It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

I’ve always liked these lyrics from India Arie’s song “Video”…

But, I’ve drawn a conclusion, it’s all an illusion,
Confusion’s the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception
Something’s gotta change
But, don’t be offended this is all my opinion
Ain’t nothing that I’m sayin law
This is a true confession of a life learned lesson
I was sent here to share with y’all

As I watch some of the cable news shows, at times I get extremely annoyed by how they speak to the listener as if they’re all stupid.  I just can’t figure out how they’re able to get away with it.  Why is there no mass public outrage for them now clearly making the news instead of just reporting the news?  They’re constantly making stories that are designed to create an emotional reaction.  The main problem I have with this is when a decision is made based on emotions, that’s a decision made without thinking.  Now ask yourself, how many times has that worked in your favor?

And for all those who are some how offended by this picture…uhmm…I wonder why?!

This is an article reported by Michelle Kosinski, NBC News Correspondent on MSNBC.com.  I feel it’s a very important read, especially with the ease of information spreading via the internet where most of our young spend alot of their time.

LONDON – “Everyone around here is doing it.”  “It has become a trend.”  “I have thought about doing it myself.”  Somehow, these are all quotes from teenagers, talking about – suicide.

Since the start of 2007, 19 teenagers and young adults have taken their own lives in the tiny towns scattered through the southern Welsh county of Bridgend, where people have been living along the Ogmore River for centuries. Total population: around 130,000. (more…)

 

I wonder why it’s considered cute when Del Monte does it, but it’s lewd when Sir Mix-A-Lot does it? (uhmm…is the Sir Mix-A-Lot reference still relevant?)

In any case, I’ve just become quite thirsty!

This was a response to a recent statement I made that “Great minds don’t think alike, they think for themselves.”

“It’s true that people, generally, do not think alike, but if you are trained logically, there is tendency that you will think alike because you are faced with facts. Oh!  The other philosophy; “They think for themselves”.  This is obnoxious.  Anyone who thinks for his or herself alone is selfish, and has nothing positive to contribute to human race.”

Wow!  First let me say that most “facts” have the common flaw of being limited to the person’s perspective who’s presenting them.  So, please get as much information possible in order to make the best decision for yourself.  I’m sure no one would take issue with that…right?

And secondly, I wonder why anyone would think it’s defined as obnoxious when you’re not necessarily influenced by others…and because of so, you’re not capable of making a positive contribution to the human race?

I feel it’s my strong independent thinking which has created mutiple opportunities for me to help others.  I’m quite confident with a cookie cutter mindset, I wouldn’t have been able to have a positive impact when speaking to Bronx High School students (especially when I’m not an athlete or entertainer) or even have the gull to write a book that inspired a reader to reconnect with their father.

Regardless of how wrong or right, I love when what I think sparks others to think…so keep the feedback coming!!!

Why do you think someone chose to take a picture instead of helping Grandma out?

I found “may be used as litter” quite funny.  Even I wouldn’t have thought of that one! (uhmm…maybe I would have…I’m pretty bright!)

 

The idea of Pedaled Phone Calls was created for those who live in parts of the world where cell phones are still a luxury. Here in America, these three wheeled bikes are usually used to sell ice-cream, pop-corn, or hot dogs. But in Nicaragua, the same kind of vehicle brings a pedal powered mobile to the people in need of making a call. Ten minutes of pedaling produces an hour of battery life.
 

“Most of entrepreneurship, for me, is about instinct and intuition.  Many times I have been asked by someone considering a new venture if he should go for it.  But an entrepreneur knows instinctively when to go for it.”

- Michael Dell, Founder and Chairman, Dell

There are times in life when you just have to go for it and dare to be you.  Only time can reveal if you had the talent, skill and discipline to conquer what was so obviously unnecessary to everyone else.

I’m quite confident this would only sell in America and I don’t mean that as a compliment.

What do you think are his career options?

OK, I must admit that I laughed for about 5 minutes straight when I first saw this picture.  Once I regained my composure, I was actually inspired by it. 

It made me think about how a true friend will use their strength to support a friend.  And by doing so, the friend who receives the support is made to feel strong themselves.  Wow, it’s funny how we can be inspired by the strangest things!

Or does that big guy just have some control issues?

(NOTE: This picture was not done in photoshop which makes it so much more funny!)

As innovative as I am, I would’ve never thought to do this. This just goes to show how we all can have growth moments.

All I’m saying is my pencils would’ve been the sharpest in class.

This chart represents the 2007-2008 U.S. discretionary budget, the portion of the budget that the President and Congress creates each year.  It does not include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and interest on the national debt.  Source: Congressional Budget Office

Now for all those who are following the presidential race, I think this should have a greater concern than how someone bowls or drinks shots with beer chasers.  Don’t get caught up by these old distraction techniques.

Imagine this concept the first time it was introduced to the city council for approval.  I sure it was titled the “See As You Pee” public restroom project.

 

If you look at it carefully, it should come to you how this is done.

It’s clear that technology has made its mark in our daily lives.

When I saw this picture, it made me think about how advancement in technology is defined as smaller and faster…which I’m sure is an approach that the ladies aren’t in agreement with.

I find it quite amusing that with all the new conveniences of technology, we seem to have less time. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We’ve learned how to make a better living, but not a better life. We’ve added years to life, but not life to years.

Could there be a technology breakthrough that would allow us to slow down and actually enjoy life more…oh wait, there is…the power to use the greatest computer ever made…OUR BRAINS!

Having fun shouldn’t stop when you become an adult.  One should maintain their childhood while accepting responsibility…and a secret to having fun is staying in the moment!

It’s the age old question, is a person more a product of their nature or their nurturing?  I’ve come to the conclusion that people are more a product of their nature.

I believe this to be true because who we are begins with our nature and it’s the individual’s nature that dictates the response to the nurturing.

Nature vs. Nurture pt.II

It’s apparent that the influence of a parent is great…but ask yourself, why did this appeal to the child?

(This is an actual drawing from a elementary school student.)

Nature vs. Nurture pt.III

Now do you see a future comedian or inmate?

Say what you will, but I find this freaking hilarious and only wish I would’ve done at that age.

I’ve never claimed to be the smartest person in the world (OK, maybe I think I’m the smartest person that I know), but whoever came up with this ad clearly rode the short bus to school.

Do you think the billboard advertising company took advantage of the…uhmm…not so smart?  I’m sure there are laws against that.

Parking at the amusement park…$12

Bungee jump…$45

Having your picture put up on the Internet after you shit on yourself on the jump…PRICELESS!

Remember that just because others do it doesn’t mean that you should.  Think it through folks, think it through!

I don’t know about you, but my hustle just went into overdrive!

(And for anyone who thinks this is mean…uhmm, I didn’t tell her to put on that shirt.)

For the record, I do not believe in the caging of any living being for entertainment purposes.

For most of my life, I have always had to defend my process of doing things.  I’m a person who thrives in doing things my way and has never set out to do things just like everyone else.  Fortunately for me, I never bought into not doing something just because no one else was doing it.  I find this is a great way to continually challenge myself to become better at any and everything I do.

I say that to say…don’t get side tracked by focusing on the WHAT of an action.

The real power is found in the WHY of an action.  So many situations in life could or would be avoided if you were to begin to seek out the true intent of actions instead of merely focusing on the content.

Although this perspective may not always be the easiest to grasp, it has the greatest potential of being the most worthwhile.

If you can stlil udnesrtnad waht you are raednig rgiht now, deos is tkae aawy from the msesgae taht one shuold seacrh for intnet oevr contnet in actoins?

The perfect invention for all of us who burn the midnight oil trying to get out our dreams. 

I’m not saying I know everything about fashion…but I do know this isn’t it!

This video proves my previous point perfectly…THE MEDIA IS NOT BASED ON REALITY!  

Now I do give props to the creators of the video.  I really dig how they made a clearly “don’t try this at home” video look so amateurish.

Now for all the “Little Johnnys” who actually think that by putting on a pair of sneakers by Kobe Bryant will some how allow them to leap over a car speeding towards them…uhmm…I’m sure the entire medical profession will be leaping with joy by your decision!

I had the recent honor of speaking on a panel at North Carolina Central University to discuss W.E.B DuBois’ “The Talented Tenth” theory.  One of the topics covered was the negative influence of the media and artists of today.

After further reflection, I think it’s my responsibility to offer a solution to this matter.  Especially since I’ve been in a position to create many images which are now in the market place for the last 12 years.

Please understand this…the media and art is not based on reality.  It has not, and will not, EVER be based on reality.  It’s based on very creative people coming up with very creative methods to sell either an idea or a product.  And no matter how creative, by default the creativity is limited by the person who comes up with it.

I think a solution is to never believe anything, no matter where you read it, saw it or heard it, unless it agrees with your own common sense.  This way you’ll have complete ownership of how the influence will affect you.  And I’m confident that most people won’t choose the negative ones…right?

I’m not sure of the exact date of this ad, but I’m sure it’s before Hip Hop.  So for all those who keep saying that my beloveth Hip Hop is responsible for the misogynistic views of today…think again my friend!

Although I wasn’t there, I’m confident this ad refelcts the mindset of an INDIVIDUAL who wanted to connect with the general population.  Nothing more than that!  Now ask yourself, did this ad work and more importantly, why?

If you don’t like the ideals being presented, simply put yourself in a position to change them.

Wow, I never knew that Cola could boost ones personality! 

I wonder if this was done by the surviving spouse to express her infinite love?  Or was this done by some freaky bastard who just wanted an adoring naked woman over him forever ever…ever…ever?!

In any case, I do know it’s the best looking tombstone that I’ve ever seen!

…but there is such a thing of consquences to not so good ones!

Don’t waste an opportunity by asking a question that’s not well thought out because you might not be given a second chance to ask it.

Make your next question your best question!

I think the best way to fail is in the act of trying.  It’s the journey where the lessons are learned, not the destination.

I want to direct this message to all those who desire to make a living doing it their own way. First let me say that I’m all for being in a category of one. All those who know me will agree that I have no problem with the spotlight being on me. When you’re attempting to do it your own way, I believe it’s your responsibility to stand out from the crowd. If not, how else would you get noticed?

However, don’t get too caught up in being so unique that you no longer have a use. It’s equally and/or more YOUR responsibility to present yourself in a manner which you can be used.

One of the most influential college tours to date, Break into the Music, will return to North Carolina Central University for its third annual conference on April 9, 2008.

I will have the honor of speaking on a panel discussing the works of W.E.B. Dubois’ theory of the Talented Tenth. This is a town hall discussion with some of the most influential people in Entertainment, Politics, Education, and Religion that also will be discussing other key issues affecting America today.

If you’re in the area, join me and others at the B.N. Duke Auditorium from 4:40pm to 5:00pm.

See complete schedule at www.breakintothemusic.net/schedule

This three-dimensional face scanner will be used to register individual details of passengers at airports.  It represents the latest technology available from Siemens.

Now if they could only do something where I wouldn’t have to take off my shoes!

When you approach a situation with a flexible mindset, it will…uhmm…I can’t front.  I really don’t have anything thought provoking to say about this picture.  When I saw it, I simply thought…now that’s the kind of flexiblity in life that’s sure to make a good wife!

 

I guess the boundaries of product placement  has no bounds.  You can now find scantily dressed mannequins standing in suggestive poses in the mens’ and ladies’ bathrooms at Portugal’s Eight Avenue mall.

Now I’m all for innovation, but I’m more into creating positive thought associations.  This point of sales location is…uhmm…not so good to me.  I’m sure I wouldn’t be thinking is that the new 08 Spring line in that situation.  However, I do commend whoever thought of the idea and had the confidence to sell it.

Esthetically…I dig it!

…a dog will hump anything!  I guess this one of those times when a hole with some heat will do.

There are times when things won’t turn out quite like you originally planned.  I believe if you face it as it is, stay true to the moment, it will greatly increase your chances to learn from it.

I’ve often use the example, “if someone can sell a Pet Rock, you can sell anything,” when speaking to budding entrepreneurs. Well, someone has proven my point!

Think about those focus group sessions!  Who did they determine would want to give Pee & Poo as a gift?  And what does the person think of whom they’re giving Pee & Poo as a gift  Imagine them saying, “Uhmm…I saw this Pee & Poo and thought of you.”

What fascinates me the most about this product is trying to figure out the inspiration.  Did the thought come when changing a diaper or right before a flush?  Maybe it was while walking a dog or attempting to put a positive spin on cleaning bed pans at a hospital.  Either way, I commend them for taking their thought from concept to completion.

Now for all those who continue to doubt themselves, just always remember what someone did with Pee & Poo!!!