"I Wish I Could Buy Me A Spaceship And Fly..."

This brings back high school memories. The perfect anthem for the 9-5 worker. Previously unreleased, this was let out of the G.O.O.D Music vaults today.

And on that note... I'm out.

The L's Growth

(Designed by the homie Chase, who was one of my "little brothers" during the Freshman Retreat my senior year.)
Aside from about a year ago when helping my old speech and debate team with judging at an event, I have not been on my old high school's campus on a school day since the day I graduated. It was officially 2 years ago this past Tuesday. So since I had some time on my hands today, I decided to take a trip down to Loyola High School (The L) and see how the campus looks after nearly 4 years of reconstruction.

"Basically" (c) Dr. Lalo Diaz, I was at a lost for words. The campus looks incredible. No lie, I damn near needed a map to figured where everything was at. I was able to catch up with a couple of people I have not seen in a minute, although there were a some individuals who were not there at the time that already left campus for the day; since graduation is tomorrow, everyone was running "like a chicken with it's head cut off." So I'm gonna have to take another trip up there soon.

When you get older, you sometimes forget that everything around you most evolve as well. Nothing will forever the stay the exact way, but also, like the old saying goes "More things change, the more they stay same." Honestly, for many reasons as I discovered today, is case The L. I am forever greatful for the four years I spend there. To all my Cub peoples, GET BIG!!! YA'LL DIG!?!?!?!?

And on that note... I'm out.

The Great Debaters

As a person who competed for 6 years in Speech & Debate (2 in years in Junior High and 4 years in High School) this movie brought back some old memories. More than anything, it reminded me when I was trying to prove myself in these competitions when it was rare to see a face that looked mine.

2005-2006 Loyola High School Debate Team (My senior year)


It is common knowledge that a stereotype of Blacks are we are "unintellgent" and "non-well spoken." So when one may meet or compete again a person who defies that stereotype, it's a total shock. What these characters where trying and did do (and this based on a true story) was defy those sterotypes. Stereotypes that still exist today. Stereotypes that are still trying to be fully broken.

Denzel's character in the movie stated that "Debate is like war. Words is your weapons." I couldn't agree more. I believe knowledge and knowing how to apply that knowledge can give one unbelievable power. It is in our decision and responsiblity in how we use it.

The primary co-curricular activity I wanted be a part of in high school was basketball. I wanted to play if front of hundreds (possibly thousands if we made the championship) of people. I wanted to make my mark. Turns out I would get cut ALL four years. For a while, maybe for most of my high school career, it was hard for me to deal with the fact that I was just going to be a spectator. Sometimes it was tuff for me to go to games and watch my homeboys (many of my closest friends where on the team) have fun on that court.

But as it would turn out, as I would find out later, the activity I ended up competing in for those four years would assist me more now that playin ball. The knowledge, the history, the skills, everything I learned in Speech and Debate I still use today. It has come in handy in business, it has come in handy in journalism and writing, and it has even helped me as in MC. It has helped me in basic day to day life. I also loved the traveling aspect of it as well. Going to places I normally would not have gone to went competing.

Bottom line, I loved this movie. I highly recommended it. It made me reflect and think on various things beyond debating and my high school years. My thoughts can be boiled down to this:

Life is a battlefield, what is your gift or weapon for betterment?

And on that note... I'm out.