CHICAGO JEDI

Why Spongebob is GREAT FOR KIDS!!!

2011-11-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Recently an article in the Journal of Pediatrics claimed faster paced shows like Spongebob Squarepants affected the attention spans of 4 year old children as compared to more evenly paced cartoons like Caillou. Angeline S. Lillard, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and one of the paper’s authors said, “There is so much stuff that’s hard to assimilate, it might be disrupting the child’s thinking process, so they may not be able to grasp the messages that are educational...This suggests the brain is working very hard to register it all and gets exhausted afterward.”

Although the study was not specific to Spongebob and was referring to shows like it, the uproar has taken hold and parents everywhere rushed to turn off the boob tube and censor poor Spongebob. Is this the right action? Well, here is my .02.

Spongebob is a fantastic role model for children and if parents are wiling to take the time can actually teach at least 8 valuable lesson in which children can successfully pattern themselves.

1. Loyalty

2. Selflessness

3. Dedication

4. Hard Work

5. Positive Mental Attitudes

6. Empathy

7. Compassion for others

8. Responsibility

All that from Spongebob? Yes, all that from Spongebob.

Let's iron them out one by one. LOYALTY, EMPATHY, COMPASSION. Spongebob is one of the best examples of loyalty in society today. Let's face it, Patrick is his best friend and we all know Patrick is not the brightest bulb in the box by any means. He is often the product of ridicule and mockery yet Spongebob is ever loyal and takes up for him constantly. Spongebob will often correct those who wish to engage in this form of bullying and teasing and take the time to point out Patrick's good side and well intentions. He has never left his side even in the hard times and even when it meant mockery and uneasiness to himself. Spongebob is a true friend.

SELFLESSNESS. Spongebob is always thinking of other people and goes out of his way to be inclusive even when he is not received well. Spongebob's "friend" and neighbor, Squidward Tentacles is a loner and all around mean-spirited individual who is rarely happy. Squidward lives alone and hates his job at the Krusty Krab restaurant where he works with Spongebob. Squidward rarely has a kind word for Spongebob or Patrick and holds no punches when it comes to letting them know how he feels about them. He spews hate and hurtful words at Spongebob whenever the opportunity presents itself. Yet, through all of this, Spongebob still tries to include Squidward in all of he and Patrick's games. He will knock on his door and invite him to snowball fight or to go on a picnic and always greets him with a smile and a kind word.

DEDICATION & HARD WORK. Spongebob is the epitome of dedication. He absolutely LOVES his job. He lives the Krusty Krab and wears his title of Fry Cook proudly. He is so good at his job as a Fry Cook that he has been given the dubious job of opening up the store during the early morning hours of Bikini Bottom. No one else would take this responsibility from the restaurant's owner, Mr. Krabs because it doesn't come with any extra pay or perks. In fact, there have been several times in which Spongebob received NO PAY for not only his work as a Frry Cook but as one who goes out of his way to promote the Krusty Krab. In spite of it all, Spongebob is dedicated and arrives on time every day. He is timely and keeps a conscious effort to be at work. Spongebob appreciates his job and does his very best daily to show it.

RESPONSIBILITY. Spongebob knows what responsibility is and takes it very seriously. Despite his diligent work ethic, Spongebob is also a home owner. His Pineapple under the sea house is immaculate and spacious. He has lived there for years and obviously is not going through foreclosure like most Americans so he is good with finances and pays his mortgage on time. He is able to do this on the meager salary he earns at the Krust Krab Restaurant and judging from the establishment's owner, Mr. Krabs, he doesn't make much money and only stays there because he loves his work. Spongebob is responsible in more than one way.

The bottom line is Spongebob has many honorable qualities if you really look at them. I realize this is not the topic of the century but I felt as though Spongebob was getting a bum rap and I needed to come to his rescue as he has done so many times for others less deserving. Barnacles!

Do We Save the Bishop?

2010-10-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

At the time of the Jedi's writing on this blog, a fourth young man has come forth claiming the Pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia coerced him into sexual acts while he was a member of the mega church. The Bishop has since denied the accusations and has hired an attorney to defend him in the mounting civil suits. A separate civil suit has also been filed against the New Birth church claiming they knew of the Bishop's behaviors over the years and failed to inform them of the potential risks. Surely this will be a tale of talk for some time to come. SO where do we go from here? Well, here's how I see it.

The Bishop presides over a 25,000 member church and has directed the paths of thousands of followers over the years. He has counseled them, prayed with them and for them, he has lifted them up from the worst areas of our society and he has offered salvation to many who did not have it upon joining New Birth. There are literally thousands of individuals today who are living a life style that many would consider upstanding. They are at the very least "better" than they were prior to the Bishop. Undoubtedly, there are just as many who will denounce the Bishop for the allegations levied against him today. They will find (and have found) ease in a quick condemnation and perhaps time will show them correct. But what if it doesn't? Will those same people rush to ask him for forgiveness as they rushed to classify him as a sex offender or a predator? I think not. There are those who are saying he should step down, that he's not qualified to lead the flock any longer. People say he's a hypocrite and should go away before he causes any further damage. People are very quick at distancing themselves from trouble. When you are doing well or earning money you are the best thing since sliced bread and everyone sings your praises however, once you step in it you are the plague or the Anti-Christ. This is not new, it's the nature of man. We like to blame others to overshadow our own insecurities and to keep from dealing with pain. It's a natural process for us. The Lord knew that when he created us. He gave us free will because he didn't want to create blind followers. He allows us to deal with our short comings in order to grow.

But what about the Bishop? Is he somehow less qualified to lead New Birth than he was last week or last year? Is he less qualified to inspire greatness because of these four young men? Does this accusation magically take away his knowledge of the Word and leave him less of a man of God? If the allegations turn out to be true, does that mean all the lives and all the people he and New Birth have saved and have given brighter outlooks are negated? Is the man who was a drunk and a drug addict and is now living upstanding and a family man because of his attendance at New Birth or from his hearing the message delivered by the Bishop supposed to recant his gift? Should we declare all the good insignificant because of this action? I don't think that's right. In fact, I think it's anti-christian. I think now is the right time for the people who have been shown the glory of God and what he can do (and has done) to stand up and say we support the Bishop guilty or not. He has done wonderful things for us. If he is determined to be guilty, they should (we should) give him the same guidance, support and love he (and New Birth) has given those whom no one else cared about.

Now, I'm not one of those bleeding heart types who believes everyone is capable of redemption. I mean there are those of us who are just too embodied with evil to turn away. After all, the devil has his army as well. The point is, however, this world is too filled with the "what have you done for me lately" mentality. You can be a hero for millions for years and then fail to pay your taxes or you run a stop sign or you hit your wife or you are found guilty of BEING A HUMAN BEING with occasional lapses in judgment, then you are placed in the category of loser. I don't think this is fair. We are all human and we are born with imperfection so we should be allowed to err once in awhile.

This is just my $.02 as the CHICAGO JEDI! What's yours?

2010-09-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

The mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley has declared he will not seek re-election after over 20 years in office. While Daley has accomplished a lot in his career as mayor of one of the largest metropolitan cities in the nation, he has also had his share of defeats. One of which is his nemesis, the Chicago Murder Rate.

The homicide rate is Chicago for 2010 is higher than LA and New York! As of September 2010, there were over 300 murders recorded in Chicago. There doesn't seem to be a week that has gone by there isn't a news brief declaring another person has been killed.

The citizens have complained and the pundits have chimed in to blast the mayor and his appointed Superintendent, Jody Weis' strategy for handling the situation. Recently, In August, Weis coordinated a meeting with gang leaders to issue his form of an ultimatum if the killing did not stop. Weis threatened to indict gang leaders using the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations). RICO is a Federal law which provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil suits aimed at confiscating profits for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. It is the portion of Federal law which is used to indict mob leaders or heads of major drug cartels.

In response to Weis' meeting, gang leaders "objected" and held a press conference to state as much. The leaders, who were on parole for other crimes, complained they were duped into attending the meeting by their parole officers. They also complained the police were not "playing fair" by holding them responsible for the killings and threatening to use RICO to punish them.

The meeting had many people scratching their heads and wondering what Weis was thinking, including the Governor Quinn. Well, there were also those who defended Weis' actions including the Mayor. Daley told the Chicago Sun Times (8/31/10), he thought the meeting was a good idea and that Weis' and the city would “negotiate with anyone to have peace — even during the war. You sit down with anyone. If you save one life — if I can save your son’s life, you’d want me to sit down with them. But, it’s not your son. It’s not your daughter...”

WTH? so now we are supposed to think the murder rate will magically decrease because Weis' and Daley played nice with a room full of criminals? What did they think they will do but change their tactics as to deflect detection or simply lay low for a time and re-surface at a later date. They have been called urban terrorists by some and rightfully so. They bring misery and pain to innocent people. They plan acts of violence that affect millions of people. They plague the system and cause it to collapse only to feed their own selfish desires many of which are highly illegal and immoral.

Daley and Weis are doing what our leaders in the Military are doing when they plan a so-called secret mission "to root out terrorism" and then announce it on CNN. Why threaten the RICO Act and then tell the targets you are going to target them? Justice is best served when it is done quickly and consistently. Criminals relate to fear, strength and power. This is how they rule their own organizations. They operate on a code other than that of law enforcement. They sense weakness as sharks do blood in the water. Weis and Daley are looking weak. Through self admission they are having difficulty finding the solution to the murder rate. This last ditch effort to somehow reach the conscious of the gang leaders here in Chicago by having a good old fashion sit down to find common ground is lunacy. The bottom line is Daley blundered by choosing an outsider to deal with Chicago gangs and crime and Weis underestimated the tolerance of the people to withstand smart yet tougher tactics in dealing with murder rates. It's time for Daley to get real and abandon his draft pick, pay his guaranteed salary and do what he should have done, pick a cop from the streets of Chicago to be the Superintendent while targeting not just the leaders but their companions and those who help them carry out their deeds. I say I agree, Weis, use RICO to take the houses, take the cars, seize the bank accounts and use the proceeds to put this city back together not to send empty threats to crazed gang leaders.

NOTE TO DALEY: you only negotiate with people who are on an "equal" position as you are. Criminals are not to be elevated to equals. The United States of America has a policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists. The reasoning behind the policy is if we give in and talk once we will do it again and the criminals and blood suckers will use that against us because they know at some point they will have something we consider so sacred or precious that we will compromise our core principles for. During WWII the US also had a motto that said; "loose lips sink ships." These words were successful in combating the enemy. We would do well to repeat their intentions.

Come on, People! Politics and PR campaigns have no place in fighting crime and defeating career criminals who prey on the weak and innocent. They have no right in the war against the innocent waged by the very gang leaders who staged their comical press conference. If this is truly a war then I say, war is hell. In the end the means will justify it and all the reclassification of the statistics or the suppression of good police work will not change the behavior of those who live to watch the world burn.

It May Be Time to Date A NERD!!!

2010-08-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

Over the last decade or so there has been an infatuation with the “thug” persona. Popular rap artists like Tupac Shakur and more recently the Game and Plias and others have glorified the thug mentality and have thrust it into the mainstream. There are literally dozens of songs ranging from R&B to Hip-Hop to Neo-Soul which embrace the qualities of a thug relationship for women. Most followers of this movement are disheveled in the legal system and in many instances find themselves fighting multiple cases. The criminal justice system does not honor the values of the thug culture and operates on a set of rules (the law) and is not compassionate to the participants of the thug world.

Multiple arrests and convictions plague countless minorities making it difficult to impossible to shed the baggage associated with incarceration and make a meaningful transition to life in society. Often times, communities and family structures are frayed with the arrests of male heads of households and a domino effect is realized within the surrounding communities. Quality of life employment (real sustainable jobs) become more scarce with each arrest, conviction and incarceration of young minority men all while more and more women continue to seek the thug. So where does this thug life get us? Well, if history is any indication…Jail and Prison! The enticing lure of living a thug lifestyle, through entertainment and fashion, has become more than simple music. The entire entertainment “system” has been used to manipulate and corrupt millions of young minds into believing being a thug or an outlaw is “what’s up.” It certainly is “NOT what’s up!” The potential each young person possesses is invaluable and anything short of the cultivation of that potential into a working and productive entity should be unacceptable to us as a people. Hip-Hop is said to be a way of life, a culture not simply music or clothes. Well, I submit to you there are segments of our way of life which should be shunned and done away with in order to make way for a more positive one. Is a thug really and honestly the role-model you seek for your children or nephews? Is the prospect of visiting the courthouse on a routine basis in support of your "man" not depressing and tiresome? I think it is truly time to consider a CHANGE!

With the election of Barack Obama to the 44^th Presidency of the United States of America, we have to ask ourselves how we can do better. In an interview with CNN, Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, was asked what she thought of Barack when she first met him. Michelle stated she initially thought Barack was a “Nerd” and didn’t pay him much attention but as she got to know him spiritually and mentally, she saw how wonderful he was. They of course went on to get married and have two wonderful daughters in Sasha and Malia and all we have to do is look to November 4, 2008 to see how that nerdy relationship turned out.

I think it’s time for women to ask more of not only their "man" but men in general. I believe it’s time to raise that incredibly low bar of achievement. It is long past the time for people to stop making excuses for why they can’t get things done. It’s time to consider the fact that being intelligent and wanting to study really is cool. It really is okay to know about topics other than those broadcast on BET and reality shows. We may also want to come to grips with the possibility our inner genius could come out if we only gave it a chance, if we only encouraged it. Ladies, I think it may be time to “date a NERD!” I’m not suggesting you go off the deep end and pick “Urkel” (although there is someone for everyone) but perhaps it’s time for a real CHANGE. You may find yourselves amazed at what life is like dating a so-called NERD. You may find it intriguing to go on a date to a museum or a light show. Introduce yourself to visiting a botanical garden or a symposium on “street life.” You may find something interesting about science and how it affects our everyday living. Give yourself the opportunity to love someone with a good credit rating and a stable job. Not having to worry about the police unless you call them is a refreshing feeling and living a simpler life so you can enjoy it is a good thing. Ladies, I implore you, raise the bar, try something new and different. Date a NERD!

INSANITY

2010-08-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yet another child cut down like a forest full of trees to make way for the next expressway. Seems as if children are being seen as expendable and sacrificed for nothing. Aside from the obvious injustice this latest tragedy displays the more over reaching problem as I see it is the NON-action from the neighborhood. How long are you willing to sit by as children are being sacrificed to people with no regard for their actions? How long will you allow your children to be sacrificed for people you don't know. What purposes are we sacrificing the children? What better or more noble cause are we getting in exchange for our sacrifices? Abraham sacrificed his son in order to be obedient to God's word & to display his love and in return he was rewarded and his son was spared. I have been trying to figure out who's command we are following by allowing children to be sacrificed and wasted here in Chicago? Whose reward are we seeking?

The dictionary qualifies sacrifice as: "the giving up of something valued for the sake of something else." The initial part of the definition is clear. We are giving up something sacred. Children are always sacred and always a gift. However, I struggle to see the latter portion of the definition. We are giving up something sacred but for the sake of what exactly? The definition implies the exchange of one entity for that of a greater one. In these senseless acts of ignorance and selfishness, we are forfeiting that greater entity. We are donating children for nothing. We are essentially throwing them away. Atop it all, we briefly mourn them yet do nothing to honor them.

When soldiers or policemen are killed the public generally honors them by finding the perpetrators or starting an organization to educate or something similar. There are often campaigns enacted to keep the incidents from recurring. But for the children we get nothing, we DO nothing. We state by our in-action and our refusal to assist in the appropriate apprehension of wrongdoers that we are "okay" with it. We hide behind some self-deprecating, made up street slogan to justify our cowardice. Yes, there will be crying and a few street corner shrines or prayer vigils and there will be a few 30 second highlights on the nightly news documenting a mother's tears but not much more.

Demons are killing children right in front of us as the children participate in the basic elements of childhood like jumping rope and yet we do nothing. We turn a blind eye. We hide our faces and hands just as Peter did. Oh the hypocrisy in it all. We will scream, shout, and fight the teacher, policeman or neighbor for chastising our children but do NOTHING when a stranger kills them. Black people, where are your souls? What has blackened your heart so that you feel nothing for two innocent little girls struck down and sacrificed while playing in front of their own homes? Do we hate our children so much that we would allow strangers among us to defile our communities and create the atmosphere for more violence?

Where does it end, people? At what point do "YOU" stop the hemorrhage and cauterize the wound? There is absolutely NO honor in allowing children to be sacrificed for nothing. There is no "code" that is important enough to do nothing in situations like this. Do we even think about who made up this so-called "code?" Who stands to benefit from the "code?" The same demons that have killed your child are who benefit. Are they worth your soul? Are they worth your dignity or the life you will live withOUT your baby? And if you still think it is worth it ask yourselves what kind of life will you have? Surely it will be plagued with unfulfilled and sleepless nights and for what exactly? So you can say; "I didn't snitch?" A ridiculous position considering the stakes.

No snitching was highlighted in the 60's to prevent people from giving information to corrupt police in order to prevent them from building unfair cases against innocent people (Black people). This doesn't apply here, people! How have we allowed our positions originally designed to protect our people from harm to morph into something that destroys our people? This is craziness NO, it's insanity and has to be eliminated.

It's definitely time TO Snitch! Our children depend on it!

CHICAGO JEDI

2010-03-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO JEDI

2010-03-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

April 28, 2010. This is the official release date of convicted and admitted assassin, Thomas Hagan. On February 21, 1965. Malcolm X was delivering a speech at Harlem's Audubon Ballroom when Hagan and two other assassins killed Malcolm X. Hagan was convicted of shooting the civil rights leader, along with Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson. Both Johnson and Butler have consistently maintained their innocence and were paroled over 20 years ago.

One of the truly interesting aspects of this release is the circumstances prior. Hagan is only recently being allowed parole after 16 previous unsuccessful attempts. One would think this means Hagan is still incarcerated. Well, it appears Hagan has been on a work release program for over 20 Years!!! Hagan only spends 2 days out of the week actually locked up in his cell at Lincoln Correctional Facility.
Hagan has said he sees no further need for the system to have him incarcerated.

There are many in the African American community who, after learning of the specifics surrounding his release, are shocked! After all, Hagan was convicted of killing one of the most influential leaders for Black people at the height of the civil rights movements. Hagan's assassination of Malcolm X tore a deep divide in the communities of Black people and between the nation. Some people have asked how a person who has taken so much from their lives in the form of leadership and identity would be allowed to be released. Others feel it incomprehensible Hagan has been allowed to be on a 20+ year work release program spending only 2 days a week actually incarcerated.

Restorative justice activists believe the release of Hagan offers more than a freedom ticket for him personally. It is an opportunity to re-integrate Hagan into the very same community he that he has taken so much. It allows Hagan to take accountability for his actions and to take the opportunity to repair some of the harm he has done. Under a restorative justice framework, Hagan's actions have not only affected the immediate family of Malcolm but it has also affected the community itself. Hagan, the Malcolm X family and the community are all stakeholders in the crime. They all gave up something on February 21, 1965. Even Hagan himself has acknowledged this fact. So, where do we go from here? What needs to happen?

Prison Fellowship International - New Zealand

2010-01-17T15:35:00.001-08:00

the PRESIDENT OF PEACE?

2009-10-09T10:53:00.001-07:00

A lot of people on both sides are commenting on the nomination of United States President, Barack Obama for a Nobel Peace Prize. With only 9 months into his Presidential bid, Mr. Obama has managed to accomplish what few have in the same amount of time.

Thorbjorn Jagland,the Nobel Peace Prize committee judge, said the decision was "unanimous" and came easily."Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future."

The Huffington Post wrote; "Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said their choice could be seen as an early vote of confidence in Obama intended to build global support for his policies. They lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation, and praised his pledges to reduce the world stock of nuclear arms, ease American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen the U.S. role in combating climate change."

Obviously, there are individuals who disagree with the nomination and they are usually the ones who disagree with mostly everything the President does. It is their own survival that is at stake so spouting dissention and confusion is what is in their best interests, not the unity and effort of solidarity for the American People. I, like most Americans, have serious ideological issues with certain individuals and have learned over the years to agree to disagree or to have an intellegent debate about the differences and still manage to get a fair amount of sleep. With that being said, I can respect a person who has an alternate view point as long as they can intellegently defend it. I, not unlike the President, have found common ground with those I respect and disagree because it's not personal with me. However, I have found it rare that those who report from the extreme sides of the coins maintain their objectivity and fairness. Perhaps that's why they are considered extreme in the first place.

Nevertheless, I think when it comes to the President, it goes beyond extreeme. In fact, I would go on a limb and say it borders hate and intentional disrespect for our (and theirs) Commander In Chief. When Senators like Jo Wilson of South Carolina feel it appropriate to shout out "YOU LIE!" during a Presidential address instead of speaking privately with the President or through a vote on the Senate floor or when Joe Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League as he describes Obama's receiving the award "tokenism or that it cheapens the award to the point that it means nothing, it's just a token....He hasn't done a thing except talk. ... So it demeans the prize to the point that it has no significance. And it's a shame because it belittles all those people that went before." These comments among the countless others including the infamous poster of the President's face being painted as the "JOKER" by an anonymous creator or the First Lady as a stepit and fetchit slave goes beyond the normal acceptable boundaries.

So what's all the fuss about anyway? Who questions the committee who has delivered the nominations for decades? Could it be the leaders of the south still find it difficult to take direction from a Black man? Could it be they are still in robot mode and cannot flip that switch off Hannity and Rush talking points and THINK for themselves? OR is it just what we call in the hood, "hating"? I'm not sure perhaps it's a combination of all. The bottoom line for the JEDI is; "RESPECT THE OFFICE of THE PRESIDENCY even if you disagree with who is in the spot." Where are your good intentions? It's perfectly okay to criticize the President and to hold him accountable for his actions and policies just as we did Bush, it is entirely another thing to blatenly disrespect the MAN who is Commander in Chief on the level it has been done since November 2008. Get your debate game on, haters. Stop yelling out from the sidelines without being ready to offer some substantive solutions to the table. I don't mean one-sided, all or nothing, my way or the high way solutions either. Real, inclusive measures that are designed to give those of us who have not had the opportunity for CENTURIES a chance to CHANGE things for the masses and not just the few. OH but wait, I forgot that's not in "their" best interests, just ours!

DEATH of autotune!

2009-10-04T20:49:00.001-07:00

YES, Jay-Z is back! and back with a vengeance indeed. His 11th album, The Blueprint 3, is a variety of melodies mixed with hardcore beats to fill the soul of the hip hop enthusiast. Jay has dominated a discipline that is mostly reserved for the younger rapper. With a cool 40 on the horizon this December, Jay is re energized and definitely feeling his swagger peak. Although his album is full of variety and complex lyrics, there is a familiarity to it that is classic Jay. One of the more interesting songs is not the most likely. DEATH of Autotunes. This rendition is better appreciated when combined with the video.

The full context of the song “Death of Autotune” is a condemnation of the existing patterns of music that are dominating the airways by popular producers like T-Payne, Rodger Troutman and Jamie Foxx where the human voice is synthesized to give a computer like tone. According to Jay-Z, the Autotune techniques that are currently used to create songs have overshadowed the need to create intricate lyrics or to use real musicians in creating music.

Jay-Z is clearly frustrated with the state of music and emphasizes that in DOA. In his first verse he rants;

“This is anti-Autotune, death of the ringtone.

This ain’t for itunes, this ain’t for sing-alongs…”

He is attacking the way in which the music industry has endorsed the dumbing down and vast commercialization of music and its lyrical content subjugating it to a fad, especially in hip hop. On a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s show, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Jay-Z described some of the music being put out as befitting of a “Wendy’s commercial”. He reiterated that point in DOA when he raps;

“I know we facing a recession,

but the music y’all making gonna make it the great depression.

All your lack of aggression

pull your skirt back down, grow a set, man

n---a this shit violent

this is death of Autotune

moment of silence.”

In the previous line of that DOA verse, Jay-Z also attacked the current culture and the way in which they have concentrated too much on the appearances and producer’s studio gimmicks and not the substance of not just hip hop culture but the integrity of it when he writes;

“You n----s singin too much,

Get back to rap you T-Pain’n too much

I’m a multi-millionaire

So how is it I’m still the hardest n—a here?

I don’t be in the project hallway

Talkin’ bout how I be in the project all day

That sound stupid to me

If you a gangsta this how you prove it to me

N---a just get violent

This is death of Autotune,

moment of silence”

What Jay-Z is also showing in this verse is the hip hop culture was meant to embrace the struggle of the streets. Jay-Z believes his financial success should have placed him in an obsolete position, he feels he should not be still relevant in hip hop. Yet because of the mentality and the current obsession with commercialism (i.e., ringtones), he still is able to not only navigate the system but dominate it. He challenges the young rapper to stop talking about menial topics and expand his lyrical and musical base to say something worth saying and to say it in a clever way. He also gives him a “Blueprint (3)” of how to go about accomplishing this.

While hip hop has always been about describing the conditions in the inner city, including those in the projects, the intent was not to deify the lifestyle but to bring like to them and find a way out. In songs like DOA, Jay-Z challenges those who are self-described as “gangstas” to do what so-called gangstas like Sinatra and himself have done, innovate, create, and expand the base while keeping the integrity of the discipline alive.

IF we look deeper into the metaphoric symbolism of the lyrics we will notice in the beginning of the song, Jay-Z compares the gritty baselines and grimy feel of the DOA song with that of a “deadly weapon.” Despite what has been put out in the media and in commentary such as the one listed in the October 4, 2009 Sun-Times; "Letters to the Editor," he isn’t advocating physical violence in this song at all. What he is doing is creatively and intelligently using symbolism to characterize how hip hop music should be represented. He suggests the real essence of hip hop music is hard core in its presentation and that has been lost to trivializing it to ringtones and jingles. We he tells the listener “IF you a gangsta this is how you prove it to me, n---a just get violent…” he isn’t suggesting to go out and commit random acts of violence or to even engage in violence. What he is saying is get back to the basics, get back to substance and cultivate the lost art of hip hop music. Re-energize the integrity of the music through lyrics and through real musical approaches. REST IN PEACE, AUTOTUNES!

Iran in unrest

2009-06-21T20:19:00.001-07:00

Thousands of protesters fill the streets of Tehran to show their anger over the allegations of stolen votes for President. Opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi is trying to convince the religious leaders to overturn the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as President of Iran. This request has gone largely unheard with the supreme leader casting his affirmation for the President. These types of demonstrations have the potential of being a game changer and the US is looking on with renewed interests.

2008-12-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Indicted Governor, Rod Blagojevich has seemingly thumbed his nose and a not so affectionate middle finger at the US Prosector's office and Patrick Fitzgerald by appointing Roland Burris to the vacant US Senate seat previously held by President-Elect Barack Obama. Many are questioning the Governor's sanity and his judgement through this appointment. Others are saying he is within his "legal" right to do so. What do you think? Voice YOUR thoughts here on the Jedi Blog and share that with your friends. Remember; "The WORLD needs to hear what you have to say!"

the SPEAK OUT!

2008-12-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

(images belong to the companies they represent and their duplication and presentation is not meant to assume an endorcement of the blog posting in any manner.)

I received this via email from a friend. I hope you guys voice your opinions about the way our money is being handled and our fellow citizens are being treated by the Government. If you stay silent, no one will know what you have to say. Do you agree? Do you disagree? "The WORLD needs to hear what YOU have to say!" -Jedi '08

Hey, you senators: Thanks for nothing! A few parting words for the senators who squashed the auto rescue By MITCH ALBOM - FREE PRESS COLUMNIST Do you want to watch us drown? Is that it? Do want to see the last gurgle of economic air spit from our lips? If so, senators, know this: You’ll go down with us. America isn’t America without an auto industry. You can argue whether $14 billion would have saved it, but you surely tried to kill it.We have grease on our hands. You have blood. Kill the car, kill the country. History will show that when America was on its knees, a handful of lawmakers tried to cut off its feet. And blame the workers. How suddenly did the workers — a small percentage of a car’s cost — become justification for crushing an industry? And when did Detroit become the symbol of economic dysfunction? Are you kidding? Have you looked in the mirror lately, Washington? In a world where banks hemorrhaged trillions in a high-priced gamble called credit derivative swaps that YOU failed to regulate, how on earth do WE need to be punished? In a bailout era where you shoveled billions, with no demands, to banks and financial firms, why do WE need to be schooled on how to run a business?Who is more dysfunctional in business than YOU? Who blows more money? Who wastes more trillions on favors, payback and pork? At least in the auto industry, if folks don’t like what you make, they don’t have to buy it. In government, even your worst mistakes, we have to live with.And now Detroit should die with this? In bed with the foreign automakers Kill the car, kill the country. Sen. Richard Shelby, Sen. Bob Corker, Sen. Mitch McConnell, your names will not be forgotten. It’s amazing how you pretend to speak for America when you are only watching out for your political party, which would love to cripple unions, and your states, which house foreign auto plants. Corker, you’ve got Nissan there and Volkswagen coming. Shelby, you’ve got Hyundai, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and — like McConnell — Toyota. Oh, don’t kid yourself. They didn’t come because you earned their business, a subject on which you enjoy lecturing the Detroit Three. No, they came because you threw billions in state tax breaks to lure them. And now you want those foreign companies, which you lured, and which get help from their governments, to dictate to American workers how much they should be paid? Tell you what. You’re so fond of the foreign model, why don’t you do what Japanese ministers do when they screw up the country’s finances? They cut their salaries. Or they resign in shame. When was the last time a U.S. senator resigned over a failed policy? Yet you want to fire Rick Wagoner? Who are you people?More money for the lords of Wall Street There ought to be a law — against the hypocrisy our government has demonstrated. The speed with which wheelbarrows of money were dumped on Wall Street versus the slow noose hung on the auto companies’ necks is reprehensible. Some of those same banks we bailed out are now saying they won’t extend credit to auto dealers. Wasn’t that why we gave them the money? To loosen credit? Where’s your tight grip on those funds, senators? Where’s your micromanaging of the wages in banking? Or do you just enjoy having your hands around blue-collared throats? No matter what the president does, history will not forget this: At our nation’s most uncertain hour, you senators stood ready to plunge hundreds of thousands of American families into oblivion. Leave them unemployed, with no health care, on public assistance. And you were willing to put our nation’s security at risk — by squashing the manufacturing base we must have in times of war. And why? So you could stand on some phony principle? Crush a union? Play to your base? How is our nation better off today now that you kept $14 billion in the treasury? Are you going to balance the budget with that? Don’t make us laugh. Kill the car, kill the country. You tried to slam a stake into our chest; you don’t realize how close you are to the nation’s heart. Shame on your pettiness. Shame on your hypocrisy. This is how lawmakers behave two weeks before Christmas? Honestly. What has become of this country?

Is it time to forgive Michael Vick?

2008-11-26T09:31:00.001-08:00

Former Atlanta Falcon's multi-purpose quarterback, Michael Vick pleaded guilty to a Virginia state dogfighting charge. The plea agreement was a calculated move that now positions Vick to be eligible to leave Federal Prison early. In exchange for the plea, Vick received a three-year suspended sentence, a fine and four years probation for his role in the 2007 dogfighting incidents which resulted in him being suspended by the NFL. The fine will be suspended if Vick pays court costs and keeps the terms of the probation. The charges against Vick carried a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Vick is scheduled to be released from federal prison July 20, 2009. The state plea agreement allows Vick to participate in the Federal Bureau of Prisons re-entry program. The program may include an early release and a stay at a halfway house for up to six months.

The question is: Is it time to forgive Michael Vick for his dogfighting role and allow him to return to the NFL? He most likely will receive a rough reception from many animal lovers around the nation if an NFL team has the guts to allow him back not to mention the public relations nightmare the brave team who accepts him into their fold will receive. But has Vick paid enough for his crime? He's serving a 23 month Federal Prison Term, he's lost all of his income, he's filed for bankruptcy, his NFL future is in jeopardy, he's a father and has to earn to support his family. So, has he paid enough? Should he be banished for life like Pete Rose was in Baseball? What do you think?

Ladies & Gentlemen, MR. PRESIDENT!

2008-11-09T23:16:00.001-08:00

I dont' think words can really express this historic moment so, I give you the 44th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA! -photo from the front page of the Chicago Sun Times Newspaper.

2008-10-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, American Forces raided a small farm inside the Syrian Border killing eight people. The US claimed it was hunting Al-Qaeda members who were responsible for the recent number of insurgents found crossing the Iraq border and causing some of the damage to our American soldiers. Some see the raid as part of the ongoing war on terror where the US has vowed to following terrorists wherever they are. Yet, still others look at this as a well planned "October Surprise" instituted by the GOP and the Bush Administration as an attempt to alter the Presidential Elections and to stall some of the momentum recently enjoyed by Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama. Whatever the reason, whatever the outcome, we have to be critical of the motives considering the past revelations of the Bush Administration. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is this an October Surprise or is this a legitimate raid on a threatening nation? Post your comment because, "the world NEEDS to hear what YOU have to say!"

Remix: Al Gore's Challenge to Repower America

2008-10-09T17:05:00.001-07:00

I think we ALL should begin to think for ourselves about energy in AMERICA. Stop letting those who have been running this country into the ground for YEARS tell you we need to keep drilling. It's insane logic. There are other countries who are almost 90% free from oil and fossil fuels. So what does that mean? It means the technology IS HERE NOW! The powers that be are trying to block innovation and progress because the benefit from the oil destruction. STAND UP, Jedi Followers.

Sarah Palin And Republican Hypocrisy

2008-09-29T18:14:00.001-07:00

Most of the election has been super-serious. Well, I wouldn't be the JEDI if I didn't find this video and post it. Enjoy a laugh at all of the Hypocrisy in the Republican Party. Please voice your comment.

Bush's mortgage bailout

2008-09-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

President George Bush attempted to get approval from Congress to purchase over $700 Billion in bad mortgages in an effort to fix the failing economy. The purchase would allow the government to own the bad debt for two years. The Democrats including Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, want the bailout plan to be used to help severely strapped home-owners stay in their homes and to limit the compensation paid to corporate executives.

The Bush proposal will give largely sweeping powers to the government to dispense gigantic sums of taxpayer dollars, which would be secretly concealed from court scrutiny AND without oversight (a major reason how the mortgage crisis began in the first place). The proposal would raise the statutory limit on the national debt from $10.6 trillion to $11.3 trillion to make room for the bailout. What's even more interesting is the proposal does not require the government receive anything from banks in return for unloading their bad assets. So essentially, the institutions would be bailed out and the government (taxpayers) could receive nothing in return. What a deal!

An elusive question is how can the government endorse such a plan without considering how pensions and homeowners would be saved. Only the JEDI readers would have the correct questions for this delimena. Let's hear from you.
Chicago Jedi '08

The Real Palin?

2008-09-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

During the Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin was introduced as the party's Vice Presidential Nominee to John McCain. During this introduction, Palin seized the opportunity to tell the world about her background including being mayor of a small Alaskan town. She described snowmobile riding, PTA & soccer mom duties as well as snubbing the traditional good ole' boy's network, which apparently had dominated the state. All pushed out to the public to highlight Palin's so-called "executive experience". A stretch compared to the traditional vetting of a corporate VP let alone a Presidential one. That was not the most interesting part of Palin's speech. Instead of appearing humbled by the obvious surprise nomination from McCain, Palin came out swinging and smug. She did not hesitate to give the grand old party's base exactly what they hungered for. She belittled Democratic Nominee, Barack Obama's experience as a community organizer as well as suggesting he did nothing during his time in the Illinois or Federal Senate. Palin mocked Obama's criticism of the military treatment of prisoners and upholding the rights of prisoners in United State's custody while the crowd chanted "USA, USA!" This was a Sarah Palin who seemed to say "up yours" quite often, building on her "baraccuda" nick-name (even though the authors of the song sent requests the RNC stop using their song at their events.)

I for one, found this to be quite upsetting. In a time where Palin may be called upon to lead the country or influence the President, her smug, defeatist and non-compromising attitude would only fuel the flames already started by George W Bush. I truly hope the world doesn't sleep on this election. DO YOUR PART AMERICA!!! Speak out, let the world hear what YOU have to say. Post a comment and pass it along.
Chicago Jedi 2008

2008-09-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

STATE SENATOR AND PASTOR REV. JAMES MEEKS ENCOURAGES BOYCOTT OF CPS.

Yesterday, The Illinois Senator organized and instituted a boycott of the widely publicized first day of school for some Chicago Public School students. Meeks, who often wears two hats, organized the boycott in what he described as an effort to put pressure on law-makers to improve the school system as well as to call attention to what he believes is school funding shortages for CPS students.

As a show of purpose, Meeks offered to cancel his boycott if the Governor and other high-ranking officials including House Speaker Michael Madigan (father of Attorney General Lisa Madigan), and Senate President, Emil Jones would agree to back Meek's three year school reform package, which some estimate as being $120 Million Dollars.

Meeks' contention is CPS is not doing the most for its students and is encouraging a transfer of some CPS students to outlying suburban schools such as New Trier School located in Winnetka, Illinois. It is estimated Chicago spends approximately $10,500 per student compared to $17,000 for New Trier School.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is Meeks right on or off base concerning this subject?

Chicago Jedi '08

John McCain - Lost in Space

2008-08-27T16:06:00.001-07:00

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has been accused of flip-flopping and being "dangerously inexperienced to be President." In a climate where lies and fear have been cornerstones of this administration scrutinizing their words and information are more important than ever.

Judge for yourself and LET THE WORLD HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!"

To Our Leaders: Give Us 100% Clean Electricity in 10 Years

2008-08-15T23:19:00.001-07:00

Gas is approaching $4.50/gal yet we aren't getting any more gas milage for our money. Gas vehicles are getting similar milage as they did in 1985. Something is wrong. How can you say we need change yet do nothing? Take a stand HERE on the CHICAGO JEDI BLOG.
Peace,
Chicag Jedi '08

Don't be fooled!

2008-08-15T22:46:00.001-07:00

As the days move into months and we vastly approach the crucial November deadline to elect our next President, I cannot help but think of how we are going to accomplish that. I mean it's as simple as going into the secret booth and casting the ballot, right? But, is it? Recent studies have shown history has a real chance of repeating itself this November and the overall favorite could loose. Polls are closer than ever. In a time where racial tolerance is becoming more profound, an atmosphere hosting the "appearance of tolerance" is ever-present.

Something called the "Bradley effect" has been tossed around recently. Without going into a huge history lesson, Tom Bradley lost a stunning defeat in the California Governor's race in 1982 after he was largely picked to be the winner by a landslide. David Dinkins had a similar experience in '89 where the polls showed him to be ahead of his competitor by as much as 15 or so points only to loose the election in the Virginia Governor's race. "So, Chicago Jedi, what's your point?" Well it's simple, we cannot sit back and assume CHANGE will come mystically. We have to work just as hard to CHANGE the General Election as we did to change the primary.

For those of us who are tired of being held under the thumb of a lying government and a President who imposes his will blindly without the thought of the people, CHANGE is as important as AIR. Speaking of air, we also could use a President who is concerned about its cleanliness.

IF we are to ensure that CHANGE in November, we have to work hard, we have to be determined, we cannot be fooled by the tricknology. THE CHICAGO JEDI encourages you all to host a party and watch both the DNC & the RNC. Pass the hat and donate it to who YOU consider to be the CHANGE candidate or MOVEON.ORG (you can find BOTH websites on this site).

In the prophetic words of Bill Cosby, "Come on, people!" Let's get involved, get into it.
Peace,
Chicago Jedi '08

Think and Act

2008-07-21T23:06:00.001-07:00

Think and act The greatest idea in the world is of little use unless it is acted upon. The most powerful actions and efforts are of little positive use unless there is some real, focused thought behind them. Thoughts and actions work best when they work together. Thoughts give direction and focus to actions, while actions serve to manifest thoughts into reality.

Think about what you're doing, and then do what you're thinking about. It's a simple enough formula, yet too often one part or the other gets left out. If you spend all your time just thinking and dreaming, none of those dreams will ever come true.

If you spend all your time just working and striving, you'll have nothing really meaningful to show for all that work.

So put some real energy into thinking and dreaming, and then put your energy into making it happen. You have a brain and you have a body, so use them both together for positive, productive results.
God Bless, Angela Just remember Jesus is the Lord!!! Psalm 150:6

Don't be fooled

2008-06-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

These are two recently published photos of controversial images of Democratic Presumptive Presidential Nominee Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. As one can see, they depict the fears of many racist and uneducated segments of our society. The first depicting Michelle Obama being strung up by her wrists by Ku Klux Klan members and attempting to inflict a brand which reads; "Uppity Liberal". The latter has Senator Obama in the sights of a rifle scope. These images and suggestions are nothing new in our society against blacks but it's the timing of such things, which raise the hairs on the backs of many progressive thinking individuals who are hoping for change in the usual politics. Senator Hillary Clinton, Liz Trotta, Governor Ed Rendel, President George Bush, Bill Clinton and many others have given statements, which have fuelled the race flames during this election. Despite what intentions were given and excuses that were made in defense of these statements, we ALL must be mindful of their possible impacts. Prior to the final delegate counts many older blacks were apprehensive of even voting for Obama as a way of protecting him from harms way. Many stated they would rather see him lose the election than have him harmed by some racist radical with an outdated agenda. However, Barack and Michelle both have discussed these issues amongst themselves and have embraced the larger good this election implies. What we have to do is continue to educate the uneducated and to battle the hate with progress and consistency. We must continue to fight the good fight and defeat the intolerance of those who wish to continue to keep the USA in darkness by becoming a bit more tolerant in our daily lives. We can begin by passing on the Chicago Jedi blog site to all of our friends and asking them to do the same, we can begin by embracing small issues like reading a book by an author with an alternate view, visit a motivational seminar, listen to a controversial radio broadcast, have coffee with a member of the opposite sex. In short, we can learn from one another and with learning we begin to think and with thinking we garner understanding and tolerance.

Peace,

Chicago Jedi 2008

SAME SEX MARRIAGE BAN STRUCK DOWN!

2008-05-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

(photos taken from www.cnn.com)
Well, it appears perseverance and determination have won over traditional values in the city of angels. Pressure from gay-lesbian activists as well as the long time gay capital of the United States, San Francisco, have won the battle to overturn the state's ban on same sex marriages today. The US Supreme Court ruled the ban unconstitutional today granting same sex marriage couples a huge victory. California is only the second state in the United States to adopt such an acceptance. Massachusetts adopted their position in 2004.

Is the a good thing for America?

Was this done for political reasons or just the sign of a changing society?

Is this tolerence or just politics?

YOU DECIDE!

(The world needs to hear what YOU have to say!)

EXPRESS YOURSELF HERE ON CHICAGO JEDI!

NYPD on a roll

2008-04-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

ONCE AGAIN!!!

NOT EVEN A MONTH AFTER initial accusations of wrongdoing, the NYPD is hit again with the old inappropriate behavior and harassment label. Is this the latest racial attack on minority citizens, an epidemic or just business as usual finally being exposed to the masses? YOU DECIDE.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chief Douglas Zeigler, is one of the highest ranking officers in the NYPD and heads the department's Community Affairs Bureau. Zeigler was off duty and sitting in an SUV in Queens on May 2, 2008 when he was approached by two white officers.

Apparently, Zeigler's attempt to identify himself wasn't good enough for the officers and one of them attempted to open the door to the Chief's vehicle. Well, needless to say the interaction turned ugly. The officers claimed they saw a gun in the vehicle. The end result was a department discipline.

Wednesday May 7, 2008
The Reverend Al Sharpton and the fiancee of the late Sean Bell were arrested near NYPD HQ where they staged a peaceful protest in an attempt to persuade Federal Prosecutors to bring Civil Rights violations against the NYPD Detectives recently acquitted of murder charges stemming from the shooting of Sean Bell on his wedding day.

THINK?

In an era of constant violence against citizens by not only the police but other deviants, are the Police in New York really to blame or were their actions justified? YOU TELL YOUR SIDE.

Don't know WHAT HAPPENED? Read it here on CHICAGO JEDI!

Three New York police detectives were acquitted on all counts in the case of Sean Bell. If you didn't know, BELL was recently killed by NYPD detectives after they allegedly shot him 50 times.

BELL's fiancee, Nicole Paultre Bell, expressed her disappointment to reporters at a rally accompanied by the Rev. Al Sharpton by stating; "On April 25, 2008, they killed Sean all over again...That's what it felt like to us...yesterday, they the justice system let me down. I gave them the benefit of the doubt. I'm still praying for justice, because it's not over. It's far from over."

WHAT DO YOU THINK? THE WORLD NEEDS TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK!

Should McCain disown his pastor as well?

2008-04-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of EQUAL debate. I submit this following article taken from the "THINK PROGRESS" website. You can click onto the link to see the entire article for yourselves. Feel free to comment.
Peace & Thoughts
Chicago Jedi '08
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McCain ‘Very Honored’ By Support Of Pastor Preaching ‘End-Time Confrontation With Iran’»
Yesterday, hard-line conservative Pastor John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel, endorsed John McCain. Hagee said that McCain “is a man of principle, [who] does not stand boldly on both sides of any issue.” McCain, who had been courting the endorsement for over a year, said that he was “very honored by Pastor John Hagee’s endorsement.”

Demonstrating how wildly out of the American religious and political mainstream Hagee’s views are, McCain’s acceptance of Hagee’s endorsement was condemned today by conservative William Donohue, president of the Catholic League. Calling Hagee a “bigot,” Donahue said the right-wing pastor has waged “an unrelenting war against the Catholic Church” by “calling it ‘The Great Whore,’ an ‘apostate church,’ the ‘anti-Christ,’ and a ‘false cult system.’”

Hagee holds many other radical beliefs. In a 2006 address to CUFI, Hagee declared:

The United States must join Israel in a pre-emptive military strike against Iran to fulfill God’s plan for both Israel and the West… a biblically prophesied end-time confrontation with Iran, which will lead to the Rapture, Tribulation, and Second Coming of Christ.

Speaking to the 2007 AIPAC conference, Hagee compared supporters of a two-state solution in the Middle East to Nazis. Hagee also echoed right-wing Israeli politician Binyamin Netanyahu, telling the audience that “Iran is Germany and Ahmadinejad is the new Hitler.”

Paging Tim Russert: Someone should ask John McCain if, unlike Hagee, he supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and whether he believes that a military strike against Iran would “fulfill God’s plan for…a biblically prophesied end-time confrontation” as Hagee does.

UPDATE: Faith in Public Life has more.

UPDATE II: Hagee’s tv show, “John Hagee Today,” is also broadcast on Cornerstone Television. In 1999, McCain wrote to the FCC on behalf of campaign contributor Lowell “Bud” Paxson, urging a deal that would have made $17.5 million for Cornerstone.

KAPPA ALPHA PSI receives negative press

2008-04-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

On April 4, 2008, at a Los Angeles event commemorating the assassination of Martin Luther King, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity incorporated gave Israeli-American Daphna Ziman its Tom Bradley Award for community service. During the presentation, the keynote speaker, Reverend Eric Lee, gave what was perceived as a personal attack on Ms. Ziman about Jewish/Black relations an ever hot topic. View for yourselves and comment.
Chicago Jedi

Rev. Eric Lee's Anti-Semitism: A Personal Story

2008-04-13T11:15:00.001-07:00

Rev. Eric Lee

In search of the Past through the present

2008-04-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Presidential hopeful, Senator Barack Obama recently gave a speech on race in America as it related to our need as a country to understand each other and through that dialog find a common space in which to discuss our differences. The Senator from Illinois has been given grand credit for even attempting to tackle such a tabooed topic, especially in the midst of a presidential campaign. The politically correct thing to do would have been for him to ignore it or to say something common such as things have gotten better or some other disingenuous form of the truth.

The fact of the matter is race has and does matter in the sub-consciousness of us all. It's not necessarily a bad thing because we are all different in culture and upbringings and those differences are what make us a melting pot. It's those differences, which guarantee this country remain one of the best.

Recently, a young Black man by the name of David A. Wilson began the search of his ancestry through North Carolina. What he found was not only the place where his great grandparents were held as slaves but the direct descendant of those slave owners, David B. Wilson. What developed in this documentary was the relationship between, what Dr. King touted as, the coming together of former slaves and former slave masters sitting down at the table of brotherhood. David A, has a bright future in the journalism field. In my opinion that is a grand accomplishment as well as a welcomed departure from rapping and sports stories for black students.

Following the documentary, MSNBC's Brian Williams hosted a panel at one of the historically black colleges, Howard University where the panelists such as Eric Dyson, Tom Joyner, Rev. DeForest Soaries, activist and ex-BET/MTV producer, Kevin Powell and others discussed race. It was a discussion worth its weight in gold. Re-broadcasts will be aired all this month.

This documentary will by no means solve the race problem in America but it is hopeful that it will spark the dialog. If you've never seen it you should, your CHILDREN SHOULD. It is definitely an eye-opening experience.

We should all view this insightful piece and more importantly DISCUSS it with others.
click the link OR coopy/paste it into your address browser to check it out for yourselves (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23746891#23746891)

Peace and a new direction,
Chicago Jedi

The TOP FIVE

2008-04-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

There are always things in our lives we wish we had the answers to. These are the things most of the civilized world never had to ponder because they weren't issues. Where has the common sense gone? If you feel you have some to add, send them in the comment section.

1. If YOU knew the popular rap group who touted; "Shoot that MF in the head, blah, blah, blah..." was just a group who made an entertainment song and was not meant to be taken literally, why don't YOUR kids know that too?

2. When will the young urbanite's T-shirt color change from white?

3. Where has "individuality" gone and how can we get her back?

4. When will reading become cool again?

5. If it wasn't okay for you to do it when you were a kid, why is it okay for your kids to do it now?

The Challenge

2008-04-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is a new time in our world. We've got a new POSITIVE Presidential Candidate and we've got a new groove goin' on. Things are looking up on that front yet we are still bogged down by the sins of the past manifested in Iraq and gas prices as high as giraffe P%$*Y!!! So, what do we do? I submit, that is the challenge.

What do we do? Well, I'm sure there is no one answer, which will cure that ill. What I do know is we won't get there by doing the same old things we've been doing. We can't get there by being stagnant and filled with apathy. In the words of my dear mentor, Bill Cosby, "Come on, people!" Look around and take notice. The world is changing and it will pass us by if we don't embrace it's morphosis.

I've got friends and associates who refuse to check their email, write on a blog, get a facebook page or even learn how to load a video onto Youtube. This is not to diss but just to point to the obvious. Obama took hits on his pastor in large part because the mass media was able to take the controversy and project their opinion onto the rest of the world via the nightly news and cable tv as well as Youtube. We voiced our support of the brother and would challenge anyone, for the most part, who expressed a contrary opinion. The problem was not many voices were heard in the world because they were voiced in archaic means.

We don't have a black Hannity and Combes or an Anderson 360 or an AM 560. The most we have is Tavis Smiley on a PBS channel late at night and largely unpublicized. AM 1690 does its best but can't compete with the larger entities. SO....where is the answer? I'm not sure there is a complete one as I've mentioned. We can however, do something different in our own small way. We can read a book, listen to a controversial news station or formulate an opinion on where we stand. We can TAKE a stand on an issue. We can encourage our kids to read the newspaper once or twice a week, ask them what they think and make them tell us WHY.

We have to challenge ourselves to do something. Get involved, get into it.
What do YOU think?
Peace,
Chicago-Jedi '08

step by step video to set up your blog

2008-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Just for ALL OF YOU who think this stuff is too hard. Your excuses have been eliminated!
Good luck and happy blogging....
-ROCK

http://www.youtube.com/BloggerHelp

The Tale of; "Just Met You"

2008-04-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo......one evening, my LA road dawg Dan Belle, and I, we decided to indulge in a night out. There are treats in those streets, so we gussied up and got on the good foot. We began at one of our fave spots for gluttony, El Cholo. Here, we met up with some former colleagues. Good times ensued and the Rita's were flowing, and the chips and salsa was delicious, and......well you get the point, we were grubbin'! Anywaaaaayyy, amongst the other folks was a young lady that Dan Belle and I did not know. She was a friend of our friends,friend. Dig me?After a bit of open ended conversation, and more drank, she began to warm up to all, subsequently "fitting in" with the flow. Now Dan Belle and I have great stories and some are appropriate for sharing, and some we embellish, and some we definitely keep under lock and key. Needless to say that the table was full of laughter, and nostalgia filled the air. Our former life tends to be very intriguing to strangers (no we were not involved in any felonious activity or anything that would shame our mamas). Wellllll, dinner came and went and D and I decided that it was time to hat up and move on to the next spot. We said our good-byes, but in the process, we got the feeling that this random broad wanted to roll (must have been the stories). What the heck, I thought, she's a cute girl, she might come in handy at the bar. Besides, the more the merrier. Guys like it when we travel in packs. Soooooo, she ditched the dude she came to meet, and bounced with D and I. She even rode in the car with us (this should have been our first clue).Our next stop was to meet some old friends. So we arrive at Spot No. 2, introductions are made, and everyone seems to be having a great time. Suddenly, my boys are asking D and I about homegirl. The questions range from, "what does she do?", to "how long have you all been friends"? Quietly and strangely, we both had to answer that we didn't really know broad, and she was with us at the previous spot with a previous cat, and she wanted to roll, so we said "sure!" That is when she went from her government name, to "Just Met You", and for the rest of the evening, she lived up to it, famously. She set her sights on one of my boys, and the side show began. Now, I must hand it to her, she wasn't a punk. She saw something she liked and she committed to the game, in spite of the fact that she knew NOT ONE of us a few hours before. We had a round of drinks, and decided to head somewhere else.Our next, and ultimately final stop, was a club. We chose this particular spot, because as we were driving down the street, "Just Met You" said "STOP", "I know the bouncers here, let me see what's up", so the caravan pulled over, and D and I watched as "Just Met You" worked her mojo. Next thing I know, she signals for us to valet and we are walking in. I think to myself, "okay, 'Just Met You', I see ya"! Please bear in mind that The Maven is no longer a club banger. Once upon a time, I would shut a damn club DOWN, but I am a cougar in training now, so I'll leave that loud music and jumping around to the kittens. Side note: Anyone who saw me in action at Lady M's wedding should ignore that last statement.Continuing on......we all converge on the bar and get a lil something, and stand around to soak in the vibe. The vibe was actually very cool. The music was on point, so much so, I got the DJ's card for future reference. We are all having fun, seeing old faces, and meeting new ones. "Just Met You" is still smelling my boy, but also making her rounds in the club. Obviously, she is seasoned. D and I catch a glimpse of her canoodling off to the side with someone familiar, or NOT. With this chick, who knows? HaHA!Finally, the night comes to an end, mainly because LA is corny like that and shuts down early, akin to when your elders came in your room and shut the lights off, regardless of what you were doing, and told you to take that arse to bed.The crowd filled the streets and as we waited for the cars, everyone said their good-byes, good nights, and good-to-see ya's. The ride finally came and D and I jumped in, but "Just Met You' was off closing her deals. She finally got in the back seat, and we made a bee line to her car for the drop off. At some point, D and I realized that she was backseat mackin' on her phone to one of our boys, and we gave each other the side eye. Broad works fast. No hate.So, we got her to her ride, shared a few empty thoughts, and she was gone. Just like that, "Just Met You" came and went. She had a great night, had great food, great conversation, met some great guys, and all this with two broads she didn't know from Eve. Go figure.The moral of this story is, you can take a horse to the water, but don't be mad if she's thirsty and drinks it all!Holla!
-The Maven

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