"In these downbeat times, we need as much hope and courage as we do vision and analysis; we must accent the best of each other even as we point out the vicious effects of our racial divide and pernicious consequences of our maldistribution of wealth and power. We simply cannot enter the twenty-first century at each other's throats, even as we acknowledge the weighty forces of racism, patriarchy, economic inequality, homophobia, and ecological abuse on our necks. We are at a crucial crossroad in the history of this nation--and we either hang together by combating these forces that divide and degrade us or we hang separately. Do we have the intelligence, humor, imagination, courage, tolerance, love, respect, and will to meet the challenge? Time will tell. None of us alone can save the nation or world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so." - Cornel West(Race Matters)

The Emperor has....

I often tell my stealthy Romanian friends that despite what you often hear, not all Black Americans are lock step in line with blindly rooting for President Obama despite all the glaring signs that he could care less about Black Americans... and slowly but surely, I am hearing the people calling in ( to the radio talk shows like The Power, and America Left... what? I thought I only listened and watched and read Foxnews) who are speaking out against him, who.. gasp... are black. I suppose they have issues with their skincolor too, as I have been told I do... This guy, a highly respected man in the Black Community, is starting to have serious doubts and is voicing them... an interesting take.

And the next time ANYONE tries to offer up one of the typical excuses for our President, I will simply refer them to this article, which... by the way... aint Foxnews either.

Anybody In with me?

Ok... surveying the schedule, I think I am going to try to go to either the Atlanta race or the Charlotte race this fall... Anybody want to go with me? I am thinking about the Atlanta Race as I have Labor Day off which falls the day after that race. I am thinkin' Ikea, The Varsity then on to the race, then back home for an Itenarary. The Charlotte race (a Saturday night event) will see a Nascar Hall Of Fame visit, then on to the track for the race then back home.

Summer-O-Rama-Fun...

While I have previously mentioned a while back that no major trips of the century/summer/year wereplanned for this Summer 2011, i did anticipate that the twins would be able to spend extended time with Nana, Papa and Grandma. I am pleased that so far this has been true. Extended time at both Grandparents House has allowed Ryles and I-Man to hang out with them and spend simple quality time. While I have tried to hope that they wouldnt try to spoil them, I have come to expect that a little of that comes with the territory. At any rate, I-Man has had the opportunity to begin to learn to water ski (above) using the same waterskis Aunt Ellen, Uncle Wes and Jessica learned on... and while his first experience saw him fall repeatedly without really getting too far out of the water, I suspect the next time will see him go farther. As he matures, I sense his strength is growing.. especially as he rides his bike more and gets a little more physical endurance/strength.

The twins have been able to spend a bunch of time with cousin Madison as well, and with the impending arrival of another cousin I hope that the adventures for them will continue to flourish.

One Month

.. so I decided to not post for a month and whittle away some people who I know will stop coming here daily/weekly/etc. I will now start updating again.. I know. A little pretentious of me, but I never said i wasnt somewhat arrogant at times...it is what makes me who I am.

meanwhile... i will spool up the posts again... starting today... and I will back track on events of the summer over the next few days...

We hung out today at home then went over to see Brandy and AJ and their family for dinner. The twins got to go swimming (always a fave with them) and we then hung out for a while before heading home. Tomorrow starts the drudgery again for me and work...