Sandcastles and Frisbees

By: Kenny Johnson. A daydreamer, perpetrating as an aspiring writer, leaving a trail of ink from Jersey to Los Angeles. He has something to say. Let’s see if you can relate.

Not only was the beach packed, but the sun seemed to have laid its blanket down directly in front of us. I’m talking lawsuit for spilling your McDonald’s coffee on yourself hot. With the sun hovering like a little sister, it wasn’t long before the ocean called my name and I had to take a dip. We were with a few chicks, and one of them accompanied me to the water.

We’d met about two weeks ago, but this was the first time we’d actually got to kick it. We walked toward the water and she asked why I didn’t have a girlfriend. I told her there was a range of reasons, but right now, “It takes time to build something and I haven’t found anyone to help me lay bricks.” She looked at me puzzled, but her confusion dissipated just as our toes touched the water. “The water is nice,” she responded. I smiled and grabbed her like I was going to dunk her under. She screamed and we shared a laugh as I let her go.

As we stood and talked at the water’s edge, I noticed two small children not far from us. A boy and a girl, both no older than 7. The girl had her back turned and the boy was building a sandcastle. Rather, I should say, he was creating one. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a kid pay so much attention to detail. He was using seashells to sculpt windows and various designs into his castle. It was shaping up, but for all the progress he made, a little was stripped away from his sand masterpiece as the ocean waves tumbled into the shore. This only added to the time of its completion and the queen of his castle was starting to get quite impatient. “How much longer Jimmy? I want to show everyone,” the little girl said. “Almost there, “ he said. He got up and grabbed another seashell. While he was gone, another boy came by. He was carrying a bright orange Frisbee he had purchased on the boardwalk.

Jimmy returned to his project with the seashell and put the finishing touches on his sandcastle. He wrote the name ‘Jennifer’ under it. “Okay, now all the castle needs is its queen,” he said. He looked up to see that Jennifer had moved down the beach and was playing Frisbee with the new boy. I watched his face as joy turned to sadness and disappointment. He picked up his bucket, cocked it back, and aimed it at his sandcastle. I caught his arm before it came crashing down. “Chill,” I said. He looked at me, and I pointed to where he had written her name in the sand. We both watched as the ocean rolled in and washed her name away. I took the seashell from his hand and wrote ‘Jimmy’ in the sand. I handed him back the seashell and gave him some dap. He smiled.

The girl I was with jumped on my back as the kid turned back to his work. “You know that kid?” she asked. “I do now,” I responded. As I carried her back to our spot on the beach, she asked, “Do you want to play Frisbee?”

Vicious Money

By Selena Williams. An avid boxing fan who also contributes to the boxing bible
"Ring Magazine", Ms. Williams writes with a passion that makes many believe she should actually be inside the ring.

Sixteen months ago, “Pretty Boy” Floyd “Money” Mayweather stripped Shane Mosley of his WBA Super welterweight title in a unanimous decision win for Pretty Money…I mean Money Mayweather. Fast forward to now; Money Boy is now going up against the equally matched and skilled fighter Manny Paquiao!!!!

Shit, I WISH! After fighting Hatton, Marquez, and Mosley he’s fighting Victor Ortiz and not Manny Pacquiao? Really? C’mon Son! The only reasonable argument would be for Mayweather to become the WBC welterweight title holder, before fighting Pacquiao.

But on a serious note: this Saturday, the former 5-division champ and #1 pound-for-pound boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather (41-0, 25KOs) will face Victor “Vicious” Ortiz (29-2-2, 22KOs) in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM grand ballroom for the WBC welterweight title. Mayweather is reportedly making $50million but wanted $100mil and was turned down. Ortiz will be making $2-$2.5 million on this fight, which is a come up from his last fight of $400,000.

Ortiz is a great young southpaw fighter who has speed and the ability to counter-punch. At 24, he gained the WBC welterweight title when he defeated Andre Berto after 12 grueling rounds. Personally I think it’s way too soon to put him in the ring with such an advanced boxer such as Mayweather. Ortiz needs a few more fights under his belt as the title holder before I can legitimately say that he has a good chance at winning. I’m not discrediting his skill, I think if he stays calm, counters, sticks and moves, and takes it to the body, he may cause some difficulties for Mayweather, but not enough to defeat his strategic opponent. In order for Ortiz to win he’ll have to sit Mayweather down...on the canvas.

Mayweather on the other hand, isn’t getting any younger and with the layoffs after his fights I’m pretty sure it’ll catch up with him. Until then, I think it’s safe to say he still has it. I predict he’ll win this fight in simple Mayweather fashion…he’ll outbox the shit out of Ortiz! Unless Mayweather lost some of his skills during his 16 month hiatus while talking to 50cent on that money phone, I don’t see him loosing.

Personally I think that this fight is just a warm-up of what’s to come (hopefully) with Mayweather and Pacquiao. Ortiz is southpaw and so is Pacquiao, Ortiz hits pretty hard and…well… Pacquiao hits harder. All I know is after this fight, there shouldn’t be any question who Mayweather should fight next.

Till Death Do Us Part

By: Kenny Johnson. A daydreamer, perpetrating as an aspiring writer, leaving a trail of ink from Jersey to Los Angeles. He has something to say. Let’s see if you can relate.

There are a few recent sayings whose funerals I am looking forward to attending. “Swag,” “Winning,” and “Leggo,” are at the top of that list, more so out of annoyance than whackness, so I wouldn’t be opposed to an open casket. After the goodbyes are said, and all the corny phrases pay their respects, I imagine as I leave the service, I would spot one phrase off in the corner smoking a blunt and generally being anti-social. Damn, she looks more than alright. Who is this? Who else, but “I Don’t Give A Fuck.”

She’s waiting on a ride; I’ll match her, because it’s always with me. With the smoke clouding the sky and closing our eyes, she starts to open up. She’s not sure why she’s here. Me neither. To me, it seems an inappropriate place for someone “not to give a fuck.” She agreed. I asked who invited her? She responded, “everyone.” Okay, I’ll just blame that response on the good tree, but I needed her to elaborate. She said I wouldn’t understand, but I insisted. She said, “I’m tired of people calling my name in vain. That shit’s not cool.” “But, that’s exactly what it is”, I responded as I exhaled. “Most feel that much cooler when they drop your name around people.” Even I was guilty of doing it a few times.

I passed her the “L.” She took it and explained that dropping her name was more than lame. “Very few know me well enough to call my name, and those that do will show you before they tell you.” I agreed. Then things got a little deeper. She said she deserved to be in the casket more than those other guys. I agreed. She called me an asshole. I agreed again, but the conversation continued.

“Nothing positive comes from me and I’m starting to get used to it,” she said. She was right. Those that are with her care very little. Her mind state always leaves an impression, but rarely builds to progression. Now that phrase was corny, but I felt her. She’s been doing a lot of the destroying, but no one is rebuilding. “I’m tired of this petty shit. I should just hop in the casket with Swag,” she said. She passed the “L” back. “Chill, if you did that, I’d just resurrect you in the face of unjust laws and oppression,” I said. She said, “You’re different, why are you even here?” “To make sure it’s not fake. I’m just here to preserve the cool,” I said. She smiled. We were now down to the only kind of roaches that I’m cool with, and her ride still hadn’t shown up. She asked where I was going next and I told her D.C. She asked, “Do you think I could ride with you?” I responded, “I Don’t Give A Fuck.”

Now if I could only find “In God We Trust.”

Micro Issue

By: Kenny Johnson. A daydreamer, perpetrating as an aspiring writer, leaving a trail of ink from Jersey to Los Angeles. He has something to say. Let’s see if you can relate.

Shock value has its pros, and it’s cons. When used correctly it brings attention to a subject, person, event, etc. that probably would not have garnered nearly that size of an audience without the use of shock. Look at how the images of the Vietnam War helped to change popular opinion in the late 60s or how Lil B has used it to create a solo career. Shit, you can even throw Janet’s titty in there (not quite the same, but I enjoyed it).

Those were all beneficial to their respective causes, and they do not really illustrate the downside, which is turning people away. Let me give an example of the use of shock that illustrates the downside and why I don’t holla at chicks with micros: THE BABY FRO.

I feel I have been involved in this situation more than the average 25 year old man, and it always happens to me the same way. I meet a girl, and she looks rather cute with her long hair, average length hair, or micros (micro braids in case you didn’t know). I start a conversation, get her number, and call to get together on a later date. It is during these dates that I have learned to ascertain the value of shock. Instead of seeing flowing hair, or even braids, she shows up with this tight BABY FRO.

Now I have nothing against women going natural. In fact, I find it sexy, once the hair has reached a respectable length. But it’s like when you order a cardigan off the internet, and when you finally get the package, you find out they sent a crewneck. This is not what I was sold on. I feel like she should let me know at least before we see each other. If she told me she’d be wearing a sexy dress, she should also let me know she was accessorizing with a baby fro. I haven’t learned to love or even like her personality, intelligence, and the many other intangibles she may have to offer, but I’m already questioning her decision-making.

In these situations I always compose myself because inevitably I will have to answer the question: “Do you like my hair?” My answer is always “it’s cool”, but I always feel like I’ve been hoodwinked. Especially if she wants to share picks, but not the bill. I guess that’s cool in some parallel universe. She may be shocked that I won’t be calling anymore, but I’m shocked she went on a first date like that…

I remember back in 2000, I decided to get braids like every other kid I knew. I also knew that there was a waiting period before I would approach any female, while I was growing my hair. All dudes who ever had braids are familiar with it. It’s about a two to three month period before your hair is long enough to braid up without choking your forehead. At this time, I just fell back from approaching anything new. There wasn’t any love, loss or animosity; it was just something that we (men) all understood.

And now, hopefully women do too.

Peace.

#TRENDING TOPICS

BY: Azamir Green. She was born and raised in Chilltown, Jersey City! Everything she does has a purpose. She is the creator of Trulyme-sharemyworld.Blogspot.com. Stand for nothing and you’ll fall for anything! PEACE & BLESSINGS!

So when #Jay-Z said “act like an adult have an affair for once”. Did that make it the story of our love life? When do the affairs end and we have committed #Relationships? A question few don’t ask, because they rather be with someone then with no one. #Sometimes or should I say a lot of times females would rather stay in a known hell then a unknown heaven. In simpler terms you would rather eat at the #ChineseStore then go and eat at #Hibachi’s. I don’t knock the #LessIsMore idea but when it comes to what you want and what you should have, should you take the #WackAss known instead of the unknown? Could be a lose lose situation, but if you were already #Losing the battle with the known does it matter? That is not a #Winning attitude. All I’m saying is go for what you want and don’t settle because of #Convenience. For those things of #Convenience will not last. When your name comes up #Winning will not be the #Adverb next to it. Who best to #ChallengeYourself then yourself? It is known that all humans have needs but the fulfillment of getting your needs met on your own terms will most likely be the most fulfilling. #ImJustSaying

April Showers Bring.......Accessories

BY: Liz Scudder. The Manager of Matthew Izzo's Center City boutique finds style in all things. From accessories, to shoes, and even furniture. With an eye for merchandise, Liz takes pride in finding style at high end stores as well in the clearance section.

Fun accessories make me happy, like really happy. Accessories can change an entire outfit from day to night, drab to fab and everything in between. The right pair of shoes or the perfect over sized ring can pull an entire outfit together. The accessories you choose totally reflect your mood too. Feeling rock and roll? Throw on a studded cuff and cropped black leather jacket. Feeling whimsical? I've got the perfect headband to match your flirty floral dress. Maybe you're feeling a little nerdy, switch it up with a plaid bow tie and horn rimmed glasses. Now that spring is here I'm excited to break out my spring staples and invest in some new ones!

Channel Winona Ryder a la beetle juice nervous system rhizome cuff. The collection is inspired by the veins in our nervous system.

Jeffery Cambell is simply amazing. This is what Pocahontas would be wearing if she were around today. Available at edgeofurge.com

I think every woman needs a pair of nude pumps. They literally go with everything!
Christian Louboutin Lady Daf for $995

Or keep it under 100 with the Russhh Pump by Steve Madden for $89

Spring jackets are serious business for me. You can never have too many and having some basics are fine but what fun is that?? I'm pumped that trenches are back. I love ones with epaulettes, a pleat in the back and a high collar. Unlike Morty Seinfeld I love when they're belted. A belted trench works on all shapes and sizes, whether it’s cropped or mid thigh length. Brighten up with a bold red or yellow or keep it classic with khaki!

Burberry Prosum short double breasted trench in gaberdine $1,195

Viktor and Rolf Trench Cape $1,155

Macy's $89

Burberry Bonded Cotton Tricotine Single Breasted Trench $2,196

Macy's $68

Varsity Jackets are back for guys, and the updated version is a less boxy, slimmer silhouette and are a great seasonal transition item. Custom-made wool and cowhide logo jacket, $125 at varsityjackets09.com, or try and find one at your local vintage boutique.

I came across these amazing Clark Desert boots in a beautiful new blue hue. Priced well at $92.

I love this Australian wallet brand Cheddar Pockets. Pockets for your paper.Brian card holder.

While this isn't exactly an accessory your skin needs to be kept fresh. The spring/summer is when it is the most exposed. If you use Kiehls Creme de Corps for 10 days straight it makes your skin so smooth and soft!

All Girls (and guys!) need to have at least one eternal scarf. Turns a boring outfit into something a little more pulled together.

This is a 611 distressed leather weekender for men. Whether you're jet setting on holiday to Milan or sitting on a bus back, as a dude you need to have a sick bag. You're an adult. Your book bag ain’t cute anymore. Available at matthewizzo.com

I love the line Duke & Winston and especially the limited addition canvas tote. Simple design and so versatile!The spring 2011 collection is superb. Don't sleep on emerging designer Seun Olubodun and his assistant (and best friend) puppy Duke. It’s also only 10$. Available exclusively at matthewizzo.com

Nostalgia

By: Kenny Johnson. A daydreamer, perpetrating as an aspiring writer, leaving a trail of ink from Jersey to Los Angeles. He has something to say. Let’s see if you can relate.

According to dictionary.com nostalgia is defined as “a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends.” Occasionally, I find myself in this state of mind more often than I find myself focused on the present. Whether it’s observing the cultural explosions of the 60s and 70s, the excess of the 80s, or something as simple as watching old episodes of Martin, I gravitate to yesteryear.

This brings me to a conversation I had with my man the other day. He said he wouldn’t have wanted to be black before the 1980s. Not that the 80s was the greatest decade for black people (a mixture of baking soda and cocaine had something to do with that), but in comparison to prior decades, injustices had been exposed, rights were gained, and opportunities to move up in the social and financial hierarchy of the United States were becoming a reality. The following decades saw more of the same, with hip-hop culture surging into and taking over mainstream America and so on. No need to go into detail, you’ve lived through it.

But with this newfound prominence, also came more exploitation and division. Not so much among groups, but among individuals. If you’re alive, you have to have peeped it. Shit, you’re probably guilty of it, I know I sometimes am. Everybody seems to be out for self. We’ve been exposed to the paper and now it consumes our lives. Unfortunately, it’s not collective.

This lack of camaraderie and unity is what I miss about the 1960s and 1970s, and would have loved to experience. We had far less than we have today, but back then we had one common goal. Everybody had their helmets on, ready to ride for one another. Back before the corner store was the Chinese spot, the Johnson’s that lived up the block owned it. Back when we were rooting for Mohammed and Jim Brown, and styling like Sidney Poitier (by the way his daughter bad as shit), Smokey Robinson, and thinking like Martin, Malcolm, and Huey.

How often do you go to the club and only focus on a good time? I know I always keep my head on a swivel. Not that I’m wishing for anything to happen, but it’s expected. In the 60s they may have still been lynching people in the south, but what’s the difference between catching a bullet from the law now? It’s about the destination; doesn’t really matter if you take a bus or a train. At least back then, you knew we would riot. Now we’ll just post it on worldstar or youtube.

My pop and uncles tell me of the good times they had growing up during that time. The originality and culture poured out of Harlem, Chicago’s Southside, the Chocolate City, and South Central, as well as other places. I didn’t understand when I was young, but now things are starting to come around.

So if they ever invent a time machine, you know where I’m going as soon as my vacation is activated. Some say we can’t miss what we never had, but most of the time we just don’t know what we’re missing.

Peace.