Pick up your stones, people.. Pastor spreads HIV to congregation

It may be known by now my brethren (you see what I did there) of the incident at the Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta in which a married pastor, who is infected with HIV, has had sex with several people in his congregation. Pastor Craig Davis was arrested then released on bond after a woman filed for his arrest for having unprotected sex in Clayton County, GA while knowing that he is HIV-positive. The woman, Ronita McAfee, first met the pastor on facebook, and was later told by the pastor's ex-lover that he had indeed infected her with HIV. There is actually more to this story, however, I mainly would like to address those who had strong opinions on the matter. There are some, including Pastor Davis, who believes that these women are simply harlots used by the enemy to keep people from going to church. There are also others who simply see an adulterous pastor who used his position to manipulate woman all while greatly affecting their lives forever. Or perhaps you see it as an eye opening lesson for both parties as they use God's sanctuary as a garden for their selfish and lustful ways. Well, I certainly couldn't disagree with the latter. Take note readers from the book of God's Word as it is written: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement. -James 3:1. Basically, it's saying that all pastors, teachers and ministers are held at a different measure of judgement than everyone else. Here's another verse for you: But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. -Peter 2:1. This means that we can expect such behavior from people who call themselves leaders of flocks; and that they will be dealt with swiftly and severely. Honestly, I try my hardest to refrain from judging this situation because it's not for me to judge. However, I will advise those who consistently use any excuse to stay away from the church that there is no need to add this matter to your list of 40 or more other excuses. This is a matter in which we all were foretold and carefully informed. And as it was directly stated, it is definitely a matter that will surely be addressed..and certainly without any assistance from us.

Daaaaamn! Uncle Herm says blacks won't vote for Obama

Herman Cain (you see, I like to call him Uncle Herm because, well...he looks like somebody's trifling rich uncle) voiced his opinions on the presidential race. The womanizing, one time front-runner in the republican presidential race is fully supporting a hopeful Mitt Romney. Uncle Herm believes that Obama will have a few setbacks in the coming election. Firstly, Cain believes that African-Americans won't come out to vote in the surprising numbers of 2008. Uncle Herm also stated other issues that he believes will be detrimental to President Obama: the increase in the number of unemployed, the increase in the number of people on welfare, the rise in gas prices, as well as the 50 percent increase in the national debt. So, American voters, is there a true cause for concern. Sure, Uncle Herm has a history of soliciting women for sex by asking them if they want a job; and sure, Uncle Herm was the lone representative of a bullheaded and impassive Tea Party; however, these are facts that simply can't be ignored. Then again, a lot of us did look the other way when George W. Bush won (or stole) his 2nd term in office. Well, I suppose a similar act can be repeated; except this time in the favor of a more deserving democrat.

Men Being "Straight Up" About Sex

I have a friend who is about as "straight up" about sex as he is when he places an order at a drive-thru window.  He tells me, "you see, I just give the women a choice.  They either with it..or they aint." Many women would find his approach to be problematic, or even immature.  Buuutt, you may find it to be less of a problem if he looked like the man in this photo.  Sorry ladies, my friend does not look like this guy..and neither do most men.

Most guys will take different approaches to obtain a woman's interest.  We become more attentive to your words, and we may smile a bit more than usual.  And sadly, we may also expand the truth a little, i.e. we tell you that thing with our ex is completely over; or we may tell you that our job position is a bit higher than it really is.  We become someone a bit different from our actual selves, as do women when they meet someone of interest for the first time.

The problem really arises when we become that guy, like my friend, who tells you the truth about our carnal needs. Most women hate it when men whistle at them and approach them with obvious truthful compliments. Damn you hot! or damn that ass look fhat!  (I don't do the p-h-a-t thing).  It seems that you would rather for him to give you that ole one man show.  One which eventually sets matters up for disappointment when those near-truths are exposed.

But I understand, ladies. You simply want a man to give you his best effort; and who could possibly not want that from a guy? However, is his best effort being masked behind continual thoughts of lies and deception?  Maybe once in a while you could be more attentive to the straight-up guy.   Remember him?  The one who calls to you from across the street.  Yo, ma!  Let me holla at ya for a minute.  Yeah, that guy.  Even he deserves to be heard sometimes,  I suppose. I mean, he may seem a little aggressive, but he's a truthful fella.  Besides, at the very least, all he wants to do is offer you a suggestion; or possibly two.

Black kids can't read?

Maybe you've read this report: 80% of African American juveniles can't read.  Or maybe you've seen this one: 90% of black children lack reading proficiency.  Here's one from another study: only 12% of black fourth graders were proficient in reading.

The numbers are astonishing, and maybe some are inaccurate.  Nevertheless, these numbers continue to show all over the country.  I have another one for you: black and Hispanic students score lower on every known measure of achievement or aptitude than whites and Asians.  Well, I'm at full attention to all you teachers, parents, and school administrators.  What seems to be the problem?  Now, it is possible that the schools are inadequately preparing our children; and it's also possible that the tools used to gather this data is off-kilter.  The teachers are blaming the parents and administrators; and the parents are blaming the school system.  Who is the blame? What are the answers?

Even with my educational degrees, I can't give you the answer to that one.  However, I can tell you what works and what does not work.  First, allowing your child to do whatever he/she wants...that does not work.  Parents who do not advocate education...that can not work.  Teachers who give up on children who are not intrinsically motivated to read..that will not work.  However, the one thing that will work is reading.  Parents, give your child a book. Teachers, make extra time for a struggling child. Child, pick up a freakin' book.  And if you're a child or adolescent and you're reading this...freakin' is not a real word.  So, if you have a question about a word, ask someone you trust, or ask a language arts teacher.  I would prefer that you ask the latter.

Not long ago, it was said that reading is fundamental. Today, it seems that you can by without it.  The problem lies in the fact that without it, we just remain dumb. So, teachers, don't pass a dumb child.  Parents, don't raise a dumb child.  And children?  Just don't be dumb.  Back away from the tv or video game and pick up a comic book, a magazine, or a novel.  Because it is true what they say, reading is fundamental..and dumb jus' aint cute.


fyi:  jus' and aint are not real words

Ocho's Reality: The End of Sambo

Firstly, let's obtain an accurate definition of the word sambo.  It's a racial term that came into the English language from the Latin American spanish word zambo, which is believed to have come from the Kongo word nzambu, meaning monkey.  The word was later used in modern British English in an offensive manner referring to someone of African descent.  Instances of it used in America was as a stereotypical name for blacks or slaves, which can be found prior to the Civil War.  The word later became popular through a Helen Bannerman children's book entitled Little Black Sambo published in 1899.  It told the story of a boy named Sambo who outsmarted a group of hungry tigers.  With that being said, please don't think that I would call anyone a name that is as racially charge as that because I would not, and I am not.  But I am recognizing stereotypical behaviors so that we can bury such viewpoints forever.

Over the weekend, Miami Dolphin wide receiver and former Cincinnati Bengal star Chad Johnson was arrested in a domestic battery case for head-butting his wife.  It has been reported that the altercation stemmed from his wife's discovery of a receipt for a box of condoms found in the couples car.  The newly wed wife, Evelyn Lozada, of "Basketball Wives" called 911 and was later hospitalized.  She still reports her intention of filing charges.

Most of us know Chad Johnson for doing touchdown antics and other attention-seeking actions during his impressive ball-playing days earlier in his career.  Chad would say, and do, whatever he wanted despite the advice of others who hoped to further his talented career.  Johnson's  name change to Ochocinco, referencing his jersey number (85), was also a part of his self-promoting exploits.  His on-the-field actions would normally get the attention of NFL executives which led to numerous fines and expected suspensions.  The talented, yet conniving, Chad loved the spotlight. He would do just enough to get the crowd's attention, while at the same time, agitate those in authoritative positions. Chad Johnson is indeed an intelligent man.

Johnson was released from the Miami Dolphins due to this his recent arrest.  The team also voiced that his departure wasn't simply because of the alleged assault, but also because of his infectious behaviors around the team.  Following his release from the squad, VH1 terminated the "Ev and Ocho" show featuring he and his new wife.  It was scheduled to debut on September 3rd.  Ochocinco's arrest had a greater impact than he could have ever imagined. Just as Little Sambo had outwitted the hungry tigers, the former Cincinnati Bengal, Ochocinco outsmarted his employers by pushing buttons that he knew would get the attention that he desperately needed.  Now that his world has turned upside down in a matter of days, it may be the perfect time for this intelligent man to drop the act.  It's now time to show the crowd that there's nothing wrong with being a selfless black man named Chad.

Too real for NBC's primetime spot, Claressa Shields obtains her gold

From Flint, Michigan hails the new queen of boxing, 17-year-old Claressa Shields.  Young Claressa won her semi-final match with flair and ease on Wednesday; and on the following day she won the gold in the same fashion in a 19-12 beating of Russia's Nadesda Torlopova.  Since the age of 11, Claressa has worked out everyday in Flint's F.W.C. Berston Fieldhouse.  There were no other girls in the ring training with Claressa; there were only boys.  They were the same boys with whom she sparred, and they were the same boys that gave Claressa the confidence she needed to beat women twice her age on the biggest stage in the world.

Yet, there was little mentioning of Claressa's story on NBC's major network.  Most of the stories centered upon Lolo Jone's falling out of medal contention in 2008, or South African's Oscar Pistorius, you know...the guy who runs with no legs.  Both are very good stories; however neither athlete won an Olympic medal.  I suppose that Claressa's story is a bit "too real" for NBC.  Her story deals with growing up in poverty in a city with a near 10% unemployment rate.  Her story deals with a father who has been in and out of prison since she could remember.  Her story is about being raised by family members, and none being her parents.  Her story is about a teenager who is entering her senior year of high school.  Her story is about being a role model to every child and teenager in a struggling city.  Her story is about a young woman who has taken on challenges and overcame.  Her story is about being the first gold medal winner in the sport of women's boxing. Claressa Shields has many stories in her young seventeen years of living; however, at this time, it's one that NBC feels is not desiring enough for it's primetime type of viewers.

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta: True representation of the black man

Tt's true, Ladies.  The men of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta do an accurate job of displaying who black men really are.  I'm sure you saying, "Hold on, Blaze.  My man is nuthin' like that" or "I sho' hope all black men aint like that." Forgive me for using street slang...it just seemed appropriate.  But really, the male characters on the show truly do an accurate job of representing us black men.

First of all, you should all know by now that there is a portion of the show that is scripted; and if you didn't know, well, shame on you.  So, now that's out of the way, let's get to the good part.  Stevie J., Benzino, Kirk and Lil Scrappy have all contributed to the music industry in some way or form.  One would coin the more popular male character, Stevie J., as simply the playa type.  He would like nothing more in life than to keep his own personal harem.  Another cast member, Benzino, is the mid-to-late forties man who is in need of finding someone with whom he can settle.  Kirk is the sensitive husband-type who is productive at times, but lacks the necessary bravado that women desire; and Lil Scrappy is simply the momma's boy, a type with which we are all familiar.

As you can see, it is a quality representation of the universal man, particularly the black man.  There's the playa, the seeker, Mr. Sensitivity, and the momma's boy. These guys are not necessarily an easy choice for those seeking to date; however, any matter relating to relationships are not expected to be simple.  My advice, ladies, take a thorough study of them all.  Shows like this give a terrific blueprint for understanding the opposite sex. Or you could simply date one or two of these types, and end up cried on, cheated on, stalked, or pregnant.  Chose wisely.

Gabby Douglas: Despite gold medal, gets no points for style

Gabby Douglas, a gold medal gymnast and a role model for young black girls all over the world, is getting far more attention that she had hoped within the black community. Young Gabby is getting ridiculed for her style of hair. Douglas has no long flowing weave a la Florence Griffith Joyner, nor does she sport the high and tight curl (and sometimes wrapping style) of sprinter Carmelita Jeter. Instead, she pulls her naturally long hair back in a bun before displaying some of the better acts of gymnastics that viewers have seen in years.  Gabby Douglas is simply remarkable.  Prior to performing, she gives a stoic and highly determined stare as she attempts to achieve a feat that most have never seen; and when she's done marveling the crowd and judges, she offers that well-adored smile that is almost as big as her 4 feet 11 inch frame.

Phrases that have been used to describe Gabby are "she needs a brush" and "she's not representing."  What?? She's not representing? Every culture in the world have specific issues pertaining to themselves; and in the black community, there remains an ignorance pertaining to hair texture and the pressures to manage it. However, there seems to be more than just a matter of ignorance. There is the undertone of an immense hatred.  It's the kind of hate that prevents black Americans from supporting there own race, and the kind of hate that prevents one from seeing the importance of a black female performing well in a sport dominated by young, white, 5 feet tall females.  Well, open your eyes all of you haters, and for once pay attention to God's beauty fully in motion.