very creative!!!

I don’t know who the artist is or where this art piece is from, but I felt compelled to post it due to it’s originality.

If anyone knows, please share!!!

 

5 comments | June 12th, 2008

the thinker sparking thoughts on the huffington post!

All My Politics!
by j. saKiya Sandifer

First let me say that I’ve never been into politics and that I have never followed or actively participated in any election of a government official to date.

And I am also not part of the uneducated demographic that certain media outlets pander too.  My lack of enthusiasm in American politics is nothing more than a well-thought decision that has absolutely nothing to do with my lack of understanding in the process.  I’ve always felt that politics has never had the intentions of serving the greater good of the masses and that a politician’s loyalty has and will always be to the highest bidder.

Now with that being said, this year’s primaries turned out to be completely different for me. My interest was peaked this past March when I just happen to see a clip of a debate while in the midst of my daily channel surfing ritual.

As I was captured by the intellect of Obama, I couldn’t help but notice how the various media outlets began to shape the Democratic primaries to play out as America’s hottest new soap opera. Being a recovering addict of All My Children circa the late 90’s, I know cleverly scripted drama when I see it.

With all of the decisive issues and/or story lines that gave this primary season its dramatic appeal, from the importance of race and gender, to being an elitist and thus being not relatable, to denouncing versus rejecting, to mis-speaking versus making shit up and so on…the one I felt had the greatest impact was being able to use the power of lowered expectations to one’s advantage. For Barack and Hillary equally had the “hey, it can’t get any worse” mindset working in their favor. And this is not said to marginalize the genius of anyone. I give both camps a lot credit for recognizing and then using it to their advantage.

I just kept wondering if this would’ve been such a close race ending with an Obama victory if there had been no war, if gas prices weren’t as high as a young Hollywood celebrity (feel free to pick one) or if people weren’t losing the homes they knew they couldn’t afford in the first place. When you really think about it, often we define what something is by what we’re comparing it to and not for what it actually is.

Mid season’s story line shifted to the media’s lame attempt to define the candidates and it seemed that Hillary was always behind the curve. The game had change and I don’t think she read the memo. In a way I began to feel sorry for her. It got to the point where it seemed that she was getting her cues from the George character from Seinfeld. You know when you are totally in wrong but you say something so ridiculous, it deflects from the point.

Now fast forward to the end of the first season’s cliff hanger…”the first African-American presidential nominee.” The build up was incredible! Make no mistakes about it; Obama is a phenomenal forward thinker. He has shown a keen understanding that America has been in a daze from operating in a constant state of fear. He crafted a message that only he could deliver of actually uniting the states. Wow, this really does reads likes a daytime soap opera!

Now I say all of that to make the point…just because there is a new, exciting actor in the show…it’s still the same show! The show format will always remain the same; whoever draws in the most money gets top billing. The message of “change” wouldn’t seem so heavenly sent if it wasn’t backed up with an economic based that raised over $200 million.

And again I must emphasize that I have no intentions in taking anything away from what Obama has accomplished, for it should be commended and sought to be duplicated.

For me, this whole process is best summed by a quote by Greek philosopher Plutarch…”Nothing is harder to direct than a man in prosperity; nothing more easily managed that one is adversity.”

CLICK HERE read more comments at www.TheHuffingtonPost.com.

1 comment | June 11th, 2008

a dilemma that speaks to the core of a man!!!

Uhmm…I think this is one of the best questions I’ve ever come across and I’m not sure what this says about me…but I can’t seem to choose!

10 comments | June 10th, 2008

doer vs. dreamer

“The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something.  It’s as simple as that.  A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now.  Not tomorrow.  Not next week. But today.  The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.”

Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese’s

2 comments | June 9th, 2008

when a good idea has poor execution…

3 comments | June 8th, 2008

a very very very well made chair!!!

I think whoever manufacturers these chairs should use this pic in a marketing campaign with the slogan…”When You Need More From Your Chair, No One Else Can Compare!”

1 comment | June 8th, 2008

a bag design fit to carry

I love when the simpliest of designs are executed so well. 

2 comments | June 8th, 2008

caught testing my genius!!!

Yep, this is actually one of the many ways that I like to have fun…playing with a wooden puzzle from Thailand just because the box said “Test Your Genius”.

5 comments | June 7th, 2008

the best reason why i do what i do!!!

These are the moments that inspire me to work even harder!!!

1 comment | June 6th, 2008

why i do what i do!!!

3 comments | June 6th, 2008

uhmm…and who buys this?

1 comment | June 5th, 2008

i love the concept…

4 comments | June 5th, 2008

it’s the thinking man’s time!!!

Could this be the sign that we as a country are ready to “turn the page” and embrace intellects in politics?  Not saying that others aren’t or haven’t been intelligent, but I’ve never seen anyone else base their campaign on it.  And just to think at one time the media (MSNBC’s Morning Joe) was defining being an intellect in politics as a weakness…WOW!!! 

This is a perfect lesson of someone knowing their worth and not allowing outside forces to define them.  Imagine if this way of thinking was to catch on…better yet, how about everyone who reads this adopting this way of thinking.  Don’t waiver on this one…once truly embraced, your life will change forever!!! 

And I’m sure to no one’s surprise…I really really really believe that the thinking man will always prevail!!!

Special Message To Obama Supporters: THE JOURNEY IS NOT OVER!!!  Although I’ve never been a part of an Obama strategy meeting, I’m quite confident that his goal wasn’t just to become a nominee, but to become PRESIDENT!!!  You guys still have alot of work to do.  Don’t get caught up in a strong sense of entitlement…you see how that approach worked out for Hillary!!!

Add comment | June 4th, 2008

evidence that the think movement is needed…not now, but right now!!!

4 comments | June 3rd, 2008

a father’s reflection

This past Sunday, I took my daughters to Hot 97’s Summer Jam 08.  As I sit here in a moment of reflection, the quote by Sigmund Freud pretty much sums up my experience…”I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection”.

3 comments | June 3rd, 2008

why pray when you can just spray???

If anyone ever sees this product in real life, please pick me up a couple.  I usually end up with a bad taste in my mouth once I finish discussing the concept of God.  Hopefully this will do the trick?!

And if anyone is offended by this post, ask yourself…what good is it for you to have a belief if it can’t be tested?

2 comments | June 2nd, 2008

everything said isn’t always verbal

The dialogue is clear, but peep the extremely stereotypical images used to convey the point. 

This is the type of imagery that I believe is used in an attempt to dull my senses.   

1 comment | June 2nd, 2008

a talk in the park

NYC – Sherry Bitting, Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager/Complex Magazine and me discussing my blog and books.

Please pardon the bad lighting (I know at times it looked like I’m in the witness protection program)…this was me experimenting with a new camera. I felt compelled to share when the content turned out so good!!!

Add comment | May 31st, 2008

the infinite “will” power of hip-hop

I recently learned that Will Smith is investing at least $1 million in the construction and development of a private school to be named The New Village Academy of Calabasas.  The academy will be run privately, and will include prekindergarten through grade 6.  The motto is “Spiral Up� and the tuition will range from $7,500 to $12,500.

The New Village Academy boasts: Organic low-fat breakfasts and lunches with no fried foods or refined sugar, as well as a curriculum, developed in cooperation with Will and Jada, featuring instruction in Spanish, Technology, and Robotics.

Yes…Yes…Yes…Yes…Yes!!!  This is something that I’m in total agreement!!!  I’m frequently telling all those who will listen that I’m going to start a school based on a foundation of progressive thought.  The driving force behind me wanting to do this is my daughters’ strong sense of self.  I feel it is due largely to them being home schooled until they were in the 4th and 5th grade.

And I absolutely love this quote by Will…“The date of the Boston Tea Party does not matter. I know how to learn anything I want to learn.  I absolutely know that I could learn how to fly the space shuttle because someone else knows how to fly it, and they put it in a book.  Give me the book, and I do not need somebody to stand up in front of the class.”

It reminds me of this great quote by Gandhi that says…”Those who know how to think need no teachers.”

To learn more about this great project, visit www.newvillageacademy.org.

3 comments | May 29th, 2008

way to go…dumb-kin donuts (please note the sarcasm)

This undated photo provided by Dunkin’ Donuts shows a recent online ad featuring Rachael Ray.  Dunkin’ Donuts has chosen to cancel the online advertisement after complaints of the scarf she wore in the ad offers symbolic support for terrorism.

This is proving the point of the art exhibition in the previous post “thought challenging art.”  There are no winners when we have knee jerk reactions which allow the weak and closed minded to set the pace.

I hate the fact that they’re still getting press on this dumbness!!!

Add comment | May 29th, 2008

a lesson learned

One of the many things that this journey of mine has taught me is when you really want to do something, you’ll find a way…if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.

4 comments | May 29th, 2008

thought challenging art

This art exhibition at the Freud Museum in London examines cultural fear and paranoia in the Western world.

2 comments | May 29th, 2008

three “bedrock” ideas behind warren buffett’s billions

The three most important lessons I learned were all from the same book, The Intelligent Investor.  It was written first by (Benjamin) Graham in 1949.  They appear in chapters 8 and chapters 20.

The first is, to look at stocks as pieces of businesses, not as little items on a chart that move around, not as ticker symbols, not as something that might split next week or next month or something of the sort.  But, rather, to look at the business, value the business, divide by the shares outstanding, and decide whether you really want to own a piece of that business at that price.

The second one was his commentary about your attitude toward the stock market.  That it is there to serve you rather than to instruct you, and he used the famous Mr. Market example of that.  That attitude is fundamental to making money in stocks over time.

And the final item he talked about was margin of safety. When you buy a stock that you think is worth 10 dollars, you don’t pay $9.95 for it, because you can’t be that precise in estimating its value.  So you leave a considerable margin of safety for both what you don’t understand and for the vagaries of the future.

And those three ideas, which I learned when I was 19 years old, have been the bedrock of everything I’ve done since.

- Warren Buffett

Add comment | May 28th, 2008

a principle to always remember…you’re only as strong as your weakest link!

Adam Osborne was a pioneer in the computer book industry.  He founded Osborne Publishing in 1972, specializing in easy-to-follow computer manuals.  By 1977 Osborne had over 40 titles in its catalog.  In 1979 he sold his company to McGraw Hill for a rumored $3 million, using the money to launch Osborne Computer.

In 1981, Adam Osborne introduced the first portable computer, the Osborne 1.  The computer weighed 23.5 pounds and cost $1,795, just over half the cost of a computer from other manufacturers with comparable features.  The computer ran the popular CP/M operating system and featured a full keyboard and a tiny 5″ built-in monochrome monitor.  The company shipped over 10,000 computers a month and was considered a huge success, earning $6 million in 1981 and by the next year into the $68 million range.

One version of the story says that Osborne Computers collapsed when Adam bragged to the media about two advanced computers the corporation was working on and destroyed the consumer demand for the Osborne 1.  The result was inventory glut and the company was forced to file bankruptcy.  But later research turned up that the machine Osborne had boasted of shipped and put the company back on track until a single executive built up massive debt trying to complete the assembly of older inventory.

3 comments | May 27th, 2008

the unexplainable!!!

This picture made me think how the one thing that’s absolute is there’s nothing that’s absolute.

2 comments | May 27th, 2008

a very cool advertisment…but what is it selling?

 

Knowing what’s being sold in the first 3-5 seconds is a key factor that I’ve always found to be true in effective marketing.

2 comments | May 27th, 2008

i love the simplicity of genius ideas!!!

The artist in me found this video just freaking inspirational!!! I couldn’t help but love how this creative expression invokes the masses to think…and better yet, to reveal their thoughts! All types of concepts came to me while watching!

(major Thank You And You’re Welcome to www.thephenomenal.com)

Add comment | May 25th, 2008

a classic wtf moment!!!

That’s way too much power for one woman to have……and I must admit…I’m kind of jealous!

(Thank You And You’re Welcome to www.atribecallednext.com where I jacked this the video)

4 comments | May 25th, 2008

damn…tell me how you really feel!

Add comment | May 23rd, 2008

the greatness of doubt

I always embrace my moments of doubts (and trust me, I have many) because it often produces something greater.

Instead of allowing doubt to stop you, look at it more as a sign that you have more to discover.

A quote by Francis Ford Coppola to ponder…

“I don’t think there’s any artist of any value who doesn’t doubt what they’re doing.”

2 comments | May 23rd, 2008

uhmm…wow!!!

This is a picture of lightning striking while Chile’s Chaiten volcano began it’s eruption…and again I say WOW!!!

2 comments | May 23rd, 2008

some holy humor

This is what happens when someone is blessed with a lot of confidence but not so much…uhmm, I’m really trying to be polite here…lets just say good sense and/or a dental plan.

Please peep the book that he’s is holding!

Add comment | May 22nd, 2008

the best way ever to encourage clean hands!!!

I love innovative solutions!!!

Add comment | May 22nd, 2008

a hell of a way to learn how to ride!

Wow, it’s so apparent when there’s a lack of a responsible parent.  I think the ability/judgement to say ‘NO’ plays a huge part of that responsibility.

But to give them credit, she is wearing a helmet!

(This is one that I truly hope is photoshop.)

Add comment | May 22nd, 2008

what’s next…sugar free ice?

Just because some people think that there’s a sucker born every minute…they don’t have to be so blatant about it.

 

2 comments | May 22nd, 2008

the most fun and the most afraid

An excerpt from “Becoming A Category of One: How Extraordinary Companies Transcend Commodity and Defy Comparison” by Jim Calloway.

It’s constant white water.  Sometimes change is at once the most fun you’ll ever have and the most afraid you’ll ever be.  Catergory of One companies love challenge, and they always know that it’s more fun going through the rapids than it is standing on the riverbank.  Standing to the side on the riverbank may seem like a safe place to be, but if you don’t develop the will and the skills to get through the white water, you’ll be stuck forever.

I know the sentence structure isn’t the best, but the point is dead on.

1 comment | May 21st, 2008

there’s always truth found in jokes…

The great thing is that you get to decide who the joke is on!!!

Add comment | May 21st, 2008

i like the way the lady in pink thinks!

“When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity.  You have the choice.  You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser.  The choice is yours and yours alone.  Refuse to throw in the towel.  Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel.  It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure.”

- Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

 

2 comments | May 21st, 2008

when the grass looks greener on the other side…

 

…it’s time to water your grass!!!

1 comment | May 21st, 2008

and the award for entrepreneur of the year goes to…

This is a great example of someone knowing the core values of their targeted market.

Uhmm, and staying true to who I am…this would be the best roll of quarters spent since Pac-man!!!

1 comment | May 20th, 2008

uhmm…some respect has been lost…

I personally don’t like anything that’s done half assed! 

Come on people…a political correct racist!  I wonder if they thought this would get them a polite beat down from the brothers. 

However this is a great example of the lack of a complete thought process.

1 comment | May 20th, 2008

a perfect thank you and you’re welcome moment

Like Kanye and I said in ”Thank You And You’re Welcome”…

If you know you’re the best, it only makes sense for you to surround yourself with the best. NO EXCEPTIONS!

I couldn’t think of a better way to congratulate my friend, co-writer and business partner on being honored as the #1 Hottest MC In The Game as reported at MTV.com!!!

And not to encourage anyone to leave my site, but here’s the link to read the full story…Hottest MCs In The Game’: At Last, We Agree With Kanye West — He Is #1

1 comment | May 20th, 2008

and i wonder…

…why there’s so many unfit people in the world?  Could it be due to just plain old laziness?

1 comment | May 19th, 2008

your job just got better…you’re welcome!!!

2 comments | May 19th, 2008

question?…what comes out of a sponge* when you apply pressure…

…whatever you put into it!

Think about it, can you squeeze juice from a sponge* that was only used to wipe up water?  Be very very very careful of what you allow to soak into your sponge*.  For when life puts its pressure on your sponge* (and it will), it will only squeeze out what you put into it.

*sponge = brain

Above is an excerpt from “Think Think Think And Think Again: The Power of Ideas Designed to Spark Change”

Message to all who have and will come in contact with me…I AM PRESSURE!

There’s nothing to gain by getting upset with me when your true self is revealed due to my presence.  Regardless if it’s greatness or buffoonery, it was there before me.  I suggest you take full responsibility if you don’t like what comes out…for it’s the only way you can make a change. 

And yes, I’m directing this to a specific person, but there no need to name names at this time.  However, I do suggest that they watch their step moving forward…there’s no need to wake a sleeping giant!!!

1 comment | May 19th, 2008

create your own path…

…it can get you to your goal faster!

 

2 comments | May 15th, 2008

confidence can carry most styles…

…but there’s always an exception!!!

 

1 comment | May 15th, 2008

another quote…

…that I wished I would’ve come up with by Charles Haanel.

We must ‘be’ before we can ‘do’
and we can ‘do’ only to the extent which we ‘are’
and what we ‘are’ depends upon what we ‘think.

Add comment | May 15th, 2008

my apologies

I mistakenly deleted the comments from April 24th to today.

2 comments | May 11th, 2008

a leader is best defined by its followers

3 comments | May 11th, 2008