The View!!

I love Rosie O’Donnell… I think she is a talented comedian. I am a Christian though and was quite offended by her comments. It seems as though it is open seasons on Christian bashing by those in certain circles the liberal media. My question is this? Why is their so much animosity between the two sides? If I tell another Christian that I am liberal, you would think I said a 4-letter word to them. Tell a liberal that you are Christian, and they think you are a closed minded pig…how ironic??

I understand Rosie’s past run-ins with some of those who profess to be Christians, but I would think she would be able to recognize the difference between a good seed and a bad one? Calling us Terrorist is something that is unfair and really hurtful. I guess I expected more out of someone who is as intelligent and “open minded” as she is.

Being an African American male, I am far too aware of all the problems of discrimination of any kind. I empathize with those in the Homosexual movement because I consider it an extension of the civil rights movement 40 yrs ago. You have people fighting for equality and justice. Even though my personal and spiritual beliefs do not coincide with their social views, I would never think to impose my way of life on them nor would I begin to single them out as a terror to our society!!

I realize that there is a militant side to the Liberal agenda that often chooses to point out those on the militant Christian side, but is this not the contrast between MLK and Malcolm X. Both men fought for freedom and equality but went about it different ways. The true beauty of their story was that Malcolm in the latter days of his life came to understand that hate vs. hate only creates more hate. Unfortunately it was that same hate that ended the lives of both of these men before their times.

I wish that we as a people could truly understand the importance of tolerance for our civilization to survive. It is going to take a good effort on both side of the fence in order to get us all to a place were we can live in peace and harmony…

One Love….Love One Another!! (OLLOA)

Saying goodbye to my X

This is never easy to do. Over the past few months the writing had been on the wall. I knew it was over, but I still tried to make the most of it. Unfortunately two nights ago it ended.

For the past 5 plus yrs my X has been in my life. I remember staying up all night with my X. We have traveled all over the world. A companion like I have never known, and now there is just an empty space in my bedroom. So much joy you have brought into my life…and now nevermore… nevermore!! Oh yes I miss you!!

If you can’ tell already, my X –Box died on me two nights ago. CPR only resulted in more traumas. I thought about sending it in to get looked at, but I knew it was time to just say goodbye!! So, it will be on to a new 360 now, I think I will donate my old one to someone who know how to fix’em up and hopefully a kid can share the joy that I once had!!
Goodbye dear friend…till we meet again in the giant video game room in the sky!!

Central Perk

What makes a person a great friend? What makes someone a person who you want to be around for an extended period of time? I’ve found myself recently questioning those around me. As I have been thrown into this new life in Florida, I am finding that my old friends have changed as much as I have. The new friendships and bonds I am making are also interesting. But what makes a great friend? I think it’s time that is the best judge!!

I spent Labor Day weekend with some close High School Friends. The bond between us is sometimes closer than blood. Brother’s from another mother is an understatement in how close we are. As we begun our weekend shenanigans, the wife’s and girlfriend of these guys could only shake their heads at our ongoing stupidity!! What fools we mortals are!! Grown men acting like 12 yr old kids all over again. It was great. I have known these guys longer than I have known myself. They are such a part of my development as an adult; I can’t imagine my life with out them!! Very few people are lucky to share these types of friendships that have lasted over 15yrs! I consider myself blessed.

Throughout my life I have had thousands of acquaintances. These are people I have met through various organizations, clubs, sports, trips, bars, churches, etc… Have you ever tried to write down everyone you know? You will be amazed by the list!! Through all these people though, my list of close friends is fairly short. Not always by choice of my own, but some relationships dwindle over time, and some never lose a spark. It is just based on the connection you may have with that person. I have one friend who I have known since I was 5. We are so close that the language between us is unspoken. A simple glance and we are cracking up on the ground!! I have another set of friends that started around 6th grade. These guys also have that same dialect with me. Once I reached Kansas, I had to make find a new set of friends being all alone. I quickly bonded with my roommate and other kids in my dorm. My band friends also are like brothers and sisters to me in a strange band universe!! (it is a band thing, you wouldn’t understand).

After college though, the trend suddenly stopped. I found myself at the end of my exclusive friend list. For a new friend to be added on, it meant someone had to be deleted. I was thinking about the friends I have made in the past 5 years in comparison to the ones I made in the first 23 and the list is barely off of my two hands. As odd as this was, I noticed this more now in Florida than I did in Cali. As I am out mingling with friends here locally, I have met a ton of new people, yet I don’t feel the need to invite new friends into my life. I am not a snob; I just have all positions filled right now!! The relationships I currently have are enough to carry me through. This saddens me as I want to meet as many people as I can, yet I just don’t have the motivation to re-introduce myself over and over again. I am content with what I have been blessed with.
The Sunday before Labor Day we were all in a Starbucks lounging on chairs and avoiding the Florida rain. For a brief moment, I had to chuckle as my life had become a sit-com, everyone with coffee or tea in hand talking and laughing. I realized how fortunate I am to have all of you that I consider a friend in my life. Whether I have knwn you for a week or 23yrs, I have so many great stories about everyone. Even though I am not getting paid by the episode, the memories that have been made are truly priceless.

The Passion of the Crocodile Hunter

Crikey!! This was the catch phrase of the late Steve Irwin. As I heard the news last night / this morning, I was taken back. I hadn’t felt like that in a long time about a famous person’s passing. It was as though someone you knew had just died. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the Croc Hunter, which ironically, I also feel like I know!!

As I examined my thoughts today upon hearing the news I wondered why I felt this way. I did not know the Croc Hunter. I have no idea when his birthday is, favorite foods, favorite color is, or if he really as animated in real life as he was on his show? The things I did know about Irwin were this. He was a man of PASSION. I think this single character trait shown above all his crazy antics, his silly catch phrases, or his Sportscenter commercial’s. Steve Irwin loved animals with an unwavering passion, a passion that he shared with the entire world.

People always say that cream rises to the top, I think this is the case with Irwin also. He had become the unofficial voice of wildlife exploration. I personally liked his shows and antics. I was amazed to see his wife right next to him as he went on all those crazy expeditions. In reality, how cool is it that he found someone who was as passionate about wildlife and nature as he was. I remember watching episodes were she would be right next to him as he is gripping a poisonous snake. Their love and passion for each other was bigger than a TV screen could show. In a small way, their relationship is one I think we all aspire to have, a partner who is in tune with our every step and shares deeply in our passions. I am sure she has suffered the most in this lost.

Tonight across the globe millions of animals will sleep better because of Steve Irwin. On one hand, they will not have to worry about a crazed Aussie sneaking up on them to show a camera unique markings, but on the other, his ability to raise awareness and interest in the general public will secure his legacy. Growing up I would watch nature shows for hours. These documentaries were shot and shown from monotone type settings, educational as it was, this was not the highlight of my week!! The Adventures of the Crocodile Hunter pumped new life in the Nature seen and brought new fans to see a guy really get excited about whatever animal he stumbled on. Again, the passion of Steve Irwin inspired so many people to either watch or just think about nature in a new way. For this we all are truly indebted to him.

The legend of the Croc Hunter will become immortal. Whether it’s the South Park parody episode or the references in pop culture, his status has not only made him a folk hero, but a international icon!! He will forever be remembered and missed by those of us who loved as he did, all of Gods wonderful creations.

RIP Steve, May God welcome you into his kingdom with open arms.