POPS' Thoughts

on demand

2009-06-30T02:50:00.000-04:00

objects in the mirror are closer than they appear
dreams bounce on puddles
like soundwaves ripple ears
we huddle in bunches to stay warm
holding close what's known
repressing hunches to leave home
only to return in due time
yet came back to faded signs
and pictures with frayed edges
we hedged bets; averse to happiness itself
never knowing what the future holds
yet melting down hearts like roach clips in the dark
we spark it up for those soulmates seemingly still on the ark
waiting for us to disembark
and hold hands
but the cold hands and feet and days only repel
never quite able to tell the season
or the reason for our being
except that forever is infinite
which is definitely a long while
so the smiles may not hold as much joy
the cheek bones too much to bear for the man-boys
who tried to do what was right
and still got bagged like thieves in the night
so the ski masks came out
ill ice grills framed their mouths
and angst filled the air like sauerkraut
and broken glass
the shards of which we use to claim our place
in the sand
the first of the last
the last of the firsts
chivalry on demand

Moonwalkers

2009-06-28T17:22:00.000-04:00

Butterflies gave me hope on rainy days
yet, I'm asking them to change their ways though
Told them to stop making my heart
flutter
Pent-up passion caused me to start stutter-ing
and twisting
my words
And I'm no fan of being tongue-tied

Ao, although no big puns are intended,
this average Joe did say he didn't want to be a player
no mo
Made those former cocoons beat it because
there is no black or white
only invincible gray matter
when nothing else matters otherwise

We struggle to hang on to high hopes
Hanging them on half-charged power lines
unaware of the electricity
casually zapped from our core
Do you remember the times when sweaty palms
meant your SkyTel was blowing up?

Now we make love via text messages

Midnight thrillers on the big-screen of
ritualized romance
dancing below windows and off walls
This pretty young thing found an equal match to rock with
You see, his story was equal parts depth and ambiguity
a dangerous combination of risks, rewards, and reggrets
helped to shape his past, present, and future
but sweat is the stream of life connecting their dots
until that one night in Japan when the blood on the dance floor had them screaming and channeling life's force through their vocal chords

i guess we're all men and women staring blankly in mirrors
still trying to see our true selves through the steam

Revolve, a fundraiser for Project HIP-HOP

2009-05-26T23:11:00.002-04:00

Peace family,

I wanted to take a quick moment to say hello to everyone and invite you to an event this Thursday evening. You may or may not know already, but I am a volunteer and board member for an organization by the name of Project HIP-HOP, which is based in Dudley-Square. It is a youth-focused entity that is helping to create a new generation of community-engaged, socially-conscious, and grounded young people. This Thursday, May 28th, Project HIP-HOP will host an event entitled, REVOLVE, at the Boston Foundation's headquarters (75 Arlington Street) from 6 PM until 8:30 PM. The event will feature live music by our resident teen DJs, hors d'oeuvres by Ethnica Catering, and refreshments by Bon Vivant Wine Company.

Project HIP-HOP is not all things to all people; but it means the world to many. It is a safe haven for youth from Dudley Square's bordering neighborhoods. It is a nest for a new breed of community organizing centered around local solutions to local problems with creative thought, feedback, and action by those most affected by the problems and the solutions. It is an experience in itself where youth learn about ways to use hip-hop culture for social change to empower themselves and their communities

To be straight-up, it is indeed a fundraiser, but also a celebration. It will be a time for us to celebrate many occasions. Our Executive Director, Mariama White-Hammond, was recently named a Barr Fellow and will embark upon an extended sabbatical. Filling in for her will be D'Mon Bills, PHH's Deputy Director, who just joined in February and hit the ground running. For the last three years, I have served as the board chairperson. I will be stepping aside as to allow for a fresh leadership perspective. Taking my place as board chairperson is Marc Germain, a good brother who is actually a PHH alumnus. So, in essence, PHH has already come full circle. Two people (Mariama is an alum as well) who were formerly youth leaders are now community leaders committed to fostering a new kind of cycle amongst our people. Not one of tragedy, despair, and struggle; but one of purpose, hope, and integrity.

So, in closing, I am asking you to consider attending the event, but even more importantly, to strongly consider making financial or in-kind donation. I truly believe with my heart and soul in this organization and its impact has been tremendous thus far. But as the saying goes, there is always room for improvement. The young people of this city need to know that the adults do in fact have their backs.

If you would like to learn more Project HIP-HOP, feel free to visit the web site or just ask me. I'm all ears. Take care and stay up.

Peace,
-Eric/POPS

http://www.projecthiphop.org/revolve.html

say goodbye to Mississippi's

2009-04-01T16:11:00.003-04:00

Tucked away on a relatively desserted street a few blocks from my crib is was one of the best-kept secrets in town. Mississippi's was a quasi-cafeteria and deli-style restaurant with an open floor-plan and some of the tastiest food in town. The employees were diverse, the food was good, and the environment was quite and serene despite the bustle of the Orange Line mere feet away. A few months back, we got an email saying that a fire had destroyed the building and that rebuilding plans were in the works. Unfortunately, we got an email today saying it's a wrap. They threw up the deuces. Peace out to a hidden gem in the heart of the city. See for yourself:

Dear Friends,

With a great deal of sadness but no regrets I have made the decision not to re-open. After 30 years, it is time to hang up the pots and pans and kiss the cash register goodbye. I'd be lying if I said that I enjoyed every minute of it. The bad things people say about the restaurant business are entirely true. But I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that I have enjoyed serving you a fine meal at a fair price for as long as I possibly could. It is wonderful to be able to take raw ingredients and turn them into a finished product. Not just any product, but a product that people trust so completely that they will put it in their mouths and savor it, and then come back day after day, week after week, year after year. You did that and I am grateful that you have trusted me so completely. I couldn't have done it without you.

And I couldn't have done it without a loyal and hard working staff. No group works as hard as a restaurant staff. The pressure can be brutal, the work is constant, physically demanding, emotionally challenging and requires nothing short of complete diligence. The reward is not only money because if it were, we wouldn't have anyone to do the job; the pay isn't great. The rewards are primarily an internal sense of accomplishment and the look on the face of a satisfied diner. And yet those workers are frequently overlooked, or worse yet, mistreated by the public. Don't misunderstand me, the thank yous come, but never when the kitchen is overwhelmed, the servers are shorthanded or management is caught off-guard, in other words when the thanks are needed most. The readers of this letter are a notable exception. You are the people who supported Mississippi's even when we let
you down.

I began restaurant work in 1976. I bought Mississippi's in 1981. We moved from Kenmore Square where we were a late hippie hangout to Brigham Circle where we became a Longwood Medical Area catering phenom and finally to Roxbury Crossing where we fit in like a member of the family. It was a sweet progression and our last stop, the facility on Terrace Street is without a doubt the finest place I have ever worked, the most comfortable environment and I like to think that it was one of the many places that make Boston a fine place to live. I have never been in a restaurant whose clientele was so well integrated, racially, ethnically, culturally, economically and professionally. Everyone felt at home at Mississippi's and that was very gratifying. Being the owner of such a place was not my initial intent, it was accidental, but it was a great privilege to be able to treat everyone who came in here with respect. It is true that you get what you give. At 103 Terrace St. I got that respect back in bundles. I am going to miss you and all of my customers dearly.

Mississippi's Restaurant has given me much hope for the future and the opportunity to see how well a multicultural society can work. In its aftermath, I am moving on to a new career. So far, I'm not sure where. My lifelong passions have been reading, writing and editing and many moons ago I graduated from UMass with very high honors and an English degree. I hope that I can use that passion and expertise to contribute to a worthwhile cause among a group of like minded people. If you know of an organization where my skill might be useful, please don't hesitate to call.

I look forward to seeing many of you again, but some of you I might never see again. If you know people who aren't on my mailing list but ought to be, please forward this letter to him or her. To all, thank you, thank you and may God bless you.

Love,
Jim

P.S. I have been referring former clients to other caterers who can meet their needs. If you are looking for a caterer, let me know and I'll put you in contact.

Now wasn't that some of most pure and rawest emotion put to words? Make your vocation your vacation and voila!

Microsoft's Incubation Week for start-ups

2009-03-18T01:06:00.001-04:00

Straight from Don Dodge's site:

Microsoft is organizing several “Incubation Week” programs to help start-ups incubate and develop outstanding ideas. The event will feature technical gurus from Microsoft, technology veterans who have built their own applications, and influential venture capitalists and industry experts. Microsoft developers will lead interactive discussions, provide helpful advice, and facilitate actual application development on site. At the end of the week, they’ll select a winner who will be eligible for prizes and special PR opportunities.

The event is free and each team can bring up to three participants (one business and 1-2 technical). All start-ups are eligible, whether or not you have an application built today.

CRM Incubation Week will be held at Microsoft Technology Center in Waltham, MA from Monday, April 20th to Friday, April 24th. This event consists of ½ day of training, 3 ½ days of active prototype/development time, and a final day for packaging/finishing and reporting out to a panel of judges for various prizes.

To nominate your team, please submit your development proposal to Sanjay Jain. Nominations will be judged according to the strength of the founding team, originality and creativity of the idea, and ability to leverage CRM as a Platform.

all chiefs, no indians

2009-03-17T23:31:00.001-04:00

I am beginning to wonder if that idiom wasn't meant for the upcoming at-large city council race. Although it isn't quite time yet for candidates who plan to run for district seats to formally announce yet, there just seems to be an excessive number of folks running for an at-large bid. Presumably, the two incumbent at-large city councilors (John Connolly and Stephen Murphy) are going to run for re-election. Nevertheless, we're talking about 4 seats. It's going to be a free-for-all among those two and Felix Arroyo, Jr, Jean-Claude Sanon, Andrew Kenneally, Doug Bennett, Marty Hogan, Ayanna Pressley, Scotland Willis, Tomas Gonzalez, Peter Lin-Marcus, and Ego Ezedi.

For one thing, it will mark an unprecedented slew of candidates of color embarking on the journey of public service. And I highly doubt that the interest has subsided. As a matter of fact, I know for a fact of at least two others who will be jumping headfirst into the foray in the weeks to come. Plus, I would not be surprised if Ed Flynn and Patricia White threw their hats into the race yet again. Back in 2007, there were 8 candidates vying for the four slots. This time, there may be a good dozen of 'em in the primary. And this isn't even bringing the district races into consideration. Commonwealth Magazine lamented the lack of contested races in Massachusetts. Maybe this could be a sign of the future. Who knows? But I know not to hedge my bets. So let's just suffice it to say that the spring and summer of 209 will definitely be an interesting milestone in Boston's history.

Millions of Children Left Behind

2009-03-16T13:38:00.001-04:00

I'll be the first to readily admit that I have quickly become a fan - groupie even- of Sir Ken Robinson. The man is ill.

In a very intriguing article for the Huffington Post, he continues to spell out some very formidable suggestion for what we must do to drastically change the face of education as we know it in order to achieve sustainability and greater gains.

The ideas he offers aren't really that far-fetched actually. They are more matter-of-factly than anything, yet the beauty is in their simplicity and the mammoth complexity with which everything would have to change in order to see such change come to fruition.

"The present system was designed for 19th century industrialism and it's overheating in a dangerous way. Reforming education isn't enough. The real task is transformation."

Just yesterday, I went to the Young, Gifted, & Black show and enjoyed it just like I have the previous ones I've attended. Some of the artists I have seen grow up over the last 3-4 years into very well-rounded performers (and adults as well). Their words continually challenge me to perfect my diction, be on top of my wordplay game, and confront the skeletal stories that beg to be told. These poets are my spiritual mentors who speak to me through stanzas and prose unlike what any normal slang is supposed to sound, taste, smell, and feel like. And in that same vein, it is their creative will and genius that has to rise to the surface in order for the status quo to continually get challenged.

"...the current systems of public education were never designed to develop everyone's talents. They were intended to promote certain types of ability in the interests of the industrial economies they served."

One sister quipped: "but these standardized tests are not made to consider students who do not have multiple choices." Moving beyond acronyms, standards, and pedagogy are merely first steps. If not for the children (seeds), who will purify the water we pollute to water them? How do you think innovation can rise to the surface?

Do schools kill creativity?

2009-03-15T21:47:00.000-04:00

Peep the words from Sir Ken Robinson. This is a very intriguing and at-times, hilarious 20-minute speech from 2006 that embodies some heavy food for thought.

a few of the concepts shared:

If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original.
We stigmatize mistakes.
We are educating people out of their creative capacity.
We get educated out of creativity.
Every education system has the same hierarchy with math & language at the top and arts at the bottom.
Some people have to move in order to think.

More ill ideas and thoughts can be found at the TED web site.

Politics mixed with new statistics

2009-03-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

"Big brother got us spread like an atlas
Powerless in fear that leads to paralysis"
-Pras, "Ghetto Politics"

Let's talk about it.

I went to a forum yesterday entitled, No Contest: Why So Few People Run for Office in Massachusetts and What to Do About It. Held at the UMass Club on the 33rd floor of this building, it was hosted by MassINC and featured panelists Charles Baker, Sam Yoon, Sonia Chang-Diaz, and Maurice Cunningham.

Massachusetts has abysmally low rate of contested elections. It was cool to hear varying perspective on the challenges of running for office. Baker is a Republican with a lot of buzz as rumors swirl that he'll run for governor. Yoon is trying to make a major come-up in his bid for the mayor's seat. And Chang-Diaz is the new face in town.

For starters, it was great to hear them challenge each other and push back instead of the typical piggybank points that you usually tend to hear in a panel.

Do you think you make a difference?

That was the line of reasoning Baker proposed. According to him, that should be the initial question for any potential candidate to ask themselves as opposed to 'can i win?'. It even comes before the whole notion of running simply for the sake of running because we live in a democracy. I agree with that line of reasoning. Don't go wasting people's money on a campaign with no hope whatsoever.

There were some grumbles about the personal toll and financial costs (and risks) or running. And another point raised was the notion that candidates should be prepared to run for office twice. Once to get their name out there (depending on context) and then then second time to truly sway voters in their direction.

Other interesting tidbits I think were useful included mentions that, 1) on the federal level, candidates are allowed to draw a salary wage from campaign funds, yet that is not something allowed here; 2) elections in Minnesota are publicly financed with spending caps & spending-forward (carryover) cap; 3) Iowa redistricts via computer; 4) discipline is a strategy; 5) fundraising not for self but for sat of values; and 6) low contribution limits favor incumbents.

Pretty good stuff. Anyone interested in working towards helping to develop a PAC specifically to support more grassroots, progressive candidates of color; holla.

Your style is Pascal, mine is Basic

2009-03-12T07:48:00.000-04:00

An eye for an eye, a life for what's right
Dissected, I'm on some hi-tech sh!t
Computers want to byte
-Common, "Sum Sh!t I Wrote"

If you're in the Bean and have a grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, or parent that is computer illiterate and want to learn some of the basics, feel free to share this information with them. All this work being done on the digital divide ain't all just for the youngins. Holla at the Timothy Smith Network. They are doing really great things.

how many shots have to ring before we hear freedom ring?

2009-03-11T00:09:00.001-04:00

shout-out to Stacey Muhammad and Wild Seed Films on the production of "I Am Sean Bell"

we march to mourn another murdered in silence
where do our screams go?
why go to a place where dreams dry
and mothers cry for their sons on foreign soil
she did not send him here to die
would not have let him come here had she known
so who will hold her hand?
stroke her face?
fill that hole of empty baby place 41 times
who will acquit her of her grief?
-Bassey Ikpi

I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.

to protect and serve?

Standing up for the slain

2009-03-10T00:17:00.000-04:00

"For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for it." (Corinthians 13:8)

It's the phenomenon we become familiar with as little kids when something goes wrong.

Who did it?
I dunno. I didn't see anything.

My family would really get it. Was it a ghost?! Was it a disappearing magician?! They'd eventually break you. Or break their foot off in your rear. Either way, the truth had to come to the light.

In many ways, the drama of inner-city life unfortunately belts a similar tune. Casual shrugs and fears of retribution cast gloomy shadows over the bodies of mostly young black boys no longer here on this earth to grow into men.
Kevin Cullen's article last week, Standing up for the Slain, paints a stark comparison between the sanctioned lawlessness of some West Africa nations and the Wild West feel of some of America's hoods.

"There is risk, but the greater risk is saying nothing."

Fear is a powerful motivator. Some people aspire to put fear in others' hearts. Some would rather be respected than feared. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. Regardless, the truth has nothing to fear form scrutiny; it is strong in its own strength and feared in its own right.

social change is a lifestyle

2009-03-09T20:58:00.001-04:00

Some very insightful anecdotes from an interview with the man I like to affectionately call, Uncle Horace.

love life knotted up like some black hair

2009-03-08T23:25:00.003-04:00

come on shake it off, wake up enter the light of consciousness
where the dead don't exist
explore love find it in all shades of life
you're the driver when you see love just look both ways
-Ghostface, "Message from Ghost"

Ghostface has always been my dude. Especially back when I had the white Taurus and the MES crew from BU used to chill with the BESS crew from NU like we are all one family. Nobody can say "strawberry kiwi" quite like son. Anyways, I tend to stay away from celebrity gossip and such. But this Chris Brown & Rihanna stuff is almost too serious not to.

There have been all kinds of articles dissecting everything, but what I did notice missing in my opinion was more voices from the celebrity world. It seemed it was a whole bunch of fans chiming in. For the record, I am not an abuser; never have been; and never will be. But I've seen it. Up close. If I only knew then what I knew now, maybe I could have helped more. But when you are a young boy barely hitting puberty, you often find yourself still looking for guidance.

Anyways, I can't help but keep replaying "Message from Ghost," his own little spiel released a few days ago. I'm just going to let the music do the talking from here...

listening is more than hearing

2009-03-07T19:08:00.001-05:00

My base of fans are made up of many; with kids allergic
to belts lettin they mind melt from drinking the Henny
And them straight and narrow types who be waiting to hear
them drums say the revolution is near - are you listening?
Are your eardrums open for christening?
-De La Soul, "Much More"

I've always been a bit of a muse. More reserved than outgoing. More laidback than excitable. I've tried my best over time to become better at not only hearing what someone is saying to me, but also by being able to actively listen and process the conversation as it transpires. Mostly, it's a selfish trait to allow myself to better comprehend whatever the hell they're talking about. But at times, it has proven useful and productive to help inform my observations afterwards when they ask for feedback.

There was an article a few weeks back that essentially spoke to the concept of Tuning in to hear others. To be honestly, I have definitely tuned out many times when someone is speaking and I either have little interest in what they're saying or my mind was already preoccupied with other thoughts.

Listening demands critical thinking. Often, people don't speak clearly, so listeners must sift patterns of language and intention - on the fly. This is why experts often suggest that listeners practice "reflecting," or paraphrasing what a speaker says, so that both sides know they are understanding one another. During a conversation, good listeners also offer brief verbal and physical signals - such as nodding or saying "I see" or "tell me more" - to show that they are paying attention.

To hear that there are businesses that actually teach listening skills is profound indeed and also a testament to the power of creativity and entrepreneurship. I see listening, critical thinking, and problem solving almost essential to each other. Without all of them, the risk of failure and miscommunication is extremely high and almost frightening. Yet, for all the talking we do nowadays, texting and IMing has replaced much of the need to actually listen. I've often called folks back after getting a text message. At first, I was just being mad cheap. Now, I find I am increasingly annoyed at the thought of texting back and forth for 25 minutes for what could have been a 3-minute conversation. Go figure.

Over kids' heads like halos

2009-03-06T07:21:00.004-05:00

"combating prose with passionate passages surpassing the realm of gun toting savages"
-Bahamadia, "Innovation"

You know those days when you wake up and it seems like you're at a track & field final at your alarm sounds more like a gun going off? And you have to Go Hard all the way? Yesterday was one of those days. Kinda.

In the late afternoon, I dropped by one of the the school district's budget hearings. Held at English High; this one is specifically for youth. And they turned out in droves. The energy was palpable. The frustration very real. The worry and concern evident in either the jitteriness or excitement in their voices.

I actually wear several hats. On one hand, I am an employee who is obviously concerned about losing a job as well as losing colleagues and teachers who I have developed relationships. Plus, I've got to pay the mortgage, student loans, and household bills just like everyone else.

Secondly, I am a parent. I have tried to become more and more active in his school's community and am learning new things everyday about what parent engagement entails. It is a daunting challenge that grows both easier and more difficult with each passing day.

Lastly, I am a connector. A lot of what I do revolves around students and whether working or not; I am always on the job. I worry about the students a lot. I worry about the many who I have connected with an hope that they still consider STEM careers as viable as I've been leading them to believe. I hope they buy-in to my suggestions that the college route is the best way to go. Admittedly, not all of them in the past have one straight to college; which in fact probably was the best choice for their situations.

There were some very pointed and angst-riddled questions posed to the School Committee members from the many students who attended. Coincidentally, I then walked a block up the street to Doyle's for another education-related forum. Boston Leaders for the Future of Education, a new quasi-think tank held a panel about innovation. It was a common theme throughout all of the questions and the place was packed to the brim and some folks even left because they didn't want to squeeze in. I saw many familiar faces from as well as made a few new connections. But the true meat of the event was the quality of the panel. This was truly one of the better panel discussions I have seen. I won't go into too much detail right now, but there were some great ideas tossed around by both the panelists and audience members. Issues about equity, approaches to problem solving, innovative concepts in other cities, and segregation by choice we the topics that stood out to me.

Superintendent Johnson gave a profound analogy about how education is a race and even though some sprinters have trained for months and are well-prepared, the ill-prepared (conditioned) sprinters still need the support of all the spectators to help them reach the finish line with roller blades if necessary. And even though not everyone thinks they deserve those skates, it is imperative that they do because it isn't actually a competition. Like that 90's throwback, we're all in the same gang. Plus, Mayor Menino gave a pretty good introductory speech. Essentially, he noted how we are at our most creative when we have the least resources. Straightforward, succinct, and sound words. Now, let's hope all this innovative thinking will translate into some innovative doing. Personally, I think bringing up taboo topics have to be mentioned. For instance, why is there no school in the summer when the winter poses higher costs and higher risks for missed (snow) days? Food for thought? Something to chew on, I suppose.

creativity olympics

2009-03-05T00:33:00.003-05:00

about three years ago, i participated in a great online exercise. myself and a few fellow bloggers wrote haikus and then voted for our favorite.

Here are the ones I did way back when.

butterfly kisses
long weekend approaches
an empty pillow
-8:08 AM, 5/26/2006

can you stand the rain
quarter waters only quench
sun-dripped tears
-7:07 AM, 5/27/2006

It was actually pretty simple and mighty damn fun. Yall know the rules..5-7-5. Go! I'll start.

carpal tunnel nights
snapshots of passion on pause
ill finger flick skills

Soliloquy of Chaos

2009-03-04T22:27:00.002-05:00

Describe Yourself with Music

Using only song titles from one artist, cleverly answer these questions

Pick a band/artist: Gangstarr

1. Are you a male or female: You Know My Steez, I'm The Man

2. Describe yourself: No Shame In My Game, Werdz From the Ghetto Child

3. How do you feel about yourself: The Illest Brother, Peace of Mine

4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: Ex Girl to the Next Girl, Nice Girl Wrong Place

5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: Royalty, Now You're Mine

6. Describe your current location: The Place Where We Dwell, Rite Where U Stand

7. Describe where you want to be: Above The Clouds, The Planet

8. Your best friend is: B.I. vs Friendship, The Militia

9. Your favorite color is: 1/2 & 1/2

10. You know that: The Rep Grows Bigga, She Knowz What She Wantz

11. What’s the weather like: Beyond Comprehension

12. If your life was a television show what would it be called?: Check The Technique, Just to Get a Rep

13. What is life to you: 2 Steps Ahead, Here Today Gone Tomorrow

14. What is the best advice you have to give: Say Your Prayers, Take A Rest, Who's Gonna Take The Weight, My Advice To You

15. If you could change your name what would you change it to: Brainstorm, DWYCK

Squeeze the juice outta the headphones

2009-02-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

It must be real hard for ya'll to listen
And it's sad, [when they're] too broke to pay attention
-The LOX, "All For The Love"

I love music. I have been going to concerts for a long time. I remember seeing Troop at the old Loco Records on River Avenue in North Charleston. I remember seeing Hammer at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. I remember seeing Naughty and Chubb Rock rock the King Street Palace in Charleston. I remember seeing De La Soul & A Tribe Called Quest in 1993. So anyways, suffice it to say that I have a soft spot for big speakers and sweat. Here's a special shout-out to my fellow concert lovers. And preliminary headnod [word] for the shows that I'd love to check out if financially feasible. Holla.

Tue, 2/25 - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ House of Blues (Fenway), $25
Fri, 2/27 - Slick Rick @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $20 [damn i can't go]

Sun, 3/1 - K'Naan @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $10 [shout out to all my Kenyan peeps]
Thu 3/5 - Joe Budden @ Middle Eat (Cambridge), $20 [word]
Sun, 3/8 - J*Davey @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $10 [word]
Fri, 3/6 & Sat, 3/7 - Rachelle Ferrell @ Scullers (Allston), $42
Mon, 3/9 - Common & Kid Cudi @ House of Blues (Fenway), $30 [word]
Fri, 3/13 - Black Moon & Smif N Wessun @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $20 [word]
Mon, 3/16 - Busta Rhymes & Red Cafe @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $19
Thu, 3/19 - Raphael Saadiq @ Paradise, $27 [word]
Fri, 3/20 - Maceo Parker @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $35
Sat, 3/21 - Canibus @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $15
Wed, 3/25 - Digable Planets @ Paradise, $20
Thu, 3/26 - Christian Scott @ Scullers (Allston) [word]
Fri, 3/27 - Lupe Fiasco @ Boston College [word]
Sat, 3/28 - Daddy Yankee @ Orpheum Theater (Downtown)
Sat, 3/28 - Dead Prez @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $20 [word]

Wed, 4/1 - Bone Thugs N Harmony @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $30
Fri, 4/3 & Sat, 4/4 - Ashford & Simpson @ Scullers (Allston)
Mon, 4/6 - Fred Wesley and the New JBs @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $12
Mon, 4/6 - Seal @ Orpheum Theater (Downtown)
Thu, 4/9 - GZA/Genius @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $25 [word]
Sat 4/11 - Termanology @ Middle East (Cambridge), $10
Wed, 4/15 - Bilal @ Scullers (Allston), $25 [word]
Fri, 4/17 - Dr. Lonnie Smith @ Scullers (Allston), $25 [word]
Tue, 4/28 - KRS One @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $25 [word]

Fri, 5/8 - Etta James @ House of Blues (Fenway), $38
Fri, 5/8 - EnVogue @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $27
Fri, 5/8 & Sat, 5/9 - Oletta Adams @ Scullers (Allston)
Sat, 5/9 - Boyz II Men @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $35

Fri, 6/19 - Andre Ward @ Scullers (Allston), $25 [word]
Wed, 6/24 - Femi Kuti @ Paradise (BU West), $25
Fri, 6/26 - Terence Blanchard @ Scullers (Allston) [word]

begin with please

2009-02-18T22:42:00.001-05:00

On the sixth day of my demise...
please...
do not mourn me

Please do not adorn my casket
with baskets of fruit brone from the
bowels of our past relations

Please do not offer warm, damp towels
to soothe the physical realities of bereavement
readily apparent in the emotional responses
of the ones I loved

Please do not toast my life as anything other than
what it is
what it was meant to be
what it was

please do not cry or shed a tear because i am not here
have faith in your fear and trust the wisdom of your ears

when you hear of a sparrow that sang its song until
it could chirp no more
until it could fly freely no more
until its wing were sore and the jetlag it bore
became to much of a burden for your visual girth

give peace to the meek who inherited their net worth
from the debt of your gratitude
bestowed in
small denominations
in rigidly defined pews
filled with wine bottles in the side pockets of mulattos
who came in several hues
yet still paid their dues

so please do not tell my son that i passed away
but instead reassure him i am still beside him
let him know that my joy is simply a reflection of his smile
let him know that my weariness pales in comparison
to the excitement of seeing a new sparkle in his eye
a new confidence in his gait
it is he who holds the real weight

no corner boy lookout role though
for he is blessed with favor incomparable
to those with no fear but man themselves
no man will indeed fear a fool
we drop jewels only to chain them back to our necks
and expect stimulus checks to fund our extravagance

please do not prejudge, i beg of you
guide this treacherous journey of self-discovery
lend a calming presence to the emotional overtones
that color our hindsight
spiritual discipline to the conflicted realities
that blur our vulnerabilities
the error of our ways written in blue ink
when no pencils were in sight

reversing wrongs won't necessarily make it all right
yet one day it'll all make sense
so until that time comes
continue to keep a steady pace
so as not to lose your breath prematurely
because when those last seconds do arrive
you surely will want to mind your manners
close your eyes
and look beyond your reflection of self

do away with black history month?

2009-02-15T23:35:00.001-05:00

Both the Boston Globe and Bay State Banner have posed the question (although it was the same damn article - but the Banner has the extended version); as have many other publications in the last few weeks. Your president is black, so February no longer needs to be too.

It's an interesting poll. I've always been aware of black history and historical figures since an early child. But I cannot count how many times I hear folks relay how they didn't hear about some stuff until they were in middle school or later. It always baffled me actually. Hell, I just stumbled across an old 5th grade portrait of me in a flattop and an african medallion hanging from my neck. word.

But to simply do away with black history month? i don't think we're quite ready for that yet. Honestly, I don't think America is as evolved enough to truly handle it; the common history theme. It is too compartamentalized. There are whole sections of the world that get merely skimmed over in favor of the "classics." Classics according to who? How about AP Asian History and AP African History? Because right now all you got is US and European History. They say if you don't know your history, you are doomed to repeat it. Well, at least it won't be boring because we've got a lot to learn.

[don't] shoot the messenger

2009-02-14T17:11:00.002-05:00

peace, god. so went the salutation from one five percenter to another. or 1 out of every 4 hip-hop album in '94. conversely, it's the first phrase that came to mind when i stumbled upon an article about the local black clergy finally unifying for reconciliation.

Truce and reconciliation: Setting example, black ministers seek to end 'clergy wars'
By Maria Cramer

It is time, they say, to practice what they preach....After years of disputes and infighting, black clergy from across Boston gathered late Thursday night in Codman Square to start what one minister called their own "cease-fire."

I have often puzzled the peculiar way in which the clergy has been seemingly recognized de facto as the leaders of the black community. Nevertheless, this comes at an opportune time. Far too often, we strive for excellence in others and neglect to push ourselves towards the same goal. Styles P had this one joint at the end of his Time Is Money album called, Leave a Message. In it, he starts off relaying how was trying "to tell these shorties something," but they rebutted that he was just as bad as them. It's a simple point. A lot of cats are smart on the low. Whether they are not man enough yet to be proud to embrace their intelligence or simply want to go down a certain path, street sense does take a bit of common sense. Could these urban youth been tuning out the calls to put their guns down because they saw in plain sight that the old heads were beefing in the same vein? Maybe. That'd be too much of a media-centric perspective. Too simplistic. But it does compel one to ask more questions. Because when you start to ask questions, you go beyond the surface.

About a week ago, I hit up the MFA's African Film Festival to check out the movie, Shoot the Messenger, by Ngozi Onwurah. It was a interesting tale that dissected a variety of topics; black self-image, identity, and mental health. To be honest, I wasn't even feeling the movie in the beginning, but by the end of it, I was fully enthralled and enjoying its meandering plot. Although it has no direct or immediate relation to the clergy article or youth violence, it still raises plenty of questions that are definitely connected; about paranoia, contempt, and forgiveness. peace, god.

no money, mo problems

2009-02-13T17:55:00.001-05:00

Midway through tax season, I thought these fiscal tips would prove helpful not only to those parents who worry about setting a good example for their children, but even for those without kids who are proactively planning ahead. I can clearly recall the exact location of the bank where I opened a savings account when I was probably around 7 or 8. Although the follow-through wasn't what it could have been, I can strongly look back and appreciate the early guidance. And although my moms isn't the picture of fiscal responsibility by any means, every little bit counts. It's time for the midget and I to upgrade from our water bubbler bank.

Tips to help parents teach money management skills

I got a trick but my name ain't Ali-Babba

2009-02-12T00:57:00.001-05:00

"Well, I came here for something funky to happen
Is this Christmas cuz everybody's rapping?
You better get sparked by the song that I sing
Although my name ain't Martin Luther
But I'm considered the king"
-Kwame, " The Rhythm"

I think Kwame was underrated on the skills tip. The Rhythm is one of my favorite joints. I can recite the lyrics right now, yo. Biggie did him wrong on Unbelievable, but son has since bounced back from a flop to being the man on top. He's been doing his thing behind the boards as a music producer for several years now. I always thought his flow was pretty crisp and fluid. Plus, you cannot front on his use of a band to back him up in that video. Way before the Roots and Revive Da Live. Much respect.

Lost and found

2009-02-11T23:41:00.002-05:00

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see."

I read a financial article that spoke about tightening up your fiscal game in these uncertain times and some of its talking points really resonated with me for more than obvious reasons. In the piece, the writer likened the range of emotions people feel when unprepared to their gut instincts when their money is being messed with. The pain of loss is something we grieve over more as opposed to celebrating the joy of gains. In simple terms, we are more sad we lose money than we are happy when we earn money. In my world, it struck me because I had a t-shirt created to vibe with a theme that had been running through my head. Legendary status. Or living legend. Or whatever you want to call it. Essentially, I am a fan of celebrating someone's life while they are still here to enjoy and partake in that celebration. This is especially hitting close to home right now because it has been a mere 2 days since I received word that my dear friend, Denise Luma, passed away. Denise was a very warm and genuine person. A fellow NEU alumnus, she did her thing in school and won accolades as a star student. Outside of class, she became part of an extended family of NSBE heads that all rolled together hard. But she eventually lost her battle with lupus. When I last visited her in the hospital, she was super pissed because she was mad hungry, yet we still cracked several jokes and spoke about President-elect Obama because dropping that "elect" prefix was still premature with the Inauguration a day away. Denise was full of energy and sass and as I chilled Monday night with 2 other friends reminiscing, I struck me that I have been quite blessed and lucky to not have had a death made such a immediate impact on my psyche until now. As my peers and I grow old, some relationships will fall off while others will continue to thrive. And yet I will continue to life each day as though it were my last. I've always harbored a disdain for death and those moments leading up to it. As the years go on, more pain will surely come my way; natural causes or otherwise. But I will say that I life is to be lived. Instead of mourning her passing, I will celebrate the many fun, hilarious, adventurous time we shared personally and with others. The thrill of waking up to a new day is not to be taken for granted. May you rest in peace, Miss Luma.