careycarey

Can a black man say he's a choir director without getting a strange look? Come on now, yawl saw Kat Williams in First Sunday. Can a black man say OH MY GOD, without receiving that same piercing glare? Isn't that a term reserved for chicks or white guys? And, instead of saying OMG, black men say, ain't that a bitch, don't they? Real black men wear a mustache don't they? I know there are those that like going O.J. all the way, but I would rather wear tighty whiteys than cut the hair off my lip. Can a black man say he doesn't watch any sports? That's blasphemy, isn't it? I don't know but it's ruff being a black man. See, I can't dunk a basketball and I've never been able to do the latest dance until after it's long gone. I am still working on the twist and the bankhead bounce. It's tuff being a black man, but I love being at a place in my life in which I don't have to wear someones name on my clothes. Is that a black thang, you know, wearing someones name? Tis is, or tis ain't, now I just pick out something that fits. If it fits, I don't care if it costs one dollar, it's mine. I never felt comfortable having a dudes name scrolling across my ass. Maybe it's just me, but can a real black man say he doesn't eat chicken wings? Many black men have given up eating the pig, but they will eat the chicken's neck, and the chicken eats his friends poop. I guess a man can wear what he wants, but a black barber shop is a place where a brotha better have his game tight. I've noticed some brothas stop their car a block from the barber shop if they're not playing the right music. Ooooh yeah, they wouldn't be caught dead listening to Bailey Rae or Ameh Larnieux. Silly isn't it, but it happens. Yes sir, out goes Brian Mc knight, in goes Tupac, Biggie or Jay-Z. Don't even mention driving up listening to Floetry... I love Floetry. I once was joked in the barber shop because I had on hush puppies. But sitting next to me was a guy wearing Scarface sneakers. Scarface tennis shoes, are you kidding me! The boy had Al Pacino's face all over his shoes. Scary ain't it? It must be a black thang. It's ruff being a black man, but some roles are changing. I was with a women that ask me if I would still be with her if she couldn't cook? I said, "come on baby, you know I feel for you, but a black women that doesn't cook is like a new car without tires". I love to cook, but I think that's always been okay for a black man. Just the other day I asked how to cook chicken wings. This one brotha broke out talking like Forrest Gump's friend. He said, I's the chicken wing king, I stews'em, I stuff'em, I's frys'em, I bar-bee-cue dem and I eat them by the boat load. But I'm hesitant to say what I like to cook (it's not chickens wings)because I don't want someone knocking on my door and asking me for my soul brother card. I think I'll play it safe today. I have to get a hair cut and I am going to pull out my Jordan's' and a pair of jeans with someones name on the back pockets. I wouldn't be catch dead in a pair of Wranglers, well, unless I was cutting the grass. Nope, I'm not going to wear my Levi 501's in that shop. I love the fit of 501's but it's tuff being a black man. Pimpin' ain't easy, and being a black man is no walk in the park, but I wonder if women put men on the usual suspect list by what they wear? I do know men could care less about the design of a woman's nails, or if her purse was made by Coco Channel. But in your opinion, what disqualifies a man or a woman from the dating game? I know it's not as difficult being a black woman as it is being a black man. Nevertheless.... Would you wear this?OR THIS... http://careycarey-ca...e.blogspot.com/

Chris, you're right, but you know I love me some Oprah. And, as I've said before, I think she's the greatest black woman that has graced our space. So, this really wasn't about Oprah. It was about some negros that praise the sh*t out of white folks, and have no problem tearing down black folks. It was also a history lesson for those that love to assimilate white people. I just wanted them to add some blackness to their coffee that's been watered down with too much cream.

Slow down Miss NAACP. I got what I got and of course you saw things differently. I heard a sales pitch and a request for feedback. You did your best stepin fetchit and I did my thang. You saw an on-line magazine offering a potpurri of advice, information, entertainment, editorials and news, with " the message being just as important as the messenger" (whatever the heck that means). And I said, what's new? I also said, if we continue to do the same things, we will continue to get the same results. They called this new venture a black man's survival kit. I said, how so? I don't know what YOU got, but go right ahead and google another cookie cutter response. Monkey see, Monkey doo-doo. It's safe. But see, I understand you. You're too old to think outside the box. You've been brainwashed, and you love it! So go right ahead, Buckwheat's sister, Nit-your pick - at me. It won't be the first time and I smelled you coming through the door But since you're predictable, where is my paper. Lets see... #121, Carey is retarded. #122, Carey thinks I have to bow to his commands. #123, Carey is an old fart. #124, Carey is.... Come on Miss spell checker. Hijack the tread some more. Do what you do, and we'll see what we get.

Okay Team Afro, I see your point. You see yourself as a community. My feedback was coming from the perspective of someone looking for mentoring, answers, etc,. From that viewpoint, the site seemed like another big box store. I can get that same information from a number of sources For example, one article was beating up the NAACP, and then, there were other articles supporting that organization. In reference to the blogs, again, there was a mix, but no central point. Some of those gentlemen I have talk to. Their views are completely oppposite each others. Take for instance Max and the Hip Hop Republican. I've sat with Max on a blog radio show. He and the young republican, have sparred on the same show. I am just having a hard time seeing this as a "survival guide" when there's so much differing information. To compound that problem, many of those blogs are another avenue of articles within articles. If I was a confused man looking for mentoring or answers, I'd really be lost after reading that confusion. Although I joked about the site being The Wizard of Oz, in my opinion, it needs a moderator. I don't know if you know the history of AALBC, but in it's early years, it was driven by the host of Thumper's corner. His name is.... Thumper :-). A person felt as if they were connected with someone they could touch and not just being used. I realize your goals are different than a site selling books, but human emotions do not change. Having said that, when I went to your site, and not knowing who would "answer" my call, I felt like a lost lamb. More importantly, how am I to believe or why should I believe in the "advice" received at your site, if I don't know who I am talking to, and/or if they have an ulterior motive for being a part of your site, other than helping me find my way? I believe the site should be less secretive. I know some mission statements are cookie cutter affairs. Some are used to fill a prerequisite to receive funding, and other are used to impress others. But it's my hope and suggestion that you can define your mission with more clarity, and then share that mission so we all know the name of the game. Also, I believe someone has to be responsible for it's contents or accept the responsibility of monitoring it's contents. That can be accomplished by, again, taking a page from AALBC. The profiles of it's contributors are saying it loud, like they are black and proud, and they are not hiding anything. Again, I realize your mission and goals are different from AALBC's, but if I can borrow a line from the movie Cider House Rules, when the two apple pickers pulled out razors, one said "What business are you in"? If you can define that answer and it's something other than "giving information", if not, your attraction (imo) is nothing more than I can receive at CNN, FOX NEWS, Rush Limberger, The Root or The View. If we as black people, continue to do the same things, we will continue to get the same results. And as it stands, we are doing something wrong. One more thing, at your site, you did mention that each area of concern would be handled by "someone" but it's important for me to know who those "someones" are. Think about it, would you follow the advice of a ghost. To me, that would be a fools errand. And, I know you are not trying to lead lambs to their slaughter. Of course many would follow the words of wordsmiths and slick talkers. We've all seen the ways and the lure of pulpit pimps and those selling dreams.

Well AfroDaddy, I've gone and I've come back. And, since you asked for it. Here's my feedback. There's nothing new over there. Really, it appears to be a lot of the same ol same ol... nothing new. There's a bunch of stuff to digest, but nothing new. I read the blogs mission but I couldn't find a central point on the blog in which a confluence of information, feedback, forums, ideas, etc, would all come together. There were several "viewpoints" SEVERAL, however, there was no central point. I mean, even in the Afroblog section, there was nothing new. I've read most of those blogs(in the past), and again, nothing new. Most of them are well written, but.... Even the google driven adds were the same... Black Singles Network, SugarDaddy.something "we only accept men making over $100,000.", Get your degree in 4 weeks. Oh, and this was a dandy, This Week In Blackness.... Is this site necessary in the Obama era? 1. Yes, we are still struggling 2. No, Obama will fix everything 3. I know it all already Duh, which one should I pick while they're slapping me in my face. NO Team Afro, you have to come with something new. I've seen your house before, and I've heard those same old songs. I am not Humphrey Bogart, so I don't want you to play it again, Sam. And, let me get something straight. So, AfroDaddy is like the Wizard of Oz? I mean, there really is not an Afro Daddy, right? So who is the daddy? I mean, who is behind this blog? Somebody is driving that car.

Well, first you could start by changing your name. I mean, there's only one woman (around here) that can get away with a name like that. Her name is Soul Sister. She's had that name for some time and has paid her dues to wear it. But Team Afro? That sounds like Huggy Bear's social club. But I am going to click on the link to see if I can find something relavant and intelligent. As a black man (too), I need a little survival kit. But since I am a black man (old black man), I've learned to seek first to understand.

No folks, not Jill Scott, Gil Scott Heron. What, you haven't read about this? I bet you've heard of Nigger Jim and Edgar Allen Poe. And, To Kill A Freakin Mocking Bird. Well, I know you've seen, or heard of Sex In The City, but what about Black Thighs? Huh, what do you know about that? Don't tell me you've read The Night Before Christmas and not, Before The White Man Came? Yep, you've seen Message In A Bottle, but what about Message To The Messengers? Who wrote the words to that piece and what was the message? Hint: It was a message to young rappers by the Godfather. Nope, not James Brown. Okay, maybe this is not fair. Maybe all your books got lost in the washing machine or in the brainwash. But I'm just saying, I am sure you've heard about Broke Back Mountain, but what about On Coming From A Broken Home, huh? Have you read that? Surely you've heard of Hill Street Blues, but what about The Get Out Of The Ghetto Blues? Come on now folks, Woman Are From Venus And Men Are From Mars, or Whitey On The Moon, do you know anything about them? Damn, don't take this ass whoopin personally but sing along with me... "home home on the range, where the dear and the antelope play, where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are all sunny all day". Now, do you know the words to "Home Is Where The Hatred Is"? Well, if you've been stumped, it's gimme time. I mean, who hasn't seen Waiting To Exhale, but what about "Waiting For The Ax"? Come on, I know you've heard about the old slave negro and his Uncle Tom's Cabin, but what about the lyrics from "The Klan", huh, have you read them? You guys are starting to piss me off. But maybe I am speaking to the wrong crowd, so I'll direct my attention to the old school crowd. Now, which of you has not taken a quick peek at the soap operas All My Children and The Guiding light? Okay, but what about the lyrics from Save The Children and The Guided? Wait, I have an easier one. Everybody knows a little something about Days Of Our Lives, but what about "Lady Day And John Coltrane"? Do you know anything about that literature? I am sorry, how could I have been so careless. I should have made this a black thang. Okay, here we go. Err'body has danced to the Sooooul Train, but what about Your Soul And Mine. I mean, have you clap you hands and stomped your feet to that jam? But wait, who can forget Denzel Washington's performance in Walter Moseley's Devil In A Blue Dress, but do you know anything about "Me & The Devil"? Huh, have you heard of that? Oh lawd, I am crying because this ass whoopin is hurting me more than it's hurting you, but I can't stop this train. No, not the soul train, this train of thought. Speaking of a thought, I am thinking about writing Oprah to make a few suggestions. See, she has this book club thang. Well, although she has included a few books written by black folks, I'd like to included a few must read selections. Granted, she has championed the popular black writers like Toni Morrison (4 times), Bill Cosby (3 times), Maya Angelou, Pearl Cleage, Lalita Tademy, Sidney Poiter and a few others, but those are feel good authors. I mean, they are "safe" authors. But I have to admit that I did love two of Toni Morrison's book and A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. And I Know Why A Caged Bird Sings... but let me get back in form. Instead of Oprah reaching out to included another book by William Faulkner (his 4th), I think she would be the greatest black woman that has ever walked this earth if her next three books were by Gil Scott Heron, The Last Poets and Paul Mooney. Hey, if a lying white dude can get on Oprah's list, why can't she give the drummer some. If Gil Scott Heron, who has his masters degree from John Hopkins University, can go to jail for killing a mocking bird, surely we can throw him a bone by checking out his 2010 I'm New Here, and all of his earlier works. Besides, we all could use a little history lesson, couldn't we? Err'body knows about Juneteenth and Martin Luther Kings Birthday. What about the American poet and author Gil Scott Heron? Okay, maybe he didn't kill a mockingbird or Harper Lee(the author of To Kill A Mockingbird), but why is her book considered an American Classic? Is it because her book spoke about the mistreatment of colored folk? Is it because another white man tried to save another po negro. I know the name of another book that's considered an American classic. That was a good one. You know, the one with Nigger this and Nigger that. I think the main character's name was NIgger Jim. As a young student, I was required to read that mess. I bet we all know the name of that book! I don't know why the caged bird sings but every closed eye ain't sleep. My eyes have seen the glory... This post was inspired by my friend Maxine Beneba Clark http://slamup.blogspot.com/ and her collection of poetry... Gil Scott Heron Is On Parole, and Thumper's love of those big fat books.

Great quote, great book and great story, but you left out the moral to Hemingway's book. Although that quote is not from Hemingway, he used it as the title to his book, and I believe it was a war story with several threads. Then you left us with this, "You don't have to make lists of personal priorities or ponder about your values. The will to survive is instinctive" I mean, what was that about? You don't HAVE to do anything! And what does the will to survive have anything to do with this?

"Carey I hear you, but I think you are missing the main points. Many of the interactions taking place on facebook would not have taken place at all. Think of it like writing a letter. A century ago people could stay in touch because there was a reliable mail delivery system to transport letter. Prior to that people who were at great distances from each other simply could not stay in touch" Believe me Troy, I get YOUR main point. But you seem to be walking over dollar bills to get those shinny pennies. Meaning, your supposition is very thin. You may be missing the main point. Look at this... "Facebook more than anything else is a substitiute for face to face interaction, and a way to complete interactions between people who actually see each other regularly" For people who actually see each other regularly! Oh, so that's the point I'm missing? Troy, by reading your comments, it's obvious that you are defending it's (facebook or any hook) usefulness and purpose, based on "could be's" and "should be's). So, since you are a man of business, let's break this down like we are running a kool-aid stand... Troy: Carey, lets open a kool-aid stand. Carey: Why would we want to do that? Troy: We COULD make a lot of money. Carey: And a frog wouldn't bump his ass off the ground if it had wings. Troy: Carey, you're missing my point. Carey: How so? Troy: Well, we could invite all of our old friends and do what we've always done while we all drink kool-aid. Carey: huuummmm, and how do we invite them? Troy: Well, IF they had a PC, and IF they were on facebook, we could give them a holler. Carey: Okay Troy, I might be missing your point, but lets get started. But Troy, you're a man of business, so you know the best laid plans should revolve around the weakest link in the chain. I mean, I don't want to be saying I could of had a V8, instead of this kool-aid stand. Troy: come again Carey, I don't know WTH you're talking about. Carey: Well, lets say we build this stand, how much is it going to cost us? Troy: Do you mean cost, like in dollars? Carey: Now we're getting to the main point. I mean, Anthony L Wallace said, "For me it has become a waste of my time. The hour or so that I spend looking at pictures or chatting with old friends I could be working on my next book or mixing my next mixtape" and Xeon said, "I could not believe all the clutter and faces that invaded my page. It unnerved me so much that I have not been back since. I have no real need to do so….." So, I am asking, is this Kool-aid stand going to be worth our time and effort? Troy: It could. Carey: There you go with that could sh*t. Chris hayden said, "For some people it makes sense. People with a music site or something trying to raise a fan base. For the rest of us it is an utter waste of time. Anybody I need talk to I pick up the phone or go over their house" Troy: That's what I'm saying! Carey: Stop it, that's NOT what you said. You said, "Facebook more than anything else is a substitiute for face to face interaction, and a way to complete interactions between people who actually see each other regularly" Now, did I hear the word "substitute"? And, "complete interactions"? I think those are your words. And, to complete something, you have to start it. I know you hear me, and understand what I am saying, but lets get started on this damn kool-aid stand. Troy: Yes, lets get started. Where should we begin? Carey: Well, what's our goal? Troy: Lets just build it, first. Then we can see if our family and friends wants to buy some kool-aid. You know, we have to stay in touch with them and this will be an excellent way to do that. Who knows, if we stay focused and don't venture off the beaten path, like most facebook members, including myself, we could hit a gold mine. Carey: One mo a'gin, there you go with that "could" sh*t. I mean, I've yet to hear one person tell me how facebook has enhanced their life. I've yet to hear one person say how it has drawn their family closer together. And you keep talking about could and should. However, on multiple occasions, I've heard how it creates an atmosphere of faceless, distant robots, that are absent of emotions. And I've heard people say they've wasted hours tweeting, peeing and peering in those new ghettos. Troy: Hand me that hammer and that box of nails. I'm going to start on our stand, and bust you upside yo head if you don't start doing something. Carey: I am doing something. I'm telling you that this kool-aid stand is a maddening idea. So what if we do build this stand and adorn it with bright ribbons, and serve the kool-aid in nice plastic? What happens when we forget the sugar, or don't have any sugar, what then? Troy: WTH are you talking about now. Shut your negro lips and hand me that sign. Carey: Oh, so now you wanna hit a brotha with a garbage can?! All I am trying to say is... is all this worth our time and effort? Shouldn't that be the goal of any business? You know, to keep a keen eye on the money (sugar) coming in and the money going out? Sure, we COULD meet a few new people. We, COULD stay in contact with old family members and friends. But, what do we stand to lose during the process. You know, shouldn' we keep our eyes on the bottom line? You have to admit that the unforeseen is a major factor in the down-fall of many businesses. Troy: So, let me get this straight. You're saying we have to pay the piper? Carey: come on, you're getting warm. Troy: You're saying, there's a price to pay for the time and effort we put into using Facebook? Carey: Keep talking Kunta Kenta Troy: You're saying, the rewards of using facebook, pales in comparison to the downside of doing so? Carey: Bingo, Stepin fetchit, now get yo ass over there and pour me some of that kool-aid. Lets see what we are working with. We COULD make some money. Troy: Hold it Carey, there's no sugar in that Kool-aid. Would you like a substitute? Carey: Nope! But would you like a swift kick in your ass, because I'd rather fight than switch. Troy: Huuummm, I could.

You can miss me with that bullsh*t. Please forgive the cus word. I have acquired a need to do put this post right where it belongs. And who cares about a few cus words? I mean, who really gives a flying fu*k about our youth, and the rest of the rolling stones of moral decay, lost hopes and dreams long gone? Sure, it's easy to say "I do" and write a post about it. Listen, I love my sleep, and it's disturbing to be awaken by an alarm clock. That menacing noise that interrupts our sleep is a rude awakening from a peaceful slumber. But alas, with my eyes half shut, I can stop the noise by rolling over, and before I even glance at the clock, I can throw a lazy hand in it's direction to turn it off. Later that day, we can talk about it or even write about it. Really, no REALLY, who really cares about events outside their own lives? Well, years ago, I was asked the question "what did I value". I have to admit that I didn't really understand the question. They broke it down for me like I was mentally handicapped. I was told to make a list of things that I never wanted to part with. The question was speaking to things that were important to me. I was in a small office, me and another person. I thought long and hard. Struggling to impress this person, I went into deep contemplation in a quest to find all the right answers. But see, the question was sort of a trick question - or was it? My family is important to me. My mother, my father, my sisters and brothers are important to me. It goes without saying that money plays an important part in all of our lives. My health is an integral part of my survival. Friends, and their opinions play a key role in my existence. Of course there's religion, and my faith. I finished the list with a smile on my face. Surely my friend would be impressed by the collegial list that was filled with expressions of love and family responsibilities. I even included my love for my PC and cell phone. I took my time completing that list. I had plenty of time to think about my answers of which numbered near 50. What would be at the top of your list? At the top of my list were people and things that would make me comfortable. I've come to believe it was a selfish list. Let me explain..... One day, some years ago, I quietly and cautiously prepared to kill a man because he had harmed my son. Borrowing a page from the Godfather movie, I packed his things and put him on a plane. I didn't want him to be a suspect in this murder, nor be questioned about it. Before he embarked, I shook his hand and told him I would see him soon. He knew what I was going to do, we talked about it. I told him not to call. A week went by, the day was drawing near. His mother, my wife, asked me if I was sure this is what I wanted to do. She asked me what kind of message would I be sending to my son? Although I heard her words, I felt I was about to do the manly thing. No one could harm one of mine, and not pay for their crime. Street justice was my motto. I could care less about a verdict by a jury of my "peers". These peers were white folks, my son was black, the perpetrator was white. After 2 months, my son came home. I never told another person, or my son, what happened to that man. Did I care about the evil message I laid in the lap of my son? Or was it about my ego and a street creed? What would be on your list? Who's really listening, and who really cares? Sure, people talk about a myriad of issues. From world hunger and the greenhouse affect, to gang violence and the illiteracy rate of young black males, people talk about it. Scholars, bloggers and world leaders, write and talk about the worlds ills. For instance, less than 2% of teachers in the USA are African-American men despite minority student populations of about 44%. But wait, there are programs in place to increase the percentages of black male teachers. One such program has predicted another 250 future teachers in the years to come. But don't run to your local school to meet Mr Tibbs. To improve the national percentage of black male teachers to even 3 percent, another 45,000 would need to enroll. Who really cares? Who really cares about the front line of black mentors or lack there of? Sure, we can talk about the lack of positive role models, and absent fathers, but who really cares about the core issues of black underachievement, and the real solutions? We can talk about it. I mean, who really cares enough to sacrifice, suffer, or maybe die for something they merely "care" about?! Who's really listening to those that have gone before us? Nelson Mandela said ..."When we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others". I think Madela knows a little something. Malcolm X said, "A man who stands for nothing, will fall for anything". I wonder what value we put on our "cares"? What's at the top of your valued list? Domestic Violence? Is it teen pregnancy? Is it the war against drugs? What about better school systems. Was it about your neighbor or your fellow man? Or is it all about ... YOU. Btw, my list, that old list, was all about me and events that make me comfortable. It was basically absent of issues or events that I thought were out of my control. I care about social change but. When I think about, really think about it, my list was a selfish wish list. I care, but I am left to wonder how much I really REALLY care.

"On one particular show, I was stunned speechless when she passionately defended the usage of the “N” word –as long as you are black. She ranted about how it was ok for blacks to use it while condemning the usage by anyone who is not black. No need to further the idiocy of such a simple minded argument. It speaks for itself….." First, to follow along with the original discussion, I do not believe most individuals truly understand the word "racist". I doubt if a pimp or die racist would marry a black woman, okay. Next subject, but wait, if a person that uses what others would consider a "racist slur" makes that person a racist, few people would find themselves outside those boundries. Now, the "N" word. I do not know the etymology of the word Nigger. I do know that many words in the English language have different meanings, depending on how they are used in a sentence, and whose speaking those words. Listen, I remember a time when being called "black" was akin to speaking ill of someone's mother. Look, I believe we all can agree that words are very powerful. That power decreases and/or wanes when added with other words. Also, those same words, again, can lose their power when they're absent of particular tones, pitch, volume, cadence, etc,. Now, do I get upset when someone uses the "N" word? Not always. The power of a word is only as powerful as the understanding of the word. I say, seek first to understand.

TABONNEFEE! Not THE original Tabonnefee?! NO. Not the one from, ahh.... Ohio? Wow, if so, it's been years since I've seen your words. Then again, maybe I am just a slow reader. You know, like retarded slow, and thus, missed your name over the years. Seriously though, I can't help but read slow. I mean, when I try to skim read or read at a pace that's out of my comfort zone, I don't remember a dang thing, so I have to read it again anyway. I believe a person's reading habits and style, is set early in life. Well, maybe I should speak for myself. As a child, my father was our night time book reader. He always read the stories with a very sloooooow pace. He would even stop along the way and do a little overview. I read the same way to my children. And, since my early (after high school) education was centered around math and science, there was no way I could skim over or skim through that stuff. So my reading pace has always been very slow. But don't get me wrong, like Cynique, if a book is so poorly written or is such a total bore, that it becomes a frustrating read, I might read every other paragraph, or even every other page, or throw that puppy to the floor.

That is an interesting list. Like Thumper, there are some that a person couldn't pay me to read. But as I was reading the list, I got a little sad. Really, I read the comments and the names of the authors, and it took me back. I saw the name Electa Rome Parks, who visited this site when she was trying to sell her first book. She joined right in with the conversations. E Lynn Harris's books always inspired great discussions. I once printed those discussions and stored them in a huge folder (still have it). Guy Johnson's Standing At The Scratch Line is also one of my favorite books. We talked about that one and his Echos of a Distant Summer. And, who can forget chat night. Man, I miss those evenings. Well, not only did it give us a chance to talk directly with the authors, I got a chance to beg for autographed books, and I got quite a few. In fact, just today, a person was visiting and said they wanted something to read. While looking through my books, I ran across one entitled Where I'm Bound by Allen B. Ballard. He came by for a chat night and autographed his book for me. I didn't give them that one. I finally gave them Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes. On the list I also noticed The Street by Ann Petry. That was my wife's name (Ann), and I still have that book... it was hers. Great memories and great times.

Troy, I will agree, it can facilitate new friends. My concerns are more about the friends and family that we already have. So much is lost in a tweet or a text. I want to feel the essence of a person. I want to "hear" the pain or struggles in their voice. I want to hear the question in a question. I also want to feel their joy. In reality, how many "new" friends does a person acquire through these social sites? More importantly, what was the attraction? What, a written word? Check this, I was visiting family and friends in New Orleans last week. One family was mired in mess(family problems). In short, they were texting each other while in the same house. REALLY! I know that's kind of off point, but considering what I am saying about what one loses with these gadgets, I think it's illustrating my point. When we lose normal contact, there's gonna be a huge payoff. Words are powerful, but if they are only written on paper (tweet, text, etc) they hide the truth and facilitate lies. And whenever there's lies, there's drama with a capital D! DAMN.

Well, I think I've already voiced my concerns about all the social Internet connections. And, I still believe (for the most part) whenever something impedes the face to face social interactions of humans, there's a huge price to pay.

Good point Cynique! That's why I ended that piece with Pat Riley saying, My nigga my Nigga! But you caught me off guard. I'll have to think about the Jay-Z angle. I am thinking about something along the lines of Buck and The Preacher Man. See, we would make a great team. Any more ideas?

Whatever, without folks like him, we'd have one less holiday... JUNETEENTH BABY, JUNETEENTH! Didn't he know the slaves are free? And, what's that hole in his pocket? Well, we all know there's some freaky cavalier priest running around. Some of them are at the top of their organization, just like the owner of Cleveland's basketball team. Now, Ohio is right next to Indiana, and it's been said the Grand Wizard used to live there. I don't know if it's true but some people are saying that Cleveland's owner is in his Fab Five. I mean, there seems to be a connection but stay with me. Don't try this at home, but there's an old game, or joke, that some guys once play on women. It's called the hole in the pocket. Well, it seems as if Cleveland's owner thought LeBron James was a choir boy or a punk because he tried to pull the punk move on ol'LeBron Tron. Again, I don't know if any of this is true but I saw a whip in the owner's hand, and all high ranking priest wear robes. So, there is a connection, and when there's smoke, there's HEAT. The Bronze "Third Place" LeBron Tron, ran to the heat, but let me continue. See, the joke starts with a hole in a person's pocket. Then the pervert sticks his johnson through that hole, and tells an unsuspecting person to reach in his pocket to get all the money in there. That's why I said don't try this at home because somebody is going to get real pissed upon putting their hands on a slippery white penis. When Cleveland's owner approached Thunder Tron with this mess, little did he know that Mr James had read The Emancipation Proclamation. But see, LeBron had peeped the cavalier priest's hold card, so he told the owner to hold that thought, and that money in his pocket, while he talked to the other slaves. Although LeBron once was a house nigga, he was trying to get to the field. And, he had sat around Mr Charlie, so he saw his evil ways and learned a few of his tricks. So, as the week went by, Mr James told Mr Charlie to go stand in a corner and wait for a call. Mr Charlie, the sneaky high priest that he was, was sure to tell Mr James that he still had a load of money in his pocket, at which time Lebron said, "I gotcha". On the night of the big announcement, LeBron called Cleveland's owner to tell him of his decision. Listen to the conversation. *******The phone rings in the Cleveland Cavaliers front office***** Ring: Hello LeBron: Hello, Dan, is that you? Dan Gilbert: My nigga, my nigga, of course this is me, Lebron, whatsup baby? LeBron: Mr Gilbert, do you still have that money in your pocket? Dan Gilbert: You know it boy, I have a huge lump for you. Lebron: Well, that's my concern. What was that other little bulge in your pocket? Dan: What?! Have you been talking to my wife? LeBron: No sir, but I am not trying to be your wife, and that thang in yo pocket is pointed in the wrong direction. And, didn't you know that we were free agents? And, I am tierd of you pimping me. Besides, all that money in your pocket, I put it there. But now I am the new negro in town. See, you can no longer ride my back because I've stood up and walked away from your house. A man can't ride your back or plug you, when your standing upright, and strong! Dan: Well son, you have not heard the last from me. LeBron: Well Dan, we've all heard that song before. But have you heard the old negro spirituals, "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" and "It's Gonna Be Alright In The Morning"? Anyway, I have another call coming in, so I'll see you in the funny papers.... Hello Pat, I'm coming to South Beach. Get the party started. Pat Riley: My nigga my nigga! Carey's blogspot. http://careycarey-carrymehome.blogspot.com/

Troy I think basketball or any sport is won off the court as much as the skills needed on the court/field. If we look at the history of the NBA, there's a history of what comprises a winning team. First and foremost, we have to look at the front office. Then we have to look at the coach. Millionaire ball players are not the easiest to handle. Throw that in the mix with inflated ego's, and one better have a coach that knows basketball AND has a very special skillset of handling interacial issues and personality conflicts. On the basketball floor, history tells us that a winning team needs a strong center (except for Jordan's years). And, everyone on the team has to know "who's the man". Considering all of the above, I believe the Lakers thrump Maimi in several areas, if not all. But, as you said, we will see. Hey, maybe this is the year of the Knicks? They went out and got a "star". I know you have season tickets.

Of course I have a lot to say about the Bronze Bomber (did it before), but I have more to say about Miami's chances of winning a ring. I mean, the Lakers are still there, and if we do the math by the numbers (from the top) it's a no-brainer. But I am not going to hate on the Le Bronze Tron for any of his decisions. All that silly gossip about Lebron being a coward and disloyal, is obviously coming from people that know little about basketball and the history of the NBA, and less about business. After looking at the coments of Cleveland's owner, who would question Lebron decision to leave that team? Lebron put ugly money in the man's pocket. Now he's going around crying like a 1863 slave owner. You know, like one of those Mr Charlie's from Texas that didn't want the slaves to know that they were free. But we need guys like him. Without such, we wouldn't have cookouts... Juneteenth baby, Juneteenth! But I am going to say it loud/like I am black and proud. Kobe & Lakers! Don't never forget the buck stops there!

This post is about a friend of mine and the words "attention whore". In a strange way, I got this idea from a post that I read at the happynappyhead blog. It was about brothas that sag their pants. What the hell are those low ridin' brothas looking for? I mean, I'm not trying to look at their ass, but I digress. When I heard the words "Attention Whore", I asked myself what they meant. I most assuredly know they mean different things to different people - okay. But I was left to wonder what they mean to me. Well, a whore is a promiscuous woman; a prostitute. To fornicate with whores is said to be whorish. Now dammit, where do I fit in? I am not a woman, but I have been promiscuous. Maybe that's my tie-end. I did start my adventure into blogging without plans or a defined purpose. My subject matter has consisted of different elements that are mixed together without discrimination. Maybe that makes me a blog-man-whore? Nawl, I don't think they meant that. Let me hit this another way. About 6 months ago, I wrote a post that in essence said... "why am I blogging" ... http://careycarey-ca...ts-can-you.html Today I stopped by Truth's blog. He'd just come back to blogging after a 3 month absence. He spoke of his doubts and his reasons for blogging. Although he didn't announce that he was retiring, I get the feeling he had deep reservations on rather or not it was worth his time and effort. In fact, he said that. I am sure most bloggers have been there. About 3 weeks ago I was fed up with blogging. I announced my retirement. I did so as a promise to myself, because I thought it would talk to the man in me. I needed to take a position and stand on it. But, as you can see, I failed. Although in my heart I was done with blogging because of the pain and time spent doing such, I didn't know what was in front of me. Others said I would return... and they were right. Many said they've never seen a true blogger walk away. Some said to just take a break and then return with a new fire. Of course I resisted those words of wisdom because they didn't know me, but they did. They too had heard the call of retirement. When Brett Favre announced his retirement from football, I wonder if he did so with the intentions of coming back to draw attention to himself - I doubt it. I believe he came back to do what he does best - play football. I believe he loves the game. I love to blog. I think the pain of playing football for 18 years was at the forefront of his announcement. Tell me this, if you ask a person to pay attention to you or your words, is that a bad thang? I mean, my mother told me to pay attention to her words, and she is a good woman. Are all bloggers attention whores? Granted there are some bloggers -- not many -- but some bloggers who could care less if someone reads their posts. I believe, that kind of blogger is in the minority. Because, really, why post it if there was no intent to have someone read it. I am sure a cynic might say, "it's a way of releasing their mind through their words and it has a cleansing affect on their soul". I say to that minuscule about of Harra Krista bloggers.... "do your thang baby, but all closed eyes ain't sleep" Having said alllllllll of that, are bloggers nothing more than nasty, promiscuous attention whores? Are we not in need of attention? Come on now, aside from the word "whore", do we all in some way seek an audience, and ultimitely, hope they pay attention to our words? I don't care if it's a personal blog or a blog geared toward social commentary, isn't there something to be said about the human need to express ourselves and thus be heard. I talk to audiences on a regular basis. In doing so, it's about my words and the messages I send through them. Am I seeking attention? Hell yes, I hope someone is paying attention. Questions: Are you a old female postee @ AAlbc? Are you an attention whore? Do you live outside of Chicago? Did you write a book that sold 59 copies. If so -- or not -- what does those words mean to YOU? Why do you engage CareyCarey? I mean, whenever he writes a post, you seem to show up with the Nigga Negative Stick. I mean, what's your purpose? "Just don't try to foist such defiance on a professional editor like me" What?! "Nothing like establishing your own literary rules" What?! "Your stories are still baloney and a professional editor would make a sandwich out of them" Excuse me maam, but this is a hobby. Are you taking yourself and this make-believe land, a little too seriously? I bet you think this post is about you! ~ From CareyCarey with love

Cynique said... "Oh, stfu, carey" Okay.

I have arrived! The big hitter, Troy, has stepped in the room. "Carey in some ways your reaction to the woman shows how shallow you are" That's a different take on the subject. Lets look at the word "shallow". If having a prejudice is shallow, well, lets all join hands. We ALL make decisions based on our likes and dislikes. I did not say I hated her or disliked the man. Now, lets get out of OUR shallowness and dig a little deeper. You, Troy, have voiced your displeasure about Obama based on what you preceive to be his good and bad qualities. So, are you shallow? Now, lets go a little deeper. I don't know if you've been in love or what you called your lover. It's my hope that you viewed her with the highest esteem. You might even call her your queen. But as the world turns, love finds it's way out the door. Relationships break up. That's a fact. You may still "love" that person, but the major thrill could be gone. So Troy, dig a little deeper or you may expose how shallow YOU are. Think about it. AND, lets remember that poetry is used to heighten a thought, and/or create a vision to embellish that thought. In this case, this peace seems to have hit it's mark. I don't know what Cynique is talking about. Remember, she said she does not visit my blog. So, I am hesitant to call her out of her name but something ain't right. I mean, on one hand she's not there, and then on the other hand she says this... "I guess these remarks will be considered "vengeful" since they are not something regular visitors to Carey's blog would say" I mean, when is she telling the truth? AND, I don't know if she has taken a poll or has talked with each of my visitors. But they come from across america and at last count, 25 countries. So I am wondering how she is speaking for them. And if someone does disagree (as they do on the daily)or agrees with me if their remarks are not vengeful, then, they are not. So again, if I can use one of her "missteps". Er'body knows what Cynique is on! She speaks for others and seldom has the courage to speak in first person. She does no wrong. Listen to her, she'll be back. She seldom admits to her wrong doings or the errs of her ways. And I doubt she can prove me wrong. I mean, she must be a mind reader or a voo doo women. I know debating with her is like hitting a midget with a brick. She wrote: "Furthermore, the goal of a writer should always be to connect with the reader. Any time he has to go into great detail about what his message is, and further exlain that his metaphors only have significance to him, then he hasn't done his job. He is, in effect, writing for himself; not the reader" Now, that my be the goal, but I am sure many writers are misunderstood. In fact, I believe there was a poem written for the Presidents inauguration, and they're STILL debating it's meaning. Think about it. You didn't even know the meaning behind "I smell you". So please, speak for yourself. Get off google and venture out into the real world. Try to be a little creative. Take some chances, don't be scared. Don't let the opinions of other harm you. If you're in a crowd of like thinking individuals, you might be in the wrong place. SMH @ Cynique. Shame on you.

Chris, I'm glad that you came back. I had a woman asks me (on the phone) if this story was true. I told her all my stories are true. Well, she asked questions simular to yours. See, I "thought" the message was clear, but obviously something was missing. I was NOT lusting after another man's wife. I believe I said that I didn't even "know" this woman, and she didn't know me. It was an emotional attachment. I didn't "love" her like I wanted to take her to bed. I loved her essence. But, when I found out that her husband was white, I sort of lost that loving feeling. Right or wrong, I have this perception of people that marry outside their race. I believe I called it a prejudice. Iam not proud of that, but it is what it is. I've heard the debates about people are all the same and all that other post-racial mess, but there's something about a black woman resting in the arms of a white man. I'm sorry, but it just doesn't sit well with me. Sooooo, it was another love TKO. Now, since I was able to have a conversation with the woman on the phone(to clear up the misunderstanding), she felt the same way. She said she has been around mixed race couples and she has seen their struggles. And, from her experience, she's noticed something "different" about them. But, her position has always been that each race should marry within their own race. So, that may influence her opinion.

Oh lord, not you again. I have to admit that I did notice the spelling errors but I saw no reason to correct them. To "smell" something or someone is frequently used as a coined phrase that implies I hear you, I feel you, or I understand you. "Sweet drops of rest" refers to the sense of ease I receive from the "sound" of rain drops hitting a leaf outside my window and the soft breeze that accompanies them. Her "voice"/words gave me that same pleasure. And thus, I was captured by her. This post was in a poetic form so please excuse it's confusion/misunderstanding. The message is still alive. And I believe that should be the main focus. You know what. I receive about 100-150 visitors a day. That's not a hugh number but nevertheless, out of over 1000 comments I've received over the last 12 months since I started blogging, none have been as vengeful as yours(nowhere close). I am trying real hard to understand the motives behind your actions?

Chris, I believe the answer to your question is evident. I think an emotional attachment is the core to any relationship. The durations or some emotions are nothing more than fleeting moments. Love is not one of them. For instance, if a person is startled or surprised, they will not remain so after a short period of time. But maybe you mis-read the post. Well, love comes in many variations(I love you becuase), it wears several masks(love of children, physical contact, loving someone yet not having contact with them, etc). Conversely, it walks out the door for a multitude of reasons. So Chris, I probably would be still loving her if my prejudice didn't get in the way. Hey, between me and you, this is a true story.