Words, Deeds and Documentaries

WARNING: PHILOSOPHIC RAMBLING AHEAD!

I believe that words and deeds are two constant elements in this universe that measure a man (or woman). Words on their own merit, have a proven potency that changes desires to destinies. Many men have rose to prominence with words of uplifting and edifying discourse. Some have used words to manipulate and move themselves to positions of power. We know that words have power. When written they can live eternal. But our deeds are the actions that create impact, that create kinetic energy that moves mountains in our lives.

Being human, I realize my words don't always line up with my actions, or sometimes my own words doom and destroy my innermost hopes. But when they line up with my actions and have a positive light shining on them they have the potential to uplift and empower me in a way I was meant to live. I'm working on making my words work for me. I need them more than ever to help me through the most challenging times this country has seen, which has in turn made for some of the most challenging days in our personal lives.

Blah, blah, blah...

I for one find positive energy in the very rare combination of learning and being entertained. Some movies that have graced the silver screen have given me that satisfaction. But there are those that never make it to theatres that I tend to enjoy more than most: documentaries- stories of real people and real events from a perspective of artistic presentation.

For the past few weeks I've cued up my instant play Netflix full of documentaries. The lack of variety of newer films along with my constant curiosity of the human condition compelled me to chose this unlikely genre These sometimes delightful, very insightful and informative films have been my medicine for some interesting times in my world. Some of the docs I've viewed thus far have had an over arching theme, with are large panoramic world lens while others has the telescopic focus of remarkable personal feats.


Next to video games, docs are my new vice. With that said, one documentary in particular combines both in the most engaging and entertaining fashion. The King of Kong: Fist Full of Quarters had me contemplating life one barrel at a time.

At first glance, it might seem like a film of two grown men locked in battle over juvenile recreation , but the director captured the pure element of competition and the motives behind each contestand and the emotions that ensue. It moved me enough to understand that it really wasn't about who was best at Donkey Kong, but what's right and what's wrong in the world.

The analogy of a champion flanked by a kingdom of followers versus the family man, a diligent, lone challenger who just wanted to feel "in control" of something in his life is a classic tale. A Rocky story, but with a joystick. Eventhough I'm a self proclaimed dork and gamer, I recommend this doc for non-geeks. It should make you laugh and cry...or not.

A Promise Unkept (and more...)

I attempted to think back and remember the essence of each experience last year and for the life of me, I can't put it together the way I would have when it was recent. So, I choose not to even go there. I choose not to serve left over thoughts and cold memories when fresh, new ideas are needed. Does last thanksgiving really matter right now? Not really. What about Black Friday or Christmas, interested? Not so much. So this is a promise unkept; please forgive me.

You have to give me credit...I did post something! (Just kidding!)

For some reason, I am considered in my circle as the "community guy." Sure, I do volunteer and I am a mentor but I'm not out serving and working nearly enough to be honored with that title. Their extreme exagerration got me to thinking. I do my share to give back but there are others out there doing this tireless work more than I could even fathom. My experiences in the community might be worth sharing. I will maintain a community calendar of activites I'm involved in and post updates and photos of those experiences. I hope to highlight individuals I encounter and their organizations. In doing so, I would not only volunteer my time, but acknowledge them for their courage, kindness, generosity and selflessness.

Detroit is a tough town, full of rugged and ragged realities, especially in these times. But these heroes help smooth out the sores of this city. I'm excited to share this side of my life with you. If you have any experiences, people and places to share, join in as I celebrate the our unsung heroes and happenings.

Back Again

Wow,

How long has it been, Decemeber 1? Well, what can I say, I dropped the ball. To those that have entered "Turtle Mode" with me and have read and commented on a few of my thoughts, thank you. And forgive my negligence. I will be back in some form this year with more consistency.

I promised a few things in my last blog: An update on the wonderful thanksgiving holiday, my Black Friday fun, and an update on my quest for "the Rules" and more.

I will make good on those promises and keep it moving with an update on my Christmas/New Years/Valentines Day. It's been quite a ride. Yeah, all that on Satruday.

Promise.

Oh, yeah...Blog!

Unfortunately, I've been slacking on the blog, caught up with life too much to document its impact, I guess. I had a wonderful turkey day story and a great non-shopping black friday experience that I will soon share once I can sit myself down and focus. I start many posts but never have the continuance to finish them.

Sunday was my day to catch up, however I was on the road dropping my bro off in KZoo; through rain, sleet and snow, mind you. So when I got home, my mind (and body) was worn.

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving went well. Back to the "grind!"

God Bless.

Oh, and I didn't forget about my continuation of "the rules". Won't that be fun to share (sarcasm).

The Rules?

(Updated 11.25.08)

When it comes to dating (or not dating) what are the rules? I just found out this week that I didn't have a clue what they were. Taking a turn from my normal subject matter. I thought I'd share the insight I've gained from this and other dilemmas I have found myself in. Unfortunately I'm disillusioned and distracted too much to gather those sordid thoughts into any organized structure.

So I will brave the treacherous waters of dating and relationships by getting more personal and sharing ideas and experiences on this blog. After all these very issues have been blowing my mind in the past weeks, holding me back from sharing my mind on other issues.

So stay tuned until I can effectively articulate those thoughts. In the meantime, to begin this very topic, I'll let you start it off. I pose that very same question to you. What are your rules at dating and why?

Becoming the Change

We must become the change we want to see in the world. — Mahatma Gandhi

I closed my last post with these same words from Gandhi. Words we have heard in different variations and renditions from many lectures, sermons and speeches. These words resonate with me most because action is most important out of all our hopes, dreams and aspirations.

The element of "hope" and "change" was introduced in the successful presidential campaign of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States. His message of "change" is now a possibility since his historic victory.

But as he mentioned in his speech, it's only a chance at change. We must work together to make it happen. No matter who you voted for, if you're Democrat or Republican (or other), red state or blue state, we live in the United States of America. The election is over; we have our next president and it's time to unite.

It's time to unite in prayer and work toward change. My way of working toward change is volunteering. I have slipped in my community service in the past few months, but I'm back in the saddle. I've finally been matched with a mentee through Big Brothers, Big Sisters, reconnecting with friends at Detroit Parent Network, serving on boards and planning committees for non-profits (see links) and availing myself more to my family.

President-Elect Obama was coined "the candidate of change" during the election, and reports have shown that he is hitting the ground running to do what he has promised on the campaign trail. But we can't depend on him to change our destiny, we have to get our houses in order and "become the change we want to see in the world." We now have to be "candidates of change" in our own lives. Get involved and make change happen!

The Chance for a New America

As I witnessed history last night, I listened to the President-Elect and heard his heart. In the middle of his voice I could see his vision. And I one statement he made stood out like the Sears Tower looking out above Grant Park on the thousands who cheered and cried tears of elation and celebration. Before the moving story of centenarian Ann Nixon Cooper, he cautioned us to remember something very important:

"This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change."

Change begins with a chance. If success is where opportuniy and preparation meet, we must not squander the opportunity by forgetting what we are prepared to do. Work. It has only begun; the chance for change to a New America. The essence of his words led me to write this piece:

Welcome to a New America where dreams are realized by those once living nightmares. Through the eyes of elders, we have seen travesties and horrific historical accounts of many a people downcast and downtrodden. Since the origin of this great nation, tribes have been exterminated, cultures have been stereotyped, encamped and concentrated. And in these modern times racism has been covertly operating under the guise of gentrification and classism. Flames of war have been fanned across the fields of the east, families have lost their foundation for the cause of corrupted capitalism under the guise of patriotism.

This night seemed like it would last for an eternity, as the wheels of political power spun in favor of the financially full, fueled by the blood and sweat of the less fortunate. These atrocities of arrogance unfortunately wont fade immediately on the dawn of this new day, but the light with grow across the horizon and the sun will rise higher into the sky. The light will reveal the evil the darkness once covered and we will see the true nature of ourselves.

In this New America, our eyes must adjust, must adapt to the world around us. We have waded in shadows so long that our perception of the world has been mired in mists and subjected to smokescreens, teary eyed with torn spirits. We have to be honest with ourselves. Seeing with our hearts until our eyes are washed free hate and intolerance.

But take caution: this is no panacea, this is a process. We cannot rest in relief. This is morning, this is the new America. Wake up and work to shape the day.

The world is watching us. Continually pray for our new president as you have (or have not) prayed for our current president. Pray for and love each other. We must start with ourselves.

We must become the change we want to see in the world. — Mahatma Gandhi