The Professor of Sports Mailbag Debuts

The Professor of Sports Mailbag Debuts
M.D. Wright
5.22.09

I'm going to debut the mailbag this weekend. My favorite columnist since 1999, Bill Simmons is the inspiration for this idea. His mailbags are the stuff of legend and it's a great way to further interact with my readers and my friends on Facebook who only have limited space on the news feed to ramble on about their real thoughts without being politically correct.

The only thing that won't be allowed is nudity/porn and ridiculously vulgar language.

The premise is simple: just email him your thoughts about anything you want to discuss (mdwright@gmail.com), whether it is sports, music industry-related, politics, pop culture, TV/movies and he will post your questions in mailbag format on the Musings of the Professor (Live).

Happy musing
MDW

The Rockefeller Drug Laws?

The Rockefeller Drug Laws?
M.D. Wright
5.21.09

I have a problem with the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The very spirit behind the law is itself insidious -- given that then-governor Nelson D. Rockefeller was a heavy proponent of the laws when he signed them into law 35 years ago. What prompted me to write about the law (this particular time, because there are instances almost daily that I hear of that anger me) is a former MLB player by the name of Willie Mays Aikens, who played for the Kansas City Royals (among other teams) in the 1980s. He was caught trying to cop from an undercover officer and arrested and charged for POSSESSION; but not with the intent to sell. The law itself does not delineate between intent to distribute and usage. I am not 100% clear about the amount Aikens possessed (since his defence was that he was a user and not a dealer), but he was convicted of selling 50 grams to the uncover officer in 1994. He received 20 years and 8 months... for selling 50 grams of crack cocaine. There are murderers who don't get 1/3 of the time that Aikens received for selling CRACK.

The laws are evil because the untrained eye does not see the implications involved. First of all, they have been counterproductive. While the penal system is happy to cast a wide net and incarcerate all who break the law, even slightly, you now how people who both use and sell crack cocaine (mostly Blacks and other minorities) receiving harsh sentences on par with 1st and 2nd degree murder and 1st degree manslaughter. To be fair, some states have scaled back their drug laws, but the ones in place in New York State are still ridiculous. Willie Mays Aikens agrees, even though he was busted in Missouri.

The penalty for PURE COCAINE possession, a drug which has a higher street value than crack cocaine, is much less. How is this so? WHY is this so? Most of its users are of the middle and upper middle/upper class. There's no more explanation needed. I've seen people get 5-10 for selling JUMS, meanwhile coke dealers barely get a year, if that. Much less users who are caught with minimal amounts. Something is wrong with that picture.

Let's hear your thoughts on this.

MDW

Michael Vick

Michael Vick
M.D. Wright
5.20.09

Listen, I'm sick and tired of people condemning people for the things they do. Especially in Vick's case.
As a noted dog LOVER, you know I love dogs, but dear God, He values HUMAN LIFE over animals -- even though He gave us animals to care for and such.

However, for those people out there who, when asked in polls, what the NFL should do with Michael Vick claim that:

62% think the NFL should re-instate him.
15% think the NFL should ban him for life.
23% are either indifferent or he should be banned for this year.

The 15% who thinks he should be banned for life for killing dogs -- if they have children, I want to kick them in their f'n head and stomp on their testicles, because let's be serious. There are MURDERERS in the NFL who never missed a game for doing so. And yes, Leonard Little, Ray Lewis, Adam Jones, I'm talking about YOU. There are actually people who think that now that Vick has TRULY paid (excessive IMO, losing all of his money, his houses, cars and endorsements and two years off his prime years in his career -- which should've only been six months at MOST) his debt to society that he doesn't deserve a chance to ply his wares -- I want cameras to follow everything they do for the rest of their lives. The minute they do something reprehensible, I want them banned from their jobs, churches and banned from Western Civilization. Throw them in prison for 10 years and take away everything they worked for up until that point.

I'm sick of overly judgmental and condemning people.

Soundscan: May 11-18, 2009

Soundscan: May 11-18, 2009
M.D. Wright
5.20.09

Chart Position
3

Artist
Cam'ron

Label
Asylum

Album Title
Crime Pays

Last Week Sales
42,161

This Week Sales
--

% Change
--

Cam'ron debuted 3rd on the charts. Only Green Day's heavily anticipated new album and Hannah Montana's collaboration with Disney sold more with 221K and 68K, respectively. Cam reportedly sold 42K according to soundscan, including all outlets online. With the typical expectation of 60% drop in 2nd week, sales figures don't bode well for those expecting the sales of "Crime Pays" to exceed those of "Killa Season" (which also debuted high on the charts - actually #1 overall in April 2006).

For people who hate Cam'ron or are apathetic to him, this is good news. To Cam'ron fans, this is somewhat bad news, but with one caveat: Asylum, while maintaining distribution with a major label (Warner) does not distribute as Def Jam, Bad Boy/Arista/J or Sony. Cam'ron's next album may not be on Asylum, and may feature more cameo appearances and better production with more promotion with singles and videos on the major outlets. I believe Cam pretty much put "Crime Pays" out as a taste test before putting out Killa Season II the movie and the other album that he mentioned that will drop in late 2009.

However, those who have followed Cam'ron's career know that such a declaration regarding release dates is worthless, as there have been delays of up to nearly two years with regard to his albums' release dates ("Purple Haze" due to label politics at Roc-a-Fella in 2003/2004, and "Crime Pays", which was originally titled differently and intended for release in mid 2007).

Eminem's new album, "Relapse" is expected to debut at #1 on the charts and to move approximately 450,000 units by most estimates. Soundscan numbers will be available for that record one week from today.

2009 NBA Draft Lottery Positions

2009 NBA Draft Lottery Positions
M.D. Wright
5.19.09

The annual NBA Draft Lottery was held today in Secaucus, New Jersey (home to some pretty decent strip malls and such) to determine the drafting position of the teams which did not make the 2009 NBA Playoffs. The 2009 NBA Draft will be held at the Madison Square Garden Theatre, June 25, 2009. 7 PM EDT.

The positioning goes as follows:

1. Los Angeles Clippers.
2. Memphis Grizzlies.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder.
4. Sacramento Kings.
5. Washington Wizards.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves.
7. Golden State Warriors.
8. New York Knicks.
9. Toronto Raptors.
10. Milwaukee Bucks.
11. New Jersey Nets.
12. Charlotte Bobcats.
13. Indiana Pacers.
14. Phoenix Suns.

If you have been listening to mock drafts and guys saying where so and so was gonna go, they're all idiots. How could they know before tonight? The draft lottery determines who picks and teams still pick based upon need FIRST and then potential 50% of the time. Only NOW do we know where guys are going. Rather than predict where particular players are going, here are each teams' biggest area(s) of need:

1. Los Angeles Clippers (19-63). The Clippers need everything. C Chris Kaman could leave in free agency. They do have F Marcus Camby returning, along with young F Al Thornton and 30 year old G Baron Davis and young G Eric Gordon. Nevertheless, the Clippers need direction. Mike Dunleavy might be the worst coach in the NBA. They also have Zach Randolph. How is it that this team wins 19 games? Injuries or not. Given their positioning, they may go after F Blake Griffin, because they have zero tenacity at the 4 right now. We shall see.

2. Memphis Grizzlies (24-58). Another team with players at every position. The problem with Memphis is they are all young. At this position, with the players available, the Grizzlies may be looking at a bigger point guard (although they seemingly have a half dozen already). They already have G OJ Mayo at the 2, F Rudy Gay at the 3 and C Marc Gasol. They can also go after Griffin if the Clippers somehow pass (and that's not far-fetched; these ARE the Clips, ya know?) Maybe G James Harden.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (23-59). Yet again, a young team. They played relatively well following the All-Star Break. The Thunder have G/F Kevin Durant, G Russell Westbrook and F Jeff Green. They will have a shot at C Hasheem Thabeet. Hosh provides them with the size they generally lack.

4. Sacramento Kings (17-65). The Kings are a mess. I cannot begin to assess what they need or what direction they will go. Their best players are the same size and basically play the same position (Kevin Martin/Francisco Garcia). Aside from that, the Kings NEED a big man. But they also need a point guard and a decent power forward.

5. Washington Wizards (19-63). Injuries aside, the Wiz are playing with the House's money at #5. If they are healthy, they have G Gilbert Arenas, F Caron Butler, F Antawn Jamison and serviceable C Brendan Haywood. Realistically, they are just looking for depth here, or maybe a PG to take the ballhandling load off Arenas coming off two major knee injuries in the past three seasons.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-58). Also playing with the house's money -- if C Al Jefferson is healthy going into the season. The Wolves have loads of young talent and several draft picks coming to them as the result of the Kevin Garnett trade and the trade between Memphis and themselves last year. They can go point guard or swingman here.

7. Golden State Warriors (29-53). The Warriors are in the lottery for two reasons: 1) Monta Ellis' foolishness last offseason and other players' injuries and 2) Coach Don Nelson's stubborn desire not to play his best players more minutes. It's as if they were tanking all season. The problem also with the Warriors is their best players aside from Ellis are all 3's and 4's. Beidrins is a very good player inside, but he's a stick. They need a capable scorer down low who also wants to play defence. The rest of the team can score all day and all night (led the NBA with nearly 110 PPG). But they don't care about defence (leading -- if you want to look at it that way -- the NBA surrendering the same). Anthony Randolph seems to be every announcer's man-crush -- as he should be -- no homo. But the Warriors better draft well this year, or a lot of guys are going to be out of a job next June.

8. New York Knicks (32-50). I thought the Knicks would get into the top 5, but the Knicks' needs are clear to everyone who watched them this year. All 24 of us. The Knicks need a legitimate big man. Although they may look free agency or trade to get that player, the Knicks can still look to this year's draft for a big man nonetheless. The Knicks also need a respectable point guard. G Chris Duhon did his best last year but he's still... CHRIS DUHON. G Nate Robinson is better as the 6th man anchoring the 2nd unit than starting. At 5'7", he is a liability for the Knicks 98% of the time on defence. That is not what you want with your first unit; potentially starting out the gate playing from behind because the opposing team's point guard can basically do whatever he wants.

9. Toronto Raptors (33-49). Interesting scenario for the Raptors. They are hoping and praying C Chris Bosh will re-sign. If he does not -- DEAR GOD for them. It puts them in a conundrum draft-wise this year, because they will not know if Bosh will re-sign until AFTER the July 1 free agency period begins. If he does not re-sign with Toronto, he is almost certain to go to New York in 2010 or possibly in a trade this year. Watch out for the Raptors on Draft Night. They could be dealing. They have players at 1-3, but they can use an upgrade at the 2. If there is a big man available, they may look there, regardless of what Bosh decides to do.

10. Milwaukee Bucks (34-48). The Bucks are a baffling team. They have talent at every position, and sometimes two good players at each position. Hard to decipher which direction they will go in. They have G Ramone Sessions. They have G Michael Redd. They have F's Charlie Villanueva and Andrew Bogut. They have serviceable F/C Dan Gadzuric. Will there be a big man available? Will Redd be healthy? Do they trust Sessions? At 10, you almost think the Bucks will play it safe and go for a bigger PG. But who really knows?

11. New Jersey Nets (34-48). They won a good 20 more games than I thought they would. And I'm not trying to be funny. It appeared as though they were having a fire sale as rumors spread that owner Bruce Ratner is trying to sell the team. Will G Vince Carter be with the Nets beyond this season however? F/C Sean Williams looks like a bust (no pun, for those who know his past). G Devin Harris is going to be a boss next year. F/C Brook Lopez does his job and puts his head down like Paul O'Neill. So does F Josh Boone. The Nets need a swingman to complement Carter.

12. Charlotte Bobcats (35-47). The Bobcats made the expected progress this past season. Now it is time to build on it. They have parted ways with Doughboy Sean May. C Emeka Okafor is in the fold long-term. They may let G Raymond Felton go, but they are set with young G DJ Augustin. The Bobcats have productive role players in G/F Raja Bell and F Boris Diaw. They clearly need a big 2 guard and/or a 3 man/wing player who can play both ends. The Bobcats can also use a power forward.

13. Indiana Pacers (36-46). The Pacers nearly made the playoffs, but they were racked by injuries. They have a STUD in G/F Danny Granger. Will they let Tinsley go, FINALLY? The Pacers have a really solid 3/4 in Troy Murphy. They still have not addressed their big man woes that go back to Rik Smits' days. But will a legitimate big man be available at 13?

14. Phoenix Suns (46-36). Too little, too late. The Suns win 46 and won't find a player that will be able to help them right now at this position. For what they need (someone to replace O'Neal and/or Stoudemire, as well as a legitimate PG to replace Nash -- as well as a 3 to replace 37 year old Grant Hill), they aren't picking highly enough to address that in either round of the draft. Steve Kerr is not a particularly strong GM, and he will have to undo that label this offseason through trades and free agency if the Suns expect to be anything other than also-rans and perennial back-end lottery teams. Teams who barely miss the playoffs typically take longer to get back to the top unless their GM makes the right moves. Kerr has to earn his money here.

Jesus Shuttlesworth Ha?

Jesus Shuttlesworth Ha?
M.D. Wright
5.17.09

Just a quick though. Why do people always reference that movie? Yes, it was a classic by Spike, and an overall good movie, but:

RAY ALLEN IS A TERRIBLE ACTOR. Dear God. Quit saying "that's Jesus Shuttlesworth!!!" as if that's something great ha.

GONE FISHIN'!

He's no Reggie Miller.

What Is REALLY God's Will?

What Is REALLY God's Will?
M.D. Wright
5.17.09

I hear a lot of people talking about "God's Will" this, "God's Will" that. And that's great. If you are lucid and in your right mind, you should WANT to be in it. It's much like a wealthy grandparent who has a will and anyone related to them or adopted into the fold as friends or trusted allies can be part of this will. That is the way it is with God. if you are His child, believing and confessing Jesus Christ and part of the body of faith, you are in God's Will. This is a great thing.

Segue.

I hear a lot of people discuss this in the context (and why are we still at the point of doing this, when we SHOULD know better by now?) of works. Being in God's Will does not center solely upon how "good" you are or if you have 100 good works for every sin. Our works are as filthy rags to God. Get over yourselves. Furthermore, people sometimes (however subconsciously and inadvertently done as is) make it seem as though they are more entitled to the things contained in God's Will because they perceive (and judge unjustly) others to be doing evil (when they're not even) instead of praying for them.

I say all that to say this: the Church -- the Body of Christ -- is undergoing a shaking. The institutionalized church is at a crossroads, and there is a TON of erroneous teaching that has been spewed from the pulpit over the past 50 years or so that is being exposed for what it was/is. People are sick of being lied to, betrayed, led astray, abused, mistreated and worst of all -- put down by other SUPPOSED believers in the House of Faith.

That is all.

Graduation: What Does It All Mean In 2009?

Graduation: What Does It All Mean In 2009?
M.D. Wright
5.16.09

Graduation is an exhilarating experience for anyone. For some, they are just glad to be done with an undergraduate degree. For others, they are proud and ecstatic, but at the same time, they know they are pursuing further education (personally, I am an academic for life) and yet others are expecting to find jobs waiting for them (or expected to have one sewn up prior to graduation and have not... yet) and are nervous because of the current economy/hiring practices of businesses in 2009.

I refuse to worry or fret. God has had my back for the past three years. No jokes. I haven't always been faithful or done right -- and I have no problem admitting to being a screw up at times -- but I don't worry about whether or not God is looking out for me. Before coming back to UNCG, I was making very good money, had everything with respect to material possessions and was able to pretty much do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. People who did not know me prior to 2006 do not know that; those who did, do know.

That all changed in 2006, when the demands on school and the failure of my businesses caused me to have to surrender EVERYTHING (including my way of doing things and trusting God FOR REAL, for real). So when it comes to post-graduate plans, that's really the deal. I'm applying to 15-20 FEDERAL JOBS -- those who have done KSAs for those know that is a monumental task.

Given that I am planning to get my Masters (either in Business Administration in some capacity or an MS in Journalism), Juris Doctorate and Ph.D., I am not exhaling. Sure, I am excited and happy about short-term prospects, and I always live in the moment, so I am trying to celebrate this for the next month or so ha. But in reality, I'm really reflective right now. I've come a long way like Virginia Slims. I've had to cut a LOT of people off -- some of whom posed as friends, but set me up for a fall(s), laughed when I was going through the worst in 2007 and 2008 and don't realize what they are bringing on themselves for doing so.

Nonetheless, here are my short-term plans:

The fact that none of my friends live in Greensboro and, while I've lived here longer than any other city I've lived in, this is not "home" for me. I have no ties here outside of my parents and a couple of relatives who are not even originally from here. I'm heading back to New York for good. I should correct myself, though. I do have friends in Greensboro, some aren't graduates yet, and I rarely see them or get a chance to hang with them. But I've got to move on. There are no jobs here and I have to reclaim my spot.

I'm going to head to New York on June 5. Hopefully, my friend's summer camp gig comes through as expected and I'll just chill on Staten Island this summer. Yes, I will definitely be in Harlem (you already know) every week just because.... well, I'm supposed to. I'll be out in Jersey quite a bit also. I'll be going to shows at the Garden, Yankee games, Met games, free concerts by quality artists out in Brooklyn and in the various different parks in the city, TNThursdays at Nevada's down in the East Village, heading upstate to see some friends and relatives, Connecticut a few times and Massachusetts and DEFINITELY out to Montauk to fish (Kyle, we're gonna be "on a boat"). All the while, I will be continuing to apply for federal jobs. If nothing comes through, I will begin my Masters' studies this fall full-time. Depending on how my real estate buddies work things out, I'll be moving into my own place (finally) in Harlem either down near Mt. Morris Park or up on the Hill or near City, in that general area. Either that or back out to Fort Greene where I also lived back in the day.

I have a few family gatherings that I am very excited about. My sister is heading back to Atlanta soon. If you're doing REAL things in music or film, you need to talk to her. SERIOUSLY. I'll shill for her for life. Not just because she's my sister, but because she's 10 times more talented than I am in music, film and the such like, and I'm no slouch.

We have a big family gathering at the roots of the tree down in Camden, NJ this July 4th. I'm looking forward to meeting some family members for the first time. Over/under that I'll meet one that I've seen around either in NC, NJ or NY? 42:1. Watch. Ha. But anyway, I am looking forward to all of that.

I love how God separated me from people lately. It helped me to lean on Him more and reflect. To be sure, you really do find out who your friends are (and realize that you only truly have 3-5 real ones at ANY one time at all stages of your life). The sooner you accept that as truth, the sooner you will get over people who show their asses and try to take you down on a regular basis.

I'm somewhat going to miss North Carolina, but my heart is always here -- much like it has been in New York while I've been there. I'll always be home in both places. But for now, and the next 15-20 years or so, I've got to be back to where I'm supposed to be.

Shouts to the following people -- we've got some shenanigans to partake in this summer:

Young DK
Young Lee
Young Tom
Ms. Shay
Sister Alicia Wu
'manita Chantal L.
Tiff B.
L. Boogie
Young Court Mitchell
My Cuz Prince
Nico Haze (whenever you finally come back to NY ha)
Raquel B. (will be in south Florida to beat your butt in Wii ha)
Jin
Mary1000, Mely down in PR
KOFI RA -- I'm gonna be out there before August 15. It is my goal.
YOUNG RODE, we're going to Disneyland.

If I left anyone off, get at me, I'm going to enjoy this summer HARDBODY (no homo).

Peace

More NBA Referee/Cheating For Boston Escapades

More NBA Referee/Cheating For Boston Escapades
M.D. Wright
5.13.09

Where Amazing Happens (c), eh?

Let me run down a laundry list of infractions that have gone unchecked all playoffs:

1. First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics. Game 5. Rajon Rondo pimp slaps Brad Miller, knocks a tooth out and leaves Miller bloodied. VIEW HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TzGrzs7-AI

NO FLAGRANT 1. NO FLAGRANT 2. They even waited for a second to even make a REGULAR FOUL CALL -- and before anyone disputes this, I was watching it live. The call was late. They were actually going to let this clown get away with that malicious foul. He made no attempt at the ball. It was just a cheap shot foul because the Celtics ganged up on Ben Gordon (triple teamed him, actually -- since he is known to kill teams at the ends of games with backbreaking three pointers) and left Miller a wide open lane. They panicked and were determined not to give up the easy bucket. Okay. But go for the ball, not the man's face. Then exaggerate his weight in the postgame interview (Rondo claims Miller is 290, he's 265... MAYBE) to further defend your actions. Somehow.

Meanwhile, Derek Fisher (rightfully) gets ejected for a forearm shiver and Rafer Alston gets ejected for... SLAPPING (softly, I might add) a guy in the back of the head (deservedly)?

Let's move on.

2. First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics. Game 6. Rondo is at it again. Punches Kirk Hinrich http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5VkdP_I-XM. No ejection. No suspension. Guys have gotten suspended and assessed Flagrant 2 Fouls for less. I don't get it. Rondo has goaltended three or four shots in these playoffs that have not been called, by the way.

3. First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics. Game 7. I have no video, because David Stern and his cronies made sure 1) TNT didn't even show a replay of the play itself and 2) subsequently, there IS no video online. But Glen "Big Baby" Davis chops Dwight Howard across the arm. No foul. Knocks the ball loose. Davis grabs the ball with BOTH FEET CLEARLY OUT OF BOUNDS. No call. The referee was standing RIGHT THERE WATCHING IT. I guess he was so amazed by things that he forgot to blow his whistle. The Magic had a chance to go down and cut the lead to 3, instead on the play Ed House gets a breakaway layup off Davis' "steal".

4. This isn't playoffs, but more Rondo bitchassness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9wKL3y-rGU Notice he walks away, because Kobe was having NUNNADOT. ha.

5. Second Round. Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics. Game 5. Two things here. Well, actually three. Remember in the Chicago series, Ben Gordon shot an obvious 3 pointer that was called a 2. IN THE FIRST HALF. The refs changed it in the second half. Last night, in Game 5 of the ORL vs. BOS series, Ray Allen shoots a 2 (if you can't see anything between the white three point line and the white in a player's shoes, HE IS COUNTED ON THE LINE. The rules for officiating are clear. I have been an official in the past. I know this. The play was called a 3. They did not change it to a 2 -- BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE FIRST HALF AND THEY CAN'T "GO BACK"? WTF??? They just did that in the Chicago series! Does the NBA front office really think people are overlooking these incosistencies and this ruse to keep Boston in it?

Anyway, this play here typifies what has gone on all playoffs. No Boston player has been fined, suspended or even assessed Flagrant 2's; when Rondo, Perkins should each have at least one. This OBVIOUS airball -- which resulted in a 24 second violation, concluded with the referees huddling and OVERTURNING the call, even though none of them saw the ball touch the rim, nor did they go to replay. THE HELL? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su6PxE0BOZg

For Patrick Ewing Fans: Vintage Video

For Patrick Ewing Fans: Vintage Video
M.D. Wright
5.13.09

Just posting these for old times' sake. When the Garden was loud. And we were proud (well, REAL Knick fans still are, regardless). Vintage Pat Ewing.
Enjoy:



http://e-town.itgo.com/PatrickEwing/Media/media.htm

For Wally (Mike Walczewski) fans, note his "PAAAAAAA-trick Ewing" call after the made shots that REAL Knick fans remember and love so much.

Graduation & The Thereafter...

Graduation & The Thereafter...
(R. Bonifacio, M.D. Wright)
5.11.09

A friend of mine (and in the future, check the bottom of my posts -- because I will give publishing credit to the people who inspire a blog or who have asked for me to write something that was on their minds and they weren't desirous to write it) suggested I do this, so here goes:

As most of you know, UNC Greensboro graduates this Friday, May 15, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Greensboro Coliseum. For those who have received invitations from me (or my family regarding the BBQ following Commencement) you can ignore this.

I am asking that each of my friends on here donate $10 (or whatever is in your hearts to give) toward my getting back on my feet, paying for exams/application fees and rent, while I continue my career search this summer.

If you decide to do so, my information is as follows:

Michael D. Wright
1212-B Oakland Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27403
336.340.5506
mdwright212@gmail.com

I also have PayPal, but that is a bit too tedious.

Saludos,

MDW

Current Rumination

Current Rumination
M.D. Wright
5.11.09

For the churched out there, especially for those of us who have served over ministries and seen the inner workings of "church" that most people don't see or know about, I want to pose a thought.

Does anyone see the disturbing trend that is underway; the one where pastors over a particular church act like front runners, only associating with the elite professionals, shucking, jiving, shilling for them, meanwhile blatantly ignoring (and in some cases, as I have witnessed...) putting those down who aren't doctors, lawyers, politicians, etc.?

It's not a big deal to me, but I wonder if anyone else notices this.

Makes you wonder what some of them will do when the people who they put down, never tried to help when it was apparent they weren't doing so well -- end up experiencing big success and become the very "elite" that they so commonly side with.

Just a rumination.

Purpose

Purpose
M.D. Wright
5.8.09

I'm all about purpose in every area of my life. I don't believe things "just are". In my attempts to understand why things have gone the way they have the past three years (good and uncomfortable), I like to ponder the purpose for which both pleasant and uncomfortable things occur. Now that I have had TONS of solitude (I've probably stayed in and been alone more in the past three years than I had been in the 27 years cumulatively prior. I NEVER sat still, and I always had a group of people around me at all times. I just had that persona that drew people. I was/always have been droll, deadpan/dry and for those who really know me, everything opposite of what my stoic exterior greets those who don't know me.

Another thing I have pondered, as I have had to cut a good number of people out of my life (and continuing to do so as I type) I want to know why people are in my life. Every last one of them.

Whether we know each other from UNCG, Greensboro in general, Henderson, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Harlem, or whether we connected on Facebook -- what purpose do you believe you serve in my life? Or I in yours?

I'd like to hear from everyone on my friends list on Facebook regarding this.

Thanks & Regards,

Peace
-- mdw

Thoughts On Young Edward House

Thoughts On Young Edward House
M.D. Wright
5.7.09

You know, I'm really getting tired of this guy's act. He has Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers over there gassing him up like he's Reggie Miller or something. This guy needs to pipe down. He acts like he's a big shot, when he's a SUPER LITE version of Vinnie Johnson aka "The Microwave". Vinnie never jumped around like a chihuahua in heat and getting in the opposing teams' faces taunting and having conniptions whenever the referees whistle him for obviously committed fouls. This bum was in the NBA doldrums until Ainge rescued him off the scrap heap. Dear GOD.

Then last night, when my dude Skip (Rafer Alston) SONS House for taunting and throwing an elbow, House wants to say ALL OF A SUDDEN that Skip was playing "Bush League" basketball.

Yeah, and gallivanting around trash talking after you hit WIDE OPEN (of which 3/4 of his shots are) shots, whining about calls like someone on their way to the electric chair and then acting as if you've done something when only 8 of your points were scored on Skip (who actually outscored you head to head) isn't Bush League.

Dear God I wish Skip would've knocked his headband clear off. I can't stand House (OR NANCY BALLPLAYERS LIKE HIM).

Nor his JOHN STOCKTON PROTEGE backcourt mate, Rajon Rondo who is about the dirtiest point guard in the league (about to surpass Chris Paul for that distinction).

You already know how I feel about the Celtics from being a lifelong Knick fan and watching how the refs cheated for them so blatantly in the 80s. Now they're doing it again.

My Life... And The Mountains Corollary

My Life... And The Mountains Corollary
M.D. Wright
5.7.09

Everyone is familiar with peaks and valleys. It is an easy analogy/parable to use to describe an otherwise complex situation. Complex being the status and function of my life after pretty much spending the first 16 years at the peak ha.

I was going well, escalating Mt. Everest gradually and methodically. No slips, no missed steps, and then springtime comes and the ice caps begin to melt. That sends melted snow and mud down the cliff, which cause me to lose my footing (the Erythrodermic Psoriasis throughout 9th-12th grade -- nightmares in high school; kept me from playing basketball for the school team and relegated me to running track and immersing myself in music erstwhile). I spent the rest of my teen years sliding down the proverbial cliff.

Nevertheless, ever resilient, I rebounded. God healed me of the skin disorder and I began asserting myself with my job and starting my own small business. I also began to speculate in real estate at age 21. I had it all: cars, nice job, healthy savings, potential real estate holdings, looks, nice clothing, able to travel frequently, fine dining and meeting influential people who were willing to help me achieve my dreams. I was on my way back up that rough side of the mountain.

Segue.

I figured going back to school (I left Long Island in '98) in 2004 would help solidify things for me. I had an informal education through one on one mentoring from a local millionaire and a family friend who not only is a minister in the church (and his wife is an elder in the church as well), but is a real estate broker also. I learned a lot from these people; further building upon the sturdy foundation that my parents had set with the vast knowledge that I had acquired from them.

HOWEVER, as I continued to build (co-founding a non-profit organization in 2004 -- ironically built and designed to help people who were in the situation I ended up in as a RESULT of it not getting off the ground), another avalanche occurred, which threatened to knock me back down the mountain again. This time it knocked me completely down the mountain to the deepest valley. I had never fallen this low; not even in high school, because I still played sports -- just not basketball and football like I would have (and excelled at, just ask my classmates and coaches). I had everything. A new 350Z car, which was my dream, in Sept. 2004, three streams of income set up, networking and helping other people get started on businesses (many of whom forgot I existed when I was going through the worst of times) and encouraged many others.

For people who did not come along until 2005 or 2006, they have no idea from whence I came. Instead of them attempting to one-up me, they would be wise to check with me to find out what to look out for in their blind spots and also other things to know in order to achieve and sustain success. Instead, many of them -- having never even been through anything in life to this point -- are doling out dry advice as if my situation is ever so simple. I don't wish anything on anyone, but I really want all of these people to remember their "advice" and not run to their parents to bail them out of financial binds when trials inevitably come their way.

I know I have not slipped and fallen this many times for naught. I'm not a quitter. I'm a maverick and a warrior. I'm ever-resilient and will find a lesson in every failure. Besides, every "failure" presents an opportunity for greater success. I embrace it. I learn more every time. This time, I plan to get to the top of the mountain, stay there, and teach others the arduous journey and help them along the way as a tour guide would for amateur mountain climbers.