Raw Talent

There's raw talent, then there's raw talent with swag all over it. That is what Ryan Leslie is. He's a producer, singer/songwriter, rapper and musician. And I know when I've been put in my place. B/c it just happened. watch.



I Know What You Like! from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

New Year, New Day

Although I've been away from my blog and e-voice for sometime now, I have not been far away. I appreciate the understanding and patience with me. As I gather myself and prep myself for new dialogue in the new year, I give you this nugget. It is a great discussion of putting things into perspective.

Happy Holidays

Well, break has definitely been trying.

Little bro, who was let out of the hospital on his birthday, Dec. 15, was re-admitted to the hospital Dec. 19th for fevers. Everyone was concerned that it might be an infection of some sort, which is potentially deadly to someone in his condition.

But the fevers subsided and he was able to come home yesterday.

However, when Darren was in the hospital, he showed me an outstanding YouTube clip. One I am now more than obliged to share with ya'll. Consider it my family's gift to you. I present the LA Rams.



Have a very blessed holiday, ya'll. I know we will.

Remember when Adcenter, i mean Brandcenter had a voice?

Last night, our beloved 2nd year AD, Shane Knight,
brought a couple of handfuls of students together.
The subject wasn't a lack of work space or even the mess
we have been collectively leaving around the building.
It was our voice he was after.
Finally.

What came out of the meeting was this overwhelming
need for a unified voice for Brandcenter students.
Finally.

The proposal: a student union.
Two students from each track from each year.
Not to get our spaces back.
But to open up communication between students and faculty,
all with the intent of having a better school.
One that lives up to its bleeding-edge hype.
Finally.

And don't worry, alumni.
We don't want to keep ya'll out either.
We want to include you more than ever.
Hell, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for ya'll.
The way I see it, it's never been about Adcenter this or Brandcenter that.
No, it's always been about the students.
Students that aren't afraid to fail.
Aren't afraid to try.
Aren't afraid to dream.
And that spirit hasn't changed since the first class.

Prayers Wanted.

Yesterday was my little brother's stem cell transplant.
We like to call it his new birthday.

I'd be lying if I said that I'm being a complete rock.
My head is definitely swimming in a sea of emotions.
And to tell you the truth, I'm not even sure what to think.

All I know, is that we are blessed.
That every day and every breath is something to cherish.

And now that my family has nothing left to do but wait,
I ask the lord for mercy.
I ask for kindness.
I ask for prayers.

Say what you want about stem cells.
Although I may snap at you if you're one of those whiny, scared,
conservative-ass individuals who think that stem cell research is
fundamentally wrong.
I understand that ignorance may be bliss,
But ignorance is also ignorance.
And if one is ignorant, he/she shouldn't be allowed to talk so passionately
of things they have no knowledge about.
Don't worry, I'll get off my soap box soon.

Say what you want about God.
I believe that there is a God.
People may call it something different, like Allah, etc.
But to me, it's all the same God.
The nickname one uses is just semantics.


Say what you want about miracles.
But, I am related to one.
Read his BLOG, and try to prove me otherwise.

Foggy Day at Monticello

I had the privilege to venture an hour and change south to Charlottesville, in particular, Monticello, aka Thomas Jefferson's ol' crib. Mostly thanks to a Culture Class assignment. We reached the fog-drenched colonial mansion not really knowing what to expect. Well, aside from armies of gray hair that is.


Surprisingly, we were far from disappointed with the tour of Jefferson's lil' mountain. The tour, great. The gardens, great. The things I learned, great.


One thing I was disappointed with was the curator, along with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation still struggling with the fact that Thomas Jefferson could have possibly fathered the children of his slave, Sally Hemmings.


Now don't get me wrong, I could care less whether he did or not. But the fact that a credible historical society thinks that it might tarnish his name even after DNA tests proved it bothered me. But it did remind me of something I heard once. Draw your own conclusions.

"It's historical.
People like they historical shit in a certain way.
They like it to unfold the way they folded it up.
Neatly. Like a book.
Not raggedy.
And bloody.
And screamin'."
- Suzan-Lori Parks

Sometimes it's the little things

This time last year, I was so deep in it.
All I wanted was to be good at advertising.
And I worked like my life depended on it.
What came from it was a bruised ego, bad health and a cynical attitude.
This year, I vow it to be different.


Like today, for example.
I just enjoyed the privilege to read a book to my friend Jay's little girl, Gwen.
Not only was she cute and curious, but hilarious.
I think she liked the book I got her, too.