Ghetto Rich
Primarily invested in depreciating assets i.e. cars, clothes and jewelry.
Scenario 1:
Young woman receives 80k when her father passes away and blows every penny on clothes, high end purses and shoes. The mother criticizes her daughter; however quiet as its kept the mother acts in a similar fashion. The mother receives a substantial sum as well. She opted to donate her Grandam to charity, which is fine; however she turns around and almost in the same breath leaves her health care profession without notice(idiot move), purchases a BMW M3, then decides that wasn't enough so she purchases an additional vehicle. Only the current years Saleen Mustang, please note the sarcasm.
Okay, some may feel this isn't too extravagant. It is when you are living in section 8 housing. The money spent on the vehicles which lost a bit of their value as she drove them off the lot could have served as a sweet down payment on a home. Depending on the state it could have paid for the home in full. Bam! Investment made! I will recognize this woman for paying off the bills she had in collections. However in the end she was unable to maintain the vehicles. Couldn't afford the maintenance much less gas. Not once was their a thought to set aside funds for a rainy day. No savings, no 401k....nothing. Just the notion of robbing Peter to pay Paul. A lot of us do that anyway. That's just what we do. Not only that she was no longer able to continue in the health care arena and is currently employed part-time at Walmart. The vehicles had to be sold and the proceeds used to pay off outstanding liens.
Scenario2
The Entrepreneur also known as Hustle Man.
Hustle Man is doing big things. He walks around with the latest technology in his pocket but struggles to maintain active service. Why? Because Hustle Man doesn't have a job! He'll tell you he's self employed and about to blow up! He's about to purchase a McDonald's franchise in an area that already has one every 2 miles. In an economy such as we have they have already started closing quite a few.
Hustle Man recently acquired 2-3 million dollars. This was a legit acquisition. He's decided he needs a house. I agree. A home can be a sound investment. However why are you going to spend 1 million on a MONEY PIT? A home that needs repairs. Lots of repairs! You're trying to keep up with the 'Lil Wayne's, with ostentatious displays of your new found wealth. I can't give you the Jay Z status, because He is a Businessman. No where close to the Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, DuPont or the Rothschild families. Perhaps I should rank you with Mike Tyson, an entertaining fighter but not business savvy.
Nouveau Riche
Previously part of a lower socio economic rank
Scenario 3
The Goldsteins of America
Forgive me if the name strikes a nerve. It's the first name that came to mind for those that have worked for their wealth within the 20th-21st century. Those that have worked hard and knocked others out of the way in the process. Not caring about anyone but themselves. Feeling they are exempt from ALL normal policy and procedures and treating others like mere peasants. I can't even put you in the category of the Alec Baldwins, simmer down.
Scenario 4
The man/woman who marries into 'Old Money'. Business savvy, picking up the tricks of the trade from the family adding their own ideas and methods creating quite the empire. Aware of the life struggles that we as humans go through and always willing to assist others, quite the humanitarian/philanthropist. The one that you encounter and have absolutely NO idea that they have billions.
Rich in Spirit
Those that make ends meet the majority of the time without complaints. Not needing anything and if they do, their faith in God carries them through. You have a roof over your head, food on the table and love in your heart. You do what you can within your power to help others.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Friends v Frenemies
Do friends hurt relationships?
Do friends have our best interest at heart?
In new relationships do we cast our FRIENDS aside to appease our NEW significant?
In my observations I have noticed, when two individuals are NEW in their relationship they tend to ignore outside elements further known as friends. Is this proper? That may come with a 50/50 answer. Some may find that there is nothing wrong with it; others may feel you should not alienate your friends. I am inclined to not alienate the friend whether male or female. True friends are in your life and heart no matter what. The friends were there first essentially and are an extension of you. Understanding, that should things progress with you and the significant, the significant will also then be a part of you. Said friend will also understand the need to place a limitation on the amount of time spent without any loss of identity on your behalf.
Friends that have been around forever so to speak may genuinely care; however you may find an interest that far surpasses that of a Platonic relationship. When that is discovered are you prepared to handle it? You may also find the long time friend trying to advise you of what's right and wrong in your NEW relationship based upon their past experiences. Would this information be noteworthy? Food for thought. It's possible it may be noteworthy; however everyone's reactions to actions are different. That friend's adverse experience could be the very thing that makes your toes curl placing you on cloud nine and that wonderful feeling of ecstasy your friend experienced, may be the very thing that makes you want to regurgitate.
The long time friend crossing the Platonic Relationship Boundaries could have very well been a great friend, that turns(ed) lethal. Should your time be consumed with your significant other and you alienate the long term friend you may find when you finally reach out to them, you're in hostile territory. Your friend has been hurt and may blatantly try to destroy your relationship if allowed. It's juvenile I know, but it happens. We must keep in mind the friends heart typically wants what the heart wants. Over ruling what is essentially right.
In a nutshell, Yes, friends can and do hurt relationships if we are not careful, even if we know in our heart of hearts that they have our best interest in mind. When the boundaries are crossed and the hurt occurs our friend becomes our frenemy.
Do friends have our best interest at heart?
In new relationships do we cast our FRIENDS aside to appease our NEW significant?
In my observations I have noticed, when two individuals are NEW in their relationship they tend to ignore outside elements further known as friends. Is this proper? That may come with a 50/50 answer. Some may find that there is nothing wrong with it; others may feel you should not alienate your friends. I am inclined to not alienate the friend whether male or female. True friends are in your life and heart no matter what. The friends were there first essentially and are an extension of you. Understanding, that should things progress with you and the significant, the significant will also then be a part of you. Said friend will also understand the need to place a limitation on the amount of time spent without any loss of identity on your behalf.
Friends that have been around forever so to speak may genuinely care; however you may find an interest that far surpasses that of a Platonic relationship. When that is discovered are you prepared to handle it? You may also find the long time friend trying to advise you of what's right and wrong in your NEW relationship based upon their past experiences. Would this information be noteworthy? Food for thought. It's possible it may be noteworthy; however everyone's reactions to actions are different. That friend's adverse experience could be the very thing that makes your toes curl placing you on cloud nine and that wonderful feeling of ecstasy your friend experienced, may be the very thing that makes you want to regurgitate.
The long time friend crossing the Platonic Relationship Boundaries could have very well been a great friend, that turns(ed) lethal. Should your time be consumed with your significant other and you alienate the long term friend you may find when you finally reach out to them, you're in hostile territory. Your friend has been hurt and may blatantly try to destroy your relationship if allowed. It's juvenile I know, but it happens. We must keep in mind the friends heart typically wants what the heart wants. Over ruling what is essentially right.
In a nutshell, Yes, friends can and do hurt relationships if we are not careful, even if we know in our heart of hearts that they have our best interest in mind. When the boundaries are crossed and the hurt occurs our friend becomes our frenemy.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Disparaging & Offensive
This post may offend some just by the one word that really chafes my behind or the fact that I express sheer disgust in its usage. The one word that has been accepted as a term of endearment by some; wherein the spelling has been changed over the years to do what, make a sad attempt at making the word acceptable? That's right I am talking about the word used by so many..'Nigger', 'Niggah', 'Nigga', 'Niglet'. The list actually goes on; however I've opted not to go on with the many spellings.
We have had comedians use the word freely, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor. A scene from Sanford and Son "Legal Eagle" .... "There are enough ni**as in here to make a Tarzan Movie" though comments in comedic programs such as this may have been funny, it doesn't make it right.
Richard Pryor in his life's comedic foray stopped using the word Nigger once he took a trip to Kenya, returning and condemning the word. His desire to abandon the word, enticed death threats, etc. But guess what? He was still FUNNY. Considered by some to be a pioneer, an astute observer of life.
Chris Rock is noted for saying 'We took the scraps and made it cuisine. We took the word Nigger and made it poetry....put some sauce on it and it's poetry'.
Is this why our youth use the word as though they were drinking a glass of water? Truth be told it can't be isolated to the youth. We have adults that seem to use it just as freely without any hesitation.
Listening to a group of young men on the metro rail made me cringe. They were tapping out beats with their hands and feet, not bothering a soul; however the words emanating from their mouths were quite unsavory. Ni**a this, Ni**a that. F@ck that Ni**a, That Ni**a is crazy.
I read a comment which mimicked my thoughts without derailment...."If you witnessed your mother being raped, forced to watch the entire atrocity or your father being hung from a tree (strange fruit) because it was common & fair actions for ni**as, would you be so willing to make the word into a term of endearment?" I would NOT, but that is ME.
We have become so de-sensitized and continue to make every excuse known to man to use this word. If Richard Pryor could cease the use why can't we as a whole do the same. I guess that would be too simplistic of a task.
We have had comedians use the word freely, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor. A scene from Sanford and Son "Legal Eagle" .... "There are enough ni**as in here to make a Tarzan Movie" though comments in comedic programs such as this may have been funny, it doesn't make it right.
Richard Pryor in his life's comedic foray stopped using the word Nigger once he took a trip to Kenya, returning and condemning the word. His desire to abandon the word, enticed death threats, etc. But guess what? He was still FUNNY. Considered by some to be a pioneer, an astute observer of life.
Chris Rock is noted for saying 'We took the scraps and made it cuisine. We took the word Nigger and made it poetry....put some sauce on it and it's poetry'.
Is this why our youth use the word as though they were drinking a glass of water? Truth be told it can't be isolated to the youth. We have adults that seem to use it just as freely without any hesitation.
Listening to a group of young men on the metro rail made me cringe. They were tapping out beats with their hands and feet, not bothering a soul; however the words emanating from their mouths were quite unsavory. Ni**a this, Ni**a that. F@ck that Ni**a, That Ni**a is crazy.
I read a comment which mimicked my thoughts without derailment...."If you witnessed your mother being raped, forced to watch the entire atrocity or your father being hung from a tree (strange fruit) because it was common & fair actions for ni**as, would you be so willing to make the word into a term of endearment?" I would NOT, but that is ME.
We have become so de-sensitized and continue to make every excuse known to man to use this word. If Richard Pryor could cease the use why can't we as a whole do the same. I guess that would be too simplistic of a task.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Criticism of Obama/L.R.A.
Obama has received criticism for sending troops to Uganda in an effort to restore Human Rights & Dignity to Ugandans.
Rush Limbaugh is one to critique Obama's actions. More or less stating that Obama is meddling in the affairs of Christians. These Christians being the Lord's Resistance Army, a.k.a L.R.A., led by Joseph Kony an African Terrorist.
Joseph Kony is noted to have committed a plethora of atrocities...abduction, rape, maiming and murdering civilians, including children. His organization is noted for abducting young girls forcing them to be sex and labor slaves. Others reported to have been traded, sold or given as gifts by the L.R.A. to arms dealers in Sudan. Children forced to become child soldiers, taking the lives of other children.
Reports indicate approximately 70,000 children have been abducted. Thousands killed others displaced in four countries. Villagers mutilated...lips, ears and noses cut off. Leaving them permanently disfigured as Evelyn Apoka who spoke out against Rush Limbaugh applauding Obama for his efforts.
It seems that Joseph Kony inherited power through or from his Aunt Alice Auma, the Mystic who started the Holy Spirit Movement. Intentions were to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Somehow this concept must have slipped. This in turn could be why Rush Limbaugh feels Obama is meddling.
If we look at this differently...is maiming & rape Christian-like? Are we as a nation mentally prepared to combat child-soldiers? These children that are brainwashed and know nothing of living the life of a child. So are we meddling when if we look right out our front door we have the same atrocities that take place in the U.S.?
Just Random thoughts......comments welcome.
Rush Limbaugh is one to critique Obama's actions. More or less stating that Obama is meddling in the affairs of Christians. These Christians being the Lord's Resistance Army, a.k.a L.R.A., led by Joseph Kony an African Terrorist.
Joseph Kony is noted to have committed a plethora of atrocities...abduction, rape, maiming and murdering civilians, including children. His organization is noted for abducting young girls forcing them to be sex and labor slaves. Others reported to have been traded, sold or given as gifts by the L.R.A. to arms dealers in Sudan. Children forced to become child soldiers, taking the lives of other children.
Reports indicate approximately 70,000 children have been abducted. Thousands killed others displaced in four countries. Villagers mutilated...lips, ears and noses cut off. Leaving them permanently disfigured as Evelyn Apoka who spoke out against Rush Limbaugh applauding Obama for his efforts.
It seems that Joseph Kony inherited power through or from his Aunt Alice Auma, the Mystic who started the Holy Spirit Movement. Intentions were to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Somehow this concept must have slipped. This in turn could be why Rush Limbaugh feels Obama is meddling.
If we look at this differently...is maiming & rape Christian-like? Are we as a nation mentally prepared to combat child-soldiers? These children that are brainwashed and know nothing of living the life of a child. So are we meddling when if we look right out our front door we have the same atrocities that take place in the U.S.?
Just Random thoughts......comments welcome.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Relationships & Church
My mind roams yet again. My thoughts or questions at this time are as follows:
Is it healthy in a relationship for one to attend church regularly while the other shows no interest? Even if it's only once a month; there is no interest shown. Both individuals believe in God, but one chooses not to participate in any form of worship or fellowship within the church. One might argue that it is not necessary to enter into a building to have church. Another may argue that it's always good to obtain a viewpoint of an outside teacher of the word, as everyone has something different to offer.
Does it place a strain on the relationship when one comes in from a spirit filled day of worship, wanting to share the joy in their heart, mind and soul, and the other has no way of truly relating? What happens when that inability to relate to the other causes one to turn to someone else of the opposite sex within or out of the church?
Ah-ha! That is yet another thought or topic to ponder as well as one cheating on their significant other with the church. It's not as bad as it may sound. My brain is moving faster than my fingers.
On a personal note I applaud and have much love for a MAN/WOMAN that openly professes his/her Love for God and ALL he has to offer!! So often we wander around this earth silent for fear of how we will be perceived. Embrace HIM!!
Other thoughts & comments are welcome.
Is it healthy in a relationship for one to attend church regularly while the other shows no interest? Even if it's only once a month; there is no interest shown. Both individuals believe in God, but one chooses not to participate in any form of worship or fellowship within the church. One might argue that it is not necessary to enter into a building to have church. Another may argue that it's always good to obtain a viewpoint of an outside teacher of the word, as everyone has something different to offer.
Does it place a strain on the relationship when one comes in from a spirit filled day of worship, wanting to share the joy in their heart, mind and soul, and the other has no way of truly relating? What happens when that inability to relate to the other causes one to turn to someone else of the opposite sex within or out of the church?
Ah-ha! That is yet another thought or topic to ponder as well as one cheating on their significant other with the church. It's not as bad as it may sound. My brain is moving faster than my fingers.
On a personal note I applaud and have much love for a MAN/WOMAN that openly professes his/her Love for God and ALL he has to offer!! So often we wander around this earth silent for fear of how we will be perceived. Embrace HIM!!
Other thoughts & comments are welcome.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
When Is It Too Soon? Who Determines The Time In Which We Mourn?
When we have friends, spouses or family members diagnosed with a terminal illness are we prepared for everything that goes along with it? The time, the support, the love, the mental state of our friend, family member or spouse? Of course not. I don't think anyone is fully prepared.
The reactions of all are so unpredictable. Are some of our reactions warranted? Maybe, maybe not. Personally I'm 50/50 on the issue. There is no clearly defined path.
I reflect over the past 12 years in which my neighbors shared a part of my heart. Shirley, given less than 5 years to live after a lung transplant, outlived the odds. She maintained and prepared her family as much as she could for things to come, as God prepared her for her journey. December 16, 2010 we Celebrated Shirley's Life. No more pain, her spirit soaring high. Her family....feeling lost and alone, because their rock had to move on. I watched her husband stagger to his feet as they closed her coffin, sobs to be heard outside of the sanctuary it seemed. There was no doubt that Sam loved his wife. No doubt that Sam was in love with his wife. The knowledge of his love for Shirley was not enough to prepare someone looking from the outside in for the sequence of events that occurred.
Six months after Shirley was laid to rest another woman introduces herself as Sam's ex-wife and is now living with Sam. The initial reaction on my part was a bit of anger encompassed by Whys, Hows and Blank Stares. My anger subsided rather quickly. Why? Because I have not walked in Sam's footprint. I cant say that I fully understand the pain he felt losing his wife to a well fought fight.
A number of questions fall into play. These questions may not exactly fit this scenario, but they are questions to think about nonetheless. Was the relationship coming to a close prior to the diagnosis? Was the surviving spouse there to the end as support? Was there a decision made between the two, for the other to move on with their life as quickly as possible? We as the outsiders looking in truly do not know. Another thought, no matter how CLOSE we consider ourselves to be to any one person, no matter how much we THINK we know about any one person, we ONLY KNOW what they want us to know. I'm not discrediting the friendship wherein there is the feeling that we have been privy to most things, but it is what it is.
It's human nature to hurt and ask why as a friend and on the behalf of the deceased. It's human nature to feel betrayed and feel as though the deceased has been betrayed. The feeling of betrayal cutting you so deep, I get it. However I've had to ask myself on more than one occasion 'Are these actions, feelings and reactions in line with God's way?'. It's actually a simple answer; yet an internal challenge.
We are works in progress, we can't determine what time frame is or is not proper for grieving. It's in God's hands.
The reactions of all are so unpredictable. Are some of our reactions warranted? Maybe, maybe not. Personally I'm 50/50 on the issue. There is no clearly defined path.
I reflect over the past 12 years in which my neighbors shared a part of my heart. Shirley, given less than 5 years to live after a lung transplant, outlived the odds. She maintained and prepared her family as much as she could for things to come, as God prepared her for her journey. December 16, 2010 we Celebrated Shirley's Life. No more pain, her spirit soaring high. Her family....feeling lost and alone, because their rock had to move on. I watched her husband stagger to his feet as they closed her coffin, sobs to be heard outside of the sanctuary it seemed. There was no doubt that Sam loved his wife. No doubt that Sam was in love with his wife. The knowledge of his love for Shirley was not enough to prepare someone looking from the outside in for the sequence of events that occurred.
Six months after Shirley was laid to rest another woman introduces herself as Sam's ex-wife and is now living with Sam. The initial reaction on my part was a bit of anger encompassed by Whys, Hows and Blank Stares. My anger subsided rather quickly. Why? Because I have not walked in Sam's footprint. I cant say that I fully understand the pain he felt losing his wife to a well fought fight.
A number of questions fall into play. These questions may not exactly fit this scenario, but they are questions to think about nonetheless. Was the relationship coming to a close prior to the diagnosis? Was the surviving spouse there to the end as support? Was there a decision made between the two, for the other to move on with their life as quickly as possible? We as the outsiders looking in truly do not know. Another thought, no matter how CLOSE we consider ourselves to be to any one person, no matter how much we THINK we know about any one person, we ONLY KNOW what they want us to know. I'm not discrediting the friendship wherein there is the feeling that we have been privy to most things, but it is what it is.
It's human nature to hurt and ask why as a friend and on the behalf of the deceased. It's human nature to feel betrayed and feel as though the deceased has been betrayed. The feeling of betrayal cutting you so deep, I get it. However I've had to ask myself on more than one occasion 'Are these actions, feelings and reactions in line with God's way?'. It's actually a simple answer; yet an internal challenge.
We are works in progress, we can't determine what time frame is or is not proper for grieving. It's in God's hands.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Positive Movement Forward
Everything in life is a process in motion.
Without movement & progression, there is no life.
As long as you are full of life and living, you are headed somewhere.
It's up to you to decide where you are going.
It's up to you to enjoy yourself along the way.
It's up to you to Activate that progression with positive movement forward.
Without movement & progression, there is no life.
As long as you are full of life and living, you are headed somewhere.
It's up to you to decide where you are going.
It's up to you to enjoy yourself along the way.
It's up to you to Activate that progression with positive movement forward.
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