Can U Handle MY Truth?

A Peace Offering to My Friends (in their 20's & 30's) Entering the MLM Industry

2012-01-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

Okay ... This goes out to all of my people who are going in hard on these MLM businesses.

And, NO ... I'm not about to "go in hard" as I have been infamously known to do.

However, I do want to give you some perspective. You see, my views and the opinions on the Multi-Level Marketing Industry are based on what I have personally seen and experienced over the course of two decades. The fact of the matter is, the industry has really cleaned up its image over the years, and under different circumstances - such as never having been introduced to the industry - I probably would be more inclined to go in. However, like any other path in life, I don't necessarily need to see it for myself in order for me to appreciate it for you.

These economic times are ripe for these businesses to promise all kinds of results. "Traditional" companies aren't hiring and many young people are coming out of school with degrees they can't find jobs for. So these MLM's come at you by way of people you know & trust. Then they get you to bring in people you know & trust and show you how to get those people to bring in people who THEY know & trust. When you get past all of the bells & whistles and pep rallies, that's the ONLY way you're going to make the money being promised.

In damn near 25 years, I've never seen anyone I know (and I'm not talking about people I was introduced to already in the business) make what they were promised; and while many of them DID "work the program," eventually - as always happens - the bubble popped and they got out. What's more sad is when I see people go from one MLM to the next, to the next, to the next - always looking for THE ONE.

For me, it's like riding on a train on which you've seen all of the stops, good and bad. The train rides on a track that goes around in a circle. It speeds through the bad areas & slows down when going through the good areas. When you get on the train it's while the train is going through the good areas. You see all of the wonderful things they can think of to show you and you get caught up. You might even make some change yourself, but as sure as water is wet, that train is going to make its stops in those badlands. I've been in those badlands I know people who have gone through those badlands. The MLM company will tell you not to worry about those badlands. They will tell you that as long as you're true to the system, in time, you will make money hand over fist. After all, look at (and that's when you're shown the up-lines of your predecessors up to the creators of the company).

So to my friends in the MLM industry ... I'm not going to try and talk you out of getting into or staying in these businesses. In fact, if you believe you can make it happen for yourselves, I want to believe it for you. Nothing would make me happier than to see one of you rolling up on me in your flossy new ride (with the pink-slip and registration in YOUR name); or for you to invite me to the house-warming of your (un-mortgaged) 7-bedroom mansion, and have you tell me it was what you learned from the company that made that happen for you.

However, while as your friend I wish you nothing but the best; and while you want me to respect this "business decision" you've made for yourselves, I want you to take an honest look at your condition and not the dream being sold to you and realize that if a person is thirsty enough, s/he will use sand to attempt to quench his/her thirst.

Good Luck.

2011-11-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

On behalf of my "partner in crime," Tazz, I want to take a minute and thank those of you who have planned to attend our booksigning/seminar on Saturday Dec. 10th. For those of you who might be able to make it; or have yet to RSVP, we certainly hope you can fit it into your schedule. For those of you who will not be attending ... YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO BE MISSING, but don't worry ... We'll definitely be back.

Have you ever met someone and for whatever reason, just clicked right off the bat? A little under a year ago, I peeped some videos that Tazz had done and I saw an outspokeness that I too had, but (due to my job at the time) could not fully exercise. So I introduced myself to him and we just started building from there.

Inspired by concepts found in Napoleon Hill's book, "THINK & GROW RICH," six months ago, I created a small "Mastermind Alliance" group with several other speakers including Tazz. He and I both believe in making strong alliances with positive people who are on a mission and in doing so, being able to help one another better themselves and others.

When he told me about his book "Common Sense Ain't Common" I clicked with it right off the bat because I have always said, "If common sense were actually common, everyone would have it!" I knew I had to use my resources to provide him an outlet to help further share his work and his word.

I GUARANTEE YOU ... If/When you come to Hue-Man, you're going to see two speakers come at you with brand new speeches of motivation & encouragement never heard before .

You will NOT be disappointed ... That is ... unless you're not there!

WE hope to see you there!

Herman Cain ... Meet the Skids ... Skids ... Cain's Campaign Has Been Waiting for You.

2011-11-01T13:04:00.000-04:00

They couldn't shake Herman Cain from defending his "999 Plan," so now his opposition (within the Republican Party) has aired allegations of sexual harrassment against him. When they first came out he flat out denied it. However, this is exactly where the nature of the beast that is politics is busting Cain right in the ass.

Why is he back-peddling and feeding into these past allegations? When you branch off all into all kinds of "What I meant to say was ..." day after day, you chip away at your own credibility. Look at what happened to Tiger Woods ... Every time he opened his dumb ass mouth, he fed the media for an additional two weeks. When he shut up, the media slowly began moving on.

None of us are perfect. We all have made - and will continue to make mistakes. I believe that there are really only two kinds of mistakes ... Mistakes that we make out of ignorance, and mistakes that we make out of arrogance. When we act without knowing any better, those are mistakes made out of ignorance. When we actually DO know better; yet act against what we know, those are mistakes made out of arrogance. Either way, if you're caught out there ... Apologize ... ONCE. If you're falsely accused of something, deny it ... ONCE.

Here's my philosophy:

If you screw up and are genuinely remorseful, then is not your first apology the most sincere? If you are falsely accused of something, is not your first denial the most sincere? Then apologize once ... Deny the accusation once. People are going to rake you over the coals because applying the pressure to you takes attention away from them. As long as you feed into the pressure and beg for forgiveness, or make all kinds of clarifications, you chip away at your integrity.

Personally, you only get one apology out of me. Accuse me of something ... You better have me on video AND audio looking DEAD into the camera and speaking LOUD & CLEAR into the microphone. I'm not going to waste my time begging for forgiveness or belief.

Cain is making the mistake of listening to everyone but himself. It's like he starts out as if he's speaking from his own heart - which is what made him a front-runner to begin with. However, as he gets deeper into the campaign and all the mud gets slung at him; instead of speaking from the courage of his personal convictions, he is clearly reciting pre-planned, rehearsed and spun answers prepared by his staff.

Personally, I don't think that Cain will make it to getting the Republican nomination, and if he keeps up backpeddling like this ... we'll all see why. The next debate is going to be on Saturday, Nov. 5th between Cain and Newt Gingrich. We are now witnessing exactly where Cain's campaign begins to hit the skids. Herman Cain debating Newt Gingrich is like Jay-Z getting into a rap battle with ... well ... ME! It's getting to where Cain is whoring himself for media attention. New Gingrich knows good and damn well he's not going to win the nomination, so his debating Cain will serve well in providing fodder and ammunition for Romney and Perry ... the ones Cain really should be debating if he wants to win the nomination.

2011-10-21T11:03:00.000-04:00

“Ego Tripping

I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built
the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light
I am bad

I sat on the throne
drinking nectar with allah
I got hot and sent an ice age to europe
to cool my thirst
My oldest daughter is nefertiti
the tears from my birth pains
created the nile
I am a beautiful woman

I gazed on the forest and burned
out the sahara desert
with a packet of goat's meat
and a change of clothes
I crossed it in two hours
I am a gazelle so swift
so swift you can't catch me

For a birthday present when he was three
I gave my son hannibal an elephant
He gave me rome for mother's day
My strength flows ever on

My son noah built new/ark and
I stood proudly at the helm
as we sailed on a soft summer day
I turned myself into myself and was
jesus
men intone my loving name
All praises All praises
I am the one who would save

I sowed diamonds in my back yard
My bowels deliver uranium
the filings from my fingernails are
semi-precious jewels
On a trip north
I caught a cold and blew
My nose giving oil to the arab world
I am so hip even my errors are correct
I sailed west to reach east and had to round off
the earth as I went
The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid
across three continents

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean...I...can fly
like a bird in the sky...”
― Nikki Giovanni

My Thoughts on Hermain Cain & the Republican Presidential Debates

2011-10-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

First let me say that this blog is LONG overdue.

A young brother asked me what I thought about Herman Cain. Another brother stated that America was not going to go for 2 black presidents in a row. Well ... Here go my thoughts ...

I find Herman Cain interesting. Out of all the Republican wack-a-loons, Herman Cain is the only one who's not "tainted" by having served in public office before. Also, he's the only one who has never had to really back-pedal over anything he's said. These other jackasses get up there and tell bold-faced lies. The lies get called out the next day & they either say they "misspoke" or they just say that the other person is wrong.

Funny thing is, one of the moderators told Cain that her people ran the numbers for Cain's "999 Plan" & their numbers showed that his plan would not be revenue neutral and then asked him to explain it. He flat out told her that the problem with her calculations were wrong. But instead of making some snide remark to her or deflect to some other candidate he EXPLAINED why she was wrong telling her that her calculations were based on the current tax code - which he has stated he plans to throw out. SHE HAD NO RESPONSE

Additionally, I find it F'd up that everyone demeans one of this man's greatest professional achievements in having been the CEO of Godfather's Pizza. When asked what he thought about Cain's "999 Plan," I believe it was Gov. Huntsman who said he thought it was the price of a pizza. Almost all of the other candidates had some other weak ass "pizza" joke of some kind. Why?

#1. Because THEY have no real dirt on the man, THEY have to attack him and his credibility based on his most significant accomplishment. Also, the people and the media are noticing that THIS black man has a set of balls and - as I said - doesn't do much if any back-pedaling. That's why he has risen in the polls. That's why all of the other CROOK-didates went in on him at the last debate.

#2. If a Harvard educated black man who spent his pre-political career working WITHIN the community to help them wasn't good enough, how could a business man who ran a successful corporation possibly. When THEY say "Community Organizer" THEY equate that with somebody trying to get all kids on the block together to play a game of hide & seek. And Cain ... Dude might as well have been delivering the pizzas because that's all THEY think about him.

Herman Cain asked Mitt Romney if he could explain the FIFTY NINE points / 160 pages of his plan & if so were they simple, transparent, efficient, fair & neutral and after a nervous chuckle he did everything BUT answer the question (Hint: Any question that starts with "CAN YOU" is a question requiring a "YES or NO" answer).

However, I agree with my brother Matthew. THEY are not going to allow "Back 2 Back Black" presidents. THEY are going to look at it as a social experiment gone wrong and go back to one of their own. You see, this is how THEY have operated historically. THEY stack the deck against us and then blame us for not being able to pull of a royal flush.

The problem with Obama is that he came into this game playing the role of the "safe & non-threatening negro." Had he come into office talking as tough as he has been talking over the past month or so, he would probably be in a better position now. His only saving graces right now are #1. There are still a WHOLE LOTTA black folk who will vote for him just because he's black and not have ONE clue about his politics & #2. Many people (WHITE & Black) don't trust the Republicans Party & they see this motley crue of candi-DOPES as a bunch of stooges more concerned with helping the rich stay richer than they are with insuring everyone has an equal chance at prosperity.

How Do I Help You Find Your Answers?!

2011-06-13T09:47:00.001-04:00

As a Coach, I ask my clients those questions that make them see the answers in their head in such a way that they HAVE to pull them out and act on them. They realize "Hey - someone's REALLY watching and is going to hold em accountable," and they know they have to produce. It's not easy; but as I always say, "Success doesn't come easy - nor is it supposed to. It's going to be work and that work is going to be hard."

A lot of times people already know what's right for them. They know the path they should take or the decision they should make; however, for "whatever" reason they do what's wrong for them. They take the wrong path and make the wrong decision. WHY?

As Tony Robbins says, people are driven by two forces pain & pleasure. People will do whatever they can to increase pleasure and avoid pain. The problem with that is people fail to realize that to some degree, success lies on the other side of pain. You have to go through some things in order to get you some things. People make the wrong choices because at the time those choices are easier to follow than digging in and putting in the work.

Those wrong choices start out bringing a false sense of immediate pleasure, but it's false because the only pleasure there is, is from NOT doing the work. Eventually, there comes a price to be paid & when that time comes those who did not put in the work pay the price and THAT's when the REAL PAIN comes.

The end result - be it pain or pleasure is what lasts, not what you get in the beginning. If you start out just going for the pleasure the table can turn on you. If you jump into the mix fighting (what "fight" doesn't come with pain?) you run the chance of turning those tables too.

Get YOUR Autographed Copy TODAY!

I have people who hold me accountable to my goals. As a coach, I appreciate BOTH sides of that particular coin. My book, "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!" is ONLY the beginning. I wrote that book at the START of my journey. The lessons still hold true and - if nothing else - give people the courage to TAKE ACTION & start their own journeys.

What are you waiting for? See ... You need someone to hold you acocuntable (LOL). So if you "plan" on getting your copy ... TAKE ACTION, Click here: http://bit.ly/jtlXHI and either start or fortify YOUR journey!

Take care & have a blessed week!

Harold

The TRUTH Returns!

2011-06-10T20:07:00.000-04:00

FACEBOOK GROUPS

2011-05-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

On Monday at 10:40am, I posted the folllowing on my profile page and into the FB newsfeed:

"Alright, here's the deal. If you have a group or are starting a group here on Facebook, why don't you first ASK people if they want to be in your group and if so, tell them what the rules are - if any. I'm about my business. I'm about networking. I'm about marketing myself, my products and my services. If you're not cool with that, DON'T "draft" me into your group."

Facebook is always pushing the limits to bring us closer together. One of it's most recent advances has been the ability for people to create groups for people with similar interests to be able to get together in somewhat more of a closed or intimate environment and discuss whatever issues for which the group was created.

However, when people create these groups they can just add any of us at random. I can create a group right now and just pluck you right into it. I don't have to ask your permission and if you choose to stay in the group your permission is implied by your participation. You can, however, leave any time you want to.

My problem is I've had people see me on someone else's page or in someone else's group and want to add me to their own group, and when I begin posting and promoting, they want to cry "over-load" or "spam." I'm not promising anyone pie-in-the-sky riches; I'm not trying to lure anyone into my MLM downline, and I sure as hell am not spreading viruses by clicking on dumb ass links like: "Look who's viewing your profile!" or "'So & So' answered a question about you!"

This only goes to show who's playing on Facebook and who is actually GRINDING. I will admit, I am not interested in everything someone markets out here, but that's life. From now on ... If I find myself "drafted" into a new group without being asked ... I can't promise my response will be either motivating or encouraging! The one thing I am REALLY beginning to see and learn on Facebook is who really has little to no home training on matters of courtesy.

There are so many people out here who are talking loud and saying nothing that when someone comes along who's actually doing something you can see and selling something you can hold and draw value from, that person is clearing the smoke screen of crap these other people are spreading around.

I'm through. People are really on the verge of seeing "the other side" ... The man I was BEFORE the motivation.

The Greatest Form of Flattery? ... I'm Not Sure.

2011-04-30T10:22:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/7JNi1UXCktA

This is "Karmin," a duet out of Boston. They've been blowing up on YouTube over the past couple of months because of the videos they've been putting out featuring hip-hop covers of today's hottest songs. In the above video they're covering Chris Brown's hit "Look at Me Now," which also featured Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne. Now, I'll give credit where credit is due ... because of the lyrical difficulty in this song, it is one hell of an achievement to be able to perform it, but there are underlying problems that exist here. Problems I believe most would rather not address because it would make them feel uncomfortable.

But me ... I don't suffer from any such affliction. Having said that ... Room: I'd like to introduce you to the elephant that you all seem to be ignoring.

Stevie Wonder wasn't good enough to be at the Royal Wedding, but his music was, as long as it was coming out of George Michael's mouth. This couple here, while cute & talented are on Ellen BLOWING UP off of Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now." I guess Breezy, Busta & Weezy aren't good enough for Ellen ... But their music is.

What REALLY has me upset about this (YES ... I GENUINELY PISSED) is that Ellen is asking this chick when she started rapping! ANYBODY can spit what they hear in their headphones, but that doesn't make you what you're spitting. I'll give her... singer. I'll give her "artist," but "RAPPER" ... Nah. Spit something original and we'll consider it.

Now I suppose I'd be wrong for saying that this couple is capitalizing on both their whiteness and black music? But is that not what it is?

I've stated they're talented - without a doubt, but would they be on Ellen if they had put up any original content on YouTube? In fact, if you peep their YouTube channel (Karmincovers), you'll find that they have videos covering songs by Ke$ha, Katy Perry & Lady GaGa as well ... but what is getting them recognized? The Hip-Hop covers ... Period.

IF THEY got paid for performing Brown's song, I wonder if Brown, Diplo, Jean Baptiste, Ryan Buendia, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes (the writers of the song) caught a check too. Research provided by a close friend would lead me to believe so ... But I just don't know for sure. Did the writers/artists named above make more from the use of their song than the "artists" who are using it as a catapult to fame?

This couple has a gimmick which fits right into the "disposable music" society America has become. I'd like to see what they could accomplish on their own steam instead of jock riding Hip-Hop to fame.

It bothers me when I see "other" people caking off and getting all kinds of opportunities off of OUR people's work. This reminds me of how back in the 50's through the 70's when "other" artists would blow up off of music they "covered" and the original artists got nothing.

Artists like Little Richard, Little Walter, Muddy Watters, Chuck Berry ... Hell, if Elvis is "the King" then the Jazz singers and musicians he stole from were GODS.

Also please note again, I did acknowledge that this couple is talented. The girl does have skills. But it's not the product of their "original" talents that got them on Ellen and national radio, it's their uncanny ability to translate and perform music that you would not expect them to be able to.

Now if they come up with fire equally as hot as what they're covering, then that's different. It's as different as Vanilla Ice & Eminem. To be more specific, Vanilla Ice was a gimmick. Eminem is the truth. Eminem's earlier songs had a similar flow to that of Treach from Naughty by Nature, but that's because he idolized Treach. However, no matter how much he idolized Treach, he didn't come out and blow up doing a cover of "O.P.P." or "Hip Hop Hooray."

I actually think that it's cute to see this couple cover Hip Hop songs, but if they're going to use that to get into the game and make a name for themselves and then put Hip Hop back on the shelf like it was a toy they no longer have a need to play with, then that's just flat out wrong.

Be true to the game or switch lanes & do your own original thing!

The Sale's Ending in Just a Couple Hours!

2011-03-28T22:05:00.002-04:00

The Power & Benefit of Effective Networking.

2011-01-14T18:29:00.005-05:00

Andrew Morrison

I want to give a big shout of gratitude to one of MY coaches, Andrew Morrison! (right) He passed on some info to me which I passed onto my wife and out of thousands of applications submitted she was one of ONLY THREE applicants to win a mentor loan from The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship.

An honorable mention goes to my "big Sis" Cathleen Williams, Esq. (below) because I met Andrew through her. As a matter of fact I was able to facilitate the necessary introductions in order for Cathleen to host her first booksigning and release party for her book, "Single Mother the NEW Father Volume 1: Sports" at the Hue-Man Book Store in Harlem, NY. (on Saturday - Jan. 22nd - Mark your calendars!).

This is networking at it finest!

Food for thought ... This is the power of networking at work. It's not about getting hook-ups for yourself. You meet people and then meet the people they know. Networking really pays off - not when you meet someone who can do something for you, but when you can connect one person in need of a particular product or service with another person who can provide that product or service.

If you meet someone who can hook you up - you kind of owe them a favor in return; however, if you can connect one person in need with another person who can provide, then you have TWO people who are grateful TO YOU and they'll be likely to help you if and when they can.

Having two people willing to help you is a whole lot better than having to owe any one person!

There's a book that I just finished reading that I highly recommend to anyone looking to step up their networking game ... Especially for my African American and Latino brothers and sisters. The name of the book is "Success Runs in Our Race" by George C. Fraser. (right)

This book is replete with examples, exercises, and resources to teach anyone how to begin or improve their networking skills. If your business involves talking to and meeting new people, you will be doing yourself a disservice by not purchasing it! If you are really determined to improve the quality of your life, and perhaps even more, your business - then this is the book you need to have in your hands.

"It is vital that you overcome negative thinking, not only for your career but also for your personal growth & happiness. You can't stand back and be scenery for other people's lives. You have to become engaged in life and take life on." G.C. Fraser

I honestly don't know where to begin to go about explaining how beneficial networking has been for me personally in improving my "people skills," as well as professionally in improving my business and providing me opportunities to meet and learn directly from some really great people. So what I'm going to do is just give you a few examples below:

Les Brown
"The Motivator"

When I met Cathleen on Facebook, I saw she personally interviewed one of my motivational mentors, Les Brown. Meeting him was one of my life's goals - especially after I decided to become a professional speaker, so I immediately accepted her friend request because in my mind I said to myself ...
"This woman is going to be the one who
introduces you to Les Brown."
A little over a year later, she facilitated that introduction.

Claudia Jordan
"Model, Actress, Radio &TV Personality"

I also met this beautiful woman on Facebook. After a few conversations, I began listening to her radio show, "The Claudia Jordan Show" on Jamie Foxx's "Foxxhole Radio" channel on Sirius/XM Satellite radio. I soon became a welcomed regular caller & known for always providing a logical twist to the topics being discussed, she dubbed me "The Deep Brotha." When I told her I had written a book ("FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!") she invited me out to Los Angeles to sit in on her show as a live guest and promote my book (the first time I ever flew 1st Class!).

Marvin Towler
"Martial Artist, Fitness Expert & Entrepreneur"

Yet another person whom I met on Facebook, who has become very much a good friend. Originally from New Jersey but living in California, Marvin and I became friends after he viewed a few of my video blogs. Late last summer, when he returned to New Jersey to visit his family after many years of living out west, he made it a point to see me - first just to actually meet up in person, and then a surprising second time in October - the day before my birthday - to show his support at my "Motiv-ACTIONal" seminar & booksigning at the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, NY. Marvin also played a part in my meeting the man below ...

Jack Canfield
"America's Success Coach" & Co-Author of the
"Chicken Soup for the Soul" Book Series

Through his books and seminars all over the country, this man has helped millions of people all over the world take stock in themselves and improve their lives. When I read his book "The Success Principles," I was getting fired up because he had put to paper many of the ideas and ways in which I had been living my life. When I went to see him at a seminar he was giving in Boston; I introduced myself to him, showed him a copy of my book and said, "Mr. Canfield, my name is Harold Reed. I believe you have one of these from Marvin Towler." He smiled and said, "Yes, yes I knew you looked familiar and Marvin told me to look forward to meeting you." Because I was seated in the V.I.P. section, I was able to have lunch with him and have a few minutes of direct one-on-one time with him.
(When was the last time you had lunch and could casually converse with
a multi-millionare businessman in your line of work?)

If you'll notice, the common thread with all of the above people is that I met them either directly or indirectly via Facebook. While many of people use this medium to play games and have fun, I actually use it as a means to meet new people - people who over the years have become clients, colleagues and customers.

In the end, I guess I'm no different than the rest of the people on Facebook. I'm just "having fun" at playing a "different" game. I'm playing the "Networking Game" and ...

I'M PLAYING TO WIN!

Just in Case You Missed My Interview Last Night!

2011-01-04T01:48:00.002-05:00

Can You Do Something for Me NOW That I Won't Do Until Later?

2010-12-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I put up a poll for the men & today one for the women. The question was "Would you get involved with a person who states UP FRONT that he/she requires you to prove he/she can trust you BEFORE she commits to the relationship?"

The results from those polls are below:
(MEN) Yes: 12 No: 19
(WMN) Yes: 4 No: 4

The poll was based on a conversation wherein which the young lady stated she requires ONE THING of a potential suitor - That he prove to her that she can trust him BEFORE she gives of herself (commits) into the relationship. The question issued in the poll was worded by her.

What was NOT allowed in your decision making process was the fact that although she could ask this of a man, HE COULD NOT ASK THE SAME OF HER. Her logic is if he cannot fulfill that ONE request from her then he has every right to keep on moving. She believes this to be a fair request because she's stating what she wants "UP FRONT" as opposed to popping it on the guy later on down the line.

Here is MY logic: Just because you disclose an "unfair" deal at the start as opposed to it being a surprise in the future does not make it ANY LESS of an "unfair" deal. You cannot or rather SHOULD NOT go into a relationship giving ultimatums. You cannot or SHOULD NOT go into a relationship asking anything of the other person that you're not willing to give of yourself AT THE SAME TIME.

Personally speaking, my wife & I go back and forth on the meaning of "partnership" as it relates to the workings of a relationship - as I am sure many couples do during the course of their relationships - HOWEVER, we went into our relationship on equal terms. I never asked more from her than I was willing to give of myself & vice versa.

I do not believe it to be healthy to any relationship for someone to submit a request, requirement, or demand that he or she is not willing to accept themselves. When I asked her "What if he asked the SAME THING of you before you could ask it of him," her response was that she would not accept it and move along.

Now I am by no means a "perfect" husband, but that's because I am not a "perfect" man - or a perfect ANYTHING for that matter; however, I could never ask my wife for anything I'm not willing to give up myself, and I really have to question any person who would succumb to such a "request, requirement or demand." In fact when I added the "fineprint" of her NOT reciprocating what she was asking for into the discussion, she said I "skewed" any future results (that caveot was not disclosed to the women's poll).

Respectfully, my friend shall remain anonymous for as long as she chooses to, however, I am very much interested in opening this issue up for mutual dialogue between men & women. I believe there is a lot to be learned here.

My friends ... What say you?

President Obama Needs to Grow a Pair: PLAIN & SIMPLE.

2010-12-01T08:56:00.000-05:00

In my opinion, thusfar President Obama has taken far too much crap for any man, black or white. I understand the whole "safe-negro" approach, but damn there comes a time when even that has to go out the window. It's time to just start putting MFr's in their place. I bet if he just started responding "Because I'm the President BITCH," people would straighten the "F" up!

I want to say "I just can't understand it" but the fact of the matter is I understand it all too well. The real problem is people don't want to face the real problem. This country can't stand having a black man sitting in its highest office.

I'm constantly reminded of that scene in the movie Rosewood, when a group of white men are sitting on a porch plotting on attacking a black family in the next town over and one of them complains about a black man having a piano ... "I ain't got a pian-ah." When his friend reminds him that he doesn't even know how to play the piano he says, "it don't matter." This mindset basically states that no black person should have any more than a white person - period ... and that mindset is still very prevalent today.

When Pres. Obama ran people kept talking about his being unqualified & inexperienced for the office of President. To this date, no one has been able to explain to me how Pres. Obama is unqualified or inexperienced to be president. Hell, to be qualified all you need is to be a 35 year old natural born citizen of the United States. As a matter of fact, it has been all of these "experienced" politicians that are responsible for this country already being in the shitter. Given his educational and occupational background, how can this highly educated/community-minded man be unqualified or inexperienced?

I recently read that the Supreme Court has thrown out another argument contesting Pres. Obama's citizen status. Ever since I can remember, Hawaii is a state. The argument states that Obama should not be considered an American citizen because his father was legally a citizen of the British Crown. Now, as best as I can recall, even if someone snuck into this country illegally - if they have a child on American soil, that child is an American citizen. If I understand correctly, if a child is born in a U.S. embassy overseas, he or she is deemed an American citizen because that embassy is considered sovereign American soil. So, while his father may not have been a US citizen, his mother certainly was - and again, he was born on American soil.

Please understand this mindset ... There are people who genuinely think that Sarah Palin belongs in the White House! I'd love to see someone do something like they did in the "Pepsi taste test" commercials back in the day. Stack Palin's educational credentials against Pres. Obama's, but hide their names. Then, ask people which credentials they'd like to see in a president and post THAT on the news.

Short of being assasinated, no sitting president has been disrespected to the extent this president has, and people keep saying, he has to play it safe until the second term. My question is, what if he's deemed a punk by then for not stepping up and asserting the authority vested in him NOW? Why should he have to wait until he has nothing to lose to really get it in? That's just playing the game as it is.

F" the game! It's time to CHANGE the game. Isn't that the platform he ran on, CHANGE?!

The president needs to grow a pair and start setting these jackasses straight. You walk up to the biggest joker in the crowd and smack him silly. The people will think if you're that bold, then you must be a force to be reckoned with. President Obama needs to smack the sh%t out of Fox News and anyone else who's got some slick sh%t to say.

(Okay ... I'm done with my rant. We now return to our regulary scheduled program)

The Answer is "NO" ... ACCEPT IT.

2010-11-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

This past Friday I had the pleasure of being the Master of Ceremonies for the 1st Annual NY State Regional Awards for International Men's Day. It was a great program - not because I was MC'ing it (though that played a big part {smile!}), but because the cause was genuine and necessary. We were celebrating men who were doing good things for the community all throughout New York. As I said, it was a great program. We had some really talented young singers for entertainment, and some well respected dignitaries address the audience.

However ... we (my co-host & the organizers) began to realize that the program was running long. When the time came to start presenting the awards, we decided that we would read off the names, allow the recipients to come up and receive their award, but NOT allow them to give acceptance speeches. A couple people were allowed to, but for the most part (as MASTER of Ceremonies), when most of the recipients asked if they could have a few words, I looked them square in the eye and politely said ... "No." On the drive home, my wife told me that there were a couple of recipients who had some "not so pleasant" words for and about me for not letting them speak.

My response ... "Oh well."

But the more I thought I about, the more I came to realize more clearly something that I've always known but never really verbalized ... until now. People are not used to hearing the word "No."

People think that just because they ask for something or want something, that alone is basis and merit enough to have it, and to be refused is like a personal blow. What's funny is I have a friend from grade school, Derrick B., who brings this so close to the forefront of my mind. You could ask Derrick for a piece of candy and if he didn't want to give it to you, he'd give you a face as solid as stone and say, "No," and you'd stand there looking (and feeling stupid). Whether you're 7 or 37 ... that feeling doesn't leave. However, people have to understand that you're not going to get everything you ask for. You're not going to get everything you want; at least, not just because you want it.

Now, I do believe in the concept of "Don't take 'No' for an answer," but this is not an absolute. At some point, everyone must take a "No" for an answer. Sometimes, you can dig in and put in the work to turn the tides, but other times you just have to accept that the road ended with that "No."

Speaking of which, look at it like this ... Say you're driving someplace you've been to dozens of times, however on this particular day, they're doing construction and the road you normally take is completely blocked. There's a work crew, all kinds of bulldozers and other machinery, and there's even a detail of police officers redirecting traffic. Speaking from personal experience, I can assure you that there are people who will still not accept that reality and ask if they can go through. When told "No," they might be mad, but they're still driving away and through the detour. They had no choice but to accept the "No."

Sometimes, a situation is what it is. I think people who call themselves "motivators" do a disservice when they tell people that they are unstoppable. Again, there are times and places for this mindset, but there are no absolutes. Sometimes you have to accept the reality of a situation for what it is and then "FIND A WAY" to achieve a more desireable outcome.

At the risk of sounding cliche' ...
Sometimes ... "NO MEANS NO."

FREE COACHING ... Time's Almost Up!

2010-11-23T08:41:00.002-05:00

Friday will be the last day to take advantage of HRJR Coaching Services' FREE month of coaching.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity & receive your initial consultation, send me an e-mail at HRJREnterprises@comcast.net.

If you think you can do it alone, more power to you - but the best of the best have coaches!

How Free Do You Think You Are?

2010-10-24T12:33:00.002-04:00

People need to realize that FREEDOM AIN'T FREE!
There's a price to be paid. You don't just up and decide "I'm free" and *POOF* no worries. It takes work to get to the point where you are as free as you can humanly be.

Got bills & debt? You have to pay those bills off in order to be free of them. Got a mortgage? You have to pay that off to be free of it. Got a car note? You have to pay that off to be free of it.

Then again, people can say "'F' those bills!" In THEIR minds they're free, but on the planet that the rest of us live on, they're still very much bound to their bills. Another way to be free of that mortgage is to say "'F' that too!" Do that and in a few months the Sheriffs will come & "free" you from that house when the bank forecloses on you! And that car note? ... Les Brown always says, "The best way to get back on your feet is to miss two car payments!"

So by all means, be free in mind and spirit. You NEED to be free in mind and spirit because that's the only way you're going to devise, cultivate and implement the strategies you will need to free yourself from those things that actually do bind us in our daily lives.

Let's not make the mistake of allowing our mental & spiritual freedom to create delusions of grandeur. We've got business to handle while we're here. There are three types of people who are TOTALLY & COMPLETELY free:

1. The homeless
2. The unemployed
3. The DEAD.

I'm not ready to be ANY of the above!

Arrogance of Being President While Being Black

2010-10-03T05:17:00.000-04:00

I don't think anyone was under some real illusion that the election of Barack Obama actually means the end of racism in America . I'm pretty sure that the president-elect knew it better than anyone. After all, he saw it every day, from the moment he announced his candidacy.

To some degree, he saw it within his own party during the primaries. And he saw it in all ugliness during the general election. For half of this country, he was "That One". No matter how big and clear his victory was. No matter how smart he is. No matter how decent he is. No matter what a true patriot he is. No matter how optimistic and positive his vision for America was. All that didn't matter. Because at the end of the day, he was still black.

I'm quite old. I remember, vaguely, where my parents were on November 22, 1963. I've seen so many presidents. Some were feared, some were hated, some were adored, some popular and some not. But all of them, without exception, were treated with the highest respect deserving the office of the president of the United States.

That is until a black man won the right to occupy this office. It's been 13 months now, and in the eyes of so many, Barack Obama is still that one. He is being disrespected and at the same time being held to the highest standard of any president I've ever seen – and not just by the Republican side! He has to perform three times better than any president in history, and even that may not be enough.

For the media, he is many more times just "Obama" than "President Obama". They create scandals out of nothing issues. It took them at least 6 years to start giving Bush a small part of the sh-t he deserved. It took them 6 months to begin crap all over Obama because he's yet to fix the catastrophe that was left for him.
They use condescending tones when they talk about him, and only mildly less condescending when they talk TO him. With anyone else, CNN wouldn't dare go to commercials every time the president speaks, like they did during that summit on Thursday. They wouldn't dare be counting how many minutes George Bush or Bill Clinton were talking. Chris Mathews wouldn't dare make an issue out of Ronald Regan calling members of congress by their first name, like he is not actually the president. They fully cooperate with the Right-Wing smear machine when it comes to president Obama's national security performance – even if almost every independent and military expert actually thinks that he's a terrific Commander-in-Chief. You'll never see them on TV, and virtually no one from the Left, in congress a nd outside, defend the president on this matter.

I don't care about the Far-Right. They're just crazy ignorant Neanderthals. It's the way the beltway and the mainstream treats this president that is shocking. On Thursday, almost every Republican had no trouble interrupting him in the middle of a sentence. They looked like they're going to vomit every time they had to say "Mr. president". They all had this Eric-Cantor-Smirk whenever he spoke. Then they went out and started to spit their stupid talking points, to the delight of the media. Sarah Palin, a woman who can hardly read, thinks that he was "arrogant" towards John McCain, and somehow this is an important news. Because you see, "Obama's Arrogance" is the talking point of the day.

Oh, those talking points. He is arrogant (because he knows the facts better than all of them combined). He is an elitist (because he uses big words that they don't understand). He is weak on national security (because he actually thinks about the consequences). He divides the country (well, he did that the day he had the audacity to win the election). Worst of all, he actually thinks that he's the president. He even dared to say so on Thursday. How arrogant of him. You'd think that previous presidents didn't have any ego. Somehow it turned out that the one president who treats even his biggest opponents with the utmost respect – is the arrogant one.

I wonder why? expected that his winning the Presidency would bring out some ugliness, but it's been far worse than I imagined. The racism coming from the Right is obviously clear and shameless, but there's also some hidden and maybe subconscious and disturbing underline tone behind some of the things that I read here and throughout the Left blogosphere, even before the end of Obama's first year - 'He's weak, he's spineless, he's got no balls, primary him in 2012'. It'll be dishonest to deny that.

The fact is that for millions in America , Barack Obama is this uppity black man (Not even a "real" black), who received good education only due to affirmative action, and has no right to litter the sacred Oval Office with his skin color. They just can't accept the fact that the president is a black man, who unlike his predecessor, was actually legally elected. But what's really sad is that it's not just the fringe, its deep deep in mainstream America.

Barack Obama's ability to remain above all this slob, to keep his optimism and his strange and mostly unjustified faith in people, while continuing to gracefully deal with an endless shitstorm – is one of the most inspiring displays of human quality I have ever seen. And I can only hope that the Cosmos is on his side because God is and He never makes a mistake.

Gerald A. McIntosh

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #019

2010-09-30T12:12:00.000-04:00

Last night I spent a great evening networking with
like-minded success-driven people.
The dynamics of my game are changing!
The next 16 weeks are going to be hard-core.

Definition of a "Nigga Moment" & "Nigga Synthesis"

2010-09-30T12:07:00.003-04:00

BACK BY SPECIAL REQUEST ... Like Cotton ... HRJR Comes to Harlem ... AGAIN!!

2010-09-22T23:29:00.002-04:00

Friends,

By now, many of you know I've written a Self-Help/Motivational book called "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY! You're Either Part of the Problem or You're Part of the Solution!"

I went from self-published & released in `07 to signed to a publishing deal in `08. In `09, the book was re-released as a 2nd edition that, in addition to being available in print, also became available as a 5CD audiobook and i-Tunes download.

Two weeks ago I was in Barnes &Noble.

Two weeks from now I will be returning to the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, NYC.

Check the promo:

Many of you have already bought a copy of my book. I know this, and I appreciate it. If you've read it, I KNOW you got something positive out of it, and if you got something positive out of it, those you truly care about can get something positive out of it as well. SO ... How long is your Christmas gift list? What kind of budget are you working with? Naturally, you're going to have to get something flossy for your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend - but after taking care of him or her, you can take care of your Top-5 by giving them a personally autographed copy of the book and not even break the bank!

I was only at Hue-Man - for the first time just this past April, and they asked me to come back! I must be doing something right! I talked about the book for about 15-20 minutes and commenced to signing. When I was done speaking, the manager said, "We need you to come back and do a seminar!" As busy a year as it's been with various speaking engagements, there was NO WAY I could turn down a return invitation! If you're not aware of the significance of the Hue-Man Bookstore, it’s not just that Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem is the largest African-American-owned bookstore in the New York area - it’s one of the largest in the nation.

This is NOT a hobby or passing "look at what I did" kind of thing. This is NOT a game! I'm going in HARD!! I've got a lot riding on this event and I would greatly appreciate it if those of you who can make it come through and show some support.

DATE: Saturday - Oct. 9th

TIME: 12pm

PLACE: Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe' - 2319 Frederick Douglas Blvd; NY, NY. 10027

If you can make it hit me up with a private e-mail (findaway@live.com) and let me know. There's NO guestlist and NO COVER. All I ask is that you come through & get yourself an autographed copy of my book. Bring a friend or two as well! The more the merrier! I want to pack the place to the point where we damn near shut them DOWN!!

Thanks in advance!

H.S. Reed, Jr.
"Investor in the Human Spirit"

What HRJR Reads

2010-09-20T12:31:00.000-04:00

Protect Yourself So You Don’t Wreck Yourself!

2010-09-15T21:10:00.001-04:00

I have a confession to make ... I have a Reality TV fetish.

Earlier this year, I was watching "The Ultimate Merger," where the suitors were competing for the affections of reality TV celebrity Omarosa. Early in the season, the men were faced with having to sign a pre-nuptial agreement. When the forms were announced, the first worded response amongst the men’s moans and groans was “Aww Hell NAAAW!!” Truly worthy of a chuckle at first, but moving forward, each of the men signed the document (they were probably told off-camera that they had to in order to remain on the show).

Over the past few years I have had discussions with both men and women concerning getting a pre-nuptial, and always the views are the same: Men are afraid to bring it up because they think the woman is going to be insulted and leave them.

On the other hand, no matter how much women tend to boast about how independent they are, unless the woman actually has and or makes more than the man, she will have a problem with being asked to sign a pre-nup. The couple talks about how much they love one another and how they’re not going into their marriage with thoughts of failure.

The thing is, everyone says that going blindly into a marriage at the beginning, but ultimately the fellas just bitch up and the discussion of getting a pre-nup never even comes to the table, and sadly, when the marriage fails - those same fellas get screwed. I am certain that some of you “Sudden Bachelors” are experiencing the ass-side of having made such a choice, so I’m relying on you to add credence to this post.

When I’m speaking to young men AND WOMEN about getting married, I stress the importance of getting a pre-nup. Do I get resistance? ABSOLUTELY!

But then I pose the following scenario:

When you buy a car you’re making a commitment to keeping it for however long you choose to. You chose that car. You love that car, and you don’t anticipate ever wrecking it; however, before you can drive that car off the lot the state requires that you have insurance on that car so that, God forbid something goes wrong and someone gets hurt just about all is taken care of … And you do this knowingly and willingly.

Now if this is the nature of the relationship you have with an inanimate object that begins to depreciate in value the minute you drive it off the lot, how can a person not see the importance in protecting him/herself before entering into what’s supposed to be the most significant type of relationship in one’s life?

The resistance tends to fade somewhat, but people still fear the confrontation that comes with the stigma of discussing getting a pre-nup. Often I’m asked if I got a pre-nup when I got married. In all honesty, I was the exact brother I described above up to and including NOT getting a pre-nup. Fortunately, my marriage is well – however … if it were to go south, MY WIFE WOULD BE PAID! Two kids … child support, alimony – MY PENSION … As my Italian brothers say … FUH-GETTA-BOT-IT!!

So then I pose this question in my response to whether or not I have a pre-nup:

Let’s say I’m walking down the street and I step in pile of dog crap. I see you walking along and I say to you, “Hey! Be careful … There’s a big pile of dog crap there!” … Do you have to walk in that pile of crap to believe it’s there, or would the sight of me standing there scraping crap off my shoe be proof enough?

You don’t HAVE to learn the hard way.

You put a condom in your wallet or keep some by the bedside … just in case.

You have life, car, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance … just in case.

It's better to be in a position to say "I'm glad I did" as opposed to having to say "I wish I had."

Some Political Humor

2010-09-11T23:31:00.001-04:00

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him,

"Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be an Obama Democrat."

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you' ve not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are -- or where you are going. You've risen to where you are , due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem.

You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."

P R I C E L E S S !
P R I C E L E S S !

I HAD to Share This Heartwarming Story!

2010-09-11T23:21:00.001-04:00

In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from the University of Toronto .

On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air.

The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.

He got down on one knee, inspected the elephants foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it.

As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.

The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments.

Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled.

Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.

Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.

Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Toronto Zoo with his teenaged son.

As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing.

The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down.

The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.

Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter could not help wondering if this was the same elephant.

Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing, and made his way into the enclosure.

He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.

The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly.

Probably wasn't the same elephant.

This is for everyone who sends me those heart-warming bullshit stories.

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #016

2010-09-07T11:04:00.004-04:00

Two-thirds of the year are now behind us.

What have you accomplished?

HRJR @ Barnes & Noble - This Coming Saturday - Sept. 11th

2010-09-07T00:08:00.001-04:00

I'm doing it and I'm doing it BIG!

I'm going to be at Barnes & Noble
on Saturday Sept. 11th from 12 to 3pm! Not only am I going to be signing copies of my book
"FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!"

I'll also be giving a motivational seminar based upon the principles in the book!

COME ON THROUGH!!

It's Been a Long Time - I Shouldn't Have Left You ...

2010-09-02T19:40:00.000-04:00

I know I've been gone for "a minute," but I've been very busy, and I have missed you just as much as you have missed me - if not more!

Life is becoming a matter of flux for me right now. What does that mean? That means that things are happening and things are changing. Some things are happening and changing for the better and some things are just proving themselves to be nothing but obstacles. As much as I hate those obstacles, I also welcome them because I know that by overcoming them, I can only get better!

We're about to take off, but it's going to be a slow ride. It's going to be slow so that we can appreciate the journey because that's where the value of the journey is to be found.

Stay tuned ... I'M BACK!

Words of WEALTH from Suze Orman

2010-04-15T22:24:00.001-04:00

Susan "Suze" Lynn Orman is an American financial advisor, author, motivational speaker, and television host. She gives common sense approaches to saving and investing. I came across this article and thought I would share it with you!

Lasting wealth is not found in the numbers flickering from the ATM screen. It's built on the foundation of who you are, how you act, and what you believe in. Follow these steps over the next 10 years to ensure financial security:

1. Take an oath of financial honesty. A crushing credit card balance caused by your need to impress others is a costly lie. Living within your means is living honestly. Find ways to save $25 a week and you'll free up $100 a month. Invest it and in 25 years you could have $80,000.

2. Stop settling for what the world offers. You need to be your own best advocate. If there's no raise this year because of the economy, meet with your boss to determine grounds for a raise next year. If you're self-employed and haven't increased your rates in years, I have to ask, why are you putting yourself on sale? I say it's fear. Recognize that this fear is keeping you from having more in your life.

3. Avoid debt bondage. Yes, debt is necessary; it's how you own a home or get a college degree, but the trick is to respect it. Take on only what you can afford. Have a credit card balance? Use the $100 from step one to increase your minimum payment on a $10,000 balance that charges 18 percent interest and you could save almost $24,000 in interest fees.

4. Make your financial life work within the new normal. The best move you can make today is to let go of what was and focus on what has been dubbed the new normal: a period of more moderate growth. That means, for instance, you need to expect that your house will appreciate at roughly the rate of inflation.

5. Get in great credit shape. I've always said a high FICO score is a key component to security—but it's even more important now that lenders are so circumspect about making loans. A FICO score of at least 700 is your best defense. And if you find yourself in the job-hunting pool, a good score could distinguish you from others. (Yes, many employers check FICO scores. It's considered an insight into your sense of responsibility.)

6. Remember that every no leads you that much closer to a yes. The pain and anxiety of shocks like layoffs or divorce are unquestionably destabilizing. But you make things worse when you see these events as major setbacks, instead of starting points for you to reimagine and reclaim your life. I also believe you can reduce the pain by adopting a "hope for the best, plan for the worst" mind-set (i.e., have an emergency fund).

7. Open up. Most people in financial trouble hold tightly to what they have. To put yourself in position to receive more in life, you must first open your hands—and your heart—by giving to others today. If you want to learn about a specific charity, check out the free service CharityNavigator.org.

8. Save for indulgences. Assuming you're on track with your retirement savings, have no credit card debt, and have an emergency savings fund, I'm not going to deny you fun—so long as you've saved up for it. If you want to have $5,000 for a milestone birthday trip in two years, you'll need to put away about $200 a month now, given today's low bank rates.

9. Eliminate the "I shoulds." Take care of every major must-have document this year—a will, a healthcare power of attorney, etc.—you've sworn for years that you'd get to.

10. Choose your legacy. This is all about the deathbed test. Will loved ones describe you in terms of what you bought for yourself, or will they talk about who you were and how fiercely you loved? Make that question your guidepost, and I will 100 percent guarantee that life will be richer than you can imagine.

Just Like Cotton ... HRJR COMES TO HARLEM!

2010-04-12T20:42:00.000-04:00

The HRJR Booksigning Tour CONTNIUES!

(THIS) Friday - April 16th 6pm - 8pm

The World Famous
Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe'
2319 Frederick Douglas Blvd; (Harlem) NY, NY

Come on out & bring a friend...
or 2 or 3 or 4 or MORE!!

HRJR's Morning Motivation

2010-03-30T06:59:00.001-04:00

Through the good & bad times, there are lessons to be learned in life. Have faith in that there are good things in store for you, then be bold enough to claim them!

Is it the Man's Responsibility to Carry Condoms Because He's the One That Has to Put it On?

2010-02-17T11:46:00.005-05:00

The above question was asked on a friend's blog page. When I responded to the question, I found myself saying a lot more than I expected to. So much so, that I felt compelled to make it somewhat of a "Safe Sex PSA" here on my blog.

So ... here's my answer to the question:
Is it the Man's Responsibility to Carry Condoms
Because He's the One That Has to Put it On?

The problem here is that we keep making these situation, man/woman or black/white issues, when in reality they are PEOPLE issues.

When a person - MAN OR WOMAN - is getting themselves ready to go out for a night at the club, they know damn well right then and there if they want to "get some." So ... instead of expecting the other person to be responsible enough to carry condoms, people should be responsible enough for themselves & be prepared.

And as for the whole "I don't want to look like a slut" line that a lot of woman give, that's just a B.S. cop-out! If a woman is going to go out and know that there's even the possibility that she's open to "getting some", chances are - unless she already knows the crowd she's going to be with - she's going to be amongst strangers. If she meets a dude who she's infatuated with enough to go to bed with that night she should be prepared!

Any man who says that it's the woman's responsibility is straight punk. It is a man's position in life to take the lead. A man SHOULD make it his responsibility to carry condoms BECAUSE he does have to wear it, but more importantly ... and here's where it gets REALLY REAL ... because he's on the hunt. By far and large, dudes aren't getting dressed expecting to fallin in love at the club. He's hunting.

A man (or woman) going out to the club without condoms is like a hunter going out into the woods with his rifle & no bullets or with his bow & arrows. If you want to bring home the prize, you had better leave home with what you need to do so.

Again, this is a PEOPLE issue! Not a man or woman issue. Each person expecting to engage in sexual activity bears the INDIVIDUAL responsibility to protect themselves and the other person - even if they only "care" about that person for one night.

That one night could be all that's needed to start the beginning of the end.

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #003, 004 & 005

2010-02-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #003

This is a lesson in self-confidence. Just sharing a story about how I psyched myself out of an opportunity. Learn from my mistake just as I did.

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #004

Words are powerful. They can hurt or help, hinder or give hope. Just as God spoke the world into being, so can you speak into reality the life you want for yourself.

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #005

No one is perfect. Everone makes mistakes. However, mistakes are not indicative of failure as long as you learn from your mistakes.

THE ICEMAN COMETH ... To Harlem!

2010-02-08T09:19:00.002-05:00

On Friday April 16th I will be having a book signing/release party
at the Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe in Harlem, NY!
If you're watching this video ...
YOU are invited and you can bring friends with you!

Lighten the ** Up!

2010-02-03T00:46:00.001-05:00

* If video does not appear above click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4vtwMmBSmM

Taylor Swift ... Album of the year? KANYE ... WHERE ARE YOU?! WE NEED YOU!!

2010-02-01T08:20:00.004-05:00

First of all, let's understand that the Grammys are not and NEVER WERE about or FOR us. The same goes for the Oscars, and the so-called "People's Choice" Awards.

Undeniably, Beyonce' was all over the place - PERIOD. Taylor Swift ... yeah you might have heard her name if your radio dial glided over a pop station, but really - "Album of the Year?" Word? Get ready ... C'mon SON! ... GETDAFUCKOUTTAHEREWITHDATBULLSHIT!

Question #1: When did she become a household name? Question #2: When did she even become a blip on black folks' radar? Beyonce' been in the game since she was 12 and had #1 joints going back to 1997. Nobody knew who Swift was until 11 years later ... TWO YEARS AGO! Question #3: And ALL OF A SUDDEN she's up neck & neck with every award that Beyonce's up for? Question #4: WHEN EXACTLY DID THAT START?!

The answer to Question #'s 1 thru 4 is July 14th 2009 when someone had the balls to step up and throw political correctness out of the window & call it like he saw it.

Okay ... She's successful - but what does that have to do with talent? In this era, it's not really about talent - T. PAIN - HELLOOOO!! What gets people to the top is hustle & grind, and what people recognize - what the universe recognizes and respects is action. Here's something I found out (Wikipedia): "At age 11, Swift made her first trip to Nashville, hoping to obtain a record deal by distributing a demo tape of her singing with karaoke songs. She gave a copy to every label in town. Swift was rejected by record labels and her peers." ... "AND HER PEERS!" Her own people weren't feeling her! (But in all fairness we all have our own peanut gallery of Bubble-Busters when we're on our grind!)

She had to hustle to get to where she got; granted, but to put her at the level of Beyonce' - even P!nk - who's been in the game for a minute and over the past couple years has started to get some real shine.

You can go to any local high school in any "suburban" community and find a 15-16 year old girl who knows how to play the guitar and she will sound just like Taylor Swift. So you can't tell me that what happened last July has not played a significant part in all of the media attention this young woman has received over the past six months.

I'm In the Mood for Malcolm!

2010-01-31T10:23:00.002-05:00

America ... Your Skirt is Getting Pulled Up!

2010-01-29T06:48:00.003-05:00

How do you tell your kid to deal with a bully? You tell him or her to stand up to a bully. The reason is because most bullies are only acting out to disguise their own insecurities. Basically they use their size or perhaps even their wit to belittle, demean & intimidate people who "appear" to be weaker than them. They do this so people won't pay attention to, or even see their foibles or insecurities because they're too busy defending themselves from the bullying.

For far too long the United States has extended its reach ... or perhaps said better ... stuck its nose in the business of other nations. After getting past all of the bullshit political correctness and rhetoric, in the eyes of the global community, the United States is viewed as being nothing more than the bully on the playground, and there are kids in the playground who are standing up & fighting back.

Personally, I believe that everyone should live their lives in such a way where there is an accordance between their spirit & the laws of their land. Unfortunately, and for whatever reasons, not every land has the same laws. The United States believes that its way of life is the end all/be all and everyone should live as we do. While I enjoy and appreciate my freedom, I do not believe it appropriate to impose my will on those I deem weaker than me.

Now let me get to the point of this post. America is walking tough and talking tough all over the playground we call earth. If you watch Fox News, or listen to people like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck, you clearly see that there are Americans who believe that this is the most perfect patch of land on the planet and despite its bloody history, America has nothing to apologize for. This is what I call the "ignorance of arrogance." In 2001, the United States experienced the worst act of terrorism in its entire history. Thousands of people were killed, and as a result of the two wars that followed, thousands more have gone to their graves.

And now the trials for those believed to be responsible have begun, and all of those pundits and politicians who have been talking all kinds of tough are now talking some straight punk sh%t. I mean look at it like this, when it comes to getting wet in somebody else's country, these tough talkers want to drop bombs from now until the Rapture, but they're sh%tting all kinds of bricks about having the trials in New York. Here's the bullsh%t though ... the politicians want this to be tried in a military tribunal as opposed to criminal court.

My concern is this ... How can an atrosity such as 9/11 legally be considered an act of war when it was not committed by another sovereign nation? It was an act of mass murder committed by civilian religious zealots. It was a criminal act of grand proportions but a criminal act none the less, and that is why the case is being tried in criminal court.

What's sad is that the main threat to this country is the fact that it suffers from the "arrogance of it's ignorance." The belief that this country is so great that it is above reproach and feels no need to apologize for its conduct on this planet. The bully is being stood up to, and had beter start to get his act together, or else there really will be another 9/11 ... or worse ... an act of war declared against the United States by some other foreign nation.

Some Advice for Those Preparing to Enter the Job Market.

2010-01-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

Many of you should gearing up to graduate in a few months, and I just thought I'd reach out to you to offer some friendly advice.

What comes with graduating will be your journey into the job market. With so many people linked up to these social networking outlets, one of the things that many employers and their Human Resources departments are doing is checking people's MySpace & Facebook pages to see how candidates let their hair down on their own time. This has come to cost quite a few people some good paying jobs over the past couple years.

I am certain that many of you have had a great college experience - based on some of your party pics where it would appear the bottles were overflowing - and any given day could have been Halloween, but the last thing you need is to have some HR rep shredding your resume & your future because of some fun you had in the past.

I'm not saying that you can't have the fun you want to have now. I'm not saying you can't record it so you can look back on it years from now - even to show your kids that you weren't always the stuffy-butt they think you are now that you know better. What I am saying is that you should not give any one any reason to put unnecessary stumbling blocks in your path. As a matter of fact, if you lose out on a job in part because of some of the pictures in your MySpace & Facebook pages ... the person really at fault is the person who put them there. Even if someone "tags" you in a picture, if you "remove" that tag, that pic can never be posted again under your name.

As you begin to enter the so-called "real world," now is the time to start thinking 2-3 steps ahead! It's better to be able to say "I'm glad I did" instead of having to say "I wish I woulda'."

HRJRs 2010 Definitions of Success #s 001 & 002

2010-01-17T16:51:00.002-05:00

Brand New Year ... Same Old "Bubble Busters!"

This video was actually made at the end of 2009, but hey ... Better a lil' late than never! This video explains how the Law of Attraction (aka "The Secret") is used in the "HRJR" philosophy.

3 Jan 2009 ... Today's Thought

2010-01-03T04:11:00.000-05:00

"This is the day that the Lord has made but whatever kind of day it turns out to be has nothing to do with the Lord & everything to do with you. To put a situation in God's hands is but a figure of speech. To truly put it in God's hands means to allow His hands to WORK through yours. Success in life is merely a reflection of heaven on earth. Does it matter how good your casket looks if you're the one inside?"

HSRjr.

FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!

2009-12-31T09:54:00.001-05:00

“Find a Way to Make a Way,” starts off with a warning statement. I’m letting you know from the start that by picking up this book you are committing to becoming a better person. I am warning you, in no uncertain terms that, “the universe is watching and you shall be rewarded accordingly.” On the page after the warning statement, I am going to put you in a position to commit to your journey, by giving you space to affix your name the date to a “Pledge of Allegiance,” a pledge you are making to yourself and your dreams.

“Find a Way to Make a Way.” What does this mean? There comes a time in everyone’s life when after having to endure struggle after struggle and setback after setback, he or she reaches a moment of clarity and says, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired and I have had enough.” But just acknowledging you are dissatisfied about whatever your present situation may be does not make it better. It’s a start, because you are acknowledging that things need to change. Like an addict who cannot really find his or her way to sobriety until he or she admits within themselves that they are addicted, you cannot find your way to brighter days until you first admit that there is a dark cloud over your head.

I came up with the title for this book by just reflecting over my life after considering myself to be “in a happy place right now, that’s only getting better.” The reason for this is because I spent several years getting my mind right and then after reaping the benefits from that course of action, I found myself in a position where I was able to get my money right by taking responsibility for my past debts and educating myself towards handling what I have now so that I can have even more in the future.

I only wish to share some ideas with you. I only want to share what has worked for me with the hopes that it may work for you. I want for this book to be the match that lights the fire under your bottom to demand more … to demand more not from the world, your job, or the people around you, but to demand more from yourself. It is my hope that this book serves as a jump start to your soul, so that you can begin running towards achieving whatever you believe will make your life better. This book is mostly a testimony of my life’s journey’s past and present, as well as an extended hand inviting you to get on board and pay closer attention to your own life’s journey.

There are some things we can do and some things we can’t do. It’s easy to determine what we can’t do. All we have to do is say, “I can’t do it,” and abra-kadabra … you can’t do it. There are some things that we will do and some things that we won’t do. It’s easy to determine what we won’t do. All we have to say is “I won’t do it,” and abra-kadabra … like magic, you won’t. It’s just as easy – yet at the same time difficult to say what you can and will do. Talk is easy – and cheap; however, what makes it difficult is when you say you can, and when you say you will, you are making affirmations to yourself that – if you are a person of integrity – you have to commit and live up to. The words “commitment” and “integrity” will be repeated countless times throughout this book. Commitment means the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. Integrity means adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

Throughout reading the book you see that in order for you to be able to successfully “Find a Way to Make a Way” to overcome the obstacles you will face on your journey, you will have to bind yourself to your course of action, and you will have to be honest and true to yourself and to those around you. When I tell you that you have to bind yourself to your course of action, it is not an absolute. There will come times when you will have to change your approach. What you are in fact binding yourself to is the act of doing something over doing nothing. Integrity comes into play because you have to be honest with yourself when something isn’t working, and whichever change in course you decide to take, you must honorable in those actions as well.

On every single page of “Find a Way to Make a Way,” it is easy to see that I believe there is greatness in everyone. I also believe that most people are either too afraid or too lazy to tap into that greatness, Those of us – yes, you too, who are willing to draw a line in the sand, and instead of daring the universe to cross it – jump across it ourselves are the ones who will live life with passion and excitement!

I hope you take a chance and invest in your greatness ... I'm willing to!

Remember: FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE!

Available in print & Audiobook! To get a personally autographed copy from the author, send an e-mail to findaway@live.com.

How Am I Dealing with Diabetes?

2009-12-29T21:21:00.001-05:00

I have been asked that question quite often since last month.
So to answer all questions in detail ...In a word, I'm doing great!

When this whole thing first went down, I should have been in a coma. By that, I mean the normal & healthy range for our blood sugar is between 80 to 120 mg/dl (whatever that is ...lol). When I tested myself at Taria's parent's house that night last month my blood sugar was at 518. I ate dinner, took a nap for about an hour and tested myself again when I woke up. My blood sugar was at 525, so we went to the hospital. When they tested me at the hospital my blood sugar was 580. I had the nursing staff perplexed because I was cracking jokes about them not letting me eat anything instead of being the diabetic coma that I obviously should have been in.

Anyway, they had me on an I.V. for the following three days. When I got discharged, they put me on a restricted daily diet of (initially) 1800 calories - but I got that changed to 2200 calories, and for the first three to four weeks out of the hospital Taria was my food nazi, regulating every single thing I ate and calculating the calories. They also gave me a device to check my blood sugar. I have always eaten decently, now I'm just even more disciplined about it. I can even enjoy drinking ... everything is all good ... in moderation. I almost had to beat up my mother in-law on Christmas morning because she tried not to let me have regular syrup on my pancakes ... It almost got really ugly (LOL)!

I'm at a point now where I'll check my blood sugar about twice a week. In fact, I tested myself today and it was at 121. I'm down 20lbs from where I was when this all started, but I was already dieting to lose that weight, so I'm NOT giving Diabetes the win for my weight loss!

For me ... I take care of myself. I take my insulin & a sugar pill twice a day. It's no different than you taking a multi-vitamin in the morning and before you go to bed. That's how I look at it. When I told people I had Diabetes, I got so much of what I call, "Positive-Pessimistic" support. I gave it that name because I know that everyone was coming from a good place, but there were things said to me that would have people thinking I told them I had AIDS, herpes or cancer! Diabetes for me was nothing more than God's way of telling me that I need to take even better care of this temple He stored my spirit in because He's got some serious plans for it!

I'll treat Diabetes like I've treated every other obstacle or opponent I've encountered ... I'll look it in the face, turn it around and kick it in the ass!

`Nuff Said!
You have a Happy New Year!

FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

2009-12-29T21:01:00.001-05:00

From time to time I create mottos for myself just to give myself that extra push I need to overcome my obstacles. My "personal motto" for 2009 was "Aggressive R.A.C.'N. ('racing')," which stands for Aggresive "Responsibility Accountability Commitment & Networking."

Being aggressive in all of these areas brought me great rewards this year. I was able to overcome serious financial issues - including paying off my car note a year early, expand my businesses, make a lot of great friends & connections, fly across the country "first class" for the first time ever in my life, and be broadcasted on everything from local cable to YouTube to worldwide exposure on Jamie Foxx's Foxxhole Radio on Sirius/XM Satellite radio station.

In light of all I have achieved this year, I have come up with what will be my "personal motto" for 2010: "G.R.I.N.D." which stands for "Generating Real Income - Not Debt."

By now, many of you know I have written a motivational book entitled "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!" If you bought your copy between Spetember `07 & April of this year (the "black" cover), you should hold onto it and take care of it, as those are the copies that I self-published and are now out of print.

Last year, I signed a publishing deal and hit 2009 hard with my book being re-released as a 2nd edition - available as a 5 CD audiobook as well as in print! Additionally, I have produced my first of what will be many motivational CDs. This dynamic 48 minute audio CD is called "MAKE IT HAPPEN! 10 Keys Towards Success!"

In a nutshell, I am a student of success. All I do is attend seminars, read books, and listen to CDs & tapes containing different strategies to succeed. I use what works, discard what doesn't, then share what I have learned and done so that others may do the same.

Going into 2010, I am pleased to inform you that my books & CDs are now available on E-Bay ("Buy It Now" - NO AUCTIONS). All copies bought via the links below are autographed & shipped by me personally. All you have to do is go to http://www.ebay.com, copy & paste the corresponding item number for the product you want in the search box:

"FIND A WAY!" (Print Copy):
Item # 270506870275
271 pages
$19.99 + tax & shipping

"FIND A WAY!" (Audiobook):
Item # 270507608080
5 Audio CDs
$27.99 + tax & shipping

"MAKE IT HAPPEN"
(Motiv. CD):
Item # 270506872301
1 Audio CD
$15.00 + tax & shipping

"HRJR Power Pack" (w/ $5.00 "combo" discount)
Item # 270507611674
Print copy of book w/ audio CD
$29.99 + tax & shipping

"HRJR (AUDIO) Power Pack" (w/ $5.00 "combo" discount)
Item # 270507621223
Audiobook & Motiv. CD
$37.99 + tax & shipping

The time to act on achieving your goals and dreams is ALWAYS NOW!
I look forward to your support!

God Bless, Happy New Year & Remember ... FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE!

HRJR - "FIND A WAY!" Progress & "Thank You" Shout-Outs

2009-12-20T20:08:00.001-05:00

This was a tremendous year with many more up's than there were down's and I'd like to give some folk their due shine. If I do not mention your name, however, please know that it was a mistake of the head & NOT the heart!

C'mon SON! Tiger DAMN Woods!!

2009-12-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

HRJR Joins the "C'mon SON!" Movement!

2009-12-06T15:54:00.002-05:00

http://www.cmonsononline.com

The Hope for Audacity!

2009-12-02T06:52:00.002-05:00

Last night I watched the President's address at the Military Academy at West Point. I watched it on Fox News. Immediately after the address I watched Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly do what they do every night ... spout their usual drivel about how bad a job the president is doing. I don't have a problem with an opposing point of view, but these clowns spew their venom hiding behind the politically correct disguise of it being impolite to call a racist a racist. But even calling them and just about everyone with their own show on that network a racist is just taking the easy way out.

No ... there's something else that scares me. These people are imperialistsitc war mongers. Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, O'Reilly, Hannity, Limbaugh ... the whole lot of them. They represent all that is wrong with America. These are the poster-children for white supremacy. These people want to go to war and stay at war.

What bothers me the most is that they're now calling this "Obama's War," as if HE started this thing. Hannity & O'Reilly love talking about how G. Dubya's last surge of troops in Iraq "worked." Okay ... it quelled a lot of the insurgent confrontations, but it amazes me how they conveniently forget that the war with Iraq was started on the basis of lies. Even more amazing is how whenever Hannity or O'Reilly "appear" to be "fair & balanced" by having a Democrat or pro-Obama person on who brings that point up gets talked over, or they all of a sudden run out of time and have to go to commercial.

Personally, I don't care for all of this talk about troop deployments. I do not believe that we here at home need to know where our servicemen & women are going to be deployed. I saw a newscast this morning where the person reporting was standing in front of this virtual map of Afghanistan that had flags representing where it was expected for troops - both American & allied forces - would be deployed.

This is stupid. No ... this is dangerous. Who came up with the idea of giving speeches outlining troop deployments and strategic operational time frames? I'd like to know so I can call him or her a jackass to his or her face. I don't see our enemies divulging the same kind of information. This is ridiculous.

Personally, I wish the president would show some backbone and put some of these people in their place. I am growing increasingly frustrated with this "safe negro" role he's playing. As much as I hated G. Dubya, I did respect the way people moved when he said move. There may have been some hemming & hawing, but at the end of the day things got done. Hell ... Under the watch of G. Dubya, America went to war with Iraq jsut so he could make his daddy proud & get Saddam Hussein.

I suspect that there are powers in play that are setting President Obama up for a hit. All of this disrespect, and the lapses in security should not be taken lightly. Of course President Obama has better & more important things to do than address O'Reilly, Hannity, etc. directly, but these clowns are rallying and regrouping for 2012.

The one thing I know for sure about white America is this ... They can make reality out of the most ridiculous nonsense ever to come out of a human mind. President Obama can keep playing it "politcally safe" if he wants to ... He's going to mess around and find himself showing Sarah Palin where everything is in three years.

Great Books to Buy as Stocking Stuffers!

2009-11-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

The three books mentioned in this video will make

great stocking stuffers for your friends and loved ones!

Merry Christmas!

2009-11-23T11:25:00.001-05:00

Not Yet a Classic ... but ONE DAY ...!

2009-11-22T20:57:00.001-05:00

Diabetes is Just Another Chapter

2009-11-20T23:14:00.000-05:00

Too Much Too DAMN Soon!

2009-11-07T21:51:00.002-05:00

There would have been no blockbuster hit "Independence Day" if it were not for this little mini-series called "V." At first there was the original 1983 2 part mini-series. The story was so hot that the next year they did a 3 part sequel. AND THEN AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH ... that turned into a full series from 1984 to 1985.

Nearly 25 years later ... The quality of special effects has grown by leaps and bounds and someone in Hollywood decided to bring this "classic" back for this generation to enjoy.

While I very much liked the pilot episode, the problem I have with this series - as with a great deal of today's programming, is that there's too much given away too soon.

The reason why I fear this "reimagining" won't last is because these writers & producers are busting their nuts way too soon.

Exposing "the V's" as...... reptilians with ulterior motives, and an already assembled "resistance" in the very 1st episode was a BAD move.

Whatever happened to building the story? DAMN here we already knew what the aliens were about, but damn ... couldn't ya tease me?

I'd be pleasantly surprised if this show lasts longer than Knight Rider.

Fathers ... STEP UP!

2009-10-17T18:28:00.000-04:00

Some people are going to get pissed about this one.

ASK ME IF I CARE! I'm just spitting truth as I see it. If you feel I should have said something or all of it differently, then you STEP UP and say what you want - however you want.

ONE

The Problem with Black Owned Businesses

2009-09-28T09:59:00.003-04:00

Now I can easily spend my time using this blog to vent my frustrations on the obvious things going on in the world like racism and what I call "the Pussification of America through Political Correctness," but what good is that if I'm not going to be equally critical of my own people when they've got it coming?

Regarding a discussion of how black owned businesses are operated, a friend of mine said:

"A lot them don't understand what customer service is. Some businesses feel that they are doing you a favor versus you paying them for their services. If some of the businesses were more professional them maybe black businesses would have a lot more businesses and support. Just because they are black does not mean we owe them our business."

There you have it. Please allow me to add to it!

About four years ago, there was this little Jamaican restaurant around the corner from my job. On my squad, we all took turns & at the end of the work week one of the guys in the squad would bring in some food for everyone else in the squad before we went out on the road.

I went to that restaurant & had placed my order one week in advance. On the date I needed the food, I called the guy and told him I would be there to pick the order up before 7:30pm. Unfortunately, I couldn't get there until 7:45 - AND THEY WERE CLOSED! If that wasn't bad enough, the sign on the door with the store's hours said they closed at 8pm! They closed EARLY!!

Let me tell you, it's not a good feeling having to tell 15 hungry cops you don't have their food! I knew that if I ever stepped foot in that store again I would be cussing somebody out, so I sent them a letter expressing my dissatisfaction. Less than a month later, for whatever reasons, they were closed.

However, I'm a glutton for punishment because I never want to be accused of NOT supporting black owned businesses, and I want to keep the faith that there are some good black owned businesses out there. I have no problem supporting black owned businesses, but I have to see some serious establishment and purpose first. Additionally, I do not find patronizing a multi-level marketing scheme as supporting a black owned businesses because even though there may be a brother or sister IN it, they're not at the top of that "pyramid," so it's not THEIR business.

While I do not 100% believe that "the customer is always right," I do know enough to realize that great customer serivice is a matter of being accomodating just enough to keep your patrons content without capitulating to every complaint.

The problem with many - dare I say - MOST black owned businesses is that they want to make as much money up front as possible. This short sightedness is the leading cause for the shoddy performance and eventual downfall of most black owned businesses.

When you focus on that "up-front" dollar, you might get yours off the top or up-front, but you may also have a dissatisfied customer who has now developed the "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" mindset, and you will not get another dollar from them. However, if you provide a quality product or service with politeness and courtesy, you will get both repeat business and referrals, and THAT is where wealth building comes from.

Until our people as a whole can embrace this reality, many black owned businesses will be nothing more than temporary two-bit hustles.

I Guess It's Just a Matter of Perspective ...

2009-09-14T07:02:00.013-04:00

Okay, let me see if I can understand this: Kanye West is catching hell for making a scene at the MTV VMA's by interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech; WHICH WAS WRONG & very much out of line.

HOWEVER, Jack Black can come out on stage, invite people to hold hands and openly offer a prayer to Satan - but not be taken seriously, or at least anyone have a problem with it?

It is truly amazing what a Black man CAN'T do & what a man named Black CAN do!

And if that's not enough ... The host of the VMA's, British comedian Russell Brand can come out on stage and talk all about how he wants to slip a pill into actress Megan Fox's drink & sexually assault her while she is experiencing a delusional trip.

But that's cool too.

Now ... I am NOT making any excuses for Kanye West; what he did was wrong AND inexcusable ... however ... with regards to Black & Brand I am NOT inclined to take their comments as "just comedy."

Then again ... this is the MTV Video Music Awards; which has been known for all kinds of unscripted outbursts! Also, just as Jack Black & Russel Brand are known for their brash style of comedy, Kanye West is also known for acting like a brat at award shows.

In the end, I'm not accepting or making excuses for any of these people ... I am just about navigating through the smokey fog of politically correct bullshit and holding people to the same standard.

But I Guess It Really is Just a Matter of Perspective.

H.S. Reed, Jr., CPLC

2009-09-13T22:37:00.001-04:00

"CPLC" ... What does "CPLC" stand for?

Well friends ... "CPLC" stands for "Certified Professional Life Coach."

What is a Life Coach?

According to Elizabeth Scott, M.S. ... a Life Coach "deals with relatively healthy people who want to improve their lives in specific ways, such as changing careers, finding a healthy relationship, taking their business to a new level, losing weight or deepening their self-understanding. They deal with stress management as well as time management, goal setting and other key areas of change to help their clients lead more balanced lives that better reflect clients’ personal values and priorities. It differs from therapy in that the focus is more on the present and future than the past, more on goals and behaviors than emotions and emotional patterns, and there is a more equal balance of power between the coach and client than between the typical therapist and client."
Activist & U.S. Congresswoman, Shirley Chisolm once said, "Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy on this earth." This is just yet another way I am "paying my rent."

As a Life Coach, it is not my job to give you the answers. Together we'll develop a partnership in which you will be able to discover the potential for greatness that I already know you have within you!

Athletes have coaches to push & motivate them towards victory. Each and every one of us is playing in this "game" called life, and if you want to be victorious in this game you're going to need a coach too!

For more information about your free consultation, contact me at: CoachReed4Life@live.com

Take Care, God Bless & Remember ... Fortune Favors the Brave!
H.S. Reed, Jr., CPLC

"FIND A WAY!" Has Found It's Way!

2009-09-08T00:39:00.001-04:00

It's been a LONG TIME coming, but the day has finally arrived!

TODAY - SEPTEMBER 8th IS THE OFFICIAL NATIONAL RELEASE DATE OF MY BOOK "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!"

You can get your copy via:

* Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Find-a-Way-to-Make-a-Way/Jr-Reed/e/9781607994725/?itm=2.

Also available on

* Amazon: http://www.Amazon.com,

* Borders: http://www.Borders.com, &

* Tate Publishing: http://www.TatePublishing.com.

I am living my dream.
Learn how to start living yours!

FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE!

Multi-Level Marketing

2009-09-03T00:41:00.004-04:00

A couple days ago I was invited to a "wealth-building" seminar. When I took my seat, I sat and beheld a young man in his late 20's give a very strong and competent presentation ... about a product called Tahitian Noni Juice. To see this brother do his thing, you'd think that it was the cure to everything short of death and damn near endorsed by God.

Then he got to the gusto! He boldly said, "THIS IS NOT A PYRAMID!" after which he showed on the screen a diagram that looked incredibly triangular! He ran down all the different "levels" involved based on how much money one could make based upon how many people they brought in and the people they brought in. He then got to the close where he flashed across the "start-up" costs and ended the presentation with the opportunity to speak with him and the other "associates" and sign right up in order to learn more.

At that point, my host scooped me up and out of the room, and he told me while he was affiliated with the company, he was not directly affiliate with the staff hosting that meeting.

He then put his "sugar" on it all by showing me the checks he's made for his dedicated involvement for the past two months. They weren't enough to buy a house or car - or even make a mortage payment or car note, but the few extra dollars as they were I'm sure helped his household a little as every little bit helps.

I thanked him for his invitation, but informed him that I'm not suited for that business as I'm already building my own business. I drove home that evening talking to my wife on the phone - all the way up until coming in the house - explaining to her how it all went. WE LAUGHED A LOT!

How many times has a friend called you and invited you to a meeting about "a new business opportunity" that was going to make you some serious money, but when you asked them to explain it further they danced around doing so by encouraging you to come to the meeting so that you could hear about the "business" from someone better suited to explain it fully? Then when you get to the meeting they tell you how bad the economy is and how you're going to stay at the bottom of the economic ladder if you don't actively do something to change it.

WELL HERE COMES ... "THEIR PRODUCT & THEIR PROGRAM"

In the end, I feel I can honestly say that if you've seen one multi-level marketing "business" you've seen them all, and ever since I was introduced to this "industry" back in 1989 and all of the various businesses within it ... I have yet to meet one person who has made all of the money that was promised to be made at those meetings ... Not one friend has stopped by the house in the Ferrari that was in the meeting video. Not one friend has invited me to his new 8 bedroom house on 10 acres.

In the end, if you're going to succed in building a business, you're going to have to create and or improve a viable product or service. You can't get something for nothing.

FATHER OF THEM ALL!!

2009-09-01T12:20:00.003-04:00

You know it's hard to be a parent of nine kids.
It is so much hard work.
Alpha jumping all over the place and dragging AKA with him.
Omega is barking at people walking by
and Delta talking about she a brick house.
Sigma jumping off stuff talking bout he's flying
and Zeta's got the blues.
Kappa keeps looking in that damn mirror all the time,
SGRho is always in the books,
oh and little Iota ...
he's always lost and says he got a little beast in him.

I'm glad that I have the light in me to show them the way
because without my light they would be lost in the darkness.

Mason & OES ...
LET THERE BE LIGHT!!!

FOR THE GROOVES, SWINGS G-SWEETS & GEMS!

2009-08-31T22:33:00.002-04:00

Why Mask It?!

2009-08-27T11:29:00.003-04:00

One of my Facebook friends recently said in one of his status statements that he, "finds it hard to mask my contempt for Fox News."

My response:

Why even bother trying to mask it? They aren't trying to mask it. That's the okey-doke right there. We are supposed to mask our contempt for their racist ways because it would be in poor taste for us to call them out on it.

It's like the old saying, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled off was convincing the world he doesn't exist." Well the greatest trick these devils (@Fox News) are trying to pull off is that their racism doesn't exist.

They pride themselves @ Fox News on being "fair & balanced," but that's only if you agree with the hypocritical venom they're spewing!... Read More

Don't mask ANYTHING ... In fact ... TELL `EM WHY YOU MAD SON!!

ARE YOU PHUKKIN' SERIOUS?!

2009-08-19T18:58:00.002-04:00

1. Majored in sociology at Princeton University, graduating with cum laude honors in 1985.

2. Attended Harvard where she earned her law degree in 1988 (ahead of her husband).

3. Former Associate Dean at the University of Chicago.

4. A member of six boards of directors including the prestigious Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Tree House Foods.

5. Vice President of Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals where in this position she was responsible for all programs and initiatives that involved the relationships between the hospitals and the community as well as management of the hospitals' business diversity programs.

6. AND SHE'S SEXY AS HELL!!

SOME of these closet racist ass white folks are just pissed because there has never been a First Lady who could pull off wearing shorts and looking good in them. Who was the last First Lady that didn't look like somebody's grandmother - EVEN ON VACATION?!

Don't worry, I'll wait ...

Updates & Additions to the "HRJR" Brand!

2009-08-10T13:15:00.003-04:00

Hello Friends,

Just to give you a head's up on where things are with me, my book "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!" is scheduled for National release on September 8th. That means it will be available in most of your major bookstores like Borders, Waldenbooks & (the big mamma-jamma) Barnes & Noble.

In addition to being available in print, it will also be available as an audiobook in CD format as well as downloadable via i-Tunes. In early October I will be flying out to Los Angeles where I will be doing an interview on Jamie Foxx's "FOXXHOLE Radio" (Sirius-106/XM-149) and a booksigning at Barnes & Noble.

In promoting the "HRJR" brand, I had a few novelty items made for myself. Nothing more than some polo pull-overs, a couple of button down shirts, a couple of sweatshirts, and even a few t-shirts for my wife and son. What's funny was that in addition to the compliments I received for my "HRJR" paraphernalia, there have been inquiries as to if I was selling any.

WELL ... That time has now come.
I now have the following items available with the "HRJR" logo:

Golf & Polo Shirts, T-Shirts (for men, women & kids), Sweatshirts & Hoodies, Infant bodysuits ("One'sies"), Bibs, Bags, Banners, Baseball & Trucker Caps, Mousepads, BBQ Aprons, Clocks, Coffee Mugs, & Beer Mugs.

With that said ...

The "HRJR" brand represents excellence in all endeavors. From wearing a t-shirt to drinking a cup of coffee. When you wear or display the letters "HRJR," people will know you are on a mission!

The "HRJR shop" is NOW OPEN!!
www.cafepress.com/HRJRshop
(*A portion of the proceeds generated go to Autism Speaks)

This, my friends is BRANDING & business building IN ACTION. In order to produce your desired results, at some point in time; you have to stop talking about it, develop a plan and put it into motion.

For me right now it's about books, CDs, i-Tunes, clothing & knick-knacks. Soon to come ... Video seminars & workshops. In the not too distant future ... Do NOT be surprised if while flipping channels at 3am, you find me doing an infomercial!

For now ... I would just greatly appreciate your support. I'm not just asking for your dollars. I believe in providing a quality product/service in exchange for them.

Succeeding is not about waiting for opportunity to come knocking. Success comes when you find out where opportunity is hiding and you go bang on the door and tell him you've got the place surrounded (a lil' police humor)!

Again, to get any of the "HRJR" paraphernalia:
www.cafepress.com/HRJRshop

To get an autographed copy of my book, "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!" hit me up via e-mail at: findaway@live.com or just click below

Thanks for all of your support - Past, Present, & Future!
Remember ...
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE!

4 Aug. 2009 ... Today's Thought.

2009-08-04T00:00:00.003-04:00

"People who have the most time to talk about what they want coincidentally happen to be the same people who never have enough time to put in the work to make those desires their reality." ~ HSRjr.

R.I.P. The Right Reverend Frederick Eikerenkoetter a.k.a. "Rev. Ike."

2009-07-31T09:08:00.003-04:00

For years I have heard his name. I HEARD he was a scam artist using God as a cash cow. Not being one to always just go by the word of others, I took it upon myself to look upon him with my own eyes. What I found was a man who used his vocation to become wealthy and share his beliefs with others so that they could do the same. It just so happened that his vocation just happened to be preaching the Gospel.

Watch this video clip and tell me where the scam is?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE-dXg5fChI

He felt he "deserved the best" and he sought it for himself. Also, he preached and interpreted the Gospel no more or less than any other preacher. What makes him any different from say a Bishop T.D. Jakes, or any other preacher in store-front makeshift church? The money he made and the fact that this man had a couple high end cars in a time when blacks were just getting used to sitting in the front of the bus? Preachers study the scriptures, interpret and pull out various meanings and then express those interpretations to their congregations.

The problem, as I see it, is that for some reason people believe that there is some nobility in being poor. In my opinion, this is because there are more poor people than there are rich people and since no one inherently wants to look down upon themselves; as a collective, poor people believe that they are living "in the right" and those who are wealthy are not.

MIND YOU ... I DO NOT BELIEVE IN ABSOLUTES, so these comments do not apply to ALL of a given type of people discussed here. The funny thing is, the same frame of mind applies for the minority of the world's wealth owners as well. It was Rev. Ike who was known to say, “The LACK of money is the root of all evil.” Something else he always said was, “The best thing you can do for the poor is not to be one of them.” I'll ride with that!

Another mantra he sopke of was “If you want to be rich, feel rich. Don’t ever pass a bank without paying some attention to it. Read the interest that is being offered. Feel rich, learn how to feel money.” Rev. Ike spoke a lot about drawing fortune and prosperity to yourself by believing you deserved it and that it would come to you if you believed strongly enough. This is nothing more than what is popularly known today as "the Law of Attraction" and this man was preaching it over 30-40 years ago!

The majority of the people I've known my whole life - either directly or through observation - are the type of people who don't just want to be told how to be prosperous, they want whatever the successful person has done for him- or herself to be done for them.

Here's an example: Let's say you're a talented singer and your dream is to be a famous recording artist. You go to all the talent showcases & industry networking events where you shop your demo CDs to anyone in the recording industry who's willing to have a conversation with you. After putting in all that hard work and hustle, you get a recording contract and you're on your way to fulfilling your dream. Now along comes a friend of yours, who you get along well with - but they're not necessarily your "ace-boon-coon-busom-buddy" and he or she wants to get into the business as well. He or she wants to have what you have, but they want you to make the connections for them. They want you to just put their demos on the right desks. In other words they want the success that you went out on the grind for to be handed to them through you.

A lot of people respected Rev. Ike, and a lot of people ridiculed him as well. Hypocrisy knows no boundries of race, religion, or economic status. In what little bit I have researched, read, and listened to, I find a great deal of the essence that exists in MY personal messages of success, and should I find something in my studies of his teachings that works for me, best believe I'll incorporate that into my message and teachings - always giving credit where it is due.

Personally, I am still trying to figure out why it is that people will see other people having the things they want for themselves, but not be willing to put in the work to GET those things for themselves. Fear & laziness are the EXCUSES that sit at the top of the list! You might not have to do what those people did. You must do what will work for you; but above all else you must DO SOMETHING.

THIS is what Rev. Ike preached. He talked the talk and he sure enough walked the walk.

Rest In Peace Reverend Ike.

A Shameful Lack of Professionalism

2009-07-24T10:03:00.004-04:00

Remember, I'm speaking from PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & TRAINING.

When you're dealing with an elderly black man, such as Prof. Henry Louis Gates, living alone who has proven he belongs where he is and has explained why he had to use the measures he used to get into his home; taking in the totality of the circumstances, there was really no reason to dig deeper. Even if he - AS A CITIZEN was irrate; THAT'S HIS RIGHT.

This officer, Sgt. James Crowley is no rookie just out of the academy. He's a Sergeant - A SUPERVISOR - A BOSS. He is the man who is supposed to be setting the example. If there are other officers on the scene, his word is often the last word if need be.

As police, we are trained to deal with angry citizens. Some may be mad for legitimate reasons, while most others are bitching & moaning just because. In any case, it is the officer's duty & responsibility to remain professional and if possible, avoid & diffuse an unnecessary confrontation. In short, the Sergeant should have been professional enough to walk away. He should have been professional enough to give Prof. Gates his name & badge number and then keep it moving. Instead, whatever Prof. Gates may have said to him, he allowed his buttons to be pushed and in order to show that he was going to have the last word and show Prof. Gates who was in charge, Sgt. Crowley arrested Gates.

I can guarantee you that had I arrested a white professor from Rutgers University under similar circumstances, I would be looking at some SERIOUS time off WITHOUT PAY.

However, as is often the case with MANY (not all) cops, their authority will not be challenged. On paper, Gates was arrested for "disorderly conduct." In reality, he was arrested for a "universal" charge that's primarily off the books ... P.O.P. "Pissing Off the Police!" Sgt. Gates has already stated that no matter what he would not apologize to Prof. Gates. The reality is that he CANNOT apologize to Gates. Whether or not he knows or believes that he was wrong, he cannot change course. He has to stand by what he did otherwise by apologizing, he admits that he was wrong and opnes himself up to what will eventually become a serious lawsuit. In the end the city of Cambridge will give Prof. Gates a NICE settlement.

Nothing has changed in this country.

Interesting ...

2009-07-23T22:42:00.000-04:00

The Chief of the Cambridge PD said that his officers are feeling “deflated,” because Pres. Obama said they acted stupidly – TOO BAD. What … the President of the United States is NOT entitled to Freedom of Speech? Wait ... Okay, so Prof. Gates' can be deprived of his 4th Amendment rights and the President is not entitled to his 1st Amendment rights? ... ONLY IN AMERICA.

The True Mark of a Boy Becoming a Man

2009-07-20T20:55:00.004-04:00

All I am going to say is that Chris Brown has admitted he was wrong in his actions. There are are people - both men and women - older and wiser than he who have done far worse. There is no greater mark of true manhood than when a man can just come out and say, "I was wrong & I'm sorry."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy4wrJ4-q1Q

Now ... For those who are/were fans, it's up to you whether or not you find him entertaining in the future. He is young and still has a bright future ahead of him. Fame & fortune do not endow people with a shroud of perfection.

Each and every one of us has done something that we either got caught doing and had to apologize for, or got away with and will reserve our apologies for when we meet our maker.Just because you might spray air freshner when your done, it does not mean your crap doesn't stink.

Let the boy become a man and prove himself to have improved himself.
None of you would want anything less for yourselves.

RANDOM THOUGHT

2009-07-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

Why is it that as the most honestly direct person in my family I'm asked to be silent? YOU WANT THE TRUTH?! YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!! The main reason why this world is in the crapper is because people are to damn P.C. to say what NEEDS to be said, & instead waste time dancing around the truth. Now millions of lives are being affected by lies & 1/2 truths. The day will come when God will give the world 1 BIG enema!

My (Sad) Opinion of B.E.T.

2009-06-29T23:17:00.003-04:00

AS A WHOLE ... I think BET is garbage. I believe that it is a network run on the premise of wasted potential.

There was a time when you could practically leave your television locked on BET. Where you once got news, you now get videos. Where you once got "Teen Summit" for the kids where they discussed issues of the day and teens got to learn something about positively expressing themselves, you now get "106 & Park." Then again - the ORIGINAL "106 & Park" with Free & AJ was actually a great show. I'm not hating on Terrence & Rocsi, but eeeghh! ANYWAY hey ... they're getting a check right? Rock on!

Where you once got Donnie Simpson & "Video Soul," you now get BET Uncut where you can watch all of the pole dancing and ass shaking you can stomach until 4am - at which time they put on a WHITE TELE-EVANGELIST! Haven't we learned yet from white folks telling us who God is & how, when & where to find Him?

AND PLEEEEZE don't get me started about these coon-ass shows like "Hell Date, College Hill, & Baldwin Hills." It's like BET is doing just what our people did 50-60+ years ago. When we couldn't participate in what the white man was doing, just copy it and make our own version of it - but it just never quite looked as good. Last night's awards show was the best awards production they ever put on. NOT because it was a memorial to Michael Jackson, but because the recipients were actually there! For the past several years, whenever they filmed the BET AWARDS, the majority of the winners weren't there. They would have their asses at the Grammys, the Oscars, and the American Music Awards - but BET or the Soul Train/Lady of Soul awards shows - nothing but "So & So couldn't be here with us this evening, so I'll gladly accept this award on their behalf."

Let's be real family ... The ONLY reason why so many people were there to make last night's show the true success that it was, was BECAUSE of Michael Jackson's death. It was because none of them wanted to be the ones who would be honored and NOT be able to be there and have something to say or have people say anything about them at THAT particular show. Let's see how many people show up to NEXT YEAR's show (provided we don't lose anymore legends).

And what was up with the sound crew and the censors? Mic's weren't working when they were supposed to, and SOME artists had working mic's who really didn't have any business having working mic's. Obviously there was a several second delay for the censors, but there were a couple of "bitches" that got slipped, and Eddie Levert (gotta love that brother!) came out LOUD & CLEAR when he said, "People were all around dancin' & SH%T!" Uhhh ... yeah ... I think BET might get a nasty-gram or a little Pee-Pee smacking from the FCC.

I don't derive ANY pleasure about saying these things, but how about BET invest in some QUALITY ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING instead of trying to "NEGROFY" (my own word) things that have already proven themselves to be tired and unfulfilling?We owe it to ourselves to do better for ourselves, but with a giant like Viacom TRULY holding the purse strings, BET - no matter how "proud to be black" they may TRY to look, I really do not see a change from all of this reckless huckle-buckin' on the horizon anytime soon.

The Lord Moves in Mysterious Ways.

2009-06-24T22:51:00.002-04:00

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was a vowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes." The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God. I'm still waiting."

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his Chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold.
The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The Marine calmly replied ...

"God was too busy today protecting America 's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an asshole. So, He sent me."

Rules for Dating a Single Woman With Child(ren)

2009-05-02T19:53:00.004-04:00

For the Sisters:

1. Make sure you have a strong relationship with your kid.

2. Make sure your kid is well disciplined. Good "kitty" gets stale really quick if there's a bad ass kid running around with a funky little "you ain't none-a my daddy" attitude.

3. Be honest with yourself about what kind of relationship you're going to have. If you're just getting yours (as you are entitled to from time to time), & dude is a jump-off, don't even bring the dude around your kid. As a matter of fact, don't expose dude to the kid & vice versa for 6 months. Chances are you might not be with each other that long, so if dude is gone by month 3 - the family is still tight.

For the Brothers:

1. Don't be in a rush to meet the kid ... ESPECIALLY if it's a daughter. This IS the post Michael Jackson/R. Kelly era.

2. If/when you are introduced to the kid and the sister has no control over his/her stank little attitude - BOUNCE! It's not likely to get better anytime soon (getting the "kitty" before bouncing is optional {LOL}).

3. Don't try to be the "replacement dad" anytime soon. They already got a daddy.

4. If there are still pictures of that daddy up & around the house - ESPECIALLY IN THE BEDROOM - BOUNCE! That means that dude still comes by & you can best believe his name is already "grafitti written on that kitten!" (here too, getting the "kitty" before bouncing is optional {LOL})

5. KNOW WHAT YOUR GETTING INTO. It takes a hell of a man to be a part of a woman's life and raise another man's seed. If it's just about getting the "kitty" then be man enough to let that be known in the beginning. If your game is tight enough you still might just get the "kitty" {LOL}. ALSO ... Kids get attached a lot quicker than you might think. If you know you aren't going to be around long, don't even bother being a part of the young`un's life.

I'm kinda joking in HOW I'm saying these things, but I'm stone-cold sqaure biz about WHAT I'm saying! You all either know people or have been in situations like this that have fallen apart, and you all know that the falling apart was because one or more of the above guidelines was violated!

Take Care,
HR

23 Apr. 09 ... Today's Thought.

2009-04-23T05:29:00.002-04:00

In life, no one can do everything alone; least of all become truly successful. People will encourage you & others will betray you. Both have been put into your life to help you. Those who betray you serve a valuable purpose. They bring balance to your journey for surely you can't reach the top of the peaks if you don't spend time down in the valleys. Just stay grinding & leave the rest in God's Hands. You'll be fine!

FOCUS - FOLLOW ONE COURSE UNTIL SUCCESSFUL

2009-04-10T12:58:00.005-04:00

Just three years ago, I decided to become focused on my financial future. I took action by reading. The two most prolific books that put me on the right track were "Rich Dad/Poor Dad" & "The Richest Man in Babylon."

I became focused when I decided to become a motivational speaker. I became even more focused when I began writing what I was saying, then becoming an author.

I self-published my first book, "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY! You're Either Part of the Problem or You're Part of the Solution!" two years ago. I was able to sell enough books on my own to make my initial invetment back and buy a new personal stock of copies to sell ... Then I sold those copies and had a little bit of "extra change" in my pocket.

But see ... My speaking and my writing are not about making money - not now. No, right now I'm planting seeds and laying down the foundation. Right now, I'm getting my message out. Right now, I am walking the talk and living my life in such a way that proves my beliefs - especially the belief that you can succeed & have whatever you want as long as you put in the work for it & earn it!

With that said, the grind continues. Last year in 2008, all while self-selling my book, the people on my team were looking for different avenues for us to continue reaching new heights. We met with a publishing house & signed to a deal to have "FIND A WAY" re-released as a 2nd edition (see right). In fact, this coming Monday I will be going to Oklahoma to record the CD/Audiobook version

THIS YEAR, I committed myself to stepping my game up. I have gone about putting myself out into the world to meet new people and have met SO MANY more people than I ever expected.

Even though the title of this post says "Follow ONE Course Until Successful," those who are truly successful realize that there will always be smaller twists and turns on the path to becoming successful.

Les Brown once said that achieving your goals is like an airplane taking off. You don't just go from the runway straight to cruising altitude. Before it reaches the smooth flying of its cruising altitude, it burns a great deal of fuel overcoming the turbulence that exists between the runway and that desired altitude. Even after having achieved cruising altitude, that plane doesn't fly in a straight line to its destination. The plane goes off course dozens of times before it locks into its coordinates for a smooth landing. In life, as you strive to achieve your goals there will be all kinds of factors that will cause you to go off course. How many kids actually grow up and become what they said they wanted to be when they were five or six years old? In achieving your goals you have to be able to roll with the punches and maneuver through the misty fog of doubt.

When thinking of focus, think of this, if you take a flashlight and shine it at a wall, the beam hits it and spreads. If you take a laser pointer and point it at a wall, the beam hits and remains the same size of its lense. Although the source is the same - light - the difference behind what happens when the light hits the wall is ... focus. The flashlight lense is not as concentrated, or focused, as the laser pointer. If you apply more power to that beam and intensify its focus; it will go through that wall, the wall behind it, and depending on the level of power, endlessly onward.

If your focus is strong enough you can overcome any obstacle.
Me ... I'm so focused I can see the future as though it were yesterday!

I Still Disagree, but I Think I Understand the Mentality a Little Better

2009-03-28T15:21:00.007-04:00

It's a nice Saturday afternoon & I'm sitting at my desk watching one of my favorite movies, "The Cotton Club." The reason why it's one of my favorite movies is because of the man whose photo is to the left, actor extraordinaire, Laurence Fishburne.

There is a scene in the movie where actor/dancer/singer Gregory Hines' character is venting his frustrations about being constantly bullied by one of the bouncers at the Cotton Club. In one of the most profound monologues ever written; Fishburne, playing the (small) role of Harlem gangster Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson, in his efforts to calm Hines down, says the following:

"I cannot even get into the club where my people - black people are the stars because I am black. There are only two things in life I have to do; one is stay black, the other is die. The white man has left me nothing but the underworld and that is where I dance. Tell me Sandman, where do you dance?"

When I think of how so many of my young brothers and sisters have, on so many levels, embraced a criminal lifestyle - or even the image thereof, it both saddens and infuriates me. However, when I heard that line, what stuck out the most was "The white man has left me nothing but the underworld and that is where I dance." I believe that one sentence best and most articulately describes how disenfranchised so many people felt in the 1930's - the time period of the movie - up until today with people still feeling the same way. HOWEVER ... although things like racism and discrimination still do exist today, blacks do not face the same hindrances today as we did in the `30's.

Public schools may suck. Parents may not be providing the proper guidance and support. At some point in time, we all become responsible for our actions. At some point in time we all know the difference between what's right and what's wrong. What I believe happens is that people who have embraced a criminal lifestyle, have made a conscious choice to either accept or ignore the consequences of their activities in order to get the flashy cars, fancy clothes, and knots of cash.

I understand ...
I still think it's a cop out & excuse to just get over!

Supporting Black-Owned Business ... REAL TALK

2009-03-24T20:07:00.002-04:00

When it comes to supporting black owned businesses, I must admit that I am a glutton for punishment. I have been burned more times than I have been able to give praise, yet I do not give up hope. I have dealt with quite a few brothers - a couple I met or learned of online who have given me GREAT service and EXACTLY what I expected in terms of the products I've purchased from them; however, there have also been those businesses that just cause me to shake my head & sadly say to myself, "Ni&&az."

The problem that (NOT ALL but) many of our people face when running their businesses is that they are more concerned with getting paid than they are providing a quality product or service. On the flip side, some brothers & sisters can make crappy customers as well.

My wife is a professional photographer specializing in everything from family portraits to HUGE weddings, & the majority of the problems she deals with come from US. The best & shortest description I can give would be to say that sometimes our people tend to want to get "Triple-Platinum Taj Mahal" service, but only want to buy from the "value menu."

On the service side; as a people, we will do better in commerce when we realize that prosperity (i.e. repeat & new business) will come from providing a quality product or service at a reasonable price & truly good customer service as opposed to charging some ridiculous amount of money in an effort to try & get paid all up front as much as possible & having a funky attitude in the process.

On the consumer side; as a people, we will do better in commerce when we realize that you're not always going to get "a hook-up." You're not going to get EVERYTHING you want at a bargain. Not EVERY single transaction is going to be about trying to haggle over a price. Sometimes you're just going to have to pay the price. OF COURSE - make sure you're getting what you're paying for though! Sometimes - as the old saying goes - "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Combined, when we can establish a symbiotic relationship between providing quality products & services at reasonable prices, and a willingness to pay for those products & services without expecting a discount or a "hook-up" EVERY TIME, then we will begin to trade as do other cultures and keep our money within our communities.

A Word of Advice for My Sisters

2009-03-24T19:32:00.003-04:00

This evening I participated in a group blog discussion where the theme of the discussion was "Do you think a "Good Black Man" is hard to find?"

My answer to the question & contribution to the discussion is below:

In life, you will find what you focus on. Sisters SAY they want to find a "good Black Man" but where are they looking? It may very well be compared to looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. However, ask yourselves ... Why would a needle be in a haystack anyway? With THAT question in mind, where are sisters looking for "good black men?" If you're looking in the clubs, welcome to your haystack.

Young sisters can find their "good black man" in school. Instead of looking for the jock on swoll, or the "rico suave" brother who will look good in a picture with you at homecomeing or on Facebook, you might want to pay some attention to that brother in class who is actually participating in the class and scoring well on his exams & papers. You might want to pay attention to that brother who spends his free periods and the first couple of hours after classes in the library instead of the student union or campus pub.

Sisters in the workplace might want to pay attention to that brother who is always amongst the first ones to arrive to work ON TIME, if not even a little early, or the one who always gets his projects and assignments done on time, or even a little early. Pay attention to that brother who has the boss' ear because of the caliber of his work ethic - not because he's a sell-out or suck-up.

Even for those who do enjoy an evening at the club - you might want to pay attention to that brother who you may see only once or twice a month instead of the brother who is there CONSISTENTLY EVERY Thursday through Saturday nights. What about the brother who just goes and enjoys a couple of drinks and a couple of dances, but is not trying to buy every attractive woman a drink or ask every sister for a dance? A couple of times (in my single days) I was pleasantly surprised by sisters who introduced themselves by having the bartender send me a drink because I was that particular brother.

"Good black men" are hard to find, not necessarily because you're looking in the wrong places, but because you might not be looking for the right things. Granted, everyone - male or female - wants that man or woman who will be attractive, hoenst, & faithful; however, these are things you only learn after you've met the other person.

Instead of "looking" perhaps try "observing" for a while. I have received several friend requests from beautiful sisters on Facebook alone based on how I go about expressing my views only to learn after seeing my profile that (unfortunately for them), I am a happily married man ... Sorry sisters - this one is taken (smile). HOWEVER, I am not the ONLY "good black man" on this forum or anywhere else.

In short, if you want to find that special needle, don't look for it in a haystack. Look for a needle amongst a multitude of needles. Most of what you'll find in that haystack are others just looking to roll around in the hay with you.

What Ever Happened to "SUPPORT THE OFFICE NOT THE MAN?!"

2009-03-14T05:40:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I made the following statement on my Facebook page:

"Proof that Racism is alive: The Republican Party would rather NOT support the President, wish to see him fail, then blame him for it."

Of the two responses I got, one response kind of set me off. By the time I was done responding to it, I figured it would be more beneficial if I made use of my response by posting it here.

Here is the response that set me off (out of respect for both that person's opinion & privacy, I am not citing his name):

"Don't believe all the sensationalism in the media. Everyone should be held accountable. If Obama reached out "sincerely" there would be more support"

And now ... to use one of my favorite Samuel L. Jackson quotes, "Well ... allow me to retort!"

Last night I watched an HBO documentary called "RIGHT AMERICA: Feeling Wronged" which was about how most of white America felt about Pres. Obama winning the election. I strongly recommend anyone & everyone - black or white - who believes that this election has truly changed race relations watch this documentary.

When G. Dubya was president & messing everything up, if you said anything against him you were unpatriotic. For example, the Dixie Chicks' career went straight down the tubes when they spoke out against him, but Rush Limbaugh can say that he hopes Pres. Obama fails and he's just exercising his right to free speech. When G. Dubya was president & messing everything up, most of white America was on some "SUPPORT THE OFFICE NOT THE MAN" nonsense; however, many people - black & white - share the belief that "if Obama reached out 'sincerely' there would be more support." Who did G. Dubya "sincerely" reach out to?

This is the blowback from how Pres. Obama ran his campaign, and I knew it would come. He won the election by not being "the ANGRY Negro;" however, no one messes with "the ANGRY Negro." He won the election by being "the SAFE Negro;" however, everyone craps on "the SAFE Negro." He walked a thin tightrope to win the election, but now those chickens are coming home to roost. Don't misunderstand me ... I'm all for Pres. Obama reversing all of G. Dubya's "bass-ackwards" policies, but what I'm against is the hypocrisy that has become the American way of life leading up to it.

For example, how many SITTING presidents have so consistently been referred to as "Mister" and not "President?" I don't mean the term "Mr. President," I'm talking about people who still refer to Pres. Obama as "Mr. Obama." Even after being impeached, people still referred to Clinton as "Pres. Clinton," and even after resigning in shame Nixon was still referred to as "Pres. Nixon."

I understand that Pres. Obama did what he had to do in order to win the election, but now that he has the job, I would really like to see some BLACK-bone coming out of the White House. If G. Dubya could exercise his power and tell everyone to kiss his ass without actually saying the words, then I see no reason why Pres. Obama can't tell his detractors and opponents to fall back, fall in line, or just fall the "F" off ... without actually saying the words.

You can't please everyone, and you can't beat everyone, but one thing is tried and true ... when you walk up and knock the sh%t out of the biggest dude in the group, it gives everyone else a moment of pause.

Pres. Obama needs to give his detractors & opponents a moment of pause.

Where Are the Lines of Equality Drawn if NOT Down the Middle?

2009-02-26T06:12:00.003-05:00

Should men ask for spousal support and/or child support from their ex-mates/ wives? Would you view these men as weak if they seek these type of support?

If a relationship between husband and wife dissolves and the wife is given custody of the child(ren) by the court AND is awarded alimony as well as child support because of the husband's financial status, if the tables are turned why should the husband NOT be awarded the same? Why would that be considered weak?

You see this is why there will not likely be true equality between the genders any time soon. (Generally speaking), women want to be treated equally as long as it doesn't cost them anything. I once dated a woman who was (and still is) a bank manager. Clearly she was making WELL OVER twice what I was making then as a Loss Prevention Agent; however, she saw fit to tell me that she was "old fashioned" and that whenever we went out she expected me to pay for everything ... EVERY TIME. We stayed friends, but we never went out again. But what if we went further and things went south & I kept the child(ren)?

If children are involved, whoever has custody should be supported. That money is supposed to go for THEIR food, clothing, medical care, and education. If a husband makes less money than his wife, or he stayed home so she could pursue her educational and or professional goals and their relationship dissolves, why shouldn't he be entitled to alimony - why shouldn't he be entitled to "live in the same lifestyle he became accustomed to?" If that's the criteria for women to get paid, then why - in a country where equality is supposed to reign supreme - should a man not be entitled to receive the same support?

I always tell young brothers run like hell if they ever come across a woman who claimes to be "an independent woman" when it comes to making and spending her money, but "old fashioned" when it comes to spending THEIR money.

I wish I could say that women can't have it both ways, but the reality is they actually do. Again, how is it weak if the only difference in a situation is the gender? If a man is expected to be capable to work and make enough so as NOT to need alimony or child support JUST because he's a man, but a woman automatically deemed to be in need JUST because she's a woman, that's nothing more than a court-awarded hook-up.

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR F@&KIN' MIND?!

2009-02-22T11:26:00.007-05:00

By now everyone has seen the above picture that was in the
New York Post.

Over the course of the past week, several people have asked my opinion about this picture. Oh well ... like the old saying goes ... be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.

Now I can take a joke, and I have been known to throw out a few throat-cutters myself. By "throat-cutters," I mean jokes that have the ability to cut deep - but those are reserved for friends so close, that no matter how harsh the joke the victim knows it's JUST a joke and our friendship stays intact.

This picture ain't no joke; and if you think it is, you don't know me like that to be making those kinds of jokes. You see ... it's shit like this that makes it hard for racism to ever be done away with.

You can't tell me that this was not meant to be an insult and an invitation to assassinate President Obama. Bottom line, I'm not really worried about threats to Pres. Obama. You see, if ANYTHING happens to him I predict that this country will be on the verge of a new civil war. If you thought black people became more unified after the deaths of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, & Martin Luther King Jr., if Pres. Obama dies of anything short of old age, this country will learn a new meaning of "night falling upon the city."

There are plenty of people running around protesting and decrying this picture and the NY Post itself, so I'm not going to regurgitate any of what you've already read.

I'm just going to quote Young Jeezy:

This a hands off policy

y'all touch him ... we ridin

It's COMING ...

2009-02-16T19:48:00.003-05:00

The ball is rolling ...
The momentum is swelling ...
The planets & stars are lining up ...

FIND A WAY to MAKE A WAY!

(2nd Edition)

This is the NEW Cover!

COMING SOON!
SUMMER 2009
In

PRINT
AUDIO BOOK

E-BOOK

Yet Another Shameful Celebrity Scandal

2009-02-12T05:21:00.003-05:00

Two young people who are famous in their own rights get involved with one another. Each of them has personal issues we THINK we know about, but probably have no TRUE idea about.

The reality is that the public is jealous of their talent, their fame and their fortune. So what does the public do? The public gets all up in their business as much as possible - up to the point where the two young people involved lose sight of what's most important ... one another.

I know of only two couples who have survived and prospered in spite of the gossip blogs & such. Shawn "Jay-Z" & Beyonce' Knowles-Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith. Hell, the Carters; when they were early in their relationship, remind me of that Eddie Murphy joke ... "It wasn't me." You saw them at public events together, but they never acknowledged it. It was like you were looking right at them being happy together, but the second those who didn't have anything to do with what they were building tried to get in the mix, they pulled down an iron curtain.

The reason why these two power couples continue to prosper and others consistently fail, is that they don't give hardly anything for the media to run with; and when they don't have facts, the media makes shit up. You see, to them it doesn't matter if what they're saying is true or not. In fact, the more far-fetched, the higher the sales. The mottos of the news media are "Sex sells," and "If it bleeds it leads." I believe that both Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith have won multi-million dollar lawsuits against some of these rags & wags spewing garbage about their lives.

I have heard so much BS concerning this Chris Brown/Rhianna situation and once again, people are not getting any facts. They're just spewing what "they had heard from someone who had heard what someone else said from what they had heard someone else say." I have listened to radio personalities try and explain how the legal process is working in this matter, only to show just how ignorant they really are about the legal process. Being in my vocation for 9 years, I know the difference between when someone is speaking what they KNOW about the legal process and when they are using whatever terms they learned from watching Law & Order, CSI, or any of the "Judge" so-called reality court shows.

People are running around yapping about the possibility of Chris Brown's career being over. Not likely. The public is a fickle glutton for punishment. There is ALWAYS a loyal fanbase who will support Chris Brown. Remember, even AFTER being charged with child molestation & child pornography, R. Kelly made millions of dollars and dozens of (music) videos using hundreds of beautiful models - all of which took it upon themselves to take those jobs.

Chris Brown will be fine. If he has a good management team, they will keep him out of sight for a while. His legal team will cut a deal with the D.A. wherein which he will get probation and have to take anger management counseling. After the deal is struck he will have to either make some kind of public statement or apology or maybe even have to do some anti-domestic violence PSA's (public service announcements).

In a nutshell, two young people are victims of Domestic Violence. That's the bottom line here. Beyond that everything else is Hollywood bullsh%t. The best way to become successful in any industry is to model those who have done and are doing what you want to do. These celebrities - regardless of age need to follow the paths of those who have been able to maintain their status and their relationship.

Like everything else, this too shall pass.

Subliminal Racism? You Tell Me!

2009-02-05T12:14:00.004-05:00

A few years ago I remember hearing U.S. Army recruitment commercials on the radio. I used to get offended by them because it seemed to me that they were geared JUST for blacks & latinos because that was the kind of music they used in their commercials. However, as I matured, I realized that to be nothing more than a marketing tactic. By that, I mean the music was geared towards the target audience of the particular station I was listening to.

Then I began to pay closer attention to the television commercials they used.

Here is what I noticed:

One commercial has a father & son talking on their porch. The son is in uniform and his father says to him, "You did something today I've never seen before. When you got off that train you looked me square in the eye and shook my hand. Where did you learn that?" The father and son share a look and then the U.S. Army logo comes up. The father and son are white. In fact, all of the recruitment commercials with white soldiers and their parents have either both parents or a strong father/son theme.

On the flipside, whenever you see the recruitment commercials directed towards African Americans, it's totally different:

Although showed with different actors on different looking sets, the main theme is always that there's a young man talking to his mother, and he's trying to convince her why he's decided to, or is thinking about joining the Army. There are no commercials with the young black soldier getting advice or kudos from his father.

So I thought ...

Then today, I saw a commercial that had a young black soldier getting kudos from BOTH of his parents. Again, I figured that someone really must have gotten to them and convinced them to change their themes, but just a few seconds later, the soldier's mother is congratulating the Army for making her son a better father. As she's doing so, there's an image of him holding a baby in his arms. (So what's the problem? There's your black father!)

The problem is that when the young black soldier was holding his baby and getting praise from his mother, was he standing next to his wife? NO ... he was standing next to his mother!

Why is it that there cannot be an image of an intact African American family?

Now, in my circle, I am normally the one who plays the voice of reason - quick to calm my boys down and tell them they're making something out of nothing.

HOWEVER ... This here is some bullshit.

This is nothing more than the reinforcement of racially and negatively based stereotypes of how the black family exists and functions. It's because of commercials and images such as these, that make the concept of successful black people who are not music or sports celebrities so hard for black people to grasp for themselves.

The solution ...

DAMN ... wish I knew.

By that, I mean I wish I knew who the "creative director" is for these commercials. There ain't a damn thinkg motivational I would say to his or her racially ignorant ass.

Okay ... I'm done venting now.

But you know I'm right. And if you don't think so ... start watching & comparing those commercials then holla back!

Those Men Who Wear Those Mason Rings

2009-01-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

Those men who help my dad each day, They wear those mason rings.
A Square and Compass set in gold, the praise of which I sing.

My dad, he hurt his back you know, one cold and wintery day.
He slipped and fell upon the ice, the insurance would not pay.

And since that time those rings I see, on hands that help us much.
With mowing lawns and hauling trash, each day my heart they touch.

They even built a house for me, amid our backyard tree.
Where all the neighbor kids, would play with laughter full of glee.

My mom she cried from happiness, the time the Masons came.
To aid our family in distress, without a thought of gain.

And when I’m big, just like my dad, of this it must be told.
I want to wear a ring like his, a Square and Compass gold.

Long years have passed since when my dad was in that plaster cast.
And since I swore that Solemn Oath, which unites us to the last.

But more than that I’m proud to say, I wear his Mason ring.
The one dad wore for many years, until his death this Spring.

And one last time his comrades came, to aid my weeping mother.
They praised and bid a fond farewell, to our fallen Brother.

And after which MY son did ask, about their Aprons white.
And of the rings upon their hands. Of gold so shiny bright.

With tearful eyes I said with pride, they’re men of spirit pure.
Those men who wear those Mason rings, of that you can be sure.

And before he went to bed that night, the family he foretold.
Someday I’ll wear a ring like dad’s, a Square and Compass gold.

*** Poem by Michael R. Strampe ***

The Secret Behind "The Secret"

2008-12-25T07:59:00.003-05:00

I have been a long-time user of "the Secret," or "the Law of Attraction" for years, and even began building my business on it's base principles. What's funny is, it was not until I learned of the move "The Secret," that I found a name for it. "The Law of Attraction" is a very powerful concept; however, I fear that it - like many things that the masses eventually catch onto - is soon on the verge of being either watered down from its true significance, bastardized in the same way people find something catchy, and try to make 20 million weak copies of their own version of the original, or both.

You see, we happen to live in a microwave culture of instant gratification where people want what they want NOW, but don't want to put in the work necessary to earn what it is they want. We live in a culture where 100 some-odd kids show up at a school sporting event, and EVERYONE gets a trophy or medal just for showing up, regarding whoever was the best at the event. People expect to get an A+ on projects that they only gave Cliff Notes effort for. These are the people who stand to weaken what the true meaning of "the Law of Attraction" is all about.

I read another blog that described the following in terms of how "the Law of Attraction" is used:

"How to use the Secret:

- ASK: the universe for what you want

- BELIEVE: act, speak and think as if you have already received it

- RECEIVE: feel the way you will feel when you receive it"

It is NOT this easy to use the Law of Attraction!

There is a KEY ingredient missing in the above caption between "Believe" & "Receive," and that ingredient is WORK. You must put in work to get what it is you want, and as long as people either forget or ignore that key ingredient they will not achieve the things they want in life. People can sit and want all they want, but rewards come to those who go after them. Remember ... there is scripture that tells us "Faith without works is dead."

The "HRJR philosophy" was birthed from "the Law of Attraction;" however, whereas people wish to believe that wanting, believing and wishing is all that it takes to get the things you want in life, I really would like to see what a person has to show for him- or herself if they just sit in a room; start from and with nothing; and do nothing for an entire year, but believe that friends and wealth will miraculously find their way to him or her. One year later ... that person will be alone and broke.

It just does NOT work that way. You can "ASK" the universe (or God - or who/whatever you deem your higher power to be) for the things you want. You can even "BELEIVE" that it will be yours ... in fact YOU SHOULD BELIEVE IT WILL BE YOURS! However, you must understand that you WILL be tested to prove your worthiness before you "RECEIVE" the things you want.

True champions and successful people don't just "become" such. They put in work. They reach their limits and then go beyond them ... and sometimes it's a painful process.

Look at what Jesus had to do in order to reach HIS level of success.

"The Law of Attraction" works ... but only if you work it!

Respecting the Craft

2008-12-23T20:58:00.002-05:00

What do you think about singers and rappers getting leading movie roles? Do they deserve it? What do you think?

The late great Paul Robeson was called a "Renaissance Man." He was was a multi-lingual actor, athlete, operaticconcert singer, writer, and civil rights activist.

If a rapper wants to take their advance money or record proceeds and create their own movies - as have Percy Miller (Master-P) and Dame Dash, then so be it & God bless them ... HOWEVER ... Every artist who dedicates himself or herself to their craft hates to see anyone just slide in from the outside and run the risk of making a mockery of it.

Queen Latifah and LL Cool J are a couple of entertainers who got their start in Hip Hop, but are also considered serious actors. Both also committed themselves to being professionally trained out of respect for the craft of acting. Will Smith also got his start in Hip Hop, and was one of the first to really make a successful transition from rap music into acting. However - and he will be the first to admit - Smith was "playing" when he was rapping. His television show was his transition from playing to working ... and when he began working ... Well ... his work speaks for itself.

The one thing that links this all together is that there must be a true respect for the line that's being crossed. When there are people out there who are putting their entire being into their craft with little to no results, to see someone come along and catch a break and make a mockery of it ... that's dangerous.

The true talent is not in being on the screen or on the album or on the stage ... that true talent is making being on the screen, album or stage look easy.

Now ... Why have I shared this?

Well ... Entertainment, in all of its forms, is one of the most lucrative industries in American Society. It is one industry where it appears people become successful and wealthy overnight.Appearances, however, are rather deceiving. You see the hundreds of shots Michael Jordan and Larry Bird made on TV, but few - if any - have seen the thousands of shots they missed in private practice. You hear the 10 or 12 songs that make it to your favorite CD, but you don't hear the other 40 to 50 some-odd other songs that weren't quite as up to par.

It takes work in order to be truly successful. Some people do land under a truly lucky star. Some people do catch a break that may not seem fair to the work others put in trying to attain a similar goal. Ultimately, people waste too much time focusing on the success and breaks that other people are experiencing instead of putting in the time, research; and most importantly, the work necessary to achieve their OWN personal success - and there is where the essence; dare I say - the secret, behind why those who are truly successful are truly successful, and why those who are not ... are not.

Regardless of the area or industry, success is a craft unto itself ... As is mediocrity ... and failure.

If you wish to cross the lines of failure or mediocrity into the arena of the successful ... you must respect the craft of the successful. The only way to become truly successful is to respect the craft of success and earn the respect of the successful.

Do this ... and when your time comes, you will be accepted into a universal fraternity that has no end.

2009 ... The New Era of Motivation!

2008-12-20T17:22:00.002-05:00

Early in the month of December, I began counting down the days on my Facebook page. For the entire month, my home page read:

"H. Reed Jr asks, ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW ERA OF MOTIVATION?! Countdown: 'X' Days."

After that I would write a small motivational line with whatever space I had left in the caption box. About half way through the month, people began asking me, "What is this 'New Era of Motivation' all about?" It has been a question that never got a straight answer ...

Until now.

Ever since I decided to become a Motivational Speaker, I have struggled with what KIND of speaker I would be. What would my style be? Well ... in my preparations to bring 2008 to a close and jump feet first into 2009, I have made my decision.

The New Era of Motivation shall be about and based on the following:

Aggressive Responsibility
Aggressive Accountability
Aggressive Commitment
Aggressive Networking

In order to succeed and excell in today's world climate, one must be aggressively responsible, accountable, and committed. You must also be willing to break out of your little shell and learn how to network and get to know other people so that you may be able to help them and or have them be able to help you. If you lack any of these traits; or are the least bit weak in exhibiting them, you will have no one but yourself to blame for the life of mediocrity you may cursing yourself to.

In short ... come 2009 ... I AM NOT PLAYING AROUND!! I wanted 2008 to be my breakout year, but God had some other plans for me. My skills needed honing and sharpening. The finest of steel must go through the hottest of fires, and believe me when I tell you that 2008 was a HOT year - and not "hot" as in the spectacular sense.

Additionally ... There is no room in this new era for excuses. Things do not always go as planned, and that's alright - however ... when they don't go right be able to give a reason to explain it as opposed to trying to have an excuse to try & get out of it.

That's just a taste ...

Buckle up ...
We're going on a WILD ride!

The Act & Art of Becoming Successful

2008-12-07T09:57:00.004-05:00

"The act & art of becoming successful is not for the weak or faint at heart. You can either hate on the successful or succeed over the hateful."
HSRjr.

"What do I mean by that?

It has often been said that "success is a journey, not a destination to be reached." I also submit to you that success is a responsibility to be earned and appreciated, not a title symbolized by materialistic things. Jewelry goes up & down in value. Houses burn down. Cars depreciate in value the minute you drive them off the lot. So what does it mean to have these things if you have to maintain and replace them? This is not success. Being successful is being in a position to CHOOSE. Being successful is being able to CHOOSE having a $500K house that you might want, but being wise enough to buy the $350K house that you need.

However, allow me to dig deeper.

I have been honored to meet and even befriend a few people who are successful - some are even well known celebrities. Here is my assessment: They are just as human as anyone else. What separates them from everyone else is the level of intensity in their work ethic. In a nutshell ... successful people work harder, thus they are rewarded higher.

It is the "HRJR philosophy" that wanting or proclaiming your success is not enough. Wanting or proclaiming you are going to have more or be more than you are does not automatically entitle you to become successful. What it does is draw to you the attention of the universe or whatever you deem your higher power to be. If you want to be successful, and you are so bold as to take a stand in proclaiming it, you begin being tested.Successful people face their challenges as tests and they study, practice, prepare, and eventually overcome. Successful people do not allow fatigue, pain, and even rejection to stop them. Donald Trump overcame personal debt of over $900 MILLION dollars, and is now worth over $50 billion dollars. Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson LOST the American Idol talent competition, but WON an Oscar a couple of years later.

The difference between the people on the stage (successful people) and the people in the audience, is that the people on the stage put in the work to be out there. What makes them more successful than others is that they do what the people in the audience don't or are unwilling to do. They put in the work to the point where they make it look easy. It is at that point that so-called "regular" or "average" people think they can do what they see. Some may even TRY doing it, but don't succeed. Others don't care to put in the work necessary - but continue waiting & expecting opportunity to someday come knockinng. This is how "haterism" is born.

There are less successful people than there are "regular" or "average" people because only a select few realize that you have to work towards being successful in order for success to find its way to you - and even FEWER people who actually put in the work necessary. There are playgrounds, high schools, and colleges all over the country that have thousands of talented athletes, but how many of them actually have what it takes to make it to the professional leagues? Dozens.

In the end, this is not a "black & white" issue. Success comes in varying shades of gray. There are varying degrees & levels of success. These levels and degrees are comparable to the combination of a person's desire and commitment to succeeding. For example, even the benchwarmers in the professional leagues are making high six-figure salaries.

So ... the choice is yours. You can either put in the work and get what you have coming to you; or you can do nothing, and continue to watch and be a spectator. You can either be the person paid to be on your particular stage or you can be the person in the audience who pays the person on that stage.

Sorry ... Your Kid Doesn't Deserve an Award JUST for Showing Up!

2008-12-03T10:11:00.003-05:00

I recorded the video below for Facebook ...

but shortly after posting it, I remembered my promise to you, my blog readers, to give you more content!

No better time to start living up to my word than the present!

Coming Out of the Dark!

2008-12-03T09:22:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends,

I know I've been gone for quite some time now, but hey ... we ALL have lives to live. Basically, I have been dealing with the pressures and stresses of the times the same as many of you. For some reason, there's a belief that those who have the heart and or talent to be more vocal than others must have everything going right in their lives. Let me tell you that nothing can be farther from the truth! If nothing else, those who face their fears and take a stand before the universe are the ones the universe actually comes after the most.

As I bring 2008 to a close; and I reflect on all that this year has put me through, I find myself to be a stronger man because I have survived it. I have taken on the responsibilty of being a motivator, a postive influence in people's lives ... an "Investor in the Human Spirit!" Unfortunately, in accepting such a great responsibility, the hardest obstacle to overcome is facing and overcoming my own demons. "There can be no testimony without a TEST!"

Anyway, I got my blog stat reports for the past couple of weeks and have watched my numbers slowly drop. That tells me that I have not been paying proper attention to YOU my readers. I understand that you may look to me for an encouraging word, and it's my responsibility to provide that for you. WELL ... it's time for me to step my game up!

Honestly, I have also been spending a lot of time doing some networking on Facebook. I have also been doing a lot of "mini-venting" by way of posting short quotes or thoughts that bore deeper meanings. Those quotes were accepted by different people in different ways. Some people were motivated. Some people thought I was being cruel. To those who were motivated, keep digging in and fighting harder. To those who were offended ... I'm not going to apologize for striking an uncomfortable nerve. Just learn to dig deeper and fight harder.

I'm going to focus on making sure there is something here for you to draw from at least twice a week. I ask that you forgive me for my absence, and have faith in my return! Here are some thoughts to keep you focused until we meet again!

"Some things ... MOST things that people 'leave in God's' hands, He gives right back to them for them to work out for themselves."

So many of my challenges for this year are close to being far behind me! God is great and will truly put no more on us than we can bear, but you must understand this ... God (or whatever you deem your higher power to be) will see you through, but you are the one who must work through it. There's a saying that goes "an idle man is the devil's playground." When you're just sitting around doing nothing, the devil is just having his way with you. He's making it seem to feel so good just sitting there doing nothing. Notice, I said "seem to" because nothing and no one ever gets better by nothing being done towards the goal of getting better.

We are like mice in a maze. God knows our destinations, but the twists and turns that we take to get to that destination - those are OUR decisions. Whether we find walls blocking our way or the path continues to open and unfold before us, that's beased on the decisions and choices that WE MAKE.

The "maze" that has been known to me as "2008" is coming to a close. I am just a few weeks away from a whole lot of new opportunities, but at the same time, I also know that there are challenges on the horizon. You can't step your game up and NOT expect there to be new challenges waiting for you! "Coming out of the dark" allows us to see the challenges ahead. "Coming out of the dark" stronger allows us to be able to face and overcome those challenges.

"Let's Play!"

I'm NOT "Worried" About President Obama ... I'M WATCHING.

2008-11-14T19:47:00.002-05:00

* Disclaimer: If the comments stated below offend you; understand that (1) They were meant to offend you & I don't care; and, (2) I strongly urge you to pull your heads out of your asses before you find yourself in an irreversible position.
Since Election Day there have been reports of racist acts of vandalism and even assaults in different areas of the country.

Understand this ... while many of you are watching newsclips and YouTube videos, I'm "on the job" in a predominately white suburban township ... ONE OF ONLY FIVE black cops out of nearly 250 cops.

JUST YESTERDAY I was sent on a job where someone reported a noose hanging from someone's tree in front of his house. When I got there, what I found was a rope hanging from a tree with a tied loop at the bottom. Real talk ... when I first saw it, I didn't think about a "card carrying Klansman." I thought about how I would have spent hours swinging back & forth with one foot in the loop. When I rang that man's doorbell that's exactly what he told me his kid had been doing for the past 3-4 months - and I had to "advise" him to take it down because it offended his neighbors.

Trust and believe ... out of those five brothers on my job, the powers that be KNOW that - out of the five of us ... I AM NOT THE "SAFE NEGRO."

Two are detectives. Between them one is truly "safe" - not a sell-out, but not one to rock the boat. The other one is THE MOST educated person in the entire department, having achieved his Masters Degree and is currently working on his Doctorate (THIS BROTHER is TRULY pimping the game because he's got over 20 years of military service and served TWO TOURS in Iraq. That gave him the opportunity to parlay military time over cop time; which after a minor financial sacrifice, allows him to retire from Law Enforcement early. When he does retire from the Army and the P.D., he will have pensions from BOTH {paychecks for life}, and his studies have been in education - in which he holds an administrative position in another city's school system. Dude is only like 40-41 years old). Out of the other two cops, one does real estate on the side (Masonic Law binds me to say nothing more about him), and the other brother just comes to work and goes home.

And then there is me.

Sorry ... NO ... "I apologize" - I went on a tangent. I said all of that to say this ...

FUCK THE RACISTS.

They are not new to the scene. They have ALWAYS been there. The only thing is that the SCENE itself has changed. There are white people out there who are just "GOOD PEOPLE," and others who just can' stand the fact that ... THESE UPPITY NIGGERS DONE COME UP AND ARE DESTROYING THE COUNTRY THEY HAVE COME TO KNOW AND LOVE.

(THAT's RIGHT - I SAID IT!!)

As for the "good white folk," hey ... the best man at my wedding is an Italian dude who I've known since high school who I can honestly say would be there for me above and beyond most "brothers" I know. You see ... it's just pure friendship that binds us (although I have had to give dude a cultural chin-check from time to time).

In short, my attitue about the racists that exist out there is short and simple.
FUCK `EM ... FUCK THE RACISTS.

Look here ... be cautious of all of this nonsense, but understand this ... If ANYTHING happens to President Obama ANYWHERE on this planet, I strongly predict that the ensuing riots that will pop off will make the riots that occurred after BOTH Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination AND the Rodney King verdict COMBINED look like the mere lighting of a cigarette.

Let's go about the business of improving ourselves and our country, and leave our new president to do his job.

Trust me ... as much `isht as many of these white supremacists talk about wanting to spark off a race war ... this is NOT how they want to go about doing it.

The Party is Over ... Now the Work Begins - FOR EVERYONE!

2008-11-11T19:39:00.005-05:00

I too am incredibly overjoyed to be able to be living in these great times; however, every party must, at some time, come to an end and we must all return to work.

I believe it is most important that OUR people realize that although we, as a people, may share in President-Elect Obama's victory - that victory is NOT a "golden pass." There is STILL work for US to do to better ourselves.

Consider this: Jackie Robinson was the 1st black to play Major League baseball. That alone did not open the doors for everyone else. What DID become open was the OPPORTUNITY. Brothers still had to step their game up to get themselves into the Majors.

Granted, we can now BELIEVABLY tell our children they CAN grow up to become president - but we should also finish that off with showing all the work that President-Elect Obama had to do to prepare himself for this opportunity.

Now That It’s Over & Done.

2008-11-08T23:33:00.001-05:00

The election is over.

Our next president has been elected, and I am happy that it is the man who I voted for.

I do not wish to spend too much time delving too deeply into the nonsense that has and will come out on the news over the course of the next couple of months. I choose to focus on the realness of the situation. I choose to continue to focus on the things that people won’t say out of political correctness. I choose to translate the bullsh%t that has been and will be said for the bullsh%t that it means.

I have listened to many people play it humble and say, “Obama’s victory isn’t just a victory for black people (or “African Americans”), but a victory for the whole country.” I have heard many commentators speak about how the racial barriers that have divided this country for decades – if not a couple of centuries – have now been torn down. Unfortunately, I must – to some extent – disagree. I agree that it has been proven that it is a significant turning point in this country’s history – one that begins America’s process of redemption amongst the global community.

However, I see the world in a different light beyond the parties and world-wide celebration. I am already looking towards when the party is over and business must begin. Please understand that that President-Elect Obama’s victory; while it does bring to reality both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “dream” as well as Sen. Robert Kennedy’s prediction that within 40 years we would have a black president, it does not instantly nullify the sentiments of those who openly stated ignorant beliefs about President-Elect Obama. It does nothing to make the Sean Hannity’s and Bill O’Reilly’s of the world go away.

When G.W. Bush was elected we got more than “tested.” To be blunt, we – Americans – had our asses handed to us. I would not be surprised if some wing-nut decided he wanted to “test” President-Elect Obama; however, I am more of the belief that the leaders of the foreign nations we have issues with will be more willing to work things out with someone who is more interested in finding mutually beneficial resolutions as opposed to someone who just wants to tell them what they are going to do.

You see, I believe that this is the greatest country on the planet, but it is still just "A" country on the planet. We all have to live here and we all want the best for ourselves and SHOULD want the best for our fellow man. In short, look at it like this ... Michael Jordan and Larry Bird may have been two of the best basketball players to ever play the game, but the fact of the matter is they were members of a team. The Republican Party must come to terms with the realization that even the leader of a team is still a part of the team.

Now ... if supporting the President is a requirement of proof of one’s patriotism – whether his decisions and actions are right or wrong; ethical or unethical; legal or illegal; moral or immoral ... after January 20th we will learn exactly just how many hypocrites there are in this country.

Granted, America has come quite a long way ... but let us not break our arms patting ourselves on the back. We still have a very long way to go.

What If Obama Wins?

2008-11-04T20:36:00.003-05:00

As I sit here and flip between CNN & Fox News (I just love watching these clowns make excuse after excuse about why their ship is sinking), I am also checking my e-mail, syncing my i-Pod, making sure my niece is on top of her reading (I've got her reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X), and just trying to relax. That last part is getting harder for me to do. As I'm typing this line the news has come in that Sen. Obama just won Pennsylvania's electoral votes giving him a 102 EC vote lead over Sen. McCain's 34 (Fox News has it at 103 to 69 - where did those "phantom" 35 EC votes come from for McCain? If sugar turns to shit, we can call those the "okey-doke/banana in the tailpipe votes").

Anyway, I am also glossing over a few other blogs & seeing what some of my friends are expressing. In one of them a friend asks:

"If Obama wins the presidential election, will there still be an issue of race? Will black folks be able to use the excuse that the white man is keeping them down?"

Although it will mark a tremendous milestone in this country's history, should Barack Obama wins this election tonight, there will STILL be an issue of race in this country. His victory will not wash away this country's historical treatment of its African American citizens. Should McCain somehow actually pull this out of his ass; sadly, not many African Americans will be surprised. I know I won't be. Also ... Obama's victory will not cause to disappear all of those people who have accused him of being an "Anti-White, Anti-American, Muslim, Socialist, Communist & Terrorist Supporter."

Look, the Republican Party has never been known to be good losers. Look what they did to Bill Clinton after he wrenched away 12 years of Republican control of the White House. They did not give that man a moment's peace for his entire two terms. They are known to play hard and dirty; and quite frankly, at the end of their runs, the reality was that both Al Gore & John Kerry were too much "the nice guys" to be able to compete against a party that was - as it has always been - more concerned about it's control of the white House than what's best for America as a whole. This was the foundation for the blank check that G.W. Bush used to send thousands of our servicemen and women to their deaths as well as bankrupt the American economy. I suspect that the Republican Party will go back into the laboratory to build a more powerful Republican, while looking for any and every opprotunity to undermine "President Obama."

In any case, it is my belief that although some white people will always be what and how some white people have always been, Obama's victory does raise the bar for what black people; and black men in particular, can and should strive for. I would warn my brothers & sisters; however, to be weary of the double edged blade of white America trying to hold us to the standard of "President Obama," but still bearing down on the various avenues of opportunity leading to such lofty yet attainable goals. In other words, just because Sen. Obama may have been able to ascend to this office does not mean that every black person can. What we should strive for is the ability to be whatever we want to be and not have to worry about being suppresed or O-ppressed based on our skin tone.

I have never been a subscriber to the excuse of being "held down by the white man." I believe that there are white people in certain places of power and authority who will use that power and authority to keep those around them looking like them; but at the same time, when you make yourself a valuable enough asset, the only color that any person in a position of power and authority will care about is GREEN.

It looks good for Sen. Obama. I am looking forward to watching his lead increase over the next couple of hours; and should he reach that magical number of 270 Electoral College votes, I am going to step out on front step ... shed a tear of joy ... and smoke a cigar that I have been reserving for a such a special occasion.

This will not be over on Nov. 5th.

On Nov. 5th ... we will just be beginning.

These People Better F'n Learn Before Something Happens!

2008-11-02T12:32:00.002-05:00

I'm putting this out there because a similar situation happened to me at the store today.

New Relationships - Old Friendships?

2008-11-01T21:57:00.003-04:00

A friend asked my advice concerning a new relationship she was getting into. Below is her question and the answer I gave. I thought I'd share it because I'm sure many people are going through the very same thing.

"If you are starting a new relationship, should you end your frienships with the opposite sex? Why or why not?"

I do not believe in the practice of burning bridges; especially, when the people involved are people you have established good and strong friendships with. Granted, there is always something great about getting with someone new, but that person should be willing to embrace your world and welcome you into his. Anyone who wants you to turn away from the people you have known for years should make you question how good he actually is at building relationships himself.

It's one thing to be leary of old boyfriends ... EVERY MAN (even those who don't want to admit it) will ALWAYS be leary of the men who have come before him (and the same DOES apply to women). However, it is a truly confident man who knows that his woman is now WITH HIM (and the same DOES apply to women).

I once had a friend who - for all intents and purposes did just what you are asking about - she flat out ended our friendship to appease her (then) new man. She married him, and they are living happily ever after. However, after almost 15 years our paths crossed again and she apologized. I accepted her apology ... but we haven't spoken since - and that was nearly a year ago.

Excluding those people who are truly virginal going into relationships, we all have our past relationships. We have all done some kind of "dirt" in our lives. However, with every new relationship we are faced with an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. There are two things that we know for certain regarding old and new relationships ... we know (1) all about the people we were involved with; and, (2) all about WHO WE WERE when we were with them.

The advice I would give in THIS scenario ... Consider this:Any man (or woman) who wants you to give up your friends for him (or her) should be equally willing to do the same for you. If he (or she) is so willing, then you need to consider the fact that building a true friendship (what should be the basis of every romantic relationship), is something that holds very little meaning to such a person.

Locked Out of Heaven

2008-10-31T21:45:00.002-04:00

Look at this ...

The lines ...
The countour ...
The Perfection.

It says so much ... but says little.
It shows so much ... but shows little.

To be so close ... yet be so far away.

Behold ...
What you see above is what it means to be locked out of Heaven.

Every man will know exactly what this means.
Every woman will try to make up an excuse for it.

What you see above is what makes men fight wars.
What you see above is how women go from dinner & dancing
to having a home with 2.3 kids.

What will it take to open those pearly gates?
... Or actually those silky gates that actually leads
to the most precious of pearls?

Every man wants to know.
Every woman already knows ... for herself.

Behold ...
What you see above is what it means to be locked out of Heaven.

This is How it Should Be Done - Cuz' This Style ... Is Identical to None!!

2008-10-26T18:47:00.002-04:00

Get - That - Dirt Off Ya Shoulder!!

2008-10-26T11:28:00.002-04:00

I'm just amazed how certain dudes think it's cool to O.D. on talking smack while the man went to see his grandmother.

As you can see ...
It's nothing more than
a little dirt on the shoulder.