The Race to Nowhere...

Please follow my new blogging home

2011-07-27T07:47:00.002-04:00

It was a pleasure using Blogger for as long as I've had, but now I'm moving on to: http://deshairfoskey.tumblr.com/

I hope you will follow me there. But I won't shut this blog down. Too much great information for me to pull from.

Monday Morning Motivation 6/27/11

2011-06-27T08:33:00.001-04:00

An excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the people you CARE About...

Let's get right to it... Life isn't short by a long shot. What you are doing with your everyday life can make in meaningful or worthless. People enjoy saying that 'Life is Short' as a means of motivation.

Life is what you truly make it to be. If you believe that it is short, how will your mind wrap itself around a future? We must make decisions as if our future matters. The people we confide in, the food we eat, our career choices; everything we involve ourselves in must have a future attached it to. Life isn't short by a long shot.

People think its admirable to say that an 80 year old died too young. When in all actuality, this 80 year old died, living in their future, possibly further than their future's expectation.

Live as if your life will be a long one; live for your future and align yourself with like spirits which are living the same way. Fun in the present is your past' future. Wouldn't be nice to think about the fun you'll have 30 years from now? It should be...

Have an excellent Monday Morning and you'll have an excellent week.

Monday Morning Motivation 6/20/11

2011-06-20T07:15:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the PEOPLE you CARE about...

Stand up... stand up for something you desire; something you can't live without. Question... question the many answers your life has give you to complete the circle. Care beyond yourself without losing yourself... care through honesty not fantasy.

This morning, your life could start all over again if you choose. Or you could bookmark this morning as the moment you began your journey to finally conquer the reoccurring thought in your mind. It is safe to say we all know what it takes to be a greater us. The first step is hard, that second step can't be taken lightly. Your win is waiting...

Have yourself an excellent Monday Morning, and you'll have an excellent week...

Monday Morning Motivation 6/13/11

2011-06-13T07:23:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the people you care about...

Whatever you were waiting for, this morning, get to it. Get to it because the world around you is changing faster than its ever had. Get to it before somebody else do it. Write it down before you forget it. Pass it along to someone better at executing plans. This morning, get to it.

Prepare your mind for the long haul. And like food as nourishment for your body, be very particular about what nourishes your mind. I can't say this enough, "Slow your life down." Cherish a moment. Stop and smell a rose before you forget what roses smell like. Make time for your passions, whether reading, knitting, painting, etc. Make time for a good friend or family member. Make a phone call instead of a text. Meet up in-person instead of a phone call. Please do not get lost in the speed of new media life. Control what you love and dislike... follow the trend, lose your path.

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you'll have an excellent week.

Reggie Bush: Can Somebody Say "Selfish"?

2011-06-07T09:49:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, the BCS stripped the University of Southern California (USC) of their 2004 National Championship in direct effect of NFL Gadget Player, Reggie Bush actions.

Reggie, now a disgruntled New Orleans Saint, was recently stripped of his Heisman Trophy because the Bush family received impermissible benefits during his college eligibility. Many would say the punishments USC was levied with was far too much, over a college student taking money and gifts. Many would even say that Reggie took money, not steroids. Where is the unfair advantage in that...

Simple, steroids is an unfair advantage on the field. Receiving gifts and benefits for playing a college sport, when many other aren't is an advantage off the field. Yes, college students have been accepting impermissible benefits for decades. Hundreds of college athletes never got caught. But they knew the consequences if they were.

The unfair advantage of receiving gifts as an amateur athlete is separated from college athletes that comes from family with money. People like Reggie was accepting money from people with professional Football connects. By taking this money, decisions could be swayed on a political level. "We give you this, you guarantee us this." A college athlete accepting money from his family member doesn't sway decisions.

College athletes accepting gifts like money, cars, and homes are less likely to be stressed out about their next meal; they also have the unfair advantage of professional trainers working with them, all the necessities to seal a future deal.

Reggie Bush is selfish simply because he knew the consequences of getting caught, but his arrogance blinded his present moment. He cheated his way to a huge Rookie contract and played most of his games in the NFL as a backup running back/gadget player. In the end, his actions have set back USC at least 7-10 years. But he got what he wanted right?

- Posted using BlogPress from my Beautiful iPad 2

Monday Morning Motivation 6/6/11

2011-06-06T07:20:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the People you Care About...

You've questioned yourself long enough. All the risks swirling in your mind are nothing more than obstacles your previous setbacks created. It's time. It's time to take your life to a new place. It's time to question yourself as to why you haven't taken that next step.

There are so many things you could do with the knowledge you've obtained; so many things you could do with your passions within. There is no fear, just questions. Answer those questions this morning. And you will take your life forward this week.

Christofer Drew of Never Shout Never Raising Money For Hometown Of Joplin, MO

2011-06-02T14:05:00.001-04:00

Christofer Drew and his band Never Shout Never call Joplin, Missouri home. The 20-year-old singer/songwriter grew up and currently resides in Joplin. While Drew and his family were not harmed by the devastating tornados last week, many of his friends and band members were greatly affected.

"Joplin is my home. It is the place where I find comfort and rest. The tornado that hit our community was not only devastating to the city's prosperity, but also the lives of the victims. My greatest hope is that after the cameras leave, we will not be forgotten. I love this city and plan to stand by its side until it is completely restored and livable. We are all encouraged by the help we've received. Thank you everyone." - Christofer Drew/Never Shout Never

To help raise money for his hometown, Christofer has put together a campaign with the United Way and hopes to raise 1 Million dollars for Joplin:

Text "JOMO" to 50555 to donate $10 to the immediate and long-term relief of Joplon, MO.

To increase awareness, Christofer went around Joplin this past weekend with his video camera and edited together a montage of the destruction. The video can be SEEN HERE and features the never before heard Never Shout Never song "Time Travel."

Next week, Never Shout Never will have a new track available for sale with all proceeds going towards Joplin relief.

http://www.nevershoutnever.com/
http://twitter.com/christoferdrew
http://www.facebook.com/nevershoutnever

Monday Morning Motivation 5/23/11

2011-05-23T07:26:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the people you care about...

Moving forward can be the trickiest thing. Whether moving forward from a failed plan, failed relationship, the process in which we move forward will play a leading role in every move we make afterwards. When we take the smallest steps, we move forward. However, if your goal is to the left or right of you, moving forward, moves you further away.

This morning, pay attention to the reoccurring thoughts which have haunted you; the things you believed you moved forward from but your mind is telling you otherwise. Like in relationships, when they're over, the worst thing we could do is replace the physical, without addressing the mental first. Same thing with our career goals. We must fully address and assess our failures before commanding our future. DO NOT allow those haunting thoughts to scream and howl over your passions. Take command over your past, command your Future.

A Special Congratulations goes out to my friend Adam Bernard. Over the weekend, he received his Masters Degree in American Studies. I remember our conversations when he was thinking about going back to school. He was going back and forth with it too. But when he quieted his past, a few years later, he commanded his future. I'm proud of you sir. You're an inspiration to the world.

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you'll have an Excellent Week!!!

Down But Not Out (Crime Scene Ignited) <-- Part 3

Monday Morning Motivation 5/16/11

2011-05-16T07:24:00.001-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the People you Care About...

Thank you... a thank you goes a long way. A Thank You extends the efforts of those people in your corner. Heartfelt appreciation still matters. And thanking someone is something our current society can't desensitize.

Be courteous. Fight off any awkward energy you may have in saying, "Thank You". Some of us try to use slang to get around it. Some of us simply say we appreciate the kind gestures. But a "Thank You" goes a long way. Your efforts and production will amplify using these two words. It is the simple things which make this life beautiful. I Thank You for YOUR support.

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you will have an amazing week.

Monday Morning Motivation 5/9/11

2011-05-09T07:16:00.001-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the people you care about...

What are you willing to give up, to live up to your greatest possibilities? What are you willing to walk away from to begin from Day 1?

This Monday Morning is your Start/End. Today, you should think about the reality and perceptions of your current life, keep them separated like laundry and choose which parts of your life are worth the wear. Many of us start new paths without labeling these paths in our mind first. If you want to get into the best shape of your life, the reason should not be obvious; it should be real to YOUR life. That reason must fit into the right category to make it YOUR own. No more DVD's in the CD drive. Truly do what works for you.

Have an Excellent Monday Morning, and you will have an Excellent Week!

Monday Morning Motivation 5/2/11

2011-05-02T06:58:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to YOU and the people you care about...

This is simply a reminder that you can't stop. Obstacles are the one thing every human, no matter the age, will face sometime over the course of our lives. When you reach this obstacle, this checkpoint in your life, it will be difficult to overcome, but you can't stop.

Overcoming Obstacles are the one thing every human, no matter the age, will ACCOMPLISH! Sure, getting over that hump will be the toughest thing you ever do. But you only have to do it ONCE! See, that's your gift of accomplishment. Once you have defeated an obstacle, that obstacle loses its power; you know how to win now; as a matter of fact, you are now able to teach others how to overcome what you've just conquered.

This Monday Morning is simply a reminder that YOU CAN'T STOP! Your accomplishments are your legacy. Your victories will be your children's accomplishment, at a younger age. Because your accomplishments are now a part of the DNA you pass down. This is just a reminder.

Have yourself an excellent Monday Morning, and you will have an amazing week.

Monday Morning Motivation 4/25/11

2011-04-25T07:11:00.000-04:00

An excellent Monday Morning to you and the people you care about...

Each journey in your life will begin with a first step. And this first step could signify the first time you study, the first time your write a lyric, the first time you catch a ball. It could be anything. But the point is, it is your first step, not your fifteenth step.

Anything worth accomplishing deserves a fresh start, a first step. In order to conquer a world, you must first conquer your neighbor, then your city, then your county, then your state, then your region, then your country, then your continent and so on. Many times, we fail because we decide that we want it all at once, like wanting the wedding ring but forgetting to build the friendship or trying to conquer the world but starting with your region instead of your neighborhood. We put pressure on ourselves and certain failure by not prioritizing our steps.

This morning, take the opportunity to prioritize your steps. Ask yourself, "Did I skip an important step to save time?" This morning is about positive progression and it is ALWAYS about "Passion Work".

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you will have an excellent WEEK!

Monday Morning Motivation 4/18/11

2011-04-18T07:43:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to the World...

I dare you to say, "I can be my absolute best, this morning." I dare you. Your total life is waiting for you to not get any sleep one night because you couldn't stop creating. Your total life is waiting for you to run that extra mile this morning. Your total life is not destiny or fate, it is simply what awaits.

The importance of starting your week on the right track has nothing to do with putting your best foot forward. It has everything to do with realizing that every step or every move you make has the potential to be a great one. In your mind, you must put a new plan to action; that every step or every move you make, is the best step leading to your next step. Make the sidewalk glow this morning, and you'll keep it glowing for the rest of the week.

Purchase "Crime Scene Ignited" (1 of 15) on Amazon.com for $1

2011-04-14T19:13:00.000-04:00

The exclusive "Kindle Singles" mini-series "Crime Scene Ignited" The Origin of Valor Simmons (Crime Scene Ignited) is now live on www.Amazon.com and ready for your dramatic/poetic/erotic reading enjoyment.

The “Crime Scene Ignited” E-Book series follows the everything-but-normal world of Valor Simmons and Innya Nkanga. Valor and Innya, once linked by one-degree in separation as youth, were introduced as young adults in the most outlandish way: During a Four-way.

Mr. Simmons and Ms. Nkanga both have a unique stories to tell with precise conclusions. In “The Origin of Valor Simmons”, you will immediately be dropped in the middle of a pivotal moment in Valor’s life. The narration is so vivid, you’d swear one of the characters just asked you to bring them a drink.

This exclusive mini-series, written by Will "Deshair" Foskey will release one installment, over the next 15 months.

"Crime Scene Ignited is available on Amazon Kindle. If you do not own a Kindle eReader, but own a Smartphone, you can download the Kindle App for free."

Use this link to purchase: The Origin of Valor Simmons (Crime Scene Ignited)

Monday Morning Motivation 4/11/11

2011-04-11T07:40:00.000-04:00

An excellent Monday Morning to everyone reading this message...

Consistency is everything... momentum is key... desire is what drives our dreams to become reality.

There isn't much more to say than that. Just think "Consistency and Momentum" this morning. Think about what you have been building and what it took for you to get to this morning, still standing with your life's work. Clear your minds' clutter, whether of failed goals, terrible relationships, anything that is taking up a lions share of your current thoughts. Because in order to grow your work, you will need every bit of space you could open up, to continue on your path to success. And please remember, your path and your success are your OWN. Enjoy every moment, every accomplishment, and each time someone congratulates you. Even your dreams need reinforcement.

Have an excellent Monday Morning, so you could have an excellent week. Stay strong and motivated, while motivating others...

Monday Morning Motivation (4/4/11)

2011-04-04T07:24:00.000-04:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to All!

Last week, the focus was on truly going out there and commanding your "NOW". And from so many messages I've received throughout the week, you've made your "NOW" matter to the world. Because the world is your enormity. It is NOT an exaggeration. What you do this Monday Morning can, and will change the world. Say to yourself, "My Cause is your Effect."

We are dominoes in this life. We move forward, for others to move forward. Our momentum takes us forward, but the people we touch, the people we inspire, protects us from hitting the ground by giving us something to lean on.

So this morning, "Support your Supporters." Support those that pushed your forward to a point that you pushed someone else forward. Support isn't always constant. And it doesn't have to be constant to make an impact on your life, and the lives that you inspire. By supporting the dominoes on both sides of your world, you'll bring all the positive energy back to one place to form a special formation of unity in life. How could you not WIN this week? You WILL!!!!!

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you'll have an Excellent Week!

(All Twitter users, please utilize #DominoeSupport as much as you can this week. And if anyone ask you what it means, refer this to www.TheRacetoNowhere.Blogspot.com #MondayMorningMotivation for 4/4/11)

Monday Morning Motivation (3/28/11)

2011-03-28T07:23:00.000-04:00

This Monday Morning and this week is YOURS! No Doubt about it! You will NOT be denied. It is impossible and I will tell you why.

Because your greatness knows no bounds. The only thing that could stop you from reaching your goals would be turning your back on completing them. Make your phone calls this morning. Set up your lunch and your dinner meetings for this week, this morning. Make your future happen this morning!

I remember hearing a Mixed Martial Arts fighter say, "An opponent could defeat me in the ring, but they can't defeat my heart. My heart is undefeated." And so was that fighter. Your heart can't be defeated this week! Go Get'em!

Chris Brown: Why He Needs your Support

2011-03-22T11:06:00.001-04:00

Short and sweet is the way to go, so here goes nothing.

We can all agree that the incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna, A FEW YEARS AGO, startled many of us. That incident changed the course of their careers, and in hindsight, not for the better.

The Villian and the Victim had a line drawn between them, and on the scarred surface, Rihanna stood out to be the overwhelming victim, while Chris' image underneath the surface was scarred forever.

Chris Brown was placed on probation, took Anger Management classes, and started his sky rocketing career at the time, from the bottom up. Rihanna took the opportunity in a mainstream interview to call Chris of all things, a monster. Rihanna's camp fed off of her then current position as a victim to sell records.

Today, Chris Brown releases his new album "F.A.M.E.". And during his media blitz, stopped by Good Morning America. My media experience would tell me that his publicists gave Good Morning America a list of topics Chris felt comfortable talking about. I'm sure his incident with Rihanna was completely off limits. They went against those limits and still brought up the incident.

This morning, Chris Brown is in the news for his outburst and breaking of windows, backstage. And everybody has an opinion, which places Chris Brown back into the Villian role. Contrary to popular critiques, Chris Brown has the right to be angry. This is his day. He has done his service, and has apologized countless times for an incident, we'll never know the full story about. It is unfair to him, that the media paints him as the poster child for relationship violence. It is unfair that he must still answer questions about that incident. And it is unfair that his anger is not being seen as a person whom has been beat down himself, for the past three years by society. Yes, he was wrong for what he done. But you can't make him as wrong as you felt he was the day after the news broke, and carry that to today.

So here is what must be done. Chris Brown simply needs your support, or no words from you at all. You need to understand what made him angry this morning, as you would like to be understood in your time of growth. You can't be so narrow minded towards others while wanting people to take you seriously.

Also, Rihanna needs to step up and say two words: Move on. They were young, at the height of their careers and far too sheltered to have been in a relationship in the first place. Rihanna's camp should know there are no more dollars to be made for her as a victim. Rihanna, please end this. It may just help your career as well.

Someone, anybody needs to step up for Chris Brown. And Good Morning America should be ashamed of themselves. Although I don't figure they will be. They got what they want, a story that trends their name, a promotional tool for themselves.

And people wonder why I stepped away from Journalism :(

Monday Morning Motivation (3/21/11)

2011-03-21T08:36:00.001-04:00

An excellent Monday Morning to you:

This morning, the motivation will be short and sweet: be yourself!

Be yourself in its truest form. Be yourself because when you're not, the people you surround yourself with aren't as well. Be yourself, good or bad, upstanding or dirtbag, heroic or villian. Your ability to smile will grow with each day you learn something new about what makes you, YOU.

Execute with excellence this week!

Know Your Role, or Shut Your Mouth

2011-03-14T13:23:00.001-04:00

Learn your role in the lives of the people around you... I guarantee it will make your life so much easier to manuever through.

Monday Morning Motivation (3/14/11)

2011-03-14T07:20:00.000-04:00

An excellent Monday Morning to you and those that are closest to you...

This Monday Morning I woke up thinking about one of the many early accomplishments in life: tying my shoes. This is an universal accomplishment, something that we all can share the joy of the first time we tied our shoes on our own. It felt so good, didn't it?

Some of us may not remember the exact day it happened. Many of us relive this accomplishment through our children, our nephews and nieces, etc. The accomplishment seems small, routine to us now. But we can't allow it to be. The moment we've learned to tie our shoes, in our young minds, anything was possible. And although those strings we become lose and we'd have to tie our shoes again, we knew we could do it again. And some of us even utilized the double knot when our laces gave us too much trouble.

These thoughts brought me to momentum, and how the smallest things to our world, can add to that momentum. We mustn't forget to believe in ourselves, our capabilities. Realistically, we can still do anything we put our mind to, if we keep our accomplishments important to our spirits. Remove the routine from you accomplishments, and build upon it. We will tie our shoes, our ties, our scarves, etc. and the child within us will smile that beautiful energetic smile of hope for the future.

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you will have an EXCELLENT WEEK!

To Care is to feel Excellent

2011-03-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, you can be completely happy in a relationship, without love.

Monday Morning Motivation (3/7/11)

2011-03-07T07:24:00.000-05:00

An Excellent Monday Morning is YOURS!

Personally, I must say that last Monday Morning was a changing point in my life. I not only write these letters, I live these letters. And last week, I was hit by a shot of motivation. Those that believe in me, still believe after all these years.

In a society driven by proving people wrong or accepting jealousy as a right of passage, I choose my friends, colleagues and family as my motivation. I've stayed so far away from the "hate", dodging it whenever I could. Why would I want for someone to continue telling me that I am not capable? Why would I want to keep my enemy closer? I don't see the point in either option. There is more to life. And that MORE can be achieved through one way, support.

So on this Monday Morning, use the process of elimination to shine a light on the people which without a shadow of a doubt, bring worth to your life. And to create a circle of motivation, "Support your Supporters."

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you'll have an excellent week.

How do you use your Mirror?

2011-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

We use mirrors to take pictures of ourselves, when we should use mirrors to reflect upon ourselves...

Limitless - Art Imitating Life???

2011-03-01T08:00:00.004-05:00

"Limitless" Starring Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish & Robert De Niro will be released on March 18, 2011. Bradley plays the role of Eddie Morra, an unemployed writer that is dumped by his girlfriend, Linda (wow, the story of my life). He is down and out when he is introduced to a drug called NZT. NZT makes Eddie more focused and confident. These mental upgrades turn him into an immediate success, wanted by all, to be used and to be killed.

When I heard about this movie, I instantly thought about a documentary I watched a little over a year ago about Adderall. High School students, College students and even professors are using this drug as a way to enhance their focus as well as extend their time without sleep to get work done. The drug was geared for people diagnosed with A.D.D. But on college campuses and in high school hallways, it is the best kept secret to better grades.

Now that you have seen the trailer for the movie, check out the videos below. Then ask yourself, "Is Art imitating Life?" After that, ask yourself the most important question, "With education in America already standing as the more the money, the better the education, is Adderall extending the learning gap even further?" Leave your thoughts, share this story.

Adderall Documentary (Produced by Alan Marks)

60 Minutes Clip "Is Using Adderall like Using Steroids?"

A Debate about "Adderall"

Soapbox Jargon: Look Within!

2011-03-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

No one becomes better through mediocrity. If people only realized how selfish and immature their actions were, then change, they'd do better.

Monday Morning Motivation (2/28/2011)

2011-02-28T07:11:00.000-05:00

A Special Monday Morning to YOU:

On the search for you unique greatness, look no further than in the mirror, or even better, close your eyes and look within. Because your greatness isn't out their waiting for you in the form of achievements. Your greatness is your own. As is your happiness.

Your greatness and your happiness must be your property. Life isn't living when you attach either one of these gifts to someone or something else. We make the mistake of feeling as if everything in life is a goal to achieve. Some things in life aren't goals at all. Some things in life, are already in our life. It is up to us to announce it, not to claim it.

So announce your greatness this morning; announce your happiness this morning. And make these announcements without words. Simply live them out.

Have an extraordinary Monday Morning, and you'll have an extraordinary week!

My evening at Fendi in NYC

2011-02-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Last night, I had the pleasure of going to a special event at the Fendi store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The PNK Dress Foundation, created by the breathtaking Kijafa, who also hosted this groundbreaking event, had the mission of raising money for underprivelaged female high school seniors who couldn't afford a dress for the Prom.

This was my first time in Fendi. The bright lights, statuesque security, the eye-popping layout of product, everything felt upscale (even my walk). For the ladies, there were shoegasms around every corner on the first floor and impressive clothing, including furs, on the second floor.

As for me, a lover of fashion, a man that could put together a nice outfit for any occasion, Fendi had a room for men, the size of what could've been a fancy fitting room. Nonetheless, I stood in that area for 20 minutes, eyes wide, mouth shut at the swag pieces to choose from.

Unlike a majority of the guest that strolled in, sat down and kept grabbing champagne glasses from the waiter before he could take 5 steps, I was there for the support of the cause.

While I'm on the subject, NYC, let me talk to you for a minute. Every event isn't a "just to be seen" event. When you are invited for a cause, you bring your credit cards with you. A few people was there for the cause last night. Many of you just wanted to say you were in the Fendi store, sipping champagne, meeting up with your colleagues to listen to music, hoping to leave with a gift bag, and that wasn't enough.

To those that supported the PNK Dress Charity cause last night, I support the supporters. You've made a difference that will count a few months from today when a young woman from Philadelphia can smile at herself in the mirror, while wearing a dress, you played a major part in.

Special thanks to 3BG for the invite. Oh, so what did I purchase???

Some sneakers that gave me a gasm... And will make a difference.

Let us NOT accept HATE!

2011-02-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Even haters are a part of Supply and Demand. You give them power by mere mentions of their efforts. How do they have access to you anyway?

When did ESPN become TMZ?

2011-02-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

Maybe I'm one of those guys that can leave the channel on ESPN for hours, even through show loopings. Maybe I know the daily schedule by heart. Maybe, just maybe I'm one of those guys women complain about; asking, "Why have 300 channels, when you barely watch more than one of the channels?" One thing I now know for sure, its time for me to check out other channels. Because over the years, the past two specifically, "ESPN has become a 24/7, TMZ." And I'm not a TMZ fan.

I know when it all started. It had to have been the Kobe Bryant Press Conference.

That is when it all started. Not with O.J. Simpson. I know this might sound discerning, but that was nothing more than a car chase and a trial of characters where O.J. barely talked. It was this Kobe Bryant conference, a star falling, a wife crumbling, a lawyer clearly defending. The difference between OJ and Kobe was clear; Kobe had a career ahead of him to rebuild. And so he has. This moment in Sports history set a new path, spreading out the boundaries in which media could maneuver and intrude.

Many events have transpired since Kobe apologized. Here's one:

The Mike Vick case, this press conference, the money he lost, the time he served, the hate he still receives to this day, had to be one of the longest running Sports stories. From his fall, to his uncertain future, to becoming starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, the media has stayed on top of the story and even molded it to their liking; making the Mike Vick story all about "Redemption". About five years in, who knows if the media will ever let it go.

But this right here is the story which took ESPN and Sports coverage over the tabloid edge:

Tiger Woods was a whirlwind of surprise after jaw dropping surprise. A family man, acting like a drunken college student was all the rage. Arguably the best sports athlete at the time, Tiger had everything to lose, and he lost close to everything, mainly his image. With each woman that stepped up to say she had sexual relations with Tiger Woods, tabloid energy soaked into the way Sports would cover their off-the-field news. Now more than ever, it wasn't enough to just cover the news, now, the media became more a part of the news, even molding it.

After Tiger, Sports Media wanted more out of their product, at all costs. And Lebron James just happened to come along at the wrong time with this:

People can say what they want about Lebron James approach in making his decision. But it was the news coverage that blew this moment out of control. It wasn't just NBA analysts that talked about "The Decision"; if you came to work as an NFL analyst, you talked about Lebron. Everything was Lebron, even when a day before, his teammates Wade and Bosh also held a Press Conference making their decision.

Recently, Carmello Anthony was the target of excessive news coverage up until Monday night when the deal finally happened, making him a Knick. I am happy the trade finally happened. I was to a point then whenever Carmello was made the topic of discussion, I had to turn the channel. And now, turning the channel, just feels like the right thing to do.

Choose Your Wealth Advice Wisely...

2011-02-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

I don't mind life lessons from the wealthy but once they start saying money isn't everything that's like saying breathing is for losers.

Monday Morning Motivation (2/14/11)

2011-02-14T08:56:00.001-05:00

An Excellent Monday Morning to You!

On the morning of Valentine's Day, I often reflect back to what it was like to give away Valentine's Day cards, in Elementary School. What we thought was LOVE, was so innocent at the time. We gave, and we received. We were more sentimental; we created cards with color paper and got our hands messy with glue. We paid attention to detail, and gave what we felt was special, even if it wasn't legible.

This morning, pay attention to the details of your life. Make yourself fully of what it will take to reach your next platform. And don't be afraid to get your hands all gluey.

Find your innocence, your inner child, and reach out to the very person you feel needs to hear from you. Tell them that you care about them. Trust me, telling a person you care is far stronger than wavering with love. Appreciate the life you have and the lives you touch.

Have youself an amazing Monday Morning and you'll have an excellent week.

Monday Morning Motivation (2/7/11)

2011-02-07T08:41:00.001-05:00

This is your morning!

Ok, it won't be easy but it is definitely your morning. You must do one thing: Live in the Moment. Living in the moment isn't easy when you haven't a clue of what is distracting you from doing so.

Distractions have grown into a way of life for many of us, unknowingly. Whether it's social networking, mainly social networking, texts, emails, BBM, Skype, relationships, etc. distractions are the gate keepers to us living in the moment.

The old adage of stopping to smell the roses has become, "At least don't crush the rose as you speed by."

This morning, take a moment to think about your everyday life; your everyday distractions. What can you do to ease off or simply calm your mindstate to lessen these distractions; to focus on the here and now. We tend to build better futures for ourselves when we plan for those moments now. We must afford paying attention. Live in the moment.

Have an excellent Monday Morning, and you'll have an excellent week.

Monday Morning Motivation (1/31/11)

2011-01-31T08:45:00.001-05:00

A Legendary Monday to YOU:

What is the point of motivation, if it doesn't cover every base? Career motivation is one thing. Life motivation is another. But it is relationship motivation that many of us need.

Having a support system is a beautiful gift. It's only human to feel so much better about who we are when we have someone that cheers us on; someone we could cheer on. But in life, finding that support system, and keeping it, is a tough go.

One of the reasons is because our past is placed into an unforgiving state. Our pain has taken over, haunts us from day to day, rendering us helpless to the future. But all of that can change, if you begin to forgive YOURSELF.

We see that excellent relationship and dream of having it ourselves. So we tend to create an excellent relationship with someone, instead of allowing for it to grow on its own. Some of us are in caring relationships, yet still choose to use it against the person they're with; to cheat on their special someone, instead of placing all their caring into a person they're lucky to have in the firdt place.

This morning, let's take a moment to look into ourselves, to stand present with the ghosts of our relationship pasts, and begin our cleansing process of those bad feelings keeping us from a healthier companionship in the future. If you have someone in your life that adores you, yet you can't help but to stray off, do them a favor, care for once and walk away; or simply devote your energy and time to the person that supports your life.

Life is so short. Not just your life, but the person that you are with, want to be with, or left behind. It's time that we all do our part to protect a heart.

Have an extraordinary Monday Morning and you'll have an extraordinary week.

Monday Morning Motivation (1/24/11)

2011-01-24T08:30:00.001-05:00

Great Monday Morning Everyone!

I hope that this letter reaches you in excellent spirits. When was the last time you've heard, "Today is your day!" Well, you've just read it. Now walk ovee to a mirror and say it to yourself: Today is my day.

Because it really is your time. The moment is right now, and the future, every second you have, is the reward of this moment. What will you do with Right Now?

Will you send emails or make phone calls to the people you haven't talked to in quite some time? Will you openly think about what makes you great and share this energy with others? Will you continue on one path while ending another?

I dare you to be above and beyond this morning. I dare you to be amazingly extraordinary, even if this energy last for 4 hours. I dare you to be yourself, at your best.

Monday Mornings Matter, so make them count like a child that finally counted from 1 to 100 and feels pure joy and pride because of their accomplishment. Go Get'em!!!!

Monday Morning Motivation (1/17/11)

2011-01-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

A Grand Monday Morning to you:

On this special Monday Morning, I'll keep this letter short. One of the greatest motivators in American History, a true inspiration of mine, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrates a 25th Anniversary of a holiday he earned in life by understanding the change he wanted to see in American, could bring him an early and tragic death.

Dr. King lived and loved without fear. And he was very aware of his purpose. So this morning, "Be KING like." Live and love without fear; become more aware of your purpose, big or small. Fearlessly be yourself. Learn what the small things are in your life, and complain less. Grab onto the things that make your heart sing and surround those things with a choir of good spirits.

Stay strong and motivated...

Monday Morning Motivation (1/10/11)

2011-01-10T08:42:00.001-05:00

A splendid Monday Morning to you:

This morning, being better than ever is an understatement; being "yourself" is is the very top of the mountain. Individuality is living; coming together to form alliances is what makes us human.

Acting is a thing of the past. You can't be everything to everybody and not expect to be a shell of yourself. Losing track of your identity only leads to the people around you losing hope in your abilities.

So this morning, look at an old picture of yourself, then ask, "Who was I, then? Who was I trying to be then? Am I that person now?" Life is beautiful, it is the ultimate challenge. How do you choose to step up to that challenge, this week?

Have an extraordinary Monday Morning, and you'll have an extraordinary week.

I'm guessing you want to be hated?

2011-01-08T08:53:00.001-05:00

Even haters are a part of Supply and Demand. You give them power by mere mentions of their efforts. How do they have access to you anyway?

I am... STILL

2011-01-07T16:12:00.001-05:00

I am who I am, still... Your perception doesn't change my reflection.

Soapbox Jargon: Who are We?

2011-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

We're all somebody and nobody; depending on who we're around, and the perspectives of those which look on...

Hunt Your Past Pains, Eliminate them...

2011-01-04T15:48:00.001-05:00

Work daily on putting the ghosts of your past to rest. It is a process, not a quick fix. But if you could quiet one voice, it's worth it.

Monday Morning Motivation (1/3/11)

2011-01-03T08:56:00.001-05:00

A Phenomenal Monday to All!

Evolution over Resolution. This morning is the moment you come face to face with the extension to a previous idea; an idea to grow on; the idea that has been haunting your thoughts and never made it to paper. So pay attention this morning, this week at best, write every idea you have on paper, on your smartphone or computer. Don't miss out.

There is one more thing for you to think about this morning. For those of you that are in relationships, it is of utmost importance that you evaluate your significant other and whether or not they extend your personality and drive, or take from it. Focusing becomes more difficult with each object in your life lens. When you are with the wrong energy, you lose focus on all your objects, some are lost for the duration of your relationship. When you are with the right energy, this person helps you to focus on your goals, expand on your skills; you have someone that you want to be great for. Even if you're not in a relationship, keep these things in mind. A picture out of focus is low on, you've guessed it, resolution. Evolution is key.

Once again, thank you for all the support; the forwards, the retweets, the Facebook "likes" for Monday Morning Motivation. I am extremely humbled.

Have an amazing Monday Morning, and you'll be rewarded with an extraordinary week. Stay strong and Motivated.

Life Tip of the Week:

2011-01-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you have to disconnect just enough to see how valuable you are to others...

The Death of Lonliness

2010-12-28T12:00:00.001-05:00

People feel lonely because they are still lost in their past and would hate to accept it. Move on, lose the lonliness...

Soapbox Jargon: Scared of the Future

2010-12-28T10:32:00.001-05:00

Some people are so burned by their past, they don't want to fall for the present...

Monday Morning Motivation (12/27/10)

2010-12-27T08:52:00.001-05:00

Great Monday Morning!

To all the Northeast residents, we aren't afraid of a little snow are we; stuck but not scared. Today is the last Monday of 2010, so instead of putting together a "Best-of" I'd rather that we all are reflective of the Mondays of our past 12 months and the achievements we now hold dear.

Now isn't the time to reset our plans, only enhance them, evolve them. Now is the best time to be YOU and live YOUR life in a way that inspire others.

On a sad note, the music world lost an amazing voice and woman, over the weekend, Teena Marie. Whether you pray or meditate, if you have some great energy to share, her family and friends could use it. Teena's loss like any other loss of life should be a reminder that we can't take this life we have, for granted; we must not take our loved ones for granted. It is not about whether tomorrow is promised or not. What it is about is not just setting and achieving goals, we must also set and achieve love. The way that we care and love is what makes us human. So love out loud.

A great Monday Morning equals a Great week. Stay strong and motivated.

Enjoy Today...

2010-12-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Enjoy today, love it... Promises aside, enjoy today, and enjoy tomorrow when it becomes today.

Monday Morning Motivation (12/20/10)

2010-12-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

Great Monday Morning to ya'!

This is my second to last MMM for the calendar year of 2010. But there is no end in sight. Greatness has our name engraved in it. All we have to do is go to the store and pick it up.

But don't get me wrong, greatness isn't reserved like a dinner for two at a Five Star Restaurant. Greatness is attached to every plan, every goal we set out to achieve. The question is, "Are you leaving your Greatness at the store, for pick-up?"

We set goals all the time. Some of those goals just aren't meant to be. The growing population of "haters" are often wrong about their subjects. We must face the fact that sometimes, your "hater" might be right. (I know, where did that come from).

With that in mind, be sure that your new goals are full of passion. Passion work is the way live. It is overwhelming and rewarding. If you are living your passion, continue it. If you are well on your way to it, evolve until you reach it.

Have a great and productive Monday Morning and you will have a great and productive week. Stay strong and motivated.

Look within, then outward...

2010-12-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

What's the point of cleaning out your closet, if the clothing on your back, are just as filthy??? Start with yourself...

Relatable Quips

2010-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Love doesn't live here anymore... It got foreclosed on...

Monday Morning Motivation (12/13/10)

2010-12-13T08:39:00.001-05:00

Great Monday Morning!

It feels so good to be back. Back at it everyday, taking no prisoners or names. Being in that special zone that we all have; when everything falls into place.

You'll be surprised how often things fall into place; that if you pay attention to everything, not just the struggle, you'll find that your life's triangles, fit in your daily triangle shapes.

This Monday Morning, lets take the time to place the right shape, through the right hole. Squares do not fit into circles. If it isn't working, evolve to a new circle to fit in that space.

For all I know, we only get one of these lives. We have to proceed to what make our shapes fit. Indianapolis Colts Quarterback, Peyton Manning, said something amazing at one of his press conferences last week in regards to adversity: People would tell me hang 'in' there; I was never 'out' there.

We can always be better, we can always adjust on the fly. But sometimes we must stop trying to jam hexagon into a rectangle. (wow, I hope this letter clicks) :)

Have a great Monday morning, and you will have an excellent week. Stay Strong and motivated.

TuneUp gives iTunes an Upgrade

2010-12-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

If you’re anything like myself, you wouldn’t stand for anything being out of place. Back when our music libraries were on CD stands, I’d have a fit if one of my CD’s were in the wrong case. Today, I’d catch the same fit if the music I upload to iTunes doesn’t appear with the correct cover art or name, for that matter.

So when I was introduced to TuneUp, I immediately loaded up the plug-in and dove into it. TuneUp is the #1 selling plug-in for iTunes, and for good reason. This plug-in fixes mislabeled song information, so you can do away with “Track 1” or “Unknown Artist”. I found it very useful for the many “Best-of” CD’s I have. When you upload a “Best-of” album, normally, every song will share the cover art for that album. With TuneUp, you can click on the “Cover Art” feature and this plug-in will find every cover art that is connected to each song. Pick the cover art of your choice and click, Save.

Also, you can share your playlist information on Facebook and Twitter, from TuneUp. I used this feature to upload the top 5 songs I’ve played the most, to my Facebook. And minutes later, my friends were clicking “like”. This feature will also let you share the last five songs you’ve played.

I’m simply excited about the fact my songs by Aaliyah, now have the proper cover art. TuneUp cost $23.96 until the end of the year (20% off). So grab yourself this useful plug-in, ask for it as a holiday gift, or buy it for someone you know that cares about the neatness of their music library, as much as I do.

Soapbox Jargon

2010-12-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

I want people to see themselves for whom they truly are... If happiness your goal, be yourself; even of yourself isn't all that nice...

A Gift to Live By...

2010-12-08T08:52:00.001-05:00

If it is humanly seen, it is humanly possible - Will "Deshair" Foskey

USA Network and The Moth presented A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power

2010-12-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

Last night, USA Network multi-platform public service campaign Characters Unite (www.CharactersUnite.com) joined forces with the acclaimed not-for-profit organization The Moth (www.TheMoth.org) for a special storytelling event called “A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power”. The event was held at the New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The purpose of the event was the storytellers of the evening, to share personal experiences with Discrimination and Bigotry.

The Moth is dedicated to the art and craft of telling stories. On this night, one of its ongoing programs, The Moth Mainstage, was in full effect. Special guest storytellers were Hip-Hop Recording Artist and Actor Mos Def, Paralympian and actress Aimee Mullins, the author of ‘The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates’ Wes Moore, Creative Director at Barney’s New York Simon Doonan, and Anti-Bullying Activist Sirdeaner Walker. The event was hosted by Tony Award Winner Kristin Chenoweth and attended by a long list of USA Network stars from shows like Psych, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs, and White Collar. Tom Brokaw was a very special guest.

We, at The Race to Nowhere, had the honor of speaking to many of these stars and storytellers. And with excellent media in attendance, we decided to ask every attendee one question: Who was the greatest storyteller of your lifetime; and please share a story from this special person that you remember most or played an important part in molding the person you are today? And here are a few of those answers:

Tiffani Thiessen of “White Collar”: My grandmother; my grandmother for sure. She was raised in a different time, a very different world. She didn’t have her parents raise her. Her grandparents raised her. She was married at 16. So it was the stories of when she was young, showed how much she perservered, and got through it all. My grandmother is a very strong woman and the reason why mother is strong, and I am strong. (she warmly smiled afterwards)

Dule Hill of “Psych”: I would say my grandfather Barris Hill, the late Barris Hill. He would tell me stories about growing up in Jamaica, and what his grandmother and grandfather would look like. Long of the short, growing up, he told me how he found out what his real name was after leaving the Army and going into the Police force. (he laughed to himself)

Sharif Atkins of “White Collar”: That’s a great question. My grandfather on my father side was a great storyteller. He just had this way of telling stories about his childhood; he and his brothers growing up. He grew up in an era where things aren’t as they were now, in the 30’s. He was able to tell some interesting stories that gave me great perspective on the life that I am able to live now. Let me paraphrase one of his stories. My grandfather’s father owned a plot of land. And it just so happened that the town drove right through that land. Once that plot of land was purchased, his father requested that people must go around. This was an African-American man laying down the law of his land during that era. So he had a neighbor that decided he wanted to still drive go through this plot of land. So his father brought a shotgun and told people that if they continue to go through his land, he will use it. So this neighbor drove through the plot, and his father shot out the rearview mirror and another mirror on the car. After that, the neighbor drove around. He stood up for himself at a time when being African-American and standing up for yourself didn’t always end well. But he earned the respect of his neighbor and they became friends. (he smiled thinking about the story)

Tim Dekay of “White Collar”: The greatest storyteller to me was my grandmother. I couldn’t call her grandmother at the time so I called her Danna. So we named our daughter Danna, after her. She would tell my brother and I stories before we went to bed. She told this story: When she was little, her and her sister had a room upstairs. The only heat in the house came from a wood stove downstairs which would rise up through a grate on the floor. They had an uncle that lived with them. His name was Uncle Audley. He was a quiet man, a bald man. One day when my grandmother and sister were in bed, they looked down through the grate in the floor and saw their bald uncle reading a paper. Now these were two good little girls, never done a thing wrong. My grandmother said she had such an impulse to spit on his head. So she did it! She said he was reading the paper and without even looking up, he just wiped his head. He yelled to her mother and said, “Ione, you are about to be shy a young’n in a second.” (he smiled brightly after telling the story) Great question, thanks for asking.

For more information, go to www.TheMoth.Org or www.CharactersUnited.com to join this amazing movement.

Are you Walking or Swimming?

2010-12-07T09:45:00.001-05:00

Some people don't realize how shallow they are until they find themselves walking, NOT SWIMMING in the pool.

The Key to Life still needs a Door

2010-12-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

Teenagers want to be adults, senior citizens wish to have their adult years back, and adults are taking the best years of human life for granted. Wake up!

Signs of a Cheater

2010-12-06T14:00:00.001-05:00

Are you dating someone that is never satisfied; everything done can be better in their eyes - these are the tendacies of a cheater.

Monday Morning Motivation (12/6/10)

2010-12-06T08:53:00.001-05:00

Achievements, large and small are what drives us towards success. They are career incentives, the dots we connect with lines. Achievements are the "set" between "Ready" and "Go". And this morning, this Monday morning will bring new meaning to, "Going Out and Getting It!"

This morning, use your auto-focus, find your balance and set up your achievements for the week. If you're on Twitter and is 500 tweets away from 20,000, set your achievement of 500 tweets in five days. We are not reaching for goals this week; we are reaching achievements. While I'm speaking on Twitter, use www.Laterbro.com - a tweet scheduling site which works wonders for the business minded.

I'd like to thank everyone supporting Monday Morning Motivation. A few sites have picked it up and some are even forwarding it out to their friends and family, so feel free to do the same.

Achieve your personal greatness, your signature greatness. Then share it with the world. Because anything that's humanly seen is humanly possible. Stay strong and motivated.

Guilt can be Smart...

2010-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Guilt is a ghostly entity... Guilt would have you thinking someone is taking shots at you, when guilt is telling you the truth about YOURSELF. So listen up.

Soapbox Jargon: Your Ex...

2010-11-30T16:00:00.002-05:00

DO NOT allow your ex, to walk away with the best of you.
If you are not as good a person as you were before you ex, get back to that.
If you have put on an alarming amount of weight while with your ex, lose that weight.
DO NOT believe your best days are behind you, when your best days have yet to come...

Monday Morning Motivation (11/29/10)

2010-11-29T08:37:00.001-05:00

Great Monday Morning to you and to those your energy will inspire. Momentum is a beautiful thing; like the snowflake at the top of a mountain which comes together with other snowflakes, create a movement to become a snowball, then ultimately an avalanche.

This Monday Morning, as many in the past have proven with us growing together, we are becoming that avalanche. Yes, natural disasters can be created by an event such as this; but also, natural success.

Today, let's get the best ball rolling. The keyword is: Synergy. Of the chosen few around you, who are the best at assisting you in developing your avalanche? Not only that, which person do you bring the best out of? Let's focus on those people this morning, so that we can have the best Monday Morning, all week long.

Relationship Reform: Be the Truth

2010-11-26T08:00:00.011-05:00

People enter into relationships based on lies... Lying all the way to the alter. Marriage counseling can't and won't save your relationship. It will end the way it started, even if you try to ignore the ending.

Tighten Your Jar, Ladies

2010-11-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

Ladies, no man should know the taste of the cookies in your jar in less than 90 days minimum... I don't care how backed up you are...

Monday Morning Motivation (11/22/10)

2010-11-22T08:55:00.001-05:00

Let's have a toast to the groudbreakers; let's have a toast to us! It's Monday Morning; your time, our time. And although it is a short work week for some, many of us will be on our job in the middle of a turkey slicing.

2010 is coming to a close. But that doesn't mean that you should be. The calendar year doesn't have to be a start/end point. Set your own, be your own. Oh, and please stop and smell a rose; I can't say that enough. You must take a deep breath, look at your accomplishments, enjoy them, then build upon them. Let's take the robot out of our lives and LIVE!

This Monday Morning is yours... No texting, make phone calls this morning. Take your good energy and share it with someone, they'll do the same for you; if not, get off the phone and try again :)

I wanted to thank everyone that showed their interest in helping me raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. I am still putting finishing touches in before collected the donations. All of you are the best!

Lastly, I'd like to congratulate the lovely, free spirited Tanya Beardsley. She is a Zumba Dance Instructor in NYC and a weekly supporter of Monday Morning Motivation. Last week, XBOX 360 Kinect released "Zumba Fitness" and Tanya is a virtual instructor in the game! I had the opportunity of testing out the game with her, a few months back. She is a whirlwind! :)

Remember, your week ahead will mirror what you accomplish this morning. Let's have a toast to us!

Black Friday starts TODAY!

2010-11-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Use this link to bring you to the best deals on the Internet before BLACK FRIDAY: http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=384082011&tag=ther0fb-20

Another person's...

2010-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Another person's mistake should not become your fear.

Every Second...

2010-11-20T08:40:00.001-05:00

Every second, there are three doors to choose from...

Your happy must be your own.

2010-11-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

You can't attach your happy to everything... Some things walk away from you.

Soapbox Jargon

2010-11-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's not that women dislike the good guy... Image is everything. "The Good Guy" isn't attached to as many "cool" things as bad guy are...

Soapbox Jargon

2010-11-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Love is a feeling, not an action. You can't make anyone love you, as you can't make a feeling; that would be acting.

Fear of Leaving

2010-11-16T08:10:00.001-05:00

Some people wouldn't put an end to their relationships, even of their future self came back to warn them...

You might be one of these people. And I don't expect you to admit it. But I'll wake you up to the fact that it is not your duty to be ridiculed, physically beaten or delaying your plans to keep yoir relationship afloat. It is not in your contract to live an unhealthy existence by staying. It is your fear that keeps you there. And anything that is driven by fear, will eventually drive over the edge.

It is time for you to move on...

NBA Star Jason Maxiell and Wife Brandi, Stands up to Cancer

2010-11-15T12:00:00.002-05:00

On September 10, “Stand Up to Cancer” returned to primetime television with its groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising funds to accelerate innovated cancer research bringing new therapies to cancer patients to save as many lives as possible. And two participants of that event were NBA Detroit Piston Jason Maxiell and his beautiful wife Brandi.

Jason and Brandi celebrated their one year anniversary this past August. But it was back in 2007, while dating that Brandi was unexpectedly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy resulted in Brandi losing her hair. One day she turned on a Detroit Piston’s game to find that her boyfriend shaved off his hair in a show of solidarity and endless support for his high school sweetheart. Four cycles of chemotherapy later, Brandi’s cancer has gone into remission.

The Maxiell’s sat down with Deshair to talk about their involvement with “SU2C”, survivors’ guilt, and the love which binds them together.

Deshair: Brandi, can you talk to our readers about what Stand Up 2 Cancer focuses on compared to other foundations, and the energy of the people involved.

Brandi Maxiell: I can’t really compare it to any other organization. I do know that 100% of donations go directly towards research. Stand Up 2 Cancer wants to find a cure to every cancer, not just a particular one. I really love how this foundation explains what it does in detail. I’ve met so many people through being a part of this. But I must say I really enjoyed my time spent with Kelly Osbourne. I can’t forget Ryan Seacrest; they both were great to be around, very genuine people.

Deshair: Going through such a high level of adversity, from which parts of your life did you draw the strength to carry on and how hard was it to maintain your focus on that strength?

Brandi Maxiell: It was so hard, from beginning to end. When I first went into surgery, my doctors didn’t know it was cancer. They knew something was wrong with my health, just not to what extents. Honestly, in the beginning, I went through so many tests and so much pain that I looked for the worst. I was in denial of it. And the first thing I thought about was losing my hair. I had long beautiful hair, halfway down my back and I didn’t want to lose it. I know that may sound childish, but I’m just being real about this. I was devastated. But once I lost my hair, one of the few things I cherished, I’ve gained true perspective about life. I felt that I could do anything after that. My strength came from that, but ultimately my family. I know I wasn’t the best person to deal with during those times, yet they stuck with me, encouraged me. Traveling with my now husband, fiancé at the time, really helped. By doctor’s orders, I wasn’t supposed to be traveling at the time. It wasn’t until they saw me recovering faster and feeling better about myself that they said, “Whatever she’s doing, let her do it.”

Deshair: Jason, you play very hard and efficiently on the court for the Pistons. What parts of your game has Brandi written all over it?

Jason Maxiell: Her strength is… she is so strong, a fighter, she can make it through anything. When I practiced or played, there was no such thing as adversity.

Deshair: Brandi, to survive anything, sometimes a person feels guilty being a survivor when so many others didn't... have you ever found yourself feeling survivors’ guilt and if not what did your survival bring you on an emotional level?

Brandi Maxiell: One of the reasons why I didn’t want to talk about my survival so soon was because I was still personally and emotionally going through it. I can talk about my survival now, although I still have emotional moments, I’m not crying as much as I had in the past. I had Stage 1, so I was cured. However, there was still a part of me that felt like I didn’t have the right to talk about it because I was conscious of what so many other people are still going through. I felt so bad because I was going to the Chemotherapy offices and witnessed first hand, the suffering of other women. But I had to learn and pray that this was my blessing. And I pray for others to survive this as well. My best friend’s mother just passed away from ovarian cancer. It’s hard for me to find the words to say to my best friend now that I have survived the very cancer her mother passed because of.

Deshair: Talk about your current involvement with Stand Up to Cancer?

Brandi Maxiell: I am just now getting my feet wet with it. You may have to ask me that in a few months. But I do have a walk that’s coming up. And I am hoping to be at my best for that. I want to be more involved in helping as many people as I can by telling my story and spreading hope.

Deshair: Jason, the Eastern Conference is pretty stacked this season. I’m not going to ask you about Miami… talk to us about what the Pistons will bring to the table this season.

Jason Maxiell: Well first, we will return with Tracy McGrady; he is a talented all-star caliber player that will bring a lot of experience to our team. We have a mixture of young talent and old heads (veterans) on our team. We are going to play hard Detroit Piston basketball for 48 minutes.

Deshair: It is very easy to see how much love you have for each other. I want to know from each of you, what makes your relationship work and what do you find yourselves working on to keep your connection strong?

Jason Maxiell: Brandi and I have each other’s back. We’ve been through a lot together and we are stronger than ever because of it. She is my inspiration. How could I not give all that I have on the basketball when I have a wife as strong as mine. We want to spend more time together. And she wants to get away from the cold in Detroit. So we’ll travel to places like Miami and L.A. to enjoy ourselves. Being an only child, I didn’t have someone to speak to about things. Now I can speak to Brandi about anything and everything.

Brandi Maxiell: Adding on to Jason’s statements, I had siblings, but I was older than them by 13 years, so in a way I felt like to only child socially. Jason and I are used to having our private time. When we come together, we can be ourselves. We know how to communicate. Communication is the heart and key to our relationship. We bond so well. Also, a part of our relationship was long distance. That helped us to respect each other’s space. Not to toot our own horn, but we do a great job together. Jason is my best friend. I can’t do anything without him.

Monday Morning Motivation (11/15/11)

2010-11-15T08:54:00.001-05:00

Great Monday Everyone!

I know that I am normally the one motivating, but this week, I could sure go for a few, "You can do it's" :)

Last week, I was hit with a major disappointment. An event I was organizing for the Boys & Girls Club fell through due to lack of funds. The local club I assist, recently lost between 200k - 400k in grant moneys, so they had to tighten their belts on events.

I wanted to bring to your attention that Boys & Girls Clubs across this country are suffering to no fault of their own. Even Lebron James tried to help through his "The Decision" special and look where that got him (still raised a lot of money). Maybe raising money or donating isn't your thing; giving your time is even more important. Our youth are losing after school programs that we've had as children. So hopefully, this email will inspire you to give your time, energy or even make a donation to your local club.

I will be starting a Kickstarter.com fundraiser in the coming weeks to help my local club.

Remember, it's Monday Morning! What you do over the next four hours will define your week. So get up, get up, and move something!

Monday Morning Motivation (11/8/10)

2010-11-08T08:29:00.001-05:00

Great Monday!

Last week is behind us, but it should remind us of the goals we've set and the promises we've made to ourselves. Being focused is one thing, having a higher resolution brings clarity to your overall picture.

So this morning, jot down the first 5 goals from this year that comes to your mind. Are these goals still important to you? Are these goals still in progress? Are these goals still worth it? Use the process of elimination to bring a higher resolution to your future progress.

This Monday morning matters...

Monday Morning Motivation (11/1/10)

2010-11-01T08:42:00.001-04:00

How sweet is this; not only is it Monday Morning, it is the first Monday amd first day of the month! This morning is the morning!

Make your plans, set your goals, update your calendars, do it all this morning. Do it because it works. Do it because of people like Bear Frazier, which raised close to $4000 for his film project. And although he is naturally driven, he requests that I keep these "MMM" emails coming.

There is power in positivity mixed with intensity. What you do this morning does matter, it does count towards your week. So be like Bear this week.

And please share your success stories with me. Greatness is in you.

Monday Morning Motivation (10/25/10)

2010-10-25T09:08:00.001-04:00

It's Monday Morning, do you know where your accomplishments are??? They can be anywhere, just waiting for you to claim them. Are you ready today? Are you ready to stake your claim while taking names?

Of course you are! Today is the day, this morning is the morning. Make that phone call, send out that email, tweet out that message. Own up to your mishaps, stand up for your brand, and don't take no for an answer, in any language.

Today is yours, which really means, this week is yours.

Monday Morning Motivation (10/4/10)

2010-10-04T09:16:00.001-04:00

Good Monday Morning to you and yours! When I first began writing these letters, I hadn't a clue of how they'd be the "pick me up" that my friends would anticipate the next Monday for. So I just wanted to say thank you to those people that reached back out to me with kind words of encouragement to keep Monday Morning Motivation in the mix of their lives.

It is so important that we don't allow for today to go to waste. The accomplishments of today extend into the rest of the week like a wildfire. My idea for "Jewels for Gems", a program I started at the Boys and Girls Club in Trenton NJ; developing and assisting career aspirations in our teens; was a Monday Morning idea that's doing beautifully well. I have a meeting with Dr. Cornel West tomorrow, so you know my subject ideas are being drawn up this morning. I can't waste a second of that opportunity. And I don't want for you to waste a second of any of your opportunities.

Tell yourself, "Today is the beginning of my best week ever." Assist those that are assisting themselves. Save the "helping" for 911. Be spectacular today, so you could have a productive week.

Monday Morning Motivation (9/27/10)

2010-09-27T08:44:00.001-04:00

Good Monday Morning to all!!!

I am so excited, just tickled pink and all that. I realize that the weather isn't all that beautiful, but life still is.

There are so many possibilities this week. Knowing that September 2010 will end this week, you can think back to September 1st to make sure you didn't leave any goals on the table for this month.

I wish you the best Monday ever... Everything you do today, matters.

Quote of the Day

2010-09-23T10:03:00.001-04:00

Evolving isn't quitting - Will "Deshair" Foskey

Quote of the Day

2010-09-17T13:40:00.001-04:00

Anything humanly seen is humanly possible - Will "Deshair" Foskey

Monday Morning Motivation (8/30/10)

2010-08-30T08:54:00.001-04:00

Are you ready? If not, get ready. We have made it through another week of trial and errors, successes and failures, goals set and goals accomplished. Yes, we are only getting better.

Do you want to be great this week? This is how... Love Monday. Fall in love with Today and watch your Tuesdays grow jealous. Your Tuesdays will want to be better than today, and so on. I wish you the Best Monday Ever. So you know what that means: I wish you the best week ever!

How to Prevent Toxic Relationships (Toxic Relationship Week)

2010-08-22T17:44:00.000-04:00

Every day, a heart breaks... it is crushed voluntarily and this is what tears me apart. Relationships and friendships alike, are math to me. And when I hear of two people, really being one person taking on the entire sunken ship, I can't add it up. I'm very patient when listening to someone vent about their toxic relations. But my blood begins to boil when I hear about a struggle that could've been prevented.

Toxic Relationships are very selfish on one side; often you'll find that you have a toxic character and a kind-hearted character. These are the relationships that you never hear one good thing about, yet is still in progress. Toxic does dirt, kind-hearted becomes broken, Toxic asks for forgiveness, kind-hearted gives a second chance for the 20th time.

So I wanted to put together a manual this week on how you could prevent these relationships or simply get out of them. Let's start with prevention. A Toxic Relationship doesn't just up and happen, it is nurtured from the very start. Here are some signs that your new connection could become a Toxic one:

One person manipulates the other by using certain social checkpoints like sex, the meeting of family members (parents), or wanting to get close with your children as soon as possible. Yes, the toxic will find ways to get close to your heart without doing any work. For example, if your children likes Toxic, and you love your children, Toxic makes a breakthrough on your heart, by association.
Suddenly, you're not doing the things you loved to do before meeting this person. Your toxic partner finds small ways to stand in the way of you hanging with people, whether by making you late enough to miss an event, faking sickness or offering you sex last-minute in hopes that you'd stay afterwards. This could be the same person that tries to put him or herself between you and your career.
This person does everything in their power for you to feel sorry for him or her. Sob story after childish sob story, the trick is to have you believe that they need a hero, and you're it. But you can't save a person that doesn't want to be save (and this is where most toxic relationships thrive). You are practically saving a cat from the same tree, every day; and it is your kind-hearted nature that puts you in that tree without a hitch.

As I've said, Toxic Relationships are nurtured from the very beginning. And you would be surprised how often people fall for this toxic behavior. I ask that you share this information with the people you care about. Especially the people in your life in need of this unique information.

Love Never Wavers...

2010-08-13T12:00:00.007-04:00

Love never wavers during hard times... love is a second conscious, that added protection from temptations. You can't tell a person that you love them after you beat that person unconscious; love wouldn't let you lift your hands to anyone. You can't tell a person that you love them after you got someone else pregnant; love wouldn't let you cross that line. Love doesn't waver, it doesn't wither away. You either have love or you don't have love... that is all.

An Open Letter to Bill Cosby

2010-08-12T09:38:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning, angry. I can’t remember that last time this happened. I sat at the edge of my bed for five minutes, not wondering where this feeling came from, but why. The answer was slow moving. So I got on with my morning until it hit me. The thought of our people crossed my mind.

Mr. Cosby, everyday I walk with the responsibilities and hope of our people on my shoulders. I’ve never dreaded it. I embrace it. But I can’t help but to get angry at the lack of fellowship and vision we exhibit. I think about how much strength it took for you to stand in front of your peers and tell them the raw and uncensored truth about our future if we didn’t take care of our dirty laundry. I think about how every one turned on you… how could they turn on you?

Mr. Cosby, it was you, and your vision for a stronger people that gave us “The Cosby Show.” You gave us a well-rounded, intelligent and loving African-American family to believe in at a time when our hoods were being ravaged by the Cocaine era. I’d hate to see what our people would be like today without the added boost of confidence and self worth that your show delivered. Michael Jordan wasn’t enough; Run-DMC wasn’t enough.

Speaking of those examples, who needs “Affirmative Action” when a majority of our youth recognizes success as playing a professional sport or rapping; not to mention modeling and music production. People are in an uproar about education in Urban areas. Yet in Urban areas, the unemployment rates are high, teenaged pregnancy are high, incarcerations are high; where are the tax dollars? And it’s not because of the school systems, it’s because of our home systems. An urban city can’t survive on State funds alone. Libraries are closing, Boys & Girls Clubs are cutting back, after-school programs cancelled. And people are blaming the government, when it is us that aren’t cleaning are laundry and being responsible for what we bring into this world.

I am angry and disappointed… how many more times will I have to read a rumor of your demise. Why you… why four times? The ingrate that starts these rumors can’t see the pain that it causes?! The nonsense you’ve endured over the past ten years has been nothing short of a tragedy. And through it all, you’ve smiled… through it all, you smile.
To me, you are walking, talking, and game changing Black History in motion. You were at one point “America’s Favorite Dad” on television; a national treasure. And I believe that I’ll be angry until our people come together, apologize to you, defend you, and treat you with the respect that you’ve earned over the past 50+ years.

I hope that this letter reaches you in clear mind and spirit. Mr. Cosby, your life inspired me to be better, to live better, and most important, to deliver discomfort to the masses if it is the only way to change the status quo. I am proud to say that I am a Cosby kid. Continued success to you, sir.

___
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Feeling A Way: Twitter Follower Snatchers

2010-08-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

This one is for all the @Twitter account holders out there. This is for the account holders that work so hard to build their followership, only for your followers to somehow pilfer off your results. Yes, I am “feeling a way” about this.

So how can people snatch up your followers when @Twitter promotes “Follow Fridays”? The obvious answer would be that you are willingly sharing your followers on Friday. The snatching comes when you begin to notice that your personal circles are beginning to blend together without you initiating it.

Let’s say you’ve worked hard to cultivate relationships with trendsetters, A-List talent, the wealthy, etc. You sent out all the emails, made the phone calls, appeared at Happy Hours, sang drunken karaoke tunes together, the whole nine yards. You’re following this person on @Twitter and so happen to Retweet a valuable part of a conversation with that person. Your followers have access to that message as well as to your credibility. This is where the snatching begins.

So your follower @GettingStarted (for example) reaches out to your contact (@CrownJewel) in one or two ways; by retweeting on top of your retweet or simply making a follower request. @CrownJewel, you know, the one that you’ve spent all that time cultivated a relationship with, questions the request. @GettingStarted decides to use your name as a co-sign to their credibility. Now @GettingStarted just cut their cultivating time in half by saying how cool of a person you are, and that you go way back (even if going way back means 6 months).

Suddenly, you’re looking on as one of your followers, in a separate circle, is chumming up with your crown jewel. And all your follower has to do is keep dropping your name until they don’t have to pick it up anymore.

Imagine if this happened outside of the digital world. You’re sitting at the bar with @CrownJewel when @GettingStarted walks in. You see @GettingStarted walking towards you and try to duck your head into your drink. Too late, @GettingStarted saw you and bowls through people to get where you are. @CrownJewel is talking about their work day, @GettingStarted overheard a part of it and immediately jumps on top of the conversation.

“Oh, you had a tough day, not as tough as mine,” says @GettingStarted with a laugh. “I see you’re here with my long time friend @Deshair. We go way back. @CrownJewel right? @Deshair repeats what you say from time to time. And any friend of @Deshair is a friend of mine.”

Doesn’t that come off as quite obnoxious? It gets worse. @GettingStarted takes over the conversation from there; might even do business with @CrownJewel before you do.

The only way you can get around having your followers snatched is choosing who follows you, more wisely. There is a @GettingStarted in everybody’s batch of followers, just waiting to pounce on every @CrownJewel you have. This is real. Don’t ever say you haven’t been warned.

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Deshairism of the Day

2010-08-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

When people can't afford to lose, they take the least threatening path to obscurity.

---

Follow Me on Twitter at @Deshair for more Deshairisms
You can also check the sidebar of this blog for up to the moment tweets.

Who Do You Believe In?

2010-07-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

People believe in everything but themselves. Karma, but not yourself. A higher power, but not yourself. You believe in nothing, if not yourself...

False Impressions, lead to Faulty Selections

2010-07-12T09:52:00.000-04:00

People always remember your first impression. But what happens when you forget your first impression? It happens all the time. We’re told to put our best foot forward during job interviews as well as the courting process. The issue comes when our best foot forward, isn’t a natural one.

What is perfection, really? A razor sharp haircut? Hair and nails freshly done? A new outfit with shoes fresh out of the box? Is perfection scripting your conversation in the mirror? More than likely, the perfection you are looking for is above and beyond your day to day. Taking that extra shower before your first date may seem like the best move, but if you already feel and smell fresh, are you willing to take that extra shower every time you go on a date with that specific person?

This is where false impressions take form. When you are not proceeding naturally, you are painting a picture that you must live up to; a picture that you won’t and can’t sustain for very long. This is why there are periods in most relationships where one or both people appear to become lazy. The person with the most false impressions on the table will slowly become who they really are, and their significant other has the choice of sticking it out, hoping that their interest will get back on their game or to simply walk away.

Normally before the false impressions are all but history, the relationship has already exceeded any and all expectations. These false impressions are slow lies unspoken, leading to hearts (really just emotions) soon to be broken (or disappointment).

So the solution is simple… be yourself. There is nothing wrong with looking great, smelling good, and being articulate etcetera on your first date. The problem is when you know in your soul that you can’t sustain this impression; that you’ll eventually forget the person you were that night.

Not Interested? Don't Give him Your Number!

2010-06-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

My phone would ring, I'd pick it up and there is this nervous sounding guy on the other end. "Wrong Number," he says before hanging up. My phone would ring again. He is calling back, thinking that maybe he dialed the wrong digit. I pick up the phone again, this time with a little more attitude, and he hangs up.

I shake my head because I know that some young lady gave him a phone number that wasn't her own. I've been there; calling a woman I just met only to be asked, "Pick up or delivery?"

My question to women that commit this unspoken social crime is, "If you're not interested, why give out false hope?"

I understand, there is outdated social code that women play hard to get. This code causes for men to become aggressive in gaining a woman's time, in this case, phone number.

The dating game has changed on many levels. These days you'll find that women are more of "Go Getters" when it comes to getting what she wants. If she is interested, as a man or a woman, you'll know.

But what I find to be an issue is when bullying comes into play. Ladies, if you are not interested in the person that's pursuing you, get out of dodge. Let this person know that you are not interested and move forward. You can't allow yourself to be bullied into giving out your phone number. If he'd bully you for your number, why would he stop there? He'll press you for money and sex, and just so he'd leave you alone, you'd give in.

This isn't the way to go through life. Now let's say that you give him your real number but choose to not answer your phone. Now he is calling you every hour, texting you day after day. And all you can say is, "why doesn't he just get the picture and stop calling?" He won't! He didn't give up to get your number, why give up now? So do YOU get the picture?

You shouldn't reward a person that you're not interested in with your phone number. You will get what you gave in to.

Enter to Win, one of two $25 Gift Cards this Friday, June 25th!

2010-06-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

It is very simple, if you are not following this blog, click "Follow" and you will be entered to win:

A $25 Gift Card that you could use towards Lunch or Dinner at a local restaurant in your area!

Current "Followers" are automatically eligible for this contest. GOOD LUCK

What Did I Do Now?! Nothing! So chill...

2010-06-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

We make things so difficult sometimes. It's not even like we walked out of the frying pan into the fire. These days, we can walk off the beach into an ice storm of misdirected yammer. A colleague of mine reached out to me. He found himself under fire by his lady friend for no reason at all. Been there, lived that. One moment, you're all smiles, the next moment, you're being screamed on for no apparent reason. Well there was a reason, a very small one.

You're dealing with a walking, talking emotional time bomb. Except, that this time bomb is far too afraid to explode on the person that deserves it. So they find a comfortable target to annihilate. A major issue in all of this is when this misdirected explosion of emotions, suddenly causes an argument that never should've happened. These are the senseless arguments that somehow rips shreds into friendships and relationships. These are the senseless arguments that no one person ever won.

My advice was to diffuse all drama by simply saying, "When you're ready to talk about what's really happening, I'm here for you." If after making this statement you are still being yelled on for using the blue coaster instead of the green one, walk away. Allow for some time to go by. Also, by not fanning the flames, you are letting this person know that you won't be their voluntary punching bag whenever they're angry.

We must be considerate of others. When you are going through it, get through it. But not by yelling on the one person that supports you just because you know this person won't leave your side. Take a breather and lean on your comfort for a little support. Just don't drag your comfort zone down with all of your issues. Smile with them as well.

Make sure your Father (Figure) Matters this Year!

2010-06-15T17:00:00.004-04:00

A small reminder, Father's Day is this Sunday. And for those of you that are on the last minute crunch to find the perfect gift for the man that has everything, I wanted to assist you in your search. But first, a brief message...

There are so many of us that are without a father this year. Some of us have lost our father to death. Some of us know of our father, yet never had a relationship with him. Some of us never met our fathers at all. So in this instance, Father's Day can still be celebrated if you look closely at the men who made an impact in your life; your father figures. He could be your older brother that helped your mother take care of the house and you. He could be your uncle, the man that taught you how to talk to women, or how to be treated like one. He could be your mentor, the man at the Boys and Girls Club that made sure you knew what a quadratic equation was, or how to shoot a proper free-throw shot. Show your appreciation this year. Here are some gift ideas.

You can never go wrong with a watch that fits his style. Here is one of the many watches that are on Amazon for 70% off:

If you father is the old school type that enjoys a good magazine, by him a card and write inside that you paid for a yearly subscription his favorite mags like Esquire for only $8:

Or maybe he needs a new computer to add to his Entertainment system. The Mac Mini is a perfect add, it's small in size with a lot of power. And best of all, it hooks up to his Flatscreen television:

You can click on any of these links and search across Amazon for a great gift. The best gift is something that he needs, yet isn't willing to buy for himself... us men are like that sometimes.

"Black is the New White" by Paul Mooney

2010-05-28T16:00:00.004-04:00

Over the past month or so, I've raved over this book. I've reached out to numerous people in hopes of sitting down with the Comedic Trailblazer, Paul Mooney (the epitome of "being yourself at all cost). Over the past 40 years, if it was classic comedy, Paul was more than likely one or two degrees in separation from that moment. From writing for Richard Pryor, to opening for Eddie Murphy during the groundbreaking "RAW" tour, to his role as "Negrodamus" on the Dave Chappelle Show, Paul was an architect of modern day comedy. Paul's contributions to comedy even helped to build the foundation for late night talk show hosts, David Letterman and Jay Leno.

If you are a history buff, or have followed any of the careers that I have just mentioned, you must read "Black is the New White". When you put this book down, you'll understand everything that has made Paul Mooney, as well as comedy, what it is today.

You can click on the information below to buy this book for yourself or any person in your life that follows Black History and loves comedy.

Cute Child + First Lady = Amnesty for Mom?

2010-05-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, a cute little girl, daughter of an illegal immigrant, took what some people would call the chance of a lifetime to catch First Lady Obama of guard with an "unscripted" question. Noticed how I put unscripted between parenthesis? That's because in my opinion, I believe the little girl was leaned into asking this question:

"My mom said, I think that she says that, Barack Obama is going to take away everybody that doesn't have papers," the young girl told Mrs. Obama as she visited a Washington-area school with Mexican first lady Margarita Zavala.

First of all, the First Lady is on her National tour to fight childhood obesity. She was not in any way obligated to answer any questions about "papers". Now if the little girl wanted to know if going to Burger King 8 times a week was a problem, that was more up the First Lady's alley. Luckily, First Lady Obama took the personal approach to answering the little girls question.

Back to the point I'd like to make, look over the question asked; the hesitation, almost as if trying to remember the exact question to ask, the context, calling the President by his government name. I wouldn't be at all surprised if down the line we all find out that this question WAS scripted.

Ultimately, CNN reported that Immigration officials will not pursue the little girls mom. Here is an excerpt from the report:

Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations are based on "solid law enforcement work and not classroom Q and As," said DHS spokesman Matt Chandler. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a part of DHS.

In closely, did this cute child just give her mother the gift of Amnesty? More than likely. Who will have the heart to send this girls mom away now? Looks like children will have their questions screened in the future. Thanks cute little girl.

Deshairism of the Day

2010-05-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

You Must Know Better, To Grow Better.

Apple Indirectly Admits to Misleading Customers (iPhone)

2010-05-18T10:01:00.000-04:00

Ever walked into an AT&T store and asked the billion dollar question, "When is the new iPhone coming out?" Just for the representative to look at you like you're speaking alien and says, "We have no clue when or if a new iPhone will be released this year. But we have the latest one over here if you'd like to check it out."

So you proceed to buy the latest iPhone only to find out a month later that a newer version is coming out in two weeks. Your first thought is, "Was I duped?" You begin to wonder if the reps knew all along that a newer version was on the way, but couldn't inform you about it (at risk of termination).

Well I was reading the CNN Application on my iPhone this morning when I came across a statement, from an affidavit released this past Friday from Apple Attorney George Riley (talking about the affects of the recent 4G iPhone leak):

***People that would have otherwise purchased a currently existing Apple product would wait for the next item to be released, thereby hurting overall sales and negatively affecting Apple's earnings.***

So there you have it. Apple isn't a multi-billion dollar company for nothing. Not to say that other companies aren't doing the same thing. It is just interesting what you'll learn when a company is losing millions.

One time while scrolling around in a AT&T store, I was pulled aside by an AT&T rep which sneakingly informed me that Apple normally releases a new version of the iPhone every year in June/July. Wow, that makes perfect sense.

My advise to you would be to think quarterly. July is the start of the new Fiscal Year. Why not have a new product to lead the company through a 3-month quarter, right? The iPad was released at the beginning of this previous quarter and stocks shot up. So if you think quarterly, you'll be on point for knowing when Apple will release a new product, upgrade, etc.

How to Please a Woman

2010-05-12T19:53:00.000-04:00

A man should love his woman for every man that wishes he had her. She'll feel fulfilled for it. - @Deshair

Hallé Berry, Single, I'm not Surprised

2010-05-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

Recently, we've learned the news that Halle Berry is back on the market. She and her model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry have gone their separate ways and will have joint custody over their 2-year-old daughter, Nahla.

Ok, so Halle is Single. And with this comes a buzzing from women across the nation which for some reason, question their own worth in comparison to Halle's "love" life. The disheartening question that arises is:

If Halle can't keep a man, how could I expect to?

My question is, "When did Halle Berry become the relationship hub for women?" Let me guess, somewhere between her role for Boomerang and Monster's Ball. Reality check, neither of those roles were healthy relationship models. And most importantly, they were movie roles!!!

Just because Ms. Berry is beautiful coupled by being a public figure, doesn't make her the ruler of yoir life, ladies. As a matter of fact, because she is these things, she is a target for faux connections.

There are men out there that would cheat on Halle Berry, just for the extra points he could garner from his peers. Halle is a multi millionaire with all of her relationship business out in the open. For love, I bet she'd do anything to have the conditions that a woman away from the public eye has.

Halle has been quoted in the past for wanting to be a mother. And not to take credit away from her most recent relationship, but I wouldn't be surprised that when she writes a book about her life, she'll admit to being with Gabriel for his model looks and DNA, to create a beautiful child.

Halle is her own woman, as you as woman that look up to her, should be. She has her own demons and regrets. She has her own victories and failures. And just she won and Oscar, doesn't make her the icon for how life should be lived.

She "can't keep a man" due to her choices in men. Maybe she doesn't want to be worshipped; maybe she wants to worship her man. But to worship is to submit your power, and any woman that is willing to reliquish her power suffers her own consequences.

You know, isn't it interesting how people would say that First Lady Obama is unattrative, yet she is with one of the most desirable men on the planet? The First Lady is attractive in more ways than just being beautiful. She has grace, she isn't afraid of the power she wields, and she is secure in herself. She isn't Halle, but she is beautiful still, if you eliminate the comparisons.

Gabriel reportedly left Halle because of their age difference of 9 years and the fact that he was still attracted to other women. Let's be clear: if he loved Halle, being attracted to other women wouldn't had mattered. So let's eliminate love. The 9 year age difference wasn't an issue until later on in the relationship. So maybe she was too mature for Gabriel; he didn't have the fun with Halle he remembered having with others. Ultimately, if he was with Halle because of her grace, no other woman would get in the way of that.

First Lady Obama - 1
Halle Berry - 0

Rest in Legendary Peace, Lena Horne.

2010-05-10T08:07:00.000-04:00

This morning I woke up to the news that Lena Horne passed away . The chord of my soul was struck. I immediately thought about legacy, the passing of the torch. And sadly came to a conclusion that we're not producing torch bearers as my African-American ancestors once have in the past.

I thought about the sense of responsibility to our future, and how over the years it has become "my future." I thought about how there are babies being born to teenagers, and how those babies will grow up to continue this socially crippling cycle. I thought about how these children will learn about the Civil Rights Movement of the last century, as more of a lesson to get a grade in school, rather than their legacy. We are slipping further away from our DNA, our path, faster than the actual years which passed.

Another trailblazer is no longer with us. And I hurt because I know that a less worthy figure will unceromoniously be handed the torch. Someone will step up and give their condolences, say how much Lena inspired them (yet you hear or see no similarities), and people, mainly media will try to create a story to meet its 24/7 news requirements.

All that I want to hear is that there will never be another Lena Horne; that she will never be replaced. People say that you can't change what is destined. Well legacy is off the table as well. If the torch bearer hasn't named a predecesor, that light is their own, to shine forevermore.