Hey, girl, long time no see
Do you have a little time to spend with me
I wanna know what’s been going onIn your life, huh, talk to me, baby
Your hair, perfume you wear
Brings back memories, oh, of you and me
You look so fine, you blow my mind
All over again, ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...So much has happened in my life
Since we parted
What about you
Now I’ve got myself together
And I know just what I want
And right now,I know that it’s you, you
Rock me tonight for old times sake
Would you baby, hey
Roll with me tonight for old times sake
Ooh...ooh...ooh...oh...oh...
From Freddie Jackson's Rock Me Tonight
This song is the inspiration of the next manlaw, which was inspired by Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Matt Leinart. Leinart is in this manlaw because apparently his on again off again girlfriend is expecting to deliver a boy in October. She was a basketball player for USC, where Leinart won the Heisman Trophy two seasons ago. Apparently the girl’s father spread this news, only weeks after Leinart signed a multi-million dollar deal. Now old girl says Matt should focus on this season and we will deal with things after ward. Manlaw states that Leinart read the wrong defense in this situation and if you are getting blitzed from the past, they least you should do is wear some damn Trojans. Damn, you would think since you played for USC for five years that the team nickname (Trojans) would stick to your head. Manlaw 2: If you are going to turn back the hands of time then one must be prepared for ANY consequences of such a move.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
To tell the truth or not
Well it's time for me to get back on the horn here. My main man Conscious has been taking a beating, but he is still standing. I am also back on my blog at www.leejournalism.blogspot.com.
But lets get down to business.
It is always interesting when I debate with a good friend who shall remain nameless.
The last debate was on women and weight.
So she asks me: "So Greg, do I look fat?"
"Then she says be careful how you answer"
People know me. I will say what I have to say and have no fear of punishment.
But I said "You look fine, you are always fine" but, you could lose a couple of pounds.
She then gets mad and say you are not supposed to say that to a woman.
See this is what I have a problem with. This is another Burger King situation. You can't have it your way all the time.
What do I mean?
Women always say they want our honest opinion. They don't want to be lied to.
But when it comes to weight, they want you to be PC or come up with a sweet way to say no dear, you look fine.
Or dear, I am going to the gym because I need to work it out and I need you to come with me to provide inspiration.
Why do I have to use some mind game to get yo ass to the gym?
I thought women wanted honesty?
So which is it ladies?
But lets get down to business.
It is always interesting when I debate with a good friend who shall remain nameless.
The last debate was on women and weight.
So she asks me: "So Greg, do I look fat?"
"Then she says be careful how you answer"
People know me. I will say what I have to say and have no fear of punishment.
But I said "You look fine, you are always fine" but, you could lose a couple of pounds.
She then gets mad and say you are not supposed to say that to a woman.
See this is what I have a problem with. This is another Burger King situation. You can't have it your way all the time.
What do I mean?
Women always say they want our honest opinion. They don't want to be lied to.
But when it comes to weight, they want you to be PC or come up with a sweet way to say no dear, you look fine.
Or dear, I am going to the gym because I need to work it out and I need you to come with me to provide inspiration.
Why do I have to use some mind game to get yo ass to the gym?
I thought women wanted honesty?
So which is it ladies?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
A Letter to the Brothers
Brothers,
Let’s take a second and thank God for making us men. As I move through my day, I see many different people and many different things. While we men are definitely the less attractive of the two sexes, I’m quite okay with that. As a sacrifice we have been able to retain a good grasp on logic except when we are angry or horny. Aside from that we are simple beings. Rather than go on and on about how men are, let me list a few reasons that make me question the logic of women.
1. The menstrual cycle. We all know women are completely incapable of logic during this time. There are 52 weeks in a year, and if you’re lucky a woman is sane for 40 of those. (I know it’s a blessing to give birth ! You go a head and keep that blessing, I’ll get in where I fit in – pun intended)
2. Footwear. Now I know damn well no logical person would walk around on there tippie-toes all damn day on any damn day no matter how good it makes their calves and ass look. Let me not fail to mention shoes that jam all of your toes together or worst of all, shoes where the pinky toe is not even on the sole. What’s up with that ? Did the pinky toe do something wrong ?
3. This one might set you back a lil. Bras. I was riding home on the train and I was noticing the difference between women’s endowments. As I noticed size, shapes, and elasticity, I wondered who came up with the bra ? I looked for the logic behind it. Was it for safety ? comfort ? And as the woman across from me dug at her strap and the strip of sweat that was forming underneath, I knew it wasn’t comfort. Then, if it’s for the look, I saw quite a few men on the same train that could have benefited from a push up (pun intended). What logical purpose does it serve ?
4. Make-Up. I’m a fan of the au-natural. I don’t mind a lil make up, some color on the cheeks. But damn, If I had to put on lipstick (I hate lipstick), lengthen my eyelashes, eye liner, eye brows, foundation, etcetera-etcetera !
Add the fact that I have yet to meet a woman that can hook up a surround sound component system. Or master any complex electrical unit. Don’t let this detract from a woman’s God given beauty, power, and other gifts. But some of the things women do on a daily basis are in the words of Mr. Spock of the planet Vulcan “illogical”.
Now ladies, do what you do, just know why I wonder about your mental stability.
On behalf of the brothers let’s send the women a big K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sistas)
And to the fellas, if there are any other issues regarding logic, please share.
Let’s take a second and thank God for making us men. As I move through my day, I see many different people and many different things. While we men are definitely the less attractive of the two sexes, I’m quite okay with that. As a sacrifice we have been able to retain a good grasp on logic except when we are angry or horny. Aside from that we are simple beings. Rather than go on and on about how men are, let me list a few reasons that make me question the logic of women.
1. The menstrual cycle. We all know women are completely incapable of logic during this time. There are 52 weeks in a year, and if you’re lucky a woman is sane for 40 of those. (I know it’s a blessing to give birth ! You go a head and keep that blessing, I’ll get in where I fit in – pun intended)
2. Footwear. Now I know damn well no logical person would walk around on there tippie-toes all damn day on any damn day no matter how good it makes their calves and ass look. Let me not fail to mention shoes that jam all of your toes together or worst of all, shoes where the pinky toe is not even on the sole. What’s up with that ? Did the pinky toe do something wrong ?
3. This one might set you back a lil. Bras. I was riding home on the train and I was noticing the difference between women’s endowments. As I noticed size, shapes, and elasticity, I wondered who came up with the bra ? I looked for the logic behind it. Was it for safety ? comfort ? And as the woman across from me dug at her strap and the strip of sweat that was forming underneath, I knew it wasn’t comfort. Then, if it’s for the look, I saw quite a few men on the same train that could have benefited from a push up (pun intended). What logical purpose does it serve ?
4. Make-Up. I’m a fan of the au-natural. I don’t mind a lil make up, some color on the cheeks. But damn, If I had to put on lipstick (I hate lipstick), lengthen my eyelashes, eye liner, eye brows, foundation, etcetera-etcetera !
Add the fact that I have yet to meet a woman that can hook up a surround sound component system. Or master any complex electrical unit. Don’t let this detract from a woman’s God given beauty, power, and other gifts. But some of the things women do on a daily basis are in the words of Mr. Spock of the planet Vulcan “illogical”.
Now ladies, do what you do, just know why I wonder about your mental stability.
On behalf of the brothers let’s send the women a big K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sistas)
And to the fellas, if there are any other issues regarding logic, please share.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
A memo from the bullshitting professionals....
Ladies…leave the bullshitting to the professionals…in this case the male species. Manlaw 3:20
Men are the presidents, CEOs and chairmen of the boards when it comes to BULLSHITTING, Inc. We built this empire and we will surely protect our interests for now and forever more.
Exhibit A:
My boy has been dating his girlfriend on-and-off for 9 years. His girlfriend is yearning for that diamond ring and the house with a two-car garage. They’ve already got kids and he takes care of them well. He’s told me that he’s straight as far as marriage is concerned…so in simple terms as my girls En Vogue once sang she’s “never gonna get it…neva….eva…gonna get it.” The bullshit timer is still ticking and she’s still with him.
Back to the foundation of my thesis: ladies…leave the bullshitting to the professionals…in this case the male species.
Exhibit B:
The reason women shouldn’t bullshit is because their lineage (if you believe the Christian theology) is inherently flawed thanks to the first women name Eve. Ya’ll know the Bible story, God said don’t eat the fruit and of course bullshitting Eve got greedy and f$cked ya’ll up for everlasting generations. Now, many women are born with a defective bullshitting gene in their DNA.
How can I say that?
Well, that has to be the only reason good-natured, fine, got-it-together black women fall prey to bullshitting men all the time. Ya’ll are always willing to take a chance on a brother with rough edges and severe baggage.
You think we are doing that for ya’ll? Hell f$cking no.
Ya’ll also know you’ve got at least one girlfriend (maybe two…if your very unlucky) that burns up your anytime minutes to tell you about her bullshitting man. She tells you the same story. You give her the same advice. The result is always the same. Status quo.
Bullshitting in full effect.
The problem is women don’t understand the fundamental concept behind bullshitting. You can only bullshit with someone that is naïve enough to fall for it. So, in this case ladies you are not givers but genetically predisposed to receive bullshit. It is your choice or not to accept it.
So, what happens when women try to bullshit? More often than not, ladies you play yourselves in the process. You always pick a good man to bullshit and it almost always backfires in your face.
Why?
Men are certified bullshitters and we recognize that you’re a wannabe bullshitter from the jump. We will not tell you this right away…but we’ll let you breathe on your own for a while because we all know at some point ya’ll going to run out of oxygen.
It is at that point we gently remind you to "leave the bullshitting to the professionals...in this case the male species" with the breath that we saved listening to you.
Men are the presidents, CEOs and chairmen of the boards when it comes to BULLSHITTING, Inc. We built this empire and we will surely protect our interests for now and forever more.
Exhibit A:
My boy has been dating his girlfriend on-and-off for 9 years. His girlfriend is yearning for that diamond ring and the house with a two-car garage. They’ve already got kids and he takes care of them well. He’s told me that he’s straight as far as marriage is concerned…so in simple terms as my girls En Vogue once sang she’s “never gonna get it…neva….eva…gonna get it.” The bullshit timer is still ticking and she’s still with him.
Back to the foundation of my thesis: ladies…leave the bullshitting to the professionals…in this case the male species.
Exhibit B:
The reason women shouldn’t bullshit is because their lineage (if you believe the Christian theology) is inherently flawed thanks to the first women name Eve. Ya’ll know the Bible story, God said don’t eat the fruit and of course bullshitting Eve got greedy and f$cked ya’ll up for everlasting generations. Now, many women are born with a defective bullshitting gene in their DNA.
How can I say that?
Well, that has to be the only reason good-natured, fine, got-it-together black women fall prey to bullshitting men all the time. Ya’ll are always willing to take a chance on a brother with rough edges and severe baggage.
You think we are doing that for ya’ll? Hell f$cking no.
Ya’ll also know you’ve got at least one girlfriend (maybe two…if your very unlucky) that burns up your anytime minutes to tell you about her bullshitting man. She tells you the same story. You give her the same advice. The result is always the same. Status quo.
Bullshitting in full effect.
The problem is women don’t understand the fundamental concept behind bullshitting. You can only bullshit with someone that is naïve enough to fall for it. So, in this case ladies you are not givers but genetically predisposed to receive bullshit. It is your choice or not to accept it.
So, what happens when women try to bullshit? More often than not, ladies you play yourselves in the process. You always pick a good man to bullshit and it almost always backfires in your face.
Why?
Men are certified bullshitters and we recognize that you’re a wannabe bullshitter from the jump. We will not tell you this right away…but we’ll let you breathe on your own for a while because we all know at some point ya’ll going to run out of oxygen.
It is at that point we gently remind you to "leave the bullshitting to the professionals...in this case the male species" with the breath that we saved listening to you.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
On Some John Kerry Ish !
This is part rant, part question so bear with me. I am going to share with you a few scenarios and then tell you what I think about each. Please know that I apply some form or fashion of brother's man law to each.
1. I had a girlfriend in December and January just passed. Due to differences we both checked out emotionally and quickly broke up. Shortly there after, I being Conscious, saw the err in my ways. I had taken the lazy route, not communicating my emotions and frustrations expecting her to know automatically. I had also lost a woman who I considered a friend and had really grown fond of and enjoyed conversing with. I had also lost a very passionate and beautiful lover. So, while I didn't think I could salvage the relationship, I did want to salvage the friendship. So, I invited her out to dinner. She declined by stating "I don't recycle relationships". So, I said cool. Then I became insulted by the fact that if she couldn't accept a free meal then we really aren't friends. I kept it movin. I see her spot me downtown, she walks over and gives me a hug and some small talk. Now if you can't eat a meal on me then why hug me or chat me up. A week or so later she invites me to lunch. I accept (i'm not a complete assh*le).
But the day of, I call out of work cuz i'm sick. I email her to let her know and she doesn't even respond. Sent another email apologizing, still no response. So here's what it is. If I see her again she needs to keep it movin or expect a severe barrage of verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, with a couple of nouns here and there. Either, she f's with me or she doesn't not both.
2. When I was like 21 I was seeing this 17 year old. Shut Up. It's only 4 years difference. Anyway, I dated her for a few years, treated her badly, not like abuse but definitely not the best of ways. You know she was my young thing and I was in the streets hard. So, she would get late nights, maybe a weekend here or there. But I taught her alot. I was her best friend. I confided in her as she did me. But of course she was coming into her own and she wanted to be in the streets too. So, I told her I knew she wanted to do her thing and I stayed her friend as she dated other guys, other girls, etc. Fast Forward like 4 years and I've grown up some, so has she. I come at her on some real ish. Like why don't you come live with me, be my woman like we used to speak about. Naw, she wanted to get it crunk and move to the ATL. I pleaded. Aiight maybe not pleaded but I tried to convince her to stay but to no avail. She was out. Living the life - clubbin', picked up the slang, the accent, got a lil thicker. . .I tried to stay close through phone and email but she was feeling her self. Started dating an Atlanta Hawk who now plays in Dallas (I was secretly hating on him throughout the finals). Which of course ends their relationship. She visits Boston last summer. I took her to Charlie's on Newbury Street. We had a great time just hanging out and kicking it. No sex. She calls me from the "A" a few months later like "I'm pregnant" -
(It ain't me, I just said no sex.) Now, she has a son. . .the kids father wants nothing to do with either and guess where we are now ? Right, Con gets the phone call and IMs saying "I miss you" "I haven't heard from you" "I want to move back to Boston" "I want you to see my son" "Do you think we could date if I came home" -
(insert sound of needle scratching off of record here)
Are you serious ? I tried to do it right with you. I would have gave this woman my seed. I offered to share my home. You didn't want any of that. Now, faced with the reality that she is not where she wants to be, and has no man, and only now is it beginning to dawn on her that she should have taken a left at Albuquerque. So, I'm supposed to pick up the slack of this bum ass dude ? He ain't even the issue.
3. Last one. . I had to do 3 for the stripes (It's a Boston thing).
Last summer, I met this woman and we hit it off. We became cool and maintained mostly a highly charged physical relationship. Afterwork private cool down sets. Rockets in flight, Sunday afternoon delight. Episodes like that. One catch. She had a man in NY. So on a few occasions she would show regret or remorse and I gave her the option of not messing with me (which I shouldn't have to give her) or to get serious with me. She chose neither. She actually chose to start sleeping with a friend of mine that I introduced her to. Hey, i don't hate the player. I don't even hate the game. I mean if she wasn't sleeping with him. It would just be someone else, I didn't know. Anyway. Eventually, things became too much for her. I empathized. I told her I didn't judge her. She is a grown ass woman. By the way she was going to NY every other week to see her man. But back to the story. One day I get a voicemail with some cat talking greazy on my voicemail from a train station with a girl in the background crying on 3 way. (Please refer to previous post about keeping my name and number out of your boyfriends reach). She later called IMed me, admitted it was her and her man and asked me not to contact her in any way. no phone, no IM, no email, nada. Which is cool, I keeps it movin'.
Friday that just passed. I was out doing flyers outside a club and I see three chics, I walk over and as they turn I see her, she lights up, walks over to me, hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. Then maybe two days ago leaves a comment on my blog about us being kindred spirits and best friends forever and hoping that I find peace and happiness because she has. My first reaction was who does this _____ think she is ? I been peaceful and happy. Don't try to get all holier than I and be preaching down to me. And how is hugging me and kissing me on the cheek, and then writing to me consistent with no contact ?
With all that being said: Am I buggin or are these women ? Are they trying to be cordial ? Cuz, I can deal with people walking by me and not speaking. I am a Bostonian involved in politics, that shit happens everyday.
Brother's manlaw: you might have heard this one before "Either love me or leave me alone"
1. I had a girlfriend in December and January just passed. Due to differences we both checked out emotionally and quickly broke up. Shortly there after, I being Conscious, saw the err in my ways. I had taken the lazy route, not communicating my emotions and frustrations expecting her to know automatically. I had also lost a woman who I considered a friend and had really grown fond of and enjoyed conversing with. I had also lost a very passionate and beautiful lover. So, while I didn't think I could salvage the relationship, I did want to salvage the friendship. So, I invited her out to dinner. She declined by stating "I don't recycle relationships". So, I said cool. Then I became insulted by the fact that if she couldn't accept a free meal then we really aren't friends. I kept it movin. I see her spot me downtown, she walks over and gives me a hug and some small talk. Now if you can't eat a meal on me then why hug me or chat me up. A week or so later she invites me to lunch. I accept (i'm not a complete assh*le).
But the day of, I call out of work cuz i'm sick. I email her to let her know and she doesn't even respond. Sent another email apologizing, still no response. So here's what it is. If I see her again she needs to keep it movin or expect a severe barrage of verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, with a couple of nouns here and there. Either, she f's with me or she doesn't not both.
2. When I was like 21 I was seeing this 17 year old. Shut Up. It's only 4 years difference. Anyway, I dated her for a few years, treated her badly, not like abuse but definitely not the best of ways. You know she was my young thing and I was in the streets hard. So, she would get late nights, maybe a weekend here or there. But I taught her alot. I was her best friend. I confided in her as she did me. But of course she was coming into her own and she wanted to be in the streets too. So, I told her I knew she wanted to do her thing and I stayed her friend as she dated other guys, other girls, etc. Fast Forward like 4 years and I've grown up some, so has she. I come at her on some real ish. Like why don't you come live with me, be my woman like we used to speak about. Naw, she wanted to get it crunk and move to the ATL. I pleaded. Aiight maybe not pleaded but I tried to convince her to stay but to no avail. She was out. Living the life - clubbin', picked up the slang, the accent, got a lil thicker. . .I tried to stay close through phone and email but she was feeling her self. Started dating an Atlanta Hawk who now plays in Dallas (I was secretly hating on him throughout the finals). Which of course ends their relationship. She visits Boston last summer. I took her to Charlie's on Newbury Street. We had a great time just hanging out and kicking it. No sex. She calls me from the "A" a few months later like "I'm pregnant" -
(It ain't me, I just said no sex.) Now, she has a son. . .the kids father wants nothing to do with either and guess where we are now ? Right, Con gets the phone call and IMs saying "I miss you" "I haven't heard from you" "I want to move back to Boston" "I want you to see my son" "Do you think we could date if I came home" -
(insert sound of needle scratching off of record here)
Are you serious ? I tried to do it right with you. I would have gave this woman my seed. I offered to share my home. You didn't want any of that. Now, faced with the reality that she is not where she wants to be, and has no man, and only now is it beginning to dawn on her that she should have taken a left at Albuquerque. So, I'm supposed to pick up the slack of this bum ass dude ? He ain't even the issue.
3. Last one. . I had to do 3 for the stripes (It's a Boston thing).
Last summer, I met this woman and we hit it off. We became cool and maintained mostly a highly charged physical relationship. Afterwork private cool down sets. Rockets in flight, Sunday afternoon delight. Episodes like that. One catch. She had a man in NY. So on a few occasions she would show regret or remorse and I gave her the option of not messing with me (which I shouldn't have to give her) or to get serious with me. She chose neither. She actually chose to start sleeping with a friend of mine that I introduced her to. Hey, i don't hate the player. I don't even hate the game. I mean if she wasn't sleeping with him. It would just be someone else, I didn't know. Anyway. Eventually, things became too much for her. I empathized. I told her I didn't judge her. She is a grown ass woman. By the way she was going to NY every other week to see her man. But back to the story. One day I get a voicemail with some cat talking greazy on my voicemail from a train station with a girl in the background crying on 3 way. (Please refer to previous post about keeping my name and number out of your boyfriends reach). She later called IMed me, admitted it was her and her man and asked me not to contact her in any way. no phone, no IM, no email, nada. Which is cool, I keeps it movin'.
Friday that just passed. I was out doing flyers outside a club and I see three chics, I walk over and as they turn I see her, she lights up, walks over to me, hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. Then maybe two days ago leaves a comment on my blog about us being kindred spirits and best friends forever and hoping that I find peace and happiness because she has. My first reaction was who does this _____ think she is ? I been peaceful and happy. Don't try to get all holier than I and be preaching down to me. And how is hugging me and kissing me on the cheek, and then writing to me consistent with no contact ?
With all that being said: Am I buggin or are these women ? Are they trying to be cordial ? Cuz, I can deal with people walking by me and not speaking. I am a Bostonian involved in politics, that shit happens everyday.
Brother's manlaw: you might have heard this one before "Either love me or leave me alone"
Monday, August 14, 2006
It ain't what you know but who you know !
Allow me to re-introduce myself. Conscious1 aka Mr. Sixseventeen aka International Man of Mystery. I operate on several planes. But there are someplaces I just don’t like my name to be. For example; don’t say my name to your boyfriend, don’t say my name in court, and keep my name out of the streets. I want to speak about the last one. I used to do my thing. I mean I have been in the Boston nightlife since 17 at Pollyestas. And I find women to be the most beautiful creatures on the earth. I am also fully aware that women are raised to be emotional beings and they like to talk, often about men. So, I learned at a young age that women would tell their friends about you. What you bought them, what you said, what you did, and how long you did it . . .So I became very selective about who I saw and in what capacity. I stayed away from the popular chics that everyone wanted because chances are they spoke to a lot of people which would put more people in my biz. I tended to look towards the chics that played sports, you know ill body but not really popular, maybe two or 3 real friends, not concerned with popularity. Later, it would be the quiet one at the bar tapping her foot, dressed conservative, wanting to dance but no ones asking because her ass ain’t hanging out. I’m at her. See jealousy nad hating ran rampant in the mid to late 90s. Brother’s that can’t dance, or had no game, or weren’t good looking would salt if they saw you too much especially in the company of a young woman that they were interested in. Worse case scenarios: gossip, prank phone calls, ice grills, and maybe violence(very rare, but not unheard of). And I have tests, within my first couple of conversations, I’ll ask about the ex ? I’ll see if she talks about him. Does she dog him out to a stranger ? If she does I take note immediately, and she might find herself a platonic friend. I have to ask myself what If our future split isn’t amicable ? I’ll be the next one to be on blast. I mean I know sometimes a woman can be your greatest commercial bragging to her friends. I have even gotten some action because a woman told her girl about the kid and how I do. But I have my own PR department and I prefer to handle my own promotional campaigns. I would like someone to form an opinion of me based on my actions towards them not necessarily the last woman I dated. And now with the advent of the internet, people can be put on full blast with pictures, stories, video and more. So, fellas be careful and choose wisely before you find yourself out there. Women, be ladies, if you have nothing nice to say. You know the rest
Brother's Man Law: Real men like to move in silence. Let my actions speak for themselves.
Brother's Man Law: Real men like to move in silence. Let my actions speak for themselves.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Call me Hacksaw
Today's entry has been a point of contention between men and some women since the day some diamond-dealing miscreant convinced women that shiny rocks were symbols of undying love: Does she get to keep the ring if you call off the engagement?
My answer is a resounding "Hell No." Inasmuch as the ring signifies a promise that we'll share something together after we take vows, that promise is conditional on us actually taking those vows. Given that the rule-of-thumb for buying an engagement ring is that the man is supposed to spend three month's salary or something like that (I'd like to go back and find the sap of a romantic that agreed to that shit and bring him out for a public flogging, Manlaw style; have you ANY IDEA what three months of my salary is?), I could really use that cash back in my bank account for some decent purpose.
Beyond that, why the hell would you want to hold onto a symbol of something that will never happen? I ain't saying she's a gold digger, but...
Anywho, consider the following story of a man suing to get his $98,000 promise off some greedy broad's finger. I say screw the court: she don't wanna take it off, take a cutting tool to her and keep the whole finger.
Manlaw: I giveth; I can taketh away. The deal ain't done til the final "I do" is sung. One.
My answer is a resounding "Hell No." Inasmuch as the ring signifies a promise that we'll share something together after we take vows, that promise is conditional on us actually taking those vows. Given that the rule-of-thumb for buying an engagement ring is that the man is supposed to spend three month's salary or something like that (I'd like to go back and find the sap of a romantic that agreed to that shit and bring him out for a public flogging, Manlaw style; have you ANY IDEA what three months of my salary is?), I could really use that cash back in my bank account for some decent purpose.
Beyond that, why the hell would you want to hold onto a symbol of something that will never happen? I ain't saying she's a gold digger, but...
Anywho, consider the following story of a man suing to get his $98,000 promise off some greedy broad's finger. I say screw the court: she don't wanna take it off, take a cutting tool to her and keep the whole finger.
Manlaw: I giveth; I can taketh away. The deal ain't done til the final "I do" is sung. One.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
To sign or not to sign
So as I was browsing through AOL this morning, I noticed something that I had forgotten. The one item made me a think about an issue that reminds me of Kayne's Golddigger.
So the item read, Indiana Pacers star guard Stephen Jackson calls off his marriage to his fiance on the day of his wedding. Why?
Because she did not want to sign the prenup agreement.
Then fast forward to Bettles great Paul McCartney files for divorce and did not have a prenup to protect his $1.5 billion fortune.
Manlaw 3:25 states that why should people be entitled to something that was earned before the other person existed.
I believe in love and all of that. But when this much money is at stake and how divorce rates are even higher in these tax brackets, you need to protect yourself.
Paul earned his billion a long time before he even met this chick. But now she can get up to 25 percent of his fortune. Get the fcuk out of here.
Stephen, you represented the foundation of manlaw. Stick to your guns.
You earned our respect and the slate has been cleaned from your brawl in Detroit.
So the item read, Indiana Pacers star guard Stephen Jackson calls off his marriage to his fiance on the day of his wedding. Why?
Because she did not want to sign the prenup agreement.
Then fast forward to Bettles great Paul McCartney files for divorce and did not have a prenup to protect his $1.5 billion fortune.
Manlaw 3:25 states that why should people be entitled to something that was earned before the other person existed.
I believe in love and all of that. But when this much money is at stake and how divorce rates are even higher in these tax brackets, you need to protect yourself.
Paul earned his billion a long time before he even met this chick. But now she can get up to 25 percent of his fortune. Get the fcuk out of here.
Stephen, you represented the foundation of manlaw. Stick to your guns.
You earned our respect and the slate has been cleaned from your brawl in Detroit.
Manlaw Goes Live
With the early success from the Brothers Manlaw, the fellas have decided to hit the streets with their views on life as a brother.
The brothers will be on hand for a session at Skinny's Summer Jam on Saturday evening. So please stop by the crib to check us out.
It will be a lot of fun and there will be a surprise announcement.
The brothers will be on hand for a session at Skinny's Summer Jam on Saturday evening. So please stop by the crib to check us out.
It will be a lot of fun and there will be a surprise announcement.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Ya gotta pay, if ya gonna play…
I wasn’t fond of him when he played in the NBA.
I dislike him even more once I got word of the latest news, courtesy of the New York Post. If the allegations are true, former NBA point guard Kenny Anderson has some explaining to do.
According to the article, he has seven children with three different women and the reports are that he hasn’t paid up for at least five of his seven kids. Oh, did I mention he reportedly spends $41,000 a month on himself? I’ll leave out the fact that he’s made about $60 million in his 14-year NBA career and filed for bankruptcy last year for another argument on another day.
Now, I don’t know if these women have taken the necessary legal action against Mr. Anderson (if they haven’t I have no idea what they are waiting for) because leaking this type of information will only get them sympathy and not the paper that they need to take care of HIS kids.
I’m only going to say this once…Ya gotta pay, if ya gonna play (at least when kids are involved)…Manlaw 3:19
Mr. Anderson only has half the equation solved. He is reportedly playing basketball in Lithuania and is making somewhere between $750,000 and $1 million per year. I’ll give him a standing ovation for finding employment when the NBA basically said he was washed up. But, I can’t condone not filtering some of that cash to the kids he helped create.
I dislike him even more once I got word of the latest news, courtesy of the New York Post. If the allegations are true, former NBA point guard Kenny Anderson has some explaining to do.
According to the article, he has seven children with three different women and the reports are that he hasn’t paid up for at least five of his seven kids. Oh, did I mention he reportedly spends $41,000 a month on himself? I’ll leave out the fact that he’s made about $60 million in his 14-year NBA career and filed for bankruptcy last year for another argument on another day.
Now, I don’t know if these women have taken the necessary legal action against Mr. Anderson (if they haven’t I have no idea what they are waiting for) because leaking this type of information will only get them sympathy and not the paper that they need to take care of HIS kids.
I’m only going to say this once…Ya gotta pay, if ya gonna play (at least when kids are involved)…Manlaw 3:19
Mr. Anderson only has half the equation solved. He is reportedly playing basketball in Lithuania and is making somewhere between $750,000 and $1 million per year. I’ll give him a standing ovation for finding employment when the NBA basically said he was washed up. But, I can’t condone not filtering some of that cash to the kids he helped create.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
The case of the wedding ring....
So on a recent night I went to a little birthday gathering where I was playing some spades (might I add that the first hand I had was trump tight and we ran a quick 10, then got eight on the next hand. But things went down after that).
But during the course of my playing the game, a separate conversation got my attention.
It was on the topic of women wearing the scare away ring on the left, marriage finger.
Apparantly a sister was wearing a silver ring on the marriage finger.
A fellow brother was wondering if she was married. Hell I looked at her and thought she was married too. But upon closer look at the ring, I knew it was a scare tactic.
One of the first things fellas notice about a woman besides her fine ass body and Gabrielle Union looks is to look to see if she is taken.
So we take our eyes to the left hand side to see if there is a nice little rock on her finger. If not, she is fair game. (But some fellas if the rock is there, it still does not stop them).
But this night the conversation took a spirtual turn. Being that I am a son of a minister, I found one arguement rather interesting.
The comment agreed by a couple of females was that if a man is destined for a woman, a scare away ring would not keep the man from that woman because he would hear from God to step to her.
From the man's point of view, supposed the dude is a newly created believer in God, but sees that ring and is discouraged. A lot of babes in Christ does not know how to hear the voice of God real well. His first instinct is to see the ring and show no disrespect.
As one dude said aptly, the ring is a symbol that God put together to show a Godly union. So why would a guy think that God would want him to disrespct the symbol.
Manlaw: Women, ditch the fake ring because you could be potentially lose a good guy that is possibly destined for you. His respect of the symbol is the type of man you think you want. Yes, we know some ladies wear it because they will meet more asses than not. But is it worth it to get through a lot of asses to get to the one you should be with?
Personally I hate the fake ring because you can begin an encounter with a dude with a lie.
But during the course of my playing the game, a separate conversation got my attention.
It was on the topic of women wearing the scare away ring on the left, marriage finger.
Apparantly a sister was wearing a silver ring on the marriage finger.
A fellow brother was wondering if she was married. Hell I looked at her and thought she was married too. But upon closer look at the ring, I knew it was a scare tactic.
One of the first things fellas notice about a woman besides her fine ass body and Gabrielle Union looks is to look to see if she is taken.
So we take our eyes to the left hand side to see if there is a nice little rock on her finger. If not, she is fair game. (But some fellas if the rock is there, it still does not stop them).
But this night the conversation took a spirtual turn. Being that I am a son of a minister, I found one arguement rather interesting.
The comment agreed by a couple of females was that if a man is destined for a woman, a scare away ring would not keep the man from that woman because he would hear from God to step to her.
From the man's point of view, supposed the dude is a newly created believer in God, but sees that ring and is discouraged. A lot of babes in Christ does not know how to hear the voice of God real well. His first instinct is to see the ring and show no disrespect.
As one dude said aptly, the ring is a symbol that God put together to show a Godly union. So why would a guy think that God would want him to disrespct the symbol.
Manlaw: Women, ditch the fake ring because you could be potentially lose a good guy that is possibly destined for you. His respect of the symbol is the type of man you think you want. Yes, we know some ladies wear it because they will meet more asses than not. But is it worth it to get through a lot of asses to get to the one you should be with?
Personally I hate the fake ring because you can begin an encounter with a dude with a lie.
Friday, August 04, 2006
...and back to our regularly scheduled program
I walk into the office of a female friend the other day and she's on the phone. When I appear, she tells whoever to hold on and informs me she's talking to her ex (why this info. was important, I don't know but I guess she felt I needed it). So I offered to leave so she can handle her b.i., to which she responds "Oh, are you jealous?"
No.
I'm not a jealous cat, and she's not my girl. But upon hearing me say that I wasn't jealous, she gets vexed and tells me to leave her office. Why? Because, gentlemen, women have egos. Big ones that rival if not surpass our own. Thus telling a woman after an obvious pine for a compliment or affection that you're indifferent is akin to invoking her wrath.
This, however, can work to your advantage: knowing the right balance of indulging and depriving a woman's ego is a powerful tool. Just don't overdo it; unlike women, we're pretty transparent when we try to be manipulative, and if they see through you, you'll suffer.
Manlaw: You're not the only one with an ego that needs stroking.
Bonus manlaw note: I walked into a bookstore recently and came across a book I thought I'd hate, because I'd heard said book was pretty bad. I read a few pages for myself and got intrigued, and wouldn't you know I'm all into it now. The lesson here is never judge a book by what other people tell you about its cover...
No.
I'm not a jealous cat, and she's not my girl. But upon hearing me say that I wasn't jealous, she gets vexed and tells me to leave her office. Why? Because, gentlemen, women have egos. Big ones that rival if not surpass our own. Thus telling a woman after an obvious pine for a compliment or affection that you're indifferent is akin to invoking her wrath.
This, however, can work to your advantage: knowing the right balance of indulging and depriving a woman's ego is a powerful tool. Just don't overdo it; unlike women, we're pretty transparent when we try to be manipulative, and if they see through you, you'll suffer.
Manlaw: You're not the only one with an ego that needs stroking.
Bonus manlaw note: I walked into a bookstore recently and came across a book I thought I'd hate, because I'd heard said book was pretty bad. I read a few pages for myself and got intrigued, and wouldn't you know I'm all into it now. The lesson here is never judge a book by what other people tell you about its cover...
A Pause for the cause...
Ok, so when I'm not on here pontificating about manhood and its relationship to womanhood, I'm a business reporter in my day job and freelancer by night. One of the reasons I got into that business was because I thought use of the media was one of the best ways to disseminate info. to and about black folks -- good, bad and otherwise.
As I was building my career, I met a guy by the name of Nate Chapman, who was the first black man to run an investment banking company and grow it into a publicly-traded firm. (He'd later be convicted of fraud and is now doing time in prison). Transgressions aside, though, during an all-day mentoring session in his office the year I got out of college, Nate told me something that I've remembered to this day and that I think will resonate loud and clear for years: "The civil rights struggle of the 21st century is economic. He was right on so many levels -- with all of the legal and social progress made by black people over the last four decades, we still lag in areas like homeownership, personal and family wealth, business ownership and the political clout that comes along with all those things.
So to that end, I've created another blog that I hope you'll check out, called Blackpeoplesmoney. I hope it becomes a forum for the black and upwardly mobile that our generation represents to talk about our climb on a personal and community level to achieve economic parity. Check it out often, post, send me ideas and tell your friends about it.
Manlaw: you're not a man if you can't feed and clothe your peoples.
As I was building my career, I met a guy by the name of Nate Chapman, who was the first black man to run an investment banking company and grow it into a publicly-traded firm. (He'd later be convicted of fraud and is now doing time in prison). Transgressions aside, though, during an all-day mentoring session in his office the year I got out of college, Nate told me something that I've remembered to this day and that I think will resonate loud and clear for years: "The civil rights struggle of the 21st century is economic. He was right on so many levels -- with all of the legal and social progress made by black people over the last four decades, we still lag in areas like homeownership, personal and family wealth, business ownership and the political clout that comes along with all those things.
So to that end, I've created another blog that I hope you'll check out, called Blackpeoplesmoney. I hope it becomes a forum for the black and upwardly mobile that our generation represents to talk about our climb on a personal and community level to achieve economic parity. Check it out often, post, send me ideas and tell your friends about it.
Manlaw: you're not a man if you can't feed and clothe your peoples.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Jedi Mind Tricks
So in a past relationship I was accused of using a Star Wars tactic on her during our relationship.
I will call this chick Jersey Girl.
So what's her defitintion of Jedi Mind Tricks:
When men play with a woman’s mind and emotions. She says men are the masters of jedi mind tricks.
She said the signs that your man is playing a jedi mind trick are as follows:
He says she’s just a friend but every time that friend comes around you she is giving you dirty looks; He makes promises he never keeps but promises to anyone else he always follows through; He’ll say it’s all in your mind or you are misinterpreting a sitution when a conflict arises; He’ll say he is sorry and won’t do it again…only to turn around and do whatever he said he wasn’t going to do again; He’ll be the master of white lies and half truths. He’ll tell you he went out only he won’t tell you he went out with his ex-girlfriend.
For example, I would tell her, “My natural dispostion is always to be happy.”
Her Translation: it’s easy to lie to your face and smile at the same time.
My Translation: Unless given a specific question, I will only answer what was asked.
Now in some instances when I did not answer I direct question, rather I would re-direct her inquiry with another conversation or just move on all together. Another aspect of Jedi Mind Tricks.
Manlaw states there are no half-truths or half-lies. Manlaw states if you want a specific answer, then ask a specific question. Or better, yet, if you feel you are a victim of this sourcery, then leave the situation.
There are no tricks to that. Though, according to Jersey Chick. I was one hell of a Sith Lord. But I would just say I am Luke Skywalker using the force.
I will call this chick Jersey Girl.
So what's her defitintion of Jedi Mind Tricks:
When men play with a woman’s mind and emotions. She says men are the masters of jedi mind tricks.
She said the signs that your man is playing a jedi mind trick are as follows:
He says she’s just a friend but every time that friend comes around you she is giving you dirty looks; He makes promises he never keeps but promises to anyone else he always follows through; He’ll say it’s all in your mind or you are misinterpreting a sitution when a conflict arises; He’ll say he is sorry and won’t do it again…only to turn around and do whatever he said he wasn’t going to do again; He’ll be the master of white lies and half truths. He’ll tell you he went out only he won’t tell you he went out with his ex-girlfriend.
For example, I would tell her, “My natural dispostion is always to be happy.”
Her Translation: it’s easy to lie to your face and smile at the same time.
My Translation: Unless given a specific question, I will only answer what was asked.
Now in some instances when I did not answer I direct question, rather I would re-direct her inquiry with another conversation or just move on all together. Another aspect of Jedi Mind Tricks.
Manlaw states there are no half-truths or half-lies. Manlaw states if you want a specific answer, then ask a specific question. Or better, yet, if you feel you are a victim of this sourcery, then leave the situation.
There are no tricks to that. Though, according to Jersey Chick. I was one hell of a Sith Lord. But I would just say I am Luke Skywalker using the force.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
From Boyz to Men
We are the men of Brothers Manlaw.
PGS = Keith Reed is below as a 23 day old baby to young Pittsburgh Pirate fan to grown ass pimp.
Skinny G = Gregory Lee
Look at Skinny as a baby, then getting that paper from kindergarten, then from high school and today as the man.
Well we only have a picture of SPChrist as a man. We think he was thrown off the bed at a real early age.
PGS = Keith Reed is below as a 23 day old baby to young Pittsburgh Pirate fan to grown ass pimp.
Skinny G = Gregory Lee
Look at Skinny as a baby, then getting that paper from kindergarten, then from high school and today as the man.
Well we only have a picture of SPChrist as a man. We think he was thrown off the bed at a real early age.
My name ain't Swammi
Every man has found himself in this position: Something's wrong with your woman, mother, sister, et al. Knowing her as well as you do, you sense this. The feeling, the tension, walks in the room before she does, and once she gets there, the air is thick as soup.
Then, the deadly, piercing silence of a woman's unspoken emotions. Struggling, you make small talk, looking for context clues. She responds with monosyllabic answers that provide you no indication. Is she angry, tepid, seething, frustrated, sad? Is it work, you, something she saw on TV, her friend on the way for his monthly visit? Having no clue, and knowing only that doing nothing, anything at all, ensures you a bigger problem than the one you've got at that moment, you conjure up the stones to ask the one question that's obvious to every man at this juncture:
"What's wrong?"
And in that instant, you lose all control of the situation -- as if you had it to begin with.
The problem, brothas, is that you're just NOT a mind reader. As a general rule, men are more pragmatic in thinking and action, which conversely means we're pretty emotionally stupid. That's why it's called "women's intuition", and not "men's"; a woman's intuition will give her a pretty damn good idea not only when something's wrong, but what that wrong is and how to fix it, even when you may not completely be able to articulate it. I've experienced this numerous times, having expressed frustration, anger or rage to no end, only to have my significant at the time look calmly at me and say something like "you need to go to sleep; go lay down and I'll be in there in a second." Much as I fought, it was just that simple: lay my cranky ass down and problem solved.
But do NOT be fooled by this, guys. You are simply not equipped to soothe so simply as is the fairer sex. This does not mean that you can't solve whatever your woman's problem is at the time, in fact, many of these situations arise because she wants YOU to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to make her feel better. The problem is you don't know what.
So in the interest of happier homes everywhere, I suggest the following: Guys, tell your woman, up front, kindly, that you may indeed possess the wizardry to make her feel better somehow. But you're not a genie who's gonna fly out of his lamp unless said lamp is rubbed, which is to say that ladies, knowing how emotionally stupid we males are, you're going to need to step up and speak up if you want us to help you out with emotions we simply don't have the aptitude to understand.
MANLAW: You're an emotional nincompoop. Embrace it, communicate it, and if you've got a good woman, you'll be rewarded.
Then, the deadly, piercing silence of a woman's unspoken emotions. Struggling, you make small talk, looking for context clues. She responds with monosyllabic answers that provide you no indication. Is she angry, tepid, seething, frustrated, sad? Is it work, you, something she saw on TV, her friend on the way for his monthly visit? Having no clue, and knowing only that doing nothing, anything at all, ensures you a bigger problem than the one you've got at that moment, you conjure up the stones to ask the one question that's obvious to every man at this juncture:
"What's wrong?"
And in that instant, you lose all control of the situation -- as if you had it to begin with.
The problem, brothas, is that you're just NOT a mind reader. As a general rule, men are more pragmatic in thinking and action, which conversely means we're pretty emotionally stupid. That's why it's called "women's intuition", and not "men's"; a woman's intuition will give her a pretty damn good idea not only when something's wrong, but what that wrong is and how to fix it, even when you may not completely be able to articulate it. I've experienced this numerous times, having expressed frustration, anger or rage to no end, only to have my significant at the time look calmly at me and say something like "you need to go to sleep; go lay down and I'll be in there in a second." Much as I fought, it was just that simple: lay my cranky ass down and problem solved.
But do NOT be fooled by this, guys. You are simply not equipped to soothe so simply as is the fairer sex. This does not mean that you can't solve whatever your woman's problem is at the time, in fact, many of these situations arise because she wants YOU to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to make her feel better. The problem is you don't know what.
So in the interest of happier homes everywhere, I suggest the following: Guys, tell your woman, up front, kindly, that you may indeed possess the wizardry to make her feel better somehow. But you're not a genie who's gonna fly out of his lamp unless said lamp is rubbed, which is to say that ladies, knowing how emotionally stupid we males are, you're going to need to step up and speak up if you want us to help you out with emotions we simply don't have the aptitude to understand.
MANLAW: You're an emotional nincompoop. Embrace it, communicate it, and if you've got a good woman, you'll be rewarded.
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