MJ Finally Laid to Rest!

Mike you will be missed, but your legacy will live forever. Hopefully now you can finally rest your soul.

I Dream of Brooklyn!

There is something about Brooklyn that stays with you and never leaves. It could be the historic brownstones, cultural festivals, fine cuisine or the people on crowded streets moving at their own pace while looking as fly as Sunday morning with their own eclectic style.

I have dreamt of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill section for years after hanging in the area with friends and interning on Layfeyette Street. It was suppose to be my 1st destination after college, but life happened. So I moved back to Jersey City, then Newark, then Irvington, now Atlanta, but my spirit continues to crave a taste of Brooklyn.

Is there a mission pulling me towards this populated city as it did in 2005 with Atlanta? Am I suppose to accomplish a certain task? Maybe one day we will find out.

Check out the slide show in the meantime from nytimes.com

Have you Met your Meat??

I have never been one to judge others on how they live, but it is my job to always bring about some sort of enlightenment. This week's dose of knowledge is on the inhuman treatment of animals. I am not speaking about the treatment of dogs and cats, but the animals most of you consume.

Here is a video taken from goveg.com entitled "Meet your Meat".

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson-Rest in Peace.

WORDS INSPIRED by MJ: Please conserve your tears of sympathy for me and retract your words of consolation. For I now reside in a land free of distress and disharmony. I call this place my eternal home. Entrance of the blues is prohibited and I will adhere to the rules.

WORDS INSPIRED by MJ: Death is simply the temporary suspension of consciousness. Soon you will awake from your slumber and be greeted with acclamation and praise for a life well lived.

WORDS INSPIRED by MJ: Some view death as the end of life, others as a commencement into a world much greater. Your perspective on the matter determines how you LIVE.

WORDS INSPIRED by MJ: The lights do not fade when you die. In fact, they shine brighter to showcase the legacy you have left behind.

**These phrases are the property of Ervin M. Thomas and should not be duplicated unless permission from the author is granted.

Poetry Corner

I am fortunate to have another poem published by Mybrotha.com Click on the link to view.

Spike Lee Celebrates MJ's Birthday

The phenomenal and sometimes controversial film maker and activist, Spike Lee, has organized a birthday celebration for his friend, the late Michael Jackson, in Brooklyn, New York(My future home). Spike originally had plans to host the gathering at Fort Greene Park, his old neighborhood, but since the crowd is turning out to be more that calculated, Mayor Bloomburg urged the move to Prospect Park.

Lee was the director of Mike's video, "They Don't Really Care About Us". I always saw Mike as an activist who always sent out subliminal messages in his music.

I hope everyone is attendance has a great time. Wish I was there to "rock with ya, all night."

Jay-Z's "Run This Town" Seems Demonic.

When this song 1st came out I found the hook and the melodic beat,as the back drop, mesmerizing. Not to mention, it featured three of the biggest artist in hip-hop. Now that the video has been released, I am having mixed feelings. The overwhelming feeling of demonic forces over powers all the rest. For starters, everyone is wearing the color black (symbolizing death), eyes are hidden, skulls, fire, and the continual ROC sign, which symbolizes the pyramid, but also hidden secrets and mysteries; especially when they hold it to cover one eye. Note: Look on the dollar bill and you’ll see the Latin phrase “NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM”, --The New World Order.

Anyhow, just wanted to critic Jay-Z's new video without creeping you'll out with conspiracy theories.

The truth is---secret societies are all around us and they actually do---"Run This Town".

Don't sleep on the Illuminati. They “want your mind, soul and your body”. Peace

Football Season Begins!

My stepson, Jamal, is super excited about football season starting. He is playing on the JV team at Norcross High School in Georgia. He literally fought to get back to GA from Jersey because he knew playing on a southern team would benefit his future career in the NFL. It is a proven fact that towns in the South take their high school sports teams way more serious than those up North.

A Birthday Celebration w/Friends & Family in NYC

I am fortunate to be blessed with a group of supportive and generous friends and family who put there lives on hold to come out to Negril's Resturant on 4th Street in Manhattan to celebrate my 34th birthday and pick up the bill.

Favorite BET Awards 2009 Moments

BET Awards 2009

This year's awards show was a smash. Especially with the sudden changes that had to be made because of MJ's death.

Pic after the beak.......

Note: I never knew why Blogs said that, but now I understand. It is because you want to get the info out, but you don't have all the pics or any pics to support your topic. Basically, your work in incomplete. Sorry. LOL!

Tribute to Micheal J. Jackson

Micheal Jackson Dies at Age 50

It took me awhile to believe it was true, but after reading various blogs, messages on Facebook and media coverage, CNN finally confirmed that the King of Pop-Michael J. Jackson was dead.

It is still too much to take in all at once, but I am sure we will all get through this sudden lost of a musical genius, brother and friend in time.

At least he left us the comfort of his music to help us cope through the grief.

Senate Wants To Apology for Slavery, but Doesn't Want to Provide Reparations.

The United States Senate finally wants to apologize for the inhuman capture and treatment of African slaves and the lawful, yet immoral racial injustice experienced by African-Americans, but is it too little too late? What will this acknowledgement prove? Do we not all comprehend Americana's treacherous, barbaric history to gain economic, political and world domination?

And what's up with the omission of reparations? This was part of the Reconstruction plan after the Civil War. Didn't General William Sherman promise, through the Special Field Orders, No 15, that freed slaves living in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida would receive "40 acres and a mule" on the steps of The First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia on January 16, 1865, well after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln?

I would prefer my land up front, so I can build my empire. They can keep the mule, I’ll take a tractor.

(Click headline to view New York Times article)

Jay Z--- Death of Auto-Tune Controversy

What is all the controvery about concerning Jay's new song, "Death of Auto-Tune"? It seems like it always takes Jay to get the Hip-Hop game to step up.




Jay-Z being interviewed by Funk Master Flex right after Summer Jam. Flex asked questions concerning his new song, "Death of Auto-Tune" and his new album "BluePrint 3".



Here is the song.

Top 10 Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is just a few weeks away and it's time to show your dad, husband, brother, uncle or whoever, just how much you appreciate all he does to lead, guide and provide for his family.

If you know a man who has carried the weight without complaining and abandoning his responsiblities, show him a little bit of thanks.

Here is my Top Ten List of Gifts I would appreciate for Father's Day. All men are obviously different and complex and their own right, but I am sure you can find something on this list that might make a brother crack a smile.
(*Items are not listed in any order)

1. Gym Membership: Men are the most unhealthy. He can play ball, get in shape and look good for his lady.

2. Gift Card: Gas card,Starbucks, Game store, Clothing ect. Let him shop for him self.

3. Concert tickets: Whatever genre. Everyone loves music. Maybe he'll take you with him.

4. Sport Tickets: Season tickets to his favorite sporting event(or just one event.)

5. Jewelry: A clean silver, gold or platinum chain never gets old. Keep it simple.

6. Watch: "Do you know what time it is?" You can go classic or sporty-Nooka is fresh!

7. Wallet: I like a good wallet. Louis Vuitton Damier wallet is my favorite.

8. Shoes: Good leather hard bottoms last forever. Try Sabago's.

9. Tailored designer suit w/shirt and tie:Every guy needs a good suit,even gangsters.

10.Hat: Paperboy or a Fedora- No Fitted Caps today.


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If Nothing else works, Cologne is always an easy fit. What man doesn't like to smile good?

Finding Inspiration

It is a beautiful thing when you are inspired by so many things around you. While I have been taking time to relax, I have also been reading various blogs, talking with friends on Facebook and watching a little bit of television. All of these forms of entertainment offered me the motivation I needed to get focused on what I am supposed to be doing, as far as business ventures are concerned.

From observing friends reach major goals, watching shows where people make their dreams tangible, reading about brothers opening clothing stores on both coast and taking their movement to another level, I had to get my act together.

Sometimes when you are not even looking to be inspired God sends you the exact dose of motivation you need in order to create your masterpiece.

Trying to be Productive

While on on vacation from work for the first week, I have been beefing up my fitness regime. Since I have way more time on my hands than I currently know what to do with, it made logically sense to hit the gym twice a day. Hey, at least no one can say that I am a total sloth.

The 1st week on any vacation or summer break is always the weirdest because you are happy that you don't have to get up so early for work, yet you are not sure what you should be doing with the extra time.

It's a pity that I am not the type who could lay in the bed all day. Because I would, but I can't. I have to be productive. Especially with so many ideas floating around in my head.

With that end mind, my 1st week will be ending, so I need to get myself into some sort of routine besides just the gym... fast.

Finally Free From Work

I apologize for not updating the personal blog for a couple of weeks. Anyone who writes their own blogs, works and is a parent can relate to the balancing act one has to constantly endure.

Now that I am finally on summer vacation, my plans are to dedicate more time to chasing my passion and ultimately conquering a few goals in the process.

Summer will be over before you know it and I will be once again have my days filled with other duties and responsiblities. Such as the education of our youth, so it is imperative that each day is used to the fullest.

Poetry Corner-"Set Aside"

What a joy it is to be saved from a rotting tree

Given a chance to plant roots in fertile soil

The opportunity to start again is a chance most people rarely get

I am one of the fortunate drawers in this lottery of life

To be set aside from the rubbish and preserved in a secure vault

The precious jewel shaped only by nature’s forces

Not tainted, abused or manipulated

My original form hasn’t been altered

I am still in tack

Everything I was blessed to have is still part of my destiny

How wonderful it is to be whole again

Kelis and Nas Split: Can Marriages Last These Days?

I never write about negative issues, nor do I keep up with everything going on in the media, but when certain stories spark personal thoughts and questions, I feel it's only appropriate to give my opinion.

The recent filing of divorce by Kelis Jones from soon to be ex-husband and baby father, Nas, caught me a little by surprise.

Since I don't come from a family or community of married folks, I get my inspiration from those in the church, my immediate surroundings and sometimes those in the media. So when couples unite in a wedding bliss, I am happy for them because I know God didn't make man to live alone. But when they split up, I am left pondering, “What’s the point?” Yeah, I know we are not suppose to base our lives on what we see others do, but when you have never traveled certain roads it’s wise to look at the examples of others to guide you.

I guess my question is, "What does it take for a marriage to last?" I am a hopeless romantic who truly believes that covenants made between two people are not meant to be broken under any circumstance. I view love as being "unconditional". Under no conditions will I stop loving.

Maybe I am too traditional and a little ignorant to what it really takes to make a marriage work, but as I get older and wiser, I am beginning to understand much more than I did in my 20's. At this point in my life, I am more open to the prospects of spending by life with that special lady, but will marriage ruin our connection or draw us closer?

What are your thoughts on the subject of marriage and divorce?

Consistency for My Rib

Loving, delicate creature of my flesh, I apologize for all the problems I caused.

The times I have mislead and left you to travel treacherous, unknown paths alone.

My guidance is often not as direct and consistent as it should be.

Forgive me for not knowing my rightful place in your life, the household, the community, the world, this Earth.

There are no excuses worthy of mention.

The blame lies with me.

It is my duty to fulfill the prophecy and I have yet to take a bold stand.

To be at the position of command.

The overseer.
The provider.
The protector.
The leader.

The one who shields his family from all forces that may try to derail them from their path of righteousness.

The courageous soul who carries all the weight and never once flinches for he knows his strength can bear more than mere pounds.

The lion that sits calm and secure upon the mountain top, in a place where fear doesn't exist.

The Zulu warrior with the heart of billions of trained men all residing in him.

The man that holds the power and mite of all his ancestry in one gripped fist.

I now know that you are too precious to be taken advantage of or misused.

You are not a bitch, whore or a slut.

In fact, you are far from those depictions that I have been brainwashed to believe were so.

Your worth is more valuable than all the gold and diamonds mines in sweet Africa.

Your rare encrusted beauty is one to be preserved and adored for ages to come.

I am in love with you, but I don't lust after your mesmerizing scent.

I have taken power over those sinful desires.

I comprehend and uphold the covenant of marriage.

Never will I pretend to be a pimp and embarrass you among your peers.

I am in full control of my emotions so there is no confusion in my words.

No more wavering like the sea.

I am still like the water and ever lasting like the Sphinx.

You can depend on me to stand firm and guard you against predators.

When the night air changes through its natural patterns, I'll still be here.

As the chill of the breeze causes you to shiver, I will still be here to cover you when life's daily events attempt to cause worry.

I am now Consistent

Michael Jackson is a Great Example of the Obsession With Image

I respect MJ's music, but the man has deep image issues stemming from childhood. I only decided to use this video as a means to shed light into the obession we have with self-love and how it has taken over our percptions of beauty.

Looking in the Mirror: Is Image Really Everything?

When girls are young enough to smile, drool and put dirt on their dress, they are told how cute and adorable they are. Their cheeks are often pinched until red and they are smothered with hugs and kisses from family, friends, strangers and fans alike. This is the precious sweetheart’s first introduction to the concept of beauty, the attention it attracts and the egotistical attitude it might foster.

As the princess grows and is able to view herself in the mirror like mother does, she begins to truly see herself for the first time. Before this point, she only saw herself through the eyes of others. Especially, Dad’s unconditional, loving eyes. To him, she is the most beautiful gem in the world and the fairest lady in all the land. She now gazes at herself in a puzzled manner as she begins to critique every speck on her face from the shape of her nose and fullness of her lips to the size of her forehead. Suddenly, the color of her hair and eyes are all wrong and the way her ears resemble her mother’s are disgusting. No longer does she admire her curves and the way her breast sit on her chest without a bra. She has convinced herself that she is obese, ugly and worthless. How did the girl raised to be a confident queen transform into someone who lacks self love.

Didn’t we all hear our parents say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”? Well it seems as though the mass media is the gate keeper to all the images of what classifies beauty and they have no intentions of handing the key over to the common man. Through magazines, television and movies they transmit their perceptions of what looks good and we absorb them like mere robots. Rarely do we question their motives. Since they are labeled as specialist in the field of all things trendy, we take their advice and rush out to get the latest hairstyle, wardrobe, electronic device, ect.

Many believe women are the only people who have been brainwashed into believing the notion that “image is everything”. I have known a lot of men to buy into this obsession as well and I am not talking about homosexual men. Every man, I have every known, has put some level of thought into the way he presents himself to the public. Whether it was going to work, on a date, to class, a restaurant, night club, church or just hanging out with friends and trying to impress a potential girlfriend or wife. I am not saying being image conscious is a negative thing, but when it becomes obsessive, it can become a serious problem.

Music and the entertainment industry has played a major role in creating perceptions of image. Growing up in the inner city and being possessed by hip-hop music helped to dictate a large percentage of the cultural norms in this society. I can vividly recall RUN DMC wearing leather pants suits and gold rope chains singing, “My addidas”. This caught on like wild fire and caused everyone to start “rocking addias”. I believe this was the first time fashion and marketing firms realized the impact music has on pop culture and how they could utilize the format to make profits.

After the sneaker craze came high top fades and later the Caesar haircuts with 360 waves, popularized by Nasir Jones. Nas was also the one who rapped about being “Armani deranged”, which I became during my college years. He was probably the most influential artist for me and we are only a year or two apart in age. For children who didn’t have access to growing up wearing designer made clothing, the hip-hop stars brought that awareness along with all the other knowledge they dropped into our mind; from politics, community awareness and history.

Women of the same era were influenced from music as well. Girls in the eighties dressed up like the material girl, Madonna, with big hair, fish net stockings and major accessories. And many sort to possess the hats and hairstyles displayed by the popular rap group Salt and Pepper, everything posted on television, was copied.

It is no surprise that celebrities, fashion models and designers have had an impact on the way we see ourselves and others. We have become so obsessed with what we wear, drive and how much fat is hugging our waist, neck and thighs whereas those thoughts consume us, causing most to spend money on random emotional shopping sprees, over priced European cars and expensive gym memberships so we could feel and look important.

Every men’s and women’s health magazine has an article focused on “Getting the Six Pack Abs” or “A Thinner Waist”. There are also endless commercials and advertisements on skin crèmes, hair products and exercise equipment. It is probably the only market that hasn’t suffered from the recession. The beauty industry is a billion dollar business and I don’t see any chance of it slowing down.

In fact, things have gotten progressively worst and Hollywood continues to be one of the leading contributors to the rise of image confusion. Celebrities have always been the obsessed population focused on looks. Perhaps it is because they make a profit off of their features, so they are more open to maintaining their status “by any means necessary”. This has pushed many to get plastic surgery, breast implants, body wraps and whatever procedure promises to stop the natural aging process.

Since we live in a nation that is obsessed with following the rich and famous, we now have everyday citizens spending their savings to mimic their favorite celebrity. What these fanatics fail to comprehend is the serious complications involved in these dangerous procedures. Women have been scarred by botch surgeries. Some have even lost their lives at the hands of untrained doctors and medical staff. Although many read the horror stories and are advised of the side effects, they still place themselves in these potentially deadly situations. Is the price of false beauty worth that much?

I believe we all can admit to being hypnotized by the vanity in some fashion or another, but how can we rid ourselves of being overly saturated in a world of excessive self-love? How can we keep a healthy balance without becoming a narcissus? For starters, we can take it upon ourselves to cleanse our minds of the mis-education of what beauty is and redefine those characteristics for ourselves. Ultimately, image starts from within and it is way more complex than just someone’s physical appearance. It involves the core essence of a person. The way they speak and look at you so attentively, their wealth of knowledge, passion and aspirations. Also, the way they treat their family and neighbors. personally, out of all the elements, the spiritual centeredness a woman posseses draws me and keeps me intrigued. These are truly the essential ingredients that define beauty. Anyone can be easy looking on the eye, but what will keep us connected to the person long after the deterioration of the outer layer is what makes the connection everlasting?

Lauryn Hill Still Reigns

I ran into this video after searching YouTube for my weekly fix of Lauryn Hill or most recently named Ms. Hill. Although critics and friends have attempted to write my wifey off as an emotionally unstable wreck, I beg to differ with them and their harsh judgments of the woman who reigns as the most prolific female artist of our time. There is nothing this queen can not accomplish. She is simply a spiritually, gifted artist and teacher who has continued to enlighten us with her depth using words and music, even when many have turned the lights off on her.

Lauryn is reminiscent of one of the many profound prophets that weren't truly understood by the masses until their physical body had left Earth.

There are many, many songs by Mother Hill that I delight and rejoice in, but I decided the collaboration with Common on "Retrospect for Life" was fitting at for the moment. The reason, it sheds light on the immediate reactions most men encounter when their girl or wife informs him they are pregnant. The initial thought for the man who didn't plan on this new life, is shock. And the first emotion is fear, but he doesn't tell his lady he's afraid because he isn't supposed to show signs of weakness. Yet, that is exactly what he exhibits when he runs out on her with a nonchalant attitude because he is not ready to step up to the plate and provide for his family.

Watching this video gives me hope. Although plans don't always workout the way we want them to, there is still blessings in those unforeseen miracles. With a little bit of patience, communication, understanding, guidance, support and prayer, couples can overcome any minor stumbling block.

How Much Internet Broadcasting is Too Much?

How much of our personal life should we splash over the Internet for all to view? Over the past few years, technology has become the #1 form of communication for most folks. Gone are the days when we wrote intimate letters to someone to express our thoughts or picked up the phone and held a coversation while sitting on the couch in the living room of our home. These days text messages using incorrect grammar has replaced letters and phone calls using a blue tooth device while driving has replaced calls from home.

I have witnessed folks race to electronic stores for the latest Blackberry and IPhone as if they never lived without such gadgets before. Of course it is our right, for some a duty, to keep abreast on what's current in the world of technology, but how much is too much?

The rise of technology has also brought an increase in the various modes of broadcasting of oneself. Today it is imperative that you own some sort of social networking account with popular sites like: Black Planet, MySpace, Facebook and recently added Twitter. Some use these places to catch a date, others use them to connect with friends from the past and present. I know people and businesses who use the cyber locations for advertising and marketing. When Oprah Winfrey has a few accounts then you know it's serious. And when Ashton Kutcher beats out CNN for the most followers on Twitter, you know social networking systems must be the place to be. If you don't have one you are considered "lame" and out of the loop. I guess this is where the pressure comes from, for the 20-30 something age group, to stay hip and connected.

I started a MySpace account over two years ago after hearing so much buzz about it from friends, celebrities and radio jocks. I became interested mainly because I wanted to market my business and build some sort of following for my mission. The page was used to connect with lost friends and give them a peek into my world using pictures, video and blogs. Then, about three months ago a close friend turned me onto Face book. She informed me that it was much easier to navigate than MySpace. After a few days, the pressure took over and I started an account. Soon after I began receiving loads of friend request from people I went to school with, but never really had a relationship with. I thought it was awfully weird, but had come to the conclusion that after ten years maybe everyone had matured and were seeking to connect on a networking level. Well once I accepted these folks, I heard nothing from them again. Not even a "Thanks Erv" or "How has life been treating you?" nothing! My immediate feelings were to delete all those who did not really want to be a friend, but I decided against it because there had to be some sort of purpose to the connection.

This is when I realized, maybe they just wanted to see what I had been up to over the years, how I had aged and what was going on in my personal life. I guess that's cool, but how much should I broadcast myself to the world to critique? And are there people out there truly interested? Is it okay to have so many accounts? What would be the limit? And who decides that limit? My overall concern is safety. How safe is it to put all your business over the net with pictures of your family? I am not being paranoid. I just had a few ideas about this popular phenomenon of broadcasting and wanted to ponder a few questions to you guys.

A Special Person Deserves a Unique Gift on Their Birthday

Every year we spend on this earth draws us closer and closer to death. Yeah, I know it's a tough reality to swallow, but it is just that- a reality. Now that we have accepted the fact “we are all living to die”, the hope is that we can finally begin to live and celebrate life.

We are fortunate to be reminded about the celebration of life at least once a year, if we are lucky. This time is called our birthday! It's a period when friends and family members gather to host a surprise party, join together for an exquisite dinner at a 5-star restaurant or escape to a party spot like Vegas, Miami, New York, Atlanta or New Orleans. What ever the plans are, you can bet the moment shared with loved ones is a pleasurable experience.

What about the giving and receiving of tangible gifts during the festivities? Should this still be expected when we reach a certain age? Or are gifts wrapped in expensive paper and donned with ribbons something only children should be privy to receive?

Maybe it's my innate nature, but I have always cherished the born day of my friends and relatives. I view this day as their special day to be spoiled and catered to without hesitation or concern of cost. Everyone likes to be treated and thought of as special if only for a day. Plus, it marks the beginning of their new year so we should rejoice in it as such. Someone said, "if you have one true friend you are lucky". God has blessed us to have close relationships with certain individuals for a reason and we should honor them for the love they bring to our life. This is just a few reasons why birthdays should be made a huge deal, regardless of the age of the recipient.

With that in mind, I have a young lady in my life that has morphed into an older sister to me over the past decades. She has showed me the power of love through giving when I was just a teenager trying to understand the true meaning of love. Her simple gesture transformed the way I view birthdays every since. It is to her I am deeply indebted. I vowed a long time ago to spend my life showing her just how royal she is and how much I adore our connection, being in her presence and sharing in her story.

Since I already know her favorite things range from jewelry, antiques, designer bags /clothes and all things dainty, it won't be too difficult to come up with a gift for her. The challenge is making sure that what I give her is unique and can touch her deep into her heart and tap on the soul. Maybe even cause her to shed a tear or two and then crack a smile that slowly transforms into an uncontrollable crescendo of laughter. It may seem like I am asking for too much, but I actually aim for these types of reactions when giving gifts of love. To make this goal more obtainable, I prefer to use some sort of artistic expression that captures the essence of the person leaving them with a memento they can constantly reflect on when in search of endless days of pleasure.

So as I process my thoughts and bring them into a visual existence, I will keep you posted. My ultimate focus is to construct a small masterpiece that includes various sentimental items my beloved friend/sister enjoys. The central theme is her favorite show and movie, "Sex in the City". From this, the foundation of the project begins.

Freedom vs. Work

After a long week off from work it is sort of bittersweet to be back in the rat race again. Yes, I did enjoy my time away from the tedious tasks performed at my place of employment and the time spent revitalizing my self was well appreciated. It's just that now I have to get my head, and body back into the routine of things and it is always challenging.

For a whole week I went without an alarm clock. I just feel asleep when I was tired and awoke when my body was ready. Never did I use the clock to monitor my daily activities. I was free to live without restrictions. Now that I'm back at the job, I feel myself slowly letting go of certain freedoms I had become use to. It's time to transform into a robot again. I truly hate this mundane feeling and am counting the school days until I can once again live without the confinement that comes with living and a capitalistic society.

One day I will be set free from the captives of "making money" and being a slave to the system. That is when Freedom really will become a true reality.

With that in mind, let me get back to work.

7-Day Fast Ends

It's has been a very rewarding 7 days. I am literally in another zone in all areas of my life. Isn't it beautiful when everything in life aligns to meet you where you are and carries you to the next level? It's the best feeling in the world. I hope you are blessed to feel this vibe one day.

Since my detox was such a success, I decided to extend it for the rest of the month. The focus is always to live a healthier lifestyle, so I will be eating only Raw Foods--Alive foods for you that understand. Basically all those foods which grow from the ground and have life and if placed back into the earth should breed new life. Isn't this the way we eat, "to live"?

Spritual Detox

Personally, I think any detoxification program that doesn’t include a spiritual; dimension is simply worthless. When I imagine ridding one self of toxins this includes all things poisonous to the body and thus needs to be eliminated. If you are a spiritual person in any form, than you understand that sometimes the soul of man is contaminated by outside forces. This causes a disruption of spiritual peace, leaving us uninspired and more susceptible to the temptations of life. Therefore it is safe to conclude that spiritual consciousness has healing properties that must always be included in any cleaning process in order for total wellness to be achieved.

The daily ritual engaged in during detoxification and afterwards is designed to strengthen faith, communication and connection with the creator. I usually take time in the morning to pray. Thanking God for his mercy and love and for keeping me whole. I also spend time praying for friends, family members and for those whose needs I don’t really know of, but who need delivering from something. While driving in the car, I listen to gospel music. I also take the time to read “Faith to Faith” by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. It is filled with daily affirmations to help motivate and uplift the spirit. I spend the day applying those lessons to my life. Before turning down to bed, I read a few verses of the Bible, and pray. Although I try my best to stick to some sort of format, I know the spirit moves when it sees fit and I must move with it wherever it leads. So always remember to “let go and let God have his way”.

This is way cleansing the body of all things foreign is crucial. When there are items inside the temple that are not supposed to be there, they block the natural flow of positive enlightenment and cause harm to the mind, body and spirit. It is in our best interest to always keep these elements of self balanced and healthy, so we can live a righteous life that focuses on taking care of the world around us.

Meditation, Relaxation and Sleep

Hot water and steam have a relaxing capability that works well with soothing the mind and calming breathing patterns. Soon after I get out of a bath or sauna, I want to drift off into a deep sleep. This is the moment when tranquility is at its highest point and the freedom meditation brings is very obtainable.

The beauty of meditation is that it can truly be done any place at anytime. The time spent in silence will do a great deal for you, even if it’s just for a few minutes of motionless peace. Allow yourself a moment to collect your thoughts and just be. Our lives are constantly bombarded with so many issues that attempt to agitate and frustrate us to the point where we become disconnected with self. Often causing stress, this ultimately leads to various illnesses like high blood pressure and depression. It’s important for our overall health that we remain serene as much as possible. We should be at a point where we are able to identity those trigger that cause anxiety and also be equipped with effective techniques that will work to alter the agitated state and get us back on track to a centered space.

A few techniques I have found helpful with bring about relief from life’s daily task included: listening to soothing music (I prefer Jazz, Classical or any type of mellow sounds), yoga, candlelit room with incents burning, an awesome massage or facial is the ultimate form of relaxation. But the number one relaxation medicine is sleep. Nothing tops deep, uninterrupted, good old fashion-sleep.

Hypothermia- Hot Baths, Sauna and Steam Showers

Incorporating hot baths can be seen as a luxury and it is, but creating a hot tub sort of environment in your home bath works wonders in the detoxifying process. I recommend bathing in Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate), which draws toxins out of the body and helps to relax the muscles. You can also add bath beads or oils for a calming aroma. I have used rosemary and eucalyptus oils several times.

It is recommended that you soak every night while detoxifying for 20 minutes. While bathing, use a scrub and natural soap to cleanse the skin of impurities. When you are done, try to refrain from rubbing lotions on the skin. Give the skin time to breath.

Another popular form of heat therapy is the sauna. If you own a gym membership you know about the benefits of spending time in the sauna after a workout. It is very effective in speeding up the sweating process and healing strained muscles. But if you are not able to attend your local gym, you can always create a similar effect at home. All you have to do is close the bathroom door, block any airways under the door with a towel and cut the shower on to its hottest temperature. This will create a steam effect. Clog the tub and let the water fill in the tub. Pour a little bit of hydrogen peroxide in the water and watch it work wonders for the nasal passages. Add these different types of cleansing regimes to your detox, but limit them once you have ended your program to 1-3 weekly. You should notice the difference in your skin immediately.

Check out the video blog on youtube!!

Look over to the left of this blog and click on the video you want to view. I have the detox updates on my YouTube page at Maurice075.

I also have to add the spiritual and hypothermia section to my post. They should be up tomorrow.

Detoxification Through Exercise

Exercise-Aerobics, Crunches and Push ups

Exercising is also a great way to detoxify because you work up a sweat while engaged in physical activity. Many specialists on the subject of detoxing recommend that you limit the amount of exercise to 30 minutes of aerobics. Your body is not getting its normal amount of calorie intake; therefore it doesn’t have extra calories to exert doing heavy lifting or strenuous activity

If you are not exercising on a daily basis than you should back until the program is over to start a fitness regime. Since I have been working out for awhile, I choose not to totally stop hitting the gym. Instead I decided to focus on light walking, push ups, crunches and bicep curls. This is just to maintain some sort of definition and the muscles I have built thus far. If you wish to reframe from adding light exercise to your detox, than by all means go ahead. Just remember that your body is renewing itself, so a brisk walk will add to the benefits and not hinder your growth.

Detoxify the Body-The Plan

For fasting of the body, I prefer a combination of various fasting methods. First, I began by reframing from eating all foods for two days. The only type of intake through the mouth is water. Natural water like Evian or Fiji is preferred, but distilled water works well for this process also. Water will help with the emptiness in the stomach and elimination of toxins. It is essential to drink water through any detoxification process.

After two days of not eating anything, I move to a fruit smoothie fast. Mixing a variety of fresh and frozen fruits high in antioxidants and other healthy fruit like blueberries, black berries, raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, and bananas, into a blender with natural orange juice and water. Sometimes I add ice cubes for a thicker shake, but it depends on my mood at the time. This sort of juicing fast is adhered to for two days.

The third part of the body detoxification focuses on eating raw organic vegetables. I prefer to eat mostly leafy green veggies like spinach, broccoli, cabbage and asparagus in small portions. Meals should be eaten six times daily for two days. I also add carrots to each meal for there….. benefit. Always remember to add the essential amounts of water to assist with the natural process of continuous elimination of waste.

Once the third part of the process is completed, the addition of fresh organic fruits will be added back into the detox, but will be eaten whole instead of blended or juiced. The fruits to be eaten only include only those that have the most effective benefits in helping the body revitalize itself. Research has proven that apples, grapes and watermelon are best for healing and cleansing. These fruits along with various berries can be combined into a salad or eaten alone.

The final few days of the cleansing regime entail slowly adding other raw foods back into the diet like beans and nuts. These items can be added in as snacks throughout the day or tossed into a salad. It totally depends on you, just as long as they are eaten. They provide the fiber and protein that has been missing during the earlier process.

On the tenth day and for the weeks after, focus should be placed on eating well balanced meals. This is a safe time to incorporate breads, dairy or meats back into the diet. Or maybe this is where the decision is made to totally eliminate certain items from ever entertaining your body again.

7- Day Detoxification-What to Eat or Not Eat
2 Days
No food, just water
2 Days
Organic Fruits—Blended into a smoothie w/ orange juice or just juicing the fruit without any additives.(all berries, banana)
2 Days
Organic green leafy vegetables with carrots (broccoli, spinach, asparagus ect.)
1 Day
Add whole fruits back into the diet(apples, grapes, watermelon)
Days After
Add beans and nuts( kidney, pinto, black beans; almonds, walnuts)
Weeks Later
Eat well balanced meals and avoid over processed foods.(candy, chips, cake, ect.) 3 meals, 3 snacks. No snacks two hours before bed.

This plan should be stricly adhered to unless your doctor advises against it or it becomes too overwhelming. Either way try your very best to follow each step, but you can always tailor any program to fit your lifestyle.

Detoxification: The Rebirth of Healthy Living

Why is it that we don’t do all we can to take care of the only body we have? It is clearly one of the most precious gifts from God we were given and it should be our privileged duty to keep it in the best condition possible. Rarely do we take time out of our busy day to exercise or give our body the nutrients it needs to effectively work for us. We consume way more food than any other nation. Our portion sizes have rivaled many countries for decades. America's alarming and disturbing rate of obesity is an act of gluttony and must be controlled at once. Instead of forcing our body systems to work overtime, digesting and eliminating over-processed foods we eat on a daily basis, we should refrain from eating for a few days and give our body time to rebuild itself through detoxification.

Fasting

Fasting is the process of not eating food. You are basically giving the digestive system a break from having to do your “dirty work”. Allowing it instead, the time needed to focus on cleansing its vital organs.

Many cultures around the world consider fasting to be the perfect ritual for cleansing of the body from more than just toxins. Some view it as a way to rid the spirit of negative, damaging energy that has invaded the temple and troubled the spirit, causing a blockage of communication with God or the Most High.

When to Detoxify?

There are many times of the year when fasting may seem most appropriate, but I believe it depends on the individual person to decide when and what type of fast they would like to partake in. Personally, I chose Spring Break as the perfect period for my revitalization. Besides the fact of being on a break from work, I also find the beginning of spring as a period of new beginnings. Everything about nature and the world around us displays this, from the budding of flowers to the buzzing of insects and the chirping of birds. The outer environment is preparing itself for a new life cycle and so should we. As the winter waves farewell to those things that have withered and died, so should we say goodbye to those things within that have become old and obsolete. Therefore, the beginning of the season of rebirth is my ideal time for change.

Preparing For a 7-Day Detox

Before I begin any form of detox or exercise regime, I start a few days or weeks earlier preparing my body, mind and spirit for the challenging journey that lies ahead. To embark upon an revitalizing process takes a lot of focus, dedication and commitment. For starters, I slowly draw back my food intake to smaller portions and nothing to eat after 7pm. Decreasing the amount of social time with friends and watching television is an essential part of the plan. The less distractions you have, the more concentration on achieving maximum success you will exhibit.

One area where I increase intensity is my fitness regime. I turn the heat up, literally, and lift more weights. During detoxification I will not have energy for strenuous activity, so I exhaust my muscles ahead of time. The last thing I want to lose is too much muscle mass. Elimination of toxins and fat; reintroducing the body to all that is natural and pure is the objective. The hope is to give the lungs, liver and kidneys the proper rest they need while feeding them the vitamins and nutrients they require to operate most effectively.

Stay posted as I document this rebirth of healthy living.

"My Brotha.com" Publishes Poem

One may write and write and write, but rarely thinks those intimate words will be seen, heard or adored by others. So I was pleasantly surprised when "MyBrotha.com" decided to post my work onto their site, for their huge population of visitors to delight in.

It was just the motivation I needed to continue capturing those visions from my past, present and future, onto blank white pages.

Check the poem, Consistentcy for My Rib out when you get a moment and tell me what you think.

www.mybrotha.com/poetic-vibe.asp?pid=11 - Cached

Express Yourself-Poetry Corner

He Knows What He Got

They say he’s way to aggressive
Sometimes a little possessive
He walks with too much confidence
When speaking to others he makes sense
His tone is often a lot

As if he knows what he’s got?

Could it be he knows himself?
And the lies didn’t alter the plot.
After decades of brainwashing

How is it, he knows what he got?

It was against the law
For him to read,
Yet through it all
He’s still able to see.
Even after the torturing,
Forcing him not to be free,
Designing him how they wanted him to be.

He must have known what he got.

Whether held deep inside
It exudes with pride
As he struts calmly on by
Head tilted, aimed high
Soaring way beyond the sky

For he knows what he got
Making him extremely secure- in his spot

Sherry "The Model"

This little lady keeps surprising me with her creative range. What can't she do?

Express Yourself-Poetry Corner

City Folk

Faces of different shades fill crowded streets.
Looks of dismay and depression,
Hope can be seen deep in their eyes.
Skin almost faded,
damaged from pollutants.

Broken spirits swarm the city air.
Clogged lungs make it hard to
breath,
speak,
scream.

Hearts grow cold,
but still beat with hope.
Surviving the torment,
Dreams become blurry.
Far from arms reach
Or the minds perception.
Time has taken its toll.

Yet, the will to press on is stronger
Than the voice signaling to give in.
For they know life is more complex,
With different layers yet to be seen.
So they press on passionately
walking,
strutting,
running,

Writer's Block?

What exactly is writer's block? Is it when the writer is having trouble actually putting words on a paper or when they are having a difficult time organizing their thoughts? Sometimes I experience both. On some days, it's just difficult to just sit down and begin the process. I know what I am going to write about, but starting is sometimes the worst.

Well, my goal for next week is totally set and I am going to take this week to really formulate a revised outline, so I can finally finish this book and move on to the next. Pray for me and I will keep you posted.

Friend Gets Engaged

My college buddy just informed me that his long term girlfriend has accepted his proposal. I was elated when he let me know the great news. Especially, since I truly believe he went into the engagement the way it is suppose to be done.

1. They dated for years

2. They went to church and made sure they were on
the same spiritual path

3. They remained celibate and
in control of their lust

4. They connected their families and friends overtime

5. And before it all, they handled their responsibilities as individuals before the thought of coming together to join as one.

No matter what happens, at least they went into the covenant as God would have them to enter it. With him at the head!

Proud Father

I am literally blown away at how wise my oldest daughter, Sherry, has become. She has a witty personality and the intelligence of a woman twice her age. We just got off the phone after hours of brainstorming for a band name. Not only does she write, sing, dance, draw, act and model, but she also a great student on her way to college in the fall. I guess I am just having one of the proud father moments and I thought I would share it with you guys.

What's up with Facebook?

I recently started an account on the popular Facebook site after much prompting from friends. Boy was I in for a surprise. This networking site is filled with classmates and friends from high school and college. It is safe to say that I enjoyed reestablishing some lost relationships. As for the other groups of people, not so much. It appears that people can only view your profile if you accept their "friend request". After that you don't hear from them. Not even a "thanks" or "how's everything going?" Now they have access to reading all of your information and spying on you when ever they choose. At this point, I am not sure if I will hold on to this account. We will have to see.

Looking Forward to the Summer.

Today I began to count the weeks until summer break. It's not that I am stressed or anything, I just want to take advantage of not working. There are so many assignments I have to complete. The extra time would give me exactly what I need to finish thesee task. I have written a few new poems which I will update at a later date. All I ask is that you let me know what you think. Until then, stay in touch for future updates.