Black 'Faux' Hawk Down...Watch Out For 'These'

I had great day today!!! French exam went very well. It was worth 40%, so I had great reason to be concerned. I think I told you that last week, I had taken the week off and had a vacation. The vacation wasn't bad and the time off was very much needed. I just needed to clear my head and get some focus. I also just needed to relax.

At the end of the week, I decided that I needed to get a haircut. Now as a black man there are very few places you can go to get a unique hairstyle. Trust me I looked. Most places do braids, fades or a nice shaped mini-fro. Even a good barber for designs seems impossible, in the city that has almost everything. I wanted a barber to give me a Faux-Hawk. I've been through this once before. I first looked up all the black-barbers I knew in the city. No luck.

When I remember how it went down the first time. hahah...what a mess. I ended up finding one, but he never listened to what I really wanted and kinda did his own thing most of the time. I was the one who was causing the controversy in the barbershop, because I had to be different.

This time, I was looking for the person who was going to listen. It didn't matter whether they were a black-barber or not.

Note: I want to clarify at this present time that when I say black-barber I don't necessarily mean a black person. I just mean person who is familiar with Afro-centric hair. I don't want some of you getting this twisted and saying "Oh he a racist...He only goes to 'black' barbers". back to the story...

I know some of you are going to be like "you are so late in the style" but relax, I had it before. I found one guy who was able to do it and it looked 'avant garde'. There is no other way to put it (smile). That was Friday...

I returned to civilisation on the Monday of this week and was a little shocked. From left to right people are asking me: "Why did you do that?" and/or "Why don't you get braids or a fade?". Why have I been getting shade thrown my way? It felt like the comments were hiding under a thin veil of why don't you look 'black'? whatever that means. Actually I do know what it means...going back to the cornrows or the fade...as per one colleague...Uggh

The comments are coming from various cultures but the energy put into the comments feels the same. I think what also helps to create an elevated reaction is that, in order to get the true effect, I do straighten and flat-iron my hair. That really throws people off! I know that if someone with a more thinner texture of hair were to rock it, people would not even say a word. When the 'brother' tries, people are up in arms. They want to ask but hesitate if they don't know me and those that do know me are like: "so where are the curls" or "I like the curls". Once again these comments are thinly veiled.

I'm not trying to say that 'these' individuals are trying to be malicious with their comments; however I think 'these' people are very comfortable in their ways and in what they see and when they see something different then they freak. Spirit killers. I also want to acknowledge that there are lots of individuals that have come to me stating that they love what I did to my hair and love the colour.

I just wanted to get what I was feeling out. If you disagree or agree with the concept let me know. I think that I am a person who likes to push the envelope; make people rethink the lines that define the norms in society. This is all done of course, in my own unconventional way.

Your Horoscope Today: Happiness is just as easy as being in the bathroom without someone rushing you out. Go in 15 minutes earlier.

Have a good night.

His Sstory Lays It Down...

Today was a very tiring day. The first day back seems to always be that way. I wish I could just take a month vacation at a time. I know we all wish we could.

I had to take a moment to answer some of the comments that were left on my blog entries. I thank you for sharing your perspective and encourage you to do so whenever you can. If there is anything that you feel would be of interest to the readers that I may have not touched upon, please let me know via the post on the leftside of my blog.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. It is truly my pleasure.

My Horocope to you: Facebook is nuts and you keep getting hit up by people from your past. Make sure you put your hottest picture up, enjoy and revel.

Good night:)

Blind-Faith Follower...No...Believe In An Educated Spirit...It Will Not Let You Down

Hey people, I was on vacation. I didn't go anywhere. I did alot of shopping! I had to get me some new clothes...you really can't have enough. Without further a due, I bring to you my 'church' blog. I will try to keep away from writing blogs about this, because it's like the never ending story...read on and enjoy.

The article was written for March 4th 2007 in the Toronto Star. What a nervous day it must have been for the Melnichuk family. Pastor Paul Melnichuk and his twin sons Tim and Tom are the leading men of a congregation known as Prayer Palace. These men have been known to take the churches money and not do their share of charity work. They have been known to take helicopters to family reunions, have estates not houses and numerous expensive cars. What adds even more salt to the wound, is that, these men have claimed to lead modest lives to their followers. The congregation which is made up of mostly black individuals, work hard for their money and (for the most part) do not enjoy the lavish life these men lead. All-in-all the article depicts these men to represent the capitalist-preacher; men who seek to gain more than they give.

I don't want to go into detail as to what the article stated (I mean you could do that yourself). What I will say is...this article should stand as an eye-opener to blind believers. The 10% that you give in tithing...do you know where it is going? Have you seen the fruits of your investments. A person with blind faith will follow without questioning. We were not born zombies, we have the cognizant ability to question and analyze our world. Never forget that.

It's funny because these men are like Cre flo Dollar. They have the golden gates on their estates like Cre flo. I don't even want to get into how their messages are very manipulating and how they are constantly working their PR. i.e. Whenever someone questions their riches, they respond with, "THE DEVIL IS TRYING TO KEEP US DOWN!". The devil being the person who questions them. It's like...I mean it is a cult.

I have to say that even when I went to a service in Toronto, that is very popular with Toronto's black youth, the pastor was preaching money. I found that he was preaching prosperity (which was good); however making people feel guilty if they take. They should only give.

At one point in the session, he showed a commercial for a limo sine company that apparently is the company that gives him free rides to and from church. I found that very tacky. If he is going to advertise he should do it at the end. He should also give equal opportunity to all the church goers to advertise their business. It was a cheesy plug.

If you missed the article about Prayer Palace here it is - Click here.

BET if you could please do me a favor and stop showing Peter Popoff, with his miracle water. I am hurting every time I think that some desperate person is calling for some miracle water.

I hope that one day I don't have to write these kind of blogs. people wise up and do your research. Don't let someone lead you if you don't know where they are taking you. I am dead serious people. We are being made a mockery of when we fall to these false idols and prophets. Trust your educated spirit/heart; a spirit/heart that is basing it's decisions from research, reason, logic, honesty and love.

Happy Spring:)

My Horoscope to you: Trust your systems - All systems.

Hip Hop is Gay...Well There is Definitely an Uncomfortableness With One's Manhood

So look who is back in the news... Terrence Howard. Without further a due, please read the following comment and let me know what you are thinking:

"Do I agree with homosexuality? No, I'm a bible based young man. But I know the bible also speaks about homosexuality with liars, adulterers, thieves. I've lied, I've cheated on my wife, I've stolen, so how can I judge somebody for something that's mentioned in the exact same scripture? I believe we're all sinners. We're all trying to make it but our hip hop community are a bunch of hypocrites right now." -source-

To put this comment in context...He gave this answer after being asked if he could ever invision a gay rapper. He stated no, but was unaware that there already are some. Maybe he meant on an international level - even then ...there are some!

I'm glad that somebody is finally saying something about it in the black community. This is one of those topics that is so hard for [black/colour] people to discuss. The more we suppress the bigger the problem (and there has been a lot of suppression). Especially in Hip Hop.

Hip Hop represents the hyper-masculinated, unemotional, "strong man"- who doesn't exist. It is a fictional character that many black men have aspirations of being. It's not just men who admire this archetype, women love it just a much. A super-hero of a boyfriend if you will, that is the head of the household.

People this is not realistic.

I think it represents a man who is still forming his own sexuality and perception of what it means to be a man. There is an uncomfortableness in ones own skin if you will. A struggle. Never really where they want to be, but hopes for a better day. If not represents, at least caters to this type of person. In more recent years, there is definitely a dysfunction in it.

Homophobia is a combination of the black church influences and a black man's perception that homosexuality compromises his masculinity and ability. The fear that it's existence can create temptation the same way that lies and adultery do. I mean it is written in the same scripture. Why are you afraid of being turned on if your not a homosexual? This may come across like algebra to the "unlearned" population. What I do ask of you [unlearned population] is why do you not questions the things that you reject to find out why you reject them in the first place.

I also realized that in Terrence's statement he addressed what has been common (mis)understanding of homosexuality. The idea that it is a sin like lying or cheating. A statement that has forced many to live in shame. Have you ever played telephone? what happens to the message when it gets to you? I rest my case. Only God/universe knows the original message. It's your business to trust some one's anointing; however please be aware of false prophets. I think someone who claims to be anointed speaks with great arrogance and those that just speak have a better chance of getting my ear.

On a similar note...I'm not sure if you caught the article written by the Toronto Star about "Prayer Palace" but I will be doing a message on that this week.

Your horoscope today: The sun is shining, let it be daytime in you heart, mind and soul. Smile.

Queen of Mean Says, ... "Takes it Like a Man"...

Why was I dying yesterday, when my friend showed me clips from this comedian! She is amazing. I wish I could only explain it to you in a way that would pay hommage to her, but only she can tell her jokes the way she does. I must warn you....She talks up race and sex like its a peanut butter & jelly sandwich - like it's nothing new! It's her delivery that make it extrordinary. She gets away with saying the things she does because she really does not mean any offense in it. She just likes to point out the stereotypes that we define ourselves and others by.

I like her. It's very simple.

If you ever get a chance please check her out.

My horoscope to you: Take a walk on the wildside. Do something that you may have been to prudish to do. You are more liberal than you put off. Trust me you will thank yourself.

1st Day of Spring, Boy I feel Brand New!

So it's March...a great month for so many reasons. Can I tell you... I have so many reasons to be thankful. For one: two years ago I had a life changing event that allowed me to become who I am today. An event so powerful, it allowed me to mature into myself and really see what I was all about. It all happened on March 1st of 2005.

I think that for many of us, we face a challenge in life that forces us to make tough choices. Depending on how we handle the situation, can make or break our near future. Sometimes expected, while other times unexpected; all in all for the better (if you think postive). It truly is better that way. Challenge that is... I mean you really don't know what your capable of until you "rise" to the challenge (as the cliche goes).

Making it on my own, may have been heaven sent. The thing that I really needed to feel motivated. Since that day I can say I have been motivated. I can now dream without the fear of them being crushed. Speak without the fear of being shunned. Speak. It's crazy thinking about how I used to live, before that special March 1st 2005.

For the most part, I like to think forward to the project ahead, while other times I like to reflect and think of all the people that helped me survive. The funny thing is that friends will be there for you when you really need them, which is contarary to a belief my sister and her husband hold. I do ask them now...If you say friends are never there for you, when you need them most, then what would that make you when you weren't there for me? ...

Lesson#...You can't choose your family but you can choose your friends.

The one thing I wish those in my past would see is: love is defeated when it can not remain unconditional; at least in my opinon.

There really is no point in saying you care for someone or love someone if you have a list of restrictions/reservations for how that love can manifest. I think love transcends belief, religion, politics, race, sex(uality) and orientation, etc. Whether God fearing or not.

Random words...

Tired, weak, I was shunned.

Could not speak unless told,

I was the slient one.

Work so hard all day,

To come home and tuck away.

Straight & Narrow,

The way you like,

It just ain't me,

Retreat to the place I knew best,

Thoughts and whispers,

Confirm I was more not less.

You said lies,

You thought were true.

I am me,

Yet I defy you.

Truth be told

Truth be lived

Truth be love

because that is all I know.

-His Sstory-