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3 Keys to Better Relationships For Men

February 19, 2010 Life No Comments

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If there is one thing that can frustrate men to no end, it is bad relationships. A bad relationship can ruin a perfectly good day, make us cranky, and possibly lower our expectations for ourselves.

There is no way to escape relationships though, unless becoming a hermit is appealing to you. Whether work, family or social, we surround ourselves with folks who are looking to expand their spheres of influence each and every day.

No matter how bad our relationships have been or continue to be, the key to getting better results lies in the understanding and acceptance of seven simple words: … Continue Reading

Black History Month: We All Have a Part to Play

February 1, 2010 Life 2 Comments

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Today marks the beginning of Black History Month.  Throughout this month, we will be reminded and learn about the many contributions that African-Americans have made throughout history. I think we all have a part in contributing to Black History in our own way.

For example, this site was created to be a inspiration, educational and entertaining website for black men that were seeking an alternative to the websites and magazines currently marketed towards us.  As stated in our about us page, we were a bit tired of the magazines that were a step above Black Tail. And the hope is that this site grows to a community of black men seeking better lives in a responsible manner.

I encourage you to remain steadfast in your quest to be a better man every day.  Present yourself in that manner with your dress and aspire to live with gentlemen's standards To help you remain inspired, here are a few inspiration quotes that are fitting regardless of whether it is Black History Month or not. … Continue Reading

Technology 101: 3 Must Haves For Today’s Busy Man

January 26, 2010 Life No Comments

In today's world, we are surrounded and heavily dependent on technology. There's no denying that the myriad of gadgets we encounter makes our lives simpler. But for the millions that applaud our technological advancements, there are always critics and novices that do not see or reap the many benefits today's technology provides. Think about it. How many of our parents are still rolling with dial-up internet service? So sad!

In the case of my friends and I, we often say amongst ourselves, "I don't know how we made it before cell phones." And yet somehow we did.  But just because we did without for a long time doesn't mean we are softer or less capable today. They will tell you that it makes us lazy (You know who "they" are). I'll tell you it makes everything move convenient and mcuh simpler. Everyday life benefits from man's ingenious.

I am going to list a few of those things that the common man should not go without. These are what I like to call "Electronic Necessities for the Busy Man". These are the top electronic items no man should be caught without. I personally think these are some of the greatest inventions known to man, but that just me. … Continue Reading

3 Reasons Every Man Should Look At Their Past

January 22, 2010 Life No Comments

 
Though the grind and rat race of life, it’s very easy for us to get caught up in the day-to-day activities that consume us. We are all probably guilty of it. How many times at have we said something to the effect of, “I can’t wait until the weekend.”  or “Friday can't come quick enough.” And with the stresses of life, it’s more of the norm to look toward the future. 
 
At an early age, we’re conditioned to be forward-lookers. Goals, material things, places to go. At life’s most basic level, we see, experience and move on without a second thought.  All is not wrong with that but to add some much needed balance, we need to take time to reflect on our lives. … Continue Reading

Rediscovering Lost Values: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech

January 18, 2010 Life No Comments

If you took time to visit our About Us page, you will find the reason this site was developed.  Too many websites, television shows and magazines marketed toward black men are lowering the bar for our values.

On this Martin Luther King holiday, I think it is fitting to take a look at a speech Dr. King gave on February 28, 1954 in Detroit, Mi. The themes and topics Dr. King discusses are so much like we live in today.  It's amazing to me how we suffer from the same ills in 2010 as they did in 1954. Thus this speech is great to read not just because of the MLK holiday, but as men striving to be better, we can all learn a great deal from this lesson.

I hope you enjoy and take something away from this wonderful speech. … Continue Reading

Etiquette 101: How to Be a Proper Party Guest

December 10, 2009 Life No Comments
Etiquette 101: How to Be a Proper Party Guest
Being a great party guest isn’t something we really think  or talk about. By simply adhering to a few simple tips, we can put the party host(s) at ease and wow fellow attendees at the same time. It’s important not only to ensuring everyone has a good and respectful time, but it can also translate into making great contacts. So with no further ado, here are some tips for being a great guest at your next party. … Continue Reading

3 Service Professionals You Should Have On Speed Dial

December 9, 2009 Life No Comments
3 Service Professionals You Should Have On Speed Dial
As much as I would like to do and know everything, that's just not my reality.  Like many of you, I am a husband, father, employee and business owner.  So time is always very scare and valuable for me.
I find it so important to have a network of service professionals at the ready.  So that when I need something, I can grab my phone and get them instantly.  In particular, I think there are three service professionals everyone should have on speed dial.  Here they are in no order of importance. … Continue Reading

How to be a Confident Man in Social Settings

December 8, 2009 Life No Comments
Be A Confident Man in Social Settings
 
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As a part of my day job, I attend tons of social events. From luncheons to dinners. From parties to religious functions. And one thing I am seeing more and more is men shying away from interacting with others. There are some that are looking at their watch for the duration of the event. Others text on smartphones while some guys stay at a bar all evening. I've even seen men cling to their women like she's their mother. What a sad sight to see!
 
I’d venture to guess that we all know a man or two that can walk in to any setting and totally “wow” people. This guy seems to know the right things to say at the right times. People are attracted and intrigued by this gentleman.
 
Most men want to have that same ability. There are numerous advantages to being able to control any social setting. They include but aren’t limited to outcomes of networking and even attracting women.
 
Unfortunately, many men would rather disappear in the corner until the function is over. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Being a more confident man in social setting is not hard at all. But it does take a bit of work on your part. Here are a few suggestions to being a confident and self-assured man: … Continue Reading

How Much is Too Much?

We all got that close friend that we talk to about life and relationships. That person that you confide in. You may get some advice from them or maybe they just lend you an ear. Whatever the case may be they know some of the most intimate details about you and your life.

One of the main topics in your discussions is the obvious, relationships. Maybe you talk about things like cheating, the bedroom or finances. This is your best friends , nothing is off limits. Or is it? … Continue Reading

Hampton University Crowns First non-Black Miss Hampton

October 14, 2009 Life 5 Comments

Hampton University's First non-Black Miss Hampton Nikole Churchill

Last week, it was announced that 22 year-old Hampton University senior and Hawaii native Nikole Churchill won the title of Miss Hampton University. On the surface, doesn’t seem like much of a story, does it? But with Hampton being a historically black college (HBCU) and Nikole not being black adds a little sizzle to the news.
For most folks even this doesn’t raise an eyebrow. For many Blacks and especially those that have attended an HBCU, this can be a big deal. … Continue Reading

11 Free Websites and Apps to Simplify Life

October 14, 2009 Life 2 Comments

Image Credit: zizzy0104

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If truth be told I have always been and will always be a nerd. As part of my nerdom, I am constantly looking for better ways to stay connected, accomplish tasks quicker and get news faster. But most of all, I want to do it all for free because I am a cheapskate nerd.
Whether you think it’s a good thing or not, it’s very rare to find me without my laptop or smartphone. It helps me with both my business and personal affairs.
When talking to people, it seems as if I am always suggesting a website or application to make tasks easier and get stuff done faster.  So to have this conversation with you all, I thought I would share 11 websites and free computer applications (aka apps) i use just about everyday that help me a lot.   … Continue Reading

What’s Going On?: Chicago and Teen Violence

October 7, 2009 Life 12 Comments

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With the recent violent death of Derrion Albert in Chicago, it really had me thinking. Like the Marvin Gaye hit song, "What’s going on?" As many of you all may know, I was born and raised in Chicago. It seems as if every time I turn on the national news, there’s a violent incident in Chicago’s inner city. And such a high percentage of these incidents have been involving teens.
 
I remember one of the first stories to get national attention was involving 11 year old Robert "Yummi" Sandifer accidentally shooting a young girl. And the eventual execution of him. I guess this type of violence by teens is nothing new to the ‘Second City". … Continue Reading

The Age of Tattoos

September 22, 2009 Life 5 Comments

Denver Nuggets J.R. Smith

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Tattoos are at a all time high in popularity. People from the ages of about 18 to 35 are where they are most prevalent these days. What was once taboo has become a common thing in my generation. It’s probably easier to think of the people you know without tattoos than the ones with them.

When I was growing up as a child in Chicago, most tattoos that I would see were gang related or affiliated. The only other tattoos I would see would be that of Harley riding motorcycle dudes. … Continue Reading

What Happened To Respect? [Inspired by Rep. Joe Wilson]

September 10, 2009 Life 9 Comments

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As most of you (I hope) watched last night, President Obama spoke to a special joint session of Congress and the American people to outline his plan for health insurance reform. In his speech, he stressed the importance of providing more security and stability for people who have insurance, while providing affordable care to those who don’t. He also talked about the ever rising health care costs that are negatively affecting families, businesses as well as government.

But, this is not a post to debate the merits or faults in his proposed plan. We can do that until the cows come home and I’d venture to guess we’d get nowhere with our dissenting opinions. … Continue Reading

What Are Grown Men Too Old To Do? [Question of the Week]

September 7, 2009 Life 10 Comments

Grown Man Too Old For...

The late, great R&B singer Aaliyah early in her career had a hit song titled Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number. In this song, she talks about a girl wanting to date an older guy, and that their ages don’t matter.
 
I heard this song the other day on Pandora radio and kind of joked around with my wife about how the song title can be applied to activities and actions of grown men. Let me explain. … Continue Reading

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