It’s what you do when you don’t feel like it, that determines your character. Positive prayers are accepted.

My side view put it all in perspective.

Dog tired, originally uploaded by fave .

In the age of social media, we use the term “friend” very, VERY loosely.

My twitter rants evoked a response from someone who is also a “vegetarian with pescatarian tendencies.”

It’s just time to prioritize and make it ALL pop.

So many endeavors keep me from sitting at my keyboard and churning out compositions, but that’s about to change.

Now that Vegan Week is over, do I go back to the way I was? Do I have Papa Johns on speed dial? Is it Baconator time?

Once again, this week’s experience has taught me that a lot of my so-called physical cravings are all in my head.

My in-between meal snacks consisted of cough drops and mixed berry tea. A brotha’s gotta splurge.

The lesson from Day Four is simple = being vegan is not being hungry.

This morning I was greeted with what looked like scrambled cheese eggs, sausage links and waffles.

So this is Day 2. I’m hungry, semi-sick, over-worked and sleep deprived…and I thank God for every moment I’m able to feel it.

I expect this lifestyle experiment to challenge me as well expose my mind and body to better practices.

I’m believing and praying that APNF will continue to celebrate the music and artists I love while bringing my childhood dream of becoming a cartoonist full circle.

As I stare out at the mountains, I know that even higher heights of musical excellence, positive energy and fun-filled nights await me in L.A.

These headphones give a true studio sound that makes every song sound they way it was intended — with fullness and richness unlike any headphones I’ve ever owned.

I have two titles, but I’m torn between them.

December is usually a time of reflection over the year’s events that are now woven into our life tapestry. This year has been incredible from the beginning, but not without its challenges. Overall, I have enjoyed watching my purpose, passions, mentors and peers function under God’s favor and mercy. My initial plan was to write the ten (10) most significant events of the year in a classic meme format -…

I haven’t posted here in a while so I thought I’d put share some randomness. On December 31, the 2010 Best Albums Round Table (BART) Podcast will be available for download. Six music aficionados: EJ Flavors, Butta, KB, DJ Diva, The Big La and yours truly come together to discuss our favorite albums of the year along with honorable mentions, predictions for 2011 and a whole lot of fun. I…

I recognize that we all function a physical and spiritual world (whether we recognize it or not) and I know the enemy reads blogs as well.

Most of us dread Mondays. It’s viewed as the death of the weekend and the birth of long work hours, action items and the mark of five days until the next 48 hour reprieve. We rarely see Mondays as the mark of new beginnings. Vast opportunities await us but we’re too distracted to see them as we lament over a cup of coffee. Today is more than Monday. It’s a…

*This thought was prompted by the onslaught of pointless Facebook event invites and email blasts I receive from promoters who have shoddy websites, poorly updated contact info and underwhelming events.* Strong marketing is found in how well you ENGAGE your audience. A call to action is only as powerful as the level of comfort I have with you and your message. That comfort level depends on your ability to be…

Our marriage began in the midst of external challenges. I believe these trials are what brought us closer in a short amount of time. Year One was like 3-5 years concentrated into 365 days. A month into matrimony, my paternal grandmother passed away. My wife and I found ourselves driving 18 hours to Gary, Indiana to attend her funeral and meet my father’s side of the family for the first…

September 15th is the most significant date in my life. I captured its three-fold impact in last year’s post, so this time I’m going to explore another aspect of this important day. The months after our engagement, leading up to the wedding, I lost a substantial amount of who I thought were my friends. This was a good thing in that their departure eliminated a lot of clutter to reveal…

My dream was coming to an end. I was blessed to be a marketing executive for the largest beverage company in the world. In addition to extensive travel, working with world-class professionals and making good money — I got to develop campaigns and creative ventures from online promotions to highway billboards. I loved my job, but it was coming to an end. The Downsize Fairy had paid me a visit…

*I’m celebrating my wedding anniversary all week long. This post is part of a five (5) post series I’m doing about the path to marriage and the lifelong road I’m taking on it.* When I landed at Houston Hobby airport I had no expectations. I had just ended a toxic relationship and needed a little getaway to clear my mind. She was a friend of a friend I met on…

I was compiling a playlist for my revised cardio sessions and stumbled across a handful of recordings I did several years ago. One song in particular is a mashup of spoken word wrapped in a singing hook of encouragement. Ironically, it was just what I needed today. There’s nothing like hearing your own voice give you a swift kick in the pants to push forward. Until next time.

I’m always looking for ways to step my game up with the Friday Favecast. I wanted to create something that illustrated the journey of the show, in a way that was brief, innovative and fun. The Big La suggested I put my energy into Adobe After Effects, a gigantic multimedia app that’s very intimidating at first glance. Through positive coaching (via IM), I overcame that intimidation factor and put together…

It’s no secret that I am a big advocate for the Black Weblog Awards. Having my Friday Favecast (FFC) nominated for “Best Podcast” is an added bonus — even if I wasn’t nominated, I would still rep the BWAs regardless because their mission (of celebrating black bloggers) resonates with me. I debated on whether I would “campaign” during this BWA season. I don’t want to come across like I’m just…

Here are seven (7) realizations I had while strolling through the internet and voting for my favorite black bloggers.

it’s way more involved than a few mouse clicks.

I finally decided to go out of my comfort zone and record a video.

My hesitation to make decisions — personal or professional — has often come from my belief that I must wait until I have the ideal situation. Despite the blessings and accomplishments in my life, I’m sure this type of thinking has caused me to miss out on some amazing opportunities or prolonged my development in certain areas. I recently finished reading REWORK by Jason Fried and David Heinmeier Hansson. The…

I don’t let much get to me. Especially on the internet. There’s enough going on IRL and, in the midst of leading a family and living my dream (which are intertwined), who has time for the drama? But when I read this post on Why I Stalk a Sexy Black Woman on Twitter, I couldn’t click away in silence. I encourage you to read it and then come back to…

I was mowing the backyard when I slipped on a patch of mud and fell backwards — slightly pulling the mower towards me. My foot went under the fast-turning blade and the tip of my sneaker was sliced off. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic as I reached into the bloody mess of what was left of my shoe. My toes were still intact, but the blade had cut through the underside…

Listen!

Two weeks into my A Pug Named Fender and things are looking good. I put together this video today to briefly discuss how I plan to grow my webcomic into something unique and special. I also changed the header for the site to capture the spirit of the summer barbecues happening all over the country. This webcomic has been, and will continue to be, a fun ride for all.

Nominations have begun for this year’s Black Weblog Awards and the I need your support.

This webcomic is, and will continue to be, my therapy and expression of love for the coolest dog ever.

I am afraid of failure. Not failing, but failure. The former is an action that can be rectified while the latter is a state of being. And what an escruciatingly miserable state it can be. it’s the kind of place that stifles your soul and asphixiates your dreams until you are just a lifeless shell waiting on your organs to catch up with the death of your hope and strength….

I’ve decided to combine my ability to draw with my thirst for technology to memorialize APNF in a webcomic that will debut this summer.

I’m flirting with the idea of starting a webcomic. Like any endeavor, I sought out the best in the field to study best practices and discovered a great cartoonist and subsequent YouTube clips on the webcomic-making process. One tool that makes the digitization of drawing easier is the digital tablet. Thankfully, I had one given to me as a gift from my wife some time ago – an Adesso Cyber…

Today I emerge from the other side of what has been the worst weekend of my life. Words cannot capture the imperial level of suckage that loomed over my spirit like a wet blanket dripping of coyote urine. The good news is that I’m still alive, so the weekend was not as bad as it could have been. I have another day, which is another chance to improve and savor…

I’ve grown, outgrown and re-grown my locs like a tumultuous love affair that always results in my coming back to them and continuing the journey even further than before.

I’m doing so much and constantly prioritizing so that it doesn’t become too much. I was told to chalk up my uneasy feelings, MBP and iPhone issues, bicycle drama, etc. to the mercury retrograde — which ended yesterday. Now that it’s over, I have no explanation for the current weirdness in my life.

I looked forward to spending years with him by my feet, nodding to the beat of fantastic music. That dream was cut short today.

Last January I welcomed 2010 with an eagerness to redefine my online presence. All Things Fave consolidates my creative endeavors into one neat space. The simplistic redesign of this blog encourages me to write more frequently; while the new organization of my music site is aesthetically pleasing. Reformatting the Friday Favecast to a bi-weekly offering calls for a layout change as does the momentum of DJ Markus Gramm. These ventures…

One of my favorite soul singers, Eric Roberson, has announced the five (5) finalists for his “A Tale of Two” remix contest. Although I didn’t make the cut, I enjoyed producing three (3) interpretations of his GRAMMY® nominated single while getting my online networking on with dope producers who inspire and motivate me. I encourage you to check out the final remixes after the jump and vote for your fave…

Today is my half-sister’s 24th birthday. I hope she’s having a fantastic day. I’ve only met her once (when she was 15) and it was under extremely stressful circumstances. Nevertheless, I recall my mid-20s as being some of the best moments of my life and my prayer is she’s enjoying hers even more. Until next time.

disappointment |ˌdisəˈpointmənt| noun 1. the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations 2. a person, event, or thing that causes such a feeling (example: I was a big disappointment to her)

I’ve always believed it was my purpose to encourage others through my gifts. We all could use a word of positive affirmation or a helping hand; especially one that is devoid of ulterior motives. I’ve always reached out to people from that space — where the reciprocity of helping someone rarely comes from the person you’ve helped. That’s the cool phenomenon of karma. There are some who view that kindness…

The saga continues. My prayer is today will be the final chapter in my week-long turmoil of (bi)cyclical ups and downs. It was only 48 hours ago when I got caught up in the newness and brimming with anticipation to cruise these Houston streets. I made my usual stops at my usual spots — attempting to bond with my new bike while bumpin’ Dela’s Atmosphere Airlines in my ears. It…

I wanted a GROOVMNT t-shirt that was snazzy, yet economical. Thankfully, three elements aligned themselves to make my dream come true:

So I wait a week to get my bike brakes adjusted and the mechanic at Boone’s Cycles does an amazing job. Unfortunately, 3 miles later I make a turn onto Fannin Street and break a pedal which spins me out into oncoming traffic.

My “green” approach to transportation has been kind to my wallet and my waistline the past few weeks. Between catching the Metro rail and riding my bike, my body is adjusting to the much needed activity and I get to truly see the city. I found a great bike shop that was able to fine tune my bike for its increased usage. After getting my brakes tightened and realigned yesterday,…

If you don’t get this new Yahzarah single in your life, turn in your soul card immediately. “Why Dontcha Call Me No More” Music: Nicolay Lyrics: YahZarah and Phonte Coleman All vocals: YahZarah Keys and acoustic guitar: Nicolay Drums: Lil’ John Roberts Bass: Zo! Electric guitar: Chris Boerner Handclaps and tambourine: YahZarah and Phonte Produced by Nicolay and Phonte for The Foreign Exchange Music

My son turned thirteen today. I’m thankful that he is a good kid who loves God, respects his parents and has a fantastic purpose for his life. I’m glad he feels he can talk to me about everything from sex to video games. My prayer is that our bond stays strong as the next 13 years of his life will define him as a man. Happy Birthday, son. Let’s do…

I read the story and watched the videos. I encourage you to do the same before reading on.

This week, Company X = United Parcel Service (UPS) because their service – in my neighborhood – wreaks of suckage.

Word on the street Twitter is Lalah Hathaway is still accepting demos to possibly use on her next project. She had the same call to action on her Facebook status last week — only it had a deadline of 24 hours. I saw it while riding the train, but it didn’t stop me from pulling out my moleskine and writing something for her on my way home. Yes, it’s that…

This week, we’re celebrating the 3rd Annual Cupid’s Hunt (CH) Podcasting Extravaganza. More than 20 podcasters will drop a “love themed” episode with their respective flavors and I got to make sure the Friday Favecast (FFC) represents lovely. On the first ever CH, I brought Eve into the studio and we answered your questions on love as newlyweds. Two years later, she’s coming back on the mic and we’re here…

The first time I heard those words, it was August 20, 1989. My girlfriend broke up with me over the phone. A surge of sadness cascaded through my body as I stood in my parents’ basement filled with unanswered questions and my first, official broken heart. I was thirteen. Fast forward 20 years — and countless “it’s over” phrases said and heard — I find myself slouched in my home…

Musicians and producers have been pimpin’ their songs on Vimeo and YouTube for a minute now. I’ve discovered a few instrumentals and rarities as I’ve scavenged across the ‘net looking for a hit Recently, I’ve been able to follow a number of great entries to Eric Roberson’s Remix Contest. There are some very talented musicians out there and I chose to take my late pass and join in on the…

Day Nine of my master cleanse and I’ve conquered the psychological triggers of hunger while finally gaining a sense of clarity. It took longer than I anticipated but I’m there. I’m still hungry, but I use those physiological prompts to eat as reminders of why I’m going through this process. It isn’t about weight loss as much as it’s about mental dexterity and spiritual focus. I needed to enter this…

I’m halfway there. For the past 48 hours, I have felt the sludge of toxins loosening from my insides and, to my fault, I have not given my body the catalyst to expedite their release. In other words, I need to drink more water. . . a lot more. I don’t feel good and my body feels like compressed energy begging to press through a collage of bad energy. Insomnia…

I started my Master Cleanse process today — I had no choice. I was already contemplating on doing the cleanse as a spiritual and symbolic way to rid myself of all the toxins of 2009; but after getting on the scale, the ugly truth stared at me with its digital-numeric eyes and I realized getting back on the wagon (of better health) was imperative. *cue wife coming in from the…

Vikter Duplaix has appeared in the liner notes / production credits of my favorite artists (i.e., Erykah Badu, Jazzanova, Eric Benet, etc.). His International Affairs LP piqued my interest while Bold and Beautiful truly made me a fan. Nicolay is one of my favorite producers. From my introduction to him via Foreign Exchange’s Connected to their GRAMMY-nominated single “Daykeeper,” his innovative perspective on soul music and experimental beats continues to…

I’ve been a fan of Jesse Boykins III ever since I discovered “Pantyhose” at the beginning of the year. His album, The Beauty Created, has quite a few jams I’ve played over at the FFC and his version of “No One Else” on the Men Love Mary mixtape was stellar as well. So when I got this tweet about his newly released remix album, I had to show love. The…

For the past couple of months, I’ve been working with the cool kids at SoulBounce – a popular online music & culture magazine. This relationship has afforded me to contribute to a myriad of projects. One in particular was the Men Love Mary: A Tribute to My Life mixtape that was released as a free digital download on 2 December. The project features eleven (11) of today’s progressive, male soul…

I am not a tool A tool is transactional and situational It’s used to fix, solve or repair things that we really care about But we do not care about the tool Our interest lies only in what it can do And how efficiently it can be used I am not a tool For they are only important for the moment A snapshot in time where opportunity meets purpose But…

After debating all summer and re-prioritizing my creative endeavors, I’ve decided to participate in this year’s National Novel Writing Month beginning November 1st. I have a few ideas and posted a poll for my friends and fellow writers to help me decide. In the end, I had to flip a coin to decide on a story I attended the local Kick-Off Party this weekend and got some added inspiration. I’m…

This is a first of a series of videos capturing the making of “contempojazzsoulhop,” the EP produced by the Cross Country Collective = Big La + Fresh + yours truly = “C3.” Now that I’ve put myself on blast with this video, it’s time for the other fellas to do the same Stay tuned.

My first SoulBounce post went up this week – a review of Nicolay’s “City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya.” I’ve always considered myself a friend of SB, but lately it’s felt more like family. To celebrate I created a blend of spices, based on each SB member, to use exclusively use on “chicken wangs.” I call it Fave’s “Soulbounce Pretty Wang” Seasoning 4 the Grown & Sexy (try putting that on…

At the end of the day, it was the women who challenged me, called me on my BS and expected me to show just as much (if not more) initiative – that made the biggest impression on my life.

Today would have been my best friend’s 37th birthday. As teenagers, we would celebrate his special day by going to the mall and the record store. I remember us attending nearby colleges and I couldn’t wait to come down to his school and hang out with him and his buddies on his 21st birthday. He was more than a childhood friend, he was family. God called him home in 2006,…

From childhood heroes to legends in the making, these artists maintained a constant flow of funk, jazz, soul, dance and inspiration throughout two days and nights in the sweltering Houston heat.

I want to go where “everybody knows my name.” And if they don’t, they wouldn’t mind finding out. That place for me is Coffee Groundz – a hip, socially conscious, tech savvy coffeehouse in midtown Houston. It has been the backdrop of the best moments I’ve had in this city: tweetups, poetry night, performing live with my band and even hanging out with my kids. When Obama won the election,…

Love has a body and soul just as we do. The BODY of love is the “feeling” that makes us soar in the clouds or wallow in the mire. It’s euphoric, depressing, unstable, sporadic, invigorating and draining. Like most minerals, love is essential to our proper function but can be toxic if too much is ingested (re: self love). The SOUL of love is the “decision” that transcends circumstance. It’s…

Upon release of iPhone Software Update 3.1.1, I decided to preserve the sexy of my iPhone (Penelope Anastasia) and iPod Touch (Favington Carlisle) by changing their wallpapers. After several hours of mindless surfing through countless websites, I realized there are only so many bikini blondes, race cars, rock bands and abstract art one man can absorb. Where were the wallpapers that captured MY interests (e.g., soul music, eclectic art, etc.)?…

Interviewing Eric Roberson was a great milestone in my podcasting career. This week, I’m fortunate to have Phonte & Nicolay = Foreign Exchange on my show as they prepare to release “City Lights v2:Shibuya” on September 15th. I’m blessed to talk with my “digital heroes (DH)” – individuals I’ve discovered online over the years. I enjoy the fact that they are tangible, real and humble while sharing their extraordinary gift(s)…

Friday While mixing down my latest FFC edition, I let Fender outside for some fresh air. When I went outside to check on him, he was gone. We have a big backyard and patio, so I assumed he was “off in the cut” somewhere and not ready to come inside. Hours passed and I didn’t hear him scratching on the door as usual. Fender was gone. Saturday I started asking…

Growing up an only child, it’s often assumed that I was spoiled. I enjoyed some luxurious by default (because there was just me), but I was taught the value of work and that no one’s money spends as well as your own. What I remember most is opening presents on Christmas Day – my parents bought me all the latest board games: Monopoly, Sorry, Life, Trivial Pursuit, etc. As early…

Fave is the imprint where I explore several avenues which pave my passions. Twitter has been an avenue leading to so many opportunities from promoting my podcast to meeting new people around the globe and across town. I’ve been reading blogs (i.e., this one and that one) on how to use Twitter to further enhance my imprint while releasing positive energy into the world. Having been in radio for years,…

At the beginning of 2009, I shared my perspective on Mondays as I sought to strip myself of the “live for the weekend mentality.” While driving this (Monday) morning, I could feel the dreadful energy outside – dreading what should be perceived as the “refresh button” of our lives: a new day, a new week. . .a new beginning that should be welcomed and not loathed. I wanted to capture…

Always the authoritative type, he presided over my first wedding. I remember him standing there in his robe and sneakers – commanding me to “kiss the bride.” I had never kissed a girl before and it was the ickiest feeling in the world. I wasn’t ready for marriage and, after it was “annulled” three days later, he was there to help me get over my failed relationship with Now&Laters and…

Pulled another all-nighter and I’m still awake. My long awaited Friday Favecast episode featuring Eric Roberson, has just dropped on the site and on iTunes. Aside from the sleep deprivation, I am beyond ecstatic. I dreamed about this day. What it would feel like. How the sense of accomplishment would wash over my senses as I set out to turn a thought in my mind into an incredible tangible.

Eric Roberson is one of my favorite soul singers on the planet. His new album dropped today and his fans have been rejoicing among the 17 new tracks that are incredible. I was blessed to interview Eric for this week’s upcoming Friday Favecast (8/28). His current single, “Can I Borrow You,” paints a playful picture of a young man pursuing another man’s woman for a few shakes on the dance…

Women are known for underlying currents of meaning in their rhetoric. Men are more traditionally more direct; however, we do have underlying meanings as well. Our “language” is much easier to decipher.

Gentlemen, I’m not about to break the “man code” and spill out our secrets. I’m just attempting to balance the spectrum of knowledge. I doubt anything I write will be a major breakthrough in male-female interpersonal communication, but it should produce a chuckle or two:

I love music. It’s safe to say that it loves me. There may be an overabundance of mediocrity out there, but the pulse of true artistry still thumps. In a world of manufactured melodies, diluted for radio consumption, my universe is filled with incredible gospel, soul, fonk, hip hop, electronica, breakbeat, dubsets and riddims. The life force of creative musicianship shines bright – often blinding my iTunes library. I love…

I don’t want to work out But I really don’t want to be obese I don’t want to shine my shoes But I really don’t want to wear busted-looking kicks I don’t want to sweep the floor But I really don’t want to walk barefoot on a dirty one I don’t want to wash my hands 7-10 times a day But I really don’t want to pick up or pass…

I need you to vote for me to present at next year’s South by Southwest Interactive Conference. The panel selection has begun and I’ve submitted the following two (2) proposals: (1) PRESERVE THE SEXY OF YOUR BRAND THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: how to make consumers feel (real) good about your “sexy” brand image. (2) JINGALING BABY! MAKING MONEY FROM MUSIC FOR MEDIA: how to generate revenue within the (music for media)…

When I resurrected Friday Favecast (FFC) in 2007, I wanted to go beyond 2-3 minute sound bites and produce a full-length podcast featuring the music of my favorite soul and hip hop artists. Dwele, Sy Smith, Little Brother, Choklate and Raheem DeVaughn weren’t (and still aren’t IMO) getting the shine they deserved and the FFC was going to be my online vehicle to share their gift with the world. In…

My wife wrote a note on FB discussing her plight to transfer her exemplary organizational skills from her professional life to her personal world. Without going into the details of her prose, I responded on FB in hopes she would see my point of view on the subject. My words seemed to spark a flame in my fellow tech/geek/music lover in the ATL and all I can say is that…

The sun is burning my back
Kicking and scratching to keep from setting
It knows the way darkness makes me feel

I lived a life of late nights onstage followed by a Waffle House breakfast around 2:30am. The alarm clock radio on my nightstand was set for noon. I usually woke up before it beeped.

Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love.” Although it’s not vocally challenging, the concept and simplicity is genius. I love Stevie’s chord progressions and timbres. Plus, the universe demands that I do a Stevie song RIGHT. No mistakes allowed. The goal would not be to get on his musical level, but to capture just a glimpse of genius and let it serve as the cornerstone of my own imagination.

When we were kids, we’d sleep over at each other’s house. We’d play Atari, talk about girls and listen to music on the radio. We rushed to the corner store between Sunday School and Morning Worship to buy candy. We cracked jokes during youth meeting on Tuesday nights.

This is my weekend, broken down into 12 events and a pic. . .

This is my personal declaration of Thickum Thursday – a moment in time dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the thickness in our universe.

Derived from the Urban Dictionary:

1 thickum (THIK-um) n. [women] who are a little bigger. . .in a good way.

Last night I rehearsed with my band for the first time in months. With the return of our (previous) drummer and the addition of a (new) lead guitarist, I was able to pick up the new tunes on the keys without incident. We jammed for about a half hour before we got into our “covers” including:

Back in the day, some bloggers would chronicle their weekend with what was called the Baker’s Dozen. The rules were simple: Highlight 12 things you did over the weekend Include a least 3 links (to other sites) Use a picture (from the weekend) at the top of the list It’s a lost art that I’m resurrecting today. Let’s go.

Skullcandy is so sweet as they caress my ears and administer my daily musical therapy. It’s time to vacate the workplace and invest in the creation of happy, productive moments. There’s so much I want to do and, although I am making progress, I cannot help but wonder if I can be doing more.

Since I wrote a blog post? Between Twitter, the Friday Favecast and Podcamp Houston, I have neglected the site that started it all. . .this one. Despite being busy, I am in the process of retooling my online presence and sub-alter egos (I’ll explain later) with blogging as an important component of that redesign. As my life propels into a direction of copious opportunities and challenges, I won’t wait another…

During one of my ramblings on Twitter, I spoke of becoming a millionaire and a fellow Twitterer replied – asking what I was going to do with the million dollars I “already have.”

There’s speculation that I may be acquiring another dog. Not just any canine, but the breed of dog I’ve wanted since 2002 – THE PUG We got a pitt / lab mix puppy, Clyde, last year and he is growing into an exceptional watchdog. We have a 10+ year old pitt bull that looks more like the Chick-fil-A cows and she’s afraid of her own shadow. When we got Clyde,…

FFC on Rhodes from Fave on Vimeo.

Death forces me to face the reality of those who meant so much and left here too soon. My man, Herman, embraced being a “big guy” way before it became fashionable. It didn’t stop him from being the coolest preacher’s kid in town. His street smarts didn’t stop him from getting his degree from a prestigious university and giving that knowledge back to the streets as a teacher. He married…

I have lived during six presidential administrations and never in my history has a presidency felt so connected to the people as the pending presidency of Barack Obama. Not because he is black, but moreso because he addressed human issues, economic trials, foreign policy and community involvement throughout his campaign. His focus was on the character of men and women, which resounded most for me. As a black man, I…

I’m writing my next novel using the Snowflake Method. This style of structuring and building your story has proved successful for many authors and I’m always down to try something new. I’ve managed to write the one-sentence description, synopsis paragraph and two character profiles. It almost killed me Change often comes with discomfort and this methodology challenges my current flair of “writing ’til I feel it’s done.” It forced me…

I stepped into an elevator with four ladies and a gentleman today. They were discussing last night’s Fiesta Bowl and Texas’ late TD victory. I stood there, holding my environmentally unfriendly food container, listening to their banter on our 10-floor journey back to the lobby. The portly man with thick, Coke bottle glasses contends, “I HATE that Texas won!” The ladies exclaimed, “What?!” almost in unison. One of them continued,…

**DISCLAIMER: this post is brief, yet slightly “stan-ish” but I don’t care..these are my hip hop heroes, dammit.** While on Twitter today, Q-Tip replied to me after I sent him a tweet about his album review on the Best Albums Round Table (BART) 2008 podcast. Kind of cool, huh? I thought so. I love the way artists are flocking to Twitter and truly engaging with their listeners / supporters. This…

Most of us dread Mondays. It’s viewed as the death of the weekend and the birth of long hours at work, never ending action items and five days until the next 48 hour reprieve. It’s rare that we see Mondays as the mark of a new beginning. New opportunities stand patiently behind a door we’re too distracted to see because we’re lamenting over a cup of coffee. But today is…

In the morning, I will return to work after an intermittent hiatus. A lot of people are dreading the return back to work, deadlines, school, etc. but I’m looking forward to it. I enjoy what I do and the subsequent results (i.e., paying the mortgage, eating, etc.), so I welcome going to the grind for the first time this year. This is a season of new beginnings and although I’m…

I need clothing, food and shelter. I don’t need Sean John denim, Cheesecake Factory entrees or a condo in the Mosaic. I need water that falls somewhere between 3rd world, polluted river nectar and double-filtered, reverse osmosis, mountain caressed liter bottles. It’s a thin line between love and hate and I believe there’s a thinner line between needs and wants. My misstep pivoted on the illusion that I would be…

I’ve seen this exercise floating around the web amongst my friends and thought I’d give it a shot. Upon completion, it was an introspective experience that helped me take a real look at myself while preparing for the future. And it was fun, too… Here are sixteen random things about me: 1 I am an only child. I lived alone in college. When I pledged, I crossed by myself. I…

I’ve been blessed all year long. Christmas Day was no different. I promised to be marginally jovial and was able to keep that promise. There were moments where I exceeded jovial and appeared very excited.

Because our society blankets the spiritual essence of this season with gluttonous consumerism. Because the memories of the past are filled with more joy than the reality of the present. Because those who look like me won’t see me. Because those whom I look like stopped seeing me. Because being submerged in an ocean of thoughts means you can’t feel the wetness for the water. To feel everything is to…

There’s never a good time to feel bad – but there are times when feeling bad is more of an inconvenience than other (times). Running full throttle on 4-5 hours of sleep per night finally caught up with me. I can’t pinpoint exactly what’s wrong, but my body is telling me to chill…or else. This would be a good thing if I didn’t have so much to do today. It…

The cold air reminded me of the days I used to walk in the wind to school / work in the midwest. I’ve never been homesick and I hesitate to use that word to describe how I feel right now. There’s nothing in which to return for home is moreso a state of mind than an actual place. The people made up my “home” and the majority of them have…

is coming very soon (and I’m not talking about Obama). stay tuned.

I’ve narrowed down my nanowrimo novel ideas (no pun intended) to two storylines. One is a romantic comedy while the other is more of a romance / encouraging hybrid. I’m still on the fence about them: Photo Finish Kyle is a young photographer involved with an older woman, who later dumps him for a wealthy man. Years later, Kyle runs into her daughter and devises a plan to seduce her,…

It’s been two weeks since my last post. What can I say? I’ve been busy. On top of family and work, I’ve talked to more insurance agents, adjusters, auto mechanics, FEMA reps, electric company contractors, cable line technicians and water company workers than I ever care to talk with again. Things are coming back to normal slowly but surely; however, I don’t anticipate a true level of comfort until the…

I believe Obama and McCain played to their strengths very well. The debate was close as the presidential race itself. Barack Obama was strong in his rhetoric on managing the economy and demonstrating concern for the American people (regardless of race). He has a clear plan on decreasing our country’s dependency on foreign oil while increasing usage of alternative fuels. Overall, his stance on how to take care of the…

I have a lot of interests ranging from music composition to painting, softball to podcasting. It’s impossible to focus on them simultaneously while managing a family and career. Some of my interests take a backseat for months before I’m able to re-engage (e.g., I haven’t painted anything new in over a year). I’ve learned to prioritize my interests according to my levels of passion towards them. Right now, my passion-o-meter…

The last installment. Happy Monday… Why do men lie so much? There’s a theory that, if we practice (the art of lying) long enough, we’ll be just as good as women *lol* Just kidding…(hint hint). Seriously, I do not feel lying is gender-specific. I do believe that – when you think of lying – the male species is more associated with the act. This is not because we’re good at…

And another one: Why do men fight and make noises when fighting? When ANYONE fights, the noises make it more dramatic (e.g., what’s a good cat fight without a few screams?). In the case of men, the grunts and growls seem to muster up additional strength when you connect fist to jaw. I don’t condone violence in the offensive sense, but I am a firm believer in defending yourself. The…

A few weeks ago, I went on Twitter and asked the female Twitteratti to fill the following blank: Why do men _______________ ? I recieved a plethora of responses; most of them coming from a very inquisitive young lady, Shannon Renee. Not only did she send of barrage of inquiries via Twitter, she dedicated a blog post on her site. I am going to address her questions from my perspective,…

I received a card in the mail from my parents mother this week. I saw the words “anniversary” through the envelope. My blood started to boil as my hands shook. I nestled the card between the pages of a magazine and shoved it in my knapsack. What would normally be a celebratory well wish, I took as an insult. The card was a reminder of the low opinion, high pride…

13 september 2008 – 3:16am “That’s the wheel barrell!” she blurted. The loud bamming noise shook through our home like a bass drum during a college football halftime show. The vibrations seemed to slamdance with the howls of 90mph winds and tortured trees. I placed the wheel barrell outside – in the back corner of the house – but now it banged as if it was attempting to come through the…

I was going to spend the weekend in the luxurious confines of the Marriott Houston Hobby Airport – the same hotel I stayed in regularly when visiting my wife as her “long distance beau.” My anticipation had built up all week as I daydreamed about plush pillows, down comforters and made-to-order omelets for breakfast. Instead of packing my bags to celebrate our wedding anniversary, I spent most of the day…

Was it a coincidence that – after not receiving the nod for Best Podcast @ the BWAs on last Thursday – there was no new Friday Favecast the following day? Could it have been a symbolic silence of a sore loser? Was the disappointment so overwhelming that I couldn’t find the gumption to pick up my USB microphone, push record on Sound Studio and say, “In this edition of the…

I never thought I’d get married. Since I was a kid, I was told I’d be a “good husband.” I came from a two-parent household where dad paid the bills, did home repairs and improvements while my mother kept the house clean and made sure I was neat. I went to church every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday (and sometimes Thursday) -gotta love that Baptist upbringing! My parents taught manners, respect, hard…

It’s no secret that the Friday Favecast did not win the Black Weblog Award for Best Podcast this year. I was initially disappointed that my podcast was overlooked, but I did make it to the finals…which is cool. But let’s be real.

I planned to take it easy this weekend. Somehow I managed to develop a month-long series for my podcast, resurrect hopes of a 15-year high school reunion and contribute my audio editing skills to the fastest growing music blog on the internet. Through the encouragement of my online friends and old classmates, I was able to add to the collective dreams of many and not just my own. That’s important…

I’ll be performing with Indie Gruv this Thursday @ Notsouh’s in Houston. Experience a soul/funk hybrid with rock sprinkled in for extra kick. Check out the details here. If you’re a Houstonian (or in the Houston-area this week) and a fan of live instrumentation, I highly recommend you come out. Until next time…

Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time on my high school’s alumni social network. 80% of alumni on the network were in high school @ some point while I was there (1989-1993) and a third of that percentage consists of my graduating class. There has been a lot of old, positive memories revisited – mostly about coming of age in the late 80s / early 90s. Some interesting forums…

I needed a quiet place. Sometimes the music, the laughter, the characters, etc. can be distracting. I often crave silence; peace from my own creativity. Before the music and podcasting, there was the written word. I needed to come back to that. I don’t always feel like being the “host of the Friday Favecast” with every online interaction. It’s my primary presence, but it’s only one dimension of who I…