Passing Notes

What a week, right? From the death of Teddy Pendergrass to the earthquake in Haiti. It has just been one reminder after another that life is so short and that we need to treasure each moment we have, good and bad. For most of the younger generation, their only exposure to Teddy P was from the mention in The Nutty Professor movie. However, I remember him all the way back to his days in Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. His voice stood out on those old records my father used to play on Saturday mornings. He was not the smooth balladeer that was just a little too pretty for a young boy to want to emulate but a strong masculine brother who demanded that his female companion turn the lights off. Loved that dude. His death along with the death of Gerald Levert brings to end for me the era of the real male r&b singer.


The tragedy in Haiti really breaks my heart. The people of that country were already struggling before this disaster. I have sent up many prayers for the men, women, and children. However, I have not texted, emailed, or tweeted for charity. Something about that seems shady to me. One thing we learned from Katrina is that much of the money, supplies, and clothing that people donated never reached the actual people in need. So how do you help in a situation that you feel helpless about? Any suggestions?

I was listening to the Stephen A. Smith show this morning on my way to work and the topic of conversation was the Tiger Woods fiasco and recent reports that Tiger has checked into a rehab center for sexual addiction. Stephen and his female co-host quaffed at the idea of that being Tiger’s problem and the entire belief in sexual addiction. The co-host made a comment that all men must suffer from this addiction because monogamy seems to be a universal problem for that gender. That theory also led to the belief that this was the reason that so many women were single and unable to find suitable partners. Of course, Stephen disputed this notion by saying that it is the certain women’s unrealistic expectation that the men they date/marry should come to them as fully realized, developed, and finished products. It is his belief that a man is not completed or polished until he finds that woman who will mold him into his full potential. There is certain logic to his theory but I am not sure I would agree with it entirely. I agree that neither women nor men should expect a flawless package when dealing with the opposite sex. However, everyone should have a standard or minimum qualification for potential suitors. What do you think? Are you expecting the people you begin a relationship to have accomplished everything except a committed relationship? I am thinking the answer will change depending upon the age of the person answering.

Playoff Picks:

Saints over Cardinals

Ravens over Colts

Vikings over Cowboys

Jets over Chargers

Who Ya With?

Even though I didn't participate in a day of service to commemorate the King Holiday on Monday, I have been thinking about finding some way to give back. Last year at this time, I was volunteering with a local organization; picking out clothes for foster kids and helping school children learn to read. Never mind that my primary motivation was the cutie that I was trying to get to know. Along the way, I really enjoyed myself and got a good feeling from doing my part to make my community better. The closer I got to the sister my Saturday morning were more filled with servings of hot sex and less filled with serving hot meals. Eventually, we looked up and it had been months since we participated in a volunteer event.

Several months later I find myself reminiscing about the feelings I got from volunteering more than the feelings I got from my ex. There are plenty of worthy causes that merit giving my free time. However, that is the problem. Too many choices. Do any of you volunteer? If so, what are some of the organizations that you work with? How did you decide on what you wanted to do?