Now that's how you finish the year up strong... LINE UP!!!

KAPA's 2nd Annual Operation Santa Program

The Lineup: December ‘10

What I can’t live without:  That Christmas Spirit.  There’s nothing like it.  I’m not nearly as animated as I was when I was a kid but I still love the feeling.  I enjoy trying to guess and find the perfect gift for a loved one.  I love working on a project that raises money and buys gifts for children whose parents can’t afford them.  And... who doesn’t love receiving gifts?

(Related: Comfortable sweaters, hot coco on a cold day and the chance of a white Christmas.)

(UNrelated: my heat bill, shoveling snow, and those stupid Christmas specials on TV)

You know what really grinds my gears...

Anti-Social

I hate people.

Correction:  I hate people that are like you.

The problem is, anyone can possibly be you and completely ruin my day.  So I’d rather be safe than sorry and assume everyone is you until proven otherwise.

So I take that back.  

Why we creep...

Settling.

I can’t remember the last time that I met a woman who hasn’t been cheated on.  You let most women give the statistic and they will tell you that 99.9% of men cheat and the final 0.1% are impotent.  In a world where David Letterman and Tiger Woods have made stepping out famous, it seems that every relationship is doomed.  I won’t bother to disagree or attempt to defend the virtues of the male species,  but I will provide an answer to the age-old question that haunts women in their dreams.  Why do men cheat?  The answer is simple.

The itis has worn off, now get in Line

The Lineup: November ‘10

What I can’t live without: Nicki Minaj.  If you woke up needing some hyperbole in your life, you’re about to get a healthy dose.  Nicki’s Pink Friday is the most important female Hip-Hop project of all-time.  Never in the history of rap music has the drought for female talent been this low.  Women in Hip-Hop have become less than an afterthought and with the weight of females on her back, Nicki hit a homerun.  You know about the wigs and the funny voices but the theme of her album might surprise you: Inspiration.  She put together a complete project without having to talk about her p***y.  I’m proud of her and suggest you go cop that.

(Related: Politics – especially this guy.)

No man is an island, not even a peninsula

Family Ties.

The worst thing to be in this world is lonely.  Even if you are successful, that feeling of accomplishment is extremely short-lived if you don’t have anyone to share it with.  I can’t say that I’ve ever met an unhappy person who has people in their corner that love and support him. There’s absolutely nothing like being a part of a family.

Long time... no speak...

Old Friends

As I stepped off the stoop of my mom’s house, I looked down the block and saw you leaning against your car.  I was on my way out but I headed over to where you were and asked, “what’s good?” to which you replied, “Same ol’ s**t”.  You asked the same question and I responded quickly with “Chillin… workin, ya know.”  When we were kids, our interactions lasted for hours, but now our relationship is reduced to a two-minute exchange.

Why didn't you vote for her?

Pride and Prejudice

In 2008, history was made when we elected a black man President of the United States.  Given the years of slavery, the Jim Crow laws and other institutional obstacles that plagued the black community, President Obama’s triumph marked incredible progress and change.  However, I’m not sure that we as a country have made as much progress as we think.  Because of all of the major candidates for President in 2008, the person with the least chance of winning wasn’t Barack Obama.

Stay in Line like some skates...

The Lineup: October ‘10

What I can’t live without: Playoff baseball.  You couldn’t pay me to watch a baseball game in June but I absolutely love playoff baseball.  To me, there’s nothing like the crowd’s reaction when there’s two strikes on a batter with two outs left in an inning or the feeling of momentum during a late rally.  Must. See. TV.

(UNrelated: Yankees championship dreams – smh)

Probably won't recommend this to be Netflix'd

Burned

My roommate asked me the other day if racism factored in my decision to stop watching the show Boardwalk Empire.  I explained to him that since the show is based in the 1920’s, I expected to see some racism and rather I thought the show was boring.  I then told him that shows almost never bother me because I’ve dealt with racism for so long that most of the shock has worn off.  Later on that day, I realized that wasn’t entirely true.  In fact, there was one movie that thoroughly offended me; so much so that I tried blacking it from memory and refuse to watch it again.  It is truly the worst movie that I’ve ever seen.

Sam Cooke said it, now pay attention.

Growing Pains

Like most men, I have had the same leather wallet for over a decade and if you were to look inside it, you would see a small plastic pocket that is large enough to fit two quarters.  In a world of ATM’s and credit cards, you may have forgotten just why the wallet manufacturers made an attempt to ensure that I have a place for those coins.  Well before cell phones made it into the hands of millions, you kept a quarter or two in order to use a pay phone.

Making you cry...

Love/Work

Would’ve came back for you

I just needed time, to do what I had to do

Caught in the life, I can’t let it go

Whether that’s right, I will never know

Hope you forgive me, never meant wrong

Tried to be patient, it waited too long

But I would’ve came back, would’ve came back for you

- Drake, “Paris Morton Music” (2010)

Stop me if you heard this before…

“I want to be with you, but I’m focused on my career right now”

It is said that men avoid commitment and they use their career as an excuse.  Well being a man who has done the former and has been accused of the latter, I am here to tell you… don’t believe everything that you hear.

Is your definition high enough for this Lineup?

The Lineup: September ‘10

What I can’t live without: Television.  With the new fall season beginning, I am stuck in front of the tube this month.  My DVR is going crazy.  Parenthood, the surprise show for me last season came back is back this month.  Great writing and characters that you can feel for, what more do you need?

(Related: Sons of Anarchy, Modern Family)

Teen Mom.

Birth Control.

 “I wish Magic Johnson would just die already…”

- Anonymous Gym Teacher

Out of context, my former High School gym teacher appears to be a bit mean.  But the point that he was making couldn’t be further from that.  In 1992 when Magic announced that he was HIV positive, it sent shockwaves throughout the country.  It led to a heightened awareness for safe sex and getting tested.  We all expected to watch Magic wither away and die but the complete opposite happened.  With his access to top-notch medicine, Magic is actually healthy.  So my teacher felt that Magic’s health was giving off the impression that it’s “okay” to have HIV and proper protection wasn’t necessary.  So yes the quote was harsh, but he made a lot of sense.

Ready... Set... Hut, hut, hut

Poison.

It’s only been one game, but there’s already a quarterback controversy in Philly.  When starter, Kevin Kolb, went down with a concussion, a familiar face replaced him under center.  Michael Vick proceeded to turn back the clock and made plays on the field that can only be explained in a game of Madden.  The Eagles ended up losing but it was clear that Vick outplayed Kolb and made a case that he should be the starter.  I’m not buying it.  Vick is the most overhyped quarterback in the past decade and his fans just can’t see through the smoke and mirrors.  But I understand why it’s so hard for them to admit it.

She keeps on passing me by....

Find Your Love

Let me ask you a question, do you think that you’ve already met the person that you will spend your life with, or has that person not entered your life yet?  Take some time to think about it – your answer may say more about who you are than you think.

Last Lineup of the Summer...

The Lineup: August ‘10

What I can’t live without: Inspiration.  The 4-Hour Workweek.  Without question one of the two most inspirational books that I’ve ever read and it couldn’t have come at a better time for me.  All great accomplishments require some level of “outside-the-box thinking” and this book not only lets you in on the secret but also draws out a map for you to get there.
(Related: Dark Blue (Wed 9pm TNT))

... a marathon, not a sprint.

Finish Line

You show me a runner and I’ll show you someone who can be a successful entrepreneur.

Many parallels can be drawn between running and entrepreneurship.  First and foremost, they are both difficult as hell to be good at.  There is nothing simple about trying to get in shape through running and the same goes for attempting to turn an idea into something that provides a lifetime of income.

Ladies of the night...

Even Exchange.

Why is prostitution illegal?

Seriously.  The idea that two consenting adults engaging in sexual intercourse for money is illegal, is completely absurd.  Frowned upon?  Sure.  A crime?  I don’t think so.  The criminalization of prostitution is rooted in an old puritan mentality where the slightest mentioning of sex is taboo.  Its time we all grow up and admit to what prostitution really is.

These are our heroes?

Mad(e) Men

"I never prayed to God I prayed to Gotti"

-  Jay-Z, “D’Evils”

Rick Ross has recently stirred up some beef.  No, not with another rapper but ironically with the family of a real life gangster that he chose to make reference to.  Carmine Gotti, the grandson of crime boss John Gotti, lambasted Rick Ross for naming his album "Teflon Don", his granddaddy’s nickname.  Carmine felt that Gotti earned the moniker through actual crime and Rick Ross didn't have the resume to live up to that name. 

Flight #130 - On Time - Gate D5

Layover.

(Inspired by K. Turner)

As I'm writing this, I’m sitting at a small airport pub in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I’m 17 minutes into a two-hour layover between Philly and Oakland.  For many people, the word layover is a kin to a nightmare.  People despise the boredom, unrest and anxiety while sitting in a limbo of sorts for hours.  But for me, airports have always been a fascinating place to spend my time.  

A lineup sharper than Steve Harvey's

The Lineup: July ‘10

What I can’t live without: AC.  And I’m not talking about O.J.’s homeboy.  The weather has been so hot that standing still left you sweating.  The humidity required a two shower minimum and nothing made people happier than the feeling of that cool breeze once that AC kicked in.

(UNrelated: the electric bill this month)

What have you done for me lately?

Pursuit of Happyness

13 years ago Ma$e told us all about phD’s.

Recently, people have put their dissertations on full display.  When Lebron James made his “decision” on national television, hating reached a level of intensity and originality that I’ve never seen before.  It was like we entered a parallel universe where  hyper-criticism took the place of all rational thought.  To me, this just proves one thing…

1/2 on a baby.

Dilemma.

I recently had a conversation with someone about the infamous “biological clock” that apparently ticks in every woman once she hits her mid-20’s.  For the longest time I just thought the whole clock thing was all psychological – social pressure placed on women to become wives and mothers.  But the truth is, this biological clock is real and has consequences.  Having a child over the age of 35 can increase the chances of a troubled pregnancy and possibly jeopardize the health of the baby.  I’ve had this conversation many times before but I don’t know what made this particular one different.  But since that day, I kept asking myself…

I couldn't make this up if I tried.

Doubt.

I saw this special news report on TV about a European company that is under a lot of fire.  They are a large company that focuses on childcare with multiple locations. The organization came under intense scrutiny because one of the children told his mother that one of the counselors touched him improperly.  The public outcry was small at first but more and more children began coming out, some years after attending the daycare facility.  Their stories were the same: counselors touched, or made them do inappropriate things. 

PSA.

Hypocrisy

I am allergic to stupid behavior.  I am usually one of the first to jump on a soapbox and talk about a person who chooses to do anything that’s reckless or harmful to herself or others.  Well I am guilty of a stupid behavior – one that has deadly consequences and is easily avoidable.

Yes, yes you are a champion now.

American Psycho

Ron Artest is a crazy person.

During his rookie year, Ron Artest applied for a job at Circuit City in Chicago because, “you just never know.”

Ron Artest owns a record label called Tru Warier (sic) and in an interview as a member of the Indiana Pacers, he decided to plug the album of his R&B group.

6 months down, 6 to go.

The Lineup: June ‘10

What I can’t live without: Sports.  Between Lakers vs. Celtics, the Flyers in the Stanley Cup and World Cup soccer, sports is the way to go.  Add in the NBA draft, summer baseball and some good MMA cards and I can’t get enough of it.

(Related: Reruns of The Shield one of the best shows ever)

Marky Mark, you did it again!

Making it.

"There's no right or wrong way to succeed, honey bun."

- Edie Weitz

How To Make it in America, one of HBO’s newest shows, is a half-hour drama that attempts to ask the simple yet impossible question, how do you make it in America?  Millions of dollars each year is spent on books and seminars created by people who claim to have that very answer.  The truth is, if someone actually had the answer, these books wouldn’t sell and everyone would be rich.  However Mark Walberg, the executive producer, might actually be on to something.  If you managed to catch this show about two hustlers (read: entrepreneurs) trying to make it, you would have seen the answer.

Human Resources.

Affirmative Reaction

With terrorism and immigration at the forefront, the former hot button topic, affirmative action, has lost some steam.  I think affirmative action policies are very much needed in this country but it’s not as much about racism as it is about access.  Allow me to share with you my tale of affirmative action.

In [My Broker] We Trust

Wall Street Blues

Say you have a friend that has a job at a particular electronics store.  This friend is able to get you a special box that allows you to get free cable, including premium and pay-per-view channels.  For months you enjoy all the HBO that you can watch and all the money you saved.  Then one day you get a letter in the mail saying you have to pay a $5,000 fine or risk jail for theft and fraud.  It turns out your friend’s store got raided by the government and your information was on some paperwork when they mailed you your cable box. 

The question is, whose fault is it?  More specifically would you blame your friend for having to pay this fine or would you take responsibility for your role?

End of the month. You know what time it is...

The Lineup: May ‘10

What I can’t live without: The Boondocks.  One of the smartest and most poignant shows returned this month for its final season.  If you’ve never seen Uncle Ruckus in action… you simply haven’t lived life.

(Related: Nice weather – good karma for putting up with February)

Killer crossover.

Unthinkable.

Its been two weeks since “Lebron-Gate” began and the world speculated on how someone of his caliber could play so poorly and allow his team to get bounced out of the playoffs in the second round.  This was supposed to be his year to win a title and fully accept the “greatest alive” title.  But after the Celtics undressed the Cavs in Game 6, everyone was left in a perpetual state of “WTF?”

Captain America.

Tick, Tock.

Fox announced that Season 8 of the hit show 24 will be the last time that we’ll ever see Jack Bauer save the world.  This landmark, award-winning series changed the way we looked at television dramas.  The sound of that clock ticking every week made your heart beat and hairs stand up on your arms.  Although the show had its low points, its still historic and deserves a proper send off.  So here are my 24 things about 24.

01. CTU needs better background checks.

02. Chloe is kinda weird and funny looking but I think she will rock your world.

03. Terrorists should just figure out what state Jack is in, then plan to bomb something on the other side of the country.

She is not the same, she is an alien

I Am Legend.

Oprah is not human.  At least we can no longer hold her to the same expectations as other earthlings.  She recently announced that she will be starting her own cable network and brand new primetime show to match.  When we praise famous athletes like Michael Jordan, we use statistics as proof.  So I’m going to throw out a few of Oprah’s stats – ESPN style – to show how Oprah has entered a completely new realm of success.

2.3.

The Red, White and Green?

Crossing Lines.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned since I started paying attention to politics, it’s this…

It’s always easier to pick on the little guy.

Whenever you have a problem and there are several suspects, the little guy will always take the brunt of the blame and will face the harshest punishment.  Take the “problem” of immigration.  Here’s what your police lineup would look like:

I line em up, you knock em down...

The Lineup: April ‘10

What I can’t live without: The Book of Basketball – Bill Simmons.  Best known as ESPN’s “The Sports Guy”, Simmons breaks down the history of basketball in a way that you’ve never seen before.  Even if basketball isn’t your favorite sport, the way he incorporates pop culture and comedy, you’ll be entertained all the way through.

(Related: NBA Playoffs – It’s FANtastic!)

You know you're thinking about it.

Let’s Talk About It

Inadequate sex is a deal breaker.

Given that fact, you have two types of people – people who get it and have no complaints and people that don’t and wonder why they're alone or keep getting cheated on.  People love to trivialize sex and make others feel “shallow” when they discuss it.  Not only does every person think about it every day, but sex is a billion dollar industry.  Bottom line, it’s a big deal and its time for you to take it more seriously.

What about us?

Problem Child

As President Obama tries to improve the “No Child Left Behind” act, it got me thinking about our nation’s children.  Having been raised in New York and currently working with youth in Philadelphia, without question, our nation has failed many of our children.  The solution to this problem often gets caught up in pointless debates and the need to be politically correct.  People are afraid to offend so they decide to appease rather than be completely honest.  Although a solution is no easy task, its impossible if we don’t collectively agree to this notion…

Every child can’t be saved.

Got stock?

Get in the Game!

I’m sure you’ve read about it in the newspaper or overheard someone talking about his or her experience in the stock market.  And you probably did nothing.  I’m sure you’ve glanced at a magazine about the different ways to invest or saw the cover of someone’s book about how they made millions trading stocks.  And you still did nothing.  You even saw one of those witty commercials from a brokerage firm that led you to browse their website.  But still, you really did nothing.  The problem is…

You are going to regret doing nothing.

I filled it out... but I don't think I'm properly counted.

Who do you think I am?

As you may know the U.S. government is spending an incredible amount of money and time hoping people fill out the census.  I won’t get into the antiquated process - you would think that by 2010, someone would have figured out a better way to count the number of people in the country.  I digress.  This is about one small little line under “What is this person’s race?”

What's up with March?... Here it is.

The Lineup: March

What I can’t live without: March Madness.  They say that a few billion dollars worth of productivity is lost in this country due to this tournament and I feel bad for the nerds who had to calculate that instead of looking at their brackets.

(Related: 3 UFC events in 10 days + The Ultimate Fighter = Hell Yes)

Of the people, by the people and...

… For The People

The heath care bill that just passed was the single largest piece of legislation to pass in almost 50 years.  It will define Obama’s administration and for better or for worse, it will undoubtedly change our country.  And that’s where the issue lies.  Will the change be good or bad?  For the past year, health care was this nation's most combative issue.  There was a clear line drawn and you had to pick a side. 

The truth is, other than the major talking points and what I’m able to deduce from news articles, I don’t really know what’s in the bill.  It’s 1,000 pages and even if I wanted to, I couldn’t finish it let alone break down all of the possible effects that it can have on the American people.  But I support the bill and I am happy that it passed because I recently regained the one thing that this country is missing…

Put your car on cruise and lay back...

June 21^st.

I know its barely spring but this ridiculously nice weather has put me in such a good mood that I’m already looking ahead a few months to Summer 2010.  Last year it rained just about everyday, so I feel like we’ve earned the right to have an amazing summer this year.  So close your eyes (figuratively, since this is a blog lol) and let me take you to on a ride.

Summertime is…

Definitely in your Fan Club now

Champion.

I never thought that I would ever learn something from the girl from “Speed”, but that’s exactly what happened.

In 2002, Sandra Bullock was a star in every sense of the word.  Actresses and actors would kill to have her track record.  She was getting new roles, wildly popular and made more money than she can count.  And with all that success, what did she do?

You think you know him, but you don't.

To Coon or not to Coon?: The Tale of Flav

My mother and I were watching a commercial and Flavor Flav came on.  Almost instantly she started shaking her head in disgust. “He makes us all look bad.”  Here was this grown black man standing on national television with a Viking hat, colorful suit and a clock the size of dinner plate hanging from his neck.  Everytime you see him he’s screaming and yelling something nonsensical. He headlined a show called “Flavor of Love” where 20 women, acted like complete fools while competing for Flav’s love. While we’re trying to teach our young black kids that they can be successful, here is this black man making a fool of himself in front of this mostly white audience. My mom definitely had a reason to shake her head.  But she was wrong…

When Animals Attack!

Free Willy

Let’s get one thing clear.  I don’t care how cute you think it is, there is a reason why they call it a “Killer” Whale.  Recently at a Sea World event, a killer whale named “Tilly” killed a trainer after she accidently fell into the water just before a live show.  This isn’t the first time that an animal has killed a trainer – its not even the first time that this particular whale has been involved in a person’s death.  What should we learn from this?

Wrapping up the month...

The Lineup: February

What I can’t live without: Damages – Best show on television.  If you love a show that keeps you on your toes until the very end, this is it.  Imagine if Pulp Fiction and the Usual Suspects had a baby and then went on TV.

(Related: Burn Notice, Men of a Certain Age, Psych & Modern Family)

Unexpected dopeness: Ray LaMontagne.  His voice is crazy.

(Related: American Idol Season 9, White Collar)

I don't drink Cristal, them @%$^! racist...

Sensitive Drunks

“… I'm sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business."

- Frederic Rouzaud

A few years back, the company who makes Cristal champagne publicly went on record saying that it did not want any association with Hip-Hop.  Not surprisingly, this pissed everyone off.  Rappers and supporters of Hip-Hop lambasted the company, labeling them racist and insensitive.  Jay-Z who was the reason Cristal entered the culture, decided to boycott the champagne and “coincidentally” provide us with a suitable alternative (of which he has a financial interest).  Cristal pretty much told us (members of the Hip-Hop community) that we’re not good enough to drink their champagne.  But I’m not upset – In fact, I not only understand why they feel this way but I support their decision.

BREAKING NEWS!!

Tiger Speaks!

Tiger spent 13 minutes addressing the world after disappearing for 3 months when the world found out he cheated on his wife.  He apologized a million times, re-converted back to Buddhism and said that he’s checking back into rehab.  As you know Tiger has a real strong PR team and they helped him with the speech.  Well here at Straight from the Pen, we got our hands on Tiger’s 1^st draft.  This is amazing stuff!

America's Game?

Takeover.

“There’s two ways off the island, either by swinging the bat, or by throwing a ball.”

- from the movie Sugar (2008)

I’m sure by now you’re realizing that “America’s game” is becoming less and less American each year.   Latinos/Hispanics make up about 15% of the U.S. population but almost a third of all Major League baseball players and the best players are more likely to be named Rodriguez than Smith.  It has very little to do with natural talent or ability and if you watch the movie Sugar, you will know why.  Being born in