-08-27T19:55:00.002-04:00

So here it is fols the long anticipated mixtape by my boy Wordspit. Homie is dope said this before and i dont co-sign many niggaz out there cuz they straight lame.
But as always ya like to find out yaselves so hit the link & cool out...
The Coolest B-Boi Stance Mixtape

Events: Leaders of the New School

2009-08-24T15:14:00.003-04:00

September 2nd
Doors open at 10 pm : Show starts at 10:30 pm
@ Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery btwn Houston and Bleecker

Here is another dope event that I will be attending. Brought to you by my peoples @ Forty Fresh x Sosa Management x FRSH PULP. If you seen my photos or checked my pages before then you know the events are on point. The run down is:

RIP MC (Dude is on point)
Wordspit (If you don't know get with it. Check his Joystick Madness video on a previous post)
Eric Sosa (Smooth)
Shalea (Seen her live, If you knew the story on how we met her, Looks & the voice = Goosebumps)

This post is mainly for the folks who say I never put them on to events so bring yaself out & enjoy real entertainment.

Update: Advance tickets are $8 and you can always holla @ me or shoot an email to rsvp4show@gmail.com and they will hold you a ticket.

Groupie Love

2009-08-22T23:18:00.002-04:00

Now we all know the animal we fondly know as the Groupie. We see them all day long.
On video sets, movie sets, basketball courts.
Some groupies will do anything & I mean anything for the star (or dat nigga off da block wit da rims).
I found this clip that proves this fact. Listen to what shorty says at the end of the clip to try & ride (Literally).
The disgusting part of this phenomena is the age of this girl. Wheres her mom to teach her how to behave like a lady. This clip shows the lack of parents in general in our society. Just watch...

TakeOver: Autotune

2009-08-22T23:16:00.001-04:00

Now you know once white people take a hold of something that means its dead.
Sorry T-Pain you gonna have to sell dat Big Ass Chain... Maybe not but this shit is hilarious.

Auto Tuning from Casey Donahue on Vimeo.

Video: Jay-Z - Run This Town (Feat. Kanye West & Rihanna)

2009-08-21T21:44:00.002-04:00

So some post had this up yesterday & shit was taken off. I got it up now.
Finally seen this shit in the barbershop. Was getting tired of all these trailers.
Could of released this video 2 weeks ago instead of wasting time with previews.

Amber Rose Topless South Beach Photos

2009-08-20T17:40:00.004-04:00

Well I was hard at work as usual (LOL) and I came across some interesting photos.
I know she doesnt hold any real significance in realty but I seem to hear about her multiple times a day.
So I took a break from my sneaker shopping to post these hope I made someone elses day.
Shouts out to WeAllScheme.com

August Foot Locker Family & Friends Discount

2009-08-20T17:33:00.002-04:00

The Foot Locker chain of stores (Foot Locker, FootAction, and Champs Sports) is having another 30% off family and friends discount coupon. The deal only lasts until 8/23 so get your back to school shopping in before this expires. Use the online coupon code or print the following coupons out below:

Foot Locker online coupon code FF98C345 or printable coupon
FootAction online coupon code FF98C334 or printable coupon
Champs Sports online coupon code FF98C623 or printable coupon

You know I'm here to save some money in these times plus I'm a certified SneakerHead.

Experiences Breed Character

2009-08-18T21:12:00.003-04:00

I’m so happy Michael Vick is out and signed to the Eagles and can’t wait to see him tear up opposing defenses again. I just got around to watching the 60 Minutes interview that aired on Sunday 8/16 and was very intrigued on what he had to say.

Now when this dude got fingered as the man bankrolling this tremendous interstate dogfighting operation by the name of Bad Newz Kennels I was in shock that this dude could have this much money & fame and still do something this stupid. I just could not believe it.
So it was proven to be him, the trial went through, all his flunkies turned state on him & he got sentenced to 2yrs. He lost his $130 million contract, endorsements, job, houses, cars and life for 2yrs.
Now granted he committed a crime and deserved what he got but I cant help but feel homie got shafted. So he gets out and then again the NFL shafts him as if he didn't do his time. Commissioner Goodell flip flopping on whether this man can resume his life doing obviously the only thing he knows. Finally last week it was said this highlight film will be back in the NFL. Happiness all around the country not cuz he slithered his way back but because it would be thoroughly unjust to keep him out.
Now he gets to tell his story and he seems very remorseful and saddened by what took place & I accept his apology. But some things stood out for me:

First off I cant help, & never could help since this story broke, feel that this is a big deal because he is Michael Vick. Now a black man the face of the NFL most people couldn't stand that. The purists who love the game couldn't help be upset that he did everything different and better than those before him. Now I'm not saying whitey is out to ruin him but ask yourself if it was Peyton Manning or Tom Brady would this investigation go as far as it did. To believe that he bankrolled an entire operation alone with no help from anyone is preposterous. To believe that if he wasn't around this interstate operation of pastime of many would disappear. C'mon.
A great question asked was why he did it. The obvious answer was that he was exposed to this lifestyle from very young. How young... 8yrs old. Now is that worth some consideration. In the south this is like a national past time fighting dogs. Don't get me wrong it doesn't make it right but your experiences tend to shape your life. Vick spoke on how cops would see these fights and keep it moving. If no one from you friends/family to the law enforcement tells you something is wrong how would you know?
Now my main point I want to hit is why in America is dogfighting looked at so wrong? Is it really for the treatment of the animals or is it because its not mainstream lucrative. People fight dogs for the excitement, blood lust & monetary gain associated with this "sport". Like Vick says in the video for the competition. Reminds me of some very popular sports such as MMA(Mixed Martial Arts), Horse Racing, Boxing. Now these past times are treated differently. Well Boxing & MMA are human sports so there is a sense of control because humans can elaborate when the pain is too much. But lets talk about horses. Those are wonderful creatures right? Now Vick killed dogs who couldn't fight but its the same as when the horses cant run they kill them as well or shoot them up with enough pain killers and steroids that they cant tell they're hurt. Check this link Truth Behind The Horse Racing Industry.

Now again in no way am I condoning what Vick did or asking for him to get special treatment like other athletes but maybe we should ask all the questions before we jump on a man and kill his life.
An animal is still an animal & has animal instincts, so remember before you judge a man remember if your dog is sweet because it is or you trained it that way. When push comes to shove the claws come out & the jaw is strong whether or not someone is there to push the buttons.

Law Abiding Citizen

2009-08-18T20:47:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to hook my people up with something yah might wanna wait for.

Law Abiding Citizen is a thriller about a brilliant sociopath who orchestrates a series of high-profile murders that grip the city of Philadelphia - all from inside his jail cell - and the prosecutor assigned to his case who realizes he is the only one who can end the reign of terror.
Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler star in what looks like the action movie of the Fall season. “Law Abiding Citizen” will be in theaters 10/16/09.
I'm definitely gonna see this.

Video: "Joystick Madness"

2009-08-15T19:49:00.002-04:00

Here's the video for the homie Wordspit's song Joystick Madness. He's a real cool dude & I know that him and his team work hard!(Since I'm usually there). Homie is straight outta Brooklyn so you know he got what it takes..
Look out for him & the mixtape The Coolest B-Boi Stance drops August 24.

FRSH Pulp Live MC Series Has Been RESCHEDULED

2009-08-13T21:44:00.001-04:00

No need to worry but we have decided to reschedule the panel once again due to how close the Aug. 26 date is to trade show season. We rather wait to have all our panelists on-board.

We are thinking late September either the 23 or the 30.

So I will keep ya posted...

Hate Ya Job: Stay Off Da Net Bout It

2009-08-13T20:21:00.011-04:00

So this should be a known piece of advice.. Hate your job, hate your boss that's cool just know everyone + their moms is on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter or even on ya fave blog. As seen below one idiot went on a rave bout her boss & job and now she part of the 800k+ people on unemployment.

Now funny shit on this chick is completely dense... If you gonna rant make sure ya facts make sense. Here's some tips...

Make sure your boss likes vagina before you accuse him of hitting on you.

Make sure the "outrageous" demands made by said boss are outside your actual job function.

Make sure you can actually perform said tasks with at least half brain capacity.

Last make sure you actually are fully hired before you fuck up

Now i hate my job sometimes as well and I actually called my co-workers Jerks on Facebook but who cares cuz they are Jerks 1st off and I'm not getting fired cuz I make them money.

So just a quick bit of advice & insight. Remember if you cant say it to their face don't say it on Facebook.

Frsh Pulp Live MC Series!!!!!

2009-08-09T18:58:00.004-04:00

FRSH Pulp Live MC Series is back and of course better than ever! MC stands for Music and Conversation, and this time around we've put together a dope panel on the Evolution of the Streetwear Industry with some very heavy hitters in the game and have a special live performance by one if the Illest who's about to do it, Brooklyn MC, Wordspit.

The Evolution of Streetwear
From Underground Culture to Corporate Monster

Today, Streetwear is a multi-million dollar business but its roots stem from the cultures of underprivileged, urban neighborhoods. Join us as we discuss the journey of how Streetwear evolved into one of the most sought after fashion genres and how it has and will continue to influence popular culture.

Featured Panelists:

Daymon Green
Brand Development and Licensing Director of Lounge Consulting

Kiran Goraya
Content Coordinator: DrJays.com DJPremium.com StreetStyle.com

Justice
Designer: 20twentytees.com, Ryan Sheckler

To RSVP send an email to frshrsvp@gmail.com or visit FrshPulp.Eventbrite.com

If you've never experienced an I.M.G or FRSH Pulp event, peep footage from the Minds Behind the Music Summit at SocietyandStyle.com

Make sure you come out to this event... Get wit it or miss out!!!

WordSpit.. Learn Da Name

2009-08-09T18:48:00.002-04:00

Had to make a quick post bout one of the freshest MC's out right now. I have the pleasure of knowing dude personally and seeing him perform live.
Homie got skills & goes by the name WordSpit...
Here's the link to his site check him out & download his new joint "Joystick Madness"

WordspitWasHere.com

Joystick Madness MP3

Stay tuned for the official video coming soon...

Shoulda Neva Gave Ya N****z Money!!!

2009-08-04T21:39:00.004-04:00

Was recently perusing the 'net as I do every night when I came upon a nice update on one of my fave blogs. In said blog was a video that Soulja Boy posted called "Rich Nigga Shit". Hmmmm. I'm going to let you watch before i continue...

Now I personally think this shit was hot when I 1st saw it. Now as time went by and after I posted it to my Facebook page I started thinking... Why in the hell would a black man in this time and age choose to spend money he didn't even work hard for on a remote control pendent covered in black diamonds:
1. He had nuttin better to do.
2. He is just that dumb.
3. He is the dancing monkey whit America wants him to continue to be.

Now I'm no big Soulja Boy fab but he makes catchy music that attracts a certain demographic. All the best to you but you have to be somewhat in control of yourself cuz once a Black man is on TV all Black men are on TV. Is It fair he must burden such a huge load no its not but nuttin has ever come easy for Blacks.

I'm not one to just pounce on dude without hearing his side so he had this to say...

1ST OF ALL. I didn’t pay ANYTHING for my black Lamborghini chain I got it FREE as a birthday present from my jeweler when I turned 19 on July 28!
2ND OF ALL. Even if I did pay for it who are you to judge me on what I purchase with MY money?
3RD OF ALL. Why do the media blow up the things that they think will make me look stupid or ignorant. Why not publicize or put me in the spotlight when I do positive things?

1st of even as a present you don't flaunt something that ridiculously & blatantly extravagant to show people below you you have nuttin better to do with time money or associates.
2nd of all even though we don't have the right to tell you how to spend ya money you don't have the right to act like an ass and degrade a whole race.
3rd im going to give props where due. Even though i don't agree with half this dudes antics he does do good for the community...

He went to his hood this past Christmas to pass out toys to everybody on the west side of Atlanta where he grew up.
He has a Little league football team that he sponsors in Batesville, MS
He donated &25k to help build a rec center and a Boys & Girls Club so kids could have a good Christmas with the Toyz N Da Hood Foundation.

Now i never knew that about Soulja Boy before he did this ignorant shit. I also didn't know he had beef wit Ice-T or dudes ran in his crib & he supposedly had to blast em (c'mon SB popping off unlikely, now he a gangsta)
So granted it took him to something so ridiculous for us to know what he does intelligently and the media (by media dat includes bloggers as well) needs to showcase when we do things well not just when we shooting each other or showcasing diamonds (a la T-Pain's Big Ass Chain) or beating our baby moms. That being said if you know this was gonna create a firestorm why make the choice to fuel the flames its just poor judgement from another youth who came from nothing and has too much damn money.
Donate some of that money you wasting like you already do, help out our struggling MTA system or our failing Albany senate...
But I digress Soulja Boy no matter how much you do right or wrong it shows monkies belong in a cage or in the wild.
Thanks to Soulja Boy, T-Pain, Chris Brown, Lil' Wayne, Birdman, 50 Cent, Plies Kelis & the countless other celebrities that show America some Blacks deserve less rights...

Love Shouldn't Hurt Fundraiser 8.5.09

2009-08-03T18:21:00.003-04:00

Love Shouldn't’ Hurt Fundraiser

Wed, August 5th 2009 from 6pm-10pm

Honey Lounge 243 W14th Street New York , NY 10011

**Donations are greatly appreciated and definitely needed**

On July 14th, 2009 Greyssel (Grace) Gomez, a 24 year old mother of 7 year old Rodney Jr., and college student was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend multiple times on a Brooklyn street. Grace had gone there that day expecting her ex-boyfriend to return her son to her custody, but instead of bringing their son he brought a gun. Sadly, he fled the scene and no arrests have been made.

Wednesday August 5th, Grace’s friends will be sponsoring a happy hour fundraiser in her memory. All of the proceeds will go to Grace’s family for the care of her son Rodney Jr. We also aim to bring awareness with this event to the devastating effects of domestic violence in our communities. We must mobilize for change because love shouldn’t hurt.

In the U.S. every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten.
Approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States.

For more information on Grace’s story and the case please visit:
NyDaily News.com
NY1.com

*****Rest In Peace Greyssel May 15th, 1985- July 14th, 2009******

Nike Keychains @ Dope Factory

2009-07-26T19:26:00.003-04:00

Just thought this was cool as I am a SneakerHead @ heart. The people at Dope Factory have just restocked on their highly popular Nike sneakers key chains. The detailed reproductions are real impressive and if you love kicks like I do go cop.

Prices are in Euro but they have a converter on the site. For this quality price is reasonable.

The whole collection is now available at Dope Factory....

Foot Locker July Family & Friends 30% Off Sale

2009-07-26T19:19:00.001-04:00

The Foot Locker umbrella of stores (Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Footaction) are having their July Family and Friends 30% off sale. Simply print out the following coupons or rock out online. Just wanna help my people save money.

Footlocker Printable Coupon or Discount Code FF97CP26
Footaction Printable Coupon or Discount Code FF97CP34
Champs Sports Discount Code FF97CP69 (online only - no printable coupon)

Leading Ladies Premiere @ Sole Food NYC

2009-07-26T13:49:00.009-04:00

Thursday night, I was invited to a private screening of The Leading Ladies of Streetwear by CoCoa of Coolcruelworld.com @ SoulFood NYC (Shouts out to 100K). The short film featured spotlights on the brands Hellz Bellz, Dime Piece, and MOB as well as interviews with the head ladies in charge of the brands. Guests were given an inside look into the minds of Lanie Alabanza-Barcena (Hellz Bellz), Leah Mcsweeney (MOB), and many more. Shouts to Jeff for working the camera.

They had several guests including many industry veterans. Marisa Mendez (Hot 97), Dee Vazquez (Sirius Radio/MTV and staff from Complex Magazine, Honey Magazine and Boys + Clothes Magazine– plus many, many more were in the house including myself & IMG

Congrats CoCoa...

Animal Instincts or No Respect?

2009-07-20T21:17:00.002-04:00

Well back to my favorite subject: The Male-Female Dynamic

I was at the office today and the topic came up re: cheating. Mainly because my male co-worker was leaving and the only topic on his mind was Pussy as usual. My female co-worker(a bit of la la land) just finshed a convo with me re: my last post.

As we spoke on this us three the main point that came out is that Women are generally smarter when it comes to deceiving Men and Men fuck around just cuz we can. we concurred that this cheating phenomenon is an American thing. Almost every other country it is known that the Man will have several partners even if married. Sad case I know.

My view on it is people cheat because the Love they say they have for you is not actually there or not to the extent you believe it to be. Why would you continually go out and do something that you know is wrong and hurtful? Just cause you believe you will not get caught? Thats some kid shit like when you steal a cookie before dinner. You know its wrong & you dont want to upset your moms but that cookie taste so damn good.

I say if you like multiple partners why subject yourself to the torture of seeing just one person. You know you gonna go out there and sample. Just stay single be honest and leave the choice up to the other party whether or not they like you fucking around (trust there is alot of people just like you not trying to be tied down)

So I was curious and wanted to research & like any good researcher I hit Google up. Now many links came up (as usual) and these stats are astounding. Apparently 1 in every 2.7 men will cheat on their wives. Approximately 40% of men seek sexual satisfaction outside their relationships and back in 1950 it used to be 50% unfaithful.

Now most of these articles basically give the same info based on my research. The best info I read was taht it was just as much the womans fault as the man.
"When the woman does not focus in on the needs and the feelings, sexually, personally, to make him feel like a man, to make him feel like a success, to make him feel like her hero, he’s very susceptible to the charm of some other woman making him feel what he needs"
Now Im all for taking responsibility for your own actions but this is genius, woman are always putting their man down whether or not he deserves it. Why would he stick around or remain faithful when u tell him

He aint shit
He not as good as the next guy
He can do better
He too cheap
He cant fuck you right.

No condoning the cheating cuz its his decision to repair what’s damaged and to feed himself where he’s starving. Women must hold responsibility for tossing good dudes out by not treating them the way they want to be treated. Woman tell me all the time (just tonight matter of fact) that if some other dude comes around and shows her attention then she gotta let her man either know or he gotta go. So why cant men have the same options. Honestly ladies the people you need to be upset with more than your man is your fellow gender mates. Like ya say a man gonna be a man but other chicks be thirst to take what ya got.

Now the reason I believe women cheat is simple so this wont take long. Women are simply ATTENTION WHORES. Any dude who dates a woman must know he has to give his girl so much attention he will not even have time to wash his balls. The second he stops showing her that attention she will seek it out from some other man. Honestly men are grimey so she will get that attention elsewhere. But the basis for their infidelity is not animalistic or even to fulfill something within them its purely to hurt and embarrass their partner for ever thinking he can ignore her or limit his attention towards her.

I personally experienced this myself. I had a girl back about 4 yrs ago and I used to spoil this girl senseless. Money, gifts, sex whatever she wanted she got. Maybe its my fault (I promise never again) but once the attention lessened she went nuts. The reason it slowed cuz I was working a new job to save up to propose to her. It didnt matter the reason cuz the second she got the chance she threw it in my face at the worst time that she fucked that dude in that bar bathroom. When I think of it shit still crazy to me. I still loved her but she chose to hurt me at my direct bottom moment. She should of understood but she made the selfish decision to hurt me as much as she thought she was hurt.

To bring it back to the top whoever cheats that person is being real with you or themselves. The person who cheats is doing it for a very selfish reason. It’s a very selfish act. Whatever love they say they have or had for you, you should really contemplate the value of their words and that "love".

Check these links for more info

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20080827_tows_cheating

http://www.lifescript.com/Life/Relationships/Wreckage/6_Reasons_Why_Men_Cheat.aspx

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23575221/

End The Cycle

2009-07-20T12:40:00.004-04:00

Aight I know I been gone for a min & you've missed me....

Now I wish that my 1st post back would come at a better time in life but here we go...

This summer started off so well for me. Parties, BBQ's & women. Really enjoyable, good friends & great times.
Now there must be something in the water mixing with the sun because I recently have come aware of 3 separate stories (2 women I know personally) of violence against women. Now I come from a time where "putting your woman in check" is the norm. Its almost socially acceptable in our Caribbean community to allow these practices. Well hopefully after these stories something might change.

7/12/2009 Carmen Saldana, 23
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07152009/news/regionalnews/queens/tragic_last_party_179303.htm
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07172009/news/regionalnews/queens/man_cleared_in_fit_beauty_slay_179720.htm

Earlier last week I was reading the NY Post like I do every morning during my commute on the L train. I came across a story in the middle of the paper (this should of been a bit closer to page one but we know tabloids) re: a young girl killed over that earlier weekend. According to reports Ms Saldana had attended a party at a friends house that weekend. She left alone and was not heard from. her mother, who cleans houses in the Hamptons, came home to find her dead half naked in her bed. Needless to say no one can sympathize with her moms unless you have witnessed this yourself. Apparently shorty put on her facebook some messages that people close to her should have taken seriously re: a boy she was dealing with. He was at said party and witnesses seen her leave with him. No one took em seriously and now shorty is dead. The young dude has still not been found or charged but we know how this ends.

7/14/2009 Greyssel Grace Gomez, 24
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/07/19/2009-07-19_moms_date_with_death.html

Now this one hits a lil closer to home. Now everyone knows how crazy it gets in the streets of Brooklyn. Unfortunately the craziness was closer that warranted. Tuesday night I was chillin' in my crib when I got a text I thought (hoped) was a joke. It stated that Grace had been shot by her baby father. Now I never really flexed with Grace in that way in her time here but she was extremely cool with many people I know. Actually just found out she went to school with a girl I'm close to. She told me she used to speak to Grace on a daily basis over the phone. Now I spoke to Grace on a non regular basis but I did know things about her like she had a son, she was very much focused on finishing school and she just recently returned from a trip to see her family in Florida who just moved there to escape the issues in NY. Now she loved her son and that's why she allowed this dude to still be in her life. This coward of a dude lured her to her death with the belief of bringing her pride & joy. Now this dude is on the lam and will soon be found. Unfortunately he has not only ruined his life but ended one and forever changed another. Hopefully he is brought in soon to face his decision.

7/19/2009 N. Douglas, 28

Last night I was speaking to my homegirl from Toronto over MSN Messenger. You usual shit during the day. Like around 9pm or so shorty comes back online and I ask whats up. She proceeds to tell me she was in a physical altercation with her baby father. Now she owned up to her smart mouth but as details go from her this proceeded to knock her down, drag her thru the lobby, take her upstairs, throw her on the bed so hard it broke, smash her head into the wall and if that don't be all he attacked her while she was holding their daughter. Now I know what your thinking I wasn't there and its her account but I can vouch for shorty and she has no reason to lie to me. I'm just happy she is alive couldn't handle another death.

Now what do all these stories have in common. All these women have or had a man in their life that for whatever reason was still significant. The 1st had a dude who was obsessed with her. The last 2 is their child's father. I was originally going to write this blog re: violence in general between partners but in light of these events it seems all to familiar that women are being attacked on a regular basis. Now don't get me wrong women definitely abuse men albeit not always physical.

Any man can attest to the mental abuse we suffer through the women we are involved with. I really wanna state that people need to make better decisions. I was just speaking to my boy about this situation and we both agreed that in these situations what could this woman have done to this man for him to leave his crib & carry a loaded gun to end her life. No one is totally innocent nowadays but no deserves to have their life taken. The choices we make effect not only ourselves but everyone we come in contact with before and after the decision. I like to refer to the "butterfly effect"(Ashton Kutcher starred in a film by the same name, really good but a bit disturbing). Our choices are just a drop in the bucket & the ripples are far reaching.

I just hope once you read this changes can be made whether you act this way, have someone in your life who treats you this way or just know people that conduct themselves in such a manner.

It must end.

2009-07-07T14:21:00.007-04:00

And....we're back folks!!!This Saturday, we'll be having our first Minds Behind The Music Summit! Once again I apologize to those of you who came out as it was scheduled to be @ the BK Hip Hop Festival. Rain didnt stop our game and we've rescheduled it for July 11th at PNC Studios in Dumbo, Brooklyn from 1-3 PM.Featured panelists include:

Amy "Aimstar" Andrieux-Senior Editor/ General Manager, The Source Media Group
Amanda "Precise" McIntyre-Chavis-Executive of Mechanical Licensing/ Artist Development, EMI/ Capitol Music Group
Shukmei Wong-Co-Founder/ Publicist, WeRoqq Publicity & Promotion
Anslem Samuel-Music/ Entertainment Journalist
Souleo-Popular Culture & Entertainment Journalist/ Souleo Enterprises, Inc.
Justin Henry-Studio Engineer/ Producer, Chung King Studios
A King-Program Director/ On-Air Personality, PNC Radio
Jake Paine-Editor in Chief of HipHopDX.com
Wordspit-Artist/ MC

Ya'll can RSVP @ info@theimgway.com or http://mindsbehindthemusic.eventbrite.com/

I'm really excited about this as it's an event for a company I work with closely.

D.O.A. Death Of A.A.R.P... WOW!!!

2009-07-03T22:05:00.005-04:00

Now I have some crazy friends but I think there is not one as crazy, spontaneous, wild & real as my homie Kerry OverFab Coddett. Now I've known this girl for a lil bit now and she always had me smiling. Whether its dancing fashion or jus advice this girl does it like no other

Taht said I never thought she would do this. Check the link below for her official song D.O.A. Death of AARP. Now people think she going at the biig homie Jay-Z but open ya ears and pay attention... My homie got talent

http://www.myspace.com/overfab

On Thurs 7/2 she had a video release for the song @ Habana Outpost... Shouts out to them.
Heres the link
http://www.youtube.com/overfabtv

Check the photos from the event

Things Aint Always What They Seem

2009-07-03T13:47:00.003-04:00

Recently I was at an event with some friends. As the event was winding down me & my peoples started speaking on male/female dynamics (what else do we speak about).

I have a homegirl who is dating/seeing.playing with this guy. Now this dude as far as I can tell is head over heels for shorty, I mean why not my homegirl is very attractive, some say sexy and others say BAD. He calls her to see how she's doing, texts her in the morning and takes her out every chance he can.

Now every story has two sides. Unfortunately for dude she is not even attracted to him. There is just no spark which is understandable. No one faults her for that. Now every dude has been in the situation where you like a girl but she is not feeling you. Also we have been in the situation where we like a girl and you think she feels the same. This is this dudes sad situation. Now hearing her tell her side you can tell she likes him just not like that.

So came the time for the advice. She needs to let him down and still keep him as a friend. Now me & my boys told her just be real with this dude, tell him you guys are cool and you like his company but it wont go past that. He is going to be hurt but its better he know now instead of wasting his cash on a girl who he will never get a crack at. Its also better than handling it like our other female friend, & I quote "SCRAM you LAME". Needless to say he would be damaged.

Its hard for her cuz my homegirl is generally a nice girl but like I told her he is gonna probably cry. This is the way the conversation will go:
Boy: Hey babes! (excited)
Girl: Hey you
Boy: How was work? (interested)
Girl: It was good. I gotta talk to you.
Boy: Sure (worried)
Girl: I feel we better off as friends. I like you don't get me wrong but I'm just not attracted to you like that. Hope were still cool?
Boy: Oh (devastated). I was feeling the same way (lying). Yea were still cool (fronting)
Girl: Alright (oblivious to his true intentions)

It might sound hilarious and we had a great time laughing about this situation but sadly all men go thorough this and we just need you ladies to be honest. Were all grown we can handle if you don't like us or not attracted to us. Do you understand how many women are out there? Do you understand the next chick that even looks at us we forget bout the last one.

Hopefully now she Mans Up and makes the call... I can always use another good laugh

Look Into My Heart

2009-06-25T20:24:00.003-04:00

This post is somewhat hard for me to write. At this time I am feeling the need to cry. Since I have no one close to me now to express this to I will express in words.

At this time I have a extremely close member of my family going through a rough stretch of reality with a devastating disease. Anyone who knows me knows that once your close to me your in my heart forever. This comes about because I grew up with such a small family and that need of having a larger dynamic.

We have been dealing with this event for a while now and things seem to have turned the corner. Thank GOD for that which ever God you subscribe to. Everyday I have this person in thoughts because I love them as much as I love my mother. I could never look at this person in an ill light. Their offspring I consider siblings.

This person had to go out of town/country for treatment and it has recently come to my attention that they were able to receive direct communication while away. This comes as a shock to me because I would never have thought once they were where they are this was possible. The other shocking thing was that no one close to me felt the need to let me know this. I spoke to people on this situation and they gave me the generic answers leading me to believe everything is on the upward climb to recovery and no need to worry. Now I never blame anyone for my mistakes and i take full responsibility if this person was hurt by not hearing from me since they heard from everyone else. Yes I should of asked or even dug deeper into the situation and for that I am sorry.

What does hurt me the most is this person who I have loved at times more than myself was in a air of belief that I did not care and that I hurt them more so than ever before. To know this person so close to me feels like I forgot them is crazy. And no one could back me up, not that they need to, or express the shame I feel right now.

I have called them prior to me writing this post and we said we love each other and the forgiveness is there but I cant forgive myself as of now. So I write this wish and hoping when this person comes back that when I see them and look into their eyes the love they have always had for me is still there. Because if they look at me and I feel a change I just don't know if the same Robert Fortune will be present anymore...

Jealousy Warranted

2009-06-23T17:34:00.004-04:00

Now I'm the kind of guy that goes with the flow and sees things as they are.
So I write this post as I am at work and involves a person at my job. Now I'm all for some good natured flirting and such since I am single. But should the women on the other side of this transaction be partaking???

Now everyone knows what goes down in the minds of men but what they don't know is what goes down in the minds of women is so much worse.
There is a particular woman at my job who I am attracted to you and certain she is attracted to me. This woman is currently in a relationship. I have met her boyfriend (He doesn't like me for good reason). She tells me when things go wrong and right with him. Guess I'm a her shoulder to lean on. Now that said I have told her what my intentions with her are. She has said she is not looking for that but continues to call me her Sexy Chocolate. We hug we hold we...

Now if her boyfriend got wind of this dude would flip out but it wouldn't bother me cuz I owe him nothing. The only problem is she would blame me and our work relationship would suffer. Not to mention as i said before she confides in me, she does not trust her boyfriend what so ever. Now should she change her relationship with me or him cuz its obvious she does not like him as much she says she does.

Now I think she dates this guy just cuz he was the guy to give her attention at the time and once a chick makes you her man she will do whatever it takes to make that relationship work. Women naturally don't like break ups. They avoid it like the plague. Which is why women continue to date men who cheat on them, beat them & use them. Well the naive ones at least.

So should she change the way we interact or should she continue the hypocrisy of complaining to me bout her BF but allow me to get closer and closer to my goal?

Keep Ya Head Up

2009-06-22T22:07:00.003-04:00

So Saturday Was The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival (See previous post). During that event the marketing company I work with planned a panel discussion for youths interested in the entertainment industry (See 2 posts ago).

Anyway this was a plan we had for a while now and we had everything set up to go with this extraordinary opportunity. We had panelists, people immersed in the business that knows the ins and outs, we had giveaways and a venue. All we didn't have was the support of certain colleagues.

We get there and people act like they didn't know what was going on, if we were coming, where to put us, told us they sent us plans that were never sent, etc.
Needless to say very upsetting. So we hold out as long as we can but it just wouldn't be a good look for the kids panelists and especially the company (gotta keep your image crisp). In the end we call it off.

So you would think the organizers would help us out with a lil' VIP service or just some views from backstage so we can network. But no we were treated like just regular guests. No one is looking for a hand out but don't tell me you got me then avoid me all day.
All in all the festival was a good look. Blacks, whites, Hispanics all together. Families enjoying themselves. Very beautiful.

But looks are deceiving especially when you know what goes on behind the scenes. Look out for the next Minds Behind The Music coming real soon...

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival

2009-06-22T21:46:00.003-04:00

So Saturday was the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. This thing was popping even though it rained all day long. People still brought themselves out and braved the weather for some massive performances.
I'm talking:

Dead Prez
Styles P
Smif & Wesson
Buckshot
& Others

If you missed it check these vids of Styles throwing it down. Would of had more but i was trying to stay dry.

Am I Really Dat Different?

2009-06-18T22:52:00.003-04:00

Recently at work while I wasn't working one of my customers came in and peeped me reading an interesting article in Cosmopolitan (yea I peruse). Convo started re: my manhood. I believe every man needs to read Cosmo so they know the BS advice women get from other women but thats for another blog.

As the day wound down me my client & my colleague were speaking of said article and she made a interesting comment. The topic of men doing nice things came up. She said "Every man is not like you". I understand that since I am an extremely confident man but she meant it in a derogatory way as if I'm alien.

I began to think am I so different and I said no. Its just that most men are afraid to say what they really mean to a woman because:

They are not intelligent enough to express how they feel
Women enjoy the bullshit so they give it to them
Men don't like to take L's meaning they gonna put themselves in a position to get what they want (sex, compliments, money, her friends for sex)

Me & my man Jay agree that honesty needs to be in the forefront of every interaction with women. We also agree that that doesn't always benefit us.

My co-worker & my client actually believe their men do nice things because they want to. True he wants to see you happy but only because it benefits him that's human nature. The same way she might allow him to watch that sporting event or give him that blowjob she doesn't like to do cuz she knows he gonna take her out. I told them when he opens that door or takes them on a shopping spree he looking at the bigger picture, how can he win off of this gesture.

Me myself I have no problem just being real. There are special girls to me that I don't mind making smile but I also don't mind telling them no cuz I am aware that the booty call might not happen or she gonna try to show out by telling me bout the next man. Truth is I could care less cuz I know she likes me and to her no one is better than me which is why women always come back to that "asshole" & nice guys finish last.

To quote my man "Chivarly started happening only because women were seen as part trophy and part servant way back when. So to get a useful, pretty woman a guy had to be phony=chivalry. "

So with that story done I pose a question: Do you honestly believe in chivalry?

BHP: Minds Behind The Music Summit

2009-06-18T22:41:00.007-04:00

http://theimgway.com/mindsbehindthemusic/

I'm very proud to be helping out on this project.

Imperial Marketing Group in partnership with Brooklyn Bodega is excited to host the first annual “Minds Behind the Music Summit” at the 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival on Saturday, June 20th at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
To protect the integrity of and ensure the continued profitability and success of Hip Hop and music in general, it is up to those who have already succeeded to help usher in the next generation of successful industry professionals. Yes the art form is at the end of the day the most important element but without the many masterminds behind the music, this business wouldn’t exist.
"Minds behind the Music" will take place during Brooklyn Hip-Hop Family Day from 1-4 PM and provide attendees with insider tips and advice from industry professionals on how to pursue a career in the music and entertainment industries within various fields such as marketing, publicity, music production, journalism and more.

We basically are targeting HS students/College FRSH and Sophs who wanna get started/learn more about the entertainment indsutry but all are welcome.

Much Love

3rd Party Info

2009-06-17T20:28:00.005-04:00

My official 1st blog but I cant take credit off the bat for the subject (Disclaimer. Once again shouts out to the kid 100K.)

As you know Tuesday was the Press Party for the Minds Behind The Music Summit for Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, respect to Deity Lounge, IMG and all that went into that. Make sure you come and support on Saturday.

But anyway, I was talking to a good friend and he put me on to a situation that arose between a girl I had been interested in for a lil while. He let me know that a convo came up re: a convo she & I shared through text. This will explain why you get both sides to a story at the same time.

So here is the back story: I met shorty through a work colleague and thought she was cute. She obviously thought I was cute so we hit it off a lil, exchange of numbers nuttin to big. Text here a text there then we met up at an event we were working and flirting ensued. On our way home we had convo re: can we link up, she tell me she can cook (Need dat good food ladies), she's Haitian like myself good talk.
Time goes by and I hit her up re: my food. She tell me she made some but there's no mo she got me next time. Fine.
Time goes by we see each other again at another event. More flirting, I don't really pay it no mind cuz I do dat like its my 1st language. (ask my ex)
During that week I hit her up seeing if she wanna chill. Here comes the disconnect- I say lets meet up and chill so I can get to know you before I invest anymore wasted time. Obviously I live alone so I suggest my place. Like most women she assumes I want to fuck her. Fine. Honestly I would have tried but I did wanna get to know her cuz my colleague put me on to her so how it look I just hit then quit. She catches an attitude and says I'm like every other guy so I'm like cool.

To wind this down I tell lil miss I ain't taking her nowhere cuz she ain't worth it at this time. Weeks later at the aforementioned event I speak to my man and comes to find out she running off at the mouth making it seem like I'm fucked up, just trying to beat, he so rude. She bad mouthing me to my colleagues and shit. Why do I have to take you out, why waste my time on something that might not happen long term? I'm not 1 for dating, like my other man said that night "Its like we have to pay for woman's company. Me alone ain't good enuff I gotta bring currency!"

That ain't cool. If we have an issue take it up wit me and we can handle it. But lil does she know her complaints were falling on deaf ears cuz my people know me and just seemed lame.

Question though:
What if she was taking seriously? My rep would be tarnished. There's dat nigga Rob just wanna beat, he got nothing else to do. He corny.

What if I miss out on someone true cuz she cant take honesty? I would be thoroughly disappointed.

Honestly people as my blogs increase you gonna realize I'm just a regular dude who like to eliminate the BS and give it to you how it is.

Sad thing is though, I was really feeling shorty..... oh well til next time
Deuces

Welcome

2009-06-17T20:13:00.001-04:00

Since I'm new to this thought i would introduce myself. The gov't is Rob Fortune but most people call me New Money.

Always wanted to write a blog but never thought i could do it. Then i was inspired by a close friend and decided to do it once he read my comments on his blog (Shouts Out to 100k).

So here i am, hope whoeva reads this enjoys it. It will be straight to the point no BS might sound biased and rude heartless but that's just my tone.

Honesty is the best policy so wit no further stalling...