JZ

For the longest time i thought that the blog was down or deleted or something. Well anywho. . .

Jason went in to get his adnoids removed on thursday and the surgery went well. He was under for only about 30min and out of the hospital in less than 3 hours. He is now breathing through his nose much better but he still snores like an 80yr old man. They said that would last for a few more days or so.

Got a part-time job at the bedford public library, its so effin busy! What i thought was gonna be an easy job is definitely keepin me on my toes. It's a weekend thing so i havn't been able to keep up with my football and it's killin me! It is completly different reading about the game than it is watching it.

Call Heeded

Yo, everybody. Let's get back to it fellas/Internet audience. This barely got started, flickered and then vanished for the summer months. I hope everybody else remembers this or gets an email notification. We need everybody. Word. Let's get this discussion flowing.

Nick - Props. Email notification read - Call to arms. Call heeded. Just gotta get everybody else back in this. Hope everything is well up in the Point.
P.S. I'm downloading that mixtape right now.

Alright . Later.

Nick's Call to Arms - September 30th

It has been forever and this never really picked up, and at this point I feel out of touch with everyone from back home. I truly am lost in my new life and looking for direction, strength, and truth. To many things to post now, but more to come.

-Nick

Summer

Yo - just a quick update with a verse from an old Kanye Song and some new music.

We are all here for a reason on a particular path
You don't need a curriculum to know that you are part of the math
Cats think I'm delirious, but I'm so damn serious
That's why I expose my soul to the globe, the world
I'm trying to make it better for these little boys and girls
I'm not just another individual, my spirit is a part of this
That's why I get spiritual, but I get my hymns from Him
So it's not me, it's He that's lyrical
I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven-sent instrument
My rhythmatic regimen navigates melodic notes for your soul and your mental
That's why I'm instrumental
Vibrations is what I'm into
Yeah, I need my loot by rent day
But that is not what gives me the heart of Kunte Kinte
I'm tryina give us "us free" like Cinque
I can't stop, that's why I'm hot
Determination, dedication, motivation
I'm talking to you, my many inspirations
When I say I can't, let you or self down
If I were of the highest cliff, on the highest riff
And you slipped off the side and clinched on to your life in my grip
I would never, ever let you down
And when these words are found
Let it been known that God's penmanship has been signed with a language called love
That's why my breath is felt by the deaf
And why my words are heard and confined to the ears of the blind
I, too, dream in color and in rhyme
So I guess I'm one of a kind in a full house
Cuz whenever I open my heart, my soul, or my mouth
A touch of God reigns out

Music

(Click for link)
Has
2 Lupe Songs
Ludacris
Willie The Kid
Twista
Gucci
OJ Da Juiceman
and others

Glenwood Ft Big Sean (Click for link)




Drake - I'm Goin In Ft. Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy




JAY-Z D.O.A. or Death of Autotune (Click pic for link)





And for the NBA Finals - Lil Wayne's - Kobe Bryant (Click pic for link)



Fortune Favors the Bold

I'm Out

-Nick

Summer?

I'm hoping to bring this back strong this summer with everyone involved after dealing with end of the year stuff. Hit me up this summer I will be around-ish at Fort Hood. I leave you all with LASERS. thanks to Lupe.

THE L.A.S.E.R.S. MANIFESTO

To Every Man, Woman & Child...

1. We Want An End To The Glamorization Of Negativity In The Media.

2. We Want An End To Status Symbols Dictating Our Worth As Individuals.

3. We Want A Meaningful And Universal Education System.

4. We Want Substance In The Place Of Popularity.

5. We Will Not Compromise Who We Are To Be Accepted By The Crowd.

6. We Want The Invisible Walls That Separate By Wealth, Race & Class To Be Torn Down.

7. We Want To Think Our Own Thoughts.

8. We Will Be Responsible For Our Environment.

9. We Want Clarity & Truth From Our Elected Officials Or They Should Move Aside.

10. We Want Love Not Lies.

11. We Want An End To All Wars. Foreign & Domestic (Violence).

12. We Want An End To The Processed Culture Of Exploitation, Over-Consumption & Waste.

13. We Want Knowledge, Understanding & Peace.

14. WE WILL NOT LOSE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT LOSERS, WE ARE LASERS!!!

Lasers are the opposite of losers. Lasers are shining beams of light that burn through the darkness of ignorance. Lasers shed light on injustice and inequality. Losers stand by and let things happen. Lasers act and shape their own destinies. Lasers find meaning and direction in the mysteries all around them. Lasers stand for love and compassion. Lasers stand for peace. Lasers stand for progression. Lasers are revolutionary.
Lasers Are The Future.

We're Not Losers...We Are L.A.S.E.R.S.!!!


-Lupe Fiasco.

And I will leave you with this





-Strength and Truth to all, I'm out.

-Nick

It's offical guys.

I'm going to Seattle. I'll update you more when I see you. Much love.

American Clean Energy and Security Act 2009

I don't know much about but think this may become a big thing, it litterally just started yesterday and is being debated in congress this week. I think this may be Obama's big "green" energy bill that's being put through.

There are four main points:

"clean energy title:
spur investment in the technologies of the future: clean renewable energy, electric vehicles, and
the smart grid."

"energy efficiency title:
will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save consumers
billions of dollars by making our homes, our appliances, and our transportation system more
energy efficient."

"global warming title:
create a market-based system for reducing carbon
emissions to safe levels."

"final title:
provide our industries, our workers, and American families with
the support they need during the transition to a clean energy economy."



For further reading . . .
http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1582:chairman-waxman-and-subcommittee-chairman-markey-announce-hearings-on-the-american-clean-energy-and-security-act-of-2009&catid=122:media-advisories&Itemid=80

This is a list witnesses who will testify both on behalf of and against the new bill.

Gotta run (i'll review it latter)

I don't have time to put anything now comrades; sorry for being so busy lately and not posting. I feel like a let down, honest to god.

Two things:

1. Good discussion to come. Tomorrow I hope to hit up a discussion panel over the "God question". One mediator; two theologians; two atheist. It's gonna be good. Or so I hope.

2. Nick, idea for discussion: Obama's decision to not pursue persecution of the FBI agents involved in interrogation techniques outlined by the newly released Bush memos, as well as the memos themselves. I think it would be good. I feel torn. Lets talk about it!

More soon, I pray. Through our strength we march on.

Another week.

Welcome back,

Glad to see everyone is still alive and well -


YES I KNOW MY SOUND IS OFF - AND NO I CANT FIX IT.





Guy with tree in his lungs >>> http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2009/04/16/phillips.tree.lung.cnn

Pedal Powered Wheelchair >>> http://www.speedybikes.co.uk/pedalofit.html




YOU KNOW BIG SEAN (DOWNLOAD THE FULL MIXTAPE HERE) >>> http://uknowbigsean.com/

Bun-B >>> Texas - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RrJRLbwEPc

Charles Hamilton >>> Before I go to the Store for my Girl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBItLMccz1g

More Hamilton >>> MTV2 Cribs - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMYM8MfYySc

Lil Wayne Fans >>> Thinking to myself - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaUqXMlr_dM




How come gettin' money never gets boring?


Just another funny Video -






Thanks for stoppin by

-Nick

ITS A NEW DAY

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/06/gates.budget.cuts/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/07/congress.defense/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/10/zakaria.pentagon/index.html





-Thanks for stoppin by.

Nick

FML

Hell of a time down in NOLA...

Nick can relate more to the typical "bullshit" of military life... lately I've maintained my sanity by talking to Caity. The day to day stress is constantly driving me closer and closer to doing something stupid... Idk - It's just getting old... I hate that I'm settling in and doing the same thing every day... I'm not old yet!! I don't want to be sitting at a desk all day doing the same shit day in and day out...

BTW, about Caity - Things have gotten WAY better between us... I'm really happy with her... and she's coming down for my birthday in May... come on down and help me celebrate if it's in the cards. If not, it is what it is...

I get to come home in July... the 20th through like August 4th

This is what's going on

So yea, this is what the doctor says he thinks I have. I have to tell you this shit is crazy. Good though to know it didn't come from Spring Break...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinthitis

It's like constantly being on LSD. Ugh. I'm never doing any serious drugs.

Also, I saw Adventureland. It was awesome, but I like indie movies so whatever.

I'll write more when I get time. Hopefully this fog will lift by then.

Finally Online

(Ok so I preemptively apologize for any and all spelling/grammatical errors)

Ok so I gather that we're discussing Obama’s policies for the economy and the war.
So here goes nothin:
Economically I think Obama is on the right track just by trying to do something. His PPIP (Public-Private Investment Program) is a good attempt to try and wrangle the downward spiral that is our economy. The way I understand it is that Obama plans on soaking up about $500 billion in failed bank assets (but the plan caps out at about $1 trillion). Obama is calling for the upper class to help alleviate the banks problems by assisting the government in the purchase. Many successful business and private citizens lobbied their support for the bill but now that they are being called on they are denying the ability to help out. The government stands to be the biggest loser on these already proven failed assets. FDR tried hundreds of ways to get out of the depression and many were utter failures, just like Rome wasn't built in a day, the American economy will not be saved by just one thing or in only one way.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/129131-stiglitz-weighs-in-on-the-ppip-and-it-s-not-pretty

(Notice this article is proving the failures and not strengths of the plan, but it is by a man that won the Nobel Prize for economic sciences in 2001.)

I remember that Obama's first official interview as president was broadcast on a Middle Eastern show. He told them be ready because I am here and you will deal with me. He was stern in the interview but told them he was open and wanted to get more dialogues going with several leaders in the area; especially with Pakistan (with all the shooting of rpg's into the Afghan-Pakistan border at US helicopters). I am concerned that he seemed to abandon his campaign so early into the presidency, but I am sure he has much more 'detailed,' for better or worse, information regarding the problems in Iraq and Afghanistan now that he is the Commander and Chief. I like that he consults his advisors and experts, I think I would admire a man that can stand up and say, I know not the answer but will investigate and learn what I can from those who are dedicated to the field. (Progressive era = experts who design and mold society)

Picking apart every policy is easy, but I think every policy I have seen thus far contains several small elements to the overall answer to the problem. Collectively the policies have made small steps towards the road of change and I maintain a positive perspective on the situation and the Obama administration.


P.S. Jason's party was a blast and I will get some videos up ASAP (I don't get much time to work on them)


-Zoltan-

Lean

Good to see that this is becoming a more unified blog. Had! Good to see your post.

I'm afraid that the waters will never fully clear. Always something to be wary of and the hardest part is to watch and wait. Success is a grand thing as no one can really say what it really features. I'd say success is being happy with wherever you are and all you've accomplished. Truly happy. The happiness you get when you see the sky on a beautiful day. With a little kite flying and tons of families having picnics. You can be happy, but not be happy with where you are or where you've been. Speaking of kites --I suggest a picnic is in the future--. So... Oh yeah. Success: the ultimate goal which society has extreme standards upon. That sounds familiar. Aren't in Forbes? Work for a janitorial company? Make less than 20k a year? Hmm. Society tells me you aren't successful. Sucks. Maybe you make art or music and even donate a substantial amount to charity.

I guess true success can only be gauged by each individual person. People will judge you know matter what you do. So fuck 'em. Be happy with yourself. Can't change it. Why should you?

As for Afghanistan I think Obama is making the right decision. Someone high up obviously told him something so drastic that he had to act upon it and change his previous political stance. Keep on taking good advice Obama. Good advice only. One thing real quick. I'm honestly tired of seeing all these Obama interviews and random encounters with the press. Be the president man! Issue a press release or something. You have a press secretary for heavens sake! Obama is an awesome, personable guy but I'd rather he be in a closed door meeting discussing matters of national security than on the Late Show with Jay Leno.

Jogging at the cabin? Doesn't sound like vacation at all. How bout basketball or something more team oriented? Could be baseball even. Moving in the same direction with a couple other people? I'll save that for UNT on a daily basis. But seriously, hitting a ball with a stick while somewhat off key or loose is a remarkable experience. I can see the origins of baseball already. Through a crystal ball or a fog-like apparition. Oh wait. That's my brain.

To the future. (Clink)

First Post

Ok, I don't have too much to say, because of Spring Break. Although those around me have assured me this fog will clear....I'm quite unsure.

Thinking is so difficult. And everything I see has tracers. Uggggh. It occilates as well. My head becomes murky, then clear, then back again.

Ok, to address this question of the week:

Honestly. Im with Nick on this one. Myself, I like Obama. But I've trained myself to distrust my own natural opinion; sometimes your intution is right on, and others its the pennacle of illusion.

Sooo...I'm weary on his actions.

I think he's making the right call. Relocation to Afganistan, from my fragile understanding of the situation over there, is the right call.

Thank god our leader isn't actually foolish enough to think of withdrawing all troops immediatly. Even someone with no miltary experience can see that faults in that action.

And I'm all about a leader who listens. After all, the real role of the leader is to rally the troops, as it were. The troops are the ones who do most of the grunt work; in the same way, we need experts surrounding our leader letting him know whats up.


The world feels so far away. Screw this spacy-ness!

By the way, I know Nick is already on top of this (hes forced too), but if the rest of you arn't getting after some basic exercise plan, get on it! We can all go jogging at the cabin, hopefully nullifying some of those other detrimental activies we will be engaged in...

That's all I have for now. More later.

Question of the week?

So here is my question - Last week the official Obama plan for Afghanistan came out.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/obama.afghanistan.plan/index.html?iref=newssearch

Now, considering that two of the five of us are in the military, this is important.

Obama's Afghanistan plans have changed greatly since the elections, this is a fact, the question is why?

I see two major possibilities,

1) Say what it takes to get elected - the American people are weary of the wars abroad.

2) He is listening to his advice from inside the administration (Generals and experts).




My personal guess is the later, but I am an optimist. I see Obama as a very idealistic leader, that is ambitious and very intellectual by nature. It takes a great man to admit when he is wrong (although I guess he never publicly stated this)and learning the ins and outs of warfare is tough to understand until you are in the hotseat.I hope that he continues to listen to those that know best and make rational decisions. So far in his presidency, I have not been to critical considering the situation our nation is in, idealism is, in most cases, a positive thing. I do believe that it will hurt him later on with promises like cutting the deficit in half and increasing government spending while the economy is struggling....


Feel free to comment, and add your own thoughts - that's why this is here.

- Your truth and mine,

Nick.

I'm Back.

Word,

Title says it all, I have been gone - but in my absence there is now plenty to talk about. The world is still going to hell in a hand-basket, and I have plenty of stories/pictures from England/Scotland and Ireland. I also have new music, and YES, I FINALLY POSTED A NEW PICTURE because of complaints. I do hope to do something different when I actually get the time too.

I will post tomorrow about some of my issues, and whats hot and not. Thank you all for your support, word up.

- Your Truth and Mine.

Nick

PICTURE

We need a new picture asap.

That junk is no longer valid.

Comeon y'all.

Feel me?

Just a Short

Damn right we gotta keep this going. Yo Nick. You gotta send Had the Email.

Mike. AJ. Let's see some words gentlemen.


What is the deal with only looking at things at face value?

That Deuce of clubs could easily become quads. That Ace of Spades could easily be the loser.

Branch.

Strong.

Leave of Absence.

I will be heading to England Ireland and Scotland and then home for a few days.

I hope my boys will be keeping this going.... but just in case - for those of you that don't keep up with new music. This stuff isn't right off the press new but its what i'm on right now.


Drake- So Far Gone (Best Songs = Successful,Uptown,and The best I ever had.)

Charles Hamilton - Every Charles Hamilton Ex-Girlfriend's Worst Nightmare (Don't really have a best yet)

Kid Cudi - Sky might fall - and of course Day and Night

Big Sean - U Know Big Sean–Finally Famous Vol. 2 (2009)(Best Songs - Supa Dupa, Getcha Some, Who knows)

Also StoryTellers is good for you Kanye Fans out there.



Get it and have a great spring break everyone!

Contribution

Alright so this is definitely legit as hell. Mad props Nick for turning all of us on this.

Politcal question is up in the air. I think that for the most part our country is in a time of wait. The calm before the storm. I'm hoping that Obama will infact give this country the change it needs. Our youth seemed so into the whole 'Change' slogan. When it comes down to it though political action takes time. As much as I hate to see our country in limbo and inaction it seems to me that this wait will be worth it. Or maybe we should think about a different plan all together. Handguns and zombies. Watch out.

Top five rap albums of all time? Geez. Lets see if this can even be done.

5 - Illmatic (NaS)
4 - The Cool (Lupe Fiasco)
3 - The Carter 3 (Lil' Wayne)
2 - The Chronic (DR. DRE)
1 - (Notorious B.I.G.) - Everybody loves biggie.

I gotta say that Jay Z should def' be on that list somewhere.



Well I'm out.

You heaard the guy - GET THAT PONCHO!

-Will

I guess it is finally time...

- Nick


I am finally opening this up.

First off - I want to welcome any visitors. Thank you and I hope you enjoy and participate.

I'm going to begin this with a serious question, and then a fun discussion question.

Serious question -

Why has everyone one our age completely forgotten about politics now that Obama has been elected?

Now, I must say that I was impressed by our generations mobilization for politics (minus a few people focused on the wrong idea) and I was proud to be part of our generation. Now that the election is over - were has this focus gone? This is quite depressing.

I believe that this demobilization is that it isn't the "cool" thing to do anymore, and within that it truely shows the falseness of our movements. WE must actively continued to inform ourselves and take a stand in our government, otherwise our nation becomes stagnant.

I hope to see other point of view, as I already know mine.

Now for the other question.

What are the top five hip-hop/rap albums of all time?

My opinion

Illmatic - Nas
Reasonable Doubt - Jay-Z
All Eyez On Me - Tupac Shakur
Paid in Full - Eric B. & Rakim
The Cool - Lupe Fiasco

AND LASTLY - IF YOU HAVEN'T COPPED THE NEWEST GEAR OUT THERE GET IT - HERE IS THE ADD FOR THOSE OF YOU CONFUSED.

We are open.

This will be Nick Smith, Mike Kiss, William Gerwick, Michael Hadley and AJ Johnson's blog.

We are all in very different situations and all stick it out through everything. I figure we have alot to say.

It will be a mix between current events - music - and fun.

I hope you will check it out when you get a chance.