Here is the sign at the strip club across the street from my house. The job of the strip club sign editor is never done I suppose:

Here is my article on the terrible, terrible debut of the Wizards last night.

I said I wasn't going to blog about this, but I'm still irritated this morning, so I have to get it off my chest..


Yesterday, around 4:30 or so, I received the following email from my employer. The name of the company, and some other minor details have been altered..

Hello,

Welcome to the (my company) family and welcome to the (my company) Payroll services. On November 1, 2010, you will receive your first payroll (the word check was omitted). Please select the link below to activate your Online paystub account.

The website address: ***************
The company ID is ********
The login name is your first initial and your last name.

Your temporary password is the first letter of your first name and last name capitalized and the last 4 digits of your ss number.

(It should look like TV9999)

The 2010 Payroll schedule is also attached for your reference. If you have any difficulties accessing your account or have any questions regarding payroll, please give me a call and I will assist you.

Now, when Lovesha (not her real name) sent me that email, I read it carefully, and I was able to deduce two things. 1)My first paycheck is November 1, and 2)In the meantime I need to login to set up my account. So I went to set up my account, and for some reason it didn't work. I tried one more time, and again I was thwarted. I wanted to try a third time, but I figured I would get locked out of the system, so I decided to place a call to Ms. Lovesha.

Now granted, I am still new to this company, and this woman works in HR, so you'd think our conversation would be pleasant, warm and all that good stuff. Part of HR's job is to be that way and part of my job as a new employee is to defer to her wisdom and guidance. That's how these things are done. Here's how the conversation went

Me: Hi Lovesha, my name is Rashad, I'm a new employee, how are you?
Her: Uh..I'm fine
Me: I just got the email you sent about logging in, and I am problems logging in, can you help me out?
Her: What email is this exactly?
Me: The payroll email you sent?
Her: Why are you trying to login now, I clearly said you can't login until November 1st, didn't you read that?
Me: Well it wasn't very cl--
Her(interrupting once): Yeah it was very clear, I said November 1st, I just sent that information now, because I won't be at work around then
Me: Ok, I'm sorry I guess I didn't re--
Her (interrupting twice): Yeah again, it says November 1st, you just have to read carefully
Me: Ok Lovesha, sorry about that and take care
Her: You too

Now..because I am a new employee and I'm on a 90 day probationary period (as all new hires are) I had to bite my tongue and play nice, thus my deferential attitude. That same 90 day probationary period should prevent me from typing this email, but I just can't help myself. I digress..let's go over the list of things wrong shall we? This will be a picture in Highlights magazine, where you had to find the hidden pictures or something.

1) November 1st was mentioned, but my inability to login until then was not. Not anywhere in the damn email. If she wanted us to wait, there should have been a prepositional phrase like "At that time please select.." but there wasn't. She worded that email to imply that our paycheck and our login were two separate points.

2)It seems to me, if she could tell me that she was sending it early because she was going to be out of town, she could have put that sh*t in the damn email. Clearly its not classified info, so why not drop it in there as a friendly, yet informative anecdote?

3)Everyone in the office tried to login too, and I can vouch for the intelligence of at least 50% of the people in here, which means they were hoodwinked by this email as well. As a teacher, I was taught that if over half the class fails a test, its partly the students, but its mostly the teaching. But if 100% of the students failed, I need to be fired or re-trained at my job. Not only does the shoe fit here, but its molded on...

4)I can't stand when someone gets the best of me, and other outside factors deny me my due process, which was to get in her ass verbally. Some of you reading may be mature enough to let things like that go, but I am not--and if you've been reading my blog you know this. I was angry for a good two hours and then I let it go. But then this morning I saw an email from her, and she was STILL defiant about what she meant(as opposed to what was really written). Just admit defeat and wear the Scarlett "L" on your chest, like the rest of us do when we're wrong

Ok now I'll let it go and I'll end on a positive note. My lady is starting new job today, so if you pray, say a prayer for her, if not, just throw your fist on the screen or throw up the Roc sign or something.

I forgot my glasses today, so please forgive any typos you may see as a result of my inability to...but what I DID see this morning around 8:30, was a woman picking up another woman. Allow me to explain..

I was at a crosswalk waiting for the "walk" sign, and I was standing next to this woman with a nice suit, an umbrella and her ipod on her ears. She was an average looking woman I suppose..And walking towards us (disobeying the "do not walk" sign I might add) was a more attractive woman with cleavage galore, short skirt (not a hoe-ish skirt, just shorter than usual for the workplace). I looked at the woman and then looked away (per the engaged man handbook) but I did notice they had a "sharing moment". They stared and smiled at each other, and at first I thought they knew each other professionally or something..but I was wrong.

The cleavage lady said good morning, and the woman standing next to me said good morning how are you..then the woman standing next to me commented on the other woman's short dress, and the short-dressed woman commented on her suit; then they asked each other's name, shook hands and began a conversation and then of course the "walk" sign came on, so I thought my chance to eavesdrop was over...but I was wrong.

The cleavage lady decided to follow the suit lady back across the street in the direction I was going, which meant I had a front-row seat to what was going down. I started walking a little slower, and I turned the volume ALL the way down, so I could hear some of this conversation, because it felt like a pick-up situation. The cleavage lady was in town for some sort of week-long conference, and the suit lady worked at Hanley-Wood, and lived in D.C. There were other details I couldn't hear, but I DID get the money shot: they exchanged numbers and said I hope to see you soon..but they did so with that smile and that handshake that says, "Yeah I am SO hitting that later.." I know this look..I'm guy.

After that, the cleavage lady walked back in her original direction, and the suit lady went into Starbucks with a big smile. The one on my face was bigger though..Now I realize these two women could have been involved in some role play type deal, but who does that at 8:30am? I prefer to believe that this was a real live lesbian hookup that I saw..with no glasses.

Malcolm Gladwell wrote this article about twitter, facebook ,and social media. The founder of twitter wrote this rebuttal to his article. And then Forbes did an analysis on both articles right here. If you have some time to kill, you should read them all, there are good points made on all sides.

This story about Clarence Thomas and his lovely wife Ginny, reminds me of an counter I had with Mr. Thomas back in 1997.

I was in Borders Bookstore in Fairfax, Virginia with my father, we had just wrapped up lunch, and we decided to pick up a few books before parting ways. I surprisingly headed to the sports section of Borders, while my father preferred to set up camp in the history section. After about 10 minutes, I found the book I wanted (Dark Witness by Ralph Wiley) and I headed back towards my dad, who was now standing and talking to this interracial couple.

The man he was talking to was a bit portly, but had a deep, booming voice, and the woman was just flat out unattractive. I know its bad to talk about men's wives, especially when her husband is a Supreme Court judge, but come on...when you see her, the first thing you say is "Her?"

Anyway, as I got closer I realized this was THE Clarence Thomas, and I wanted to introduce myself, but he and my father were knee deep in conversation about various things. I distinctly remember Thomas saying he was shocked my father went up to him, because most black people either a)ignore him or b)cursed him out. My father said he wasn't that shallow, and just wanted to have a discussion with him, and Thomas appreciated that and opened up..leaving me to talk his wife about the book I had chosen. When I told her my book was called "Dark Witness", Ginny had this weird, uncomfortable look on her face and said, "Oh that's nice", and then proceeded to tell her who Ralph Wiley was, and why I loved his writing, and she did not give a goddamn about what I was saying, which was fine, because I was reaching for conversation anyway.

Finally, my father wrapped up his conversation, introduced me as his son, and the thing I remember about Thomas was that his handshake nearly broke every bone in my hand. I tried to shake his hand hard right back, but it was too late, he had gotten the best of me and then some. And then that was it..we parted. When my father and I got back in the car, he told me that while we may not agree with this politics and personal views, the man is still a Supreme Court justice and deserves a certain amount of respect..which is true..

Still, I wonder how many times he's looked at his wife and had the type of thoughts I had this past Tuesday

I went to bed around 12:30 or so, I woke up at 3:15, then went back to sleep and woke up a little around 7am, so to say that I am feeling sleepy is a huge understatement. And when I am feeling like this, what is the best remedy? You guessed it, a Venti Soy Chai Latte from the Starbucks (this story excites me by the way)

So I step into the Starbucks at 8:55, and the line is long as all get out. There are at least 10 people in front of me in line, and 15 more waiting for their specialty drinks to be completed. I made the executive decision to stay in line, even though I know damn well, that I will be tardy for work. An on-time sleepy Rashad is not better than a tardy, on-his-way-to-waking up Rashad. I pressed on in the line for 20 minutes, got my drink, and headed out of the door..or at least I tried to.

As I am approaching the exit, I realize that the line has snaked around in such a way, so that there are a few people blocking my way. Four out of the six people move out of the way, but these two women refused to move. I say refused, because they looked at me twice, saw the sliver of an opening behind them, and decided that was all I needed to get by. Unfortunately, the only person who could have fit through that little space these two women left me is her.

I said excuse me hoping I could get by, and one of the women looked at me, then looked at the space behind her and said, "That's plenty of room". I said ok, I walked forward, my bag hit her in the side, she said ouch, and then the following mini-confrontation happened..and mind you there was still a long line (I'd say roughly 12 people were in front of her)

Her: Excuse you assh**e, the word is excuse me
Me: I said excuse me, you didn't move, I'm late for work, something had to give
Her: Still, you don't run into people with your bag, what are you 12? I'm waiting for coffee here like everyone else
Me: Yes dear, but everyone else in line moved out of the way except you, and you looked at me numerous times without moving, so--
Her (interrupting me): There was plenty of f**king room dude

So at this point I put my bag down by the door (not blocking the exit), I said excuse me, and walked back past the woman, then I said excuse me again, and walked past the woman towards the exit, and put my bag back on my shoulder. The woman fell out laughing, as did everyone else in line (which kind of irritated me, I'm not here to entertain Starbucks clientele). Before I walked out...

Me: You were still in the way, but I shouldn't have bumped you, I'm sorry
Her: Its cool, I'm sorry too
Me (extending my hand): Are we cool?
Her (extending her hand): We are cool

And then I withdrew my hand and said, "Yeah right" and walked out. I didn't hear what she said or if more people laughed.

Yes I am 12 years old. I was a 12 year old, 20 minutes late for work, but wide awake mfer.

The Roots featuring Eve, Erykah Badu and Ronald Isley...

My latest article

There is a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar movie coming out next year, and here is the trailer. I am about to bug his PR person today, tomorrow and every damn day until she lets me get an advance copy to review. I've never written a movie review in my life, but why not try when one of my heroes is the director right? Watch the trailer by the way.

And then after you watch the trailer, watch Stanley Jordan play the guitar

This morning I swam a mile, talked with the ladyfriend, listened to music in the shower, walked in the rain to work, sent a few emails, had b.s. conversation with co-workers and now I'm eating my oatmeal with bananas and agave. I have a full day of work ahead me, and I have a great book I plan on reading a lunch time. But inside my head, all I am really thinking is, "Damn, I really would like to f**k right now.."

Sorry if that's more info than you bargained for when you clicked on my blog, but don't tell me you haven't had that same thought this morning, today, yesterday or whenever. And if not then that's really too bad.

Shoutout to my lady who just got a new job, and will now be working in DC, just 5 minutes away from me.

This past Saturday, my son, my main man Sabin and I went to the Hampton/Norfolk State football game in Hampton, VA. I can't begin to tell you how happy I was to have my college roommate on one side of me, and my son on the other. I'm sure I bored my son with stories of my college behavior, but it could not have been more boring than the actual game, the final score was 7-6. Still I had a great time, and its definitely something we all need to do again.

While we were at the game, Sabin and I saw various people who we either definitely knew from when we were in school or looked vaguely familiar. But there was this one gentleman who stuck out more than the others. I don't remember his real name, but in school we called him Sadat X because he looked like the guy from Brand Nubian. Back when we were in school, Sadat was probably about 180-190lbs or so..definitely not overweight. But on Saturday when I saw he and his ladyfriend walk by, things had definitely changed.

Now let me preface this by saying we all put on a bit of weight as we get older. When I was in college, I weighed about 150lbs, but I was built like a little boy, so I had room to grow--still I understand how the weight gain with age game works. BUT, Sadat X looked like he was EASILY pushing 300lbs, and if Sabin hadn't pointed him out to me, I wouldn't have even recognized him. It was kind of sad seeing the brother like that because a)it made me feel old and b)knowing what I know about how important men's health is in the mid-to-late 30s, he's making things difficult for himself. I had a rough week last week between work and Washington Wizards stuff, so I didn't work out at all, and I felt guilty. But seeing Sadat just motivated me even more to get back at it..

And finally my son's hair looks terrible, and I don't care if he and his mother want cornrows, I'm cutting it off the next time I go down there. He looks like Ice Cube did in 1993, except my son's hair is way more unruly...I can't take it anymore.

Sadat X - The Lump Lump

If you know me, and if you read this blog I'm assuming you do, you know that my favorite writer ever is the late Mr. Ralph Wiley. Well his son Cole, who is an attorney, a movie director, a writer, and most importanly a Hampton University graduate. He told me a few weeks back that he had an article coming, and to look out for it, and he finally sent the link out today. Its about the Georgetown Hoyas, and I believe you should read it..not now, but right now. Its right here.

When I was around 13, I was an avid soccer player, which meant I had practice damn near every day after school. I'd come home from school, do a bit of homework, go to practice, and then basically come home and crash. And during the 30 minute ride from soccer practice back home, my mother would listen to WHUR, which is the Howard University radio station. They had a news program called the Daily Drum from 6-7, where they covered everything from news, to traffic to sports.

The main sports guy on the news programs was Glenn Harris, and I remember being in absolute awe at how much he knew about sports, and how interesting he made it sound. I remember telling my mother that I wanted to be on the radio with him one day, and she did the thing that all mothers do, which was to tell me I could make it happen, and I didn't really believe her. Well dammit Mommy you were right...kind of..

Last night, I was asked to appear (via phone) on TBD TV (formerly Newschannel 8) which a television station exclusive to the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia area (I refuse to call it the DMV). I was on there to talk about Gilbert Arenas' crazy ass, along with David Aldridge who works for TBD, TNT and the NBA. And the show I was on was hosted by none other than Mr. Glenn Harris.

I called my dad to let him know I'd be on tv (well my voice was), and when I told him Glenn Harris was hosting, he got excited (in a non-sexual way of course). I don't remember anything I said during my 5-7 minute spot because a) I was nervous as hell despite the glass of red wine by my side and b)David Aldridge was so damn good, that he completely blew me away (again, in a non-sexual way). But the very fact that I got to share some air time with someone who I've wanted to be since age 13 (Glenn Harris) and someone whose job I've wanted to steal for a few years (David Aldridge) is pretty f**king cool...to me at least.

If you don't know who Etan Thomas is, you should read this interview I did with him and find out a little bit. He's one of the good guys in the NBA..at least to me he is..

My son told me last week that he wants to get his hair cornrowed. I immediately shot him down, and told him that I didn't like that style, and I preferred a clean cut look for him at age 13. He got really quiet and he told me was upset, so I asked him to defend his decision to wear his hair like that, and he stayed quiet and said he wanted to get off the phone. I told him that regardless of what I say or think, he should always at least defend his side, but again, he was crestfallen and said nothing. I could hear his anger over the phone, but I'm glad he chose to restrain himself to some degree.

I hate cornrows with a passion. They look dirty, and I prefer the clean cut look, but that's just me. I know plenty of people who disagree with me, and that's fine, they can let their son's wear them, I don't like them for my son. As far I'm concerned the father/son relationship is not a democracy, its very much a dictatorships with few exceptions. But again that only works if both parents are on the same page...unfortunately, I have no such arrangement..

My son's mother called me about 10 minutes later, and told me that my son was old enough to make his own hair decisions (I vehemently disagree), and since he didn't live under my roof, the decision was not mine to make. So this Saturday, when my son and I hang out and attend a Hampton University football game, he will be rocking the cornrows and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it..although I thought about taking away his phone or calling lots of attention to his hair, in hopes that he'll feel bad and cut them off. But I've been told that's not right, but still...

Oh and by the way..I get married two months from today..And yes I am getting more and more excited (that's what she said).

We Gon' Make It - Jadakiss

If you haven't bought Bilal's cd, then shame on you. Its damn good. Here is a video for his song, "Restart":

FULL SCREEN
The Sounds of VTech / Bilal: Restart   

I filled out a survey today, and for the first time in a long time (10 years to be exact), I had to leave the 25-34 age group behind, and check the 35-44 box. I immediately wanted to cut my beard and mustache off, so I can at least LOOK 25 again, even though I'm clearly going on 36.

No wonder I'm having a blog-life crisis..

I can't explain why, but I just dont feel like blogging lately. A lot of what is on my mind is not meant for public consumption, so that's part of it. The other part? I've just been enjoying life offline, as opposed to mentally collecting things to detail and write about online.

I think this is partly related to the jackass who was tweeting during my friend Faye's wedding. I kept looking at this guy like man, what are you doing? Regardless of whether he was tweeting good or bad things (it was mostly good I hear) I kept wondering why he couldn't just enjoy the moment of his friend getting married, without broadcasting it to the internet community. Then I thought to myself, damn Rashad, you do something similar, so you can't complain. So that led to me taking a step back..I don't know if that makes sense or not, but it'll have to do for now.

I hear my blog archives are mildly entertaining though.

I wrote this article and this one here, so please read.

But today is mainly about my friend Faye, who got married today in a beautiful ceremony in New Jersey. I got two hours of sleep last night, and I had to drive a total of 8 hours to get there and back but it was worth it. I've known Faye for 10 years, and just like me, she's been through all kinds of ups and downs..and now by the time this year ends we will both be married. Good times.

We need more subtle, but nasty ads like this one.