50 Best NBA Slam Dunks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...