The Handyman...

How Handy Are You? When something around the home becomes broken, are you able to fix it? In many situations we are not prepared to repair, say a faucet that leaks, or a broken window... So You call someone You know who can make the repairs.
The reason I'm on this subject, is because of the hard economic times were in, and the ability for us to afford such repairs. I've been into maintenance as an "Maintenance Engineer"... I had written and help organize an Instruction Manual for an agency, that over seen low cost housing projects. Helping people who were looking towards home ownership and people who rent, become more responsible renters.
While developing that program, I had come across quite a few handymen who were just out there to get the "MONEY"..! They would make "lack-lustre" repairs, half done work, or superficial repairs. It should be a good practice to find and get to know, a Certified Maintenance Person. Bottom line, if it's Your "Uncle" Leroy, make sure he knows what he's doing and give quality results from his work!
As an Engineer, we had a saying for some Handyman. We called them "Jack-Legs"... Meaning they produced Poor results from their work/repairs... "Give Me the Money, I'm finished Attitude". That's, that.
I keep a small repair kit of tools around the house, just for the purpose of repairing broken things. The list: 1.a Hammer, Pliers, Screw Drivers, Wrench, cutting tools, like a Saw. A Paint Brush and various kinds of Tape. A measuring tape 25ft. preferable. A flashlight, step stool/ladder, and a first aid kit. You can't be to safe. People have killed themselfs changing a light bulb... Anyway this is my opinion. What do You Think?
Are You prepared to be handy at fixing small repairs around your home? Tell me what you think...

LeRoy Jr. US Marshal

The Year was 1912.

When 56 year old LeRoy Jr. US Marshal, took to retirement from the Law Enforcement field. It had been a long road, wrestling with Outlaws and "want-to-be" hard core criminals. As he walked into the Dallas Office, for what he thought would be his last time.

In 1887 the well educated "Black Man" had been assigned to the territory by no less than the President of the time, Grover Cleveland. He arrived in Dallas in 1889 at the Sheriff's Office of Mr. Chris Davies. Law-Men of every type including Texas Rangers, were in and out of the Towns Office..! Most were Ex-Buffalo Soldiers, turn Law-Men!

The Minute the door closed behind him, He knew..! It was going to be an adventure of a "Life Time!" So it would come to pass, of a "Wild West" tale, dug from the soil. The sweat that made "MEN" tough as nails! Get the book, to know the story of. "LeRoy Jr." (JR.) US Marshal..!

The Dallas of 1889 looked to be the pocket of civil obedience and order. However, not by the activities in the office of Sheriff Chris Davies... The building that housed the Sheriff's Office was a large three story Victorian style building, classic of the period. Though the office anchored the right front corner facing Main street. There were other Law enforcement agencies, including a branch of the Texas Rangers, also the Jail connected the Sheriff's office to the back of the building. It was busy that day with people coming and going, the Deputies booking those who had committed a crime. You name it they had to deal with all kinds of public disorder imaginable. For Sheriff Chris Davies, who preferred to be called Chris by those close to him. Other called him "Sheriff" or Boss. It may not have look like "Order" but the Sheriff ran a tight ship..!

LeRoy stood in the mitts of all the confusion that racked the front area of that office. "Hey!" a voice yelled...As all activity silenced. "You mean to tell me, No one, seen the U.S. Marshal standing there! The Marshal could only hear the voice of the Sheriff, and only his large hat moved across the room. When he appeared from behind the counter, to the Marshal's amazement, there stood a very short man in a large hat! The Marshal had an urge to laugh, but held his emotion.

TRUCK "N"...

They say be careful of what you wish for...
I'd prayed for a career change from working as a short order cook in some restaurant somewhere I don't want to be. At this late age, I can't say I'm unhappy at my choices, I'm still an "Artist" and I'll always be that, even as I trek around "America" the country dropping off products that keep this "COUNTRY" alive.
I went to trucking school over two years ago, to train driving these Tractors, that haul those huge loads you see constantly on our Nations Highways daily...
Now that I'm officially in a company, I've hauled quite a bit of stuff. My first two loads were literally, "Meat & Potatoes"..! Potatoes from Idaho... No less... I've been Coast to Coast in mostly winter driving, which is the worst driving experience. Being who I am as an Artist I have to take it to another level beyond just a truck driver... I decided to look at the entire aspect of "logistics" it's self. By definition (American Heritage, Concise Dictionary): The procurement distribution, maintenance, and replacement of materiel and personnel.
(skilled in calculating). That aspect puts it in a whole different category... Engineering. Transportation engineering. Those who hold a Commercial License, (Class A), enter the realm of Professional Driver, an aspect of Engineering Logistics, shuffling and replenishing products or people who are associated with the transportation industry. The Department Of Transportation (DOT) which is, in the long run, apart of the Department Of Agriculture...
The movement of a majority of products comes from Agriculture as it is anyway, and the fact there of, of products made from Agriculture, Period... Driving a Tractor Trailer is a JOB and a job I'm getting to like. However, the over the road stuff, going great distances, at my age is for the "Birds"... Though there are others who are much older, they seem to have been in the business, since the first Truck! When I was a kid I'd see them drive by my house and that interested me too... Perhaps not to the degree of operating one, but just watching them haul the heavy loads. But that was then. By the way, What do I know? I'm just a driver of a "Bid Rig", I have the pedal, to the metal, and I'm rolling along as safe as can be!!! I take my time, to be on Time..!

"Professor" Saafir In The Attic: "Examine"

"Professor" Saafir In The Attic: "Examine": "Life...Is, It's Our observation for real..! However, to take it to the next level 'Examine' if not a few seconds more... Let's rule out bein..."

"Examine"

Life...Is, It's Our observation for real..! However, to take it to the next level "Examine" if not a few seconds more... Let's rule out being busy, maybe... I'm chronic with examining everything. But I've been told I maybe A.D.H.D. (Attention-Deficit-Hyperactive-Disorder) and that I should go to the V.A. and be "Examined" Myself... I just pray that the Creator "Allah" (G-D) bless me to succeed in His Utmost Power... Period.
I plan to get checked-out soon...
As you may well know the human mind takes in the most slightest details through senses of vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Also inner premonition or type of "Sixth Sense" so to speak. The problem comes in, that we are such a distracted driven society, by television, radio, video games, sports competitions, inter-net, our own personal affairs come into play too... I call it, "Massive Oppositional Distraction"... If there is such a phase. M.O.D. abbreviated. Being Modern Idiots, possibly or not, we are most distracted Human-beings in the history of all "Man-Kind"..! Bar-none... We are struck with M.O.D. disease, all the way down to can't stay focus level even. So to be able to take time out to examine whatever, is a luxury. What I'm getting at is, that you like myself take in the practice of exercising our ability to "Examine" Life... Document what you've examine and what resulted from such action you made. This may conclude a solution to whatever, brother?
Modern cripples are what we've become sorry to say, but that's the fuel of the fire... Fear, fear not the ability to examine comes first nature, or it should if you think not. To examine for a long period turns to research which can result into solutions, and or products... Beings need products too... For earthly survival as we didn't realize that..! Beings "Examine" that's the root of it all, bottom line. Understanding what you've examined takes a life time, so its life itself in any regard, that your living your "Exam"... So we're the "Exam"... But what do I know, I'm busy "examining"... Things.

"Grand Master Plan"...For Real, Not Fake!..

I've been asked so many times, the question of whether or not I believe in , A "Creator"... Do you believe, in the "Creator"? I was just recently asked that very question, of the other (many) times, in my life. Lots... That's a hell of a question, "Buddy/Babe... "YES"... However, I can't let you off the hook that easily, not with-out you hearing at least My opinion... No matter how brief, or how much time do you have? It's just conversation "Babe" Bro. "Ya Know"... Man! As for me, I have Time, "Allah" isn't letting me off the hook of creation, itself. "In fact", of acknowledging who "HE" Is! Without saying or acknowledging, "La-Illa-IL-aha" that's Arabic within-in transliteration meaning, (There's no "Creator" other than "HE")...Also that I profess this in the UL-limah of (Prophet) Muhammad (swa)...May Allah bless him & give him Peace... That's just taking it a step deeper, for those who's lost already...
However I'm clear on that, now I can take it to the first level Period. First of all I refer to the Creator as "Allah" Number One! The English spelling G-O-D read in reverse, says dog... In German "goat" is what it means... I'm not with such slanders, or connotations, of "Allah". Which in my estimation is not needed, what so ever! Talking on the subject of Creation/Creator is serious business. The entire aspect of something being created, mainly the Human Being presents the most intelligent response one can give.
#1. ALLAH Is "ONE"... All Supreme Creator Of All Things, Known & Unknown, First and Foremost...
Nothing is worthy Of Worship Except Allah. That's the way it is, and has been since the beginning of Creation itself... "HE" created You & I, for-crying-out-loud! In reference to "HE" is more of a metaphor for us, due to the linguistics, speaking English no-less, provides... With it's limited expressions for Creator, or "G-D" as most commonly used. However, very mi nut for the attributes, for "Allah" is the proper Name for the Creator, hands down! You say "Allah", that's your first lesson in Arabic/Ara-mahah, some say Ar-Rah-BIA...
Check for your self, let me know? In my discovery, of "Islam" which means "Submission", I embarked on a spiritual journey to have arrived on a "Mountain Top" of worship to Allah.Even Mount Everest is in worship. Thanking Allah for it's grandeur/wonder of being, the tallest, Hughes rock on the planet @ '29,029' ft... Period. It could have been the opposite, "Mount-Ant-Hill"... Even that gives it's reverence to Allah.
I could talk to most people on the subject of "creator/G-D, for hours...But, it better make sense, or I'm out of there!!! Quick! As i drop a "Dime" on your mind buddy...Whole "Nations" have disappeared on the very subject of "HE" Allah. "Allah" tells us that, directly in all scriptures... Even the Archaeologists, the best of them, could-not tell you, where a marker of their Existence remain, period! Not without the permission/Blessing from Allah to do so. That's the way it is for real... That goes for all things, good Brother... The "Grandest works of ART'S, of human living/existence, comes through the human-vessel, only by "Allah". That is why Allah is the Creator of all things period, us included. Don't forget that! The problem becomes, when Man's logic is injected, " Oh, look what I made"... No. "You've made a mess Pal!" Be respectful and clean it up! Ya Bum... Religion... Now there too, is a most confining English word. I mention Islam. Which defies the word Religion, to the weigh of an "Atom", no question.(?) Worship is incorporated into the daily of any human-being, who claims to live "Islam", he is then called "Muslim"... Which to me means Human-Being-submitted-to-Allah, Creator, Lord, G-d, Supreme-Being, or whatever one calls in his/her languages, known/unknown, for that matter. Remember, I'm speaking/writting English. I pray I'm clear so far... So if You call Islam a religion, that's your limited vision. I call it a,"Way-Of-Life" (W.O.L.) abbreviated. "MAN" did not create Islam! All others refered to a religion, well... Rather Oh well... Just for the sake of worldly knowlege, they say there are Three major dominate religions as known... They say, Islam, Christianity, Judaism... These represent the bulk of types of worship... Athyism is a form of worship also... As I said it was a climb to get this stage of my life, and exausting as it is... Besides, Allah says, He Knows All Things. All comes from Allah... There You Have It. In-A-Nut-Shell... Investegate Yourself...
Let me know. What the heck do I know? I'm just sitting here talking to myself... Well the 99 Names of "Allah"... Ask me that.

"Spider-Dad"

The Title to this Blog is out of fun... One of our children is having a Birthday coming up and he insist on having a "Spider-Man" birthday Party... So everything is spider-man, his underwear, shoes, shirt, You name it. So I had to draw invitations to send to friends & family for the occasion. I Love doing these things for our children anyway. I love to stir their imaginations to get them to think outside the box so to speak. My youngest daughter, I was hoping will become an Engineer some day, so I kept her around me while I was building & drafting my scale models buildings, and many of my Painting sessions in the Attic back when she was still in her walker even... As a matter of fact all my kids have spent some time with me in my creative activities over the years. Now that their getting much older, they have their own activities they concider their interest and fun things to do, well so did I. But in many ways it is like being a "Spider" as a Dad. You make a sticky interest (like a web) to your own activities, to keep them interested in what your dong to keep them close by, and have their interest at heart too... But children grow up! I'd only hope they move on to wholesome, inspiring careers one day soon. College can really be the "Ticket" to getting them into more social activities (positve ones) they will adhere to and experience, along the road to being responsible adults! Having fun in doing so, too... I don't want to leave that out.
My older daughter is into Comics and drawing too, as a Teen these days. Art is good, it helps to inspire the imagination to thinking and creating your own type of Art & Stories... Well that's the way it had been for myself, and I try to share my Ideas, so that others will enjoy my "ART"!
Well, at least with my Kids, I think they get a "KICK" out of it... But what do I know, "NOT A THING"...
I'm sitting here, talking to myself, as I here them giggle, and say; " Daddy's so silly"...

"Men And Maturity"

They say that it's a know fact that men Mature slower than Women, much slower... It is said that 25 years of age is when it hits! Boom! Wa-la your Mature. I can only look at myself when it comes to that and looking at what I had to experience to that point in my life.

I believe that I was of the fortunate few to have matured a lot earlier than most. Doing time in the US Navy was a wake up call for one thing. I had to stay on my "P's & Q's" so to speak, to step up to the challenge of my peers and older more seasoned Men... I was 17 when I join the NAVY.

It was a real wake up "Call", Period...I don't have no idea as to how fast I had to mature, but it was pretty darn quick! I had to defend myself, because there was no one else I could depend on but me... The minute the Kitty Hawk CV-63 Air Craft Carrier set sail, the reality hit me like a ton of bricks... Once I saw an endless horizon that was a 360 around the entire ship, I knew it was for real, for real! I found a new sence of responsibility and took my job as a cook seriously. I took correspondence courses from Penn State, to make rate quickly. However once I saw my sleeve start to look heavy, My ego kicked in! I thought I was the "coolest" dude on board that ship... My friend "AL" too...
I made E-4 and recieved an a comandation for testind highest in my class. They handed me a clip board and a small space, no bigger than a desk could fit in, to check in supplies for our sector of the "Galley". I was next to the Salad locker where Al was. I had to supply all the kettles where stuff like soup, gravies, rice, grits and pasta's were made. I worked 12 hours on & 12 off, and I had to be in the Galley at 3am every morning to set up. I was in the "aft Galley" the largest of the three on board the ship. Al was fron South Carolina, and boy did we have a blast! Weaving our way through the "Lifer's, Hipsters, Down-Home-Rebel's (Rednecks), & Gun-Ho, M*#F'S you'd ever want to meet...or don't". On the other end of that scale were the "Suck-Up's, want-na-B's, Sissy's, and Slacker's", by Naval standards, not mine! We had nerds too. It was a social convention daily in the Galley... The "Brother's" In Hood row, where the only way to get in was to give the "DAP" all the way down the Row to the End, every meal time... The point being, could any one of them that was twenty five years of age concider themselfves "Mature". I can't say, I never made the age of 25 in my Naval Career to tell you.
I don't know much of anything. However I do know this. You had to use mature logic and the right decisions in a dangerous environment, because the wrong one, could be your last, period. We were young men. Were we mature? Well mature enough to cross an Ocean, fight a War (Veitnam War) and get out of harms-way in one piece. I'd have to say, that's a pretty mature thing to accomplish... A majority of us made every effort to stay alive and respect the laws of nature being "MEN"... I know, I did. I did what I was told to do, and the rest of the time, I tried to learn and have a good time too! Not to forget, I was earning an income also...But what do I know... Waite a minute. Do women mature faster? I'm not a psycologist. Like I always say, I'm just talking to myself... (Of days gone BY!)

The "Janitorial" Presidentcy...

Now is the time to ask You, a question...Is it Time, to "Kick In" now, that Obama has been in The Oval-Office 1# Year Now?...Is this the time for, Criticism/Work, Begins Now? He's done his part of reaching Out, & trying to get "US" every day "Joe's" attention. You know, how it went, from "Brewskie's on the lawn, Party crashers "express"/Straying White House, tour guess, Who only want to shake a hand...The hand of the "President Of All The Free World", mind You...Perhaps even sit down at the family table for a bite or two, to EAT, "like Bro-Man" (Martin Lawrence), for Dinner! It's truly a "HOOD" thing, my Man. Rather "My-Mannn..!" Maybe those people know something or are, showing us something... Now I wonder, what that could be? Get-In-Volved!!! (Answer) ...
It's now one year since that Histric Election Night of the United States Of America's, first "Black" President...
The roars and jubilance of all race's, share in the Element of Change this Nation never experienced in it's History. African Americans, pretty much in shock of joy throughout communities in every, nook & cranny of this Nation! Many, including myself/wife, stood in long lines, I mean "in long lines" at polling stations to cast their prescious vote, young & old, turned out in record numbers. For some, it was the first time voting in an election... Voter registration drives sprang up the moment, Barack Obama anounced his canadacy for president of the United States... For the life of me, as much as  I've been in Chicago Illinois, I'd never heard any one, speak of the Senator then Obama. While living in Milwaukee from 2004-2006 I'd go to Chicago regularly... Plus I've kept close abreast of such activities, news wise on the political scene... Anyway Obama was a total surprise for many African Americans, period. At any rate, like Americans every where , even over sea's, kept their televisions, radio's, and Internet tuned to any news up dates, in regard to Obama's activities as he cris-cross the Nation... Myself, I tried to find as much info. about him that I could, reading his books and info. from the opposition included.
I knew from the dealings of the other, two, two term Presidents. That Barack Obama, were he to win, would have a "Mess" on his hands... In other words (a clean up JOB!); "Janitorial" President so to speak...
Think about it? For centuries, African Americans (blacks) endured slavery, share chroping, meanial labor, and inferior Education. For many, even if you had an education, about the only employment you would attain would be; a cook, steward, butler, pullman porter, grave digger, or the likes of a janitor...
So simbolically for the first time we have one of the most articulate, eloquent, well spoken Presidents in History & he has to come in on the "Clean Up" Tip (attitude). Boy, do we know that well!...
The strategy, would have applied to any incoming, official, other than an "Republican" who could have continued the policies of the out going Administration! The iorny of it all, was, it was'nt as if they did'nt know who was in the running on the Demacratic Ticket! A white Female & a Black Male, this shook the "Racist" tree!
Hillary Clinton "ROCKED" rallying the foundation of the "Femenist Movement"... Obama, the sweet dream come true out of a "nightmare" of  centries, of civil slumber for the Black Man of America... The senario, an irony in & of itself, at that. Afirmative Action played out at the Highest level, where it originated. In the corridors of, "Political Clubhouse" Of The, "I'm Privilaged Bratz's", Of America... A Black Man, A White Woman, jocking for the top seat in the Corporation. So, just as it played out in the Urban sprawls, of the "Black Masses", for Decades.
It's befitting that a Black Man, Yes, a Brother, to get the "JOB"...! However, The Joke is; "It's just like a black man, to end up in "Public Housing & have a Janitorial Job!"... It's a simbolic jesture for those who can ("read B-tween, the lines") truly. A sign that a page in History has indeed turn & change is imenate...
Are we seeing closure?
Has the Dream arrived?
Only G-d can Answer that question... Still only you can seek the answers out! But for most of us, going to work is usually in order, after a good nights sleep, a good dream, to keep my comfort going in "reality"...
It's going to take work! The "House" has to be cleaned up and that's the job of everyone, and sometimes we have to call the "Janitor" a professional to aid in the clean up, of such a huge Mess...

But What Do I Know?... I've not been invited to shake, have a brewski, eat lunch, sit at the desk & "Chill" @, what it would feel like, to-B-The-President-of-These, United States Of America... "Bro."... I'm just here, Talking to MYSELF...

"To Teach High School To Pregnant Teens"

It's a profession of shear trust and mentoring. Passing on knowlege incorporate's talent and a way to deliver that knowlege, to minds easily distracted by trivial pursuits, such as the opposite SEX! My wife is a teacher/Counselor at a "High School" here in Georgia. It's a specialty school for students, mainly girls that get pregnant before they can finish their education... The school is equip with a "Day Care/Parenting Center", that instructs these students in the art of being responsible Parents, and finish "High School"! Period...Now, I know we'er only human and to be human is to faulter if your not paying attention to what's going on, in life... We all can do that, but for the life of me, some make repeated mistakes that cost them their dreams of (not becoming something) because your already someone. However, improving the you that you are. By acquiring a career, that will take you and your family to financial freedom...
The fact is that when children don't graduate from High School. The whole country suffers in some capasity with the exception of those who are able to become small business owner's, or get "GED's" and go on to Technical College/Community College, or even some University. It's a slim chance, but it has been done... I think teenagers have not realize, that every adult that make up the faculty of their school, has been a teen also at one time or another. They are train to teach! Some are better than others, still their there as professionals to pass on the knowlege that's presented in the textbooks, provided for the task of teaching.
We have a great duty as adults and parents, to help our teens to understand how important it is to get an Education. A good education starts at "Home", then it's taken to the school by the teenager. I see my wife, in action, she's serious about what she does. My sister is a High School principal and she's also serious about education too... They are dedicated individuals to their professions. Dealing with teen pregnancy is another added, "tough cookie" to add to education to say the least. To Point fingers and argue, don't solve the problem. However engaging into what your teen is up to, and having talks early about "SEX" could nip the problem in the bud, I'd think. Over all it is the teenager, who ultimately has to be excepting of the information offered to help them become functional human beings in this society, period... The responsibility is laid before them like the road to California, or anywhere... The choice is theirs. We may care over-all. If they turn their backs and throw their hands in the air. Well it is them to find out, if life is truly fair... Either way, they will have to pay, at the present "School"... Or the "School Of Hard Knocks"! Oh well, but what do I know, I don't "Teach"... I'm just here talking to myself...

"American Heritage"

I'd recently been talking to my father, of our many short and sparse conversations we've had over the years...However when we do talk, I find our conversations informative, enjoyable at times, and humorous. I was retelling him a joke I'd heard sometime ago, by a relative on his side of the family. The joke was; Slaves from our family escaped out of Louisiana headed North. They cross the border into Arkansas, they'd reach as far as Pinebluff or so. "We Free"...One of them said. Well they were captured and became slaves in Arkansas. The punch line supposedly was, "They did'nt go far enough North!" Not funny...Lol... Turns out Dad went on to inform me of some of the actual history associated with this family.We are of Native American descent too. The mere fact of our mixture through his side, brings about the Native American "Choctaw" Indians and African American, marriage to light, that formulated my Dad. Formulated meaning (Chemistry). Now I don't know much about this Native American group, except they loved to ware "Hats" as Dad told me. But I'm going to look them up as I write this article... Research Time... I'll "Google it"...
01/05/2010

Okay, turns out "Choctaw" Chocta, pronounced "Chock-taw". That literally means "The People" is their own tribal name and of a legendary Choctaw leader. Original Choctaw people were of the American Southeast, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida. Most were forced to move to Oklahoma in the 1800's along the "Trail Of Tears". Trail of Tears was the Choctaw and Cherokee name for what (White) Americans called Indian Removal. During the 1800's, the US government created an "Indian Territory" in Oklahoma and sent all the Eastern Native American tribes to live there. They were quite good builders, and their homes were of wood and plaster, with thatched or wood shingled bark. Looking even deeper into the history of these Native Americans, that goes beyond the 1500's... Their fight against the Spanish and close associations with the French and English (which they had to fight too). Their History could go into Pre-Colombia, though not confirmed. However, these Native Americans were definately apart of the Louisiana Purchase, "Louisiana Territory"... (On the map in Red it's marked out, & Colombia in Green in South America...) Many of the Choctaw were in Louisiana anyway, when President Thomas Jefferson acquired the Territory in 1803...These Native Americans are a great part of our nation and suffered many of the injustice, we people of color had to endure to be apart of this country. Yet it's apart of the colorful nature that makes up "me" and those of my family... However that's only part of my Heritage. The flip side is my Mom's people and the trek that made it's way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is where Mom & Dad met that made me and my siblings. One of my sisters did a family research that resulted going to the area of North Carolina, Hyde County to be exact. A slave owner, Irish lived about the 1800's... Supposedly had my Grand Father, who was born Jan1900... His Name was "Benjamin Franklin"! No relation to the guy on the 100 dollar bill, that we know of. Though Mother insist that we need to look into a connection of Franklins of the (Franklin Mint) Frankin's... Would'nt that be a "Grand" connection literally... But that's another story! You just never know what will "POP" up, in your own Heritage, your ancestry, your deep past! I'll keep searching mine. What about you? What's the make up of your Heritage? Do you have a clue? In one way I'm "RICH", a rich man in culture and family Heritage, it makes me feel great to know...What the heck, do I know? I'm sitting here looking at a map of the "American Hemisphere", talking to myself...

"Economic Relief"

"From Regan-nomics To Obama-nomics";
What?
What is it all refering to? What is it all about? What is it not?

#1. It's talking about "Money". 2. It's about, what we earn and how we spend "The Money"... 3. It's not about me having any decent amount in my pocket! I'm "Broke"! What about you? I've been watching the News for years, (we're so programed). I sit and look at the television and they tell me about the "Economic Indicator", that looks like an unfinished design...____/\__/\___... It's suppose to tell me about the up's and downs of our economy. It has never told me or indicated that more money has landed into my dusty pockets. To complain is useless! So I try to make the best of a poor situation and be innovative/creative at making money... During President Regan administration (Regan-nomic's) as it was call, an all around bad joke, it was intended to be. Coming off the Ford and Carter era, the country was in a recession, a poor economy then too... The gas crisis and the promise of fuel efficient cars, that never came. President Regan came into a poor economy at best and he tried to recover it by any means "Necessary"... Research the history yourself. Come to think of it, though it was a tough economy I did quite well during that period with my small business.

I had turn a hustle into entrepreneurship as did a few people I knew at the time. In many ways I learn from my dad "to always keep a hustle" was the motto for me... Still even at that level, I only manage to keep myself surviving, as they say keeping your head above water not being effected by the tide of recession. The Bush, Clinton, Jr. Bush Presidency's, mediocre economies to compare to what's going on at the present. All resulted to what is a "Trillon Dolllar Deficit!" Clinton displayed to the American Public his Administration's version of what they called a balanced budget... Now I know my math isn't that bad... who were their accountants? A room full of chimpanzees! First of all the US import levels is greater than it ever has been in history! Think about it... If you are not selling (Exporting), you are buying (Importing)... By the way when was the last time you heard any of the Big three auto makers, report any sizable export sales of their cars. General motors, Ford, and Chrysler had represented America's "Back Bone" of big corporations manufacture might, with their sky scrapers, and big sprawls.They whimp out as there competitors Nissan, Hundai, and Toyota build more of their plants on American soil, while poorer Americans cry to work in those plants! The "Big Three" crying for a bail out... Not to mention A.I.G. (American Interest Gone).and other corporate giants asking for the same... The American people must institute a new mind set for a greater stronger american economy. It's down to brass tacks, after the powers that be, pillaged what little that was left of our economic way of life. In 2008 we saw the behavior of our corporate geniuses as they "raped" Wall Street. When they realized a Black Democrate would take seat in the "White House". Most of the american media display the sharp criticism and displeasure of the republican party, calling it all "Obama-nomics" when in fact it reminds me of the white flight of the 1960's. when blacks started moving into the suburbs like my family. Many whites took to running, moving even further away. There are ones who wouldn't get to know us and there were some that learned to get to know us... Today, they are calling it (Obama-nomics), some say socialism, and others say, down right broke. What ever, I still struggle to get a dollar, they struggle to stay rich, what about you? Economic relief, I think we need it.... But who am I, I'm just talking to myself....

The Year Comes To A Close

Once again were able to look, not back, but forward with prayer and hope, that 2010 will be a remarkable year for all. The past one was loaded... It was a fast one too. We've experienced the leadership of our first Black President, and the "clean up Policies" he has to endure even beyond this year... Obama has his work cut out for himself and this "Nation". It's been not quite a year yet since the inauguation. Only the time since he'd been president elect Obama and the opposition continues to show their displeasure for his Presidency. As a matter of fact a few Black Professionals, some out of Hollywood (actors) have voiced their their displeasure that Obama has not done enough for "African Americans". The leadership of the CNC (Congresional Black Caucus), has stressed it's concerns too... For cying out loud 342 days he's been in office "Officially", not even a year! He's manage to "squeeze" through, #1. A Major Health Care Bill, that three terms of presidents were unable to deal with. Two were  two term Presidencies... He instituted the "Cash For Klunkers" program successfully. He's scaled down the War in Iraq and esculated the war in Afganistan, for reasons it was a pre-existing war before his own office... He's found a new home for the Guantanamo Bay detainees, He's instituted programs for America's Infastructure, Finacial Insitutions bailouts and housing foreclosure restructure, just to name a few things...Nearly sounds like Roosevelt's "New Deal" Programs of 75 years ago, when America was in a depression for real! The thing of it is that the activities I've mentioned, are what's been made public (News). There are things going on that are over shadowed by the bigger issues. As Obama mention in his inauguration address, it's going to take work and for all Americans to work together... That means to get our Public officials to work, on the local level Politics. Keep your elected officials "Busy" Period! That's working together... It's a foreign thing on the commom man's level, where many hear, but don't listen. See, to listen takes a little more effort, then action follows in some capacity. First of all it took 43 Presidents, for many Americans especially African Americans to arrive to one of their own, to emerge as the 44th... The catching up aspect of it all is that European Americans (whites) take for granted the feeling of being "American"... However for a large portion, if not all African Americans (Blacks) is to have an entire month dedicated to Black Culture and achivement. It was to have a holiday in honor of a fallen "Hero" Dr. Martin Luther King... To live the dream, is to feel American, for change! As Obama put it, "Change You Can Believe In"... To make the change, is to give many a chance to make a real change in their lives towards a "New Year". Because change don't come without a challenge... A Challenge and a Prayer! As we "Bail-Out" of the old year and issue in the new one 2010. The Challenge is the work, the Prayer is the blessing of prosperity of good Health, and Economic resitution... As Americans all we can do is go into 2010 with an attitute, a new outlook for change, and do just that. "Change" for the better. As they say, "Out with the Old, In with the New"... Question... Does'nt new usually comes with a change?.. In the cartoon for this Blog, we find President Obama and Uncle Sam. Obama is telling Uncle Sam, that He is only a touch away from the "People"...
Obama: "It's a Blackberry Sam. I let the people voice their concerns on key issues. It's my ear to, "we the People, Sam"...
Uncle Sam: "It's the American way, son! Communicate with the people"...
For sure we are the people facing a new year, 2010 happens to be a big unknown, but we are glad to see it coming... Well at least I am, but who am I. I'm just talking to myself... "Happy New Year".

"What In The World?"...

I'm Married...That's the "Wife". Some of you may say, so what! You lucky sap! What were you thinking? Join the club pal... By most male friends, rather associates,as I should term them. Whatever? I'm an advocate of what it's all about. Togetherness... We've admitted to each other that we have attained levels we've never dreamed possible... She says I'm a way out there kind of guy, off into the "Universe". I in turn try my best to bring her along! But she says, she's better off "Down Here On The Ground"! It's the kind of thing many write poems about, others sing songs about, and wish others are "Experiencing" also. Were inside a marriage where falling in Love is repeated over & again. Love that has no measure within this life time, is the only way I can explain it... "It's a Good One". But,
The Draw Backs;
1.An unceremonious let down, of no return.
2.Insecurity
3.The capasity of "Hate" of Loving again.
Just to mention a few... However loving on this level is more than "Heavenly", and reaches a created ambiance the "Creator" Blessed apond this union. At the same time it takes "Work" and physical effort of  eminent passion, with "Sexual" endurance beyond normal exercise. In idea alone, if that's relative... Peace, is the underline aspect of any relationship with any spouse and has to be maintained/respected. I hear my wife calling me twenty times, either in the house, over the cell phone. When it gets to the level of folded arms and tapping foot... Then the ultimate question... What In The World Are You Doing? Or just, "What In The World"? I'm usually put in a state of wonderment looking to find the answer, that'll please as well as solve the ill.
In humor a friend reminded me of my status in most "Post Modern" marriages. Your wife has a career, She makes more money than you, and she is giving! "Appreciate", appreciate her... Give up the "BUM" mentallity, and do all you can to keep her "Happy"... What else can you do? The relization is, I'm thankful to G-D who created this pleasing wonder, that's the object of my whole manly nature, that pleases us completely... What do I know? I'm married, and talking to myself...

"Fast Food"...

It has become an American tradition...An art form to be able to serve fast food. The choices are many and crosses cultural diversity, period. There is the drive through or sit down, in minutes your chowing down... In the United States to be on the go, is to stop for a quick bite to eat. A Hamburger and french fries is the most common of the fast foods, pizza is close behind. Back in the day we called the restaurant, the "hamburger joint" which now they are respectfully Mc Donalds & Burger King... The drive thru, makes it so easy to whip in, & whip out, snacking while you drive. Eating on the run and pretty much forgetting to bless your food just before consumption! That's the pace by which many live. I'm not such an advocate of fast food of any kind... However I'm sitting in "Five Guy's" with the wife, enjoying just that, a nice hardy hamburger... It's fast, it's food, and it's good... The thing is were on the go, and time is short. Thank goodness for fast food! I'm a short order cook too... What do I know? I'm just talking to myself.

Education & Political Insight

Education...Education...Education...

Get an Education was the one thing that was hammered into my head, growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. All the siblings in our entire family were subject to the same verbal lashings. Being "Black" (African American) in America. It was The "CRY" of those who came before us that steered the emotions of a people, like a train into the challenge of... What? "The Battle Of Ignorance"... Funny thing about a train. "If your not the Conductor, your just on for the ride"... In 1964 I was ten years old (10). President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Bill, enabling African Americans to have unobstructed passage throughout society grounding them equal citizenship (the right to vote included) as their (white) European American counterpart. I believe it was Al Sharpton that recently stated "we've only been citizens 45 years" (State Of The Black Union address). Where a 100 years before "Blacks" had won a new found freedom. For many of them the question was "Well, What do we do with it now?" However some years before that, Frederick Douglass dropped the "seed". "Educate the Negro, so he can fight his own fight against bondage." Among many other statements uttered by this great American... Even he had his tolerance, which lead into a string of Educated African Americans. The likes of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois all the way to Martin Luther King Jr., and a whole host of others, a list that will filll a 100,000 blogs... I'll just say "Americans", many unsung heroes for education!

I will have to say the 19th century and early 20th century Victorian years were the straw that broke the camels back in the quest for education of the African American or any American for that matter. Looking back into that time capsule, from 2010-1910, prior to that, the "chess board" so to speak was being set up...For a race of people, a massive struggle took root that would yield an African American taking seat in the most powerful office in the land of America. Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama! Insight into the political arena. What does that say for education? Who's to argue of who is right? Booker T. Washington or W.E.B. DuBois. One an Institute, of hands on education of the application of industry. The other a College, of book education, language and mathematics. Isn't both "Education"? Come to find out both were needed equally for the out come of a technical society as it is now. For the uneducated to be able to spell the word"Institute" is to attend one... If You were to ask, did I attend college? Yes... In and out of various colleges, Institutes, and higher schools of learning, however no degree. Though I'd amount a total of 4 years. I intend on returning. However, education is not limited to the four walls of a classroom. Today one can attend classes on-line by means of computer, and accredited courses from small Institutions. "Google it"... But, who am I (?) I'm talking to my self...

To Introduce "The Professor"...

Hey everyone I'm "Professor" Saafir...It's a pleasure to be here & Blog your ears off!!! At the moment I'm filing through the things I'd like to say so we may have some "Humor" to our Ho-hum daily activities... Check in with me it'll be a "Blast"...