Islamic Mosque Neighbors Ground Zero: Should We Prevent This?

Jul 20, 2010 Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

I’m sure you are familiar with the saying “don’t go adding insult to injury” well a lot of Americans feel like thats exactly what’s going to happen if plans to build a $100 million mosque, just blocks away from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks goes through.  For some just the thought of having any type of building that is associated with the islamic faith around the place where nearly 3,000 Americans died at the hands of Islamic terrorists is infuriating.  However, it is clearly stated in our national anthem that we are the land of the free which means that if you are a citizen, native or not, you are entitled to purchase land and do what you want with it, right?

According to USA Today the mosque is a project of the American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Institute, which promotes cross-cultural understanding between Islam and the West. USA Today also went on to say that Cordoba’s director, Imam Faisel Abdul Rauf, has refused to disclose the sources of funding for the mosque and once suggested in a television interview that U.S. policies contributed to the 9/11 attacks.  This is where the issue comes in.  Exactly where the funding for this building is coming from has everyone on the edge.  Atlas Shrugs Blog spot had a very heated and insightful post about this.  see blow

The 61-year-old Imam said he paid $4.85 million for it — in cash, records show. With 50,000 square feet of air rights and enough financing, he plans an ambitious project of $150 million, he said, akin to the Chautauqua Institution, the 92 Street Y or the Jewish Community Center.The origins of such monies are unexplained; neither are the countries or entity advancing such huge donations. Most US mosques, including many in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx are funded directly or indirectly by Saudi Arabia the country to which 15 of the 19 hijackers who bombed the World TradeCenter belonged. The UAE, Qatar and Iran are other major sponsors across the USA.

So because there is a strong possibility that the money for the mosque was provided by the same Saudi Arabia, some political officials feel that is enough ground to fight against the efforts to build it.

This article was written by….

Tags: 911, Mosque, Muslim, New York, Terrorists

King James vs Dan Gilbert: Majority Owner Loses Majority of Profits

Jul 9, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

LeBron James’ decision to take his fate in his own hands and move to Miami for a chance at a championship has seem to become an emotional epidemic.  James, 25 voiced his decision Thursday, the 8^th of July.  He will join forces with Chris Bosh and the awesome Dwayne Wade.  While his decision remains purely business , his hometown and franchise owner seems to have a different taste on his words.  Dan Gilbert , majority owner of the franchise- the Cleveland Cavaliers,  prior to LeBron’s decision seemed composed and respectful. After the decision was announced, Gilbert’s true colors came out  when he stated:

“ This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

The good news is that …your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE””.  The exact letter can be read at: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html .

This statement summed up the total sentiment Gilbert truly felt about James. Ohio locals and their antics accompanied by the negative comments made just proves what has always been an underlying factor. Because this is a blog I can give my OPINION and not be apologetic about it.  James’ decision proved hard for him and he had to do what was right for him.  Emotionally speaking, no one loves leaving home. His family/ friends are in Ohio and there is where his career began. Gilbert feels betrayed? Yeah right. This all equates to money. The Dinero. Benjamins. Guap. Fetti. Broccoli. Euro. Franc. Comprende? Good. There is no loyalty in pro athleticism.  Follow me for a bit.  Lets take Carl Landry , formerly of my hometown team- THE HOUSTON ROCKETS.  The poor fellow was blindsided by his  trade.  Whenever a franchise can acquire a seemingly better player or seat filler, a player is traded.  If the player injures himself, he is traded. If  he doesn’t fill those stadium seats companies had bid wars for in naming, he is traded; released early from his contract.  So if a franchise can trade a under contract player whenever, why can’t a free agent choose his fate?  Do you think  Gilbert  honestly felt betrayed?  The only thing hurting is Gilbert’s checkbook. Now he  can’t afford a Bugatti every two weeks.  Boo Hoo.  Why do you think companies have bid wars for naming playing facilities?  MONEY. Every game played at their facility draws attention and money to their company.  Where was the loyalty in endorsements for Tiger Woods?  There was none. He didn’t cheat on his endorsements . Tiger cheated on his wife. Did that  stop them from snatching some? Nope. Do you want to know why?  If the companies Tiger represented continued to hold Tiger in esteem after his infidelity, they would lose more money. Women are America’s number one consumer. They buy for themselves, husbands, kids , family and friends. What they don’t buy, they get their husbands and boyfriends to.  Everything equals money.

Gilbert released those statements because that’s how he felt about James in his heart. He tolerated James enough as long as he filled those seats at Cleveland Clinic Courts. People bought season ticket to see LeBron James play not the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Cavaliers was such a grand team, why were they looking for one man to lead them.  James carried the team. There was no Kobe and Gasol or Garnett and Pierce. Where was the Pippin for Cleveland’s Jordan? They didn’t attempt to find the Drexler for Olajuwan and Gilbert has the audacity to be mad?

Furthermore the so called fans who are now calling pro athletes thugs and low life’s undeserving of their money ; what about them?  James plays ball because he loves the game and wants to have the ultimate payment- a championship ring.  LeBron is taking a pay cut and splicing his limelight. He shares the center stage with Wade and Bosh. So his decision is purely business.  Gilbert’s statement  and fans antics are purely extensions of how corporate America and its ambassadors feel about the their puppets.  How can the Cavaliers be mad? How did they acquire Shaq? Through a trade. Sleazy is as sleazy does and for the record, I wouldn’t want my child growing up to be a _________________ (insert name) like Gilbert. Is his display of professionalism is what we want to teach our children? Do we want them to think that it’s ok to cry like an infant girl when someone beats you at your own game or you do not get your way? Where is Gilbert’s manhood? If I had a child with him, I’d tell my seed that he/she was adopted. How is that for betrayal? BANG, BANG, BANG and POW!

This article was written by Pretty Nikki…….

Hailing from Missouri City, Texas( a suburb of Houston, TX) , Nik attends McNeese State where she is working on a dual mastersin Marketing and Communications. Aspiring to be an entertainment lawyer, Nik sharpens her ability to construct a great argument through casual debates, free lance writing and informal conversations. Often seen as versatile, Nik attributes her ability to adapt to her strange ear for music.  “ I listen to everything… Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Jazz, R&B, the real Soul music .”

Her dreams are as large as her heart. “Ultimately I want to be an icon. I am hoping to succeed in law so that I may pay for medical school and be able to give my services as a cardio vascular surgeon free of charge.”

Quote she lives by:  “The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm…”

Tags: basketball, King James, LeBron, Miami, NBA

I AM WHOEVER YOU SAY I AM, OR AT LEAST I THOUGHT I WAS!

May 25, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

Disclaimer: This blog was written to provoke thought.  It is intended that the statements be open ended.

So I am jamming the old school Eminem- the one where he shouts to the sky as he jumps off the building… “I am whoever you say I am, If I wasn’t then why would I say I am” and I began to ponder…

Can someone really be a product of his/her environment?  Can where you grew up and how you grew up affect who you become in the future? I use to believe this. I would attribute ghetto tendencies to growing up impoverished or lack of authoritative figures ( no daddies or wild mothers) in the household.  Well educated people were perceived to have come from a middle class background were the socio- economic levels were directly related to the educational levels. I was taught ( through institutions) that we become who our care takers were/ are.

Then, like a ton of bricks, it hit me.

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Tags: Am, caretakers, children, environment, father, I, mother, parents, rearing, school, thought

FORMSPRING: ASK ME ANYTHING?!

Apr 27, 2010 Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

Anonymity to me only spells out ‘trouble’, always has and always will. Formspring is a social media tool that allows users to ask questions anonymously which in turn are answered publicly. Basically, it’s used for people to ask you questions they won’t ask you otherwise and take pleasure in your answer being overtly published. Unlike the infamous “Honesty Box” on Facebook, once the question is answered on formspring it is pretty much an open forum. It’s no surprise that because of this subjective and evidently imbalanced system, formspring is simply another social media tool gone wrong—which is why I declined to sign-up for one. Since is integration with sites such as Tumblr , Twitter, and Facebook, users are allowed the option to have their formspring activities posted on the aforementioned sites.

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LADY GAGA & BEYONCE: TOO HOT FOR TV?

Mar 18, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

So over the weekend rumors were flying about the nearly 10 minute video for the song “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyonce.  Two anchors from CNN said the video was banned from MTV because of strong content on the Sunday after the video was premiered without citing the source of their information.  MTV has since released a statement on their website confirming that those were just rumors and the video premiered on Friday, March 12th on air and MTV.com and it continues to run.

My question to you is…….

• Do you think that the content of the video (murders, suggested lesbian orientation, soft nudity, profanity, etc) is indeed too strong for everyday television?
• Do you feel like Lady Gaga and Beyonce have a responsibility to the less mature crowd (teenage girls who idolize them)?
• Do you think the video should be banned from primetime or should we consider this… ART?

By the way the video is VERY popular and was viewed on YouTube by more than 14million viewers just hours after airing.

LESBIAN STUDENT CAUSES A PROM UPROAR!

Mar 12, 2010 Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

So this week, the senior class of a small town in Misssissippi was told that they would not be allowed to have a senior prom.  What could be bad enough to make that decision, you ask?? Well, the Itawamba County school board cancelled the event because one of their students (who happens to be a lesbian) wanted to bring her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo.  Constance McMillen, the high schooler, has faced scrutiny by her classmates and community because she wanted to freely express her sexuality at the ultimate party of her high school career.  The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Oxford to  force the school still conduct the prom and allow McMillen to wear what she wants and bring  whoever she chooses.  How do you feel about this? Do you think its fair that the district cancelled prom for the entire school?

MONIQUE’S MARRIAGE: AN OPEN DOOR POLICY

Mar 4, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

When God created marriage is this what he intended? Has society begun to make a mockery out of commitment? In a soon to be aired interview with Barbara Walters, Monique, the oscar nominee for the gripping movie Precious,  talks about everything from her hairy legs to her open marriage with husband Sydney Hicks. Monique reveals a few things about her marriage that made me stop and think.

“Let me say this…I have not had sex outside my marriage with Sidney.” Monique goes on to explain that it would be ok if her husband decides to sleep with other women.

“Could Sid have sex outside of his marriage with me?” Monique asked. “Yes. That’s not a deal-breaker. That’s not something that would make us say, ‘Pack your things and let’s end the marriage.’”

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FAMU GONE WILD: IS THIS THE NEW COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?

Mar 4, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

One of the most well-known HBCU’s was hit with unfortunate attention earlier this week.   Eight students were filmed engaging in unprotected sexual activities in what is suspected as one of the dorm rooms at Florida A&M University. The students were said to be kicked out of the school this week, but FAMU has not made any statements confirming or denying this incident.

I think the most important thing to take from this is 1) the stigma FAMU will have hanging over them for a very long time (just think about what this could do for their enrollment and image) 2) these are young people making bad choices that could affect the rest of their lives 3) they are having UNPROTECTED with each other…. #std #std #std #std #possibleunbornchild!!! I think we all need to be mindful of the consequences that come from these spontaneous, college escapades.  If you are having sex, please protect yourself and don’t leave evidence for the world to see because it can/will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Do you believe that these individuals are indeed students of the university or was it just random people using FAMU’s name? Why do you think they were so wreckless with their sexual activity?  Lastly, what action do you think the school should take in addressing this issue?  Let me know how you feel…

***UPDATE:  This statment was released by the president of the university to formally address the situation.  Also, below you will find pictures of the participants “getting ready”. These pictures (straightfromthea.com) were found by concerned alumni and fellow HBCU’s in hopes to prove that FAMU was in no way affliated with this happening:

FROM: President James H. Ammons
RE: Internet Video

This correspondence informs you of a situation that has surfaced.  The matter involves a sexually explicit website that advertises and displays a video that was allegedly made at a historically blackcollege or university in Florida. In addition, the name of the video posted is “BigRattler 77.”

We have not determined if the individuals in the video are students
of Florida A&M University (FAMU), or any other college or university.
It has been determined, however, that the residential facility
featured is not a FAMU dormitory. The Division of Student Affairs is
further investigating whether this involves any other FAMU facility or
FAMU students.

This video is quickly traveling around through cyberspace and we are
starting to receive calls from concerned students and alumni. In light
of this, I wanted to inform you and other university stakeholders,
including our alumni, that regardless of the video title and status of
the persons appearing in the video, FAMU does not endorses the
website, video or behavior of its participants. We are encouraging
the owners of the site to remove the word “Rattler” from the video
title.

Again, this letter was written to ensure that you are aware of the
situation and that you are informed with accurate information.

TO WEAVE OR NOT TO WEAVE: THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Mar 1, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

From my experience I notice black women have a hard time accepting that some men prefer for their girlfriends/wives to wear their natural hair.  After conversing with a few black women I gathered that it is a fact that men are drawn to hair styles that may require some women to have weave in order to achieve a look, and is what confuses women.  The attraction to the style while disliking the weave further causes these women to wonder exactly how can we, as men, not accept the weave if want/like our women to keep my hair fixed, rocking the latest outfits. (the famous line in Destiny’s Child song “Cater to You”)

Fellas, share your thoughts and ladies let me know how you feel.

APOLOGETICALLY SPEAKING

Feb 15, 2010 Featured, Let's Talk About It: Discussion Board

Humble in character, poise, and delivery is the basic description of a celebrity on the brink of a public apology.  Personally, I bore of these recurring episodes. Kanye West, Tiger Woods, and Chris Brown prove that whether they be a typical airhead, an endorsing role model, or a teen sensation–it’s really the story that matters. After the apology, all of the rave surrounding it seems to die down and in most cases, it’s swept under the rug.

Ruining Taylor Swift’s moment at the MTV awards to superficially declare his own recipient, Kanye West rushed to his blog to give out a less vocal apology. With his award show history, this particular situation was just another notch in his belt of stupidity.

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