TDRS: THE WHY THEY TRIPPIN EDITION

What Up FAM, what up Folk. It’s Ya Boy and I’m coming at you one mo gin with a big wassup! So it’s Thursday afternoon around 3:30pm on August 4th and I actually have a little time to spit some of that hot fire. I know some of you are upset with me b/c of the lack of consistency with respect to the distribution of TDRS, but as we used to say back in 1989… ”SHO HATE IT”!

So what’s going to be that hot fire this week you ask? Some of you are waiting for the “portfolio theory” edition and I promise that is coming soon. However, given the diversity of readers, I thought it was best to save some of the corporate finance theory for a later date. Speaking of, please, please check out the mailbag that’s included in this edition b/c my man B. Armond spit some of that hot fire in his reply to the TDRS EMH Theory Edition (http://hollaatyaboys.blogspot.com/2005/07/tdrs-efficient-markets-hypothesis.htm). Big Ups to B Armond who was a first time reader, yet spit that fire back like he’s been down with da fellas since we started writing these rants about nothing. While we are on first time readers, I’d like to send a big shout out to Kisha (aka the “exclusive one”), Ran (who was ticked that the site wasn’t updated…..sho hate it), Venetta R (one of only two people I actually care for from Hampton…..shout out to G. Lewis, happy future b day if you are reading) and to any new reader who this edition was forwarded to.

Okay now that we got the housekeeping out the way, let’s be like Hammer and “Get it started”. So this morning I was driving in to work and decided for once to actually listen to Atlanta FM radio, specifically V-103. I really enjoy talk radio b/c it’s fresh and there is always something to talk about and learn versus listening to the same tired ole Ludacris, Jermain Dupri, Ciara, Usher songs every morning. For whatever reason though I decided to switch from sports talk radio on 790theZone this morning to listen to the Frank Ski and Wanda show.

I caught the tail end of the show but the topic was “Black Women making more money than Black Men”. What a great topic eh? I mean I am very curious and you know ya boy wants to dive deeper into this subject matter. Before breaking it down, I have got to send a shout out to Frank Ski for “keeping it real” towards the end of the show. Frank Ski basically said that black women are conditioned from birth to grow up independent and to get their ish together, which they do and I personally am very proud of them for that. The clincher is that when they do grow up and get that great career (job), they gain an attitude, a swagger, a strong sense of confidence or better yet entitilement and THAT is the issue, the attititude and not the fact that she makes more money than her man. Oh I can hear my educated ladies shifting in their chairs right now and the brothas eagerly awaiting that FIRE! Keep reading…..


I Aint Heard a That
“Change your whole attitude It's time to take off your cool If it make you wanna move, then move My niggaz get up on it, live bitches throw it back Ma, act like you want it I know you heard of that!! “……Slim Thug
I mean I am sick and tired of the bro’s having to fess up to everything gone wrong in the black community. It’s time for some “black” women (and I said some) to finally fess up and agree with the world that they have ATTITUDE problems and maybe, just maybe “ish” will change. I mean you can’t have it both ways…..you know the whole being a “STRONG BLACK WOMAN, but wanting to be treated like a princess. Something has got to give. I mean since the ladies are soo independent these days, TDRS says don’t get upset when a brotha:

Doesn’t open the door for you. I mean really, why are we opening the door for you and why do you care? I mean fellas used to ride the mules and the women walked in the B.C. days, so you can’t tell me this is some sort of religious thing. Basically some dude started doing it b/c he thought it was the right thing to do and now its become law or something. It’s one thing to get the door opened for you and you say thank you b/c the guy went out of his way to do something nice for you. It’s quite another thing to expect a guy to do it and to be pissed if and when he doesn’t. Stop the damn madness. Just because you are woman doesn’t entitle you to be treated like a queen. Now if you’re MY woman and I adore you then yes you SHOULD and WILL get that treatment! That’s all I’m saying. Some of ya’ll need a door slammed in your face because you are straight up trifling. I know pretty much every gal on the distro list and outside of the fact that anyone of you would GET IT; you all should get a door opened for you.

Doesn’t treat you like an equal. Not to belabor the issue but if a man is conditioned to treat you like a lady (i.e. opening the door and all that other stuff) it is nearly impossible for that same man to truly view a woman as an equal. Think about it, what is a “lady”? What is treating her like a lady? If that’s what men are used to, how do you expect them to switch it up when you’re in a business suit. Let me pause here and say this isn’t the only reason why there is inequality between men and women…..I am just saying it is a contributing factor and should be said. TDRS thinks it is f’ckd up and I REALLY do emphathize with women, and even more so for SISTAS! However, I just think people, women and men need to truly acknowledge this and maybe, just maybe, things will change…a bit.

Expects you to go DUTCH! Btw, why aren’t these independent ladies asking brothas out on dates? Don’t give me that chivalry crap, b/c that’s been dead since the 19th amendment. Let me stop. Anyway, all this money being made by these ladies and yet I don’t see them grabbing the checks when the bill comes. You know why? It’s because they think a brotha should pick up that bill and that’s it. I know that paying for dinner shouldn’t entitle a brotha to some ass. However YOU should know that just because he’s the man doesn’t mean he SHOULD pick up the tab. Again I enjoy taking out my woman and paying for dinner with my woman. However, if you are not MY woman then what’s the point? Dutch should be the rule for every date until the relationship is exclusive or moving quickly towards that and that way there would be no confusion. I just really get really tired of hearing the “why do men think they deserve something for buying me dinner or a drink”. Hell they DO deserve something. I’m sorry to bust some bubbles but aint nothing free in this world, so please stop trippin! Pay or play your position, that’s all I’m saying.

Doesn’t take the 45’s off the bench press machine b/c you are next (I should be shot for that one huh?). Those ladies who haven’t even seen the inside of gym wouldn’t understand this and I’m sorry for you. Btw, I do take the 45’s off no matter whose next b/c there are some brothas (very few) out there who can’t push up the weight…and that is sad!

Playa versus PIMP:
“If a hoe wanna holler then you a playa if you hit them ends
and get the dividends
But you a pimp if you can get the same hoe to wanna freak your
friends
Cause I studied P-I, M-P, ology, but logically
Be learnin these hoes biology, obviously, well”...

……..There are so many “lost” women here in this country and that is just baffling. Do they REALLY think brothas have a problem with them making some of that cash money? Just in case these ladies actually have a case, then I feel the need to educate and single handidly attack this problem.

Please bear with me, but I think that all these women (aka “powder puffs”) want are brothas to accept the fact that they are paid right? I mean I just want to make sure that the ladies aren’t upset that there aren’t any brothas out there that are making money, because we all know that this isn’t true, right? Basically the scenario is that there are two people that are making money and it just so happens that the woman makes more. Because of their higher salary, they feel we (the bruhs) have a problem with that. Now that we are clear on the REAL issue, let’s spit some more of that hot fire……

At the end of the day what these “powder puffs” really want is a PIMP, not a Playa and that’s the bottom line, because I SAID SO. I mean think about it. They want to be able to make money without their man trippin right? That’s not a problem for a true PIMP. I mean if she is out there making that money by sitting at a desk and typing on a computer versus waving down Cadillacs on Ponce De Leon, then fellas we should let them do that. In fact, we should insist they go and do that. That’s what the powder puffs want right? They’re okay making the money, they just want someone not to trip.

I mean when you really break it down, these women don’t want to be independent, they want to be totally and utterly DEPENDENT and that is my opinion, which I’ll bet my Westin heavenly bed (useless plug I know but I can’t wait to sleep in it) that my opinion is shared be many others. I mean these powderpuffs don’t want to be on the “track” anymore. They want to be “in charge”, the bottom biatch. I mean I’m just calling em how I see them.

Before you college educated, $100K making ladies start writing in upset, please know that I am not talking about all of you. Some of you are the bomb and all you want is an equal or someone who can keep you grinding. I aint mad at you and if you are making $100K, please shoot me your number b/c I got some PIMP’s, I mean friends.

Now let me just say that I would love to and will one day be A PIMP. I want my girl to make as much as she can and if that is more than me, then that’s great. Girls with dough buy really nice gifts and I love nice gifts. However, I do want my girl to know that she has someone to lean on if ish happens and that is the key. Let’s together stack some chips and lean on those chips if there are hard times or better yet good times, like raising my Madison Brooke and Mehki Nicholas Simon. Yeah I said it…..TDRS dreams of retiring from the PIMP game one day.

MailBag

dude! masterful!...the trip to rio was a success then right! one thing tho...i am concerned with u and this dime thing.. little do u know u are having such a volume of negative commentary because u are starting to think like a female..i'm sorry, i grasp the whole "i am a winner & i don't settle" thing however, u are missin the point...african american females are so miserable and prone to nonsense because mostly everything they stand for is wrong..why do u think they outnumber us in church like 4 to 1. everything they pursue everyday actually goes against they're "so called religion". I like to refer to them as the closest thing to a white man without actually being one. So 6s and 7s arent actually tryin to come off as dimes she just mad because the tall cute brother with the car treated her like she treated the nice average height brother who actually had personality and principles and doesn't have to cosmetically treat himself with a ride. Fate does have a sense of humor...u are looking for the classic needle in the haystack...most dimes are idiots...the cuter the more clueless..but at least she ain't hard on the eyes right...
btw
send them to my new music site
http://www.worldphonic.com/artistpage.aspx?ai=195

it ya boi kinetic ken ramblin again..
ppaotw
perrypimpinallovertheworld

Okay - I truly want to support the TDRS/Holla blog movement... BUT YOU GOTTA UPDATE THE SITE MORE OFTEN!!!!!!!!!

It seems like the more I read, the more I find myself shaking my head in agreement ("yes, yes, yes. too true").

i have indeed found an undervalued asset, myself. many cats would overlook her. in fact it was a brotha i went to school with who introduced us. he was sittin on a pot 'a gold and didn't know it! i won't give details as to why i say this, but given your e-tales, i suspect you may already know.

however, i must say that i think markets tend TOWARD efficiency. i think the only way to beat the market is to find a new way of looking at, a new way of investing, i.e., you have to change the game. if you do the same isht eveyone else has done since the beginning, you will end up flat as the bell curve shows. this is why hedge funds, structured vehicles, etc can "beat" the market. most people don't understand them and are always one step behind them.

there are inefficiencies in the market but as markets evolve it becomes harder and harder to find them!

peace and keep the knowledge comin……aa chilton

THE EMH REPLY-B DavisWhat up, Ric? It's ya boy B Davis. As a new subscriber to the TDRSemails I hope that I am not remiss for jumping right in feet first, butit just so happens that you have combined my two favorite subjects:investments and women, so I must throw in my ten cents (since we'retalking about dimes), especially as you prepare to espouse on portfoliotheory. As a professional money manager and technical analyst, I have had ampleopportunity to test the EMH. I can both agree and disagree with yourassertions in your previous email. While I agree that one shoulddefinitely take the stock of foreign companies (you can substitute theword women for companies) into consideration when compiling yourportfolio, I don't think that it's a slam dunk that there is more valuein a foreign company. I agree that generally speaking you will pay alower price for stock in a foreign company, but I think that one musttake into consideration what allows those companies to sell at cheaperprices. I think that the first and most predominant factor is risk.Sure, you can go to Brazil and find a dime piece and add her to yourportfolio, but what is the risk that goes along with that decision? Ifshe lives in Brazil, how often will she be able to pay you her dividend?How much will it cost you to get access to her financial statementsevery time you want to meet with her? How do you know that she isn't awidely held stock? Can you really do the proper due diligence on herpast activities before you make your buy or sell decision? These arejust a few of the many questions that have to be asked before you shoulddecide whether or not to add a stock to your portfolio. Another factoris the quality of earnings. Unless you're dealing with a big time,multinational company (substitute woman for company again), i.e. AnnaKornikova or Salma Hayek, smaller foreign companies usually pay theirdividends in the local currency. You have to take the exchange rateinto account when deciding whether or not to add these stocks to yourportfolio. So if you add a Brazilian chick to your portfolio and shepays you your dividends in Brazilian currency then as an Americancompany you have to adjust your earnings to dollars for your financialreporting needs. Yes, your American dollars will go a lot further inmost foreign countries than they do here, but you must be careful thatthe dividend that you receive is more attractive in an apple to applecomparison. Which would you rather do, spend $10 and earn $1 back orspend $100 and earn $20? Now let's talk about portfolio management. The most popular measurementtool in the portfolio management arena is the price to earnings ratio.The PE ratio is the price that an investor pays for every dollar ofearnings that a company makes. If you extrapolate that out to dating,then a woman's PE ratio is the amount of work and effort that a man hasto put in divided by the amount of earnings she provides for him.Generally, there are two styles of stocks (now you can substitute womanfor stock) Value and Growth. Different investors (substitute men forinvestors) are attracted to different styles of stocks. A Value stockwould be the "diamond in the rough" that you spoke of so eloquently inthe EMH email. The objective of the Value investor is to identifystocks who for whatever reason are not achieving their full potential interms of price appreciation or dividend payments. These are your 6 and7s with 9 and 10 potential. A Growth stock typically has a higher PEratio than a Value stock. These are your celebrities, models, athletes,and other general divas. The amount of BS that an investor wouldusually have to go through to put one of these stocks in his portfoliois much greater than what he would typically have to pay for a Valuestock, but some investors will pay it because of the perception that therewards of being with a celebrity or model are greater. History hasshown that in actuality the performance of value and growth stocks overtime is about even, with a slight edge to value. So it's really aboutwhat type of investor a person is that determines the types of stocksthat should be held in the portfolio. A fellow money manger, the great Terrance Davis, said that "people buystock in anticipation of the ability of that company to pay a dividendin the future." That is the exact reason that people date. Whencompiling a portfolio of stocks, an investor should be conscious of manyfactors that influence the performance of the portfolio. He should havea little international exposure as a hedge against domesticunderperformance. But in my opinion, the foundation of any investor'sportfolio should be the Black woman. They are the Procter and Gambles,GEs, and Pfizers of women. They offer diverse product lines, theirproducts are familiar, they pay consistent dividends, and mostimportantly, they have the best quality of earnings. Think about it.Where do you see all of the money flow when the market goes intorecession? It goes into sectors like Health Care and Consumer Staplesbecause no matter what happens, you still have to buy toothpaste, toiletpaper, and medicine. That IS the Black woman. She may not run up toover $300 like the Google girls during the bull market, but she's rightthere providing her investors with solid returns. Her real value iswhen the s**t hits the fan and all of the Google girls have fallen backto earth, and there your P&G is, still earning solid returns for you.You try leaning on your Brazilian dime piece who barely speaks Englishwhen a partner at your firm told a racist joke at a client dinner andyou were the only person of color there and you HAD to laugh just to fitin and see if she can really FEEL your pain. You try explaining to yourAsian dime piece why we still need Affirmative Action and see if shereally looks you in the eye and connects with you on an experientiallevel or if she's just nodding her head while trying not to nod off.THAT is why the Black woman will always be the staple of my portfolio.Sure, she usually carries a higher PE than her internationalcompetitors, but her dividends are much greater if you can hang on andnot get shaken out of your investment during a rough patch. So all ofthe playa playas out there need to check on their portfolios and makesure that they haven't loaded up on stocks with unproven track recordsbefore there's a correction in the market and their portfolio goes theway of the dot com craze of the 90s. Like I said, that's just my ten cents. I didn't send this to the group,so you can incorporate it into your email on portfolio theory next weekif you so choose. If you want you can send my entire email to the grouplike you did your friend's mother. I just wanted to offer acounterpoint to what I perceive as an international fever that has beengoing through the Black community for sometime (especially since P Diddystarted f**king J Lo) and that every man who I know who has come backfrom a foreign country recently seems to have caught while over there.And you saw who was there for P Diddy during the trial, didn't you? TheBlack woman who he had dissed to get with J Lo. Just my thoughts...Havea great day!! I just reread this email and realized how long it is. Imust REALLY be bored at work today!!

The Hip Hop Knowledge Base

Yes...it's me again...and i'm back!!!! Thank you for all the love and support you've shown me, as I continue to do my small part in prolonging this culture we call "hiphop".

By the way, shout out to my man "Antonio" from the Lou for those King Magazine pics of Marie Wright, I mean "Free". We knew she had "a whole lotta ass!" So without further adue, let us do this like Brutus...(you know the rest).

1. Name two members of the "2 Damn Hype Possee?"

2. According to Dr. Dre in the song "Always into somethin'" Who was Ren speaking to before he got into the benz? (There are two possible answers, and I'll accept both).

3. Name the most prominent member of the "Rock Steady Crew" (Hint: he was featured in the Erykah Badu/Common video entitlted "Love of My Life")

4. Name the co-owner of Source magazine who has a personal issue with Eminiem. (Hint: He had a song out in 2002 called "Rock the Party")

5. Let's pretend for this instance your name is Method Man. If you got yourself a 40, and you got yourself a shorty...what are you about to do next?

6. Name one of these two individuals (Bonus 1 point if you name them both)


















7. "Diamonds (from Sierra Lione)" by Kanye West is about what?

8. If memory serves me correctly:

"Rickity Rocket was" this man's "favorite cartoon," and he knows "after marriage comes the honeymoon." He asked "who loved Popeye?", but his response was "Alice the goon", so he'll "be damned, gag" him "w/ a spoon."

Who is this "l'hombre de sympatico"?

9. According to Killah Mike (from the Dungeon Family) what does the acronym "Adidas" stand for?

10. Name the variety show that debuted in 2000 on MTV that featured Wordsworth, Suga T, Tracee Ellis Ross (yes "Joan" from Girlfriends), and weekly guest emcees such as: Mos Def, Da Brat, Thurston Howell III & Common.

(Answers are now posted in the comments section)

Still wondering when the hell BET is gonna fire "Mad Lynx",

B. Holcomb

It Ain't Easy . . .

Being a minority in this country brings about a unique set of challenges such as dealing with institutional racism and discrimination both overt and covert on a daily basis. However, if you thought it was hard being Black where you live, things could be worse if you live in one of these states.

The “Ten Worst Places to be Black”

1. Wisconsin
2. Iowa
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Arizona
6. Delaware
7. Nevada
8. Oregon
9. California
10. Colorado

To find out what factors contribute to a lower quality of life for the black citizens in these areas, check out this article by The Black Commentator at "The Ten Worst Places to be Black".

TDRS: THE EFFICIENT MARKETS HYPOTHESIS

What Up Fam, What up Folk. Big shout out to the new readers (Armond D and Charmaine A). Long time no hear right? Yeah I know and TDRS is really really sorry but I have an excuse. I blame THE MAN! You see TDRS has been busy closing on his first house and various real estate deals for THE MAN. What’s funny is that the man has my checking and savings account, my 401k, IRA, and credit card. The man also cuts me a check every 1st and 15th of every month. The most ironic thing about this is that the same man will start taking away one of those checks every 1st of the month for the next 30 years. Funny how that works!

Now in the TDRS Obrigado Edition http://hollaatyaboys.blogspot.com/2005/06/tdrs-obrigado-rio-edition.html I said that I would be discussing the Efficient Market Hypothesis and how it relates to life out there on them mean streets of Atlanta. I know some of you (maybe a lot of you) didn’t have the priveledge of suffering through articles written by the likes of Eugene Fama, Markowitz, Fisher, and Black in college. While you may not have been exposed to the theories these guys put down, your lives are impacted by their theories everyday whether you know it or not. That’s my job, to explain the how and why’s, so don’t worry, the finance jargon discussed in this edition will be pie once the master of analogies is done.

Anyway, this week’s edition “the Efficient Market Theory” was influenced heavily by my trip to Brazil. Yeah, TDRS isn’t going to stop talking about Brazil for a minute, so if you don’t like it, you better learn to love it, because it’s the best thing going today! Whew! Big shout out to the leader of the 4-horsemen, Mr. Rick Flair. Now where was I?

………Before I went to Rio, I made a statement in the TDRS NFL Draft Edition http://hollaatyaboys.blogspot.com/2005/05/tdrs-nfl-draft-edition.html that my beloved university (FAMU) had the best talent in the “world” pound for pound. Well, let me just say that I was wrong and I send a personal apology to my man J Reid and Paul J who wrote in to say that the league is nothing if there is not a consideration made for “foreign” players. Shame on Me! Before I get to why this is shame on me, let’s quickly breakdown or summarize the effiecient market hypothesis. For some of you this will be review, for most it might take a second to truly understand. The following is a quick synopsis of the theory :

Efficient market hypothesis (EMH) is an idea partly developed in the 1960s by Eugene Fama. It states that it is impossible to beat the market because prices already incorporate and reflect all relevant information. This is also a highly controversial and often disputed theory. Supporters of this model believe it is pointless to search for undervalued stocks or try to predict trends in the market through any technique
(fundamental or technical analysis).
Under the efficient market hypothesis, any time you buy and sell securities, you're engaging in a game of chance, not skill. If markets are efficient and current, it means that prices always reflect all information, so there's no way you'll ever be able to buy a
stock at a bargain price. This theory has been met with a lot of opposition, especially from the technical analysts. Their argument against the efficient market theory is that many investors base their expectations on past prices, past earnings, track records, and other indicators. Since stock prices are largely based on investor expectation, many believe it only makes sense to believe that past prices do influence future prices.

Did you guys get that? Are you lost? Don’t worry if you are b/c it’s time to break it down. Lets start with this second sentence which says it is impossible to beat the market because prices already incorporate and reflect all relevant information…

Beating the Market:
As I’ve said countless times, the goal out there on them streets is to play to win the game. If you’re tying to be that “playa playa” then you need to basically run “them streets” like a business. In business your goal is to be profitable and to do that you need to acquire something at lower cost than what you would eventually sell it for or purchase an asset and run it as efficiently as humanly possible to generate consistent and sustainable cash flow that can be invested in other projects. Now if you’re a “trader” aka a “playa” of the field, the former applies to you. We’ll be talking about portfolio managers or “long-term” players next week.

Now that we understand what the market is and the goal of playing in the market, we should revisit the above statement, but this time in layman’s terms. The EMH basically states that there are no “diamonds in the rough”. No “needles in the haystack. So my statement about FAMU having the pound for pound best talent in the world is not necessarily true if you subscribe to the EMH. According to the EMH, you can’t go to FAM, Howard, or anywhere for that matter and find a diamond in the rough, because the market (all the playa playas) have infiltrated the market and found the diamonds and subsequently bid up their price to a point where you can’t be profitible. The chart below shows a before (inefficient market) and after (efficient market) of when “her” price has been bid up

Inefficient Market
Efficient Market-
She leans over to open your door when she is in the passenger seat
She doesn’t even pay attention to you trying to get in the car and it’s raining!
She actually buys you dinner and not after 5 or six dates.
She doesn’t bother to reach for the check, even after the fifth date and calls you cheap if you think there is a problem with that
Actually buys a gift for you on your birthday
Resorts to sending e-cards and maybe sending a brotha a gift certificate to some wack ass steakhouse like Sizzler.
Works out b/c she wants to look good
Voluntarily let’s “herself go” and “expects” brothas to be cool with it.

You see today’s discussion isn’t about acquiring a dime. It’s about acquiring a dime when no really knows that it’s a dime or finding dimes where no one has thought of going. Now that’s a true playa. I mean acquiring something at fair value is fine, but don’t you feel better when you get it for a deal. I mean, fellas, doesn’t it feel good when you find that girl who isn’t demanding what they think is “market value”? That’s the problem with dating on them mean streets of the USA. Many women “think” they are worth more than they actually are. Hell, there are some who think they are the best in the world and because of it walk around like they’re ish doesn’t stink! Like J.T. money said, “I hate hoes and hoes hate me”! If you feel that you are one of the following, then I am talking about you. If not, then just read and laugh. The biatches that I hate are the one’s who:

Only go on dates to get free meals, but have the nerve to call a brotha cheap.
Get upset if I don’t buy them drinks, but have the nerve to call a brotha cheap.
Got burned out partying too damn much in college, but has the nerve to say brothas who hit the club regularly aren’t mature.

Fellas (and ladies you can subscribe to this as well) the discussion up to this point is leading to my contention that the market is NOT EFFICIENT. Fellas you can beat the market, because all releveant information is not incorporated into the price these women are demanding. There are some over valued women out there and they must be sold immediately. Now before someone references the URS scale and my affinity for dimes, let me just say there is nothing wrong with acquiring a dime that is selling for fair value. My problem isn’t with dimes, it’s with 6’s and 7’s who are selling like they are dimes. As my man Maceo says in the current club classic Hoe sit down, “Hoe pay attention, play your position”.

The only way to determine if these hoes are over-valued is to do research. That means taking a trip to Rio, the Domincan Republic or somewhere that isn’t heavily covered by playa playas and assessing the viability of those markets. I am not saying that Brazil is the end all be all, but I got believe one should at least consider the assets there before buying anything in the good ole U S of A. That’s all that I am saying.

Techincal & Fundamental Analysis: Skill or Chance?
Because I believe the market is inefficient, I also believe that winning out there on them streets takes skill and it’s not just chance. The EMH basically says that analyzing the game as I do is moot because the market already knows everything that I spit so no one can profit from it. Yeah Right!

Actually to be more accurate and to educate the folks I should really breakdown the EMH into its parts. There are three forms of the EMH, weak form, semi-strong, and strong and because I’m clearly bored waiting for information from a client, I’ll pontificate on the three forms.

The Weak Form
The weak form EMH says that no excess returns can be earned by using investment strategies based on historical share prices or other financial data. Basically, in a weak-form efficient market current share prices are the best, unbiased, estimate of the value of the security. The only factor that affects these prices is the introduction of previously unknown news. News is generally assumed to occur randomly, so share price changes must also therefore be random.

In laymans terms, the weak form says that you can’t look at a female’s (or male’s) past and determine his or her current value. I say bulllllllllSHIT on that one! Once a ____, always a ____! You can fill in the blanks however you want. Just because you have been dipped in the water three times or declared yourself celebate doesn’t increase your value or worth. It’s definitely a step in the right direction, but don’t try to act like you’ve been a saint all of your life. Fellas know the good ones from the bad so if you’re out there thinking you got brothas tricked b/c they don’t know your past, think again! They really do! I’m sorry for the offended, but as my man E.Fountain says: if you reading this to feel good about yourself, then you are reading the wrong damn thing.
· The Spring Effect
Techincal analysts evaluate stocks by looking over some time period or even a period time over some period of time, such as studying stock prices in January (aka the January effect). The January effect occurs at the end of the year when investors, start to worry about taxes and proceed to sell some stocks that are down so the losses can be written off against capital gains. This selling causes stocks to go down near the end of the year and back up in January when investors buy back the stocks they sold…
The same sort of methodology can be done out there on them streets. The best time to pick up females on the cheap is NOT during the fall months like one would think, but during the spring! I know you’d think that women would want to have a man during the fall to curl up with, which they do. However, men are thinking the same thing so they artificially bid up the price of women during this time. Moreover, women have used the summer months to get in shape so they think they’re “all that” around this time. Fellas don’t waste your time here. Wait until the spring when the “break-up season” starts.
During the break-up season those guys that overpaid in the winter realize their stupidity when the Amerie skirts and low cut jeans start being put on display. In an attempt to clear “cap space” (see the NFL draft edition) these brothas break-up with their winter honeys out of the blue causing all types of disruption in the market because it is so unexpected. These poor women are heartbroken and have no one to turn to. This is an investment opportunity and TDRS says BUY! And I’m not just saying buy one, but two or three b/c they will be pretty darn cheap. This my friends is the “Spring Effect” and a many a brothas (technical analysts) take advantage of this market inefficiency year after year.
Now before I get to the next form, I have to say that there are some techincal anlayses that don’t work or are no longer valid for finding market efficiencies. Fellas, the “Let Out” is no longer valid. It’s no longer valid purely because everyone participates in the ‘Let out” and that really limits your ability to find inefficiences. Remember when the let out was simply just a gathering of everyone that was in the club and you the playa, playa showed up out of no where and plucked a few winners from the crowd? Well that has totally changed because it is just as many people waiting outside the club than there were in the club. Brothas are waiting outside by the door. They are riding down the strip with them 22’s yelling “hey shawty” every minute, heck they even have they’re boy hold a seat at the waffle house knowing that your crew is going to show up there.
The Semi-Strong Form
Share prices adjust instantaneously and in an unbiased fashion to publicly available new information, so that no excess returns can be earned by trading on that information.

I am not even going to talk layman’s terms here. I’d just rather give an example to disprove this theory. Ja Rule tried to show us the way with the “Holla Holla” video. Snoop and Pharell tried even harder to show us the way in the “Beautiful” video. Hell Mr. J. Jackson and TDRS, both commoners tried and despite the blatant releasing of unbiased information which showed just how ridiculous Rio De Janiero is, there is still a number of opportunities down there. Everyone knows just how ridiculous it is yet every day someone different comes back with a smile on his face that is often imitated but can never be duplicated.

The Strong Form
The Strong Form says that share prices reflect all information and no one can earn excess returns.

The clincher to this form is that it has all been disproven by the likes of folks like Martha Stewart who are convicted of insider information. To the extent people trade on insider info, there is no way the strong form holds.

Even if you believe the market is efficient, the key to winning the game is getting the inside scoop on these ladies. The good thing is that out on them streets trading on insider info is not illegal. Fellas if you have to “buddy” up with her sister, brother, father, or momma to figure out her value, then do it. They do it to us, so we should return the favor!

Final Thoughts
Again I’m sorry for continuing to be incognegro. I am still out there on them streets and I will continue to spit that hot fire like the top three rappers of all time, Dylan, Dylan, & Dylan! This weeksTDRS focused on the EMH and was more so geared toward the playa playas. The next TDRS will focus on portfolio theory, which is more so geared to those of us who are “long-term holders of stocks. HollaAtYaBoy!

Mailbag

· Good summary my man. Next time, less detail. Leave'em guessin'. Default to the standard "A good time was had by all"…..b holcomb (retired playa circa: 04)

· sounds like bruhs got a lot of "beijos" *hah*…… Quia Q
· I enjoy reading your newsletter man. It is a great break from the monotonous work day….Charmaine A

The Hip Hop Knowledge Base (7/14/05)

Alright boys and girls...I'm back! Shout out to: TDRS, The Rattlesnake, Jamiz, 50 Gran and AIR to allow me worldwide shine via the mighty Internet...w/o further adue, let's get into this edition:


1. D-Nice was one of the first to eliminate what popular hairstyle worn by African-American men in the late 80s??

2. Whose residence would you have reached if you heard this on the answering machine: "Hey...how you doin? Sorry you can't get through...But if you leave your name...and your number...and I'll..get back...to you"

3. "PSK, we're makin' green" Really tho, what the hell does that mean?
(Editor's Note: For the sake of "space" (and time) just tell me what the initials PSK stand for)

4. Which of the following have NOT collaborated with Raphael Saddiq?

a) Mocedes the Mellow
b) Don P the Chondon sipper
c) DJ Quik
d) Leonard Hubbard

Bonus (1 pt each) For the remaining 3 artists, Name the song in which they colloaborated w/ "Mr. S-a double D-I-Q"

5. Foxxy Brown has franchised several chains of this popular pizza joint out in Brooklyn, NY...name this restaraunt

6. Brian McKnight assisted this rap duo in the scheming of women in the song "I'll Take Her". Name this duo

7. Fill in the blanks to the below hook:

"Money & the power, Money & the power ____________________________ Money & the Power"

(Note: There are 3 possible answers...I only accept the two non profane answers)

8. Before he hit "Big success" (yes I use that term lightly) with the song "I got a Man", Positive K first appeared w/ MC Lyte on what song?

9. Name an NBA franchise that Master P tried out for in the late 90s. (Note: there are two possible answers, I'll accept both and credit you one bonus point for naming both)

10. Besides Pac & Hussein Fatal, name another member of the Outlaw Immortalz.

This quiz has been brought you today by the The New Chairperson of The Karl Rove is a snitch fanclub,

B. Holcomb

(Answers are posted in the comments section)

1

A Quiz from Our Resident HipHop Historian B Holcomb

Before we get into this edition of "The quiz", two friendly reminders

a) Please set your Tivo/DVR/VCR for what can potentially be the greatest reality show of all time..."Being Bobby Brown" Thursday June 30th 9pm EST on BRAVO

b) Kimberly Jones (b/k/a Lil' Kim) gets sentenced today (June 24th 2005). Please be sure "Playas Anthem" and "Diamonds" (Which in my opinion are her two greatest flows) get some rotation out of your speakers this weekend.

(Answers to the quiz will be posted next week)

1) How many chapters were there in EPMD's collection of "Jane" sagas?

2) This guy really wants a Gangsta b_____. Oh wait, let me rephrase that b/c that could be anybody. This guy came on the scene in the early 90s with the single "Gangsta ______". Name him.

3) HIP HOP WORD ASSOCIATION: (1 pt each)
Flava Flav is to Chuck D as ___________ is to MC Hammer (I'm sorry, the mere mention of the name MC Hammer brings about a chuckle at minimum. BTW I have a friend from Dallas, TX that can "Mongoose" like no other)

_______ is (was) to Foxxy Brown as Lil' Kim is (was) to Junior M.A.F.I.A.

for 3 point bonus...according to Biggie what did the acronym M.A.F.I.A. stand for?

4) What was unique about the Pharcyde's 1996 video entitled "Drop"?

5) This guy played the legendary Joey Simmons in the movie "Krush Groove"

6) Where did Q-Tip & Phife used to kick routines where the presence was fittin'?

7) The front man of the group Main Source is _________ (BTW am I the only one left that still has hope of his album coming out??)

8) Complete the following line "Eazy...hey Eazy! Why you wear your pants like that??"

9) According to B. Holcomb, he believes this former Real World Season 1 cast member escalated the Biggie/Pac feud via print media. Name this person. (HINT: He was the one MTV constantly portrayed as "angry")

10) Who would Ice Cube prefer to leave the parties to shake your rump to?
Still convinced Timbaland says "ungh" more than Biggie,

B. holcomb

Answers posted in the comments section.

That's All I Have to Say About That (Rio Recap)

Return from RIO:

So the boy are back from Brazil. How was it the readers may ask? Well the Boys: That Damn Ric Simon ("He won’t wife them but he might light their wrist"), Jamiz ("The New Rick James"), Davis ("I went with an agenda and as soon as I got there I threw it all out the window"),PJ (the tour guide), Kong (also known in some circles as Killer) with a guest appearance by Jumoke ("the life saver") all had a great time. Oh yeah and E Troupe was there to keep us in line.
First lets start with some basic take-aways from the trip:
Brazil has by far the best looking women in the world, dimes are a dime a dozen if you know what I mean. A warning to the ladies in the US that like to act a fool when dealing with Brothas. At some point Brothas WILL start import these girls and when that happens you better watch out because you think good brothas are scarce now, well just wait (this has been your public service announcement).

1.) I’m sure TDRS will cover this but the URS must be revised or at least recalibrated when in Brazil.

2.) Up until going to Brazil I never understood why guys were speechless when I ask them how their trip was……………well I understand now.

3.) The meat in Brazil is by far the best I have ever tasted, absent all the social activities, the sun and the fun I would have made the trip just for the meat and that is no lie.

4.) Exchange rates are a beautiful thing 2.5 Reals to the dollar allows brothas to ball till they fall, drink till the faint and live it up big willy style like the Jigga man.

5.) The music videos don’t do it justice.

6.) If you ever go to Rio, a warning, don’t ever, ever, ever, ever, go on any party boats, I’m not going to explain but that is enough said. There are about 25 brotha’s from H-town that will fill you in if you ask them.

A few Memorable Quotes from the Trip:

Early Departures:
"Yeah I know I have only been here for two days but I am ready to go home."

Spending Habits:
"I don’t care what you say but I am not going to the casino ATM tonight"
"How much did that chicken cost"

The Sights
"Man I am tired of looking at women"
"Please tell her to go sit down"
"I saw that she was talking but she was just so fine that I had a hard time listening"

The Ways of the World:
"There is our world and then there is Kong’s world"

Brothas and the Admirals Club:
"Yeah I might be able to get one of you in the Admirals Club"
"Dude there are two of us what is the other guy supposed to do"
"I mean you guys can switch off"
"Dude I’m going back outside"
"Cool I’ll see you on the plane"

Air Travel from Rio to Belo:
"This is by far my favorite airline"
"You know this might be the first time that I pay attention to the seat belt demonstration"
"Did you want something from the stewardess"
"No"
"Please tell her to go sit down"

This is a Marathon Not A Sprint (you better make sure your liver is ready if you travel with the boys)
"You guys better drink I am already a drink ahead of you"
"You obviously don’t understand who you are traveling with"
"Last night I fell down the stairs and my shoes ended up on opposite sides of the club"
"Man it was crazy because I fell so hard that people in the club were coming over to pick me up"

I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up
"So you fell in the shower"
"Yeah"
"How did that happen"
"I don’t know man but all I could think was damn not again, this happened last time I was here"
"This happened last time, What the hell are you doing in there dude"

To conclude: male readers if you have not gone to Brazil buy a ticket tomorrow (you will thank me). To the women readers you better treat brothas right because if we can’t import them we will institute a frequent flyer program.

A Few Observations from Daily life

Cassidy
Not sure if anyone noticed this but your favorite hustler Cassidy was indited the other day for murder and weapons charges in Phili. Here is the summary of the event as reported on MTV.com:

Police claim Cassidy and two other men, armed with .45 and .40 caliber handguns, 9 mm pistols, AK-47 assault rifles and 7 .62 mm rifles, fired on three unarmed men during an argument behind a house in the rapper's northwest Philadelphia neighborhood, killing one of them — 22-year-old Desmond Hawkins. The other two victims were treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds and released.

Now some may argue that he did this to sell more albums. Or maybe he did this because he needed a jail stint to improve his street cred. Or maybe he just did it because he felt like living in an 8x10 cell would be much better than living in a mansion but all that being said "What the hell is wrong with rappers these days"? Now because of his stupidity I am officially giving Cassidy the annual Rae Carruth achievement award (if you are not familiar with this award please see the December 2000 edition of That’s All I have to Say). He is now joining distinguished company as previous winners include Daryl Strawberry, The Bush Daughters and Robert Kelly.
So I’ve got a couple of questions for Cassidy:
So you shot these guys in back of your house?
Why?
Did you think the neighbors wouldn’t notice?
Was it necessary to use 11 different guns?
Can 3 guys hold 11 guns?
That’s 3.7 guns per person, were extra arms involved?
Does it really take that many guns when the men you fired on are unarmed (damn the least you could have done was lend them a couple of guns so that it was a fair fight)?

So you’re a hustler huh? Well I think that is really going to be put to the test in the pen son.

Free MJ
I’m glad to see that Mike is free because I really didn’t want to see him become the meat in a man sandwich while in the pen. So to commemorate his new found freedom I have just a bit of advice to Mike’s friends and family……..If you are smart you will make that Grown Ass Man turn off the rides and start hanging out with adults (preferably strippers just so there is no more question about his sexuality or his perceived preference for Under Roos rather than Victoria Secrets).

Questions for People Who Love MJ
What’s up with all these people who lived outside the courthouse during the MJ trial including the women who let doves go for each not guilty plea. Don’t these people have jobs, how do you get off work for a month and a half to stake out the MJ trial? Where do you get a box of doves from? Do you need a permit to release doves? Given this years vacation what’s the next vacation? Would these people let their kids sleep over at Neverland now?

and That’s All I Have to Say About That.

TDRS-THE OBRIGADO RIO EDITION

What up man? Did you relocate to Brazil or what? TDRS is starting to become an urban legend. You know in Hot-lanta you’re only as good as your last appearance and brotha you been MIA for a minute…Yas

What up FAM? What up Folk? I know, I know, it’s been far too long and I sincerely apologize to all of my people for being “incog-NEGRO” for the last month or so. I have an excuse and it all has to do with my vacation to Brazil, which will be highlighted later in this edition. I really wanted to put out an edition before departing for Rio, but I had a number of work related assignments that unfortunately were a priority. TDRS is definitely my priority, but since I am not being paid for “spitting that hot fire” like Dylan, Dylan, & Dylan every week, I had to take care of “the man” first because “he” pays me the dollars to live this pimp lifestyle out on them mean streets of Atlanta and I guess worldwide.

Before I “spit that hot fire”, I got to send a special shout out to my girl E Dukes who just had a B-day (June 20th) and to the new readers (‘Warren C., Robert M. and Khalilah). Quick shout out to J Reid for the pics from his trip to my old stomping grounds in Shanghai, China. Did you know that there was a Popeye’s chicken in Shanghai? Did you also know that the cashiers there have the same stank attitude like the ones in the U.S. I’ve got pics to prove it. Anyway, brothas with passports are a scary thing! I also like to thank T Mayo’s mom for her eloquent reply to the “You Don’t Know Me Edition”. I’d also like to send another special shout out to the wonderful part-time editors who are always keeping ya boy on the right track (for all intents and purposes right Trish?).

Instead of overloading you guys with the mailbag, I decided after advice from another part-time editor (S Davis) to put the mailbag at the end. We’ll see how this works, but if you guys like it the other way, let a brotha know. In addition to hitting you up with an email, I’ll also post the most current edition on the website. For those that don’t already know you can check out ya boys at http://hollaatyaboys.blogspot.com. This way you all can post your well-written and hilarious comments directly to the site. If you want to hit me up directly, you all know what to do and you know I do respond! If your replies are worthy, I’ll definitely post them in the next TDRS.

So I guess some of you are wondering what’s up with the title for this week’s edition. Well to be brief, “obrigado” is Portuguese for “thank-you”. So yes, I am essentially saying thank-you to Rio in this edition, and boy do I thank Rio. This will be a relatively short one, so my apologies to those (Yas and a few new readers) who are expecting that 4,000+ word classic rant. A brotha has to get back into the swing of things and believe me I got plenty of material to hit you with in the coming weeks. This edition is sort of an introduction or executive summary to next week’s edition that will be entitled “The Efficient Market Theory/Hypothesis (EMH)”. To all my business/finance buffs out there, yes, your boy is going to answer the oft-debated question of whether the market (and ya’ll know what market I’m talking about) is truly efficient. For those who didn’t have the fortune or shall I say misfortune to take Dr. Larry Frieder’s Theory of Finance class at FAMU, I’ll make sure to thoroughly explain the “theory” and it’s implications out there on them mean streets. While I’m thinking about it, I think the next month of TDRS will be entitled Special Topics in Finance and How They Relate to Life On Them Mean Streets.

Rio, Rio, Rio
There is no good way to discuss ya boys’ adventure into those mean streets of Rio De Janeiro. I wish I could have chronicled every waking minute and even those sleeping ones too, but I couldn’t. It was pretty much close to impossible. However, I did figure out a way to summarize our adventure, while at the same time forcing you guys and gals to actually “think outside of the box” to really understand why I am giving thanks to Rio. A few people will immediately understand b/c they were there, some will understand because they’ve been there, some will try hard to understand because they want to go there and the rest just won’t understand.

To make this easy, I decided to byte off my man J Jackson (aka Rick James) and present this in bullet point/Manifesto form. Folks, the following are my observations and thoughts while I was in Rio.

1) Strokers, Cheetah, Magic City, Club Nikki’s, Blue Flame, Platinum 21. Why?
2) What happens in Rio, will happen again, and again in Rio.
3) Vegas? Yeah Right!
4) Breakfast buffets, Outback Steakhouse? Give me a break!
5) Wow. Rum + Limes + Ice + Sugar. This is some sort of seriously spiked Kool-aid concoction.
6) The Universal Ratings Scale has forever been adjusted.
7) I mean if you can draft a Manu Ginobili, why would you waste your time with a Chris Paul?
8) I mean if you can draft a Manu Ginobili on the “cheap” why would you waste your time with anyone period!
9) Hey Hugh Hefner, I don’t need an invitation to your stinking parties!
10) Oh yeah, the smell on my white “robe” trumps your smoking jacket any day playa.
11) Hey Gabrielle Union, it truly “has been brought”.
12) So Jerry Maguire had “her” at at hello? Well she had me at “Oye”.
13) I wish I had two more hands to give “four thumbs up”!
14) Wow, so my visa is good for five years?
15) So you mean I can go back as many times as I want for five years?
16) Do I have to go back? ….
17) Sorry, when do I have to come back?
18) I haven’t really seen any “American” couples in Rio.
19) I definitely haven’t seen any African-American couples in Rio.
20) Wow E. Troupe is the only African-American female in this entire city. Hmmm. I wonder why.
21) I’ve never had to use mathematics this much in my life.
22) If you can divide quickly in your head, you’re halfway there in Rio.
23) Wow “there are some ho’s in the house. If you see them point em out”
24) I’m sorry I was just pointing at you, not calling you over. But since you’re here….
25) Voce fala ingles?
26) No? That’s okay with me.
27) “Beautiful, Girl I want you to know, that you’re my favorite girl”…
28) ….. Today that is.
29) “Bar Etiquette” is truly a worldwide thing.
30) Wait a minute. I just had to purchase drink tickets for this club, but I didn’t have to stand in line. How did they do that?
31) Ahh, I see now. They have multiple counters from which to buy drink tickets. These guys are really smart down here.
32) At what point do you say enough is enough?
33) Who created this whole pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming thing anyway?
34) I can’t feel a thing! Oh wait a minute I felt that though. ….that tickles.
35) Hey PJ if you call this “bottom feeding” then I’ll take the shrimp and crawfish all day and twice-on Sunday.
36) I truly understand why Rick James was one of the baddest muthafu#$ on the planet.
37) If I cash out of my 401k, sell my car, borrow money from friends and family and never go to chic-fil -a ever again then maybe I’ll have enough.
38) “I’m very happy to be here”…I really understand how Akeem felt when he arrived in Queens with Semi.
39) Suite or regular room???
40) I think “poles” are just an American thing.
41) You think I’m beautiful? Huh?
42) My name is Davis biatch!…..that was for you T-Dog
43) Wow this old James Brown song won’t get out of my head.
44) Is that Crisco Oil? No man that’s sun tan lotion.
45) So it’s his job is to apply sun tan lotion all day?
46) Please tell her to “Go sit down”!
47) Buyer’s happiness….
48) Buyer’s remorse
49) “Oh yet and still, you wouldn't believe your eyes if you went to Brazil”…..Ludacris and Bobby Valentino were definitely on to something in the Pimpin All Over the World track!
50) Chao! Obrigado!


Final Thoughts…..
I apologize again for not at least letting everyone know that I was going to be on vacation. The good thing is that you’ve all had a nice break from TDRS, so you’re minds are eager to interpret that “hot fire”. Be ready, because TDRS is going to take it up another notch in the following weeks.

HollaAtYaBoy!

The MailBag
What up, Ric! This weeks TDRS, “You don’t know me” was straight every now and again pimps have to tackle politics and the human condition it’s part of our philanthropic side! Seems to me these days that people don’t know how to “act right” whether it’s players in the league, the black community at large or political figures, etc. Maybe you’ll bless us in the future with a TDRS that addresses Acting Right or the lack there of! I know many times in my life I have heard many a women utter the words “Girl, why can’t he just act right!” Anyway, I’m still waiting for the OMSA addition – now that you’ve done your civic duty get back to the subject at hand! J

· Every once in a while you put in a plug for your search for the "dime" wife. It really cracks me up. (-: · Hey y'all, I couldn't resist forwarding this week's TDRS to my mother for her opinion. Eb, you know my mother loved this!!! Carlos, you know my mother loves you but as you can see she had a lot to say........... Gentlemen: (TDRS and Angry black man), I had the opportunity to read your web dialogue and found the subject and context extremely profound and it peaked my interest, thus led me to provide some additional comment. I have always been impressed by the intelligence, imagination, creativity and humor of the African American, then I find myself wondering how we have ended up with such mediocre and milquetoast leaders, such as, Jesse Jackson, Kwesi Mufume , Andrew Young and Martin Luther King III to name a few. The problems that have plague our African American brothers and sisters include, but is not limited to disaffection and disillusionment, in addition the politizing and economic apartheid has provide a platform for Mexican (illegal or legal to become the new negro, as stated by the Angry Black Man). There has been this recent movement between the government and corporations to dominate the political and economical stability of national communities, particularly, minorities. Mexicans be legal or illegal provide a mechanism for manipulation and control. As it currently stands our European People (White Americans) are quicklybecoming the minority, to that point it causes fear and concern of losing control. This illicit marriage of corporate and political, leads us to President Fox and the Texans (Goode ole boys), go figure......One has to wonder why Pres. Fox felt compel to use his bi-lingual abilities when making such an observable and generalize statement concerning the work abilities or desires of African Americans as a platform to justify the means to an end. The marketing and selling of Mexican capital. I would reference a previous study on racial inequality, which assumes that the relative failure of Black employees in the labor market is partially related to their work habits and lower organizational attachment, this assumption is permeated throughout our global network.Thus, providing a negative stereotype that we are not willing to take lower level paying jobs, in addition we are not willing to take responsibility for our economic existence. The undeclared American Apartheid is one key component of the economic basis of racism.During his visit to Mexico, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson said that he welcomed the remarks, in a backhand sort of way. This causes one to pause and pontificate our suppose leadership and, begs to question who benefits from this comment? Jesse L. Jackson or African Americans. In addition Jesse further stated, "President Fox has opened a door, "Just like the bus driver who put Rosa Parks off the bus. He opened a door for us to talk about the system of denial." Is it denial or just ignorance?One would call it the involuntarily" racist attitude. Young adults, when you attempt to excuse away 200 years of slavery and oppression placed on a group of people who did not enter through the Ellis Island Gateway, it causes the great ancestors that came before you were a seed in your mother's womb, to quiver in their resting places. I grew up during the Civil Rights Era, my parents were part of the struggle, of which they fought for all to have the right to eat, drink, live, work and enjoy this land that our ancestors help to build along with the Native American must we forget. I'm sure you would say there is no struggle or cause to fight for; however, I would challenge you to look to the trees and particularly Stone Mountain, where many slaves were hung from trees and thrown over the mountain to their deaths, because of inferiority and fear. My father recently cited one fact that he constantly relieves daily, when we think about religion, how during his childhood the white people would go to church pray and get the spirit and then have their picnics under the tree while a black man hung above. You may not be going through the back doors, or seeing visual signs that read for WHITES ONLY, I would caution that institutional racism is ever so present and the doors are lock, only this time you have keys, continue to use them as eventually you will unlock all the doors. Please honor those who came before you with pride and dignity and self worth. President Fox comment should fuel discussions such as this and hopefully, just hopefully as you are moving on up you turn around and using Poncho Brown's painting caption "He Ain't Heavy" pull up your young brothers and sisters, mentor, guide and share the wealth of knowledge. Follow the path of history and knowledge. "KNOWLEDGE IS WORTHLESS, IF IT IS NOT SHARED",Tom Brooks, Historian Thank youMs. Mayo

TDRS-THE U DON'T KNOW ME EDITION

What Up Fam, What Up Folk, it’s YaBoy and I’m telling all the ladies out there to give me dat. Big shout out to the new readers (EjAce and Serendipity, who actually posted a reply on the hollaatyaboys blog site). Yeah summer time is coming and I can’t wait for skirts and skins. Anyway, I was slightly pissed off last week and I must apologize to many of you who wrote in (Jacq and Nicole) to correct a brotha on certain reality television shows. Apparently (i) we won back to back Amazing Races, (ii) American Idol’s Bo Bock is much more talented than Vonzell, (iii) Keenyah didn’t consistently bring her A-Game and deserved to get booted on America’s Top Model and (iv) there have been two Real World’s (“RW”) that featured more than 3 black people (RW NY and Vegas). Btw RW Las Vegas has got to be the best RW of all time. My boy J-Jackson and I have had a crush on Irulan for a minute now.

Yes, TDRS didn’t bring his A-Game last week and I sincerely apologize for my ridiculous rants that were not grounded in facts (they never really are). The only show I should have commented on was Kevin Hill b/c I actually watch the show religiously. I’m still very upset about its cancellation. I mean no more Michael Michelle or Monroe McManus …… Damn, Damn, Damn! Anyway, I’ll stop and post the mailbag comments this week before diving into my thoughts.

Mailbag
The mailbag is sort of long this week, but it is for a reason. My man Mr. Carlos Lawton spit some fire to TDRS and I don’t ever back away from fire so here are his comments:
Alright see now I gotta take the time and actually take the time to respond (only because one of this weeks points caused a rift between me and girl from way back (no names will be mentioned)). You dig those indented parenthesis. I know, but moving on. I was shocked, appalled, angered, hurt and dare I say pissed of man all at the same time by your comments on Vicente Fox. For those that read the latest TDRS but don’t really know what all the hype is about here is the statement that caused the stir.
"There is no doubt that Mexican men and women, full of dignity, drive and a capacity for work, are doing the jobs that not even blacks want to do there, in the United States."
You see me talking directly to your readers so you gotta post this even though it’s probably gonna be too long and not nearly as poignant as your commentaries. Again moving on. I’m sure that this response coming from me will shock anyone that knows me considering the fact that one of my many online pseudonyms is the “the angry black man”, I refer to my Caucasian brethren as crackalacks on a daily basis and for a while was seriously considering starting an online service called Rent-a-Mex that shipped day workers around the country in crates. And to answer the immediate question of “Is he just playing devils advocate?” The answer is no. This is truly how I feel.
Why the hell do we (my black people) get pissed off when someone says something in public that is one the truth and two something we say our damn selves. Bill Cosby comes to mind. Now I’m sure many people out there will contend that his statement wasn’t true and that we have never said anything like this. I’ll address those misguided and jaded individuals in a minute. Others that will say that even if its true he still shouldn’t have said it because he’s in no position to make such statements about the US. Shhhhhit. The hell he isn’t. He’s got just as much right to say it as we do when make judgments and statements about the situations and people in any other countries all around the would. Hell at least what he said was true. Half the time we just make up $hit talking about places we haven’t and probably won’t ever even visit.
To those people who don’t feel what he said was true, I present to you this question. Who did all the jobs that are now being done by Mexicans, back in the day? It was we or rather our grandparents and great grandparents. We worked in unsafe environments for little pay, got mistreated, disrespected and made fun of on a daily basis by our employers for damn near pennies, but we went back day after day after day because we didn’t have many alternatives. Today opportunity abounds, at least for some, so we won’t take a job paying $3 an hour picking fruit, plucking chickens or being the maid at a hotel while people hurl racial slurs at us. Why? Because we either have other options, the jobs are too dangerous or don’t pay enough to make it worth our time, or in some cases we just think the job is beneath us. And I’ll be the first one to tell you some jobs are beneath me. I’m not cleaning anyone’s damn toilet much less for less than minimum wage while they are calling me a nigger, no matter how hard times get. If you would more power to you but I don’t think those that would say yes are few and far between. Say what you will but I’m just not doing it. A Mexican on the other hand will. Wait let me rephrase, some Mexicans will. Please don’t try to take my generalizations and apply them to every person that is a member of each of these races. I’m sure there are black folks that will take the same jobs as the Mexicans. I will however say this, last time I rolled by Home Depot I didn’t see a lot faces like mine waiting to be picked up to go to work. But when headed home I passed at least 3 brothers asking me for money (you might not believe this part but if you’ve ever been to my spot you know it’s……Shouts out to my Summerhill crackhead crew). Raise your hand if you’ve ever been asked to borrow a dollar from a Mexican (Californians don’t’ answer). I’m not saying that is always the case but I am pointing it out just the same.
Now if you don’t think we say the same types of things ourselves I will point to the example of myself again. I’ve been referring to Mexicans as the “niggers of the new millennium” since 2000. And everyone that I’ve made the statement to has had to agree. Yes I know there is huge difference between a nigger and black person but when you talking about looking through the eyes of society that line gets so fine its almost non existent. There was a point in time when someone (white folks and some blacks with money) wanted some work done cheap they went and hired the local "nigger", "african amercan", "negro", "darky", "spook", "jigga boo", "jungle bunny", "tar baby". Call it what you will but it was a black person and too most them they were all the same and to many still are today.
All I’m really saying is this. Maybe we should look at what the man really said instead of the fact that he mentioned even black won’t do. He said there are hard working Mexicans that will take jobs that we won’t. Its true. Its not even a bad thing necessarily. Blacks may be considered the lowest rung of our societal totem pole but that’s not Fox’s doing, that’s not even just an outside view. That is the reality of our domestic situation and that is fucked up. Maybe had he said “jobs that even the poorest blacks won’t take” that would have us feel better. But it wouldn’t change the fact or reality of where we stand in the hierarchy of things here the good ole US of A. If anything should have us pissed off it should have been the fact that his words rang so true and that many of us aren’t doing anything to make the situation better. Getting a big house and nice car and a great career doesn’t really help the race as whole. Mentor a kid and do something to move the race a whole move forward then come hollatchaboy. You mark my words Mexicans may be the “niggers” of today but in a few more generations they’ll pass up by and we’ll be right back playing catch up. Don’t believe me go take a visit to Miami for a week. No disrespect TDRS but damn I’ve been fucking pissed off about this whole thing since I listened to NPR when he first said the shit. Peace….. The Angry Black Man.

Hotel Party Comments
In defense of the old school party, I will admit that it was hot, that they did sell wack drink tickets, and that old A$$ Frederick Douglas was serving drinks. But all that being said there was tons of opportunity in the room I mean any party where the floor is shaking like a 3.5 earth quake is coming through means that the ladies are dancing hard and that the guys are definitely getting something put on them. And (yeah I started a sentence with and) yes it was hot but I saw a number of women willing to take off unnecessary clothing and sweat through weaves in order to break it down to the old school jams. I even saw a brotha who shall remain nameless, get it put on him for at least 20 minutes by a young lady at the party, and while this happened I heard no complaints about the heat, the drink tickets or Frederick Douglas. Let it also be said that I saw the same brotha refuse to leave when the party was over and recite the full acapella version of Slick Rick's Lodi Dodi before exiting. Sounds like a wack party to me what do you think? All parties don't have to be nice and organized with the beautiful people standing around sometime you need to just get hot, sweaty and dance till you drop (that room reminded me of CPA and the Demp room circa 1999) you don't always want to go in there but some
nights it is just the right place to be. While I am talking and trying to get into the mail bag let me just comment on a disturbing trend that I am seeing in the league these days. Let's just say that you have a player with all the talent in the world and for most of his college career he under achieved and didn't play up to his ability, well lets just say that through some coaching and some pushing by less talented players he began to actually play up to his abilities at the end of his college career. Because of his poor college career the player was drafted low (by a non-contender, located in a city that was less than idea) and consequently had a poor rookie contract despite his tremendous talent. Realizing that he had to work and produce to get that big max contract three or four years down the road the player worked hard put up big number, filled every stat column, and became a dominant player in the league. He then cut a max free agent deal and moved to play in the best city (some call it the Mecca) in the league. What happened you may ask yourself, well the player got cocky, took plays off, didn't practice as hard, and basically refused to give his full effort. Next thing you know he was being mentioned in the same sentence with Vice Carter and other contract player who were performing well below their skill level because of a lack of effort. It just sad to see a player wasting his talent. Get your game up son and stop dropping passes. …..Coach aka J Jackson. This unknown player will comment on this email in the next edition…..TDRS

· MAN I FEEL YOU WITH REGARDS TO THE HOTEL PARTIES WITH TICKETS!! I refer to this as Operation: Old Mother Hubbard. Because after you stand in line to get a drink ticket (which is charged @ a premium), you then go to the bar and there's NOTHING THERE!!! I'm talking there MIGHT be one bottle of Stoli...there MIGHT be some brown liqour in a short and stout case that they try to pass of as "Crown" etc. etc...it's horrible man! So then you're reduced to sippin' on brew all night but then the economies of scale kick in and you realize you're paying premium rates for brew which normally (no disprect to your East Coast, Bay area, So.Cal, Miami or Chicago readers) runs $2-$3 (domestic) and $4-5 (import) a pop. IT'S AN OUTRAGE!!!! B. Holcomb

· Once again great work. FAMU is great place. My boy went there a needing only a small push to become the next Condie Rice. The most blandest, compliant blackman I have known. Now look at him bashing Mexicans, ranting about being a minority and consuming alcohol AND saying that his mate has to be at least part African American. Boy did you show those people who voted you "Most like to be married to a white chick!!! What the f@&% would Mrs. Asbury say if she saw u now. And, I am glad to see your "selfish" ass admit you have no desire to or skill at being a wingman. [BTW--I will do my own accounting tables! You don't have to dodge me sissy. It's a done deal.] And, yeah, I DID "set" you up with Brady. Dude, I invited her to YOUR CONDO WITH THE VIEW OF THE ATLANTA SKYLINE. DUUUUUUH!!!! I DON'T HAVE AN MBA BUT I'M NOT AN IDIOT EITHER!!! I EVEN TOLD HER YOU WERE LIKE A MILLIONAIRE OR SOME SH!t It's a pimp's version of spring cleaning, a fisherman's way of throwing back the smallest ass. I mean fish!!! If you by chance read this I'm only kidding unique. Kinetic Ken

All I can say is wow. I like your Tavis Smiley spin. I think TDRS is getting a little political on us. I appreciate the mix in commentary. And thanks for looking out for us women you care about. I will be sure to look out for the "2 minute drill", but you know I will never get caught with that one... especially if the definition means you ends up with a take home. (o: I like the softer/ caring side of TDRS... keep looking out.

TDRS, I just had to respond to your ranting about Blacks and Reality Television. American Idol – I did think along the same lines as the finals came closer and closer. Will another Black when this year? Sure it is great to have another accomplished Black to put in our “scrapbook”, but competition comes down to who is really the best. When I watch reality TV, sure I would like to see a Black win because he/she is “my people”. But I clear myself of a prejudice/biased frame of mind, and look at the individual(s) – what strengths are needed to be the true winner, and if he/she is in fact the strongest. And I can honestly say that Vonzell was not the strongest, though I think that Carrie should have been booted before Vonzell. The Amazing Race – Actually a Black couple just won this season as well – Uchenna and Joyce. ANTM – Actually that something else that Naima is - is Black. Both of her parents are “Half-Black”. And any unbiased viewer of ANTM would agree that Keenyah was not the strongest. She did not come with her “A” game. BTW, one episode ANTM went to Africa and visited the site of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment. It was clear that Keenyah knew NOTHING about Nelson Mandela – SHE ASKED IF HE WAS STILL ALIVE!! Kevin Hill – Funny you mention this as your favorite show after highlighting the few “winning” appearances of Blacks in Reality TV. It was odd to have so many Black actresses in one episode. And why was that? Because WE cried out. Kevin Hill was intended to be a series about a successful Black man with many and nothing but White women in his life. We complained about the absence of Black women, and that is what they gave us – of course in a condescending manner……Nicole K Hey Ric, · The black couple won the Amazing Race this time but also won the time before last; Chip and Kim. They played an honest game and were fair and compassionate. I'm starting to cring though when the show goes to African and Asian locations because the saltines (white people) always say dumb stuff. From the saltine that couldn't understand why Africans kept "breeding" as if they were dogs to the flamboyantly gay couple who were scared to drive down certain streets because it looked like Compton. I hope the show stays on if only to show how dumb saltines really are. The Real World will never have more than 1 black person because of past experience: The Real World New York with Coral (that should say enough), Nicole, and the brotha. Then there was Real World Chicago with Anessa and Theo. And even the Real World Philidelphia with Karamo and Shavonda, butthat doesn't count because Shavonda was from Califorina and black people from California are strange (unless they're from Compton on the LBC. Even though most of these people are mixed, when the cameras came on, they oozed blackness left and right. Each one did an excellent job of scaring the h#ll out of all them people in the house. I don't think the show could handle that ever again. As far as Top Model, those were some dumb girls and I really didn't care who won. Brandy's attitude was stank. I didn't care about Tiffany because she comes from a lost cause: Why did her grandmother get her lights cut off to buy this 22-year-old, abled body woman a swimsuit? If that was supposed to evoke sympathy, I gave it the Bill Cosby snub: Poor black people: God is tired of you and so am I!!! Jacqulyn L.

THE TDRS Comeback
As I said earlier, thanks to those who wrote in and commented that Vonzell and Keenyah did not bring their A-Games, which appears to be pretty clear because they lost. However, it still doesn’t take away from the fact that WE (my fellow black Americans) were pulling for them, at least initially. Isn’t that great? I mean I hate being the minority but I LOVE being black b/c I know my people have my back, at least until I cause them to turn on me. This very fact is a perfect segue into my problem with the President of Mexico’s comments on MY PEOPLE and my reply to the Angry Black Man.
Let’s review Mr. Vicente’s comments in full just so we don’t misquote him or take things out of context. This excerpt is taken directly from CNN:
Fox made the controversial comment Friday to a group of Texas businessmen meeting in Mexico. He criticized recent steps the United States has taken that the Bush administration said were aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Fox discussed the role that many Mexican immigrants occupy in the U.S. economy. Speaking in Spanish, he said, "There is no doubt that Mexicans, filled with dignity, willingness and ability to work, are doing jobs that not even blacks want to do there in the United States."
A few people like the Angry Black Man wrote in and they took the viewpoint that Mr. Fox wasn’t saying anything different than Mr. Bill Cosby (Trish I couldn’t find your email to post….sorry). In fact, it was in their view that for all intensive purposes, Mr Fox’s and Mr. Cosby’s comments are true. Before I get into the (dis) similarity of the comments, let me first pontificate (I like this word now) on the individuals who made the disparaging comments.
“You Mighta Seen On Them Streets, but ni$$a you don’t know me”!
First off, Mr. Fox can give a DAMN about blacks and his comments reflect that. Mr. Fox loves and adores his people. He glorified Mexicans, his OWN people, buy saying that they are filled “with dignity and have the ability to work”. And you know what, I don’t have a problem with that. As a matter of fact, Mr. Fox can criticize his people and I wouldn’t have a problem with that either. Why should I? I am not Mexican and I can’t even think to comment on what’s happening on them Mexican streets without coming off as being ignorant. At the end of the day, Mr Fox was showing National pride and I am proud of him for trying to clap up his folk…. Check what Fox’s Foreign Relations secretary had to say in response to the uproar in the U.S.:
The president didn't make a declaration in the racist sense; of course there are those who interpret it in that way," Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Derbez told a reporter in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
According to Derbez, Fox was making the point that "Mexican migrants are making great contributions in the United States and that their role is a positive role." "They've been able to improve the conditions of life not just for themselves but also for the communities in which they settle and, by the same token, the president made the comment in this context to say that a large quantity of the jobs taken by Mexicans are jobs that in the U.S. society aren't being filled." "I think that what we have to be very clear about is that the statement made by the president was in no way motivated by racism."
Like I said, Mr. Fox was complementing his people and I ain’t made at him for that. However, Mr. Fox could have done this very thing without putting MY PEOPLE on BLAST! He doesn’t know my black Americans or me. While it may not have been motivated by racism, his comments were still downright appalling and racist (if a white person said it, then they would be slaughtered in the media, so I aint cutting me Amigo no slack). Did you notice how U.S. society replaced blacks? Did you also notice that he said his comments in Spanish and in front of a group of Texas businessmen? I mean I wonder if any of “us” were in the room at that time? Am I reading too much into this? No, because as President of a large country you would think Mr. Fox would have been a tad bit smarter in his remarks. This was nothing but a classic “kiss up” to the good ole boys in Texas, just to get some business. Moreover, if all that you saw in his comments was the statement that Mexicans are performing jobs that blacks don’t want then you are more misguided than those who not only read between the lines, but also “on” the lines. His comments were prefaced by the “my people are hardworking and have full of dignity” ish and were followed by the words even (which implies the worse) blacks (not poor, not southern, but blacks) wouldn’t do. So let’s review shall we? In one quick sentence Mr. Fox was basically saying that his people take jobs that even blacks don’t want because Mexicans are hardworking and full of dignity, which also implies that we are lazy and have no dignity. That’s what you are agreeing with right, the “fact” that we are lazy and they aren’t. Do you or those who think his statement is true really believe that? I’m really saddened if that is the case. Let’s forget everything else Mr. Fox said for a second, my real question is did he know “Calvin” (don’t act like ya’ll don’t remember Calvin)? Calvin was at McDonalds long before there was even a Chipotle in the United States. What Mr. Fox doesn’t understand is that Calvin ain’t on the grill anymore. Calvin is the regional manager, so yes Mr Fox is correct when he says that Mexican’s are doing the job that Calvin (a brother) once did and doesn’t want to do any longer.
The big thing that’s missing from Mr Fox’s statements is that Calvin doesn’t “HAVE TO” work on the grill anymore. There is a difference! I got to be Chris Rock and say that Mexicans don’t get a cookie for working hard and doing jobs that “AMERICANS” don’t want to do. Last time I checked these people aren’t citizens. They don’t pay taxes, they don’t (can’t) vote, so what else can they do, but WORK and to work for cheap. Do you really think if they had a choice that they would be doing these menial jobs on the cheap? Hell no! Ask the Californian’s who had to suffer for two to three days when the Mexican’s went on strike b/c they wanted some sort of rights (driver’s licenses). Yeah, when they found out that they had leverage they used it and don’ t think the poor little Mexicans who won’t cut my girl eb’s grass wouldn’t do the same. It’s human nature, not a MEXICAN THING! Before you know it there is going to be a labor union for Mexican workers and this whole they work for peanuts thing will be all out the window. Wait a minute isn’t that how “Ceasar Chavez” became famous? Yep, Mr. Chavez was a farm laborer who founded a Union because he wanted more in life. ….Case closed. The Mexicans have been battling for years now and they are in the same position as us……still fighting to beat the man. Mr Fox is trying to kiss up to the man at the expense of spitting on blacks and that my friends is WACK!
I have one more thing to say and this is to Mr. Fox and all of those who agree with him. My people were forced to come to this country and work for free for hmmm about 200 years. The “free” labor that my people performed created an economic powerhouse, which improved the conditions of life for a “people” who didn’t give a damn about us. I’m proud of your people for coming to this country and working hard but don’t discount the people who made it possible! That’s all I’m saying. You said this point Angry Brotha but it needed to be said again b/c this fact is getting lost in the shuffle. Black people have been where Mexican’s are and we got three XXXL T-shirts w/Biggie on the front to prove it.
Despite any of my comments, I can understand why some of you may not be upset (I really can’t, but I aint going there today) but most of us should be REALLY be upset because he doesn’t have the “moral” (yeah I said it) right to comment on something he clearly doesn’t know anything about. All of this negativity about blacks not doing this and that, yet people forget how well or better we ARE doing. Yes, we have people that are poor, unemployed, in jail, living with aids, etc., but we aren’t the only ones nor or we the worse.
I am the most idealistic person on this earth, yet I know there are some things in life that can never be changed. I applaud our efforts and thoughts of always trying to uplift the entire race, but unfortunately that will never happen because we will never be on the same page. We clearly weren’t on the same page when those ships sailed onto the motherland a few hundred years ago, so why should we think we will today…especially when we got people who can’t decide what race (I’m sorry “who”) they are. Before anyone send an email all upset, call me when you find out you’re really black. Until then go on believing you are or “other” or one of “them” or just a such and such. Seriously though, we have been doing great things and some don’t even see it because we continuously think that every living, breathing, black person has to be doing well before we can be happy. I’m done with this sort of thinking! It’s all about the 80/20 rule for now on. Give me 20% of the people that are laying it down and “slamming Cadillac doors” and that will more than offset the 80% that’s not doing anything.
Neither of my parents went to college nor my parent’s parents, yet I finished and my sister will quite soon. My brother went to tech school, has a good job, and owns his own home. Is that not success? If you are on this list, it is highly likely that you finished school too and I know my distribution list is peanuts compared to all of the educated black folk that are out there. The point that gets forgotten is that it takes generations to uplift a number of people and while it’s been slow for us to some, it is happening. We are CEO’s, Secretary of States, Governors, doctors, lawyers, etc., so we are doing quite well. As I said, Calvin isn’t happy or forced to be on the grill anymore and neither are my people! Btw, I am proud that I’m driving a nice car and will have a nice house. I worked for it, so I earned it and I refuse to stand by and let “folks” try to tell me that I haven’t done anything. I have, you have, and anybody that is providing for themselves and their family have succeeded and you ARE moving the “race” forward…Keep “ballin” to you fall and “drankin” till you faint!
I’m sorry for harping on this issue but I took Mr. Fox’s comments personally. My father was and still is that man who does those odd hustle jobs that supposedly only the Mexican’s do now, which totally makes Mr. Fox’s statements incorrect. If he is going to make a general statement and try to act like it’s fact then all I got to do is present one example to make it purely an opinion, which doesn’t mean a damn thing coming from someone who again doesn’t know my people. Anyway because of my father’s hustles, I have made it to where I am today (and I shouldn’t get a cookie for it, my parents do though) and I am truly grateful for that. My father isn’t the only one, so if you have a parent that you can attribute some or all of your success too and they did anything on the side, then you should take it personally too. We are becoming great through generations so don’t believe the hype. Btw, If you’re a dime, smart and can cook some “cheese and rice” with homemade cornbread and fried chicken from scratch, then holla at me because I am ready to produce a new generation of Simons.

Hey, Hey, Hey
Anyway, I aint quite finished with Mr. Fox. Even if his comments are true (like many of you seem to believe) I still don’t think he has the moral (yeah I said it again) right to put my people on blast. I mean do you think he really cares about us black folk? Hell No! Mr. Cosby on the other hand does care and I don’t want to hear a damn person out there say otherwise. Whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Cosby, his comments were made because he cares and he is tired of the madness, which he thinks he sees out there on them streets. The man has put his money where his mouth is (even if most of it went to Spellman and Morehouse….yeah I’m hatin) and he is BLACK! Some of you are mad at Bill Cosby for putting our dirty laundry out there, but did he really put it out there? I mean he was speaking at the “Brown versus Board of Education” event which was attended by I’d say a predominately black crowd. Where else should he say it? He’s more than welcome to send comments to TDRS and I’ll gladly post them in the mailbag. Would that have been better? Just for those who didn’t read exactly what he said or just sort of heard bits and pieces his comments are detailed below:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids – $500 sneakers for what? And won’t spend $200 for ‘Hooked on Phonics.’ “They’re standing on the corner and they can’t speak English,” Cosby added. “I can’t even talk the way these people talk: ‘Why you ain’t,’ ‘Where you is’ ... And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk. ... Everybody knows it’s important to speak English except these knuckleheads. ... You can’t be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth.”
Cosby goes on to comment on blacks that are incarcerated: “These are not political criminals,” he said. “These are people going around stealing Coca-Cola. People getting shot in the back of the head over a piece of pound cake and then we run out and we are outraged, [saying] ‘The cops shouldn’t have shot him.’ What the hell was he doing with the pound cake in his hand?”
Just reading the comment above, you can get a sense that this man is really concerned and upset, which is quite a different tone than Mr. Fox’s. Again for all of you who think they are both correct, who do you think is actually concerned about the well being of black folk? …… I agree with Mr. Cosby to a large degree, except maybe with the whole part about pound cakes (For those who don’t know, I make a real mean pound cake…. Mickey Pound cakes in the house bitch). Anyway, Bill’s comments fall in-line with my thoughts on building the generation in that he blamed the parents for kids acting the way they do these days. Is he right to a point? As a kid who was raised with both parents in the home and by aunts and uncles who wouldn’t go for foolishness, then YES I think he is right. However, everyone’s situation is different for whatever reason, so Mr. Cosby should have recognized this fact. It took me awhile but I know just how lucky I was to be raised by my parents. All I have to say is that my son will be able to ask a nice young dime “What” and not “Who” her name is. …. Nelly should be shot. I’ll bet you an iced out band-aide that his kids don’t say that at home and I bet you they aren’t attending public school either.
Final Thoughts……
I’d like to thank the Angry Black Man for writing in and spitting some of that fire. At the end of the day I think we are both saying the same thing, so there is “no disrespect” my brotha. In fact, there is nothing but respect, because you are part of that 20%.
Speaking of that 20%, ya’ll should definitely check out some of the links on our blog site http://hollaatyaboys.blogspot.com, which feature the websites of folk who are what I am just going to refer to as a 20 percenter. You guys should definitely check out Bayete Ross Smith’s (fellow rattler) website which features some of his photography work. Click on the upwardly mobile link and you’ll see ya boy getting dressed for success. Also click on my man Kinetic Ken’s link to check out some beats that he has been putting together down in the hometown of Perry GA…….We gotta another Kanye West in the pipeline.
Oh yeah and I almost forgot. While LG Tate and myself have pretty much been doing the damage to cure your boredom at work for the last three months, my boy J Jackson has finally awoken to bring you some more fire. Check out my man J Jackson’s manifesto on the blog site right after reading this.
Until next week, HollaAtYaBoy!

That's All I Have To Say About That (My Manifesto)

Well Mr. Simon has been getting his writing thing on for the last few months and I on the other hand have been silent. Well I am announcing that I am making a return and the column popularly know as "That’s All I Have to Say About That" will be making a return in the near future. While Mr. Simon typically deals with relationships and the ladies in his rants I typically deal with observations about life, media, and black folks. But before I return I need to let people who don’t know me, know who I am. So to do that I present my Manifesto (by the way I borrowed this from Scoop Jackson). 100 Statements about what I believe:

1. I believe that professional athletes shouldn’t get married until they are 29.
2. I believe that the Music Industry has lost its way.
3. I believe that BET is doing a disservice to our race.
4. I believe that people need to listen to Bill Cosby.
5. I believe that people need to stop listening to Jessie Jackson (that is if they haven’t already stopped).
6. I believe that women who intimately know about sports are more likely to get the guy.
7. I believe that once nice guys reach their late twenties women will regret passing on them in favor of guys with issues.
8. I believe that women think they can mold men.
9. I believe that nice guys will get women back in their late twenties for being passed over in their early twenties.
10. I believe men can’t be molded by women.
11. I believe that a bra and panties should match.
12. I believe that at a party no more than three reggae songs should be played back to back.
13. I believe that Biz has lost it.
14. I believe that Jay Z benefited more than anyone from the deaths of BIG and 2 Pac.
15. I believe Kobe needs Shaq and Shaq doesn’t need Kobe.
16. I believe Magic not Mike was the greatest ever and that neither of them can hold a candle to Russell.
17. I believe that the cut back is a lost art form.
18. I believe that despite Lebron, Kobe, McGrady and Garnett, high schoolers should go to college rather than the NBA.
19. I believe that Tony Parker is my hero.
20. I believe that Erica Badu has mysterious powers over men.
21. I believe Angelina broke up Brad and Jen, and I understand why.
22. I believe there is absolutely no reason why Michael Michelle should be attending award shows by herself.
23. I believe that in the next 50 years technology will change our lives more than it has from the beginning of time up until now.
24. I believe if I have a son, I will make sure that he is a jump shooter.
25. I believe white women are easier to approach.
26. I believe that black women could learn a few things from white women.
27. I believe that there is nothing more beautiful than a black woman.
28. I believe that beauty isn’t everything.
29. I believe that if the sex is wack and you continue to have it, then you need to blame yourself not the other person.
30. I believe that the Boondocks, printed daily in hundreds of newspapers, is one of the greatest achievements of the post civil rights era.
31. I believe that you can no longer go to school to be a sportscaster.
32. I believe that you shouldn’t ask why I have to watch Sportscenter multiple times a day.
33. I believe that race will never go away.
34. I believe that I deserve my 40 arces and a Mule and I believe that I will never get it.
35. I believe that the gap between the wealthy and the poor is getting larger.
36. I believe I would feel better about Corporate America if more people looked like me.
37. I believe that the black male is getting lost in the shuffle.
38. I believe that music and sports are the only things that unify races.
39. I believe Free has a Big O’l Butt.
40. I believe J Lo’s butt is disappearing.
41. I believe Mr. Simon has shown us the way.
42. I believe I never told D. Mendez how much I loved her.
43. I believe despite the fact I never told her she knew and still made the wrong decision.
44. I believe there will be another time in another life.
45. I believe the Sports Guy writes what I think.
46. I believe Questlove may be the greatest DJ ever.
47. I believe Steven A. Smith is annoying.
48. I believe that it is unfortunately that Bill Walton doesn’t stutter anymore.
49. I believe that if I could spell I would rule the world.
50. I believe that men can be shady.
51. I believe that women are shady.
52. I believe that women will never get along with other women.
53. I believe that the next person you date will benefit from the last person you dated.
54. I believe that The Autobiography of Malcolm X changed my life.
55. I believe that if I had to choose one (sight or hearing) I would choose hearing without hesitation.
56. I believe I am truly upset that the grenade malfunctioned.
57. I believe Outkast is our Pink Floyd.
58. I believe Hip Hop is beginning to loose its way.
59. I believe John Madden football is the greatest game ever.
60. I believe Sundays are for the NFL.
61. I believe that when all is said and done, I will probably be moving boxes for a long time.
62. I believe that E. Fountain and Ric Simon will be there with me.
63. I believe that religion is one of the greatest dividing factors in the world.
64. I believe that events in the Torra, Koran and Bible overlap.
65. I believe therefore that most religions originated from the same place and are different people’s interpretations.
66. I believe that many of the people in the Church on Sunday were the same people getting crunk in the club on Saturday.
67. I believe that preaching is the new hustle.
68. I believe that capitalism is the best economic theory.
69. I believe it is unfortunate that socialism doesn’t work.
70. I believe that there are still many scars from slavery.
71. I believe FAMU was the best decision I could have made.
72. I believe that the Hundred is the best band in the land.
73. I believe Charlie Rose is the best interviewer on tv.
74. I believe people get married too soon.
75. I believe in American, if you are the best at what you do, you can be rich regardless of what you do.
76. I believe that Jerry should have retired 3 years ago.
77. I believe that woman always have been and always will be the cause on men’s downfalls.
78. I believe that women should rule the world.
79. I believe that they don’t because they don’t know.
80. I believe that TO deserves to get paid but shouldn’t be asking for it.
81. I believe that we have already had two black presidents.
82. I believe that money and wealth ruins artists.
83. I believe that Bill O’Riley is selling snake oil to the masses.
84. I believe that someday I will find my way in my career.
85. I believe I wish that day was today.
86. I believe educated black people should blame themselves for the cancellation of Kevin Hill.
87. I believe that the cancellation of Kevin Hill demonstrates why we will always have to COON for television audiences.
88. I believe that Dave Chappelle is ground breaking.
89. I believe that my father is my role model.
90. I believe that everyone needs to see the Roots perform at least once.
91. I believe that Kanye’s head will break his neck
92 I believe that 50 won’t make it to 50.
93. I believe that a Maybach looks like a Lincoln with a curtain.
94. I believe that Don Cheedle and Terrence Howard deserve a couple of gold statues.
95. I believe that three can be better than two but that two is more manageable than three consequently, I am in favor of two.
96. I believe if Stedman doesn’t want to marry Oprah, I will.
97. I believe that Fall is much better than Love Jones.
98. I believe love is an important thing to have in life.
99. I believe that family is the most important thing we have.
100. But mostly I believe in my brothas and sisters like no other.