The Melvinator Speaks

Brad Pitt Comes to the POST!!!

2007-09-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

http://hughe2030.blogspot.com/2007/09/brad-pitt-stops-by-washington-post-for.html

Check this out. I'm on the other side of the books. But you can't see me. :(

Fortuity

2007-05-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

The theme of my Memorial Day weekend was sitting back and "riding life" (thanks Erica). The entire weekend I watched while everything just work out in my favor. Praise God, Karma, whatever and all. I'm happy my 4 day weekend went by slowly. Saturday night was a key night during which my eyes were open to the power of fortuity.

After my cousin's college graduation, I met up with my boy Jason at this spot on the waterfront. When I parked near the Wharf I ran into the host of the BBQ I planned on going to the next day. He mentioned he just had some drinks and he was going to the Wharf to pick up somethings then head to Left Bank in Adam's Morgan. I told him I would eventually end up in Adam's and would meet him there.

Jason, another of ours friend and I had some drinks and listened to a bad cover band while we enjoyed the breeze off the water. Our friend left shortly before Jason and I decided to search aimlessly for parking around Adam's Morgan. After searching so long we both had to use the restroom so bad that we just went to the nearest bar. That bar happened to be the Common Share (read "I Definitely Cincoed my De Mayo" post if you haven't already).

We had already partied with a crew there last night so everyone just greeted us like it was Cheers! We do our thing and decide to have a drink before hitting up Left Bank. Soon after a crew of women walk in. A large crew. The hottest one, amy, went around me to get to the bar then notice I was... admiring her. She turned apologized for cutting in front of me not noticing that jason and I had drinks in our hands...LOL.

Jason and I beat the odds. He as my wingman took on the 9 on 2 odds and left the Common Share to join them at Roxanne/The Brass Monkey. We get there and wait in line. An angry foreign guy came to the doorman and said his line was too long. He of course wanted to split our crew up which was now rolling 12 deep. So the foreign guy tugs on my arm a bit to take us to the other door... with a longer line. Whatever. Annoyed about the odd aggressive touching but we rolled. The foreign guy apparently didn't warn the other door man about the rush of people who would be coming with him up the stairs. Of course he stopped ME, but grabbing my arm so hard i almost skipped a step. So I'm pissed. In an angry tone this ass asks what's going on. I'm pissed so I replied in an angry tone the situation and how unprofessional these guys were being. Long story short, I was such an ass that the foreign guys kicked me out upon reaching the top of the stairs because he didn't like what I was saying about their stupid and aggressive behavior. Come to find out later in the night that they were assholes to a lot of people. I don't like being treated like cattle... sorry... part of being HUMAN!

Jason and I were about to end the night after the ultimate cock-block by the doormen. Then we decided to meet up with my co-worker at Left Bank. That didn't last long because we couldn't find my friend. So we had a quick drink and left to serve our craving for Jumbo slice. Overall, I was getting over the Roxanne/Brass Monkey experience after overhearing some other people bitch about those guys. It would seem the timing was perfect because Amy and one other friend comes walking towards us. 2 on 2 were better odds. We exchanged info and bitched about the doormen.

Jason and I are wowed by the time. Had we not gotten jumbo slice that wouldn't have happened. If we had found my friend in Left Bank that wouldn't have happened. Had we gone home it definitely wouldn't have happened. The freakin' fortuitous night didn't end there. Four women came up to us to share our jumbo slice and I was able to repay Jason by being his wingman. The entire weekend was awesome because of us just riding life. Greatest advice I've received in a long time...

FIN

Powerful Stuff

2007-05-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

"Definitely Cincoed my de mayo!"

2007-05-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

[Names have been changed to protect the drunken]

Friday night was exciting enough. The night led me to meet some of the crew at the Common Share and led another friend of mine to the back of a police cruiser for pissing on it.

However the night after, Saturday May 5, 2007 better known as Cinco De Mayo proved to be more eventful. After a hellish afternoon at work I couldn't wait to meet my friends at the Common Share. To add to Cinco De Mayo craziness, which in America has turned into another excuse to drink heavily, the De La hoya/Merriweather fight was going to be shown on all screens at our favorite bar.

After cabbing it to the bar from work, I join up with "Jan" and "Jim" while the scrub matches were on the screens. To honor the cinco de mayo American way tradition I began to drinking Coronas then we moved to Shock & Awes (if you don't know don't ask). Jan was all about the rum and coke (then a shock & awe) and Jim would settle for nothing less than a long island. Now i could tell that Jim had gotten a head start on us at home, but he seemed fine at that point. All of us were doing some major flirtin' with some of the other bar flies while listening to people argue with one another on how Merriweather would win the fight. Our favorite Bartender "Sam" was off that night so he joined us on the other side of bar to drink and watch the fight. Much alcohol, tequila shots and merriment was had... at first.

ROUND 1: The fight began and so did the craziness. It wasn't even midnight when the crowd open up from the back to make way for a bouncer practically carrying a man who had gotten too drunk. Jim did come to mind since last time I was at the bar with him he got ridiculously drunk to the point where that same bouncer had to ask me to take him home. "No way," I thought, "Not twice in a row." Oh yes! Jim was being carried out without his glasses, eyes shut. So I follow them outside as Jan and Sam continued to drink and watch the fight. The bouncer and I made sure he got a free cab home and off he went.

ROUND 2: I journeyed to the back of the bar to find Jim's glasses. All I could find were the frames with one lens. Poor guy, the bouncer said he "just fell out" so I have no clue how the glasses ended up on the ground. I walk back to Sam and Jan. Jan grabs me and says, "Please don't let me do anything stupid... I'm so f**ked up right now." Normally this meant just make sure she doesn't go home with a random dude. Which also meant Melvinator = cockblocker. Whatever she's my best friend I can be branded such a title for her. So we're watching the fight. I'm so into it I didn't notice Sam and Jan race back an available the bathroom. When I noticed the first thing I thought was, "oh crap... I totally didn't keep my promise and now she's throwing herself on Sam." Not to say that Sam would accept, but Jan is fine! Not to many people could resist. Of course, I didn't know how drunk Jan was until I knocked on the bathroom door. Sam opened the door after I gave the impression that I thought they were getting busy in the nasty ass common share men's room (closet really). Upon the door swinging open there Jan was slumped over the toilet with Sam holding her hair back screaming, "It's not that type of party man she's sick." I promptly apologize to my fellow Scorpio and took over. So Jan's doing her thing all the way through the fight as Sam comes back and forth checking on her. Dudes banged on the door promptly at the end of the fight and Jan was still not well. Sam came back again and we were able to get her in a cab.

ROUND 3: Sam stayed and I went with Jan to make sure she got home okay. The driver was odd at first. He almost didn't drive us to Maryland and wouldn't listen to me when I said that she was throwing up and we needed a plastic bag. It wasn't until she threw up in my brown leather jacket that the cabby pulled over and ran to the trunk for a trash bag. So we got to Maryland and I got Jan upstairs. I told her I'd get her car, bring it to her spot and crash on her futon.

Round 4: After giving the cabby a hefty tip I hunted for Jan's car in the mess of drunkin' Adam's Morgan bar flies. It was just where she said it was. I drove off and thought I should stop by the Share to tell Sam that Jan was cool and in bed. I park the car and ran to the Share for no good reason. At that point, I realized I was not in the most sober shape either. I ran into Sam and take the banter from the bouncer who assisted Jim out of the bar. Who do I see at my left? A woman who was suppose to join us for the fun but never showed. She had a box of Jumbo Slice in her hand and recognized me. Upon offering her a ride to the party that was awaiting her return with fresh pizza I realize that I forgot where I parked Jan's car. She patiently walked up and down the streets near the Common share in hopes that I would (one) sober up (and two) find the car. After 15 min. of searching I suddenly remembered I parked near the Hilton and ran from there.

Round 5: After hitting on the poor woman who was so patient with me in finding the car, I dropped her off on the way back to Jan's crib. "Finally I can sleep," I said realizing my sudden and strong urge to use a bathroom. I was almost at the door ... ALMOST... Alas, I ask Jan for some sweat pants and no doubt went commando in them to 7-11 to buy Tide and grab some quarters for the laundry room. Something told me to call Jim to make sure he was home okay.

Final Round: Jim informed me he is at the nearest hospital. He apparently diverted the cab we put him in to the hospital for some physical problems he's been having. When I asked how he expected to get home he said he didn't know. Despite the fact that her head spinning and she was laying in bed, I asked Jan if I could pick up Jim, take him to his car in Adam's Morgan and guide his drunk ass home in her car. She agreed and I was off... commando... to the hospital and then to Adams Morgan... AGAIN! We located Jim's car. To my surprise it was two cars away from where I lost Jan's car. So I guide him to his apartment, went back to Jan's, finish the emergency laundry job can FINALLY got to crash on the futon at 5am. Did I care that I was going to work the next day in the same clothes... no. Did I have a good time... oddly yes. Will I laugh about this in the future... TOTALLY!!!

Fin.

Double Standard

2007-03-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Why does it take so long for people to remember and notice something so obvious? Sorry gotta put this out for my HU peoples!! We love you Frenchie!

Need I say... anything.

2007-03-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.profilesintoolness.com/2007/02/26/public-service-announcement-your-phone-can-vibrate/

This is an Awesome blog I love to follow. Enjoy.

My New Toy

2007-03-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Being a total guy is cool. I've recently acquired my first purchased power drill from Lowes. That's right no more bugging dad and coworkers for their drills when I need one. I also bought a 60 piece set of accessories. To quote Tim Allen, "ARR ARR ARR!". It's phat too it's just what I need. It can be adjusted to different positions depending on the task, it takes all the pieces I bought and is easy to use. Even though it sounds like I'm talking about a few of my college and Cincinnati GFs, I can't get enough if it I'm like obsessed. I want to drill everything (Shut up).

So many projects to do in the house. This will help immensely.

Driving: The Long Awaited Commentary

2007-03-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Many have heard my opinions about driving and drivers. I'm bold enough to say what most people only say under their breathe and know it's true. Some people just shouldn't be on the road. Old people, blind people and stupid people. In the past week, we've seen three incidents where the AGE OLD (pun totally intended) debate has been sparked again.

Twice in Baltimore-area older people have caused accidents. On 695, this guy slowed down to a crawl in the middle of the highway to where a tractor trailor could not avoid the collision. The second tractor trailor couldn't avoid the incident either. Everyone walked away fine but good grief want an accident scene. When the older gentleman was interviewed he said he was totally qualified to drive. Let me be bold and say SIR YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO DRIVE A BIGWHEEL!! The second incident was that an older person drove into a Safeway. In Florida, the third incident involved an older woman who was about to take her driver's test. She ran into the DMV building and injured 11 people. All before Thursday of this week.

There are plenty of older people in this world who can drive just fine. But good Lord, I don't think I'm ever around them. I think once you reach 65 or 70 you should take a written and road test every year thereafter.

I mean seriously! If people with only a right eye continued to sideswipping people, causing accidents while changing lanes to the right or/and running into people crossing the street while trying to make a right turn wouldn't someone suspect that perhaps the lack of a right eye be the issue? No one's saying that people with only left eyes can't drive. It takes training and special treatment by qualified driving instructors and that 20/30 vision requirement in the working eye. But what if people with no or low vision in one eye were just handed licenses like nothing was wrong with them. Scary thought. Like older people. TEST THEM. DON'T JUST HAND THEM LICENSES. When I'm older I would like to be tested every year just to know I still have some sense. Hell by then I hope to get around the proper way for a 70 year-old. My kids!

Anyway now that I've probably pissed off a few people I'll end with a few reminders for those STUPID PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. Namely the idiots that were on 95 North with me at night during the rain and fog.

1. Don't turn on your high beams in the F&*#ing fog!

2. Don't drive or merge onto 95 North at 35 - 45 miles an hour! THE SPEED LIMIT is 65 mph. Trucks will kill you. I will want to kill you. It wasn't raining that bad or icy at all.

3. Going 90 mph up 95 North is not too safe when visibility is low, idoit! Especially when dealing with people who don't adhere to item number 2.

4. Item 1

My trip to the DMV

2007-03-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Before I begin my story I must ask why in the world do some states feel the need to call the same bureaucracy a different name.

I've been procrastinating changing my Ohio license, which I got merely months before moving back to DC-area. After buying a new car and switching my car insurance to the same company as my homeowners insurance, I was told that I need to switch. So after procrastinating a couple more weeks, I finally took my butt to the Maryland DMV (called the MVA).

I gathered my materials and took them to the MVA. I was thrilled that it was right down the street from my house in Baltimore and across the street from a mall. I pull into the parking lot and nearly got hit by a new driver. Then dodged an older driver in a big ass caddy trying to relearn how to park. So after I stole his space that was obviously too small for him because of the mounds of snow/ice shoveled in the adjacent space I walked in the MVA.

The smell of frustrated, long-waiting Baltimore City residents hit me as I came in. I got in the information line waited my turn only to find out I forgot my passport. The woman was nice. She said I could skip the line and go straight to her if I was coming back soon. She kindly took down my name. I went home, grabbed my passport and got a better park than I had the first time. I thought, "Yes, this is a sign!"

Well, I go back in the stink hole and the woman who was just there 15 minutes before had left. Her computer was logged off and everything was cleaned off her station. So I waited again. I watched the line get longer until my I reached the next station attendant. She looks at my paper work handed me the number. A101. I look up at the screens and saw B-something. C-something and A63 and A64. I laughed and waited to see how fast they were going. It just wasn't going at all.

I thought I could take care of something else in the tags and title line. It took about 20 minutes to realize that I couldn't do anything about that issue at that time, but I filled out the form for future use. At that point they were on A70. Thank God I brought my iPod too.

"What the hell." I thought. Let's go to the mall. I heard it was really ghetto, but I needed something to do. I walk over and see that it's not so ghetto... well... no more than PG Plaza in Hyattsville, MD. They had food and cool stores and then I discover the ultimate shoe store. The Stacy Adams store with huge signs that read $29.99 shoes 2 for 50 & $39.99 shoes 3 for $100. So I tried on a couple shoes consulted my budget and bought a pair of brown boots. I spent time debating on how comfortable I was in the 10 and a half size versus the size 11. I settled on the 11s. I continued my journey to the mall and thought about getting food. I decided to walk back to the MVA after joking with someone random about me still having a number at the MVA.
"WOW! I've done that. They're probably still on the 80s," he said.

Oh he was right. A86. I spent a while in that shoe store and in the mall and they were still in 80s. But before my eyes they jumped up to A98 within 15 minutes. I guess people went to lunch and came back. I was excited. Then they stopped calling the A numbers for another 45 minutes. Frustrated, I walked around. Texted people several times that I hated the DMV and I'm not doing anything else today but sleep and eat.

Finally A101 was called. I jumped up and walked to the attendant while another woman walked up. The attendant said the woman was a return customer she said could come straight to her. "WTF!" I thought. I now wonder if I should have checked her like a hockey player at that point. Instead, texted people what happened in more frustration. So I waited right in front row of those waiting benches just staring at them. The attendant finished up and I finally got to the promise land. BUT HER MACHINE WAS SCREWING UP!

She handed me my new license and said wait here. In my head I'm like. "No crap you have my passport and SS card on the freakin' scanner." A techie came through and still couldn't fix it. I watched both of them cut the scanner on and off 20 times before she handed me my documents and said, "Here you go dear. I don't want to hold you up."

I must admit despite the irony of that comment it felt good to finally here someone say that.

FIN

Honda Music Link

2007-01-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

Good news: I bought a new car finally. Good-bye 2000 Pontiac Sunfire (and domestic cars all together) Hello 2007 Honda Civic.

Bad news: I may have gotten a sweet deal on the car with the Music Link for iPod cable, but the music link thing sucks ass. It really sounds sweet on paper, but it's much easier to get the MP3 jack cable. First off the book doesn't tell you how it works iTunes wise. Second customer service said that there are many complaints about the software and what not. Third once I did figure it out (customer service guy didn't know what to do either) I realized what a pain it is. You have to manually update if you have a Nano. Yes I plan on getting a 30 gig Ipod soon but in the meantime... THIS SUCKS. FOURTH, the TTS files (that's what they are called so they can be compatible with the car stereo) take up space on the iPod. So if you have a Nano you're just short.

Solution: Just get the jack cable from the Apple Store. The model car that I got had the MP3 jack. I'm on my way there now. The Music Link thing wasn't a total loss for me. Again I got a sweet deal to the point that the thing was basically free and it charges your iPod while connected. Perhaps when I get a bigger iPod it will be all good, but seriously Honda needs to tell you or distribute more thorough instructions and warn you that the thing sucks if you have limited space on the Nano.

Kramer goes crazier

2006-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Peep this! Makes you want to toss all those Seinfeld DVDs.
Thanks KRAMER!

For all you Real Hip-Hop heads out there...

2006-10-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

I may be late but I'm glad I heard this dude!!! There are few artist who will make me send a bulletin like this!!! I love Underground.
Peep this dude!

http://www.immortal-technique.com/

Making you think

2006-05-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, I am also a work in progress, but I'm getting better. This should help.

http://www.abolishthenword.com/

Someone Has Vented For Me This Time

2006-04-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed that I missed this book/website/phenomenon. Forgive me for being late. Please check this site out. Read the book. It's all about race relations. In my opinion, it presents the difference between racial tolerance and race relations.

http://www.rent-a-negro.com/negroabout.html
Oh click on "Tokens" too.

Understanding should always exceed tolerance.
-Me

Restless Venting

2006-04-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'm very glad my parents raised me right. I know that's a relative, notion however after reading this post I think most readers will agree. Well ... those who are lazy and comfortable in complacency won't agree, but odds are you have other issues.

I'm tired of seeing people with potential not live up to it. I'm tired of seeing that live up to their potential not give credit to the creator until all accomplishments and material things are taken away.

I'm tired of people blaming circumstances when their own lack of focus, hesitation, doubt and fear led them to unfortunate circumstances. And then have the nerve to want you to feel sorry for them. I have a friend who is trying to find what God wants her to do with her career. She doesn't feel right about what she's doing. She blames the the job market and the fact that she is a black woman. While another friend of mine who is the same age, same sex, same race, same career goal, had the same opportunities, and had more mitigating circumstances to get in her way is exactly where she wanted to be.

When confronted with ideas and ways to improve the situation she doesn't put in the effort to change it. It's one thing bitch and moan about The Man and the oppression of Black women when you're doing ALL they can (NOT A RELATIVE TERM) and attempting to make moves to improve the situation. It's another to not be focused ad fear failure. According to her, she feels like a failure already. What's there to lose. Don't stay down there. To quote one of my favorite Amel Larrieux songs, "I know you're down, when you gonna get up."

Which leads me to another friend of mine. The point of this post. The previous situation was just an appetizer. I'm tired of people who are down because they sat on their butts all through college. The type that decided to party more than make moves and study. The type who spend their energy reminding you that they aren't where they should be instead of trying to better their situation. To be so comfortable in complacency yet so down about the situation that a person becomes a co-dependent alcoholic is sickening. Excuse my standards, but to see a man in that state makes me sick to my stomach. The "whoa is me" attitude can only be tolerated for a short time.

I watch this man for a year work for peanuts and complain about it. I watch this grown man waste the little bit of money he had after bills on alcohol instead of food. For a year, tried to show him that he'd save more money if he went grocery shopping instead of eating out for lunch and dinner all the time. I tried to show him that screwing around on his girlfriend isn't love. For a year, I attempted to be an example, but under the haze of alcoholism and self-doubt he couldn't understand that. He and his girlfriend (the type that thinks they are mature but really isn't)thought that I was trying to prove that I was better than him. If that was my motive I wouldn't have tried to help. I wouldn't have posted his resume on every site I could think find. I wouldn't have suggested ways to get back in school. He wouldn't listen. I basically held his hand like I shouldn't have and he still let go to reach for the bottle or the young girlfriend. Part of me thinks that he was listening to his young girlfriend on how to be a man instead of the one who bent over backwards to be a good example of one. I'm sure to someone reading this it makes sense for an immature woman to show a "whoa is me" type of man how to be the man God called each man to be.

I remember another friend of ours (we'll call him Jerry) asked me years ago if I knew anyone who could use a hook-up on tuition at Howard. I immediately thought of my complacent friend. The hesitation in Jerry's voice mirrored how I felt about the situation. "Would he take full advantage and finish school or will he make a half ass effort and end up where he is now? I don't want to waste it on someone who will screw around when I know someone else could be waiting for this opportunity" I said I'd talk to him to feel him out. I don't remember the entire conversation but my friend gave me the impression that he would BS it. I couldn't have been more disappointed. I told Jerry the deal and he said, "I'll move on with it then. He'll wake up and change one day." I did tell my friend soon after what Jerry had in store and that I told him to hook-up to someone else. My friend was okay with it. OKAY WITH IT! He was okay with people thinking of him as unreliable. I told him what I did to make him upset that he missed an opportunity. I told him so that he can be upset with me for getting in between him and such a blessing. I wanted him to call Jerry himself and ask for the hook up. I wanted the man to make an effort, prove me wrong and make me feel like crap over it. The difference between his current young girlfriend and I is that I'm not co-dependent on his co-dependence. I'd rather the man be standing on his own two feet, feeling good about himself and his roll in God's plan and never talk to me again than him being the way he is now. That's love. I'm not saying I'm a saint though.

Well that was 3 or 4 years ago when I was faced with that decision. This grown man hasn't changed. If I were faced with the same decision I am no more confident he would take full advantage than I was 3 or 4 years ago.

I could give up. Guess I could believe that I'm just a know it all who thinks he's better than everyone. I could become my enemy like the Bible says and develop a "whoa is me. No one listens to me" attitude.

I'd much rather believe that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. I'd rather be considered a know it all and taking full advantage of all opportunities than live in complacency complaining about my life. Thanks Mom and Dad for being great examples. Thank you God for giving giving me eyes to see the examples.

Oh and for those readers who think that I do believe that I'm better than everyone else I say screw you haters. The proof of my faith, prayers, effort, hard work is in the pudding. Praise God. Told you I wasn't a saint.

Update!

2006-02-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello. Many have asked that I update my blog. So here I am.

UPDATE: The last post I challenged men to separate themselves from a few indulgences for 10 days. I know for me it helped break a few habits and prevent others, which is the point. Spiritually, you are suppose to sacrifice habit-forming indulgences (which could be anything) and focus on the Word of God. In turn, you are filling your heart with the God's truths so much that there is no room for certain indulgences.

Is 10 days enough? Many times it is. But for those tough habits or indulgences it takes longer. Like 30 days or more. Lent follows that principal. The world focuses on he day before Lent and how New Orleans is preparing for Mardi Gras after that terrible Hurricane. The kingdom of God and believers are preparing for a more long term event which will have long term results. While a few people the try to recover from it's hangover on from Fat Tuesday, many people around the world will declare to the Lord what indulgences they will give up from Ash Wednesday until Easter.

Psychologists say, once you do something continuously for 30 days it becomes a habit. Ergo, once you stop something for 30 days you break the habit. So filling your heart with the Word of God and diligently seeking his grace and mercy instead of a self-indulgence that normally you find difficult to break from Ash Wednesday to Easter you'd be in good shape! :) Bon chance!!!

Sorry I haven't been writing often enough. I've been working on another project. Pray for me on this one. God bless.

10 Days: For Men Only

2005-12-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Gentlemen,
We all know that all work and no play makes us very bored, dull and incomplete. You all know that I share in the belief of this philosophy. But all world and no spirit is also a philosophy I believe in as a Christian. I have chosen, for 10 days, to eliminate anything that can hinder my spirit from growing close to God. I invite you guys to join me in building the spirit.

For 10 days, allow yourself to stay clear of all things that may hinder your growth. It could be cursing, alcohol, sex and inappropriate sexually related material or thinking (Read Every Man's Battle), cigarettes, bar hopping, drugs, spending too much money or whatever. For 10 days, I invite you to challenge yourself as I have to give it up.

Even if you find this isn't for you, I ask is that you forward this to a man close to you. I also ask that you (esp. one of you) not stand in my way or attempt to tempt me further out of respect. If you do join me in this challenge of individual consecration, I pray for your strength during these 10 days and blessings after them.

I leave all of you with this:
Hebrews 9-11: But Christ became an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctify to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
God Bless.

No More worry-warts

2005-11-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

The truth be told, you don't want them either. No one has to remind you of the high cost of anxiety. (But I will anyway.) Worry divides the mind. The biblical word for worry (merimnao) is a compound of two Greek words, merizo ("to divide") and nous ("the mind"). Anxiety splits our energy between today's priorities and tomorrow's problems. Part of our mind is on the now; the rest is on the not yet. The result is half-minded living.

... The key is this: Meet today's problems with today's strength. Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow's strength yet. You simply have enough for today.

-- Max Lucado, Excerpted from Traveling Light

Want more? Munch on this: http://belief.net/story/111/story_11180_1.html
God Bless

A New Blogger in Town

2005-11-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd give my lady a little press so to speak. Check out Shandi's blog. The link is among the usual suspects. Enjoy.

Party Pics.

2005-11-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from my birthday party. Please Enjoy.

A good start.

Friends old and new.

Just jumping off

"It's a celebration. Enjoy yourself."

Kevin, Jeffrey and me

Plenty leftover for the next party.

Dudes Night Out!!

2005-11-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

This was a cool night. Full of drunk dialing and craziness in Adams Morgan in DC.
Enjoy these pics too.

It's Dudes Night Out!!!

Shots up the gut!
Service with a ...umm ... smile?

Adventures in Party Shopping

2005-11-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

My Goodness. Why is it so had to shop now? I don't have much time to get all of this stuff yet so many things are slowing me down. I'm just about ready for the party I'm throwing for my birthday. We almost have all the liquor. All we need to do is order food on the day of the party and get beer and wine. Why was it so hard to find drink pourers? You know those things that bartenders screw on bottles of liquor. It's cleaner than just spilling stuff in a cup.

You would think it would be as easy to find as those stupid things you stick on the ends of corn on the cob. NO WAY. I first went to Target. I found so many shakers but no pourers. It's TARGET! They are suppose to have everything. I wasn't disappointed until some lady announce, "Attention target shoppers due to a phone issue we cannot accept credit card purchases at this time. Cash only." Now that annoyed me. So I went to an ATM because I still wanted to buy shot glasses and a shaker.

That was yesterday. I took a break from shopping because work got in they... Go figure. Today I was on a mission. My roommate and I talked to our old drinking buddy Jason, who's in Milwalkee for law school. He said that Crate and Barrel had them. I looked on line to find that the dang on pourers cost $2.50 a piece. I thought that was too much for something that I would only use for parties. HELLO. I could get "2 buck Chuck" for that man! So I went hunting. I went to JCPenny's and Hecht's. They had cool stuff involving serving alcohol but no pourers. I fought stupid cabbies and non-driving idiots all the way to Pentagon City Mall. I went through Macy's and Nordstrom to find expensive crap that no one would use or the same cool stuff I found at Hechts (thanks Federated). I thought I finally found the light at the end of the tunnel when I walked past Williams-Sonoma. HA! This guy pointed me to $7-$14 pourers. I'm still laughing at that store. This guy showed me one of the pourers which had this cool little ball that stopped the alcohol from going through when it's just sitting on the table.

Ummm... doesn't gravity do that for me!

So I leave the mall just done with the hole thing. I walked across the street to Linen 'N Things. I asked the customer service people and they filled with so much hope. The hope I had when I started this ordeal. Alas, they ran out of them. Apparently, they came in a pack of 2 for like 4 bucks or something. I was just tired and frustrated. I walked to my car which was all the way near Nordstrom just pissed. I reached the garage and began to exit when I looked across the street and saw Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Suddenly, I heard Jason's voice telling me, "I think I saw them at Bed Bath and Beyond." I parked in their lot which has those annoying parking meters. There was already 52 minutes on the meter for my space. Could this be a sign? Could it be that pourers are part of the "Beyond" in the store title? I finally found a customer service guy and asked, "Please tell me you have the pourers for liquor bottles." This guy went straight to the pack of 12 pourers for $3.99. SOLD! I thanked him, paid and happily went home. I couldn't believe how long it took to find those stupid things. Now I'm ready to party.

What's new in my life?

2005-10-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

My patience has finally paid off. Whoever created her knew exactly what I was looking for. How could I have lived without her for so long? She's become such a large part of my life all of sudden and I'm excited every time I see her. It's like she glows each time. She's affected the way I do things. I want to add to what she has to offer every day. She's just my type. She's smaller than others like her, slim, black and beautiful.

She's the envy of many that see her as I walk with her around town. I make time to listen to her. I would all day if I could. I want to protect her from harm. Some criticize her and say she's not enough. But she's enough for me. That's what matters. Thank you Apple for coming out with the Nano. Thank you God for Shandi.

Random Thoughts ... we all have them.

2005-09-20T23:43:00.000-07:00

Thought One: Teachers and Cops

People often wonder why these valued professionals aren't rewarded the way doctors or lawyers. I'd be the first one to say they all deserve a salary increase. I have never met a principal or a high ranking police officer who didn't accept the leadership responsibilities or love the opportunity to mold great teachers and officers. I'm sure there are some who don't, but for the most part even the higher ranking positions come with slim rewards compared to doctors or lawyers. Knowing corporate law of nature, the higher the rank the higher the pay, I wonder if the value of the job cheapens the more you pay someone.

I'm a believer in God's plan for everything to balance out on earth. I think if teachers and entry-level officers were paid as much as doctors and lawyers the day they first begin to teach a class or put on a uniform the quality of work would cheapen. The value of that job would also diminish.

Let's just say a teaching position at an elementary school would start at $60,000 a year with all the benefits of any corporation. And for the hell of it they are treated like college professors where if too many students fail you are looked at by a school board as a failure. If many students pass they get promoted at least in salary. Sounds like good incentives to shape a mold the young minds of American. Many people would flock to education degrees as they do for MDs, JDs and MBAs. The training wouldn't be as rigorous. BUT we all know many people who don't want to be noble and help people as a doctor or represent the good guys as a lawyer or even start a business to help the community. THEY DO IT FOR THE MONEY OF COURSE !! $$$ So they'd do whatever they'd have to in order keep that high paying job with great benefits. Including passing children who may not be up to par on their times tables or read at a 2nd grade level in 12th grade. Plenty of doctors care more than they get rewarded. But enough people enter med school with the thirst for money that overpowers their will to help. As stated in one of my favorite movies Blade (in I and III actually) , "eventually the thirst always wins".

I'm not saying that teachers and police officers shouldn't get paid more. I'm saying we would need to watch the quality of the work if that should ever happen in our life time.

Thought Two coming tomorrow. Good night.

To Journalists and Doctors.

2005-09-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

This time I weep
This time I'm with them
This time the words affect me
This time I don't sleep.

The images now hurt
The doctors feel pain
The heroes are fading
It only gets worse.

Patience runs thin
Deadlines are tight
News judgment can't cloud it
Patients are friends

Too many bodies file in
The newsroom is no comfort
The hospital overflows
Too many stories filed in.

The water stays still
The words describe horror
The medicine run dry
Who'll pay the bill?

Politicians silent
Roads to prosperity blocked
By the blame game, red tape, water
I'd go insane and violent

My people are dying
Spirit, soul and body
Can't divorce myself this time
Because now I'm crying

Praise God through this test
Worship despite the job
His Word is security
He'll clean up this mess.

All victims and survivors are in my prayers.

Kanye for President?

2005-09-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you have people who speak from the heart on live TV.

http://www.alistaccess.com/Kanye_-_Red_Cross_Benefit_NBC_.mpg

Nothing more needs to be said.

Only The Good Die Young

2005-08-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Is it me or did the MTV's Real World get monotonous after the fourth or fifth season? They keep making this crap and in the same way. Throw in some random 18-25 year-olds in a house and watch the drama. Toss in a few white people, a black dude and/or one black woman, a biracial lesbian, and don't forget the gay guy and there's the formula another successful season. Survivor is the same way. Throw in the same formula for drama but have the compete. That was genius and original for the first season. After the first time watching the competition it got old. People still watch this crap. Even those 90210 and Melrose Place replacements on Fox seem to attract people to the boobtube. But shows like Dave Chappelle's Show and Family Guy die on us after one or two seasons. I'm very happy they brought Family Guy back from the dead. I love smart comedies. Shows that have a satirical and/or sarcastic view of life do it for me. Shows that are the opposite, ignorant view of life and monotonous, piss me off. Oh well. That's life. We'll miss you Dave! Thanks for showing us that not everyone is just simply trying to "feed the idiot box."

True love, A theory proven wrong or just crazy ass people?

2005-08-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

The title of this post could be misleading if you read the rest without clicking on this link.
These are the people I pose the question about: http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/08/12/courthouse.shooting/index.html

One of my exes is notorious for keeping in touch with all of her exes. No surprise that she is the only ex-girlfriend I remained close friends with. Anyway, she's all the way in Phoenix worrying about an ex-boyfriend in her hometown (Mobile, Al.) marrying a white woman. So that meant we had to have THAT discussion. That discussion that every black man who truly doesn't care about other people's business dreads. We have had the discussion before. I'd rather have it with her (again) because she has dated white boys in high school. I have dated white girls and women as well when I was dating for fun. We both agree there is nothing like a black sig. other to come to when the world is on your back in that special way.

I know I can only marry a black woman. I don't base that decision on the almost 500 year history of clashes between European and African cultures. I don't open up a history book, watch Bamboozled or read The Souls of Black Folks and say,"See that's why I won't marry a white woman." I don't base my decision on any one person who did me wrong or who did right by me. I really don't base my decision on what I call "outside the relationship issues" interracial couples deal with day-to-day. Been there, done that and could care less about what people think. I wouldn't be Melvin if I did. I base my decision on the fact that I don't want to come home to someone who sympathize with the struggle. I want someone to truly understand automatically. I want someone to truly walk with me. I don't want to have to force someone from a race of people programmed to think one way for 500 years to learn how I've been programmed to think. Their is a severe difference between slave mentality and slave master mentality. Hate to break it to some people but those two mentalities are still within our communities and think (another blog for another time).

It's a little like my reasoning behind an age gap. I don't have time to teach someone younger nor do I want to someone older trying to teach me based on their life experiences. I need an equal. God's plan for marriage demands that two are equally yoked. I believe that also means in ideology, lifestyle and mental age among other characteristics.

Back to the point, I find it funny that my ex in Phoenix would agree with what I just wrote, but takes it a bit further. She believes a white person will not stick my a black spouse when during trials and tribulations. She feels that a white spouse is not equipped to go through hell or high water with a black spouse. Furthermore, she said that interracial couples make up about 2% of marriages and have the exact same divorce rate as "regular marriages" (60%). Therefore, interracial marriages don't last. A nice statistic. It sounds correct, but I won't back it until I find it during my own research. I can't completely agree with that for two reasons.

ONE
The children of interracial marriages: I still wonder sometimes how it was when the first Irish and German decided to mate. Or how society reacted to (let's be real) slaves and former slave jumping the broom with a native Americans. Granted there is little history of hostility between the two groups of groups, but I can't look past the fact that no one cares. Is it because it was so frequent that we had no choice? I understand that society looks at black and white biracial people and ask,"Who do you identify with, black or white?" Simple answer: Both. What people are really asking is "On which side of slavery's history do you stand?" That's the paradox. It's not about skin tone it's about cultures. The walking paradoxes are living proof that one day society will have no choice but to recognize that cultures can be mixed. Therefore, it's not impossible.

Today? Again, I don't have time in my life to deal with it. Plus, I would like to see more growth in the black community and less assimilation before cultures merge. The only way to see growth in anything is from the root. The root is the family ('nough said).

TWO
Marriage: Those who toy with marriage as an idea, just think it's fun OR those who turn it into a simple legal binding contract are doomed anyway from my standpoint (black couples, white couples, interracial couples whatever). Those who believe that marriage is two people coming together in the name of God and/or for true love have a better chance obviously. Who in the world am I to say that a couple married out of lust just by glimpsing at an interracial couple. Who am I to say that a couple isn't equally yoked. I can't assume things. Call it my journalist and Christian programming. Forgive me for believing that people marry because they love each other and/or want to do right by God before assuming otherwise. If I learn otherwise that's fine, but to assume right off the bat is not my style.

Keying back to the beginning and the title, I found my exes theory interesting until I remembered that George Hyatte and Jennifer Forsyth Hyatte, the interracial modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, were caught in Ohio earlier that evening. (In case you didn't click first like I told you to: http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/08/12/courthouse.shooting/index.html) I asked her what about this couple. This white woman allegedly helped plan and carry out the deadly escape of her black husband. She will probably do time for him. HECK she even took a bullet in the leg for him (sounds like a bad Ja Rule song). I don't know of any woman who will do that for the me. I would say that that is going through hell and high water for him. I pose the question again. True love, a theory proven wrong or just crazy ass people? All of the above.

Sidebar: Crazy and dumbass people
1: Come on. These idiots thought they could escape U.S. marshals in the Bible belt.
2: I swear it was her dumb idea to catch a cab from Erlanger, KY to Columbus. No black male fugitive in their right mind would go through Kentucky to Ohio from Tennessee with a white woman. So I thought.
3: You would think they would have switched cars and he'd say, "Baby we need to go east to blend in. Let's rob a bank and go shopping in NY." Hell after I got stopped and detained in Kentucky for DWB (Driving While Black if you forgot) it took a few weeks for me to go back through by myself.

Homecoming/Small Towns

2005-08-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Situation ONE: The day I drove back to the DC-area was an eventful day. After finally getting my car from the shop for it's finally repair job (Laugh it up Carrie), I stuffed the rest of my crap in the car and hit the road. I found the temporary corporate housing complex around 11pm, an hour before I was suppose to meet my boys Kevin (current my roommate) and Jason. I rushed to unstuff my car and shower off the travel funk off. So I drove to Adams Morgan, an area of eclectic bars and restaurants, and ran into three former college schoolmates. We greeted each other with the normal dap of black men who haven't seen each other in a while and went on about our business. Meet up with my boys, met Jason's girl (and friends) and drank a well deserved Red Stripe (hurray beer!). Here comes another Howard alumnus down the stairs whom with we all greet and hold a conversation. I didn't notice his date/neighbor in the dim and shadowy part of the area where we were standing. Someone slaps me up-side the head from that shadowy part. OF COURSE it's his date/neighbor who I...well... had relations with. They both currently live across the street from me. We talk for a bit and then we all leave. My crew decided to go across the street to another bar when someone else from the past yelled, "MELVIN!" It was yet another classmate from Howard. Amazing. In just 2 hours I ran into three different circles of people form the same University.

Situation TWO: Co-worker Jon and I finally had a chance to have some beers and talk. We met through our mutual friend, Carrie. We'd only been able to talk via email beforehand since we work in different departments and on different schedules. We talk about various drinking stories, work, page design, page designers in the industries we both know, etc. I find out that main person from the area he knows is his cousin Jason. He mentions he is from Northern Virginia. Jon told me Jason's last name and it clicked. We went to high school together. I graduated a year after him I believe.

SITUATION THREE: Ah the salsa spots of DC. Very diverse yet plenty of regulars depend on which spot you go to. We chose Yuca. Weeks before this particular incident we went to Yuca to try it out. It was mad fun and I found that my skills improved (slightly). That first time in Yuca I tried to get the bartender's attention. He looked familiar. He yelled, "MELVIN!" It was an old co-worker from my restaurant days. Amazing. Another circle of people I touched on in a matter of two weeks.

I digress...this particular incident beats all incidents. The second time the crew went to Yuca around the time I get off of work on Saturdays. The intern and I decided to walk since the Post is right down the street. We stop to get some cash and my boys text me, "We're in." I text back, "Cool be there in 10 minutes." I spot my friends as soon as I walk in the club. In trying to dodge spinning chicks and dudes on the dance floor the first person I made eye contact with (in mid-spin) was ANOTHER ...umm.. person I've had relations with! I haven't had that many women in my life to continue to randomly run into them. I tell my boys and they sarcastically react,"NO! we hadn't notice." My immediate response was "[Forget] yall!" Jason's girlfriend said,"I told them to tell you when they texted you." The song ended and she comes over and was surprisingly friendly. Let's just say we didn't leave things on the best terms. It appears that life takes us through things and changes our outlook on other things. So I added her back on my prayer list, danced and chillaxed with my friends and new favorite bartender.

WHAT IS GOING ON! One of the many many reasons for leaving Cincinnati was because of the intersecting circles of people synonymous with living in a smaller town. Does that make DC (area) a small town for me now?

I've been going over it in my head how to descibe coming home. Many have heard me refer to Cincinnati as a small town trying to be a big city. When you walk down the same block and frequent the same bars, clubs, restaurants, and social events for three years you seem to notice the same circles of people. That seems to be true in any city or town. Yet in Cincy you seem to run into the same people circles whether you branch out of the normal spots or not. I hated that. too many people would be in my business. For example, before I could go to a weekly martini night for the first time, people had already knew someone that knew someone that went out with this one, who I use to date, who hates me now and yadda yadda yadda. My efforts to get away from the same circles were as successful as my efforts to "blend in" in that wonderful Midwestern town.

What's killing me is that I realized that I have (one) never been able to run in just one circle of friends. It's boring and doesn't fit my personality. And (two) because of that fact it's more difficult for me to get away from the circles I'm exposed to. The reason I don't feel as trapped as I did in Cincinnati is because there's a plethora of people to hang out with here in this area. Yes, that simple revelation took a few sentences. Forgive me. THANKS for reading. :)
And for a corny ending: It's a small world after all.

Too old to party?

2005-08-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am posting my Tuesday, June 14, 2005 blog again on this address. My old account is screwy so I was forced to create another. New posts coming soon. Enjoy.

Never thought it could happen so soon. I took a break from drinking for a few months (ok cutback). Here I am celebrating my departure from the Cincinnati Enquirer and I can't seem to find the alcohol tolerance I once had. Seven days of partying wouldn't faze me back in the day. Now it seems that I am not immune to the aging process. Melvinatorfest began Friday night at the Plum Street Cafe. We didn't have that much time to drink much so I woke up the next morning feeling great.Saturday's seven-hour Hofbrauhaus celebration left me with a hangover. I can't understand it. I was good. I drank water and ate food so why do I have a hangover from beer. There was a time when I could drink several mixed drinks (well liquor too) for several days straight and not feel a thing. It was bad enough to have a hangover. My normal rememdies were not working as fast. Water, coffee, Micky D's and ibprofen tablets usually help me recover in an hour. I didn't recover until 6pm. Me!!!On Sunday, after Austin (Sarah Conard's fiance) and I watched Star Wars III, we stopped at Gameworks for some beer and games. The instant I saw the bartender pour Austin's beer my stomache reminded the rest of my body how long it took to recover that morning. I had to settle for a Red Bull. I have to take days off from drinking now. ME!!!Yesterday evening Melvinatorfest continued at Plum Street Cafe. Former boss Kathy McDermott ran a tab for all of us. I had about four beers in total last night and was total cool driving home. This morning these guys from Guinea who keep calling for some name I can't pronounce (wrong number) woke me up at 7am. My head was throbbing. I'm still in recovery as I type this blog. Tonight is the VNV Nation concert. I may have to Red Bull it.